FAST Channels Win Favor With Budget-Minded Viewers

Free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services such as Pluto TV, Tubi and Roku Channel are gaining viewers who are seeking programming without having to pay a subscription fee. These platforms have become a growing source of revenue for media companies.

“Pay TV providers, especially those that also sell broadband, are creating their own FAST channels that are included in all of their bundles, giving viewers added value and more options, which in turn helps with subscriber retention while also creating an additional source of ad revenue,” according to a report by Amagi. “Subscription streaming services are launching their own linear channels.”