Here are the most read stories of the week.

Comcast ready to compete with OTT via targeted content, upgraded tech, CFO says

Comcast Corp.'s CFO Michael Cavanagh said the company has invested in its X1 operating system and gained access to expansive content offerings, including "TV Everywhere" and stacking rights that make its video packages attractive.

AT&T CEO: DIRECTV Now 'exceeding expectations'

Speaking at an industry conference, AT&T Inc. CEO Randall Stephenson said DIRECTV's new streaming product hit its December subscriber forecast on the day it launched. Stephenson did not disclose the early subscriber take-rate for the service, which features, among other packages, an introductory offer under which subscribers can receive more than 100 channels for $35 per month and be grandfathered in at that price point. Stephenson highlighted that the product comes with a "zero rating," which means mobile delivery of the platform does not count against AT&T data usage.

CBS Corp. negotiating with DIRECTV Now, considers Netflix 'a friend', CEO says

CBS Corp. Chairman and CEO Les Moonves expects CBS and Showtime to join DIRECTV Now's lineup at some point. He also noted that an international rights deal with Netflix for "Star Trek: Discovery" is offsetting much of the new show's cost for CBS.

Murdoch: Direct-to-consumer OTT business is 'super hard'

Expect 21st Century Fox Inc. to become more deeply rooted in streaming content, even if a direct-to-consumer offering in the U.S. is not on its immediate horizon. Speaking at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, CEO James Murdoch said the trajectory from offering content via facilities-based distribution to streaming platforms represents better opportunities for providers selling content, while allowing for innovation in advertising through platforms like Hulu.

Netflix plans to double original series in 2017, Content Chief Ted Sarandos says

The expanded original programming will span an array of genres. Netflix Inc. has some 30 original series in various stages of production or release today and will proffer more than 40 kids originals next year.