Samsung Electronics yesterday held “FAST Forward: How New Streaming Models Are Shaping the Next Generation of TV” as a part of its Tech Forum panel collection at CES 2026. Taking place at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada, the panel introduced collectively leaders from leisure and media to discover the evolution of streaming and the fast rise of free-ad-supported tv (FAST).
The session highlighted the interconnected relationship between at present’s quickly evolving client behaviors and preferences, the transformation of content material by know-how and monetization fashions, the increasing position of creators as studios and the methods wherein interactive and dwell experiences are catalyzing a shift from passive viewing into lively engagement.
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.
FAST Gains Momentum as Audiences Recalibrate Value
As audiences grapple with subscription fatigue and a fragmented streaming panorama, the panel targeted on how FAST is restoring simplicity and worth to tv. Samsung TV Plus anchored the dialog as a platform designed to scale back friction, providing lots of of dwell and on-demand channels in a single free, simply accessible expertise throughout Samsung TVs and gadgets worldwide.
“The TV experience today can often feel like too much work for the viewer,” stated SVP Brodsky. “Our goal with Samsung TV Plus is to simplify television again and combine the power of linear discovery with a modern, connected experience that feels effortless, curated and truly valuable.”
The panelists emphasised that FAST has advanced right into a core a part of the streaming ecosystem, complementing subscription and conventional fashions whereas delivering premium, confirmed programming at scale. For Samsung TV Plus, that evolution is rooted in shared experiences that elevate viewing and meet customers not simply the place they already are, however the place they need to be.
Hybrid Models Redefine the Streaming Ecosystem
Panelists emphasised that the evolution of streaming is much less about changing conventional fashions and extra about increasing how audiences have interaction with content material. FAST, subscription and linear distribution fashions are more and more working in tandem, permitting studios to increase the lifetime of confirmed franchises, attain new viewers and unlock extra worth with out sacrificing efficiency elsewhere. By leveraging knowledge, viewers conduct and many years of content material perception, media firms are deploying FAST to enhance current channels and create a extra resilient and diversified ecosystem.
EVP Bruce Casino highlighted how this method has enabled NBCUniversal to deliver each basic and up to date content material to FAST audiences whereas persevering with to see sturdy efficiency throughout platforms. “FAST doesn’t replace traditional distribution, it extends it,” stated Casino. “What we’re seeing is that when great content shows up in multiple places, it creates incremental value rather than cannibalization — allowing franchises to thrive across FAST, streaming and linear channels.”
Creators Emerge because the New Studios
The panel additionally examined how the altering nature of client habits and tv platforms means content material creators should not have to work completely with legacy studios to succeed in a broad viewers. As this medium expands from social platforms to the lounge, FAST helps bridge digital tradition and conventional TV, whereas additionally serving to raise its manufacturing high quality.
Samsung TV Plus was highlighted as a platform that helps creators evolve from digital-first manufacturers into full-fledged tv studios, serving to broaden attain, unlock new monetization alternatives and introduce content material to broader, world audiences.
One of the clearest examples of a model that has taken the step from…
