OKAST and SECOM have enabled Le Figaro to become the first French media to adopt the FAST format with this deployment on connected TV, smartphones and tablets
PARIS, France, August 25, 2022 – Building on their collaboration on thematic channels, OKAST and SECOM announced last May the creation of a European consortium, FAST4EU, to accelerate the development of FAST channels in Europe and internationally.
OKAST and SECOM have convinced Le Figaro of the opportunity represented by the FAST TV format (free advertised video streaming distribution) and of the relevance of a technological and content approach adapted to the European market.
Already present on Le Figaro’s website, on its YouTube channel, and on Facebook, Twitch, and Molotov, Figaro Live, Le Figaro’s video offer, has a catalog and a know-how in the video sector. OKAST and its modular cloud-based playout, transcoding, and ad insertion solution appeared to be the ideal solution for a renowned media player like Le Figaro.
OKAST Channels was designed to adapt and complement any existing broadcast or OTT deployment, offering a complete suite of tools and an optimized ad monetization brick with inventory sharing.
OKAST Channels allowed Figaro and SECOM to easily create, launch, distribute and monetize this FAST channel, in a few weeks.
The 5 hours of live broadcasting per day and the more than 30 daily VODs produced by Figaro Live will thus be able to reach new audiences.
This partnership of the FAST4EU consortium with Le Figaro is a first step in the ambitious development strategy of the European FAST market.
OKAST will strengthen its portfolio of channels to offer local audiences in each market content that resonates with their values and culture, thus highlighting the wide range of European programs available.
Bertrand GIÉ, Director of the Figaro News Division:
Le Figaro was already a pioneer in video news on the Web, a format that also allows it to showcase the journalistic excellence of its editorial staff. By becoming the first French news site to offer FAST TV, it confirms that innovation is more than ever at the heart of its strategy to offer the widest possible audience for all its content.
Bruno Lecluse, President of SECOM Group:
With the launch of new audiovisual offers in FAST, SECOM continues its development in channel publishing and in the production of thematic content. The strategic partnership between OKAST, SECOM, and the FIGARO Group has allowed us to develop innovative technical and editorial solutions to facilitate the launch and deployment of the Le Figaro Live channel in FAST on key market platforms, thus providing viewers with a new offer of quality news content.
Cédric Monnier, CEO of OKAST:
We are very honored by Ascot Elite’s trust in OKAST to execute their OTT strategy. Ascot Elite is a major player in Switzerland and we’re happy to help them in their commitment to Swiss films. This new platform is another important milestone in the international growth of our company in Europe.
About M.E.I Group (OKAST)
Founded in 2013 by industry veterans (formerly Canal +, France Télévision, NewsCorp, Ubisoft, Irdeto, Viaccess), M.E.I. Group builds the cloud-based solution OKAST for key industry players (TV channel, producer, web pure player).
A turnkey solution, OKAST.tv allows to easily deploy streaming and live audio/video platforms, FAST channels, and monetize libraries. It provides everything from the streaming architecture, platform, and design to TV and mobile applications, as well as the complete management of payment systems, advertisement and management software including content management, user CRM, and analysis.
OKAST publishes, through its clients, more than 350 platforms worldwide. Among its clients are the SECOM group, Qwest TV, MCS Extremes, MCS Basket, Kinostar, Au Nom De la Terre tv Allindi, Idance Music, MAIF, Accenture, D-Edge, KFTV, Yema, Secrets d’histoire, etc
The company was incubated at TF1 and Audiens, is accelerated with EuraTechnologies, and already counts among its clients American, European, and Chinese major media, corporate companies, agencies, brands, and producers of TV, web, cinema, and advertising content.
About SECOM SA
Founded by Bruno Lecluse in 2001, Secom operates five television channels with nine versions distributed in 98 countries, including Museum TV, Museum 4K, MyZen TV, MyZen 4K, MyZen nature, Melody, Melody d’Afrique, as well as the DAB radio stations Mélody in France and MyZen radio, M Paris in the Ile de France region.
