Fubo CEO Expresses Frustration Over NFL Playoff Game Aired Exclusively on Peacock

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ICARO Media Group
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18/01/2024 22h00

In a recent interview with The Streamable, Fubo CEO David Gandler expressed his dissatisfaction and concerns regarding the National Football League's decision to exclusively air a playoff game on Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBC. Gandler described himself as "horrified" by this move and voiced his worries from both a business and consumer perspective.

As one of Fubo's broadcast partners, the decision by NBC to air a playoff game on Peacock instead of traditional television left Gandler and other partners seeing red. Gandler argued that this tactic is not only frustrating for businesses, but also harmful to consumers. He suggested that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should investigate the issue as a matter of consumer protection, as people end up paying for duplicate content across multiple streaming platforms.

This controversy is not isolated to this year alone. Gandler's complaints add to a growing list of concerns from the NFL's broadcasting partners. Earlier this year, the league's partners were reportedly "furious" over how the NFL and ABC handled 'Monday Night Football' simulcasts during carriage disputes. Cable companies were also displeased with these decisions.

On the other hand, Peacock seems to be benefiting from this arrangement. The playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins garnered significant viewership on the streaming platform, proving its appeal to sports fans. While there have been claims that the NFL may have sacrificed potential viewership, the deal with Peacock likely brought in substantial revenue. This success could serve as a testament to other streaming companies like Amazon and Apple, potentially leading them to pursue similar ventures in the future.

The evolving landscape of streaming services and exclusive broadcasting rights presents challenges for both businesses and consumers. While consumers may currently bear the brunt of these changes, adaptation within the industry appears to be the way forward. As the industry continues to examine these dynamics, Fubo and its competitors may have to navigate new territory in their quest to provide quality content to viewers.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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