PlayStation backpedals on decision to remove Discovery TV content from platform

PlayStation no longer plans to remove Discovery TV content from its platform.

This is a reversal of the company's decision earlier this quarter to remove Discovery TV shows from the PlayStation Store. This earlier decision was highly controversial, as the removal of Discovery TV included the deletion of content already purchased by consumers. In other words, even if someone had paid money to buy an episode of a Discovery TV show, PlayStation's earlier decision would have deleted that show from the user's library.

The reversal was announced yesterday as PlayStation seemingly renegotiated licensing agreements with Discovery. On its website, PlayStation states:

Due to updated licensing arrangements, the Discovery content removal planned for December 31, 2023 is no longer occurring. We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback.

The renegotiation may have come following the massive backlash PlayStation received after the initial announcement to remove all Discovery TV content, even content purchased by users of the platform. Whatever the impetus behind the decision, Discovery content will continue to be accessible on the PlayStation platform.

According to PlayStation, Warner Bros. (the studio that owns Discovery) negotiated a new license agreement with the company that will keep purchased Discovery shows on the platform "for at least the next 30 months," or at least the next two and a half years. 

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