A week after Sony made a splash by signing up Viacom’s 22 networks to its planned over-the-top video offering, Dish Network announced that Scripps Interactive Networks has signed a comprehensive deal to offer its suite of channels including Food Network, HGTV and Great American Country to its own service targeted at Millennials.
Dish has said that it plans to launch the service – which some believe could be named “nuTV” – early next year.
The Scripps agreement includes over-the-top (OTT) multi-stream rights for live and Video-on-Demand content. The agreement also expands Dish’s distribution of authenticated live and Video-on-Demand Scripps Networks programming on Internet-connected devices.
Moreover, the agreement widens exposure of Scripps Networks programming to a larger swath of DISH’s traditional viewer base by opening DIY Network and Cooking Channel to the popular “America’s Top 200” programming package.
The renewal agreement applies to the entire suite of Scripps Networks channels, including: HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country.
“DISH is delighted to add Scripps Networks’ award-winning lifestyle content to our growing library of sports, family, educational and entertainment options that will create a redefined video experience for a new type of consumer,” said Dish CEO Joseph Clayton in a statement. “This wide-ranging agreement gives DISH customers dynamic access to Scripps Networks programming today and tomorrow.”
The OTT rights allow access to Scripps Networks content through a future multi-stream subscription service of linear and Video-on-Demand content. With this capability, the content will be available to an untapped segment of customers that is seeking a flexible, content-driven, Internet-accessible service.
“This agreement demonstrates the consistent strength and popularity of our portfolio of brands, and enables even more people to enjoy DIY Network and Cooking Channel in addition to our existing offering on Dish,” said Scripps Interactive chairman and CEO Kenneth Lowe in a statement. “We are committed to making our lifestyle content available to consumers wherever and whenever they want it. This first-of-its-kind OTT deal for Scripps Networks Interactive enables us to reach even more people through Dish’s innovative services.”
The renewal also expands the authenticated Scripps Networks programming available to DISH customers at home or on-the-go via Internet-connected devices – televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and other devices. Dish customers will be able to use the DISH Anywhere™ app, dishanywhere.com and Scripps Networks’ web properties and apps to view live, Video-on-Demand and full-season content.
The updated agreement follows news of Dish’s groundbreaking agreements with The Walt Disney Company, announced in March, and with A+E Networks, announced in August.
