STV Player adds Great! channels and on-demand content in first FAST partnership
June 24, 2026 10.42 Europe/London By Julian Clover


STV Player has struck a content distribution deal with Narrative Entertainment that will bring the Great! portfolio of FAST channels and on-demand programming to the Scottish broadcaster’s streaming platform.

The agreement marks the first time Narrative Entertainment has partnered with a public service media organisation and represents STV Player’s first move into the FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) market.

Under the deal, Great!’s FAST channels and video-on-demand catalogue will be integrated into STV Player, giving users access to a broad range of films, drama and entertainment programming. The FAST channels are available immediately, while the VOD content will launch in July.

The partnership reflects the growing importance of content aggregation strategies among broadcasters seeking to expand viewing time and compete more effectively with global streaming platforms.

Narrative Entertainment said the agreement builds on an already strong audience base in Scotland, where Great! reaches 14% of viewers each month. The broadcaster added that average viewing in Scotland has increased by 22% between 2025 and 2026.

STV Player recorded its highest-ever annual consumption in 2025, with total viewing reaching 75 million hours, an increase of 9% year-on-year.

“We’ve built a loyal and growing audience for the Great! channels in Scotland, and we’re delighted to be partnering with STV to bring our content to even more viewers,” said Fateha Begum, Commercial Director at Narrative Entertainment. “Audiences increasingly want to access their favourite shows on the platforms they use every day – our distribution strategy reflects that and is driving real growth for the brand.”

Richard Williams, Managing Director of Audience at STV, said: “STV Player is already home to the nation’s favourite shows, with much-loved soaps, conversation-starting dramas and fondly remembered classics all at viewers’ fingertips. As we continue to broaden the range of content available to our viewers, we’re delighted to welcome the Great! network, which is a strong addition to our line-up with a compelling mix of classic and contemporary programming.”

The deal gives STV viewers access to thousands of hours of additional free programming across genres including film, crime, mystery, romance and drama.

The agreement highlights the continuing expansion of FAST distribution in the UK market, with broadcasters and content owners increasingly using free streaming channels to extend audience reach beyond traditional linear television and subscription streaming services.