Seven Network is one of the five main Australian commercial free-to-air television networks. After launching in 2017 they have been pursuing their “Total TV” strategy with their 7Plus digital platform. Recent results point to strong growth of the platform - 22% audience growth year-on-year - leading them to claim it the fastest growing commercial broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD) service. They are not alone in their focus on digital, with ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster relaunching and rebranding their digital service ITVX in December 2022. Both of these broadcasters shared another digital initiative in 2022, the inclusion of FAST channels in their digital services.
Competitive Free-to-air network Ten Network in Australia also entered the FAST Space at the end of 2022, in this case by virtue of their parent Paramount who also owns Pluto TV. Paramount chose to launch Pluto FAST channels in Australia within the Ten Network digital service, allowing them perhaps to grow quicker through the immediate audiences that offered and take a more cautious approach to launch. This comes after the earlier partnership in the Nordics with the Viaplay Group, where Pluto TV took over the existing AVOD catch-up services Viafree.
7Plus Channel Lineup
7Plus currently hosts 62 channels, of which seven are digital retransmissions of the network’s linear broadcast channels. Of the 56 other FAST channels, 21 use Seven’s content, packaging certain well-known shows and series into single IP linear feeds. Channels centred around shows such as SAS Australia, Blue Heelers and Home & Away take up much of the platform’s EPG. As the FAST eco-system has evolved it has quickly become apparent that the clear and instantly recognisable proposition that Single IP channels offer are working well to encourage viewing.
The 7Plus platform also has a strong focus on sports, with 21 of the FAST channels dedicated to live feeds, replays, highlights and studio sports programming.
Most significantly for a broadcaster-based digital service, there is a significant offer of third party channels included in the service. 43% of all FAST channels are coming from third party providers, with channels from providers such as Bloomberg, Blue Ant Media and Lionsgate.
Wrap-up
7Plus is a significant player in the Australian market and the combination of BVOD and FAST is a hugely significant area to follow. Outside of the US, it is clear that the Free TV broadcasters are likely to have more of an influence on the development of FAST, with a stronger hold on rights, a more developed digital catch-up proposition to build off and arguably better leverage in the advertising market. It will be fascinating to watch as broadcasters move into FAST in other countries.
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