Foxtel adds ABC iView to set-top boxes
The national broadcaster, the ABC, and subscription television provider Foxtel has reached an agreement which will see ABC’s on-demand viewing platform iView added to the iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes.
The news comes despite reports from earlier this year that the public broadcaster was looking to end its $4m-a-year deal with subscription TV provider Foxtel.
Delany announced earlier this year that Foxtel’s set-top boxes would see further integration in the future with other providers
The agreement brings iView alongside SBS On Demand and Netflix on the platform and will allow Foxtel subscribers to watch catch-up and on-demand ABC programming via the company’s set-top boxes.
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said the provider was delighted to extend its relationship with the broadcaster.
“We are very pleased to be expanding our relationship with the ABC. It will see us extend the audience reach Foxtel has historically provided the ABC with the availability of both live channels and on-demand content with the integration of the iView app into the New Foxtel Experience,” said Delany.
The new Foxtel experience
“This will see ABC iView available in more than 1.2m Australian homes with the iQ3 or iQ4 in November, alongside Netflix and the SBS On Demand app.”
Foxtel recently announced another ‘revolution’ for its platform, including the integration with subscription video-on-demand platform Netflix, new ad models from the newly-rebranded Foxtel Media and a new Lifestyle offering under boss Wendy Moore.
ABC managing director David Anderson said: “ABC iView has been at the vanguard of video on demand in Australia since it started 11 years ago and it continues to be the leading free-to-air VOD service.
“It is great that iView will now be available directly through Foxtel, making it easier for subscribers to watch even more fantastic Australian content.”
Wow, what a stirring example of Aussie innovation.
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Its like going into Hungry Jacks and ordering a big Mac!
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It might not seem like much now, but Foxtel could very well be in a position to become THE place where all your streaming apps sit. If it can then integrate with them to provide cross app recommendations and analytics, it will find relevance again.
And then imagine for Advertisers if Foxtel Media could be the focal point for media sales across all streaming apps.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I may consider Foxtel in the future.
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Well done Tristan – you get it.
One box with access to the majority of popular content.
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Doesn’t the Apple TV app already do all of this? Still a lot of money to pay for what you can get for free if you already have those other services.
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I have been waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for a convenient service build like that which combines my 5 different streaming apps (Hayu, Stan, Netflix, YouTube, Foxtel).
It would certainly keep the brand relevant for me.
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