Disney+ Adding Four More FAST-Like “Streams” In Expansion Of Live Streaming Push
deadline.comAfter dipping a toe into the continuous live programming waters last month, Disney+ is adding four more live channels. The new offerings, Hallowstream, Hits & Heroes, Throwbacks, and Real Life, expand on the two launched in August, ABC News and Disney+ Playtime.
In announcing the expansion, the company took pains to describe the channels as “playlists” and “streams,” avoiding the handle FAST, industry shorthand for “free, ad-supported streaming television.” One obvious reason for that is that the channels are not free and are only for paying subscribers to Disney+.
The overall FAST marketplace has boomed in recent years, becoming a multi-billion-dollar segment, though subscription players have largely been reticent about mixing messages to paying customers.
Disney is adding the new channels for U.S. subscribers only as it gets set to raise prices for Disney+, Hulu and select bundles on October 17.
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