In a surprising move, Sony has announced that numerous Discovery TV shows will soon be removed from PlayStation platforms, even for users who have previously purchased them through the PS Store.
The rather abrupt announcement states, “As of 31 December 2023, due to our content licensing arrangements with content providers, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Discovery content and the content will be removed from your video library.” The announcement also includes a comprehensive list of the Discovery shows that will be wiped from the platform.
The reasons for Sony’s decision to terminate its agreement with Discovery are unclear, although it’s worth noting that the network merged with Warner Bros. last year. While a new deal may be reached in the future, PlayStation users are on the brink of losing access to a significant amount of digital media for which they have already paid.
This is not the first time content has been removed from the PS Store and users’ purchase libraries, and it likely won’t be the last. However, this latest development has reignited debates over digital ownership rights, the importance of physical media, and the ethical implications of piracy.
Will the removal of Discovery shows impact you? Does this situation make you question digital purchases? Share your thoughts on the concept of an ‘all-digital future’ in the comments section below.
