Sony Brings 100+ Free Live TV Channels to PlayStation 5 in the US
Synopsis
Sony is expanding the PlayStation 5 beyond gaming with more than 100 free, ad-supported live TV channels, giving US users access to sports, news, movies, anime and creator programming.
Sony is turning the PlayStation 5 into more than a gaming machine.
The company has launched a free, ad-supported live television service for PS5 users in the United States, bringing more than 100 channels covering news, sports, movies, television, anime and creator-led programming directly to the console.
The FAST, or free ad-supported television, offering brings together content from major names including Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX, NBCUniversal, the NFL Channel and UFC.
Sony says the service is available at no additional cost, with advertising supporting the programming.
From Gaming Console to Entertainment Hub
The initial lineup spans a wide range of viewing options. TV channels include Community, The Shield, Hell’s Kitchen, The Walking Dead and Forensic Files while movie offerings include channels from Lionsgate, FilmRise and Sony.
Anime fans can access programming featuring Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter and Death Note, alongside Crunchyroll channels. Sports coverage includes FOX Sports, NASCAR, NBC Sports Now and UFC, with programming across football, golf, hockey, motorsports, boxing and soccer.
News options include NBC News Now, FOX Weather and LiveNOW from FOX. Creator-focused programming rounds out the service with gaming, esports, comedy, podcasts and shows such as Hot Ones.
Sony Takes Aim at the FAST Market
The move gives Sony another way to monetise its enormous PlayStation audience. Because the channels are advertising-supported, the company can potentially generate revenue from ad inventory while keeping viewers inside the PlayStation ecosystem.
It also puts Sony closer to competitors such as Samsung, Amazon's Fire TV, Roku and Google TV, which have increasingly built free streaming channels into their television and connected-device platforms.
The launch is initially limited to the US but Sony says it plans to bring similar offerings to Canada and eventually other markets.
The expansion could become significant as FAST services continue competing for viewers who want television without another paid streaming subscription. For Sony, the strategy is straightforward: keep PS5 owners on the platform even when they are not playing games.
Source: Forbes
Vishal is an experienced Editor at Inspirepreneur Magazine with key interests in artificial intelligence, eCommerce, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and startup sector. Prior to joining Inspirepreneur, he was a Content Writer cum Correspondent at Siliconindia Magazine, where he worked on Company Profiles, Cover Stories, Executive Profiles, Feature Articles and Thought Leadership content.
