NBCUniversal is expanding its streaming TV channel offerings by launching new ad-supported channels. These channels will feature popular shows like “Top Chef,” “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” and “The Real Housewives,” along with many others. To distribute these channels, NBCUniversal has partnered with Amazon Freevee and Xumo Play.
NBCUniversal already offers a range of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels, including NBC News NOW, TODAY All Day, Dateline 24/7, LX, NBC and Telemundo Local Stations, and Sky News International. These channels are available in partnership with Roku on the Roku Channel. Additionally, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, also features FAST channels with NBCUniversal content.
The partnership with Amazon Freevee marks another content deal for the FAST platform, following the recent announcement of 33 new channels through a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and MGM. This trend demonstrates how media conglomerates like NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery are actively seeking to sell more content to FAST channels in order to generate additional revenue to support their own streaming services.
Matt Schnaars, the President of NBCUniversal Content Distribution, expressed the company’s excitement about curating a valuable portfolio of FAST channels with iconic shows that are not part of their broadcast and cable networks. The addition of these channels featuring content from recognizable brands in television is expected to attract an immediate audience in the growing FAST ecosystem, creating value for NBCUniversal, its distribution partners, and advertisers.
In addition to the popular shows mentioned earlier, NBCUniversal’s new FAST channels will also include clips from “Saturday Night Live,” Spanish-language entertainment and news from Telemundo, and library titles such as “Little House on the Prairie,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Saved by the Bell.” This diverse range of content caters to a wide audience and further strengthens the appeal of NBCUniversal’s streaming offerings.
Expanding to 50 new channels reinforces NBCUniversal’s commitment to providing a diverse range of content options for viewers. This move also aligns with the company’s goal of monetizing and managing their FAST channels. By leveraging partnerships with platforms like Amazon Freevee and Xumo Play, NBCUniversal can effectively reach a larger audience and generate revenue through advertising on these channels.
The strategic partnerships and content deals demonstrate the increasing competitiveness in the streaming industry. Aiming to capture a larger share of the market, media conglomerates like NBCUniversal are actively exploring new ways to distribute their content and attract viewers. This includes partnering with established platforms, like Amazon Freevee, to tap into their existing user base and expand their reach.
Overall, NBCUniversal’s expansion into ad-supported streaming TV channels signifies a significant step forward in the company’s streaming strategy. By offering a wide range of channels and partnering with prominent platforms, NBCUniversal aims to solidify its position in the evolving TV landscape while providing viewers with access to their favorite shows and content.