NEW YORK—ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corp.) Commercial has selected Amagi for the launch of a suite of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels.

ABC Commercial will leverage its content catalog to reach international audiences in new and dynamic ways with the launch, Amagi said.

The channel suite’s rollout is expected to lead with North America, including the United States, where FAST channel household penetration is higher than 40%. Plans call for expansion into English-speaking territories, Europe and Asia.

“This partnership with Amagi represents a significant milestone for ABC Commercial as we expand into the global FAST market, opening new doors for Australian content to thrive on international FAST platforms,” ABC Commercial Digital Sales Manager Brian Lee said. “Our channels will allow audiences to access Australia’s most-loved and unique stories in innovative ways, whether they’re seeking family-friendly content, compelling dramas or captivating documentaries.”

ABC Commercial has a catalog of more than 4,000 hours of premium content across a wide range of genres, including scripted, factual entertainment, lifestyle and children’s. Among its popular programs are “Aftertaste,” multiple seasons of “Restoration Australia,” “Wild Australians” and “Reef School.”

“We know how much international audiences have opened up to Australian content over the last decade, and we are confident that platforms will embrace our new channels with enthusiasm, allowing them to provide audiences with the opportunity to enjoy the best Australia has to offer,” Lee said. “We look forward to announcing further details on our new channel launches in early 2025.”

Calling the broadcaster’s entry into FAST distribution “an exciting step forward,” Srinivasan KA, Amagi co-founder and chief revenue officer, said his company is “enabling ABC to expand its reach, engaging audiences worldwide with high-quality content while creating new revenue opportunities through precise, targeted advertising.”

Amagi provides a complete suite of channel creation, distribution and monetization solutions.

More information is available on the company’s website.

MONTREAL—Grass Valley and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have continued what GV says is a 20 year relationship with the broadcaster installing GV switchers as part of range of studio upgrades. ABC updated 13 studios across eight cities, all of which received GV’s K-Frame based switchers with a mixture of Karrera and Korona switcher panels.

The new K-Frame units are replacing ABC’s older Kayak switchers from GV. With the Karrera and Korona K-Frame switchers, ABC is able to have 1080p and 4K UHD support in either 3 M/Es or 2 M/Es, in a 6RU video frame.

ABC’s new switchers will join the broadcasters existing fleet of GV Kayenne K-Frames.

MONTREAL—Grass Valley has signed a contract to provide the Australian Broadcasting Corporation with a multi-year system technology upgrade for studios across all Australian states.

The GV Stratus video production and content management system technologies will serve as a key part of these upgrades. This will include the Edius non-linear editing software and K2 Summit 3G media servers.

The project is being done in partnership with Netia and the Associated Press. Netia will contribute with its Netia Radio-Assist 8, while the Associated Press will provide its AP ENPS 7 scripting system; both will be integrated into the GV Stratus system.

The upgrade will be implemented over two and a half years and will be added to each of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s major news and current affairs facilities. Grass Valley will handle all facets of design, planning, implementation, commissioning, training and support. The rollout will begin in August.