View TV FASTer: Fulfilling promises and restoring trust in FAST channels

In the evolving world of digital media, FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels and AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) services often leave content creators feeling let down. Many find themselves paying multiple technology providers, only to receive minimal returns. The traditional FAST model, fueled by a fundraising frenzy akin to the early DOT COM boom, often leaves operators struggling to cover technology costs, resulting in content creators receiving only a small fraction of the revenue they deserve.

In contrast, platforms like YouTube offer a more straightforward model. Content owners can avoid hefty upfront technology investments and benefit from a revenue-sharing model, typically a 55/45 split with YouTube. This model can significantly increase revenue for content creators compared to the fragmented FAST approach by simplifying distribution and eliminating the need for multiple technology providers. However, it also restricts control over content presentation and reduces premium revenue opportunities.

Premium TV broadcasters often avoid YouTube due to concerns about brand control and content monetization. While YouTube’s extensive reach is appealing, its platform imposes restrictions that can dilute a broadcaster’s brand. Additionally, YouTube’s revenue-sharing model, although favorable, does not match the financial benefits of traditional broadcasting or proprietary streaming platforms, where broadcasters retain a larger share of ad revenues and subscriptions.

Despite generating more revenue than traditional FAST Channel broadcasting or AVOD, YouTube still falls short of meeting the financial needs of broadcasters and content studios. View TV’s FASTer approach, or FAST Plus, exceeds traditional FAST by delivering over five times the revenue and more than double that of YouTube, providing twice the profit of most owned-and-operated (O&O) platforms. It offers the same level of control and reporting as traditional cable or satellite TV platforms but with lower risk and commitment.

Content exclusivity and audience segmentation are crucial factors. Premium broadcasters often have exclusive content deals and prefer to keep high-value content within their platforms to drive subscriptions and viewership. Broadcasting on YouTube could potentially reduce their audience, as viewers might opt for free access rather than subscribing. This segmentation helps maintain a loyal subscriber base and preserves premium content’s unique value.

The traditional FAST model’s limitations also hinder its ability to handle exclusive or premium content, essential for attracting and retaining viewers. As broadcasters move from traditional cable and satellite to streaming, they find the traditional FAST model increasingly unsustainable. This has led to a reevaluation of the ecosystem, with companies like View TV developing hybrid models that combine the strengths of YouTube and FAST.

View TV’s FASTer platform exemplifies this new approach by offering an integrated, consumer-facing multi-channel solution. This allows broadcasters and content owners to distribute their channels across any connected TV platform while maintaining a consistent business model. The solution addresses key issues for FAST broadcasters, including live revenue reporting and timely advertising revenue payments.

View TV FASTer not only enhances revenue for existing FAST channels but also facilitates a smooth transition to streaming distribution with minimal changes. It offers services similar to those enjoyed by YouTube creators but with greater control over distribution, earnings, and branding.