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Roku sets May 20 as date for launch of Originals

Roku’s operating system on a smart TV. (Graphic by The Desk)

Streaming hardware maker Roku will launch its slate of acquired Quibi shows and other original programs on May 20, the company announced in an email to customers on Tuesday.

In January, Roku agreed to acquire Quibi’s short form content for less than $100 million after the streamer folded last year. The hardware maker later confirmed the programs would be distributed to customers for free under the “Roku Originals” brand as the company continues to build out its blossoming streaming advertisement business.

Roku offers its free streaming platform Roku Channel on its own line of Roku hardware as well as on competing hardware platform Amazon Fire TV. Programs are also available to stream through the Roku app for Apple and Android smartphones, and a dedicated Android app is expected soon.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally recognized, award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on the business of media, broadcast television, streaming video platforms and emerging technology. He is the founder, publisher, and editor of TheDesk.net, a trusted source for in-depth news and analysis on the evolving media landscape.

Matthew’s reporting has appeared in major industry outlets, including StreamTV Insider, Digital Content Next and KnowTechie, where he covers topics at the intersection of journalism, streaming services, and digital media innovation. Throughout his career, he has held editorial roles at respected organizations such as Thomson Reuters, Tribune Media, the Disney-ABC Television Group and McNaughton Newspapers.

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