Dish Renews Epix Pact, Will Add Movie Channels to Sling TV Internet Service

Dish Network and Epix have inked a multiyear renewal for continued carriage of its movie services on traditional pay TV, as well as bringing them to the satcaster's recently launched Sling TV Internet-delivered package as a premium option.

Under the deal, Dish and Sling TV subs who subscribe to Epix will have access to four linear channels -- Epix, Epix 2, Epix 3 and Epix Drive-In -- plus 2,000 on-demand titles streamed online.

Recent releases coming to Dish's Epix customers are to include "Transformers: Age of Extinction," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Interstellar," "Selma" and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1." Epix, a joint venture of Viacom and its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and MGM, also offers documentaries as well as music and comedy specials.

Dish officially launched Sling TV nationwide last week, offering a slimmed-down initial lineup of 14 networks -- with ESPN the most prominent among them -- for $20 per month. The company plans to add additional nets to the core package, including AMC, and also offers add-on packages.

Epix will be available on Sling TV as an a la carte option, with pricing and availability yet to be announced. "Sling TV will feature Epix's linear channels and movies on-demand in an add-on package that is accessible and affordable," said Roger Lynch, CEO of the Sling TV subsidiary.

Currently, Sling TV does not offer other premium cable services such as HBO, Showtime or Starz.

Sling TV has limited awareness across all consumer demos, including among those 18-34 -- the target group for the over-the-top package, according to research conducted by Ipsos MediaCT. In addition, many people confused Dish's Sling TV with Sling Media's Slingbox place-shifting devices, the survey found.