Fubo, the sports-centric live TV streaming service, has officially ventured into the realm of radio with the introduction of Fubo Radio. The announcement, made on Tuesday, revealed the inclusion of 10 artificial intelligence (AI)-powered streaming stations, a significant departure from Fubo's traditional sports programming.
Partnering with Super Hi-Fi, renowned for its AI-driven platform, Fubo aims to redefine the audio streaming landscape by providing a unique radio experience tailored explicitly for its Over-the-Top (OTT) internet TV service.
Unlike other internet radio services, Fubo Radio boasts a TV-based interface, a first in the industry. The collaboration with Super Hi-Fi, which has previously worked with brands like Sonos, iHeartRadio, and Peloton, emphasizes Fubo's commitment to delivering curated "radio experiences" to its audience.
The ten stations included in Fubo Radio, collectively referred to as "FAST channel radio stations" (FAST standing for free, ad-supported television), cover a diverse range of genres. Fubo Radio’s launch stations include the following: Hits Radio, Hip-Hop One, Top Country, Classic Rock, 90s Alternative, Éxitos Latinos, The Holidays, Coffee Time, The ’80s, and Dinner Party.
Fubo CEO David Gandler highlighted the company's dedication to providing a comprehensive content experience, stating:
“Fubo customers “Come for the Sports and Stay for the Entertainment,” which is why bolstering our sports-first content offering with entertainment is always a priority," Gandler said. "The addition of FAST channel radio stations, Fubo Radio, to our programming lineup diversifies our entertainment choices and redefines what it means to be a cable TV replacement for the entire family.”
The timing of Fubo's foray into music streaming aligns with evolving consumer behavior. Recent data from Hub Research indicates a notable increase in smart TV usage for activities beyond traditional content viewing. Among these activities, streaming music or audio services on smart TVs has seen a significant uptick, with 49% of respondents utilizing their smart TVs for this purpose.
Fubo Radio aims to capitalize on this trend by providing a music streaming service seamlessly integrated into its streaming platform. Super Hi-Fi, Fubo's partner in this venture, is leveraging its AI-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) platform to deliver a high-impact radio experience. Zack Zalon, CEO of Super Hi-Fi, expressed pride in supporting Fubo's groundbreaking service, saying:
"The soundbar is quickly becoming the new home stereo and now, with Fubo Radio, subscribers can enjoy the service in a fresh new way that brings great music into the home," said Zalon. "These high-impact radio stations will help bring meaningful value to Fubo subscribers. We are incredibly proud to support Fubo in bringing this first-of-its-kind service to the market."
Fubo Pro, the base channel plan, includes the new streaming audio FAST channels, emphasizing Fubo's effort to evolve beyond its sports-first identity into a full-fledged cable replacement TV service.
In a competitive landscape alongside platforms like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV, Fubo continues to gain momentum, adding approximately 310,000 subscribers in Q3 and reaching a total base of around 1.47 million.