EXCLUSIVE:Channel 4has made a first foray into the U.S. market with the launch of a duo ofFAST channelsbringing together some of the networks top adventure and blue-light shows.
The 4 Adventure and 4 Emergency FAST channels represent a major step for the public commercial broadcaster, which has talked up its strategy to boost digital turnover and find alternative revenue streams for a number of years now.
Launching on Tubi, Plex and Xumo Play later this month, 4 Adventure brings together reality and doc series such asShipwreckedandThe Island withBear Grylls,while 4 Emergency hosts shows including24 Hours In A&EandEmergency Helicopter Medics.
‘The Island With Bear Grylls’Channel 4
The channels will also feature shows that didnt originate on Channel 4 but fit the editorial curation and Channel 4 tone of voice, according to a spokeswoman.
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Channel 4 cant produce its own shows and therefore doesnt own the rights to them but has struck individual deals with distributors on each show for obtain U.S. rights for the FAST channels, the spokeswoman confirmed to Deadline.
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These channels will introduce U.S. audiences to popular shows that embody our core brand values, bringing Channel 4s unique tone of voice and our rich British culture to the U.S. FAST market, she added.
Operating with traditional linear schedules, FAST channels stand for Free Ad-supported Streaming TV and bring together shows from a particular genre or long-running program.
They have been key talking points at recent TV confabs as more and more traditional networks and distributors step into the game to monetize content beyond traditional sales.
Channel 4 is aiming to deliver 30% of total revenues from digital advertising and 10% from non-advertising by 2025 as it pivots for the digital age.
Another form of revenue will soon present itself in theform of in-house production, which, once up and running, will allow Channel 4 to produce and own the rights to its own shows for the first time in its 40-year history.
Programs boss Ian Katztold last months Edinburgh TV Festivalthat networks focusing on traditional linear performance risk going the way of Kodak or Blockbuster.
