AI drives growth in FAST channels, but human intervention is essential

By Marcos Sosa Vivanco

OTT Product and Video Strategy Director

DIGO

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Connect

FAST (free, ad-supported streaming television) channels are, without a doubt, the next big wave in streaming. And, AI is at the heart of what's driving their rapid growth.

We're witnessing a seismic shift in how people consume media, and it's exhilarating to think about how AI will reshape not just entertainment, but news properties as well. However, while the tech promises endless possibilities, we need to be thoughtful about how we apply it.

FAST channels are available 24/7, offering viewers personalised content based on algorithms.

Hyper-personalised FAST channels

Let's talk about personalisation for a second.

FAST channels are exploding because they offer that effortless, lean-back TV experience, but they're ripe for a revolution in how content is curated. Right now, viewers scroll through endless channels and shows. However, AI has the potential to build truly personalised news or entertainment streams in real time.

Imagine a news property like NBC launching a FAST channel that literally morphs around your preferences. The AI knows you're into tech, so it pulls in tech news first thing in the morning. Someone else might get sports highlights or political analysis as their top story.

That kind of hyper-personalised programming will not only change how we consume news, but how we feel about it - we'll feel more connected and engaged.

The downside?

There's a danger in feeding people only what they want to hear. AI could easily reinforce echo chambers, which is already a problem in today's news ecosystem. Personalisation is great, but news properties need to use it responsibly or we'll risk even greater division in how people see the world.

AI-powered content production for news properties

Now, this is where things get interesting for media companies.

With the pace of the 24-hour news cycle, it's nearly impossible for human teams to keep up without cutting corners.

Enter AI.

I've seen firsthand how AI can transform content production. Tasks that used to take hours - editing, segmenting, repackaging - AI can do in minutes. Imagine news organisations automatically generating video highlights for their FAST channels in real time.

AI pulls the most impactful moments from a live broadcast, whether it's a political debate or a breaking story, and pushes it to the channel immediately. Suddenly, you've got a news outlet that's nimbler and more responsive than ever.

But here's where I get a little cautious. While AI can handle the grunt work, the nuance and context that comes from human judgment shouldn't be overlooked. Sure, AI can splice a great highlight reel, but will it understand the broader context? Will it appreciate the cultural or political weight behind a story?

These are the things that still require human oversight, especially in the news business, where accuracy and integrity matter more than speed.

AI-driven interactive news experiences

AI could also make news viewing a lot more interactive - and that's exciting.

Picture this: You're watching a news story about climate change on your favourite FAST channel, and instead of passively watching, you get to dig deeper. The AI lets you choose more details about specific aspects, like how rising temperatures are affecting certain regions, and the content shifts dynamically based on what you want to explore.

It's like creating your own documentary on the fly.

But this raises another question: How far do we go with this?

News, at its best, is a guide, not a buffet. While I love the idea of giving viewers more control, we have to make sure we're not overwhelming them with choices or losing the critical context in pursuit of novelty. Not every story needs to be turned into a choose-your-own-adventure. Some stories need to be told in a way that guides the viewer, and that's where human editorial insight remains invaluable.

How news properties can jump into the FAST trend

There's no question that news properties need to jump on the FAST trend - and quickly. If they don't, they risk becoming irrelevant as more viewers flock to free, ad-supported platforms.

I'd say the smartest way to do this is to use AI but to use it thoughtfully. Launching FAST channels isn't just about tossing your existing content onto a new platform. It's about rethinking how you present that content. AI can help tailor streams and automate production, but the key will be maintaining human oversight in content curation and storytelling.

FAST channels are going to be huge, and AI is going to supercharge them. But as someone who's been in the media and tech world long enough, I see the opportunity and the pitfalls. AI can make things faster, smarter, and more personalised - but it can also make things shallow and fragmented if we're not careful.

The future will be about balance: using AI to enhance the viewer experience while keeping the human touch alive in the content itself.

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About Marcos Sosa Vivanco

Marcos Sosa Vivanco is OTT product and video strategy director at DIGO in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Marcos can be reached at [email protected].

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