Roku is launching 40 free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels in the UK this October, its most substantial content push in the region in over a decade. The 24/7 streams will be available at no cost on all new and existing Roku devices, a move that significantly expands the company's content library.
What's on: The lineup will span genres like entertainment, true crime, classic TV, and documentaries. Announced channels include PGA TOUR for golf, This Old House for home improvement, and Unsolved Mysteries for crime fans, all accessible via The Roku Channel and a new Live TV Zone.
The company's pitch: "With the launch of our first FAST channels in the UK this October, we’re giving viewers more choice than ever before – from iconic series and films to new favourites and niche genres – all for free,” said Richard Halton, Roku's UK Country Manager.
The reality check: The new "Live TV Zone" hub puts Roku in direct competition with similar offerings on Amazon's Fire TV. But here's the catch: the UK's FAST channel libraries are often a graveyard for older, more obscure content thanks to a tangled web of regional licensing deals.
While Roku is adding volume, its success will depend on whether the content quality can rival established players and entice viewers away from the competition. Beyond the new free channels, Roku has also been updating its hardware, having recently launched two new streaming players. The expansion also presents a fresh opportunity for advertisers to reach UK viewers with personalized ads on the platform.
