Lionsgate will offer its film and television content library through a new curated channel that will launch on DirecTV’s satellite and streaming platforms in the coming weeks, the companies announced on Monday.
The arrangement is being billed as a first-of-its-kind partnership to deliver a “proprietary, custom-curated premium channel” that will be accessible to all DirecTV users, including those who watch free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) content through the subscription-free platform MyFree DirecTV.
The channel will be programmed by Lionsgate, and feature key titles from their film and TV library like “Nurse Jackie,” “Weeds” and “Now You See Me.”
Some of the content, including two of the three mentioned titles, were previously distributed through unique FAST channels available on Plex. It wasn’t clear from the announcement on Monday if Plex will continue to offer Lionsgate content when the DirecTV channel arrives.
“Lionsgate is a powerhouse of bold storytelling and unforgettable entertainment, and this is a unique opportunity to work together on an exclusive curated channel that highlights the best titles in their vast collection,” Amy Leifer, the Chief Advertising Sales Officer at DirecTV, said in a statement. “Together we have an extraordinary opportunity to connect brands with premium storytelling and passionate viewers in powerful new ways.”
Lionsgate and DirecTV already have a distribution pact that sees the latter offer access to Lionsgate-owned FAST channels like MovieSphere, HerSphere and 50 Cent Action. The channels are available across DirecTV’s connected TV platforms and services.
MyFree DirecTV currently offers around 125 FAST channels.
