FAST has proved an attractive – if challenging – way of filling a key gap left by basic cable channels in Virgin Media O2’s line-up, according to David Bouchier, chief TV and entertainment officer, Virgin Media O2.
Speaking on a fireside chat session on Day 2 of IBC, Bouchier said that Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has a premium business that is booming, with a raft of new premium streamers being integrated into the platform.
The gap in the line-up, however, is basic channels – where cable faces competition with connected TV. Bouchier said that the company had lost a number of basic channels as a result of changes in the market...
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