Foxtel plays catch-up

Australian pay-TV provider Foxtel has launched an online catch-up service and appointed a new general manager of its lifestyle channels.

Subscribers to Foxtel can now view episodes of shows such as Game of Thrones and Jersey Shore through their internet-connected iQ set-top boxes free of charge.

Foxtel claims the service is “Australia’s largest catch-up television service,” with access to hundreds of hours of TV and movies from more than 50 channels.

Programmes available on demand include The Vampire Diaries, Hart of Dixie, Swamp People, The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, The Fades, and America’s Next Top Model.

Meanwhile, Duane Hatherly has been promoted to general manager of lifestyle channels and head of production at Foxtel, as part of the company’s restructuring following its acquisition of rival pay-TV platform Austar. The A$2bn (US$2bn) merger is due to be completed later this month.

Hatherly joined Foxtel in 1996 and was appointed as channel manager of Fox8 in 2004. He has also managed other networks including Bio, Arena, The Comedy Channel and 111 Hits.

In 2007, he also became head of production and exec produced series including Australia’s Next Top Model, Project Runway Australia, Rove LA, Dating in the Dark Australia, The Contender and Cricket Superstar. Following his promotion, Hatherly will continue in this role.

Further details relating to the restructuring of the company are due to be announced following the merger’s completion.