Vizio launches 30 new free streaming channels
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Editor
| 07 April 2020

Amid a nationwide surge in TV usage, leading American-based TV and sound bar brand Vizio has announced the launch of thirty new free 24-hour linear TV channels on its SmartCast Home screen.

The launch comes as Vizio’s SmartCast platform recorded 57% growth in viewing sessions over the last three weeks of March. Free ad-supported apps and streaming TV services saw a 59% increase over the same period. The new TV channels are designed to bring more news, entertainment, lifestyle, DIY, sports, comedy and music to millions of viewers across America.

Effective immediately, Vizio SmartCast users can find news and lifestyle content from USA Today and CBC News. Sports information and action is available from USA Today Sportswire and the fubo Sports Network, while you can keep up with celebrities and entertainment on TMZ and Hollywire. There is also cooking inspiration from chef’s creations on Hungry and Food52 or learn from top artists on The Design Network. There is also Sci-Fi content on Dust, documentaries on Magellan TVNow and Docurama and cult classics on CONtv.

The new linear channels can be found under a Free Channels row on the SmartCast Home screen and will complement Vizio’s WatchFree service, powered by Pluto, which features over 150 free streaming TV channels of news, movies, sports and more. In addition to free content, Vizio SmartCast also provides access to on-screen apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video and YouTubeTV. It also has support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in.

“More people are discovering our free content offerings, and more people are making it part of their daily routines right now,” commented Mike O’Donnell, Senior Vice President, Platform Business. “We recognise the important role that TV plays in the home, especially when families are being asked to stay inside. It’s important for us to keep innovating and we are committed to providing additional premium and free content options to our customers.”