Versant Adds 4 New FAST Channels from CNBC, E!, Oxygen to Streaming Lineup

Versant, the media company known for cable channels like MSNBC, CNBC, and USA, is expanding its free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) offerings with four new channels drawn from popular programming on CNBC, Oxygen, and E!. The move underscores how traditional TV giants are leveraging their existing content libraries to capture audiences in the rapidly growing FAST market, which offers viewers free, ad-supported linear streaming without a subscription. The new channels will feature recognizable franchises, giving Versant a way to monetize its archive while reaching cord-cutters and younger viewers who prefer streaming over traditional cable. For advertisers, FAST channels provide targeted, measurable inventory in a brand-safe environment. Versant’s continued investment signals confidence in the FAST model as a complement to its core cable business, even as the broader industry grapples with cord-cutting and shifting viewer habits. The rollout is expected to further strengthen Versant’s position in the competitive streaming landscape, where media companies are racing to build scale and attract ad dollars. As the FAST space becomes more crowded, the success of these channels will depend on strong branding, smart scheduling, and effective promotion across Versant’s existing platforms.