Rick Bergan, our Head of Content Distribution, wasa panelist at TVOT NYC 2024, an event focused on the evolving landscape of television.

This panel was covering the significant growth of ad-supported streaming, as highlighted by recent Kantar research, which shows a notable increase in consumer acceptance of AVOD and FAST services.

The session explored the current state of the ad-supported streaming economy and discuss its future trajectory. Key topics include emerging partnerships, popular content trends, and new monetization opportunities. The panel will also tackle challenges such as improving ad relevance and measuring success without uniform standards.

 

Joining industry leaders like Brandon Pankey of APEX and James Brown of Revolt, Rick will shared insights on how Stingray is navigating these changes and contributing to the evolution of ad-supported streaming.

The discussion centered on Stingray’s transition from cable to streaming, focusing on the differences in monetization strategies. Historically, Stingray’s linear content lacked a strong advertising strategy. In the streaming world, they primarily relied on a revenue-sharing model with partners and platforms instead of direct sales. An example discussed was the Zen Life channel, a relaxation-focused channel that performed well during nighttime due to its sleep-related content, highlighting the need for innovative monetization strategies beyond traditional ads. The team emphasized experimenting with different ad formats, such as sponsorships, overlays, and lower-thirds, rather than sticking to traditional advertising methods. They explored non-traditional advertising that aligned with the content, like ASMR or relaxing ads during sleep times, to enhance viewer experience and engagement.