FAST

Basics of Streaming explains how workflow orchestration connects scheduling, playout, advertising, rights, metadata, and distribution so FAST and linear channels can scale without proportional increases in staff. As more operations become automated, accurate data, validation, and clear system ownership become…

Roku, Amazon and JustWatch are turning streaming discovery into a performance business where distributor cuts can be measured against incremental subscribers, viewing and transactions. As home-screen placement, bundles and FAST distribution become easier to audit, programmers have more leverage to…

Basics of Streaming explains why a large content library doesn’t automatically create a viable FAST business. Programming discipline and performance data determine whether channels build repeat viewing, generate meaningful ad inventory, and justify further investment, distribution, or shutdown.

FAST channel launches have gotten cheaper, but profitability still depends on generating enough audience and ad revenue to cover programming and operating costs. A channel keeping 35% of ad revenue needs about $28,600 in gross monthly revenue to cover $10,000…

Pluto TV is launching Double Feature Fridays, its first original programming format, pairing a recognizable studio movie with an independent free-streaming premiere every Friday night. The format uses curation, hosting, scheduled viewing and Entertainment Tonight’s archive to create a repeatable…

Google TV Freeplay has added more than 10,000 ad-supported movies and shows on demand, expanding its free offering beyond 300-plus live channels and giving Google more inventory it can surface and monetize directly across the TV interface. The expansion strengthens…

Hallmark+ is emerging as Hallmark’s growth platform as cable declines, using exclusive scripted programming, live channels and retail benefits to turn streaming subscribers into broader customers across its media and consumer-products businesses. The service grew 31% year over year, while…

Basics of Streaming explains how metadata gives video assets the identity, rights, technical instructions, and commercial context needed for distribution, discovery, advertising, and revenue tracking. Strong metadata infrastructure helps streaming companies launch content faster, automate workflows, improve recommendations, protect against…

From the Archives revisits how Pluto TV turned aging television libraries into a recurring revenue engine by packaging catalog programming into scheduled FAST channels and monetizing connected-TV viewing through addressable advertising. Viacom’s $340 million acquisition gave the company direct consumer…

Disney’s exploring a free, ad-supported streaming layer that could expand its audience, create more inventory for advertisers and move viewers toward Disney+ subscriptions and other Disney businesses. Kirby sees the strongest model combining branded FAST channels, rotating on-demand content and…