FAST and AVOD are accelerating as major drivers of the streaming economy, reshaping how content is programmed, monetized, and discovered. This panel brings together industry leaders to break down the strategies, challenges, and opportunities defining the next chapter of free streaming.
This panel brings together executives from today’s most influential platforms, content providers, and innovative enablers for a dynamic discussion on the evolving FAST and AVOD landscape. Explore the strategies driving audience growth, content monetization, and distribution success in a competitive streaming ecosystem. Hear firsthand how leading players are shaping the future of free streaming and navigating new opportunities across platforms.
● Moderator: Colin Dixon, Founder & Chief Analyst, nScreenMedia
● Scott Alexander, General Manager, ViewNexa
● Cameron Douglas, Senior Vice President, OTT/Streaming, Fandango
● Jiro Egawa, Senior VP, Platform Growth & Monetization, Xumo
● Kyle Espinosa, Vice President, Global Programming & Analytics, Fremantle
● Paige Sherman, Director, FAST Distribution, Radial Entertainment
Summary
FAST and AVOD have rapidly evolved into core pillars of the global streaming economy. As consumers increasingly gravitate toward free, ad-supported viewing—and advertisers seek scale, measurability, and brand-safe environments—FAST and AVOD are driving some of the most meaningful growth and innovation across the industry.
But with opportunity comes complexity. The ecosystem is now flooded with platforms, distribution endpoints, content pipelines, and shifting business models. At the same time, data transparency, monetization pressure, and content discovery challenges are forcing companies to rethink how they program channels, optimize revenue, and differentiate their brands.
During the 2025 OTT.X Summit, senior leaders from across platforms, content providers, and technology enablers came together to unpack how FAST and AVOD are evolving, what’s working, and where the next wave of innovation is headed—offering a candid, grounded look at the realities of free streaming today.
Main Takeaways
- Distribution is Becoming More Strategic—Not Just Expansive
The early “be everywhere” mindset is giving way to thoughtful evaluation of where performance, monetization, and operational costs truly make sense. - Data Transparency is the Biggest Industry Pain Point
Many platforms still limit access to program-level insights, forcing companies to rely on proxies or AI-driven models. Clearer data enables better programming decisions and stronger ad performance across the board. - Monetization Remains Challenged, Even as Viewership Grows
Ad compression is real, but FAST engagement continues to rise. Distinctive channel identities and recognizable IP are key to building recurring viewing habits and advertiser value. - Hybrid Monetization is the New Normal
The most resilient businesses blend FAST, AVOD, TVOD, and subscription tiers rather than relying on a single revenue stream. - AI is Already Powering Real Workflows
From metadata automation and catalog organization to adload optimization and workflow efficiency, AI is becoming essential to scale. - Discovery and the EPG are Entering their Next Evolution
The traditional grid can’t keep up with today’s volume of content. Expect a shift toward content-first home screens, personalization, and AI-driven navigation. - Live and Interactive Programming will Differentiate Winners
Eventized streams, special marathons, and talent-led activations boost engagement, retention, and advertiser interest.
Click here to watch more: OTTX.com/Summit25-Fast
