AT&T and Fox Networks Group have reached a new deal, and as per the deal, 14 Fox affiliated stations will be added to the DirecTV Now streaming service. With this latest deal, the number of Fox affiliates that are available on the DirecTV Now service has reached to 31. This agreement covers the Tribune Media owned stations in the markets like San Diego, Denver, and Seattle. Local stations were made available in these markets and other markets recently to join the 17 Fox owned and operated stations that were already available on the DirecTV Now service.
Fox Network has made much advancement in their negotiations with the providers of the “skinny bundles” – the TV packages that are delivered through broadband internet connections rather than the traditional cable or satellite TV systems. These bundles need the best internet connection to work efficiently. Negotiations with the providers have allowed Fox to make deals that their affiliates can opt for. With affiliate meetings scheduled for the imminent National Association of Broadcaster Show in Las Vegas, Fox is emphasizing on ensuring that their programming are available on all the latest internet based platforms. With the skinny bundles, providers also aim to improve sales of their best internet packages.
Local television has been an important provider for the various skinny bundle packages that were released recently as competitor to the traditional multichannel video programming distributors (MVPD). Google had limited the launch of their YouTube TV initiative to the cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, where they have secured the rights to air the channels like local ABC, Fox, CBS, and NBC. Sling TV service from Dish Network released a new device called AirTV which will help the users to add local stations to their channel guide, making use of an over the air antenna.
“We’re excited about the power of DirecTV Now to expand the premium TV marketplace and provide greater access to our programming nationwide,” said Mike Biard, who is the president of distribution for Fox Networks Group. “Today’s addition of 14 Fox-affiliated stations, and the others that will be launching soon, together with our portfolio of national and regional cable networks, will allow DirecTV Now to deliver the full experience of our industry-leading news, entertainment and sports brands, while affording consumers the convenience and flexibility to watch whenever and wherever they want.”
Commenting on that, the chief content officer for AT&T, Dan York said, “Significantly more customers now have access to local programing on DirecTV Now through Fox affiliates in cities across America. We are continuing to expand our lineup of local, regional and national programming on DirecTV Now so our customers have access to an impressive lineup at a great value.”