By Erik Bortz, Sr. Director, Business Development
The evolution of consumer viewing habits has presented new challenges for the pay-TV industry. Some operators, especially small-to-midsize ones who may not have the resources or capital to adapt to the changing entertainment landscape, are shifting their focus solely to their broadband offering.
But moving away from video, which can be a tremendous value-add on top of high-speed internet, could be a missed opportunity for operators looking to differentiate themselves in an extremely competitive broadband market.
Provide Customers with a Next-Level, Integrated Streaming Experience
Rather than step back from video altogether, many operators are now looking to partner with companies, like Xumo, that can provide their customers with a robust, end-to-end experience that brings together live TV &ndash; whether it be the operator&rsquo;s pay-TV service or free ad-supported television (FAST), their favorite streaming apps, and content bundles that allow them to stand out in a crowded market.
Xumo Stream Box provides operators with a value-driven platform that delivers streaming entertainment to their subscribers' homes, all packaged with and powered by their broadband service.
What makes Xumo Stream Box unique is that it's not a one-size-fits-all device. Recognizing that each operator has distinct goals, resources, and capabilities, we designed the Xumo Stream Box to adapt to these varied needs. Whether used as a value-add to broadband services or as the primary video device, it offers customers a seamless platform to enjoy both subscription channels and their favorite streaming apps.
Bundles of Joy
A streaming strategy is often about more than just devices, but content too. Bundling internet with discounted streaming app subscriptions offers customers great value and is meeting customers where they are. It can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty and <a href="https://www.streamtvinsider.com/video/charter-svod-bundling-producing-early-win-win" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce subscriber churn</a> by providing a more comprehensive entertainment package. Bigger operators like Xfinity, Spectrum, T-Mobile and Verizon are doing this today, and smaller and mid-size operators can do it too. And when an operator combines compelling streaming offerings with a best-in-class device like Xumo Stream Box, then the value equation gets really compelling. For example, some of Xumo's operator partners are offering their customers the Xumo Stream Box with six free months of Peacock included. Others are bundling their broadband with Xumo and discounted subscriptions to Max &ndash; and these are just some examples of how to add more value to customers.
Reduce Churn and Participate in the Streaming Commerce Revolution 
Offering video services to customers can enhance customer retention and engagement and can also unlock new revenue streams for operators.
The "stickiness" it creates helps maintain a loyal customer base.
In the 12 months following Spectrum&rsquo;s rollout of Xumo Stream Box to new video customers, those who received the device were more likely to stay with the service compared to those that accessed their subscription on a third-party device (such as their Smart TV or a Roku stick, for example).
On the topic of commerce, video viewers are increasingly transacting on their home set-top-boxes and TVs, and we anticipate that trend accelerating. Whether it be purchasing streaming app subscriptions, renting, buying a movie or seasons of a show, or buying products through a QR code or dynamic advertisement, it&rsquo;s never been easier to spend money via your TV remote.
It's critical for operators to capitalize on this growing trend. This approach not only meets the evolving demands of consumers but also better positions operators as a comprehensive entertainment and commerce hub solution. Once again, standing out in a competitive broadband market is key.
Having a strategy for customers who prefer streaming is a necessity for operators of all sizes. Embracing streaming allows operators to provide a comprehensive and integrated entertainment experience, enhance customer retention through value-added bundles, and tap into new revenue streams through the growing trend of streaming commerce.
The pros outweigh the cons for operators to provide a streaming solution for their customers, especially when they can leverage a cost-effective third-party platform to execute a solution.
If you&rsquo;re interested in learning more about Xumo&rsquo;s solutions for operators, <a href="/enterprise#contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contact us here</a>.

The evolution of consumer viewing habits has presented new challenges for the pay-TV industry. Some operators, especially small-to-midsize ones who may not have the resources or capital to adapt to the changing entertainment landscape, are shifting their focus solely to their broadband offering.

Why Operators of all Sizes Must Embrace Streaming 

The StreamTV Awards honor excellence in the streaming television industry, recognizing executives, channels, and platforms that are pioneering new frontiers across 14 categories.
We&rsquo;re grateful to be recognized this year in three different categories as the industry&rsquo;s best at this week&rsquo;s annual Stream TV Show in Denver, CO!
Xumo&rsquo;s VP of Marketing Fern Feistel took home the Marketer of the Year Award; Senior Director of Business Development Erik Bortz was named an Emerging Leader; and Xumo&rsquo;s advertising technology, Xumo Advertising Management System (X-AMS), secured the Best Innovation in Advertising Award.
Here&rsquo;s more on our winners:
Marketing Executive of the Year &ndash; Fern Feistel
Award Description: This award honors the executive who challenged the status quo to best elevate their brand, capture new viewers, drive tune-in, and combat churn.
Why Fern Won: Fern is a dynamic and innovative marketing executive who has played a pivotal role in Xumo&rsquo;s growth over the past decade, rising from a director-level marketer to vice president, overseeing all marketing efforts across Xumo Play, its devices, and enterprise business.
In 2024, she led a bold marketing push as the Xumo joint venture gained traction, significantly increasing Xumo&rsquo;s presence at industry events and launching its first-ever brand campaign with the slogan &ldquo;Life is hard. Xumo is easy.&rdquo; The campaign cleverly highlighted the frustration of choosing what to watch and successfully boosted brand awareness and consumer understanding, particularly among budget-conscious streamers.
Fern&rsquo;s blend of creativity and strategic execution has not only elevated Xumo&rsquo;s brand but also set a new standard for excellence in the streaming industry&rsquo;s marketing landscape.
Emerging Leader of the Year &ndash; Erik Bortz
Award Description: StreamTV&rsquo;s Emerging Leaders Program honors the industry&rsquo;s leaders of the future. Nominees need to work in or provide services to the streaming television industry and be 35 years of age or younger.
Why Erik Won: For Xumo to thrive, a strong, collaborative foundation is essential&mdash;and Erik Bortz plays a pivotal role in maintaining that connection. As a key leader on Xumo&rsquo;s Affiliate Development team, Erik has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to both parent companies &ndash; Comcast and Charter Communications. His efforts are instrumental in expanding the reach of Xumo&rsquo;s products while ensuring the company remains aligned with the strategic goals of its owners.
Beyond his work with Comcast and Charter, Erik has been a driving force in building relationships with smaller cable operators, positioning Xumo as a compelling alternative to competitor solutions in-market. He introduced a streamlined go-to-market model that reduces operational burdens for smaller partners and collaborated with supply chain teams to manage inventory risk. Now, he&rsquo;s leading performance management initiatives across Xumo, guiding teams toward operational excellence and long-term value creation for affiliates.
&nbsp;
Innovation in Monetization Award &ndash; Xumo Advertising Management Solution
Award Description: The Innovation in Monetization Award honors pioneers who redefine how streaming platforms turn attention into income through inventive pricing, bundling, and ad integration.
Why X-AMS Won: A major challenge in streaming is maximizing revenue by efficiently filling ad slots and reducing &ldquo;slate&rdquo; &mdash; the empty space where ads should be. That&rsquo;s why we developed Xumo Advertising Management Solution (X-AMS), a powerful tool that helps our FAST channel partners boost ad-fill rates and revenue. X-AMS achieves this through two key innovations: Prefetching, which pulls from multiple demand sources using smart business logic to reduce duplication and optimize ad performance; and Slot Carry-Over, which repurposes unused ads for later breaks, improving fill rates across the program.
These features have delivered a 15&ndash;20% lift in ad-fill rates and a 10&ndash;15% increase in demand, while slot carry-over alone has boosted fill by another 10&ndash;15%. By solving a critical monetization gap, X-AMS is helping partners reduce waste, improve efficiency, and deliver a better viewer experience &mdash; all while driving more revenue.

Xumo&rsquo;s Fern Feistel, Erik Bortz, and ad technology, X-AMS, all win top awards at top streaming TV industry event.

Xumo Wins Big at 2025 StreamTV Awards!

A FAST channel centered around CBS&rsquo; &ldquo;<a id="auto-tag_lucky-dog" href="https://variety.com/t/lucky-dog/" data-tag="lucky-dog">Lucky Dog</a>&rdquo; is launching on&nbsp;<a id="auto-tag_xumo" href="https://variety.com/t/xumo/" data-tag="xumo">Xumo</a>&nbsp;Play as part of a partnership between&nbsp;<a id="auto-tag_hearst-media-production-group" href="https://variety.com/t/hearst-media-production-group/" data-tag="hearst-media-production-group">Hearst Media Production Group</a> (HMPG) and Comcast and Charter&rsquo;s join venture streamer Xumo.

All you can stream

Free entertainment
on any screen

A better way to stream

All the top apps

Get 6 months of Peacock Premium at no extra cost

Take your business
to the next level

What’s new with Xumo?

Why Operators of all Sizes Must Embrace Streaming

Xumo Wins Big at 2025 StreamTV Awards!

‘Lucky Dog’ FAST Channel to Launch on Xumo Play

All you can stream

Free entertainmenton any screen

A better way to stream

All the top apps

Get 6 months of Peacock Premium at no extra cost

Take your businessto the next level

What’s new with Xumo?

Why Operators of all Sizes Must Embrace Streaming

Xumo Wins Big at 2025 StreamTV Awards!

‘Lucky Dog’ FAST Channel to Launch on Xumo Play

Free entertainment
on any screen

Take your business
to the next level