{"id":83164,"date":"2026-01-06T15:21:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T20:21:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=83164"},"modified":"2026-01-06T15:21:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T20:21:15","slug":"samsung-outlines-the-impact-fast-creators-and-live-experiences-are-having-on-the-future-of-television-at-ces-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/samsung-outlines-the-impact-fast-creators-and-live-experiences-are-having-on-the-future-of-television-at-ces-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Samsung Outlines the Impact FAST, Creators and Live Experiences Are Having on the Future of Television at CES 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Samsung<\/a> Electronics Co., Ltd. held \u201cFAST Forward: How New Streaming Models Are Shaping the Next Generation of TV\u201d as part of its Tech Forum panel series at CES 2026<\/a>. Taking place at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada, the panel brought together leaders from entertainment and media to explore the evolution of streaming and the rapid rise of free-ad-supported television (FAST).<\/p>\n

The session highlighted the interconnected relationship between today\u2019s rapidly evolving consumer behaviors and preferences, the transformation of content by technology and monetization models, the expanding role of creators as studios and the ways in which interactive and live experiences are catalyzing a shift from passive viewing into active engagement.<\/p>\n

Moderated by Natalie Jarvey of The Ankler, the panel featured Salek Brodsky, SVP and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus; Alessandra Catanese, CEO of Smosh and Bruce Casino, EVP, Sales & Distribution, U.S., NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.<\/p>\n

FAST Gains Momentum as Audiences Recalibrate Value<\/strong><\/h5>\n

As audiences grapple with subscription fatigue and a fragmented streaming landscape, the panel focused on how FAST is restoring simplicity and value to television. Samsung TV Plus<\/a> anchored the conversation as a platform designed to reduce friction, offering hundreds of live and on-demand channels in one free, easily accessible experience across Samsung TVs<\/a> and devices worldwide.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe TV experience today can often feel like too much work for the viewer,\u201d said SVP Brodsky. \u201cOur goal with Samsung TV Plus<\/a> is to simplify television again and combine the power of linear discovery with a modern, connected experience that feels effortless, curated and truly valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The panelists emphasized that FAST has evolved into a core part of the streaming ecosystem, complementing subscription and traditional models while delivering premium, proven programming at scale. For Samsung TV Plus<\/a>, that evolution is rooted in shared experiences that elevate viewing and meet users not just where they already are, but where they want to be.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\n\t\t\"Samsung\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n
Hybrid Models Redefine the Streaming Ecosystem<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Panelists emphasized that the evolution of streaming is less about replacing traditional models and more about expanding how audiences engage with content. FAST, subscription and linear distribution models are increasingly working in tandem, allowing studios to extend the life of proven franchises, reach new viewers and unlock additional value without sacrificing performance elsewhere. By leveraging data, audience behavior and decades of content insight, media companies are deploying FAST to complement existing channels and create a more resilient and diversified ecosystem.<\/p>\n

EVP Bruce Casino highlighted how this approach has enabled NBCUniversal to bring both classic and contemporary content to FAST audiences while continuing to see strong performance across platforms. \u201cFAST doesn\u2019t replace traditional distribution, it extends it,\u201d said Casino. \u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing is that when great content shows up in multiple places, it creates incremental value rather than cannibalization \u2014 allowing franchises to thrive across FAST, streaming and linear channels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Creators Emerge as the New Studios <\/strong><\/h5>\n

The panel also examined how the changing nature of consumer habits and television platforms means content creators do not have to work exclusively with legacy studios to reach a broad audience. As this medium expands from social platforms to the living room, FAST is helping bridge digital culture and traditional TV, while also serving to elevate its production quality.<\/p>\n

Samsung TV Plus<\/a> was highlighted as a platform that helps creators evolve from digital-first brands into full-fledged television studios, helping expand reach, unlock new monetization opportunities and introduce content to broader, global audiences.<\/p>\n

One of the clearest examples of a brand that has taken the step from digital-first brand to legitimate TV studio is sketch comedy-improv collective Smosh. By launching a FAST channel with Samsung TV Plus<\/a>, Smosh has been able to strengthen its connection with its already-dedicated fans while gaining access to a much larger viewer base. Due to this evolution, Smosh has enhanced long-term growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cPartnering with Samsung TV Plus allowed us to elevate our production quality and invest in the future of the Smosh brand,\u201d said CEO Alessandra Catanese. \u201cIt was the right platform to help us reach a broader audience while positioning our content in a premium environment that supports where we\u2019re headed as a company.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Recommended News<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"See\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Samsung Presents \u2018Your Companion to AI Living\u2019 at The First Look During CES 2026<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

See the News<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n
Live and Interactive Experiences Drive Engagement<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Looking beyond on-demand viewing, panelists discussed how live programming like concerts and interactivity are reshaping the television experience by creating shared moments that audiences actively participate in.<\/p>\n

With features such as synchronized premieres and real-time participation, technology is transforming television from a passive activity into an interactive experience \u2014 fostering connection, excitement and a sense of belonging that brings viewers together organically.Together, the panelists agreed that the future of television will be defined by flexibility, cultural connection and experiences that invite participation, not just consumption.<\/p>\n

\u201cAuthentic content that creates cultural connection and brings people together is what matters most,\u201d said SVP Brodsky. \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re investing in live events, creator programming and interactive formats that remind people why TV has always been the center of the home.\u201d<\/p>\n

As streaming continues to evolve, Samsung is focused on helping shape a TV ecosystem<\/a> that delivers value for viewers, opportunity for creators and scale for advertisers, \u2014 redefining what television can be in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Samsung Tech Forum series continues at CES 2026 with industry leaders convening to explore the evolution of streaming <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":83165,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29719,29727],"tags":[30519,22167],"blue-badge":[],"class_list":["post-83164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporate","category-product-home-entertainment","tag-ces-2026","tag-samsung-tv-plus"],"acf":{"turn_off_retargeting":false},"fimg_mobile_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/06150809\/VD-Tech-Forum-200x200.jpg","fimg_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/06150809\/VD-Tech-Forum-424x283.jpg","primary_category":{"term_id":29719,"name":"Corporate","slug":"corporate","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":29719,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":1026,"filter":"raw","term_link":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/category\/corporate\/","term_path":"corporate"},"badge":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83164"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83164\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83176,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83164\/revisions\/83176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83164"},{"taxonomy":"blue-badge","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blue-badge?post=83164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}