Following the failure of the launch of Venu Sports, which was set to bring the sports programming of FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney’s ESPN together in an all-new streaming service.  The three companies have had to make adjustments to their future plans for streaming, as cable customers continue to cut the cord by shifting over to streaming services.

Prior to the announcement of the launch of Venu Sports being cancelled, Disney revealed it was buying Fubo TV to merge it with its own Hulu + Live TV service, to offer a streamlined version of its alternative to cable.

FOX Entertainment today has revealed its plans, the launch of its own streaming service called “Fox One”, which will launch in the United States this Fall and consist of all of FOX’s leading News, Sports and Entertainment branded content, all being brought together in one dynamic streaming platform.

For the first time, cord-cutters and cord-nevers will have live streaming and on-demand access to the full portfolio of FOX brands, including FOX News, FOX Business, FOX Weather, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, BTN, FOX Deportes, FOX Local Stations and the FOX network as well as the option to bundle FOX Nation within one platform. 

This new streaming service is being planned to launch ahead of the NFL and College Football seasons, similar to how Disney is planning on launching its new direct-to-consumer version of ESPN later his year.

Pete Distad, CEO, FOX One, said in a statement regarding the new streaming service:

“We know that FOX has the most loyal and engaged audiences in the industry, and FOX One is designed to reach outside of the pay-TV bundle and deliver all the best FOX branded content directly to viewers wherever they are.  We have built this platform from the ground up to allow consumers to enjoy and engage with our programming in new and exciting ways, leveraging cutting edge technology to enhance the user experience across the platform.”

In addition to many other exciting features, FOX One will feature advanced personalisation technology that adapts to viewing preferences while seamlessly integrating live and video-on-demand content in a cohesive experience.

While FOX and Disney have a multi-year agreement in place until 2029 to bring FOX’s entertainment content to Hulu, along with Hulu On Disney+.  It looks like FOX’s shows are going to be shared between the different platforms, as many shows like “The Masked Singer”, “The Floor”, “Hell’s Kitchen”, “Grimsburg” and “Krapopolis” are being shown in the promotional material for the new streaming service.   The official website for FOX One also includes an image of “Bob’s Burgers”, so Disney’s shows from 20th Television also look to be included in the offering, though it might only be for the latest season, which are on FOX.

Currently, no price point for the new streaming service has been announced, nor has an exact launch date.  It’s also going to be interesting to see how FOX navigates the shift, as it’s likely cable customers will get FOX One bundled into their deals, similar to the other major studios, who want to maintain the existing customers they have, while offering an alternative.

Roger’s Take:  FOX has been almost trying to avoid getting directly into the streaming wars following Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Studios, which saw FOX’s 30% stake in Hulu sold as part of the larger deal.  FOX invested in the free platform, Tubi and also tried to work with Disney and Warner Bros. on Venu, but now it’s decided it can’t be the only major studio without its own platform. 

Incorporating all of FOX’s sports, along with its popular news programming, will no doubt bring subscribers in, especially as more customers are expected to drop traditional cable television in the years ahead.   

It’s likely Disney’s recent multi-year deal with FOX included a clause about sharing some content with FOX’s own upcoming platform.  There is going to be one big question about the partnership should FOX One become a success: will either company still be willing to renew the deal in 2029?   And could we eventually see Tubi and FOX One merge?  Many different questions, but also more options for customers.

Are you interested in getting the FOX One streaming service?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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