Amazon is following the lead of Roku, Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Google TV by building a suite of free channels into the Fire TV experience. Appropriately called Fire TV Channels, the content is available on the “Free” tab from the Fire TV menu bar.

YouTube, Vizio, Amazon and a range of minority-owned media companies pitched their content, audience reach and ad offerings, with a focus on their ability to engage specific audiences

Yet again the NBA dominates Inscape's ranking of most-watched programming on TV, capturing 4.50% viewership share from April 24-30 — a slight decline from the previous week's 5.53%. Meanwhile, the NFL draft accounted for 2.71% of minutes watched, putting it in second place.

The biggest difference between Freevee and Fire TV Channels is that the latter service will only be available to Fire TV device users. That brings Amazon in line with companies like VIZIO and Samsung, who manufacture their own devices and use them as a platform for a free streaming service exclusive to that brand with VIZIO WatchFree+ and Samsung TV Plus, respectively.

Vizio has launched a branded content studio. The content slate includes “3 Pointers,” featuring sports-themed hacks; organizing show “Clean Break”; food and travel focused “Island Eats”; travel show “City Limits”; and “From the Ground Up,” showcasing industry experts and entrepreneurs.

Amazon and Vizio also held NewFronts presentations this week. Vizio is upgrading its home screen to boost brand awareness, while Amazon is launching audience-based creatives for NFL Thursday Night Football and introducing Fire TV Channels.

Vizio is the latest company to launch a branded content studio. The TV maker will use its viewership data to help generate a slate of branded programming, Ad Age’s Parker Herren writes.

Branded content is one avenue for Vizio to generate marketing dollars while also serving up targeted content. Vizio’s Platform Plus and free ad-supported streaming TV service WatchFree+ have been helping to boost the company’s business as advertisers look to new formats to reach viewers.

Vizio said it launched a branded content studio, a new unit that will work with markets to create programming using data to determine what viewers want.

Despite connected TV companies being in the NewFronts for only a few years, brands like Vizio have become a dominant part of the annual conversations.

VIZIO announced the addition of new partners, features, and analytics to its Household Connect cross-device advertising solution, helping marketers extend TV-first campaigns to additional devices within the VIZIO household.

Vizio May 1 announced the launch of the branded content studio (VBCS), a new business unit created to bring original content to its connected TV owners. The new division will be responsible for developing a slate of data-informed programming across a variety of formats.

“VBCS is the natural evolution for our team to offer advertisers an opportunity to authentically communicate the voice and value of their brand, into stories that resonate with VIZIO viewers,”

At its NewFronts presentation, Vizio offered a glimpse of a redesigned interface that will be rolled out to consumers over the next few months. The updated UI not only aims to streamline the user experience but also allows brands to create more immersive ads on Vizio.

While many diverse-owned media partners are returning, this year’s NewFronts seems to be joining industry efforts to boost equitable investment by offering a greater spotlight.

CTV and streaming’s presence in the NewFronts continues to hold strong. Major presentations from Samsung, Roku, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, Vevo and Vizio will once again populate the week, with smaller showcases from BBC, Fubo and Crackle among the mainstage presenters.

What's happening: The week, hosted by trade association Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), begins with YouTube (a presenter at NewFronts and Upfronts) and then Vizio and Amazon.

It’s been a quarter of expansion for Frndly TV. Last week, the service became available on VIZIO SmartCast TVs for the first time, expanding its reach to millions more homes across the United States.

As of Fall 2022, a report from TVREV showed the proliferation of FAST channels over the past five years includes the 60 million viewers using offerings built into TV operating systems (e.g., Samsung TV), 50 million using device-based offerings like the Roku Channel, and the 30 million-and-quickly-growing using apps like Paramount’s Pluto and Amazon’s Freevee.

Finalists for the awards include executives, managers and products at Allen Media Group, Blue Ant Media, Fox Corporation’s Tubi, Revry, Roku, Paramount Global, Samsung, Warner Bros Discovery and Vizio.