UPDATED: Stingray, Rogers bolstering FAST channel options

Stingray Group Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc. both announced new offerings of free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels Tuesday. Stingray is “expanding” the array of ad-supported music it offers for free via Roku Inc. in Canada and the U.S., while Rogers is making available an ad-supported version of Disney+ to its Canadian TV customers at no additional cost. Stingray said it’s launching four new FAST channels with The Roku Channel. TikTok Radio is now available in Canada and the U.S., featuring a “curated mix” of viral songs, classics, and music from newer artists, “all embodying the spirit of the popular entertainment platform,” Stingray said in a news release. Roku has additionally launched classic rock and greatest hits channels via Stingray in Canada, as well as the new Qello concerts channel, which includes full-length concert films and documentaries. The channels are now available in the live TV section of the Channel Guide on The Roku Channel, Stingray said. "This partnership allows us to leverage Roku's outstanding platform and reach, introducing our rich, diverse music content to an even broader audience across North America,” said David Purdy, chief revenue officer of Stingray, in the release. In an interview with The Wire Report, Purdy said Stingray receives ad revenue generated by FAST channels but they also act as a "sampling" of Stingray's offerings, which drive people to its subscription-based products on Roku and other platforms. Purdy sees Roku as one of the smart TV companies at the front of the pack in terms of revenue, "so it's good for us to get onto the Roku platform." Meanwhile, Rogers’ president of residential services Bret Leech, touted its deal with Walt Disney Co. as “adding even more value to our entertainment packages and making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy the shows and movies they love.” For its part, Disney’s president of platform distribution Justin Connolly said “we are embracing consumer convenience and meeting them where they are.” This story has been updated to include comments from Stingray chief revenue officer David Purdy.

UPDATED: Stingray, Rogers bolstering FAST channel options

People | June 25, 2024

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UPDATED: Stingray, Rogers bolstering FAST channel options

People | June 25, 2024

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