Digitaltveurope.com

21^st Century Fox has confirmed reports that it is to launch a standalone Fox News opinion-focused US streaming service. The plan was first reported by the New York Times.

Fox Nation is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of the year. The service will include exclusive content and access to over 20 years of archive Fox News programming.

Fox said that interaction with Fox News’ opinion hosts and personalities would be a key part of the new service.

The company said that hiring for the new venture would begin in the second quarter.

“With our traditional cable viewership at an all-time high, we are proud to announce a new digital offering geared entirely toward the Fox News super-fans, who represent the most loyal audience in cable, if not all of television. This initiative will capitalise on providing that viewer, who is among the most affluent and well educated in cable, with a highly specialised content experience on a platform they can watch anytime, anywhere,” said John Finley, SVP of development and production at the network.

Fox Nation will not include the linear Fox News channel, which will remain available via cable and satellite pay TV packages as well as via a number of internet TV service. Fox is pitching the new service specifically as an “opinion platform” that will appeal to the channel’s large base of conservative-inclined viewers.