DirecTV to Offer "First Look" VOD for FX Shows
John Consoli
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]JANUARY 05, 2006 -
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DirecTV and Fox Entertainment Group have reached an agreement in which DirecTV will offer "first look" airings of hit shows from FX Network on a video on demand basis for $2.99 each, and post-air access to Fox Network's series for 99 cents per show.
It is the first time that a cable or satellite operator will get to offer a network's programming prior to its airing on that network. Under the agreement, DirecTV will offer FX shows between 24 and 48 hours before their initial telecasts on cable network FX.
News Corporation, parent company of Fox and FX, owns 34 percent of DirecTV, which likely had something to do with the move. These offerings will contain some different scenes than those being offered in the FX versions.
"We're committed to finding new ways to bring our content to consumers and we think this deal is a huge step forward in giving them greater choice and control over the entertainment experience," said Peter Chernin, president and COO of News Corp. "We have the ability to create different cuts of our programs for the pre-air audience, versions with additional scenes and materials not included in the network broadcasts. It's an exciting opportunity for the television consumer and for us."
Fox shows will be available on DirecTV six or seven days following their airing on Fox.
DirecTV will also offer free, on demand access to weekly highlights from Fox shows, some free airings of Fox shows, and extended footage from Fox shows, along with behind the scenes features on Fox films and TV shows.
Among the FX shows that will be made available for pre-airing on DirecTV are The Shield, Rescue Me, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and 30 Days. Fox shows to be made available via VOD include 24 and Prison Break. [/FONT]
John Consoli
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]JANUARY 05, 2006 -
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DirecTV and Fox Entertainment Group have reached an agreement in which DirecTV will offer "first look" airings of hit shows from FX Network on a video on demand basis for $2.99 each, and post-air access to Fox Network's series for 99 cents per show.
It is the first time that a cable or satellite operator will get to offer a network's programming prior to its airing on that network. Under the agreement, DirecTV will offer FX shows between 24 and 48 hours before their initial telecasts on cable network FX.
News Corporation, parent company of Fox and FX, owns 34 percent of DirecTV, which likely had something to do with the move. These offerings will contain some different scenes than those being offered in the FX versions.
"We're committed to finding new ways to bring our content to consumers and we think this deal is a huge step forward in giving them greater choice and control over the entertainment experience," said Peter Chernin, president and COO of News Corp. "We have the ability to create different cuts of our programs for the pre-air audience, versions with additional scenes and materials not included in the network broadcasts. It's an exciting opportunity for the television consumer and for us."
Fox shows will be available on DirecTV six or seven days following their airing on Fox.
DirecTV will also offer free, on demand access to weekly highlights from Fox shows, some free airings of Fox shows, and extended footage from Fox shows, along with behind the scenes features on Fox films and TV shows.
Among the FX shows that will be made available for pre-airing on DirecTV are The Shield, Rescue Me, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and 30 Days. Fox shows to be made available via VOD include 24 and Prison Break. [/FONT]
