WildBrain has struck an agreement with The Pokémon Company International to become the only distributor of the single-IP Pokémon FAST (free ad-supported television) channel, starting in the United States, followed by Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
“We always strive to deliver the joy of Pokémon to more fans around the world, and WildBrain is the perfect partner to help us introduce a new generation of Trainers to the beloved Pokémon animation,” said Melissa Pearce, Senior Director of Media Licensing at The Pokémon Company International. “FAST provides an ideal platform for the Pokémon brand to connect with wider audiences, offering accessible and curated content in a family-friendly environment.”
The partnership will see WildBrain secure and launch new single-IP FAST channels with leading platforms across these regions for 22 seasons of the original animated Pokémon series, featuring Ash Ketchum and his partner Pokémon, Pikachu. Fans will be able to follow the duo’s adventures as they aim to achieve Ash’s goal of becoming the world’s top Pokémon Trainer across multiple story arcs, including The Beginning (112 x 22’), Gold and Silver (157 x 22’), Ruby and Sapphire (191 x 22’), Diamond and Pearl (189 x 22’), Black and White (142 x 22’), XY (141 x 22’) and Sun and Moon (145 x 22’).
WildBrain will also be selling select direct advertising inventory for the Pokémon channels through its Media Solutions team.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Pokémon to FAST audiences as a single-IP channel for the first time ever,” said Lara Ilie, VP AVOD & FAST at WildBrain. “FAST is an important component of an omni-channel strategy to grow brands and reach fans everywhere they’re watching. As a leader in audience engagement for kids and families, we’re looking forward to leveraging our FAST expertise to reach the ever-growing Pokémon community.”
WildBrain has launched more than 100 FAST channels for multiple brands across major platforms worldwide. Since launching its FAST strategy, WildBrain has driven growth on its channels to 7.5 billion minutes watched in 2023, up from 502 million in 2019. Through direct partnerships with all major platforms, including Samsung, LG, Roku, Tubi and Pluto and using the three biggest integrators, Wurl, Xumo and Amagi, WildBrain operates FAST channels for more than 20 brands, including Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Inspector Gadget, Degrassi, Slugterra, Sonic, Super Mario and more.
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