News Corp CEO says that Fox Network could go to a subscription model if Aereo continues to retransmit its shows in NYC

Dan Jones, Mobile Editor

April 9, 2013

1 Min Read
Aereo Standoff Could Force Fox Behind Paywall

News Corp's chief operating officer has claimed his company's Fox Network could paywall its TV service if startup Aereo continues to rebroadcast TV shows on the cheap in New York City. Broadcasters are suing Aereo for bypassing retransmission fees with technology that delivers converted over-the-air programming to anyone who rents an Aereo HDTV antenna for $8 a month. Aereo only operates in New York City at present and gives users access to NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and The CW, as well as other local channels. News Corp. COO Chase Carey reportedly made the threat Monday night at the NAB Show. "This is not an ideal path we look to pursue, but we can't sit idly by and let an entity steal our signal," Carey is quoted as saying. "If we can't do a fair deal, we could take the whole network to a subscription model." Broadcasters are hopping mad about Aereo because last week New York's U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a July ruling that the company does not infringe on broadcasters' copyright claims as it isn't broadcasting "public performances," and is, therefore, permissible. (See Aereo: Suited Up to Disrupt Pay TV.) — Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile

About the Author(s)

Dan Jones

Mobile Editor

Dan is to hats what Will.I.Am is to ridiculous eyewear. Fedora, trilby, tam-o-shanter -- all have graced the Jones pate during his career as the go-to purveyor of mobile essentials.

But hey, Dan is so much more than 4G maps and state-of-the-art headgear. Before joining the Light Reading team in 2002 he was an award-winning cult hit on Broadway (with four 'Toni' awards, two 'Emma' gongs and a 'Brian' to his name) with his one-man show, "Dan Sings the Show Tunes."

His perfectly crafted blogs, falling under the "Jonestown" banner, have been compared to the works of Chekhov. But only by Dan.

He lives in Brooklyn with cats.

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