Another Free Streaming Service? See What DirecTV Is Launching Next Month

Published: October 14, 2024

Another Free Streaming Service? See What DirecTV is Launching Next Month

Movieguide® Contributor

DirecTV will launch its new ad-supported streaming service, MyFree DirecTV, next month.

“The satellite TV and streaming company announced plans to launch MyFree DirecTV on Nov. 15 in the U.S,” Variety reported Oct. 10. “Initial programming in the dedicated FAST service is slated to include Fox Weather; reruns of A&E’s Louisiana-set reality show ‘Duck Dynasty’; SportsGrid, which provides live sports betting coverage, news and analysis; and Lionsgate’s MovieSphere FAST channel, whose recent titles have included the 2007 remake of ‘3:10 to Yuma,’ ‘Ender’s Game’ and ‘Wind River.’”

It will also stream content from networks Tastemade, El Rey Rebel, PokerGo, Ebony TV and Nosey.

The service will be online, on mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, and other select smart TVs.

“According to DirecTV, the FAST service will include linear and on-demand content, with additional channels expected to join the MyFree DirecTV platform throughout 2025,” Variety said. “The service will be accessible nationwide online, via mobile, and on select smart TVs and streaming devices.”

The initiative is aimed at creating new ad revenue and upselling users to pay TV.

“I think we’re going to address that need in the market … to find high-quality free content and give customers that personalized and curated experience that’s going to set it apart,” Vikash Sharma, DirecTV’s head of product, told USA TODAY.

MyFree comes on the verge of DirecTV’s price hikes for its satellite TV and DirecTV stream services, which happened this week.

“DirecTV’s FAST move will compete with other free, ad-supported streamers, such as Paramount’s Pluto TV, Fox Corp.’s Tubi and the Roku Channel,” Variety noted. “DirecTV rival Dish Network also has a FAST outlet, Sling Freestream.”

Movieguide® reported on DirecTV’s merge with Dish Network last week:

“DIRECTV operates in a highly competitive video distribution industry,” Bill Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of DIRECTV, said in a statement about the merger. “With greater scale, we expect a combined DIRECTV and DISH will be better able to work with programmers to realize our vision for the future of TV, which is to aggregate, curate, and distribute content tailored to customers’ interests, and to be better positioned to realize operating efficiencies while creating value for customers through additional investment.”

Hamid Akhavan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of EchoStar, Dish’s parent company, echoed Morrow’s statement, saying, “This agreement is in the best interests of EchoStar’s customers, shareholders, bondholders, employees, and partners.”

Amy Leifer, chief advertising sales officer at DirecTV Advertising, said the free service is part of the company’s goal to provide consumers with quality choices and control that fits their budget.

“We’re laser-focused on strengthening our investment in this area as we empower our advertising clients to reach new audiences with targeted and contextual solutions and innovative ad formats,” she said.

The company brought on Kent Reeves as general manager for MyFree. He previously oversaw Dish’s Sling Freestream.

“Kent is an experienced leader who knows the ins and outs of the FAST market and will be an integral part of the leadership team dedicated to creating a unique consumer experience,” said Sharma

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