DirecTV has launched Fox Networks’ lineup of authenticated Internet-video services, with the satcaster having representing the last major pay-TV holdout for the programmer’s TV Everywhere push.
Under the agreement, DirecTV’s 20 million U.S. satellite TV customers now have access to Fox Now, FXNow and Nat Geo TV apps, the programming group’s three TV Everywhere services. In addition, DirecTV will make live feeds of FX, FXX, FS1, FS2, National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild available for out-of-home streaming on the DirecTV Everywhere platform.
In addition, under the pact, starting in the first quarter of 2015, DirecTV will launch VOD content from all Fox networks on DirecTV Everywhere. According to the satcaster, the launch of Fox national networks brings the satcaster to 50 out-of-home live streaming channels on the DirecTV Everywhere service, which also offers on-demand content from 60 networks and in-home live linear streams of more than 100 nets.
For Fox Networks, the deal now makes its TV Everywhere services available to more than 80% of U.S. pay-TV customers via the Web and apps for iOS, Android and Windows mobile devices. Other pay-TV providers supporting authentication on Fox Now or Fox.com include Comcast, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, Cox, AT&T U-verse, Verizon FiOS, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Charter, Mediacom and Suddenlink.
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“We’re pleased to provide additional value to DirecTV and its subscribers,” Michael Biard, president of distribution for Fox Networks, said in a statement. “As more and more viewers seek to access our networks on an array of devices and platforms, it’s crucial we meet their expectations with innovative ways to engage with our programming where they want and when they want.”
Dan York, DirecTV’s chief content officer, added, “Aligning with programming partners like Fox to continue delivering high-quality content in ways that fit our customers’ lifestyles is what makes DirecTV’s television viewing experience the best in the industry.”
Fox Now, launched in 2012, provides full episodes to the network’s shows across an array of devices. Those currently include “Gotham,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Family Guy,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “MasterChef Junior” and “Bones.” In addition, for most Fox shows, the service offers the entire current season to eligible pay-TV customers.
FXNow, which rolled out last year, provides full episodes and films from FX Networks’ three channels — FX, FXX and FXM — including “Sons of Anarchy,” “American Horror Story: Freak Show” and “The League.” FXNow also is the exclusive on-demand home for all 25 past seasons of “The Simpsons,” a whopping total of 561 episodes.
