🐭 Disney Plans Launch of FAST Channels
The Walt Disney Company is considering launching its own FAST channels—free ad-supported streaming television.
Josh D’Amaro, the media giant’s new CEO, announced the move during a quarterly investor call, naming streaming and the theme parks division as the primary drivers of the company’s future market capitalization.
According to D’Amaro, a free FAST service will help build an acquisition funnel for price-sensitive audiences, converting them into paid subscribers on Disney+ and Hulu. Additionally, the project will expand advertising inventory, where demand within Disney’s existing AVoD tiers currently exceeds supply.
When asked by analysts about the viability of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model compared to traditional third-party content licensing, the Disney head emphasized the critical importance of a direct audience relationship. Abandoning DTC solely in favor of licensing rights would weaken both the strategic and financial standing of the media conglomerate, stripping it of the unique user data gathered across streaming, theme parks, and cruise lines. First-party data will form the backbone for personalization and the integration of AI technologies.
The CEO also announced a major upgrade for Disney+: this spring, the service will integrate gaming products, merchandise sales, and exclusive perks for subscribers.
Commenting on major industry transactions—including Comcast’s restructuring and Fox Corp.’s $22 billion acquisition of Roku—D’Amaro noted that sector consolidation will create a favorable investment backdrop without altering Disney’s commitment to maintaining full control over its customer relationships.
Source: Variety
