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.
WBD mails definitive proxy statement to finalise Netflix merger
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will hold a special meeting of shareholders to vote on the merger with Netflix on March 20, 2026. In the meantime, WBD has begun mailing the definitive proxy statement to shareholders for the meeting.
Digital switch-off prospect nullifies Arqiva’s value
Arqiva’s main shareholder has admitted that its holding of the transmission company might be worth nothing.
Warner Bros Discovery mulls re-opening sales talks with Paramount
Warner Bros Discovery is considering reopening sale talks with Paramount Skydance Corp, according to a Bloomberg report.
.jpg)
BBC unveils fresh cost-cutting drive
The BBC is set to make cuts of around 10% of its costs in the face of "substantial financial pressures" over the next three years.
.jpg)
Report warns of unsustainable financial pressure for UK’s film and TV workforce
A survey examining the financial health of workers in the UK’s film, TV, and cinema industry has reported that a large proportion of the workforce is under severe and escalating financial pressure and that many are being “forced to leave” due to unsustainable circumstances.
.jpg)
