Pay television broadcaster DirecTV will launch a no-cost version of its service that includes dozens of free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) content and channels.
The service, called MyFree DirecTV, will launch on November 15 and will include the same familiar interface as DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream, including the “Your TV” content carousel with personalized recommendations.
Over the past two years, DirecTV has been steadily increasing the number of FAST channels it offers through its service, including content streams from Lionsgate, the E. W. Scripps Company, A+E Networks, Fox Corporation, Cineverse and Tastemade.
Many of those channels are expected to be offered through MyFree DirecTV, though a full list of FAST channels was not immediately available. A pre-launch page discovered by The Desk earlier this week listed shows like “Ax Men,” “Modern Marvels,” “Power” and “Cold Case Files” as available through MyFree DirecTV when it launches next month.
Related: Score a discount on DirecTV Stream via this link
DirecTV joins a number of other premium services that have launched FAST platforms over the past few years. Dish Network pioneered the move by offering a version of its streaming service Sling TV that curated a sampling of FAST channels; that service was renamed Sling Freestream in February 2023. Wallet-conscious streaming service Philo has also integrated FAST channels into its platform for the past two years, and recently stopped requiring a paid subscription to view and record them. Sports-centric Fubo is also developing a FAST service.
Amid rising fees and higher subscription churn, pay TV platforms are chasing the promise of fast money with their FAST channels: The ad-supported streaming industry is expected to generate more than $9 billion this year, according to Statista. Like their broadcast and cable counterparts, FAST channels offer a robust selection of premium TV shows, movies, live news and niche sports, but without cable-like prices.
Premium sports continues to be a major driver of pay TV growth, particularly between the months of September and February, when the National Football League’s (NFL) regular season, playoffs and championship Super Bowl occur. By offering FAST channels and content, pay TV services are hoping to keep streamers engaged with their platforms year-round, even when they’re not subscribing to a premium plan to watch sports.
“DirecTV envisions a brighter TV future that offers consumers quality content with more choice and more control at the right value; the launch of MyFree DirecTV will do just that,” Amy Leifer, the Chief Advertising Sales Officer at DirecTV, said in a statement. “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.”
To bolster the service, DirecTV recently hired Kent Rees away from Sling TV, where he joins as the General Manager of MyFree DirecTV. (He may soon be reunited with some of his Sling TV team, as DirecTV is in the process of acquiring Dish and Sling from their current parent company, Echostar).
“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 Vikash Sharma, the Head of Product at DirecTV.
MyFree DirecTV will be available on most popular smart television sets, phones and tablets, and through the MyFree DirecTV website.
