ABC takes Aussie TV global with four new FAST channels

ABC Commercial has launched four free ad-supported streaming television channels on LG Smart TVs in markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

ABC Entertains, ABC Everyday, ABC Factual and ABC Kids will offer curated Australian programs through the LG Channels app. Viewers will not need a subscription or login.

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Where the ABC FAST channels are available

The channels available differ by market:

• United States: ABC Entertains and ABC Kids
• Canada: ABC Entertains, ABC Factual and ABC Kids
• United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Singapore: All four channels

The agreement forms part of ABC Commercial’s international expansion in the FAST market. The four channels are available on compatible LG Smart TVs through the company’s free LG Channels service.

Brian Lee, Sales Manager – Digital at ABC Commercial, said: “We’re proud to introduce international viewers to ABC’s world-class programming through our new FAST channels.

“From bold dramas and compelling documentaries to lifestyle inspiration and fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — completely free.”

Sabina McNally, Content Acquisitions Senior Manager, LGEEH Europe WebOS Content & Services, said: “We're delighted to welcome ABC to LG Channels and provide their standout Australian entertainment, lifestyle, factual and kids' programming to LG TV owners.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing effort to offer high-quality, free entertainment on LG Channels across the world.”

What each ABC channel will show

ABC Entertains will focus on Australian drama and comedy. Its launch programs include Aftertaste and Upper Middle Bogan.

ABC Everyday will feature lifestyle, travel, cooking, gardening and renovation content. Its initial line-up includes Restoration Australia, Back Roads, Gardening Australia and Cheese Slices.

ABC Factual will carry Australian documentaries, including New Leash on Life and AI vs Human: The Creativity Experiment.

ABC Kids will offer children’s entertainment led by preschool series Reef School and craft program Create.

ABC adopts hybrid streaming strategy

The FAST offering will combine scheduled channel streams with curated on-demand libraries. Lee said the approach would give audiences more control over how they watch ABC programs.

“FAST is a significant and growing area of business for ABC Commercial,” he said.

“This launch on LG Channels encompasses a hybrid strategy that combines the best of linear FAST streams with curated on-demand libraries, giving viewers flexibility and choice in how they engage with ABC’s content.”

Tom Parsons, Senior Director, Business Development APAC at Amagi, said the partnership demonstrated how broadcasters could distribute their content to new international audiences.

“Partnering with ABC Commercial is really exciting for Amagi. Being able to bring the ABC's iconic, world-class Australian content to international audiences via leading platforms like LG Channels reflects a meaningful new shift in how premium content is distributed and discovered.

“As FAST continues to reshape TV, partnerships like this demonstrate how broadcasters can unlock reach and connect with Audiences in a way that feels both modern and transformative."

LG Channels is available on webOS smart TVs released from 2016 onwards. It carries live and on-demand programming supported by advertising.