Music streaming company ROXi has partnered with Pearl TV, a collective of US broadcasting companies, to launch interactive TV channels nationwide. This collaboration aims to leverage ROXi’s new FastStream technology for the free over-the-air service NextGen TV.
Now, through a collaboration with Pearl TV, Roxi is expanding its reach to encompass the group’s eight members, who represent some of the largest U.S. broadcasters. The collaboration includes prominent media companies such as Cox Media, Graham Media, Hearst Television, The E.W. Scripps Company, Gray Television, Nexstar Media Group, and Tegna.
ROXi CEO Rob Lewis said, “These new Interactive TV Channels are exactly what the younger consumers want from their media experiences. They’ve grown up with YouTube or Tik Tok in their pocket and expect to be able to start a programme at any time, and skip any segment they’re not interested in, even on broadcast TV at home.”
ROXi’s new FastStream-powered Interactive TV Channels have several distinctive features to revolutionize the traditional broadcast TV experience. Unlike traditional channels, when viewers tune in or switch to the channel, these Interactive TV Channels will automatically start at the beginning of a program. Viewers will have the flexibility to pause, fast forward, and rewind content as they wish. Additionally, using their remote control they can instantly jump to a specific program segment. Importantly, viewers need not download an app.
Pearl TV is partnering with ROXi to accelerate the nationwide rollout of select channels. The initial focus of this collaboration will be broadcasting ROXi’s Interactive Music Channels. These channels will allow viewers to select their preferred genre or decade and skip through music videos they’re not interested in, thereby transforming the music delivery experience.
ROXi and broadcasters are also expanding their collaboration to develop interactive channels across various genres, including Entertainment, News, and Sports. Further announcements regarding these channels are to be made soon.
Anne Schelle, Managing Director of broadcaster group Pearl TV, said: “These new channels on NEXTGEN TV deliver a revolutionary viewing experience to consumers, one which can drive demand for NEXTGEN TVs while allowing ATSC 3.0 broadcasters to expand their market share of the growing connected TV ad market”.