Rakuten TV's FAST catalog adds new free channels dedicated to iconic Sony formats

Sony Pictures Entertainment agree with Rakuten TV the launch of twenty new FAST channels in Europe, four of which will arrive in Spain: Comedy Series, Éxitos, 'Shark Tank' and 'The Blacklist'.

The twenty free channels with advertising, a combination of channels dedicated to specific brands (single-IP) y thematic fiction channels, are now available in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Nordic countries and the Netherlands. The deployment, however, is not homogeneous, given that the emission rights Currently signed with different distribution windows, they condition the broadcast of the different channels through Rakuten TV.

Among the channels already available in Spain are Shark Tank, dedicated to the renowned international format of entrepreneurship and investment; The Blacklist, focused on the popular series starring James Spader; Comedy Series, which brings together successful comedies such as Seinfeld y The babysitter, and Éxitos, which includes such well-known titles as Charlie's Angels y Marriage with children. The incorporation of these new channels comes in a context of consolidation of FAST consumption in Spain: according to the study The FAST Advantage, recently presented by Rakuten TV Enterprise, he 80% of Spanish viewers consumes FAST channels on a regular basis, placing Spain among the European markets where this model of free television with advertising has a increased adoption.

With these new additions, which are completed with FAST channels dedicated to formats such as Dragons' Den, haunted o Who wants to be a millionaire? in different markets, Rakuten TV already adds over 500 unique FAST channels, of which more than 100 are own channels (Owned & Operated). Available in 43 European territories and with a scope greater than 150 million homes, the platform continues to strengthen its position as one of the main actors of the FAST ecosystem in Europe.

Marcos Milanez, Chief Content Officer at Rakuten TV, emphasizes that this new agreement formed with Sony Pictures strengthens “a relationship that already covers different areas of collaboration in TVOD, AVOD and now also FAST"At the same time, it reinforces our commitment to offering a free and high quality proposal to our users. Viewers are increasingly adopting FAST channels as one of their regular entertainment options, especially when the programming is adapted to each market. With these twenty new channels we expand access to some of the most recognized content brands in the world and we continue creating new opportunities for advertisers connect with engaged audiences,” he explains.

For its part, Peter Wood, EVP Consumer Platforms & Services of Sony Pictures Entertainment, adds that the agreement reflects the brand's commitment to “continue expanding access to television content premium from Sony Pictures through FAST.”