Comcast, Fox Reach Carriage Deal

Comcast Corp. and Fox Networks have reached a new, multi-platform distribution deal for Fox’s broadcast and cable networks.

The agreement extends Comcast's distribtuion deals with cable networks FX, FX Movie Channel, SPEED, FUEL TV, FOX Soccer, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, MundoFox, Fox Deportes, and Fox Business Network, as well as 20 Fox broadcast stations (13 Fox and 7 MyNet), said network officials. 

In addition, Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers will be able to view on demand series content from such shows as Fox Broadcasting’s Glee, Bones and The Simpsons; FX’s Sons of Anarchy, Justified and The Americans; Nat Geo’s Wicked Tuna and Diggers, said Comcast officials.

Comcast also said the company is developing plans long-term to make available next-day full episode streaming of select Fox programming online. Authenticated Xfinity TV customers will also be able to access long-form, full episodes on the company’s social media-enhanced service FOX NOW.

 Financial terms were not disclosed. 

“This unprecedented TV Everywhere agreement enables us to take advantage of the innovative technologies and platforms we’ve developed to deliver the best content to our customers,” said Greg Rigdon, executive vice president of Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable in a statement. “Together with Fox, thanks to the leadership of Peter Rice, Mike Hopkins and his team, for the first time we are unlocking the value of some of Fox’s best content by making it available to Xfinity TV customers through new applications and devices.”

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.