Fox has completed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku.
Fox takes ownership of Roku as founder Anthony Wood joins its board and helps lead a new digital platforms division.
The $22 billion Fox Roku deal has closed, giving Fox Corporation ownership of the global streaming platform. Roku reaches more than 100 million households worldwide.
Fox announced the acquisition in June and completed it five months later. The Trump administration’s Justice Department cleared the transaction following a review.
Roku gives viewers access to services including Netflix, YouTube TV and Disney+. It also sells advertising and subscription bundles, adding those operations to Fox’s digital business.
Meanwhile, Roku founder Anthony Wood will join Fox’s board. He will also co-lead Fox Digital Platforms, a new division overseeing Roku, Tubi, Fox One and other digital brands.
Fox Roku deal brings platform pledge
Fox says Roku will continue to operate as an open platform for all content partners. That commitment comes as Fox takes control of a gateway connecting households with competing streaming services.
The acquisition also follows an earlier change in Fox’s investment in the business. In 2020, Fox sold its Roku shares to help finance its purchase of Tubi.
Meanwhile, Fox News recorded a 27% year-on-year decline in viewership in October. CNN’s audience grew by 3% over the same period, while MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, gained 16%.
However, Fox News still attracted more viewers than CNN and MS NOW combined. The completed acquisition expands Fox’s digital operations alongside its television business, with Wood helping oversee the streaming brands within the new division.
