Among major TV networks in the US, FOX is the only player that doesn’t yet offer a direct-to-consumer streaming service along the lines of Paramount+ (CBS), Peacock (NBC), and Disney+ (ABC). But that’s changing later this year, and the company has just announced its new streamer’s leader.
Pete Distad named CEO of new FOX streaming product
FOX recently announced it would launch a “direct-to-consumer subscription streaming product [that] will seek to extend the reach of FOX News, FOX Sports and the FOX broadcast network outside of the traditional cable bundle.”
Now, the CEO of that currently-unnamed streamer has been named as Pete Distad, formerly at Apple, Hulu, and briefly Venu Sports.
From the company’s announcement:
“I’m excited to bring FOX’s leading sports, news, and entertainment content to audiences outside the traditional pay TV bundle for the first time via an all-new streaming platform,” said Distad. “Working closely with our content, distribution, and platform partners, we’re going to build and grow a differentiated viewing experience for consumers to access their favorite FOX programming.”
Distad worked at Apple from 2013-2023 and served in a variety of roles overseeing business, operations, and global distribution for Video, Sports, and of course Apple TV+. He also got his start as product marketing lead on the Apple TV streaming box.
Until recently, Distad had been in charge of the Disney-Warner Bros-FOX joint venture: Venu Sports.
That sports streaming bundle was in the works for more than a year, had its planned launch halted by a lawsuit, and was ultimately canceled last month.
It seems that FOX was pleased with Distad’s performance as CEO during that time, as the new job heading up its upcoming streaming service proves.
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