Streaming platform Rakuten TV has entered the TV series landscape by launching a reality/factual entertainment channel in the UK and Crime series channels in DACH, France, Italy and Spain.
Real Series and Crime made their debuts in the UK and Italy respectively on April 12. All channels will be available not only on the Rakuten TV platform and also on Samsung’s TV Plus service and More FAST platforms to follow.
Commenting on the development, Rakuten TV’s CEO Cedric Dufour took the opportunity to emphasise during MIP’s FAST Summit how free with ads content have become vital to the company: “FAST & AVOD currently represent a significant portion of our business, with healthy double digit YoY growth. This is a result of both our CTV Ad Sales expertise through our sister-company Rakuten Advertising, but also due to a locally relevant and top-notch quality content being offered for free to millions of our users”.
He added: “aside from our FAST channels line-up and the Rakuten TV Originals being offered to all 43 countries in Europe, we will also continue to invest in original productions, due to their exclusive appeal and strong engagement with new users”.
