Dish’s Sling TV launched a new free ad-supported streaming television service (FAST) called Sling Freestream on Thursday.
It starts with more than 210 free channels and more than 41,000 on-demand titles, and also allows consumers to upgrade to premium pay TV with one click, with Dish announcing that it pioneered “unparalleled flexibility between paid and FAST TV”.
The company previously provided Sling Free, a free live TV streaming service with approximately 150 channels and selective VOD advertising offerings.
Unveiled on Sling’s eighth anniversary and “National Cut the Cord Day,” Freestream will be available through the Sling app on Roku devices and will also roll out on LG, Samsung, Vizio and other devices, “giving customers an unfettered point of access to high-quality programming without any payment or credit card required,” the company said.
“Sling Freestream is a great new service that helps meet the changing needs of consumers,” said Gary Schanman, group president of Sling TV. “We know that some people want free content, some want a paid year-round subscription, while others may want to subscribe to certain events or shows. We have paired world-class content with the ability to easily switch premium pay TV on and off, creating a unique entertainment experience.”
Genres offered on its channels and in its on-demand library include everything from news, sports, game shows and crime dramas to sitcoms, “animal antics”, nature, home improvement, cooking and more. “Popular channels and programs include ABC News Live; Architectural Summary: Opened door; Buzzer: Family Feud; CBS news; Cheddar News: Wake up with Cheddar; ESPN on demand; ESR; Electric now; Fail army; Movie Rise: The kitchen of hell, heartland, Forensic files; Maverick Black Cinema: Packed in, Dilemma, GoTraveller, Europe by Rick Steves, Anthony Bourdain A Chef’s Tour; The Pet Collective; The living Dead inverted and VH1 I like realityto name a few.”
Freestream also offers international programming in nine languages such as AajTak International, DesiPlay, Noticias Univision 24/7, ARY News, France24, beIN SPORTS XTRA, SonyKal, TVP World, Al Jazeera English and Al Arabiya.
“To complement the complete entertainment experience, Sling Freestream users have the option to effortlessly subscribe to over 50 standalone streaming services (AMC+, Discovery+, MGM+, Showtime, etc.) and/or a core Sling Orange or Sling Blue service add,” Dish highlighted.
“Sling Freestream will expand its free content catalog in the coming months and continue to improve the user experience.” Future features include universal search functionality, improved channel surfing, updated guide filters, and autoplay capabilities.
“In addition to popular content and a seamless user experience, Sling Freestream provides a premium ad experience that benefits both viewers and advertisers,” said Schanman. “Sling Freestream gives our advertisers greater reach to a wider range of streaming customers, enabling greater reach and engagement with their audiences.”
