Observed Signal · Jul 13, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Meedia · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
CTV Market: Rakuten TV launches 20 new FAST channels
Rakuten TV has agreed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to roll out 20 new FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels across Europe. The channels include genre-based series channels and single‑IP channels and will run in multiple markets including Germany, Austria, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. In Germany three channels—Comedy TV, Thriller TV and Faves—will feature series such as Seinfeld, Die Nanny, Breaking Bad and The Good Doctor. Rakuten TV says its FAST catalogue now complements an existing offering of roughly 500 channels, available in 43 European countries with reach above 150 million households. Channels are localized per market except in the Nordic countries where they are available in English only.
Expands CTV/FAST inventory and localized ad inventory across multiple European markets, increasing reach for advertisers; useful market development but not a major platform policy or industry-shifting event.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Rakuten TV signed an agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment to launch 20 new FAST channels in Europe.
- The new channels will run in Germany, Austria, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
- Three channels launching in Germany are 'Comedy TV', 'Thriller TV' and 'Faves', featuring series such as Seinfeld, Die Nanny, Breaking Bad and The Good Doctor.
- Rakuten TV says its FAST offering now complements about 500 channels, available in 43 European countries with a reach of more than 150 million households.
- Channels are localized for their respective markets, except in the Nordic countries where they are available only in English.
Connected Companies & Entities
7 Entities mappedMeta
Consumer internet platforms monetised through advertising, apps, subscriptions and VR.
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Film and television studio with global production and distribution.
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MEEDIA
Marketplace for licensing creator-owned images and video content.
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Medienfachverlag Oberauer
DACH trade publisher for media, PR and printing professionals.
Cloudflare
Cloud platform for security, performance, and edge application delivery.
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Search, video, adtech and cloud giant within Alphabet.
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