Rogers to launch more TV everywhere-style services

Rogers Communications Inc. is launching additional TV-subscription authenticated, ad-supported over-the-top (OTT) services for two of its channels, FX and CityTV. “We're making it easier for viewers and empowering them to watch ... when, where, and on whatever device they would want to,” Colette Watson, senior vice-president of television and broadcast operations at Rogers Media, told The Wire Report over the phone on Monday. Dubbed FX Now and CityTV Now, the TV everywhere services will allow linear TV subscribers to access online streaming content of the two channels’ respective programming. The two services will be integrated into set top boxes by TV providers, while viewers will also be able to download applications to Apple Inc.’s iOS and Alphabet Inc.’s Android platforms, or watch through their web browsers after authenticating with their subscription info. Unlike its Sportsnet Now service, Watson confirmed there are currently no plans to make the services available to those without a TV subscription, but that could change one day. “It's not on the road map right now, but we will be exploring all the trends.” she said. “Essentially we want to go to the audience is.” What sets the services apart from Rogers’ current offerings are the increased content catalogues with no time limits to what is available, as well as new episodes of shows appearing right after airing on traditional channels, Watson said. There is currently an FX Canada application with a smaller catalogue of content, but Watson said it will be replaced with the “enhanced” application when the service launches. Customers will need to subscribe to a package including FX Canada to get access to the FX streaming platform. Watson said the service is aimed at social viewers who will talk about and share their viewing experience online. She also told The Wire Report that the company is planning to launch City TV Now in early September and FX Now will launch a few weeks after that. “Launch date to be determined, but this fall,” she said.

Rogers to launch more TV everywhere-style services

Brief | June 11, 2018

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Rogers to launch more TV everywhere-style services

Brief | June 11, 2018

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