Fox to Live-Stream Primetime Programming

Fox Broadcasting Co. said Monday it would begin live-streaming its primetime programming in a bid to target viewers who want to tune into programs on the web instead of traditional TV.

The broadcast network said the service will debut Monday night in what it's billing as a beta launch and will be available in 210 television markets nationwide through its website and the Fox Now app.

The service will be available only to people with pay TV connections and is expected to reach 98% of pay TV subscribers. Viewers will be able to stream primetime shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and new seasons of "Empire" and "Scream Queens" as they come out.

Other broadcasters have started live-streaming their content, with varying business models and reach into the market. CBS, for example, has its CBS All Access service, which made its debut in 2014. CBS All Access does not require an existing subscription to pay-TV, but comes at a price of $6 a month and isn't available in every market.

Similar to Fox, NBCUniversal's live stream of the NBC broadcast network requires that pay TV customers provide proof that they have a subscription by "authenticating," or entering a login and password for their provider.

Fox said local TV stations that carry Fox programming will be able to insert local ads, as well as their stations' branding, into the streams.

Fox-parent 21st Century Fox and Wall Street Journal-owner News Corp were part of the same company until mid-2013.

Write to Cassandra Jaramillo at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 11, 2016 18:25 ET (22:25 GMT)

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