Your chance to learn FAST

With the FAST-channel business a hot topic, MIPTV is staging FAST & GLOBAL, a first-of-its-kind FAST Channel Summit focused on the opportunities for content producers, IP rights holders, buyers and commissioners — with highprofile sponsors including conference partners Amagi, OTTera, Vevo, Wurl and Vice Distribution and industry partners Okast and SoFAST. The MIPTV Magazine caught up with some of the thought leaders taking part

Stephen L Hodge, chairman and CEO, OTTera

What has been your FAST experience so far?

We were pioneers within the publishing industry, launching Toon Goggles as an AVOD OTT service in 2011 and eagerly adopting the Toon Goggles FAST channel in 2015. We have since managed to establish an efficient and cost-effective business model.

Why is it such a hot topic?

The utilisation of FAST channels creates a unique avenue for the distribution of content branded experiences, which may closely resemble traditional linear networks. Furthermore, the familiarity of the linear programming structure promotes increased ad request, fostering a more fulfilling content discovery experience. These channels offer a nuanced yet promising platform for distribution and monetisation of engaging and high-quality branded content.

What are the next trends in FAST?

With FAST channels being cloud-based, there is an evolution around viewer engagement. As ad-sales teams shift their focus, streaming services and even cable and satellite channels are starting to explore FAST channels to capture ad-dollars that favour the ability to target viewers with greater accuracy.

What has been your FAST experience so far?

As technology pioneers in the FAST space, Amagi offers cloud-powered solutions to create, distribute and monetise linear channels. Over the last 36 months, we have enabled more than 500 content brands to launch FAST channels across genres such as sports, news, entertainment, documentary, travel and more. We have built deep technical integration with leading FAST platforms like Samsung TV Plus, Roku Channel, Xumo and others facilitating smooth delivery of FAST channels for content owners. We are enabling content owners to distribute their content to multiple regions; our assessment is that nearly 25% of the FAST channels use Amagi technology to run their FAST channels.

Why is it such a hot topic?

Rob Christensen senior vicepresident, US sales & global distribution, Vevo

What has been your FAST experience so far?

FAST is a major growth area for Vevo and over the past few years we have become the world’s largest FAST network, with almost 150 linear channels currently live across North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Some of our global distribution partners include Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Pluto TV, Hulu Live, Plex, rlaxx TV and Amazon Freevee. We have our largest FAST channel line-up in the US right now, but we are looking to expand further in Western Europe and double our existing channel line-up this year.

Why is it such a hot topic?

It’s still early days for FAST, but this kind of viewing is growing as people look to lean back and be programmed to, especially bingeable, niche content. As we see rapid adoption of smart TVs and connected devices, FAST will prove its sustainability. FAST enables us to launch channels quickly, as well as uniquely programme and monetise content.

What are the next trends in FAST?

Content is king. Given how competitive this space is, I think we will see more exclusive content, as well as platforms updating their UX to help consumers not only navigate content, but also stay and engage with that content. We’ll also see more traditional broadcasters launching on FAST to cater to niche fandoms.

Based on our experience, FAST is the hottest topic in the streaming space. Being linear, FAST can provide a TVlike viewing experience and has, therefore, increasingly replaced cable TV in many parts of the globe. Audiences get to choose content across genres. All of this absolutely free!

What are the next trends in FAST?

In the cable TV model, all households receive a common Electronic Programme Guides (EPG). This limits channel discoverability. FAST can approach this differently by having dedicated EPGs for each household, making it possible for viewers to discover more channels. With FAST, the possibilities are endless, and we are just beginning.

Friedman senior vice-president, business development, Amagi