The transactional-VOD (TVOD) service will be co-branded and available to Pilot WP users in Poland.
Streaming platform PilotWP is owned by Audioteka, part of Polish media outfit Wirtualna Polska.
In a crowded streaming landscape, he breaks down the Japanese-owned streamers strategy in a sit-down with Deadline.
Rakuten TV & Pilot WP’s new online storeRakuten TV, Pilot WP
Having ad-supported, rental, buy-to-own and linear viewing options differentiates Rakuten TV he says.
We call it streaming freedom.
Thats the first premise of what we want to offer as a platform.
He adds: Thats one of our unique differentials, having all of these options.
Amazon was the closest because they had Freevee [which shuttered late last year].
But it was just in selected countries, whereas we are in all of Europe.
It involves using its streaming know-how, including ad sales, to launch streaming services for third parties.
It was like a gold rush, Milanez says.
Theres still a lot that needs to be improved in terms of discoverability.
The trend in FAST is also towards country-specific channels and content, the Rakuten TV content chief says.
The vast majority of our lineups, and also our competitors, are now localized channels.
I dont think it is at yet at the level of America, he says.
The advertising pie will grow even further on CTV across Europe.
