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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryCTV, Video & AudioMultichannel Video Programming Distributor (MVPD)

CTV, Video & Audio

Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (MVPD)

A cable, satellite or telco provider that packages and delivers TV channels to subscribers, such as Comcast or DirecTV.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) is a cable, satellite, or telecommunications provider that packages and delivers TV channels to subscribers, such as Comcast or DirecTV. MVPDs also sell local ad time within network programming and hold set-top box data used for addressable advertising and audience measurement.