LG Electronics’ ad-supported free streaming (FAST) service “LG Channels” recently launched in Poland, expanding its coverage to 37 countries worldwide and growing its channel lineup to more than 5,000. LG Electronics
LG Electronics (066570.KS) is expanding its push into the European market by launching its advertising-based free streaming service “LG Channels” in Poland. Including Poland, the company is increasing the number of countries where the service is available in Europe to 17, seeking to secure European viewers with locally tailored content.
On the 14th, LG Electronics said it had recently begun offering the LG Channels service in Poland. As a result, the number of countries where LG Channels operates has grown to 37 worldwide, and the number of global channels has surpassed 5,000.
Launched in 2015, LG Channels is a free ad-supported streaming (FAST) service provided based on LG Electronics’ smart TV platform webOS. Without a separate subscription or usage fee, users can watch live broadcasts, movies, sports, and entertainment content in exchange for viewing advertisements.
In Poland, LG Electronics offers global news, sports, movie, and entertainment channels. In partnership with FAST solutions company NewID, the company is also introducing K-content specialty channels such as “@K-MUSIC” and “NEW K FOOD.”
Going forward, the company plans to expand local channels tailored to Polish viewer demand and to strengthen multilingual support, including Polish. The plan is to use its entry into Poland as a bridgehead to widen LG Channels’ influence in the Central and Eastern European region.
LG Electronics is expanding content that reflects regional viewing preferences not only in Europe but also in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. In Brazil, where sports are highly popular, more than 10% of all channels are dedicated sports channels. Recently, the company added the popular local sports channel “Kaze TV.” In India, LG Electronics has strengthened local channels centered on Bollywood content, increasing the total number of channels to more than 150. In Taiwan, the company offers content including the popular drama “Sok Nyeo Yang Seong Gi” and digital content such as “Mok Yo 4 Cho Wan” and “Ha Ha Tae.”
Aided by such locally tailored strategies, LG Channels’ users and viewing time are also growing. Last year, the global monthly average number of viewers rose 30% from the previous year, and annual cumulative viewing time increased more than 45%.
WebOS-equipped TVs that can access LG Channels number 270 million worldwide. Beyond selling TVs, LG Electronics is nurturing a platform business that combines content and advertising as a new revenue source.
Cho Byoung-ha, Senior Vice President and head of LG Electronics’ webOS Platform Business Center, said, “We will continue to expand our content competitiveness and global ecosystem so that LG Channels can be enjoyed everywhere in the world, from North America and Europe to the Global South region.”