The landscape of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for platform services aiming to capitalize on its growth.
At a recent session of The Stream TV Show, a distinguished panel of industry leaders gathered to discuss the strategic imperatives of building the FAST future. Moderated by Brian Mahony, CEO of Trender Research and President of the OTT Executive Community, the panel featured perspectives from key figures shaping the future of digital streaming.
Embracing the Promise of Choice
Blair Harrison, CEO of Frequency, set the tone by emphasizing the vast potential of FAST. “The promise of FAST is infinitely more choice,” Harrison affirmed. FAST platforms offer viewers an extensive array of content options, catering to diverse preferences and enhancing viewer engagement through personalized content experiences.
READ MORE: Innovations In Content Discovery & Personalization: Insights From The Stream TV Show
Complementing Existing Business Models
Beth Anderson, Senior Vice President/General Manager of FAST Channels at BBC Studios, highlighted FAST’s role as a complementary force in the media ecosystem. “What I love most about FAST is that it’s an AND, not an OR,” Anderson remarked. She underscored FAST’s ability to coexist with Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) and Advertising Video On Demand (AVOD) models, offering audiences a seamless, always-on viewing experience rooted in real-time audience insights.
Evolving with Audience Preferences
Katherine Pond, Group Vice President of Platform Content & Partnerships at VIZIO, emphasized the platform’s commitment to meeting consumer demands. “Our role is to ensure that all the content consumers want to watch is available how and when they want to watch it,” Pond explained. This customer-centric approach drives the platform’s content distribution strategy, ensuring accessibility and convenience for viewers.
Synergies Across Business Models
Sandra Gueorguieva, Head of AVOD & FAST Strategic Partnerships at Google TV, discussed the harmonious coexistence of various business models within the FAST framework. “FAST complements SVOD and AVOD with an always-on experience,” Gueorguieva noted. This synergy not only expands content accessibility but also enhances viewer engagement by providing a continuous stream of content tailored to individual preferences.
READ MORE: Strategies Of Bundling, Packaging, And Partnerships: Insights From Content Distribution Leaders
The Future of FAST: Personalization and Immersion
KA Srinivasan (Srini), Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Amagi, offered a visionary perspective on the evolution of FAST. “FAST is a bridge to the future, evolving into something much more personalized and immersive,” Srini predicted. He emphasized the transition from FAST 1.0 to a future iteration that leverages advanced personalization technologies, delivering tailored content experiences that resonate deeply with viewers.
Looking Ahead
As the panel concluded, it was evident that FAST represents more than just a shift in content consumption; it embodies a transformative force driving the future of digital entertainment. By embracing real-time data insights, fostering synergies across business models, and envisioning personalized content experiences, industry leaders are poised to navigate the complexities of FAST monetization successfully.
The insights shared by the panelists at The Stream TV Show underscored a collective commitment to innovation and audience-centricity in shaping the next phase of streaming evolution. With FAST paving the way for a more connected and immersive viewing experience, the industry stands ready to redefine entertainment delivery in ways that resonate profoundly with today’s digital consumers.
Radiant TV, offering to elevate your entertainment game! Movies, TV series, exclusive interviews, music, and more—download now on various devices, including iPhones, Androids, smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and more.
