BSkyB and News Corp are part of a $45 million (€37.03 million) investment in the OTT platform Roku. Also participating are previous Roku venture investors Menlo Ventures and Globespan Capital Partners.
Sky’s Now TV pay-as-you-go platform is available via Roku, which launched in the UK and Ireland earlier this year.
“We’re delighted to have entered into this strategic relationship with Roku. As an innovative content company we’re committed to embracing a wide range of complementary platforms to create more choice and flexibility for customers,” said BSkyB Chief Financial Officer Andrew Griffith. “Coupled with the on-going strength of satellite distribution, online and mobile help us unlock even more value for customers. Working with Roku we look forward to extending our multi-platform leadership.”
Roku has plans to launch a new wireless-dongle streaming device that will seamlessly integrate with newer TVs in the marketplace and allow them to access Roku content.
Following the investment News Corp’s Jon Miller will join the Roku board of directors.