DirecTV Unveils Plan for New Free Streaming TV Service – Technologist

DirecTV has been in the news a lot recently.

The popular satellite TV provider made headlines for its plan to acquire rival Dish Network and its streaming service Sling TV. And, after finally settling a lengthy carriage dispute with Disney, it raised prices on DIRECTV STREAM customers.

With so many money-related headlines about the brand in recent weeks, it’s a pleasant change of pace to talk about something free.

DirecTV recently announced that it will introduce a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service for users to enjoy. It’s going to be called MyFree DIRECTV. Let’s look at the details.

MyFree DIRECTV: What You Need To Know

When most people think of DirecTV, they think of high-priced satellite TV. The company is looking to change that perception with the launch of a new free service that is aimed at reaching the streaming generation.

MyFree DIRECTV is set to enter a crowded field of free streamers that includes established brands like Tubi, Pluto and The Roku Channel.

“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,” said Amy Leifer, chief advertising sales officer at DIRECTV Advertising. “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.”

Here’s what you need to know about this product as it prepares for launch:

• MyFree DIRECTV will be available beginning November 15, 2024.
• The platform will offer a blend of “live” FAST channels and on-demand content. Each is supported by advertisements.
• Details on which channels will be available are limited, but advertised content includes titles like “Duck Dynasty,” “Storage Wars,” and “Ice Road Truckers.”
• This will integrate DIRECTV’s Your TV content aggregation carousel for existing customers.
• This will serve as an “entry point” for non-DIRECTV customers to experience the product interface.

Will This Be Worth Checking Out?

So, given what we know so far, will this be a free streaming service worth checking out?

I’ll reserve full judgement until we get a chance to review this service, but I’m a little pessimistic that this will offer anything new to an already crowded space filled with quality free streaming options.

In fact, I find it interesting that DirecTV is making this move at all, considering that it presumably will soon acquire Sling Freestream as a part of the Dish Network transaction.

Freestream is a similar “introduction” model used by Sling TV to attract potential customers to its paid streaming product. And, it’s actually quite good. It offers access to hundreds of FAST channels, including some of the more popular ones.

Will you give this free streaming TV option a chance when it launches? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.

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