AT&T to Launch DirecTV’s Audience Network

DirecTV’s exclusive Audience Network channel will be offered to AT&T U-Verse customers, the company said Wednesday.

The channel, which launched in 2011 and features exclusive original programming including drama series Kingdom and music series Guitar Center Sessions, will now be available on AT&T U-verse’s channel 1114.

“We’re always looking for new ways to give our customers the most value for their programming dollar ...adding Audience Network is a perfect way to do that,” said Dan York, chief content officer, AT&T. “There is no better time to experience Audience Network’s compelling programming. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sports fan or a music enthusiast, Audience Network’s fall lineup has something for you.”

The move comes two months after the completion of AT&T’s $48.5 million merger with DirecTV, which effectively combined content operations for both companies under York. In a recent interview with Multichannel News, York said that the company “will carefully evaluate” other content currently on DirecTV’s lineup that AT&T does not carry and vice versa.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.