Another Free Streaming Service Hits the US

Another free streaming option is coming to American viewers. Rakuten TV, a major European free ad-supported streaming service, is expanding into the United States as families look for ways to watch entertainment without stacking up another monthly bill. Rakuten TV announced the move at MIPCOM in Cannes. The company will bring its FAST, or free ad-supported streaming television, business to the United States, the Middle East, and Japan. It marks the first time the Barcelona-based service has operated outside Europe. In the United States, Rakuten TV will start with several owned-and-operated FAST channels, including Rakuten TV Comedy and Rakuten TV Action. The company says the channels will mix Hollywood productions with European films and are designed to avoid overlap with channels already available in the crowded American market. The channels are already available through the TCLtv+ app. Rakuten TV says more U.S. platform launches will follow, though it has not given a complete rollout schedule or named every future partner. Rakuten TV CEO and President Cédric Dufour called the expansion a major step for the company. “Expanding Rakuten TV into the US, Middle East and Japan through ...