DirecTV to Launch Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Service Next Month

DirecTV is shifting into the FAST lane with a free, ad-supported TV streaming service — stocked with content that is… different from the premium video packages it offers.

The satellite TV and streaming company announced plans to launch MyFree DirecTV on Nov. 15 in the U.S. Initial programming in the dedicated FAST service is slated to include Fox Weather; reruns of A&E’s Louisiana-set reality show “Duck Dynasty”; SportsGrid, which provides live sports betting coverage, news and analysis; and Lionsgate’s MovieSphere FAST channel, whose recent titles have included the 2007 remake of “3:10 to Yuma,” “Ender’s Game” and “Wind River.”

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Also in the mix are food and lifestyle network Tastemade, Fuse TV’s Latino network El Rey Rebel, PokerGo, Ebony TV and Nosey, which streams full episodes of daytime shows including “The Steve Wilkos Show,” “Maury,” “Jerry Springer,” “Sally Jessy Raphael” and “The Joan Rivers Show.”

According to DirecTV, the FAST service will include linear and on-demand content, with additional channels expected to join the MyFree DirecTV platform throughout 2025. The service will be accessible nationwide online, via mobile, and on select smart TVs and streaming devices.

MyFree DirecTV is aimed at giving the company new advertising inventory to sell — as well as serving as a marketing tool to upsell users to pay TV. The free service will be “a starting point for consumers looking to experience DirecTV, including access to popular genres of content, including sports, entertainment, kids and family, news and lifestyle,” according to DirecTV’s announcement. This week, incidentally, DirecTV hiked rates for both satellite TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers.

DirecTV’s FAST move will compete with other free, ad-supported streamers, such as Paramount’s Pluto TV, Fox Corp.’s Tubi and the Roku Channel. DirecTV rival Dish Network also has a FAST outlet, Sling Freestream.

Last month, DirecTV announced a deal to acquire Dish — to create the largest U.S. provider in the declining pay-TV industry with around 18 million customers — for $1 in cash and the assumption of $9.75 billion in debt.

MyFree DirecTV will integrate DirecTV’s Your TV content aggregation carousel, the company said. Introduced earlier this year, Your TV combines a user’s selected favorites with their most-watched content to display programming immediately when the TV is turned on.

The company’s myfreedirectv.com website provides more info on FAST channels available on the service, and also invites visitors to sign up to get updates on MyFree DirecTV.

“DirecTV envisions a brighter TV future that offers consumers quality content with more choice and more control at the right value. The launch of MyFree DirecTV will do just that,” Amy Leifer, chief advertising sales officer at DirecTV Advertising, said in a statement. “We’re laser-focused on strengthening our investment in this area as we empower our advertising clients to reach new audiences with targeted and contextual solutions and innovative ad formats.”

Kent Rees, a 20-year industry veteran, recently joined the company as general manager of MyFree DirecTV. He comes to DirecTV from Dish Network’s Sling TV, where he led the expansion of Sling Freestream. Earlier in his career, Rees was chief marketing officer and GM of FAST Studios and worked for Pop TV, Participant Media and IFC.

“Kent is an experienced leader who knows the ins and outs of the FAST market and will be an integral part of the leadership team dedicated to creating a unique consumer experience,” said Vikash Sharma, DirecTV’s head of product.