Roku will launch its first free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels on the Roku platform in the UK market.
The UK launch builds on Roku’s rollout of FAST channels in North and South America, where The Roku Channel provides free streaming. The launch also provides advertisers with a way to connect with viewers through personalised advertising campaigns within a streaming environment.
Rolling out in October 2025, the 40 FAST channels are curated around popular series and genres, with content spanning entertainment, lifestyle, true crime, classic TV and documentaries. New offerings include Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour for golf, This Old House for home and garden, Unsolved Mysteries for crime, NatureTime for wildlife, Love Pets for animals, and more.
“With the launch of our first FAST channels in the UK this October, we’re giving viewers more choice than ever before – from iconic series and films to new favourites and niche genres – all for free,” said Richard Halton, Country Manager of Roku UK. “It’s an exciting step forward as we continue to expand and open up new opportunities for advertisers to reach highly engaged audiences.”
Adrian Pennington recently interviewed how Tom Price, Director of Content Distribution at Roku, is thinking about the value of out-of-app content discovery. Discover more here.
Macquarie to sell Arqiva stake for £16.5m
Macquarie Asset Management has agreed to the sale of its 26.5% stake in broadcast infrastructure firm Arqiva for £16.5m.
Banijay UK beefs up in-house post operations
Banijay UK will increase its in-house post-production capabilities by launching new facilities in London, doubling capacity in Glasgow, and investing in Manchester.
Spain’s LaLiga agrees €5.25bn football rights with Telefónica and DAZN
Spanish football league LaLiga has agreed a new set of domestic media contracts for more than €5.25bn, with Telefónica and DAZN retaining rights from 2027 to 2032.
BBC remains popular but “must take a firmer grip” in crises, says Ofcom
Despite funding pressures and a rapidly changing media landscape, the BBC remains popular with audiences, with 83% of UK adults using its services weekly, according to media regulator Ofcom.
TikTok and YouTube trigger influencer boom among older audiences
Older internet users are fuelling the growth of influencer videos, according to new research from Ampere Analysis, which shows that half of 55- to 64-year-olds now watch influencer content every week.
