By Stuart Thomson
Content distributor All3Media International is expanding distribution of its horticulture-themed FAST channel for the North American market: Gardening with Monty Don.
The distributor said it was working directly with Monty Don and producer Alexandra Henderson to create an original new FAST channel dedicated to content featuring the horticulturalist, writer and broadcaster, which includes the creation of exclusive new ‘compilation’ episodes of content hosted by Monty Don, created for the channel.
Following the channel’s North American debut on Roku in November, launching alongside other FAST channels focused on key talent, Gardening with Monty Don has extended distribution in the territory through Plex, Tubi and Xumo Play, with further platforms currently in discussion for launch in Q3.
New content is being filmed for the channel alongside All3Media International’s library content with the gardener including the long running Gardeners’ World as well as My Dream Farm and Big Dreams, Small Spaces.
All3Media International says it achieved significant growth in FAST activity during 2022 and across the start of 2023, including building the distribution footprint for So… Real, its channel dedicated to lifestyle and reality content, and the single-IP channel dedicated to Midsomer Murders. It has also launched single-IP channels for viewer favourites such as Homes Under the Hammer, Great British Menu and Fifth Gear.
EVP Strategic Development at All3Media International, Gary Woolf said, “We’re delighted to be working with Monty and Alexandra on this new channel dedicated to his gardening talent, and securing a growing footprint across North America, offering a fantastic opportunity to expand Monty’s US fan base even further. FAST channels hold great potential to maximise catalogue value for producers, and we have ambitious plans this year both for our existing channels and for a raft of new genre-dedicated and single-IP channels. What remains key to us is ensuring these channels deliver a really engaging viewing experience by working with our producers – particularly on single-IP channels – to dive deep into a brand and offer something that will appeal to newcomers, fans and superfans alike.”
