By Andy Fry

AVOD/FAST platform Samsung TV Plus is continuing to expand its offering into key territories, with the launch of four new FAST channels on its three year-old Italian service. Starting December 14, Samsung users in the country will be able to access Rakuten Romance, Italian laughter (both film channels), Ticker News (English-language news channel) and TeenVee – dedicated to GenZ audiences.

All told, Samsung TV Plus has added 12 channels in Italy during Q4 2022 – a sure sign that it sees that country as one of the next FAST markets to pop. Italy country manager Cristina Sala said: “2022 was an important year for Samsung TV Plus. Entertainment, information, leisure and entertainment are at the heart of our strategy in order to satisfy even the most demanding viewers. Thanks also to this year’s rebranding activity, which has strengthened our recognition, we are ready to welcome increasingly important partners at a local and international level.”

At last count, Samsung TV Plus was in 24 markets, of which 16 are in Europe. Outside the US which is the world’s biggest FAST market, the company has identified the UK, Germany, France and Italy as top priorities. Other channels to have been launched in Italy include classical music channel Vivaldi TV, culture channel HD Channel Explorer, seasonal music channel Vevo Christmas and DIY channel 5-Minute Crafts. The latter channel, as well as TeenVee, belong to TheSoul Publishing, a company that has already established a huge network of audiences across social media platforms.