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" on Tuesday during a Q3 results conference call (N.Y. POST, 11/9). DEADLINE's David Lieberman reported 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 that while streaming services in general are "seeing some traction," the OTT model is not yet a "wholesale substitution" for traditional pay-TV. Meanwhile, Maffei said that 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, 11/8).
'GREAT OPPORTUNITIES': ADVANCED TELEVISION's Colin Mann reported in terms of F1 broadcast rights, Maffei said that Liberty was "very excited" about the idea to try and utilize the "massive amounts of video feed and data" that exist in a premium-type product. He said, "Given the global nature and extremely dedicated fan base we have, it would seem like an OTT product is something that makes a lot of sense for them and us. We do have some things to work through on rights." In terms of regulatory clearance for the deal, Maffei said that he and F1 Chair Chase Carey had met with FIA President Jean Todt several times and had "good conversations" with him. Maffei: "We’re proceeding forward with the necessary processes they have for change of control and I have every reason to believe we’ll have a favorable outcome" (ADVANCED TELEVISION, 11/9).
