Fox’s $20-a-month news and sports streamer launches next week. Here’s what’s on it

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Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corp. has largely stayed on the sidelines of the streaming wars.

That ends next week.

Fox Corporation, known for its prime ownership of the popular cable news network Fox News and sports broadcasting rights for leagues like the NFL and MLB’s post-season baseball games, continues to stand firm in the waning pay television industry.

As more than 65 million homes are now without cable or satellite subscriptions, Fox is set to debut a novel streaming service called Fox One on August 21, marking the first time its channels will be accessible to non-pay TV customers.

Pete Distad, CEO of direct-to-consumer for Fox Corp., mentioned that there’s an expanding market beyond cable TV. He stressed the importance of making our content available to people who don’t rely on traditional cable (cord-cutters) or have never subscribed to it (cord-nevers), as he unveiled our service at a press event.

Every month for just $19.99, Fox One offers local Fox TV networks carrying NFL games, along with two additional Fox Sports cable channels. If you opt for an annual subscription, the cost comes out to $199 for a whole year.

Apart from Fox News, Fox Weather, and Fox Business, Fox One will additionally broadcast these channels. They offer on-demand replays of Fox shows, enabling you to catch up on your favorite entertainment series from the current season. Furthermore, they provide DVR functionalities with an infinite storage capacity.

The primary attraction of Fox One lies in its lineup of real-time events, featuring the upcoming FIFA World Cup next year. This service will be marketed under the slogan, “Life is for Live.

The world of sports is what powers this service offering. Fox Corporation and The Walt Disney Company have already come to an agreement to sell a combined deal featuring Fox One and the upcoming ESPN direct-to-consumer service, set to debut next week, for just $39.99 per month. This collaboration results in a $10 savings compared to subscribing separately, as ESPN would normally charge its subscribers $29.99 on its own.

Distad mentioned that his firm intends to explore additional chances to combine Fox One with other video streaming platforms.

To date, Fox’s most significant venture into streaming has been the purchase of Tubi, a free, advertising-based platform that has expanded to account for approximately 1% of all television viewing in the United States, as per Nielsen’s data.

In 2019, Fox Corporation chose to part ways with its television and film studio properties and transfer them to Disney, due in part to the company’s perception that they could not effectively compete against tech giants like Amazon and Apple. These companies have invested heavily in creating content for their streaming platforms, which are believed to be a significant challenge to traditional media organizations.

However, it’s worth noting that both Amazon and Netflix, who have obtained the rights to broadcast NFL games in recent times, have demonstrated their ability to attract significant viewership for live sporting events. This is a sector where Fox Corporation currently holds a strong presence.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I ponder over the upcoming streaming service’s true test: the market’s taste for Fox News. This traditional news giant reigns supreme in TV ratings, boasting a conservative bent that sets it apart from its rivals. The intriguing question arises as to whether cord-cutting consumers would be prepared to shell out for streaming the channel’s live broadcast.

Hollywood Inc.

The thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas Chiefs drew a larger viewership this year compared to last, predominantly due to the convenience of online streaming.

“Nobody knows how many news fans are outside of the pay TV universe,” Distad said.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thoroughly inspired by the far-reaching impact of Fox News content post its television broadcast. In the recent quarter alone, their YouTube views skyrocketed to an astounding 1.5 billion, while their presence on social media platforms amassed an impressive 3.7 billion views.

Fox Nation, the current streaming service by Fox News Media, is set to become an additional $5 feature on Fox One, making the monthly cost $24.99. This service offers a variety of content such as documentaries, true crime shows, and movies tailored for Fox News’ audience.

As a devoted follower, I find myself anticipating with cautious optimism regarding Fox Corp. Given its relatively high pricing, it seems the company’s strategy is to retain those already satisfied with their existing cable TV subscriptions, rather than enticing new customers primarily.

Instead, Distad explained that the profit estimates are considered “ambitious” because the platform won’t be investing in creating original shows. Instead, they will rely on content from their current network partners.

Over the past few years, investing heavily in unique TV shows and movies has been a significant challenge for streaming platforms when it comes to turning a profit.

According to Distad, there are plans to add podcasts to the Fox One platform. It’s worth noting that Fox Corporation, their parent company, has recently acquired Red Seat Ventures, a media firm that focuses on offering business assistance and technological services specifically for conservative podcasts.

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2025-08-15 01:31