The NCTC is close to signing a master agreement with Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) that would let its member cable systems integrate the SVOD platform into their video service offerings with a revenue-sharing model.
Rich Fickle, president and CEO of the National Cable TV Cooperative, which conducts negotiations on behalf of more than 700 cable systems across the U.S., told FierceCable that the Netlfix deal is being negotiated in conjunction with TiVo, which recently signed its own partnership with the co-op.
Under terms of the Netflix agreement, NCTC member operators would have the option of integrating the SVOD platform's service through the TiVo interface.
"We're hopeful that a deal will be made," Fickle said.
NCTC has already signed a master agreement with Hulu, giving its members the option to provide that SVOD platform under a revenue-sharing model.
Netflix has been on an aggressive push to secure distribution through pay-TV providers. After securing most of the mid-sized cable companies — Suddenlink, Atlantic Broadband, etc. — the leading SVOD service carved out a key agreement with Dish Network (NASDAQ: DISH) last year. It now has the flora and fauna of small operators tied up, too.
Fickle added that TiVo's robust integration of third-party streaming services gives the NCTC the option of looking beyond Netflix and Hulu.
"The goal is to look at more OTT apps, as well," he said.
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