Fox finishes $22 billion purchase of Roku, the TV streaming maker

Fox has finished buying Roku for $22 billion. If you watch TV through a Roku device or app, the company behind it now has a new owner. The deal was announced Friday and closed much earlier than planned. In June, the companies expected it to wrap up in the first half of 2027.

What changed

Roku makes the gear and software many people use to stream shows over the internet. It was founded in 2002 and reaches more than 100 million households. Fox says the combined company is now the third-largest TV business in the US by viewership.

Fox expects Roku's audience to help it improve ad targeting, which means showing ads that better fit the viewer. It also wants to strengthen its place in connected TV, meaning TV delivered over the internet, and rely less on traditional TV distribution.

Roku founder Anthony Wood said the mission does not change and that Roku's teams will keep building as they always have, now with Fox's support.

The review and what is unclear

Two months ago, the Justice Department asked both companies for more data and documents as part of an antitrust review, which checks whether a deal hurts competition. Earlier this month, reports said the deal was nearing approval.

The material does not say whether Roku devices, menus or prices will change. It also does not explain how viewer information will be used for ads. Those answers will matter most to everyday users.