Lächelnde Frau mit Kopfhörern und Tablet symbolisiert Programmplanung

Program planning

Tailored Programs, Perfectly Aligned

Good content alone is not enough – it’s the right program planning that makes it successful. Today’s viewers expect a coherent and diverse program that matches their viewing habits. A strong program is no accident – it is the result of a defined strategy. Content must be carefully curated, scheduled, and optimized to achieve its full potential.

Proper program planning ensures that your content is not only visible but also performs sustainably.

But how can we create a program that meets both the expectations of viewers and the requirements of FAST platforms? That’s where our solution comes in. We develop data-driven strategies for program planning that position content in the best spot and ensure your offering achieves maximum reach.

With FUNKE Channels, you benefit from a tailored program strategy that showcases your content where it attracts viewers. This way, you maximize reach, view time, and, consequently, your revenue.

Our Program Planning Services

Every piece of content needs a clear strategy to succeed with audiences. Our comprehensive program planning covers all relevant areas – from analysis and optimization to distribution.

Content Management – Efficient Planning for Maximum Performance

The foundation of successful program planning? Systematic content management. We take care of all the relevant steps to ensure your content is optimally structured and purposefully utilized.

Content Ingest Centralized integration of your content into our system for efficient management and processing.

Content Performance Analysis Identification of success factors and optimization potential.

Content Optimization Strategic adjustments for better reach and engagement.

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Strategic Consulting & Partner Management

The right mix of strategy and flexibility determines the success of your content.

Individual Content and Program Strategy: We develop a tailored plan for your content.

Performance Reporting We continually analyse performance to optimize your channel’s schedule.

Partnerships & Collaborations We have a strong networking with platforms and content providers to stay up-to-date on upcoming developments.

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Distribution – Delivering Your Content at the Right Time, to the Right Place

The best content is of little use if it isn’t scheduled to reach it’s audience. We ensure that your content appears exactly where it will be seen.

Data-Driven Program Planning We optimize your content based on audience behavior and trends.

Cross-Platform Distribution We deliver your content to various FAST platforms for maximum reach.

Content Promotion & Cross-Promotion We make use of targeted placements and highlight your content to boost visibility.

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Content Management – Efficient Planning for Maximum Performance

The foundation of successful program planning? Systematic content management. We take care of all the relevant steps to ensure your content is optimally structured and purposefully utilized.

Content Ingest Centralized integration of your content into our system for efficient management and processing.

Content Performance Analysis Identification of success factors and optimization potential.

Content Optimization Strategic adjustments for better reach and engagement.

Strategic Consulting & Partner Management

The right mix of strategy and flexibility determines the success of your content.

Individual Content and Program Strategy: We develop a tailored plan for your content.

Performance Reporting We continually analyse performance to optimize your channel’s schedule.

Partnerships & Collaborations We have a strong networking with platforms and content providers to stay up-to-date on upcoming developments.

Distribution – Delivering Your Content at the Right Time, to the Right Place

The best content is of little use if it isn’t scheduled to reach it’s audience. We ensure that your content appears exactly where it will be seen.

Data-Driven Program Planning We optimize your content based on audience behavior and trends.

Cross-Platform Distribution We deliver your content to various FAST platforms for maximum reach.

Content Promotion & Cross-Promotion We make use of targeted placements and highlight your content to boost visibility.

Program Planning for FAST Channels – What does it mean?

FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) Channels demand a completely different approach to programming than traditional TV channels. Pre-determined broadcasting slots, universal prime times, static ad breaks – none of this applies to all viewers. Instead, the schedule is dynamically adjusted to individual user behavior.

A FAST Channel operates 24/7 and therefore requires a seamless programming schedule that remains flexible and adaptable. The challenge lies in crafting the ideal program flow to ensure viewers stay longer and return regularly. Strategic program placement is key here: At what times is certain content in high demand? Which assets yield longer viewing durations? How can we maximize viewer retention?

Unlike traditional TV, prime time is not a one-size-fits-all. FAST sees a multitude of prime times that vary depending on the channel and target audience. For example, one channel might see peak viewership in the evening, while another might perform best in the morning. Scheduling for FAST Channels is therefore based on detailed user data and individualized optimization strategies for each channel.

Successful FAST Channel programming involves:

A continuous 24/7 program

Individualized prime times for each channel, based on user behavior

Real-time flexible program adjustments

Intelligent content placement to maximize viewing time

Benefits of Effective Program Planning

Structured and data-driven program planning is key to long-term success. With a well-thought-out strategy, you achieve: 

Optimal Broadcasting Times – Prime time is customized for each channel to maximize performance.

Better Performance Analyses – Data-driven optimizations allow for consistent program improvements.

Increased Advertising Revenue – Strategic content placement enhances appeal for advertisers.

Wand mit verschiedenen Bildschirmen symbolisiert die Vorteile von guter Programmplanung

Best Practices in Program Planning

Successful program planning is strategic, data-driven, and flexible. It adapts not only to the market but also to current viewer needs. Here are some proven methods we use in program design:

Considering Viewer Trends

Audiences change, and so do their preferences. Those who recognize market trends early and integrate them into programming can benefit from increasing viewer numbers in the long term. Example: The growing interest in nostalgic content led to the successful launch of a channel featuring classic series and movies.

Älteres Paar mit Popcorn auf der Couch beim Fernsehen symbolisiert Zuschauertrends bei Programmplanung

Developing Individualized Genre Strategies

Each channel targets a different audience, and programming must be tailored accordingly. While an entertainment channel thrives on high-quality series, a sports channel works best with live events or highlight shows. 

Freunde, die Fußball im Fernsehen schauen, symbolisieren

Regular Content Testing

Which content works best? To find out, we regularly test various programming structures and analyze which shows achieve the highest viewing times. This allows for continuous program optimization.

FUNKE Channels Team im Content Testing Programmplanung

Data-Driven Program Design

Detailed user data helps identify the best broadcasting times for specific content, ensuring the program can be flexibly adjusted and optimally aligned with viewer behavior.

Fernbedienung vor Smart TV symbolisiert datengetriebene Programmgestaltung

Our Comprehensive Service for you

As you can see, successful program planning is not an isolated process – it is the result of perfect coordination between content, strategy, technology, and monetization. At FUNKE Channels, we’ve developed a holistic workflow to ensure your program is well-structured and financially successful.


From the initial idea and content integration to monetization, we cover every step – efficiently, data-driven, and with a clear focus on performance. Our expert teams in content, technology, product development, and AdTech work hand-in-hand to ensure seamless execution.

And that’s how your content becomes a perfectly planned, successfully monetized program:

Content Screening & Rights Verification

Our content unit checks whether the content is suitable for use on FAST channels. To do this, we analyze:

Is the content optimized for streaming platforms in terms of quality and technology?

Does it have the necessary FAST/AVOD rights for ad-supported playback?

Does the content fit the planned channel concept and target audience?

Conclusion of Contract

Once all content has been reviewed and approved, the contract can be concluded. Among other things, this regulates:

License terms and conditions and rights of use for FAST/streaming platforms

Duration and terms of the partnership

Monetization models and revenue sharing

Content Delivery

Now it's your turn! The next step is to deliver the agreed content to our system. We currently support the following transfer methods:

MRSS feed

FTP upload

Content Screening & Rights Verification

Our content unit checks whether the content is suitable for use on FAST channels. To do this, we analyze:

Is the content optimized for streaming platforms in terms of quality and technology?

Does it have the necessary FAST/AVOD rights for ad-supported playback?

Does the content fit the planned channel concept and target audience?

Only content that meets all requirements moves on to the next phase of integration.

Conclusion of Contract

Once all content has been reviewed and approved, the contract can be concluded. Among other things, this regulates:

License terms and conditions and rights of use for FAST/streaming platforms

Duration and terms of the partnership

Monetization models and revenue sharing

Content Delivery

Now it's your turn! The next step is to deliver the agreed content to our system. We currently support the following transfer methods:

MRSS feed

FTP upload

In order to create a stable and varied broadcast schedule, we require a minimum of 200 hours of content per channel.

FUNKE as Partner

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ for Program Planning

We support MP4 files in Full HD (1920×1080). Uploads are done via MRSS feed or FTP.

At least 200 hours of high-quality video content are required to launch a successful channel.

We currently deliver content to platforms such as Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Rakuten TV, Xiaomi Mi+, Whale TV+, Titan OS, O2TV, wedotv. Further platforms will follow.

Your content can be played on FAST channels in German, English, Italian, Spanish, Norwegian, and French—in several international markets. Other languages available on request.

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