Sports broadcaster Jim Rome is bringing his daily radio show to free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms.
This week, Rome announced a partnership with A+E Networks that will see “The Jim Rome Show” distributed across numerous FAST services, including Freevee (Amazon), Pluto Sling Freestream (Dish), Samsung TV Plus, Plex, LG Channels and Vizio WatchFree Plus. The channel is also available on DirecTV Stream and should be offered through MyFree DirecTV when that platform launches next month.
“FAST platforms give us an incredible opportunity to reach fans on their terms – whenever and wherever they want to tune in,” Rome said in a statement. “I’ve always believed that staying relevant in this industry means evolving with your audience, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with this move to FAST. The exclusive fourth hour and weekend content will bring even more real-time sports coverage and sharp commentary to the table.”
Rome will continue to offer his eponymous sports program through terrestrial and satellite radio. The show will also continue to stream on X (Twitter) and other social media platforms.
“A+E Networks’ partnership with Jim Rome and Range Media Partners adds another powerful, relevant genre to our robust channel offerings,” Deborah K. Bradley, the Executive Vice President of Global Content Sales at A+E Networks, said this week. “Jim Rome’s move to FAST is a testament to his foresight in recognizing the importance of evolving with the media landscape and reaching a broader, younger audience. The Jim Rome Show FAST Channel provides our valued FAST partners live, excellent content with a prolific and incredibly popular sports host. Launching during this incredibly active time of year for sports, including, of course, football season and baseball playoffs, is optimal for both the platforms and their viewers.”
In addition to Rome’s show, the Jim Rome FAST Channel will also include weekly episodes of “The Jim Rome Podcast” and “The Reinvention Project.” More shows are in development through Range Digital Ventures and will be announced later, a spokesperson said. The channel will also offer an expanded hour of Rome’s radio show, currently called “The After Hour,” which will see Rome commentate on various issues involving sports culture.
“Partnering with A+E Networks to bring The Jim Rome Show to FAST is an exciting step forward for us at Range,” Adam Soldinger, the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Range Digital Ventures, said in a statement. “We’re focused on innovative ways to connect with today’s tech-savvy viewers, offering premium content through free, ad-supported platforms. This partnership with A+E Networks and Jim Rome allows us to deliver that flexibility and reach an untapped sports audience at an optimal moment.”
The FAST channel adds to a growing library of free linear content streams launched by A+E Networks over the past few years. Other channels include History Vault, Crime 360 and Lifetime Movie Club, which are available on leading FAST platforms.
A+E Networks is a joint venture between the Walt Disney Company and Hearst Television.
