Redbox has signed a distribution agreement with LG Electronics to include its branded Free Ad Supported Television (FAST) channels as part of LG Channels.
LG’s free streaming service, which is available on 2016-2021 LG smart TVs in 14 countries, will now include Redbox Free Movies, Redbox War and Westerns, Redbox Holiday, Redbox Rewind and Redbox Romance. Those channels are offered both in the Redbox streaming app and to other syndication partners including the Roku Channel and Vizio, both of which carry Redbox Free Movies.
“Redbox is known for being a destination for movies, and these FAST channels will bring a wide range of great movies and TV for viewers via LG Channels,” said Chris Yates, general manager of Redbox on Demand, in a statement. “From westerns to holiday favorites to nostalgia, LG’s customers will soon have even more ways to interact with the Redbox brand alongside our streaming app.”
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Throughout 2021, Redbox has been focused on expanding its digital business, which includes VOD titles for purchase or rental, an AVOD/FAST service and, beginning next year, a subscription channels platform.
Last month, the company added new content agreements with WarnerMedia and Sony Pictures Television for its AVOD service. In October, the company signed a similar agreement with Lionsgate and added some live local news channels through a deal with Cox Media Group.
Redbox has also been setting new deals with technology partners including Comcast FreeWheel and Wurl while adding distribution promotions with companies including Roku and Walmart.
CEO Galen Smith recently spoke with FierceVideo and said his company is primarily focused on building out its app experience and less concerned with launching its own streaming platform or device.
“We see ourselves as an independent player—a Switzerland, for lack of a better word—in the streaming space. So, we want to be a good partner to everyone. That’s really our focus and our goal. So, we think there’s an opportunity for us to help bring our customer base to these devices like we’re doing with Roku, and that’s probably a better use of our resources than doing our own device,” he said.