After striking several distribution deals for FAST channels across Europe, Static Waves, the Amsterdam-based media company focused on FAST channel creation and distribution, content production, and ad sales has opened a North American office in Los Angeles and is expanding into the US and Canadian streaming markets. Industry veteran Bob Gold is heading up Static Waves’ distribution efforts in the region as Senior Vice President of Media Partnerships.
Static Waves has partnered with AI-powered technology provider Anoki to launch its K-pop FAST channel, K-Wave, on Google’s new Live TVX, a new FAST platform available to Smart TV OEMs utilizing Android/Google OS in the US, and Freecast, an American digital media company offering streaming media via web browsers. EarthDay 365, a nature and environment-focused channel from actress/activist Pamela Anderson and K2 Studios and represented by Static Waves, has also launched on Freecast. Static Waves has also signed a distribution deal with Canada’s premier streaming platform River TV to launch EarthDay 365, K-Wave, and the Web3-focused myco TV.
In addition, Static Waves has partnered with PopSho, a content company boasting over 4000 hours of classic films and series. Static Waves and PopSho are creating and distributing various FAST channels, including those focused on Kung Fu movies, Cowboy classics, and unique, remastered famous cartoons.
“North America is undoubtedly the leader in FAST channel platforms and viewer engagement,” notes Bob Gold, Senior Vice President Media Partnerships, North America, Static Waves. “Distribution here continues to be a priority and we are fortunate to have established relationships with some of the leading platforms. With our channel partners for K-Wave, EarthDay 365, myco TV and, soon for PopSho, we have a very compelling offering that promises to boost viewing time and engagement on these platforms, which is the key challenge in the FAST channel space.”
K-Wave launched last December and is a joint venture between Static Waves and South Korean broadcasting company Arirang TV. It is the first FAST channel to be dedicated to the wildly popular music and cultural phenomenon known as K-Pop. K-Wave provides viewers with exclusive content, including original series, live concerts featuring the biggest K-pop stars in the world, documentaries on K-pop stars ushering in music and fashion trends, dance instruction videos, behind-the-scenes clips and more. It is also available via ZEASN platforms in the US, Europe, and Asia, which include TCL, Vestel, and HiSense TV+ connected TVs pre-installed with ZEASN’s Whale OS. The channel has quickly attracted the attention of K-Pop fans in the US and around the world. In the US alone, average viewing times for the service have been over 1.5 hours at a time.
EarthDay 365 launched in February and is currently available in the US on Pluto TV and Amazon FreeVee, as well as via the new deal with Freeview. In Europe, it is available on rlaxx TV 2.0, accessible across TCL, Vestel, and Skyworth SmartTVs, and on Vidaa Channels, which is available on Hisense Smart TVs.
Meanwhile, Myco TV features entertainment, news, and information about the fascinating world and potential for Web3. Programming includes cryptocurrency news and entertainment formats such as Blockchain Life, Crypto OG and Be Free with Web3. Myco TV is also available in the US, Europe, and Asia on TCL, Vestel and HiSense TV+ connected TVs with Zeasn’s Whale OS.