DirectTV launches new free streaming service

Published: October 14, 2024

Another free streaming service? See what DirecTV is launching next month

Movieguide® contributor

DirecTV will launch its new ad-supported streaming service MyFree DirecTV next month.

“The satellite television and streaming company announced plans to launch MyFree DirecTV in the U.S. on November 15,” according to Variety reported Oct. 10. “First programming on dedicated FAST service to include Fox Weather; Reruns of A&E’s Louisiana-set reality show “Duck Dynasty”; SportsGrid, which provides live sports betting coverage, news and analysis; and Lionsgate’s MovieSphere FAST channel, whose recent titles have included the 2007 remake of “3:10 to Yuma,” “Ender’s Game” and “Wind River.”

Content from the Tastemade, El Rey Rebel, PokerGo, Ebony TV and Nosey networks is also streamed.

The service will be on-lineon mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google TV and other select smart TVs.

“According to DirecTV, the FAST service will include linear and on-demand content, with additional channels expected to join the MyFree DirecTV platform throughout 2025,” Variety said. “The service will be available online, mobile and on select smart TVs and streaming devices nationwide.”

The initiative aims to create new advertising revenue and enable users to upsell to pay TV.

“I think we’re meeting this need in the market… to find quality free content and give customers the personalized and curated experience that sets them apart,” says Vikash Sharma, head of product at DirecTV. told USA TODAY.

MyFree is on the verge of DirecTV’s price hikes for its satellite TV and DirecTV stream services, which took place this week.

“DirecTV’s FAST move comes in line with other free, ad-supported streamers like Paramount’s Pluto TV, Fox Corp.’s Tubi. and the Roku Channel,” Variety noted. “DirecTV rival Dish Network also has a FAST outlet, Sling Freestream.”

Film guide® reported on DirecTV merge with Dish Network last week:

“DIRECTV operates in a highly competitive video distribution industry,” Bill Morrow, chief executive officer of DIRECTV, said in a statement about the merger. “We expect that at greater scale, a combination of DIRECTV and DISH will be better able to partner with programmers to achieve our vision for the future of television, which is to aggregate, curate and deliver content distribute tailored to customers’ interests and become better positioned to achieve operational efficiencies while creating value for customers through additional investments.”

Hamid Akhavan, president and chief executive officer of EchoStar, Dish’s parent company, echoed Morrow’s statement, saying, “This agreement is in the best interests of EchoStar’s customers, shareholders, bondholders, employees and partners.”

Amy Leifer, chief advertising sales officer at DirecTV Advertising, said the free service is part of the company’s goal to provide consumers with quality choice and control that fits their budget.

“We are fully focused on increasing our investments in this area while enabling our advertisers to reach new audiences with targeted and contextual solutions and innovative advertising formats,” she said.

The company hired Kent Reeves as general manager for MyFree. He previously ran Dish’s Sling Freestream.

“Kent is an experienced executive who understands the ins and outs of the FAST market and will be an integral part of the leadership team dedicated to creating a unique customer experience,” said Sharma

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