Fox Broadcast Shows And Cable Channels To Join DirecTV Now In New Carriage Deal
Add Fox broadcasting shows and Fox Networks Group channels including Fox News Channel, FX and FS1 to the 100-plus services that will be on DirecTV Now, the $35-a-month streaming service that AT&T will formally unveil on November 28.
The companies announced today a carriage agreement that will keep Fox networks on DirecTV platforms, including the nation’s No. 1 satellite service, as well as AT&T’s U-verse.
Although local Fox affiliates deliver the broadcast network to their communities, the terms for the streaming service include what the companies call “a framework for Fox Broadcasting Company programming to be delivered to DirecTV Now customers nationwide.”
The pay TV services to be streamed also include Fox Business Network, FXX, FXM, FS 2, Big Ten Network, 18 Fox regional sports networks, National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild.
This is “a big win for our DirecTV Now customers, who will have easy and immediate access to a wide array of Fox programming, including popular national and sports content they can watch virtually anywhere, anytime,” AT&T Chief Content Officer Dan York says.
Fox Networks Group President of Distribution Mike Biard adds that the deal “demonstrates our commitment to providing viewers with a seamless TV experience across the full range of our leading brands in news, sports and entertainment.”
Analysts are trying to figure out whether DirecTV Now can be profitable after AT&T pays for all the programming it plans to offer. They also wonder whether the service will cannibalize lucrative cable and satellite bundles offered by AT&T, Comcast, Charter, Dish Network and others.
AT&T has said that its wireless customers probably won’t run up data charges when they watch DirecTV Now — a policy known as zero rating. The FCC has questioned AT&T about its plans, wondering whether it might violate the spirit, if not the letter, of its net neutrality rules.
Related stories
AT&T Defends Plan To Waive Its Wireless Subs' DirecTV Now Data Fees
Donald Trump At Home Special Brings Golden Friday Ratings For Fox News
Reese Witherspoon, Otter Media Pact For New Company Hello Sunshine
Get more from Deadline.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
