FAST channels are all the rage currently with many broadcasters. Free ad supported channels that are broadcast by the likes of ITVX, FreeVee and Pluto. Many of these channels actually produce original content of high quality along with repeats of classic TV supported by ads.
The ITVX player launched a year ago, taking over from the ITV hub. It includes sections that stream TV and films and includes a live TV section with FAST channels. I had not paid huge amounts of interest to the live section believing it was just the standard ITV channels. The reality is that they have quite a few extra FAST live TV channels showing content.
On ITVX, they have about 14 FAST channels which can change content dependant on time of day or week. Channels being added and withdrawn as ITV wish. They even have a dedicated channel showing back to back “The Chase” that I understand is very popular. You can understand the appeal as it is easy to dip in and out.
At time of writing, other than the standard ITV channels, they are broadcasting Christmas movies, Blast from the past, Essex TV, Comedy 24/7, Lego Universe, The Chase, Movies 24/7, Inspector Morse, ITV Signed, Vera and Midsomer Murders channels.
I even found a channel with old children’s TV classics showing late at night on one occasion on ITVX that grabbed my interest showing Trumpton and Camberwick Green. That was a blast from the past and ideal TV for pub closing.
FreeVee that is owned by Amazon has an interesting proposition as well, with a lot of free channels to view with ads. They also now create original content like popular UK TV favourite “Neighbours” and Judy Justice. Their FAST channels are probably even more interesting than ITVX with sections including news, TV shows, entertainment, reality, food and music. These sections then having many TV channels to stream with ads.
The offering that I am less familiar with in Pluto TV. Though I know it is popular with Drew Barrymores talk show.
Perhaps times are changing on the TV front, with free offerings becoming more popular. In my experience, the ads are not excessive either. Certainly when my Sky subscription is up, it may be time for a rethink.
Do you watch any of the FAST channels or free content? Please comment below.
Leave a Reply