NEW YORK & SARATOGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Roku® Inc. and AOL today announced that the two companies have partnered to bring a faster and simpler way for consumers to access news content and current events on Roku streaming devices. Located on the home screen menu of the Roku interface, the integrated news service powered by AOL On provides an extensive video selection and real-time access to news-related videos from more than eight categories including business, entertainment and technology. Consumers can also access more than 1,000 premier publishers including the Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, Reuters, BBCNews, HuffPost Live, Newsy, E!, CNET, Engadget, ET, StoryHunter and globalpost.
“By delivering premium content from AOL’s owned properties and from our syndication partners, we’re able to provide Roku users with on-demand access to hundreds of continuously-refreshed news videos from the moment they start watching,” said Rob Delacruz, general manager of connected TV and mobile video at AOL.
“News is among the fastest growing categories on the Roku platform and this partnership with AOL makes it even easier for customers to find and start watching a variety of news videos,” said Steve Shannon, general manager of content and services, Roku. “This is the first integrated news service on a TV streaming platform and we expect for it to be a big hit.”
The integrated news service powered by AOL On is available today free of charge in the U.S. on the new Roku 2, Roku 1 and Roku LT players, and will automatically roll out as a free software update in the coming weeks to all current-generation Roku devices including the Roku 3, Roku 2 XS, Roku 2 XD, Roku 2 HD, Roku HD (model 2500) and Roku LT (models 2400 and 2450) players as well as the Roku Streaming Stick™.
In addition, AOL On is an existing channel in the Roku Channel Store hosting AOL's complete video offering and a curated video hub spanning 14 content categories, including food, business, entertainment, style, technology, travel, health, and more.
News content providers interested in becoming an AOL syndication partner can email AOLOn.Bizdev@teamaol.com for more information.
About AOL
AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) is a brand company, committed to continuously innovating, growing, and investing in brands and experiences that inform, entertain, and connect the world. The home of a world-class collection of premium brands, AOL creates original content that engages audiences on a local and global scale. We help marketers connect with these audiences through effective and engaging digital advertising solutions.
About Roku Inc.
Roku is the creator of the most popular streaming software platform for delivering video, music and casual games to the TV. Roku launched the first device to stream Netflix to the TV in 2008, and since then has sold more than 5 million Roku streaming players in the U.S. Roku players are also available in Canada, the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. In addition, Roku works with OEMs who create Roku Ready® devices which access the Roku streaming platform. Roku Ready devices can be purchased from major retailers in the U.S. Roku was founded by Anthony Wood, inventor of the DVR. Roku is privately held and headquartered in Saratoga, Calif., U.S. For more information or to purchase directly from Roku, visit www.roku.com.
Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.
