THE ROK CHANNEL LAUNCHES ON FREEVIEW

FREEVIEW VIEWERS NOW HAVE ACCESS TO PREMIUM NOLLYWOOD CONTENT

London, 30th of November 2022 – ROK launch on UK Freeview.

THEMA, a Canal+ Group company, in partnership with Global Distribution Services and Synapse TV, has launched the ROK channel on Freeview Connect (Channel 280).

THEMA is a distributor of pay-tv and FAST channels to cable, IPTV, DTH and OTT operators.  Global Distribution Services is a leading content aggregator and the largest provider of Freeview content in the UK. Synapse is its technology partner and pioneer of a unique FAST server-side ad insertion system that has been designed to target CTV and mobile platforms.   

ROK delivers world class Nollywood with stories from the heart of Africa and is the first FAST channel from the THEMA/CANAL+ Group to launch on Freeview in the UK.  The ROK Freeview service is monetised via linear dynamic ad insertion performed via Synapse’s custom FAST SSAI system, which is compatible with modern HbbTV based TVs and older Freeview devices, enabling a 50% increase in reach compared to HbbTV-only solutions. Advertising is marketed by Axiom Media Connect.

“We are thrilled about the partnership with THEMA.  The FAST revolution is changing the broadcast industry and we are excited to be leading this trend and delivering fantastic free-to-view content to the UK Freeview audience”, said Tanya Kronfli, managing director of Global Distribution Services.

“Thank you to THEMA for selecting Synapse/GDS as partners on this exciting project.  It is fantastic to see ROK being made available via FAST to the entire connected Freeview audience, not just to viewers with the latest TV tech but with any Freeview TV bought in the last decade.  This approach to content delivery adds value and consistency to the Freeview offering whilst benefiting the content-owner via hugely extended reach.”, said Chris Wass, director of Synapse TV Ltd.

“ROK on Freeview will provide additional exposure for our brilliant Nollywood content.  THEMA is constantly looking for new ways to distribute its channels. We therefore did not hesitate to seize the opportunity to offer a FAST version of ROK in the UK market. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank Global Distribution Services and Synapse for their effective contribution to this project." said Fabrice Faux, CEO of THEMA.