ABC Commercial partners with Amagi to launch suite of FAST channels

ABC Commercial partners with Amagi to launch suite of FAST channels to showcase iconic Australian content

ABC Commercial, a leading distributor of premium Australian television content, has partnered with Amagi, a global leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and Connected TV (CTV), to launch a suite of Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels.

This partnership signifies ABC Commercial’s commitment to evolving with the media landscape, leveraging its rich catalogue to connect with international audiences in new and dynamic ways.

The rollout of the channel suite is expected to lead with North America (including the US, where FAST Channel household penetration is over 40%*), with plans to expand into broader English-speaking territories, Europe and Asia.

“This partnership with Amagi represents a significant milestone for ABC Commercial as we expand into the global FAST market, opening new doors for Australian content to thrive on international FAST platforms” says ABC Commercial Digital Sales Manager Brian Lee. “Our channels will allow audiences to access Australia’s most loved and unique stories in innovative ways, whether they’re seeking family-friendly content, compelling dramas or captivating documentaries.”

As the Commercial arm of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (‘ABC’), the business represents a catalogue of over 4,000 hours of premium content across all genres – including scripted, factual entertainment, lifestyle and children’s. The ABC is recognised for its singular, innovative and award-winning programming – with highlights including the cheeky comedy Aftertaste, multiple seasons of the primetime, lifestyle favourite Restoration Australia, stunning natural history series Wild Australians, and charming kid’s animation Reef School.

“We know how much international audiences have opened up to Australian content over the last decade’ says Lee, ‘and we are confident that platforms will embrace our new channels with enthusiasm, allowing them to provide audiences with the opportunity to enjoy the best Australia has to offer. We look forward to announcing further details on our new channel launches in early 2025.”

“ABC’s foray into the FAST ecosystem is an exciting step forward. With Amagi’s technology, we’re enabling ABC to expand its reach, engaging audiences worldwide with high-quality content while creating new revenue opportunities through precise, targeted advertising,” said Srinivasan KA, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Amagi.

“We are seeing continued evolution of the FAST market as premium content owners are now looking to find new ways to reach their audience efficiently and intelligently. The ABC is one of the most important and beloved brands in Australian TV and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them on this journey” Thomas Parsons, Senior Director – Sales & Business Development at Amagi.

Amagi provides a complete suite of channel creation, distribution, and monetization solutions. The company’s clients include some of the world’s biggest names, including A+E Networks UK, ABS-CBN, Astro, Cox Media Group, DAZN, Globo, Lionsgate Studio, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, and VIZIO.

About ABC Commercial

ABC Commercial is responsible for taking the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s screen content, services and brands to the Australian and international marketplace. From our full suite of digital services and traditional businesses, ABC Commercial extends the global reach of the ABC’s bold, compelling and entertaining content across territories and platforms. All revenue generated from our activities is reinvested into the production of the ABC’s high-quality content.

www.abc.net.au/contentsales

About Amagi:

Amagi is a next-generation Emmy ® award-winning media technology company that provides cloud broadcast and targeted advertising solutions to broadcast TV and streaming TV platforms. Amagi enables content owners to launch, distribute, and monetize live, linear channels on Free Ad-supported Streaming TV and video services platforms. Amagi also offers 24×7 cloud-managed services, bringing simplicity, advanced automation, and transparency to all broadcast operations. Overall, Amagi supports 800+ content brands, 800+ playout chains, and 5,000+ channel deliveries on its platform in over 150 countries. Amagi has a presence in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Paris, Sydney, Seoul, and Singapore; broadcast operations in New Delhi; and innovation centers in Bengaluru, Zagreb, and Łódź.

[*Insights from Amagi’s August 2022 Consumer Survey reveal that 40% of US households engage with Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms, underscoring the rapidly evolving nature of broadcast consumption. Key platforms for this expansion include ROKU, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, LG Channels, Xumo, and Samsung TV Plus, positioning the expansion to capitalise on these shifting consumer behaviours.]