Verizon FiOS Is First Cable Provider to Offer 'Custom TV'

Verizon FiOS customers can officially customize their TV.

The media company rolled out “Custom TV” on Tuesday, which matches a package of programming based on preferred genres of an individual consumer — the first of its kind in the business.

Customers can choose from seven different genres: Kids, Pop Culture, Lifestyle, Entertainment, News & Info, Sports and Sports Plus.

“This is an entirely new way to personalize TV,” said Tami Erwin, president of Verizon’s Consumer and Mass Business group. “FiOS Custom TV delivers consumers more choice and control over their TV. This package gives customers the flexibility to choose what they want and pay for just that. It’s simple and personalized.”

Also Read: AwesomenessTV, DreamworksTV Team With Verizon on Over-the-Top Channels

Here’s how it works: Custom TV packages includes a base set of channels with select national networks, plus all local broadcast TV network stations. Additionally, customers must choose at least two genre packs that match their interests. Customers who want more than two genre packs can add more to their service for $10 per month for each additional pack.

And here’s Verizon’s reasoning for the bold move: The number of TV channels the average American receives has increased by 46 percent over five years, Verizon pointed on in its announcement, citing a Nielsen Advertising & Audience Report — but we only view an average of 17 channels.

Consumers have the option to purchase Custom TV standalone or as part of a double or triple play. Those who still want to purchase more traditional FiOS TV packages — such as Extreme HD, Preferred HD or Ultimate HD — can continue to do so.

11 TV Shows Canceled by Controversy -- From 'Honey Boo Boo' to 'Politically Incorrect' (Photos)

Paula Deen’s Food Network shows - After admitting to using racial slurs, The Food Network severed their relationship with Deen and canceled her shows “Paula’s Home Cooking,” “Paula’s Best Dishes,” and “Paula’s Party.”
Food Network
“Politically Incorrect” – ABC pulled the plug on Bill Maher’s talk show after the host disagreed with President Bush calling the terrorists behind the September 11^th attacks cowards. Maher asserted that the U.S. military response in the Middle East was cowardly, saying: “We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly."
Getty Images
“Luck” – HBO canceled Dustin Hoffman's series after three horses died during production.
HBO
“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” – TLC abruptly canceled the reality show after reports that June Shannon, mother to the young star of the series, was dating a convicted child molester.
TLC
“Ford Nation” – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s talk show, co-hosted by his brother Doug, lasted only one episode. The program premiered on the same day the Toronto City Council voted to strip Ford of most of his powers and budget.
Getty Images
“The Good Life” – CeeLo Green’s reality show was canned by TBS days after the musician pleaded no contest to a felony charge of giving a woman the drug ecstasy. He then tweeted: “People who have really been raped REMEMBER!!!”
Getty Images
“7^th Heaven,” in syndication – Reruns of The WB series were pulled from UP TV after audio tapes surfaced of the show’s patriarchal star Stephen Collins admitting to child molestation.
The WB
CNN’s Hillary Clinton documentary – Director Charles Ferguson pulled out of the project after Democrats, Republicans and the Clintons themselves criticized the film. CNN Films then canceled their plans to move forward with the documentary.
Getty Images
“All My Babies' Mamas” – Oxygen was in the midst of developing a special featuring rapper Shawty Lo and his family of 11 children from 10 different women. An online petition to cancel the show led the cable channel to shelve the project.
Oxygen
“Buckwild” – MTV suspended production on the reality series following the death of cast member Shain Gandee. The 21-year-old was found dead of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
MTV
"Flip It Forward" – Twin brothers Jason and David Benham were set to star in their own HGTV series, but the network shut down those plans after learning about homophobic, anti-Muslim and anti-abortion statements they’d made in the past.
HGTV

1 of 11

All of these series had the plug pulled on them under less than ideal circumstances

Paula Deen’s Food Network shows - After admitting to using racial slurs, The Food Network severed their relationship with Deen and canceled her shows “Paula’s Home Cooking,” “Paula’s Best Dishes,” and “Paula’s Party.”

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11 TV Shows Canceled by Controversy -- From 'Honey Boo Boo' to 'Politically Incorrect' (Photos)

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