Liberty Media, which is in the process of acquiring F1, is "trying to create a direct-to-consumer streaming service to help grow interest" in the racing league, according to Claire Atkinson of the N.Y. POST. News of the company’s plans "came from Liberty executives" yesterday during a Q3 results conference call (N.Y. POST, 11/9). DEADLINE.com's David Lieberman noted creation of the OTT service "might take time." Liberty Media President & CEO Greg Maffei said there are “things to be worked through” to clarify the rights that are available from the pacts that F1 and its teams have with broadcasters. But he added, “I don’t think it’s insurmountable." Maffei said streaming services in general are "seeing some traction," the OTT model is not yet a "wholesale substitution" for traditional pay TV. Meanwhile, Maffei said Live Nation -- which Liberty owns a 34% stake in -- "can be helpful" to F1. Lieberman noted it could "sell tickets through its Ticketmaster subsidiary, help set up venues, and stage concerts around races" (DEADLINE.com, 11/8).
