Tag: FAST

Wonder Acquires Tastemade in Bid for Mealtime Super App

Wonder, owner of Blue Apron and Grubhub, is acquiring independent media company Tastemade, which operates food and lifestyle free ad-supported streaming (FAST) television channels.

By integrating Tastemade’s content studio and audience reach across social and streaming, Wonder will continue to build its vision of the super app for mealtime, according to a press release.

Wonder acquired Blue Apron in 2023 and Grubhub in 2025. Tastemade is a pioneer in  FAST, programming the channels Tastemade, Tastemade Home, Tastemade Travel, and Tastemade en Español, which are available in more than 65 countries and more than 250 million households worldwide across platforms including YouTube TV, Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Apple TV+, DirecTV, and more.

With Tastemade, Wonder will provide more curated, elevated, and personalized digital experiences for consumers across its family of brands including Wonder, Blue Apron, and Grubhub, as well as real-world outcomes for brand partners through a 360-degree advertising business, according to the release. Concurrently, Tastemade will continue to grow as a lifestyle media brand and network, and will leverage the Wonder platform and brands to drive and improve its consumer engagement and monetization, according to the release.

The acquisition will allow Wonder to create a first-of-its-kind media network, merging Tastemade’s brand storytelling and digital audience  (160 million followers across social platforms and 13 million monthly viewers across streaming channels) with Wonder’s first-party data and delivery and retail capabilities, according to the release. The addition of Tastemade’s studio brings original and branded content creation capabilities for advertisers — from 10-second shorts to feature-length documentaries. 

Tastemade also plans to harness Wonder’s IP, family of brands, and chef relationships (Bobby Flay, Jose Andres, Nancy Silverton, Marcus Samuelsson) to create new shows for viewers across its social platforms and streaming channels, as well as to directly engage with Wonder’s existing customer base. 

“Wonder’s acquisition of Tastemade is the next step in our vision to create the super app for mealtime,” Marc Lore, founder and CEO of Wonder, said in a statement. “We’re excited to inspire consumers through world-class video storytelling across the Wonder family of brands, while enhancing our ability to deliver innovative, end-to-end advertising opportunities for brand partners. Tastemade has built an expansive audience, award-winning creative studio, and incredible network of partners that will enable Wonder to create more curated digital experiences, building a media network that captures our mission to make great food more accessible.”

“Propelled by a unified vision, this acquisition represents an incredible opportunity for both Tastemade and Wonder to leverage our strengths and elevate our storytelling and retail capabilities to new heights. Together, we will build a platform that seamlessly merges the joy of watching with the convenience of having dinner delivered right to the door,” Larry Fitzgibbon, co-founder and CEO of Tastemade, said in a statement. “With Tastemade’s unmatched ability to engage and inspire consumers, this acquisition marks an exciting opportunity for both companies to more deeply connect with customers and to deliver real-world outcomes for advertisers.”

Tastemade co-founders Larry Fitzibbon and Steven Kydd will both join Wonder and assume executive roles at the company. Fitzibbon will join as co-founder and CEO of Tastemade and EVP of Wonder Media, advertising and content, and Kydd will join as co-founder, president, head of business development and international at Tastemade. The Tastemade team will report to Daniel Shlossman, Wonder’s chief growth and marketing officer. 

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Kantar: Live Sports Drive Q4 U.S. Streaming Subscriber Growth, While FAST Market Cools

The U.S. subscription streaming video market grew less than 1% in the fourth quarter, ended Dec. 31, 2024, reaching 96%, or 125 million households. The average home subscribes to 4.1 paid video streaming services, unchanged from the previous quarter, according to new data from Kantar.

While the market remains relatively stable, the study found that the ad-free SVOD market stopped its decline, while free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) market growth slowed 1% after a year of consecutive quarterly growth.

In the U.S., 57% of households accessed a FAST service in a typical week in Q4, compared to 64% of paid, ad-supported and 72% of paid, ad-free.

For the first time in 2024, SVOD grew (+2% quarter-on-quarter) instead of contracting. Growth was driven by ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+. Weekly FAST users, however, declined by 1% quarter-on-quarter.

Kantar found that live events, not bundled discounts, drove subscriber growth. Despite Cyber Monday discounts, paid ad-supported streaming grew by just 1% in Q4. Sports are driving growth in streaming in Q4, driving sign up for Prime Video, ESPN+, Netflix and Peacock.

ESPN+ and Prime Video were two of the fastest growing streaming services in Q4. Football (NFL) was the third-most cited content driving sign up to Prime Video, which has invested in its NFL coverage over the past few years. Additionally, the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight on Netflix was the No. 1 title driving acquisition for the service in the quarter.

At the same time, Kantar said acquiring new subscribers through sports drove growth, but these subscriptions may not be sustained over time. Typically, post-football season, the subscriber base of sports focused services flatten or decline.

In Q1 2024, ESPN+ subscribership flattened, while Prime Video’s subscribership dropped. For Netflix, the impact of hosting its first live sports event (the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight) in Q4 is clear — upping the streamer’s global sub base by 1%.

The investment in sports by a greater number of streaming services points to a change in strategy for the U.S. market, according to Kantar. As the market is increasingly saturated with streaming options, sub growth remains a challenge. As a result, streaming services are looking to reduce churn and see sports as a tool to meet those goals. Because sports are seasonal, they are good leverage to gain temporary, seasonal subscribers and keep existing subscribers engaged with new content.

On Feb. 9, Tubi became the first free ad-supported streaming TV service to live-stream the Super Bowl. Kantar expects to see an uptick in Tubi viewers in the current first quarter, but see the long-term impact of its investment in the Super Bowl as unknown.

“The expectations for success of streaming services are shifting,” Hannah Avery, consumer insights director, Kantar Worldpanel, said in a statement. “Consumers expect streaming services to offer more and more single live events, like we’ve seen with Netflix and with Tubi.”

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Tastemade Forms Joint Venture With Ole Interactive, Tastemade Latin America

MIAMI — Tastemade and Ole Interactive during NATPE Global announced the formation of a new joint venture, Tastemade Latin America, that aims to accelerate growth in the region’s rapidly expanding streaming television market.

Tastemade is an independent media company that offers food, travel, and home and design-related programming for online and streaming audiences. Ole Interactive is a digital business unit founded by Latin American pay-TV industry pioneer Ole Communications.

Tastemade Latin America, according to a news release, will combine Tastemade’s leadership in FAST with Ole Interactive’s operational, distribution, and monetization capabilities in the Latin American market. The partnership seeks to enhance existing streaming and social media offerings in the food and lifestyle genres, while also launching new channels in the travel and home and design categories that are tailored specifically for a new generation of Latin American audiences.

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

“The television landscape is rapidly changing around the globe, and Latin America’s adoption of streaming is especially vibrant. Ole’s deep roots in LatAm and strong distribution network offer a unique opportunity for Tastemade to expand its reach and grow its presence in the region,” said Steven Kydd, Tastemade’s co-founder, president and head of business development. “Together, we’re excited to bring Tastemade’s engaging lifestyle programming to viewers across all platforms — both traditional linear and connected TV (CTV).”

“Ole has a long history of building valuable media partnerships in Latin America by combining our partner’s strengths with our own; we’re excited about how this partnership with Tastemade can serve as a platform for Ole Interactive to launch and monetize FAST offerings in the region,” added Ole Interactive’s president, Francisco Cusco. “Tastemade is primed for growth in the region by serving two of the fastest growing digital advertising categories: CTV and retail media, and their expertise in programming and FAST channel distribution will fit perfectly with what advertisers are looking for in Latin America. As a result of this new joint venture, I’m certain that we will generate great value for Tastemade and position the brand as a household name throughout Latin America.”

Tastemade is looking to expand its FAST channel business across Latin America by investing in new original productions, marketing, and local content licensing. The partnership will also combine Ole Interactive’s production studio partners in Mexico City, Bogota, and Buenos Aires, with that of Tastemade in São Paulo to power original production and sponsored content for Tastemade channels and advertisers throughout the region.

Ole Communications has a long history of serving as joint-venture partners for major American studios and networks — including HBO, NBCUniversal, and A+E — to build new local-language ventures across the region.

Hub: Consumers Embracing FAST Channels

The meteoric rise of free ad-supported streaming television channels continues to proliferate following Paramount’s acquisition of Pluto TV in 2017, and Fox’s acquisition of Tubi in 2020. By making premium content available for live streaming on free services, these companies supercharged the growth of FAST channels, with 70% of consumers now saying they tried a free streaming platform in 2024, according to new data from Hub Entertainment Research.

Now there are nearly 2,000 FAST channels available to TV viewers. With multiple platforms of the same channels, there are more than 5,000 access points to watch a FAST channel. This vast array of offerings has driven dramatic audience growth.

Hub found the the largest percentage of FAST users also subscribe to more than three SVOD services.

Initially considered alternatives to SVODs for budget-conscious consumers, FAST viewers are just as likely as non-viewers to be heavy spenders on TV subscriptions. These younger, tech-savvy viewers often have kids at home and tend to watch more hours of TV. FASTs are not primarily popular because they’re free but because they offer another option on the menu for people who love to watch TV, according to Hub.

The report contends that although the free aspect of FAST channels may not be their primary appeal, it does eliminate barriers to viewing by removing the need for registration or a monthly fee. Another advantage for FAST channels is the growing number of viewers who now start their TV sessions from the smart TV menu and its built-in apps — surpassing those who begin with a set-top box.

“For many viewers, the first thing they see when they turn on their TV is a widget for a FAST channel,” the report states. “Indeed, ease of use is one of the top reasons for choosing FAST channels, ranking significantly higher than even live TV from an MVPD, [online pay-TV], or antenna.”

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Fox Launching Standalone Subscription Streaming Service by Year’s End

Fox Corp. Feb. 4 disclosed that it plans to launch a branded standalone subscription streaming service this year. The move follows years of eschewing the industry shift to direct-to-consumer content distribution.

Outside of the lifestyle and entertainment-themed Fox Nation SVOD service, Fox streaming platforms include free ad-supported Tubi and Fox Weather, in addition to select international services.

CEO Lachlan Murdoch says the new service, which would piggyback on a high-speed internet service rollout, would target consumers outside the legacy premium television ecosystem of cable and broadcast.

Fox, with legacy media outlets that include Fox News and Fox Sports, was part of the short-lived Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery live-sports streaming app joint venture, Venu Sports, which was canceled last year before ever launching.

“We see the traditional cable bundle as still the most value for our consumers and for the company,” Murdoch said on the fiscal call, adding that the unnamed streaming service would feature the company’s existing content (no major content spending planned) and target “a large population outside the cable bundle.”

Indeed, with the two largest cable operators, Comcast and Charter, continuing to hemorrhage subscribers, Fox is eyeing a distribution alternative.

While Murdoch didn’t reveal a launch date, he said the cost of the streaming service would be “relatively low.”

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Cineverse Ups Fubo TV Content Partnership, Adding Three FAST Channels

Cineverse Jan. 29 announced expanded partnership with Fubo TV, the sports-themed live TV streaming platform, to distribute Cineverse’s newest channels.

Through this deal, two Cineverse free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels — “Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan” and “Go Pro Channel” are now available — with reality TV-based “So … Real” coming soon to all of Fubo’s English-language channel plans.

“Fubo continues to be an incredible partner for us, and a leading home of a growing lineup of FAST channels that entertain audiences and bring value to advertisers,” John Stack, senior director, business development, Cineverse, said in a statement. “It is an ideal platform for our newest channels, which feature popular programming for audiences young and old, with built-in fan bases.”

Following are descriptions of the new FAST channels joining other Cineverse networks previously made available on Fubo, including “The Bob Ross Channel,” “Comedy Dynamics,” “Dove Channel” and “RetroCrush.”

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Tubi Partnering With NASCAR for FAST Channel

NASCAR Jan. 16 announced it will launch a free ad-supported television (FAST) channel called the “NASCAR Channel” on the Tubi platform, beginning Jan. 29 without a subscription fee or registration.

Fox Media’s Tubi platform generated 97 million average monthly users in the most-recent fiscal period.

Programming and content on the NASCAR Channel will include classic races, re-airs of this season’s events, documentaries, NASCAR Studios original content and video podcasts.

Highlights for the launch of the NASCAR Channel include exclusive live coverage of the upcoming NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Feb. 7 and the Cook Out Madhouse Classic from Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Feb. 1.

The channel will dive into the archive to stream past races from the Daytona 500 and The Cook Out Clash, while re-airing those 2025 races on a delayed schedule. Original content includes “NASCAR Daily” with Shannon Spake and race highlights, as well as “Radioactive,” “Refuse to Lose,” and “Hall of Fame Biographies,” among others.

“As the channel grows, we’ll be adding more and more racing content that we’re confident fans will appreciate,” John Dahl, SVP, content at NASCAR, said in a statement. “Many NASCAR fans already use Tubi, but we’re looking forward to exposing more of them to that great platform too.”

Samuel Harowitz, SVP of content acquisitions and partnerships at Tubi, said the NASCAR partnership will compliment the stock car racing’s live events in the 2025 season with “The Clash” and “Daytona 500” on Fox.

“As Tubi’s momentum continues to grow, we are doubling down on providing premium entertainment guided by viewer engagement and fandoms,” Harowitz said.

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Cineverse Launches ‘Dog Whisperer’ Channel on Ad-Supported Samsung TV Plus Streaming Platform

Cineverse Dec. 16 announced it is licensing its “Dog Whisperer” channel to Samsung TV Plus to help generate a wider audience on the free, ad-supported television (FAST) and video on demand (AVOD) platform.

Cineverse has held the U.S. and English-speaking Canadian rights to “Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan” since August 2023. This has included the distribution of all nine seasons and 160 episodes of the pet dog series, starring Millan across multiple platforms and the launch of the “Dog Whisperer” FAST channel. Since the channel’s debut in January, the channel has seen nine months of consecutive growth, 204 million minutes viewed and a 559% consumption increase on all platforms, according to Cineverse.

The multiyear licensing deal expands Cineverse’s partnership with Samsung TV+ and adds to the suite of channels, which include “The Bob Ross Channel,” “Comedy Dynamics,” “Dove Channel,” “Midnight Pulp” and “RetroCrush.”

“Collaborating with Samsung to bring our highly successful channel to Samsung TV Plus made complete sense,” Alexandra Viglione, VP of partnerships at Cineverse, said in a statement. “We are making it available to even larger CTV audiences desired by advertisers as we broaden the channel’s distribution with Samsung.”

“Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan” debuted in 2004 and moved into primetime the next year on the National Geographic Channel, where it earned the status of National Geographic’s highest-rated series for six years. The two-time Emmy-nominated series won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Animal Show in 2008 and aired in over 80 countries across the world.

In 2025, the “Dog Whisperer” channel will feature the following stunts: “Fetch Fridays” weekly on Fridays, “New Year, New Dog” in honor of the New Year, “Pup, Pup, Hike” for the Super Bowl and “Puppy Love” for Valentine’s Day.

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

David Letterman Launches Branded FAST Channel on Samsung TV Plus Platform

Comic David Letterman Dec. 11 launched a branded free ad-supported streaming television channel (FAST) dubbed “Letterman TV,” available on Samsung TV Plus in the U.S. and Canada, featuring more than 4,000 hours from the “Late Show With David Letterman.”

The channel also includes curated moments and commentary from Letterman, who hosted the “Late Show” for more than 22 years from 1993 to 2015.

“Dave’s show was the original viral video,” Walter Kim, executive producer for digital at Letterman’s production company Worldwide Pants, said in a statement.

Letterman and the “Late Show’s” most memorable moments will unspool daily, with new content being added every month. The channel’s initial offering includes Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks playing “The Newlywed Game,” Denzel Washington sharing laughs with Don Rickles, Will Ferrell’s comedic antics, musical performances by Ringo Starr, and stunts featuring Letterman working at Taco Bell and jumping into a giant bowl of eggnog.

Content includes celebrity interviews, top 10 lists, “Stupid Tricks,” holiday specials, and reflections on everything from his interviews with Adam Sandler to revisiting his holiday antics.

The channel adds to Samsung’s growing portfolio of exclusive content available across Samsung Smart TVs, including 3,000 channels worldwide.

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

Streaming Shifts and Strategic Surprises: November’s Global Platform Power Plays

November 2024 is proving to be a pivotal month in the streaming world, where bold decisions and strategic surprises are reshaping the way audiences engage with content. From innovative platform launches to dramatic rebrands and consolidations, the industry’s dynamism reflects a relentless pursuit of relevance in an increasingly competitive market. Let’s explore the highlights driving this transformation and what they reveal about the future of streaming.

Jerry Inman

Global Moves: Simplifying and Scaling Streaming

The global stage is abuzz with strategic pivots. Amazon has opted to sunset Freevee, folding its content into Prime Video’s “Watch for Free” section. This move streamlines Amazon’s ecosystem, combining its free and subscription offerings under one roof while maintaining free access for non-Prime users. It’s a calculated consolidation, emphasizing simplicity and maximizing Prime Video’s market dominance.

In another global development, Warner Bros. Discovery is preparing to tighten password-sharing rules for its Max platform. By introducing a paid sharing option, Max not only curbs unauthorized usage but also taps into a new revenue stream, underscoring a growing trend of monetizing shared access.

On the other end of the spectrum, the National Lacrosse League’s launch of NLL+ introduces a free global platform for live games and replays, amplifying the league’s visibility as it builds momentum toward the 2028 Olympics. It’s a masterstroke in engaging niche audiences with a mix of accessibility and exclusivity.

North America: A Hub of Innovation and Reinvention

In North America, the streaming market is bustling with reinvention. CHSN, a dedicated platform for Chicago sports fans, has introduced an à la carte model, letting viewers subscribe to specific team coverage or bundle all three — Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox — for a comprehensive sports experience.

Meanwhile, Watchie TV debuted as a free ad-supported service catering to bilingual communities through a rich array of FAST channels. With its partnership-driven approach and zero fees for ISPs, Watchie TV is redefining how local content is delivered, creating new advertising opportunities while filling a community-centric void.

Rebranding also takes center stage. Videotron’s illico+ merges two established services, Club Illico and Vrai, into a unified French-language hub. Featuring a curated mix of Quebecois originals and global exclusives, illico+ highlights the power of localized content in capturing loyal audiences.

Europe: Expanding Horizons and Trimming Excess

In Europe, Paramount+ has introduced tailored subscription tiers for the United Kingdom and Ireland. With an affordable Basic plan and a feature-rich Premium option, Paramount+ caters to a wide audience spectrum, balancing affordability with quality to expand its subscriber base.

At the same time, Amazon’s discontinuation of Freevee in Austria, Germany, and the U.K. reflects a trend toward focused operations. By consolidating free content into Prime Video, Amazon reduces overhead while streamlining user access, signaling an industry-wide shift toward efficiency over redundancy.

Latin America: Embracing Growth and Consolidation

Latin America continues to thrive as a hotbed for innovation. Aba TV Go launched in Venezuela, blending live TV with advanced features like pausing and recording, while integrating seamlessly across multiple devices. This hybrid model caters to a market eager for modernized entertainment without losing traditional TV’s familiarity.

Simultaneously, Discovery+ announced its January 2025 exit from Brazil, merging its content into Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform. This consolidation simplifies Discovery’s presence in the region, creating a robust unified service that speaks to the diverse tastes of Latin American audiences.

Asia: Expanding Reach, Capturing Attention

Asia saw Warner Bros. Discovery extend its Max platform to new markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. With content spanning HBO, DC, and the Cartoon Network, alongside blockbuster premieres such as  Dune: Prophecy, this expansion underscores the region’s strategic importance. By combining global appeal with regional customization, Max sets a high bar for platforms seeking to make an impact in Asia.

Key Takeaways: Adaptability as the Streaming Superpower

November’s developments illustrate that adaptability remains the streaming industry’s superpower. From rebrands and consolidations to innovative launches and audience-focused tiering, platforms are rewriting the rules of engagement. Simplification and scalability are emerging as core strategies, ensuring platforms not only capture but also sustain viewer interest.

As audiences demand more personalized, flexible, and value-driven content, platforms must continuously evolve to meet those expectations. November 2024 serves as a compelling case study in how bold pivots and strategic surprises can secure a competitive edge in an ever-shifting ecosystem.

For the streaming world, the message is clear: innovation isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of staying relevant in a global marketplace brimming with opportunities.

Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.

Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!

From Around the Web