Virgin Media dishes out 14 free TV channels in fresh bid to rival Sky

Sky might be the go-to service for premium telly but Virgin Media is fighting back. The telecoms giant has just announced a major boost to its TV offerings which will now include an extra 14 so-called FAST channels and the best part is they are totally free to watch. That means no subscription fees or extra money being added to the monthly bills.

For those not aware, FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming and does exactly what it says on the tin with users getting access to content without paying a penny in return for watching adverts. The update, which is launching on most of Virgin’s TV platforms such as Stream and TV360 devices, comes courtesy of new partnerships with A+E Networks EMEA, All3Media International, Banijay Rights, Blue Ant Media, Extreme International, Fremantle, Little Dot Studios and Tastemade.

All of the dedicated channels will soon appear within Virgin Media’s Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) alongside its current linear channel line-up. However, Virgin says it will provide an alternative experience to traditional TV, with programme schedules based on a single show or theme.

Here’s what is included as part of the deal

• Inside Crime, A&E Networks

• Mystery TV, A&E Networks

• Homes Under the Hammer, All3Media International

• Great British Menu, All3Media International

• Deal or No Deal USA, Banijay Rights

• Fear Factor, Banijay Rights

• Wipeout Xtra, Banijay Rights

• HauntTV, Blue Ant Media

• NextUp Live Comedy, Extreme International

• Baywatch, Fremantle

• The Chat Show Channel, Little Dot Studios

• Real Wild, Little Dot Studios

• History Hit, Little Dot Studios

• Tastemade, Tastemade

Speaking about the update David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re enhancing our entertainment offering to give our customers the best of the latest TV innovation – streaming themed channels, otherwise known as FAST channels. Through this launch, we’re reimagining the traditional TV format, making our FAST channels visible in the TV guide alongside all our other pay and free channels.”