Tag: Fox Nation

Netflix, Fox Nation Air ‘Murder Mystery 2,’ Roseanne Barr Comedy Special Ads During NFL Conference Championship Games

Netflix spent big advertising its new upcoming original movie Mystery Murders 2, again co-starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, on the NFL’s nationally televised NFC and AFC Championship Game broadcasts Jan. 29 on Fox Sports and CBS Sports, respectively.

Netflix claims the original Murder Mystery was its most-popular original movie in 2019.

It’s not immediately clear whether the trailer for sequel, which is set to debut on Netflix March 31, also streamed on Paramount+, which was live-streaming the AFC title game between the victorious Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fox Sports also aired the trailer for Fox News Media’s branded SVOD platform Fox Nation’s upcoming comedy special Roseanne Barr: Cancel This! on the NFC title game between the victorious Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. The one-hour program, which makes its debut Feb. 13, marks Barr’s first return to a stand-up comedy TV special in nearly 20 years.

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Barr’s comedy special was filmed in front of a live studio audience in Houston at the Cullen Theatre and features Barr’s signature comedic take on a variety of topics, from her experiences growing up Jewish in the Mormon citadel of Salt Lake City, moving to Texas, and raising her privileged brood. In conjunction with the special, Fox Nation will release Who Is Roseanne Barr?, an in-depth look inside the life and career of the comedian.

No word yet whether Netflix or Fox Nation plan to air their content ads during Super Bowl LVII, featuring the Eagles and Chiefs squaring off in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12 on Fox Sports.

Fox Corp., Vizio Expand Streaming Content Distribution Partnership

Fox Corporation and Vizio Nov. 3 announced a multiyear expansion of their distribution partnership that includes access to the Fox Sports app on Vizio smart-TVs, and the Fox Weather channel added to the consumer electronics manufacturer’s ad supported WatchFree+ streaming platform.

Vizio’s home screen Nov. 12-13 will feature a “sports blitz” section highlighting live college football and NFL games via Fox Sports. The app is the home for streaming live and on-demand sports from Fox, FS1, FS2, and Fox Deportes. Every Live Fox Sports game and studio show is available to TV subscribers, making NFL, MLB, NASCAR, college football, college basketball, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships, CONCACAF Soccer, MLS, WWE, USFL, and Liga MX, as well as on-demand highlights of top moments from TV shows and sports leagues.

Additionally, viewers now have access to even more FIFA World Cup content, with the launch of Tubi’s exclusive FIFA World Cup Linear FAST channel.

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The Fox Weather streaming platform’s access on WatchFree+ joins LiveNow from Fox and Fox Soul. Operated by Fox News Media, Fox Weather is a 24/7 free ad-supported television service (FAST) that builds upon Fox News Channel’s expansive news gathering units and Fox Television Stations’ resources. The channel offers users an innovative approach to weather forecasting with a combined 120 meteorologists and a comprehensive suite of weather products in addition to live programming.

“Fox and Vizio have been working together for several years to bring audiences the best in entertainment. Our expanded agreement means Vizio users can enjoy a wide range of sports, live events, news and lifestyle programming for years to come,” Katherine Pond, Group VP of Platform Content & Partnerships at Vizio, said in a statement.

Additionally, the Tubi app available on SmartCast now features more than 48,000 movies and TV shows, including a growing library of Tubi originals.

Vizio Smart TVs also include support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, allowing viewers to stream, control, and share content from their phone, tablet, or laptop directly onto the big screen.

Fox Ups Q1 Revenue Driven in Part by Tubi Ad Sales, Fox Nation Streaming Subscriptions

Fox Corp. Nov. 1 reported first-quarter (ended Sept. 30) revenue of $3.19 billion, a 5% increase from revenue of $3.05 billion during the previous-year period.

The media company attributed the revenue spike to a 3% hike in affiliate revenue led by 6% growth at the television business segment. Advertising revenue increased 8%, primarily due to higher political advertising spending at the Fox-owned TV stations, continued strength in pricing across the company’s news and sports brands, and continued growth at Tubi, the company’s free ad-supported streaming platform.

Other operating business segment revenue increased 5%, primarily due to higher Fox Nation subscription streaming video revenue (i.e., subscribers) and the impact of the consolidation of entertainment production companies at the television segment.

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Specifically, Fox Nation, which launched in 2018, saw revenue increase 9% to $86 million, from $79 million in the prior-year quarter. Fox hasn’t disclosed subscriber data for the $5.99 monthly/$64.99 annual politically themed streaming platform.

Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch, speaking on the fiscal call, said subscriptions are up 45% year-over-year, while viewership is up 70% — the highest quarter ever for the SVOD service.

The increase in cable network segment expenses primarily reflected increased digital investment in Fox Nation and higher costs associated with breaking news coverage at Fox News Media.

Fox Nation programming includes original series “Tucker Carlson Today,” “Tucker Carlson Originals,” “COPS,” “Lara Logan Has No Agenda,” “Crime Stories With Nancy Grace” and “What Made America Great With Brian Kilmeade.” Curated programming includes original and acquired content such as “Grateful Nation,” “Keep the Faith,” “Clint Eastwood: American Outlaw,” “Fox Justice” and “All American Christmas,” among others.

Advertising revenue increased 11% in the television operating segment to $905 million, from $819 million in the previous-year period. The rise was again primarily due to higher political advertising sales and continued growth at Tubi, which Fox acquired in 2020 for $440 million.

The increase in expenses primarily reflects increased digital investment in licensed and original content at Tubi and higher programming rights amortization at Fox Sports, partially offset by lower costs at Fox Entertainment.

Murdoch said Tubi advertising in the quarter grew almost 30% from the previous-year period.

“It marked the first time Tubi advertising has surpassed the advertising revenue generated by Fox Entertainment in a meaningful way,” he said, adding that the platform’s viewership increased 50% in the quarter.

“In fact, this was Tubi’s highest viewership ever with total viewing time reaching over 1.3 billion hours,” Murdoch said.

In May, Tubi said it planned to release more than 100 original titles over the next 12 months across myriad genres, including Black Cinema, thriller, horror, sci-fi, romance, documentary and adult animation.

“These are great results for Fox,” Murdoch said on the fiscal call. “[They] demonstrate the continued strength of our established businesses along with the momentum across our digital portfolio.”

Fox Nation to Stream Second Original Movie, ‘Christmas at The Greenbrier,’ on Thanksgiving

Fox Nation, Fox News’ 4-year-old politically themed subscription streaming video platform, is set to debut its second original movie, Christmas at The Greenbrier, on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24). The platform will also expand its library of holiday content in celebration of the upcoming Christmas season with several additional feature-length acquisitions.

The movie storyline is based in part on the luxury resort The Greenbrier in West Virginia.

“The Greenbrier was an ideal setting to bring this movie to life and we’re incredibly proud of the product,” Jason Klarman, president of Fox Nation, said in a statement.

The movie features Emmy nominated actress Alicia Leigh Willis, who plays a widowed mother named Abby, and Josh Murray, who plays former professional football player Ben. The two, who dated previously but ended their relationship when Ben turned pro, unexpectedly reunite during a stay at The Greenbrier and spend time together enjoying the magical holiday activities that resort has to offer.

Additionally, four festive titles will be made available on Fox Nation beginning in November. They include Country Roads Christmas (Nov. 27), Christmas in Wolf Creek (Dec. 4), Christmas in Rockwell (Dec. 11), and The Wise Men Who Found Christmas (Dec. 16).

Fox Nation, beginning Nov. 29, is offering a 50% discount on all one-year ($64.99) and two-year ($99) subscriptions when using the code “Holiday.”

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Fox Nation Streaming Service Inks Roseanne Barr for 2023 Comedy Special

Fox News’ subscription streaming video service, Fox Nation, Sept. 20 announced it has signed Roseanne Barr to produce and perform in a new comedy special, “A Roseanne Comedy Special,” to be released exclusively on the SVOD service in the first quarter of 2023.

Barr, who was fired from the 2018 relaunch of her successful “Roseanne” sitcom following social media comments made about former President Barrack Obama aide Valerie Jarrett, will be doing her first stand-up special in 16 years.

The one-hour special will feature Barr’s signature comedic take on a variety of topics, with no subject off limits.

“Roseanne is a comedy icon whose humor connects with the American audience like no other,” Jason Klarman, president of Fox Nation, said in a statement. “Her ability to channel the challenges of everyday people and find the humor in it all has earned her the passionate following of millions of dedicated fans.”

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Indeed, “Roseanne” won four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and a prestigious Peabody Award. Her creation and stark portrayal of Roseanne Conner and the Conner family on the show was widely lauded and notably hailed in the media. The show premiered in October 1988, averaging 30 million viewers a week during its nine-year run. Barr’s return in 2018 for a 10th season delivered a record-breaking premiere, delivering the highest-rated sitcom episode in years.

“A Roseanne Comedy Special” adds to the growing portfolio of original content on Fox Nation, which includes series “Duck Family Treasure,” “Sharon Osbourne: To Hell & Back” (bowing Sept. 26) and the upcoming “Yellowstone: One-Fifty” with Kevin Costner.

Fox Nation Streaming Service to Release Original Films

Fox Nation, Fox News Media’s subscription streaming VOD service, is set to release its first original film, marking the platform’s first entry into in-house movie production.

The SVOD service Sept. 1 will debut The Shell Collector, a feature film based on a best-selling title by author Nancy Naigle. The movie is the first of four original films slated for the SVOD platform, according to John Finley, EVP of development.

Nancy Naigle

“Since launching less than four years ago, Fox Nation has established itself as a go-to destination for lifestyle and entertainment programming,” Finley said in a statement. 

Produced in association with Cartel Pictures, The Shell Collector stars Caitlin Clark, Christopher Russell and Jennifer Higgin in a story about a widow with two children who befriends interesting characters in her small seaside town as she looks to forge ahead with her new life following the death of her husband. 

With more than 30 titles in print, including “What Remains True,” “Recipe for Romance” and “The Christmas Shop,” Naigle is a USA Today best-selling author who began her debut contemporary romance series, “Adams Grove,” while juggling a career in finance and life on 76-acre goat farm. Several of her holiday titles have been developed into movies for The Hallmark Channel, including The Secret Ingredient and Christmas Joy. The Shell Collector debuted on the Evangelical Christians Publishers Association Best-seller list at No. 20.

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Fox Nation Ups SVOD Subs 80% in FY 2022, Tubi Eyes 45% Ad Revenue Growth

Spurred in part by the brand’s strength across cable television, the Fox Nation subscription streaming video service saw an 80% increase in paid subscribers for the fiscal year ended June 30, based in part on strong conversion rates from free trial subscribers.

Parent Fox Corporation has not disclosed Nation subscriber numbers since launching the politically themed SVOD in 2018. A recent Kagan research report on cable news SVOD subscribers found that less than 5% of the 2,500 survey respondents subscribed to the platform.

Speaking on the Fox Corporation Aug. 10 fiscal call, CEO Lachlan Murdoch suggested the Fox Nation viewership gains reflected Fox News’ ongoing domination of the cable news market.

“Fox News was the only cable news network to post viewership gains in the fiscal year in the key 25-54-year-old demographic,” Murdoch said, adding that the network saw 30%+ viewership hikes among Latino and Asian demographics.

Separately, Murdoch said that Tubi, the Fox-owned ad-supported VOD and free ad-supported streaming television platform, realized a 45% growth in revenue over the past 12 months of the fiscal year, driven by a nearly 40% jump in monthly average users.

“Both metrics came in better than planned, reinforcing our decision to invest in this strategic asset,” Murdoch said. Fox acquired Tubi in 2020 for $440 million.

The executive said that Tubi users increased 34% in the fourth quarter, underscored by the addition of 25 linear channels on the platform, expanded the VOD library to more than 45,000 titles, and premiered 13 Tubi original programs.

“We will continue to invest judiciously in Tubi with our sights set on achieving $1 billion in revenue run rates in the next couple of years,” Murdoch said.

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For the fiscal year, Fox reported total revenue of $13.97 billion, an 8% increase from the $12.91 billion reported in the prior year. Advertising revenue increased 9%, primarily due to higher pricing at Fox Sports and Fox News Media, continued growth at Tubi and the return of a full schedule of live events at Fox Sports.

These advertising gains were partially offset by lower political advertising revenue. Other revenue increased 15%, primarily due to higher sports sublicensing revenue and Fox Nation subscription revenue, in addition to the impact of the consolidation of entertainment production companies at the television business segment, which include MarVista Entertainment, TMZ and Studio Ramsay Global.

Fox Nation SVOD Expands to FuboTV

Fox News Media July 21 announced it has expanded distribution of its direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service Fox Nation across live-TV streaming platform FuboTV.

FuboTV subscribers now have the option to add Fox Nation ($5.99 a month/$64.99 a year) to their subscription. Featuring nearly 5,000 hours of original content, Fox Nation’s range of programming includes original series (“Tucker Carlson Today,” “Tucker Carlson Originals,” “Duck Family Treasure,” “Cops,” “Crime Stories With Nancy Grace,” and “What Made America Great With Brian Kilmeade”), curated programming featuring original and acquired content (the upcoming Yellowstone: One-Fifty hosted by Kevin Costner, Grateful Nation, Keep the Faith, Clint Eastwood: American Outlaw, Fox Justice, All American Christmas).

FuboTV subs will also have access to Fox News Channel’s (FNC) popular primetime shows on demand the next day with “Fox News Primetime All the Time,” as well as signature opinion programming such as “The Dan Bongino Show” and “Piers Morgan Uncensored.”

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“We’re delighted to partner with FuboTV … as part of their growing content offering and bring our loyal audience more ways to access the wide variety of signature content,” Jason Klarman, president of Fox Nation said in a statement.

Fox Nation subs on FuboTV can access the service via the FuboTV app on connected TV, mobile and tablet devices as well as on the Web at https://fubo.tv.

Fox Nation SVOD to Stream U.S. Senate Debate Series

In an era of extreme partisan divide across the country, Fox Nation, the conservative-themed subscription streaming video platform, announced it would host “The Senate Project,” a series of Oxford-style debates between leading U.S. senators.

The first debate is slated for noon EDT June 13, with outspoken Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) engaging in a one-hour policy debate. The specific topic(s) will be announced one week prior.

The goal of the debate series is to reintroduce the culture of seeking common ground and consensus that has been the essence of the U.S. Senate since it was conceived in 1789.

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The goal is for the public to hear senators from competing ends of the political spectrum engage in extended, thoughtful, wide-ranging debate, while exploring areas of constructive disagreement and searching for the bipartisan compromise that has been a hallmark of the Senate for more than two centuries.

The June 13 event will be moderated by Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier and held in the Kennedy Institute’s full-size replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber. The second debate, hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, will be held in July at George Washington University, carried live and on demand across C-SPAN platforms, including streamed on C-SPAN Now. A third debate will be held by the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation in Utah this fall.

“Our hope is to show that bipartisanship and vigorous debate can coexist — and that civility is still possible, even in today’s hyperpolarized world,” Matt Sandgren, executive director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, said in a statement.

Fox Nation to Stream New American History Series Hosted by Kelsey Grammer

Fox Nation April 6 announced it will debut a new series hosted by actor Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”) titled, “Kelsey Grammer’s Historic Battles for America,” launching May 1. Grammer will take viewers on an inside look at eight key battles that left an indelible mark on the United States, spanning the American Revolution, the Texas Revolution, the Civil War and the American Indian Wars.

“Kelsey is a legend in the entertainment industry, and we are proud to bring his talents to our platform,” Jason Klarman, president of Fox Nation, said in a statement. “His affinity for our nation’s history and charismatic delivery will provide [our] subscribers with an entertaining, yet educational viewing experience they can’t get anywhere else.”

The chronological eight-part series will begin with three episodes on battles during the American Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Battle of Brooklyn, and the Battle of Yorktown. After the focus on the American Revolution, the show will bring viewers inside the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution followed by three episodes on the American Civil War, highlighting the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam and the Siege of Vicksburg.

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Grammer will conclude the series with a spotlight on the American Indian Wars’ Battle of the Little Bighorn.

With an illustrious career spanning three decades, Grammer’s work includes critically acclaimed stints on Broadway, roles on several hit series and parts in award-winning movies. His role as Dr. Frasier Crane on “Cheers” and “Frasier” remains one of the most beloved characters in television history. The Juilliard-trained actor has won one Tony, six Emmys, three Golden Globes and a SAG Award. Additionally, Grammer has received 18 Emmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations, 16 SAG nominations and two Tony nominations.