FrndlyTV bought by Roku

[Mr Tony]

Roku is Buying Frndly TV to Bolster Its Streaming Portfolio | Cord Cutters News

Roku, Inc. the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., announced today its agreement to acquire Frndly TV, a fast-growing subscription streaming service known for delivering affordable live TV, on-demand content, and unlimited cloud-based DVR. The $185 million cash deal, expected to close in...

cordcuttersnews.com

Roku, Inc. the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., announced today its agreement to acquire Frndly TV, a fast-growing subscription streaming service known for delivering affordable live TV, on-demand content, and unlimited cloud-based DVR. The $185 million cash deal, expected to close in Q2 2025 pending customary conditions, marks a strategic move to enhance Roku's platform revenue and subscription growth.

Founded in 2019 and based in Denver, Frndly TV offers over 50 top-rated live TV channels, including A&E, Hallmark Channel, The History Channel, and Lifetime, starting at just $6.99 per month. Subscribers enjoy thousands of hours of on-demand content, unlimited cloud DVR, and access to shows aired in the past 72 hours on live channels. The service's affordability and family-friendly programming have fueled its rapid growth, making it a natural fit for Roku's ecosystem.

 

[comfortably_numb]

If they add the Discovery networks they could compete with Philo at a cheaper price point.

 

[NYDutch]

We really enjoy a lot of the Frndly programming. I hope ROKU doesn't mess with it...

 

[MikeD-C05]

We really enjoy a lot of the Frndly programming. I hope ROKU doesn't mess with it...

Price hikes to start in 5....4....3.....2.....1....

 

[Mr Tony]

There is already a $1 price raise for it this month. That was scheduled a month or so ago (not due to the buyout)

 

[mikew]

If they add the Discovery networks they could compete with Philo at a cheaper price point.

I use this as an add-on to my current service to get many of the OTA channels digitally. At the current price point, it's doable. Adding things like Discovery will only increase the price and likely put it out of reach as an add-on.

 

[Bruce]

I use this as an add-on to my current service to get many of the OTA channels digitally. At the current price point, it's doable. Adding things like Discovery will only increase the price and likely put it out of reach as an add-on.

If they (Roku) can use this service for different Genre Packs, it could be worthwhile to a lot of customers.

Kinda similar to what DirecTV is doing, but more smaller options.

 

[mwdxer1]

We really enjoy a lot of the Frndly programming. I hope ROKU doesn't mess with it...

My concern is that recently the Frndly TV channels were added to the Fire TV live guide. I hope they stay, but with Roku and Fire TV, rivals, who knows?

 

[NYDutch]

My concern is that recently the Frndly TV channels were added to the Fire TV live guide. I hope they stay, but with Roku and Fire TV, rivals, who knows?

I started emailing Frndly about a year ago suggesting they make a simple flag change in their app so the Fire live guide could read it. After much back and forth, I'm glad to see they finally got it done.

 

[telstar_1]

I use this as an add-on to my current service to get many of the OTA channels digitally. At the current price point, it's doable. Adding things like Discovery will only increase the price and likely put it out of reach as an add-on.

It does local ch's...?

 

[comfortably_numb]

It does local ch's...?

Some "diginets" and a few OTA stations in a handful of markets.

Does Frndly TV offer local broadcast stations?

Frndly TV offers the Local Now channel in all markets, which shows local news and information, national news, weather, entertainment, travel, and much more! No matter where you live, you can follow news and weather at any time of the day! ...

help.frndlytv.com

 

[Mr Tony]

It does local ch's...?

for lack of discussion, no they do not. Yes they carry a half dozen Scripps Independent stations but only in your DMA and its just the station for the market (not all of them)
They do carry channels that are subchannels in some markets. But since you didnt feel going to frndlytv to answer your question their channels are right on the main page

 

[mwdxer1]

I started emailing Frndly about a year ago suggesting they make a simple flag change in their app so the Fire live guide could read it. After much back and forth, I'm glad to see they finally got it done.

Thank you. I am glad they did.

 

[NYDutch]

Thank you. I am glad they did.

Hopefully others were also putting some pressure on them.

 

[reubenray]

for lack of discussion, no they do not. Yes they carry a half dozen Scripps Independent stations but only in your DMA and its just the station for the market (not all of them)
They do carry channels that are subchannels in some markets. But since you didnt feel going to frndlytv to answer your question their channels are right on the main page

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Are the Hallmark and Great American Family channels the same as Dish or do they have their OnDemand shows also? What other channels have OnDemand?

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I tried them just so I could record Svengoolie on MeTV, and most weeks it failed to record the show. So I got rid of it.