Dish Adds Scripps Networks to Pending Online TV Service

16 Sep, 2014 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Dish Network’s pending over-the-top TV video service got a new content provider.

The satellite TV operator Sept. 16 announced it renewed a multiyear retransmission agreement with Scripps Networks, whose properties include HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel and Great American Country. The deal expands distribution of DIY Network and Cooking Channel.

Included in the agreement are digital rights to programming for live and video-on-demand. The pact also expands Dish’s distribution of authenticated live and VOD programming on Internet-connected devices.

Specifically, Dish plans to roll out OTT video subscription packages targeting Millennials, cord-cutters and cord-nevers. The satellite operator contends the content will be available to an untapped segment of customers that is seeking a flexible, content-driven, Internet-accessible service. Critics say the services could undermine the current $100 bundled subscription pay-TV business model.

Other OTT video content providers include Disney Channel, Disney XD, ESPN, ABC, A&E, History, Lifetime and H2.

Dish broke new ground in March when it renewed a TV retransmission agreement the Walt Disney Co. that included first-ever OTT video rights.

“This first-of-its-kind OTT deal for Scripps Networks Interactive enables us to reach even more people,” Kenneth Lowe, Scripps CEO, said in a statement.

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