Ad Age: Adult PPV Ads Popping Up on Cable, Satellite

LOS ANGELES — Cable and satellite companies are starting to promote adult pay-per-view offerings after a long period of refusing to do so, trade publication Advertising Age is reporting.

The promotions are appearing in late night on male-oriented channels like ESPN and Spike, and are often accompanied by lower rates for PPV purchases.

Late last year, satellite service DirecTV quietly ended its moratorium on promoting adult video-on-demand offerings on its channels, and reportedly Comcast — the nation's largest cable company — may start promoting adult content on a region by region basis.

Robert Mercer, a spokesman for DirecTV, told Ad Age that while the company still has "a long-standing policy of not marketing adult content at retail or to consumers in general," it will now run promotional spots "for existing customers on certain male-oriented channels in the early morning hours — between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. ET, say."

"We've always been extremely discreet about this for obvious reasons," Mercer added.

Increased awareness of adult PPV can lead to more profit for the cable and satellite operators. Joone, CEO of Digital Playground, told Ad Age that that the split of revenue between cable operators and Hollywood studios favors Hollywood, but when it comes to adult content, "90 percent of the revenue goes to cable operators. They have the lion's share of the profits."

Another reason for the promotion is consumer education about the adult offerings. A New Frontier Media in-house study of satellite customers found that almost 75 percent of satellite customers are unaware that hardcore content is available; and 56 percent of cable customers are unaware of the option.

The study also found that of the 80 percent of customers who buy adult content from their cable operator, 63 percent pay for content on the Internet as well.

The complete article can be read at the Advertising Age website.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Emma Rosie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Emma Rosie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Zariah Aura in "Trick or Treating Ourselves."

Ohio AG Threatens Action Against 'Major' Adult Sites Over AV Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that his office is sending "notice of violation" letters to 19 adult websites for failure to comply with the state's recently enacted age verification law.

Transfixed Debuts Bree Miller Drama 'MILF Oasis'

Transfixed has released the Bree Mills-helmed drama “MILF Oasis.”

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

MYM Launches New Traffic System

German creator platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its members.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More