FAST services refer to free, ad-supported streaming TV platforms like Roku’s The Roku Channel.
With Roku’s The Roku Channel, Fox’s Tubi and ViacomCBS’s Pluto TV making a push into original programming, the free, ad-supported TV platforms are increasing in prominence. They are now slowly taking over some of the spotlight from subscription streamers like Netflix and Disney+.
The FAST services are now in a position to attract more attention from audiences and producers as well as advertisers. This has helped them portray themselves as the streaming’s version of cable TV networks.
Though these platforms are expected to have lower budgets than Netflix and closer to cable TV networks, producers will retain more rights from lower fees. “What we like about those platforms is their rights are generally going to be more limited and afford us flexibility,” said an entertainment executive.
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