• by Alex Weprin , February 16, 2018

Syfy, the NBCUniversal-owned cable channel, has signed a deal with events operator ReedPop to have its Syfy Wire digital platform be the exclusive streaming video partner for New York Comic-Con, Emerald City Comic-Con and Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.

Syfy Wire's coverage will live on the company’s YouTube channel and Syfy Wire website, with some content also appearing on the linear TV channel.

As part of the arrangement, Syfy Wire will have a live stage on the show floors where correspondents will interview celebrities and attendees, and preview films, TV shows and products. Syfy will also be able to stream some of they key panels at the respective events.

The streaming deal does not apply to San Diego Comic-Con, which is the largest comic and entertainment convention in the U.S., and is put on by a different organizer.

Syfy’s streaming deal is part of a trend of linear TV networks looking for exclusive rights to bolster their digital brands. Turner Broadcasting has turned to esports and its host Conan O’Brien to create exclusive digital content that intersects with linear programming. Networks that broadcast the NFL are also ensuring that they have the rights to stream games online and on mobile device.