The Roku Channel is serving up 10 new free streaming live linear channels, including partnering with the NHL for dedicated content, marking a first for the professional hockey league.
The newly added NHL channel on Roku’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, the league’s first-ever linear channel, will feature NHL game highlights, classic condensed games, NHL All-Star games, as well as NHL Original Productions programming like “Welcome to the NHL” and “NHL Bound.”
Also joining The Roku Channel lineup are four Christmas music-focused iHeartRadio channels: iHeart Christmas Classics, Christmas Jazz, North Pole Radio and iHeartChristmas – as well as a holiday channel from Vevo.
Rounding out the new additions are FUSE Media's Latino Vibes, celebrating Latino culture; WildEarth, featuring live expert-hosted wild animal experiences (and Roku said viewers can interact in real-time with expert guides); and the Women’s Sports Network featuring leagues and athletes.
The Roku Channel FAST platform now boasts more than 350 free linear channels, with the company licensing and distributing content from more than 250 partners.
It’s the latest content to join the platform, which in early November teed up 11 FAST channels created and programmed by AMC, including AMC Showcase – a channel exclusive to Roku showing hit dramas like “Mad Men.”
Roku has seen traction with its FAST platform, which in Q3 was again a top 5 channel on the platform in the U.S. based on active account reach and engaged streaming hours. Streaming hours on The Roku Channel grew more than 90% year over year in Q3. According to a TiVo survey The Roku Channel ranked as the most popular ad-supported streaming service, ahead of Fox’s Tubi, NBCUniversal’s Peacock and Paramount’s Pluto TV.
In a recent column for Fierce Video, Parks Associates president and CMO Elizabeth Parks said that platform integration and alignment of user bases influence service usage and subscription for streaming devices and smart TVs. She noted Roku users lean towards free services, for example, while those using Apple and Chromecast are more likely to rent or purchase content.
“Those using the Roku platform are more likely to access ad-supported services, aligning with the budget-based orientation of Roku's products and partners,” wrote Parks.
That said, Roku has been feeling the impact of advertiser pullback in the face of challenging economic conditions. It warned of a tough fourth quarter in part due to a weaker ad market, and in November disclosed plans to cut around 200 U.S.-based employees as it looks to curb rising operating expenses.