DirecTV Prepares to Expand Into Free Online Streaming

October 11

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DirecTV is further breaking out of its traditional satellite TV business by expanding into the free, ad-supported streaming market.

On Thursday, the company introduced MyFree DirectTV, which is slated to launch on Nov. 15 with access to free content. The service won’t require a satellite TV dish but will be accessible on the web, mobile, and select smart TVs and streaming devices.

MyFree DirecTV’s site shows it’ll offer access to many reality TV series, such as Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars, and Ax Men, along with other more novel TV series such as Ancient Aliens. You can sign up for email notifications to learn when the streaming service launches. The company also promises that more content will be added “throughout 2025 and beyond.”

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DirecTV appears to be launching the service to cash in on the advertising. “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,” DirecTV chief advertising sales officer Amy Leifer said in the announcement.

The free, ad-supported streaming market is already crowded, with notable competitors like Fox’s Tubi, Amazon’s Freevee, and The Roku Channel. Still, DirecTV notes that market research shows that ad-supported streaming services are expected to generate about $8 billion in the US.

“MyFree DirecTV will also serve as a starting point for consumers looking to experience DirecTV, including access to popular genres of content, including sports, entertainment, kids and family, news, and lifestyle,” the company added.

The news comes after DirecTV announced its proposed merger with Dish Network. Although the deal promises to combine the US’s two major satellite TV providers, it’ll also mean DirecTV will take over Dish’s Sling TV business, a popular paid-for live TV streaming service. The company also has its own live TV streaming platform called DirecTV Stream, which currently costs $87 per month through a limited-time discount.

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