AT&T, Epix Reach Carriage Deal

AT&T has reached a distribution agreement with the Epix premium service, executives from both companies announced Wednesday.

The service will be offered on AT&T U-Verse and DirecTV for $5.99 per month beginning May 19, said the companies. The MGM-owned network will also be available to the DirecTV Now streaming service in the near future. It's a first launch on the top satellite-TV carrier for Epix, now in its 10th year.

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with AT&T and make our growing slate of original programming and Hollywood movies accessible to viewers across the DirecTV universe,” said Michael Wright, Epix president in a statement. “It’s an exciting moment of growth for us as we build a brand that delivers a superior customer experience with high-powered, premium original series to a new audience on DirecTV and DirecTV Now.”

Added Dan York, senior executive vice president and chief content officer for AT&T: “We are pleased to add Epix to our vast content offering in the premium TV category. With its growing lineup of original programming, Epix is a great addition for our DirecTV customers.”

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.