The broadcast of the FIFA Men’s World Cup drove a 78% jump in advertising sales at Fox as total revenue for the company’s fiscal fourth quarter ended in June jumped 28% to $4.21 billion.

Distribution revenue increased 5%, driven by 7% growth at the cable network programming.

Fox also noted continued digital growth led by AVOD service Tubi. Content and other revenue dipped to $262 million from $269 million due to the timing of sports sub-licensing revenue.

Fox reported net income of $696 million (down from $719 million).  

In a transformative move last quarter, the company announced in June a definitive agreement to acquire streaming platform Roku for $22 billion in a cash-and-stock transaction.

“Fiscal 2026 was an exceptional year for FOX, capped by our broadcast of a remarkable FIFA Men’s World Cup. We successfully launched our direct-to-consumer streaming service, FOX One, continued to keep America informed across a dynamic news cycle, enhanced Tubi’s position as a leading streaming service, and announced the acquisition of Roku which will transform the scope and growth profile of our company,” said CEO Lachlan Murdoch.

“Financially, these milestones were underpinned by the delivery of record top-line revenue which converted into record EBITDA. With strong momentum across our portfolio, we enter fiscal 2027 exceptionally well positioned to drive sustained growth and long-term shareholder value.”

Quarterly adjusted ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $1.2 billion, up 27%.

He’ll be hosting a call with analysts shortly.

More to come

BAFTA has given itself the power to interrogate TV Awards entries that use generative AI.

In a new clause added to BAFTA’s TV Awards rules, the organization has emphasized the importance of human creativity and said entries that include AI could be subject to further investigation.

“The awards are presented annually to recognise, honour and reward individuals for outstanding human achievement in originating, shaping and realising the final artistic outcome of television regardless of the tools used to bring this work to life,” the clause states.

“Where the use of generative AI or other digital tools is relevant to the assessment of the work, BAFTA reserves the right to request additional information regarding the nature of such use and the extent of human creative involvement.”

In other changes, HBO Max will now be considered a “broadcaster” after launching in the UK. To enter the BAFTA TV Awards, shows should have been “initiated and developed in the UK; with creative control residing within the UK and/or a UK broadcaster must have the primary editorial control over the programme.”

The BAFTA TV Awards are open for entries. The ceremony will take place on May 9, 2027. Nominations will be announced on March 22, 2027.