streaming services

NBCUniversal, Roku Reach Video Distribution Deal

The agreement breaks a months-long impasse that had the media and entertainment company threatening to black out its apps on the streaming players

Roku Premiere streaming box and remote control.
Neil Godwin/Future Publishing via Getty Images

NBCUniversal and Roku have reached a video distribution deal, breaking a months-long impasse that had NBCUniversal threatening to black out its apps on Roku in the 11th hour.

The deal will keep NBC News, NBC Sports, E!, Bravo and the rest of NBCUniversal's apps on Roku while adding Peacock, the new NBCU streaming service.

NBCUniversal is the parent company of NBC News.

“We are pleased Roku recognizes the value in making NBCUniversal’s incredible family of apps and programming, including Peacock, available to all of their users across the country," NBCUniversal said in a statement Friday.

"More than 15 million people signed up for Peacock since its national launch in July and we are thrilled millions more will now be able to access and enjoy Peacock along with other NBCUniversal apps on their favorite Roku devices. Roku’s incredible reach will not only help us ensure Peacock is available to our fans wherever they consume video but continue to expand NBCUniversal’s unrivaled digital presence across platforms.”

The two sides had been at an impasse over, in part, Roku’s refusal to carry Peacock on its platform. Roku was also demanding a cut of NBCUniversal’s advertising inventory.

Read the full story on NBCNews.com

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