A platform in 100 million US households: Fox bought Roku for $22 billion
Fox completes Roku acquisition
Fox has closed its $22 billion purchase of Roku, the companies announced Friday. The acquisition was first announced in June. Roku’s platform reaches more than 100 million households in the United States. Its addition gives Fox control of a large streaming service alongside its other businesses.
Content comes to Roku
The deal is intended to bring Fox Sports, news programming and local stations to Roku. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch said the company expected to grow its US viewership by combining its content with Roku’s technology and platform.
Fox also operates the Fox One streaming service and the free streamer Tubi. Murdoch pointed to content available on The Roku Channel as part of the opportunity.
Roku says platform stays open
The acquisition could affect what Roku features on its platform, but the companies have said its open ecosystem will remain. Roku founder Anthony Wood said its mission to improve how people watch TV would not change.
Wood said Fox respects Roku’s culture and supports keeping the platform open to content partners. He now serves on Fox’s board of directors.
Key points
- Fox completed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku on Friday.
- Roku’s streaming platform reaches more than 100 million US households.
- Fox plans to bring sports, news and local stations to Roku.
- Roku founder Anthony Wood now serves on Fox’s board.