Multicasting allows broadcast stations to transmit multiple programming feeds simultaneously via the same over-the-air frequency channel. The additional feeds, known as digital subchannels, are identified by adding a decimal to the station number. Station owners can either use the subchannels to offer additional content of their own or lease the space to third-party programmers like beIN.
In Philadelphia, for example, Fox Corp. owns and operates WTXF, which broadcasts local and national Fox content on Channel 29, also known as 29.1. It also transmits the Movies! network on Channel 29.2, faith-based network Light TV on Channel 29.3 and retro game show network Buzzr on Channel 29.4.
Through an ad revenue-sharing agreement with station owner HC2 Broadcasting, beIN launched its Xtra service in 15 strategically selected markets where it has found interest in soccer to be robust and that are top markets for Comcast’s cable TV service, Xfinity. These include Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Atlanta and Miami-Fort Lauderdale.
“It was a great opportunity for us to scale immediately in those core markets where we could partner with groups that had ‘shelf space’ where our product would be relevant and would be prominent,” said Roy Meyeringh, beIN Sports’ vice president of business development and affiliate sales.
Fans in those markets with access to over-the-air antennas can now tune in to programming that includes select games from beIN’s portfolio of live soccer rights -- Spain’s La Liga, France’s Ligue 1, the Turkish Süper Lig and South America’s Copa Libertadores, among others -- along with combat sports, auto racing and more.
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