Virtual MVPD FuboTV has reached a carriage deal with Scripps Networks that will see seven mostly entertainment-focused channels join the live streaming TV service.
Under the new multi-year distribution deal Scripps’ ION, ION Mystery, ION Plus, Bounce, Grit, Newsy and Court TV are now available on Fubo TV. Newsy, a free 24/7 broadcast news network, is set to become Scripps News on January 1.
“Today’s launch gives consumers a new streaming option to watch these top Scripps channels and further diversifies FuboTV’s growing programming line-up,” said Marisa Elizondo, VP of content strategy and distribution at FuboTV, in a statement. “Fubo’s mission is to aggregate and distribute a leading sports package, balanced with news and entertainment content, that appeals to every member of the household, all at an affordable price.”
FuboTV, a sports-centric streaming TV service, offers over 125 channels and has been rounding out its offering with more news, entertainment and lifestyle content, a strategy where Scripps sees its networks coming into play.
“We believe that our diversified portfolio of popular news and entertainment networks will help strengthen FuboTV as an alternative pay tv option for consumers,” said Jeffrey Wolf, chief distribution officer at Scripps Networks, in a statement.
Fubo’s also been turning to free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels to enhance content on the service, including a slate of Cinedigm channels over the summer.
Separately, earlier this month FuboTV saw its service temporarily disrupted on December 14 during a key World Cup semifinal match, which it said was the result of a criminal cyber attack. Fubo has been live streaming all 64 matches of the popular World Cup competition, including select games in 4K.
In a December 20 update, a Fubo spokesperson told Fierce that while the investigation is ongoing the company “has no reason to believe credit cards were compromised” for subscribers.
“Consistent with industry standards, we record only partial credit card numbers and expiration dates and do not store the full number or CVV information. We use a third-party vendor to process and store customer credit card data, and we have no indication the vendor’s systems were affected by this incident.
Additionally, we also use industry-standard, enterprise grade encryption and hashing techniques to protect password information stored on our systems.
We continue to work with industry-leading response firm Mandiant on our ongoing investigation and we will update consumers at the appropriate time when we have more information to share,” Fubo TV said in a statement provided to Fierce.
As for Scripps Networks, parent company E.W. Scripps last week disclosed its own plans for getting more involved in the live sports arena with launch of a Scripps Sports division led by Brian Lawlor.
Scripps sees a place for itself and an opportunity to attract viewers in the face of cord cutting and challenged regional sports networks, including by leveraging its national ION network which Lawlor said can be customized in many markets.
“There is no better way to reach every generation of sports fan than through live broadcast television,” said Adam Symson, Scripps’ president and CEO, in a statement. “Scripps is working with the leagues and teams that recognize the role our assets can play in increasing reach and visibility for audience engagement.”