Versant’s Free TV Networks joins Philo FAST lineup

Versant’s Free TV Networks division and vMVPD Philo have signed a free ad-supported streaming television distribution deal that will bring a handful of new channels to its users.

The agreement means that Free TV Networks offerings 365BLK, Outlaw and Pam Grier’s Soul Flix will join the Philo lineup.

“FAST extends reach and frequency, while OTA remains a foundational part of our distribution model, together ensuring consistent access to our brands across how audiences watch today,” said Joe Cantrell, chief distribution and development officer of Free TV Networks, in a statement. 

This marks Free TV Networks’ fourth major distribution deal of 2026. Earlier in the year, the company announced agreements with CBS-owned stations, Sling Freestream and Prime Video.

365BLK is aimed at black audiences and offers movies and TV series. Outlaw shows westerns and the Soul Flix offering is focused on showcasing Black cinema.

FAST continues to be a spot of growth within the media industry, allowing content distributors and producers to capitalize on streaming video’s broad offerings without taking on expenses that require subscription price hikes. The services make most of their revenue from advertising inserted into both linear feeds and on-demand programming. 

Many advertisers are also exploring FAST as a way to reach engaged audiences outside of legacy media, as well as take advantage of targeting technology. Many of the services also offer shorter breaks, interactive features and at least some non-skippable inventory. 

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