Banijay launches first company branded FAST channel

Bringing more than 200 hours of UK content to viewers on Samsung TV Plus UK and LG Channels, Horizons: Powered By Banijay features a number of series from Banijay’s 130,000-plus hour catalogue including Location, Location, Location, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Pointless, as well as drama series Gunpowder and The Woman in White.

The new FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channel will be added to Banijay Rights’ suite of 13 live FAST Channels and more than 50 live streams globally.

Watch more: FAST channels: Transitioning linear and VOD and introducing the simplicity of FAST

The launch comes amid rapid growth for the FAST market, with analysts predicting it could be worth $4 billion this year. FAST leaders include Pluto TV, Tubi and the Roku Channel.

Banijay Rights’ FAST channel brands already include McLeod’s Daughters and Deal or No Deal USA on Samsung TV Plus UK, as well as Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor and The Biggest Loser on LG.

Shaun Keeble, VP Digital, Banijay Rights, said: “Launching our own, dedicated, Banijay-branded FAST channel in the UK is the perfect way to attract new viewers to some of our leading global IP – and with this country’s FAST and AVOD activity growing from strength to strength, it’s a fantastic time to expand on our already burgeoning suite of channels with Horizons and continue to lead the market in this space.”

Read more: FAST channels thrive as viewers look for ‘lean back’ viewing