Fox Bows App Streaming FX Shows

14 Jan, 2014 By: Erik Gruenwedel

---

Another step for TV Everywhere

21st Century Fox Jan. 14 began rolling out an app that enables authenticated viewers to access FX Networks shows such as “The Americans” and “Louie,” among others, on connected devices.

The FXNow app will stream programming from Fox-owned FX, FXX and FXM networks to 50% of its multichannel video program distributor subscribers. The remaining subs will gain access as retransmissions agreements are ironed out with MVPDs.

Programming available on the app includes seasons of “Sons of Anarchy,” “Justified,” “Archer” and “American Horror Story: Coven.” In August, the FXNow becomes the lone VOD source for all 24 seasons of “The Simpsons.” The app will also have access to upwards of 60 movies a month — a tally that is expected to reach 200 movies by 2015.

The app represents another step for TV Everywhere, which 21st Century Fox COO Chase Carey last month criticized for being bogged down by licensing disputes, among other issues.

“We need to put more energy into making [TV Everywhere] a simpler proposition and easier to use,” Carey told an investor group in December. “Yes, it demands both sides, content and distributors to come together, but we really have not delivered on the promise on what TV Everywhere can and should be.”

Indeed, Carey would argue the FXNow app gives Fox added clout in retransmission fees negotiations, in addition to incremental revenue from online advertising.

Bookmark it: