MAVTV has steered a new multiplatform affiliate pact with Verizon FiOS.
The multiyear deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, places MAVTV on channel 810, where it is now available on FiOS's Ultimate HD and Sports Pass HD packages. The pact also covers video-on-demand, TV Everywhere and mobile video rights.
The agreement represents a reinstatement for MAVTV, which is owned by Lucal Oil Products, on the telco's video platform: FiOS dropped the network at the end of 2012.
The affiliate pact is MAVTV's second with a major distributor over the past year -- it bowed with DirecTV last summer -- as it has upped its commitment to motor sports, capitalizing on the conversion of Speed to the more broad-based Fox Sports 1.
"We are proud to be partnering with Verizon in adding MAVTV to their channel lineup. We have been working hard to expand our distribution and we are very happy that Verizon sees the value of offering a network dedicated to Motorsports to their customers, and it illustrates that our automotive and motorsports programming has nationwide appeal," said MAVTV president Bob Patison.
Noted Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition, for Verizon: "The addition of a network committed to all things motorsports fills a measured programming interest that we expect consumers to respond to very favorably."
MAVTV officials said it revving increases in viewership with such automotive/motorsports programming as The Dave Despain Show, Full Custom Garage, High Tech Rednecks and Stacey David's GearZ. In addition, the network features Lucas Oil owned and promoted events, including the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, and the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series. MAVTV, which also features original action/adventure fare, mixed martial arts acion and family-friendly theatricals, also airs live broadcasts of both the 250 and 450 classes opening motos for the entire 12-round Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, which is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
