Aereo to launch in Malone’s backyard
October 29, 2013
By Colin Mann
Internet TV streaming service Aereo has revealed the latest launch area for its online television technology – Denver – the long-time base for John Malone’s broadcasting and cable TV business operations. Aereo plans to launch in the Denver metropolitan region on November 4th. Aereo is backed by Barry Diller, a long-time business partner of Malone until late 2010 until the pair unwound their partnership in online media concern IAC/InterActiveCorp. Malone’s Liberty Media sold its controlling stake in IAC in a roughly $360 million deal. Diller, meanwhile, stepped down as chief executive of IAC.
The Denver metro area includes 67 counties across Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming and more than 3.4 million consumers. Aereo’s announcement follows its expansion earlier this year to the Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Salt Lake City, Houston, Dallas and Detroit metropolitan areas. Aereo plans to announce additional launch dates for its expansion cities throughout the remainder of the year.
“We’re thrilled to be launching in the Mile-High City,” said Aereo CEO and Founder Chet Kanojia. “Denver is a growing and dynamic tech hub and the enthusiasm we’ve received from the community has been phenomenal. It’s clear that consumers want more choice and flexibility in how they watch television and they don’t want to be fenced into expensive, outdated technology. Aereo’s antenna/DVR technology brings the old-fashioned antenna into the 21st Century, providing consumers access to the over-the-air broadcast signals that belong to them. Aereo’s technology is a more simple, elegant and easy way to watch television – the way it should be. At Aereo, we believe consumers deserve better technologies and a better customer experience and we’re committed to delivering on both.”