A new sports-based pay TV service formed by Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery could represent a new revenue stream for TV stations allowed to participate as content providers. “We have confirmation from [Fox] and Disney that this will operate like a virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) – which is to say that our Fox affiliates and our ABC affiliates will have the opportunity to opt-in and both be carried and get paid,” said Nexstar President-COO Michael Biard on Tuesday. “If that happens and they target cord-nevers and they get the thing off the ground – and all those things happen – then we welcome it.”
The former Fox Corp. television distribution and operations leader will assume his new role on Aug.21, succeeding Thomas Carter who will continue as senior adviser through the end of the year.
The multi-year deal renews station affiliation agreements for six Tegna markets in Texas, Penn., Conn. and Ariz.
The longtime Fox exec replaces Mike Hopkins, who was recently named CEO of Hulu.
