Fox Launches Digital Syndication Network

Fox Broadcasting Co. today announced that it is launching a new syndication network that will distribute Fox’s custom sync-to-broadcast experiences — currently available exclusively in Fox Now apps — to other second-screen TV app providers. Powered by content syndication platform Watchwith, the new network allows partners to take advantage of Fox’s high-quality companion content and, it says, “ensures that fans can enjoy a premium, cohesive Fox digital content and advertising experience across multiple TV apps and platforms.”

Syndication partners at launch include media engagement company Shazam; Viggle, a second-screen TV platform; ConnecTV, a social network designed specifically for TV fans; and NextGuide, the hyper-personalized TV guide app from Dijit Media. Through these partnerships, viewers using Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV or NextGuide can easily access Fox’s social, behind-the-scenes and interactive content around their favorite Fox shows while synced to the broadcast.

“Fox has some of the most loyal, invested fans on the planet, so we want them to have the richest, most immersive experience possible with our shows and our brand partners — no matter which TV app or platform they use,” said David Wertheimer, president, digital, Fox Broadcasting. “By syndicating the content we’ve built around our show broadcasts, we’re extending the Fox experience to viewers across all digital platforms and providing our partners with new and valuable opportunities around our content.”

In addition to mobile and tablet second-screen environments, the network is designed to allow Fox to create, manage and syndicate content to the rapidly evolving industry of smart TVs, connected TVs and television service providers looking to increase audience engagement. Fox is currently in discussions with such providers and plans to announce additional partners soon.