Virgin Media O2 launches a selection of new FAST channels

Virgin Media O2 is partnering with A+E Networks EMEA, All3Media International, Banijay Rights, Blue Ant Media, Extreme International, Fremantle, Little Dot Studios, and Tastemade to launch a selection of new Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels, available to all Virgin TV customers at no extra cost from next month.

The dedicated channels will appear within Virgin Media’s Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) alongside its current linear channel line-up, but will provide an alternative experience to traditional TV, with programme schedules based on a single show or theme.

According to the company, the introduction of FAST on Virgin TV demonstrates Virgin Media O2’s ambition to enhance its TV offering to meet the evolving viewing habits of its customers and provide a library of streamed content that complements its existing free to air and pay TV offering. The new channels will bring the familiarity of traditional broadcast into a streaming setting, providing a convenient way for people to watch a selection of popular TV shows without the need for a subscription.

The new channel launches will see Virgin Media work with Amagi and Magnite, including its video ad server SpringServe, to manage and develop FAST services on Virgin TV, with the opportunity for Virgin Media and its channel partners to monetize FAST through targeted, dynamic advertising.

“We are enhancing our entertainment offering to give our customers the best of the latest TV innovation – streaming themed channels, otherwise known as FAST channels. Through this launch, we are reimagining the traditional TV format, making our FAST channels visible in the TV guide alongside all our other pay and free channels,”  said David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2.

“Now, more than ever, Virgin TV offers a one-stop shop for brilliant programming curated in one easy and convenient place. The introduction of FAST on our platform extends the high-quality viewing experience available to our customers, providing traditional broadcast with video on-demand, apps, and now linear streaming services all at their fingertips,”  Bouchier added.