Samsung TV Plus is partnering with Spotify to launch it’s first-ever free ad-supported TV (FAST) channel, The Ringer from Spotify.
Founded by podcaster/sportswriter Bill Simmons in 2016 and purchased by the streaming giant in 2020, The Ringer is a media organization with a website, podcast network, and video production house centring on sports and culture, with podcasts such as The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, and The Rewatchables.
According to the press release, Spotify and Samsung TV joined forces in order to bring more of the streaming service’s video podcasts to Samsung’s extended reach within TVs. Through Samsung TV Plus, the press release notes that advertisers can exclusively access podcast audiences within FAST.
Samsung isn’t the only company to be investing in the increasingly popular FAST channels, as CBC launched a FAST channel dedicated to the hit Canadian show Schitt’s Creek, which marks the sixth channel that CBC has launched.
This new channel will offer a collection of podcasts from The Ringer, which include:
- The Rewatchables: Hosted by Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessy, and others, this show breaks down classic movies, including Back To The Future and Alien.
- Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay: This podcast primarily focuses on politics, news, and culture, offering, according to the press release, “Sharp insights and lively debates.”
- Speidi’s 16th Minute: Hosted by former reality TV stars Heidi and Spencer Pratt, the two hosts discuss pop culture, social media trends and the latest celebrity drama in short-form episodes.
- Book of Basketball 2.0: Based on Simmons’ 2009 best-selling book, the podcaster breaks down iconic games, players, and teams alongside interviewers with players and top media players discussing how far the NBA has come and where it is headed.
- The Big Picture: Another movie (and award show) review podcast, this time being hosted by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins.
- The Ringer-Verse: Described as “the ultimate hub for nerd culture”, this podcast on pop culture includes deep analysis of the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.
- The Dave Chang Show: Hosted by the founder of the Momofuku restaurant group and the host of Netflix’s Dinner Time Live, Chang focuses on a variety of different topics with a rotating list of guests.
- The Recipe Club: Also hosted by David Chang alongside Chris Ying and guests, this show focuses on exploring different recipes and cooking methods each episode.
- House of R: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson explore topics like Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Marvel, etc.
The Ringer channel will be available on Samsung TV Plus, which is available not only on Samsung TVs, but also on Samsung Galaxy, Smart Monitor, and Family Home devices.
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