Today CBS and their affiliates have agreed to let the network negotiate digital distribution deals on their behalf, enabling them to juggle their involvement with CBS All Access and other streaming services such as Sling TV, DIRECTV NOW, PlayStation Vue, Hulu With Live TV, and YouTube TV.
This deal is very similar to recent deals announced by NBC and ABC that allow them to negotiate for their affiliates. The collaborations make it easier for new services to offer network programming nationwide without having to make dozens of separate agreements with owners of the local stations that have the right to offer CBS in their markets.
“Expanding distribution on these new platforms together with our affiliates has been a part of CBS’ long-term digital strategy, and I am very proud we have reached this agreement with our affiliate board,” CBS Television Networks Distribution President Ray Hopkins said. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with our affiliates, and as these new forms of distribution continue to grow.”
“Access to these new and emerging digital distribution platforms gives all CBS affiliates the opportunity to provide viewers with more accessibility to their favorite local programs as well as must-see, hit CBS programming,” added Chris Cornelius, chairman of the Affiliates Board and VP of Morgan Murphy Media, which owns 2 CBS affiliates.
Currently CBS has deals with Hulu, YouTube TV, and PlayStation Vue. Hopefully this deal deal will allow new deals to be made with Sling TV and DIRECTV NOW.
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