TV News Roundup: September 8, 2015

• Netflix set to raise rates
• AMC & FX renew sophomore series
• Roku set to release 4th gen. device
• Hulu/Vicom expand exclusive agreement.

Netflix to Raise Rates:
Netflix is ratings its monthly fee to $9.99 for two streams, for NEW subscribers. The company is citing cost for new programming as the main reason for the rate hike. Current subscribers will continue to pay $8.99, for the time being, and the Single stream ($7.99) and four stream ($11.99) levels are unaffected.

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AMC renews low rated drama:
Despite two straight seasons of low ratings, AMC has ordered a third season of HALT AND CATCH FIRE.

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FX renews political drama:
TYRANT is coming back for a third season on FX, in 2016.

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Facebook adds tools for broadcasters:
As if you are not on Facebook enough, the social network is adding tools for programmers to better engage audiences. New features include video and photo submissions, custom icons hashtag voting and a new voting & polling API.

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New Roku delivers 4k video:
The new Roku OTT device, the Roku 4, will include the ability to deliver 4 k video to users. The new device will ship later this month and sell for $129.99.

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Hulu and Viacom extend agreement:
Hulu has renewed its agreement with Viacom that will give the streaming content service more exclusive rights to Viacom properties, like Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central.

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HBO now on Roku:
Subscribers of HBO Now can watch on their Roku devices as the app has launched on the system.