DirecTV is making a bold move into the free, ad-supported TV (FAST) market with the launch of MyFree DirecTV, set to debut on November 15 in the U.S. Unlike its premium offerings, MyFree DirecTV will feature a variety of content at no cost to viewers.
The initial lineup will include channels such as Fox Weather, reruns of A&E’s hit reality show “Duck Dynasty,” live sports betting coverage from SportsGrid, and the MovieSphere channel from Lionsgate, which has previously aired movies like the 2007 remake of “3:10 to Yuma,” “Ender’s Game,” and “Wind River.” Additional channels include Tastemade for food and lifestyle programming, Fuse TV’s Latino-focused El Rey Rebel, PokerGo, Ebony TV, and Nosey, which streams classic daytime talk shows such as “The Steve Wilkos Show,” “Maury,” and “Jerry Springer.”
According to DirecTV, the FAST service will offer both live and on-demand content, with more channels expected to be added throughout 2025. It will be accessible nationwide on mobile devices, online, and through select smart TVs and streaming devices.
The new platform aims to provide additional advertising opportunities while also serving as an entry point for users to explore DirecTV’s paid services. It will feature popular content across genres such as sports, entertainment, kids and family, news, and lifestyle. This announcement coincides with DirecTV raising prices for its satellite and streaming packages.
With the launch of MyFree DirecTV, the company is positioning itself against established FAST players like Pluto TV, Tubi, and the Roku Channel. DirecTV competitor Dish Network has also ventured into this space with its Sling Freestream service.
In an industry-shaping move last month, DirecTV announced plans to acquire Dish Network, creating the largest pay-TV provider in the U.S. with about 18 million subscribers.
The MyFree DirecTV platform will also feature DirecTV’s Your TV content aggregator, which curates a user’s favorite shows and frequently watched content, making it instantly available when the TV is powered on.
For more information and updates on MyFree DirecTV, visitors can check out the service’s official website at myfreedirectv.com.
Amy Leifer, DirecTV’s chief advertising sales officer, expressed confidence in the launch, stating, “DirecTV is committed to providing a TV experience that offers more choices, control, and value. MyFree DirecTV will deliver on that promise while offering new opportunities for advertisers to engage with a wider audience through innovative ad formats.”
The FAST service will be led by industry veteran Kent Rees, who brings two decades of experience, including roles at Sling TV, FAST Studios, and Pop TV. Vikash Sharma, head of product at DirecTV, highlighted Rees’ expertise, saying, “Kent’s deep understanding of the FAST space makes him the perfect leader to shape MyFree DirecTV’s growth and success.”
Source: https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/directv-free-fast-ads-streaming-1236173322/
The initial lineup will include channels such as Fox Weather, reruns of A&E’s hit reality show “Duck Dynasty,” live sports betting coverage from SportsGrid, and the MovieSphere channel from Lionsgate, which has previously aired movies like the 2007 remake of “3:10 to Yuma,” “Ender’s Game,” and “Wind River.” Additional channels include Tastemade for food and lifestyle programming, Fuse TV’s Latino-focused El Rey Rebel, PokerGo, Ebony TV, and Nosey, which streams classic daytime talk shows such as “The Steve Wilkos Show,” “Maury,” and “Jerry Springer.”
According to DirecTV, the FAST service will offer both live and on-demand content, with more channels expected to be added throughout 2025. It will be accessible nationwide on mobile devices, online, and through select smart TVs and streaming devices.
The new platform aims to provide additional advertising opportunities while also serving as an entry point for users to explore DirecTV’s paid services. It will feature popular content across genres such as sports, entertainment, kids and family, news, and lifestyle. This announcement coincides with DirecTV raising prices for its satellite and streaming packages.
With the launch of MyFree DirecTV, the company is positioning itself against established FAST players like Pluto TV, Tubi, and the Roku Channel. DirecTV competitor Dish Network has also ventured into this space with its Sling Freestream service.
In an industry-shaping move last month, DirecTV announced plans to acquire Dish Network, creating the largest pay-TV provider in the U.S. with about 18 million subscribers.
The MyFree DirecTV platform will also feature DirecTV’s Your TV content aggregator, which curates a user’s favorite shows and frequently watched content, making it instantly available when the TV is powered on.
For more information and updates on MyFree DirecTV, visitors can check out the service’s official website at myfreedirectv.com.
Amy Leifer, DirecTV’s chief advertising sales officer, expressed confidence in the launch, stating, “DirecTV is committed to providing a TV experience that offers more choices, control, and value. MyFree DirecTV will deliver on that promise while offering new opportunities for advertisers to engage with a wider audience through innovative ad formats.”
The FAST service will be led by industry veteran Kent Rees, who brings two decades of experience, including roles at Sling TV, FAST Studios, and Pop TV. Vikash Sharma, head of product at DirecTV, highlighted Rees’ expertise, saying, “Kent’s deep understanding of the FAST space makes him the perfect leader to shape MyFree DirecTV’s growth and success.”
Source: https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/directv-free-fast-ads-streaming-1236173322/
