What We Learned Building a FAST Channel Service for Golf

The rise of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels is reshaping how content is distributed and consumed. Unlike traditional sports channels that rely heavily on live tournaments, we developed our own FAST channel service for golf is built around evergreen content—travel shows, exclusive interviews, golf lifestyle programming, instructional series, and contests. As we developed our FAST channel service, we uncovered crucial insights into why this type of content thrives in the FAST ecosystem and of course, had to add our own little bit of ParOne spice.  Read on to learn more.



The Market Use Case for Evergreen Golf FAST Channels

ParOne has a unique vantage point in video distribution, powering over 1M video views daily and analyzing viewer behavior across different formats and regions. This deep insight has shown us why evergreen golf content is an ideal fit for FAST channels.

Things we learned about content

Golf Travel is a Huge Draw

  • ParOne's analytics show that golf travel content consistently ranks among the most-watched content topics across multiple platforms.
  • Data trends indicate that audiences engage more with destination-focused golf experiences, particularly those featuring top courses, unique golf resorts, and behind-the-scenes travel guides.       

Instructional Content Stays Relevant

  • Viewer data reveals that golf instruction content has a long shelf life, with tutorials on specific shot types and common mistakes remaining popular year-round.       

Interviews and Golf Culture Drive Engagement

  • Our analytics highlight strong interest in behind-the-scenes conversations with golf influencers, legends, and industry professionals.

Golf Contests and Challenges Make Great Programming

  • Engagement metrics indicate that user-driven contests and challenge-based content generate higher viewer interaction rates than traditional programming         



Scheduling content was hard.  So we built our own AI-Driven Scheduler and it's a Game Changer

One of the biggest challenges with FAST channels is creating a programming schedule that maximizes engagement. Traditional TV relies on human schedulers, but we found that AI-powered scheduling outperforms manual programming in nearly every way.  Suggesting content appear at top of the hour or :30 minute blocks is a legacy idea.  Users actually stayed on longer when this wasn't done.  

What we learned:

AI Optimizes Viewer Retention

  • ParOne’s AI scheduling system analyzes viewer patterns and dynamically adjusts programming to increase session lengths and reduce channel drop-off.
  • Our data shows a 20% improvement in average watch time when AI schedules content versus manual scheduling.
  • AI dynamically schedules lessons based on viewer preferences, seasonality, and engagement patterns, ensuring the right instructional content reaches the right audience at the optimal time.
  • By analyzing interaction trends, ParOne’s AI also helps surface the most effective and engaging coaching content, keeping viewers coming back for more.
  • By analyzing watch time and audience drop-off rates, we can determine which interview formats and topics perform best, allowing content providers to refine their approach.         

AI Handled Content Placement

  • AI prioritizes high-retention content (e.g., travel features or golf tips) before ad breaks to maximize engagement.
  • We use machine learning models to analyze past performance and adjust scheduling daily.
  • This eliminates the need for human intervention while ensuring fresh content rotations.         

AI Increased Ad Revenue

  • FAST channels are ad-supported, but interruptions can ruin the experience if not handled correctly. We found that:
  • AI-Optimized Ad Breaks Improve Revenue
  • Our AI dynamically places ads based on viewer engagement trends, reducing mid-content drop-offs.
  • This will lead to higher CPMs and lower ad fatigue.         



Distribution strategy is critical, so we built something to address that

    • We recognized a gap in golf content availability on existing platforms.
    • Golf Central TV, powered by ParOne, provides a CTV-first experience, giving brands complete control over content and monetization.  Stay tuned for updates regarding this.



    Summary

    • Expand Brand Reach and Control Distribution - Launching your own FAST channel empowers golf media brands to directly engage with their audience on a different platform. No longer at the mercy of third-party streaming platforms, brands can curate their content lineup and maximize audience retention by focusing on what resonates most with their viewers.... or just let our AI decide what's best.  

    •  Monetize Evergreen Content - Golf media brands can turn timeless content—like instructional videos, interviews, and golf travel shows—into a steady revenue stream. FAST channels offer a monetization model that's scalable, where ads support the content without subscription barriers, allowing brands to earn revenue year-round.  

    •  Leverage AI for Smarter Programming - With AI-driven content scheduling, golf media brands can ensure that the right content reaches viewers at the perfect moment, maximizing engagement and watch time. Automated, dynamic content scheduling helps reduce drop-offs and keep viewers tuned in longer, increasing the potential for monetization.  

    •  Capitalize on the Growing FAST Ecosystem - As more viewers shift away from traditional cable and toward free streaming options, FAST channels represent a unique opportunity for golf media brands to tap into this growing trend. By launching a channel, golf brands can access an entirely new audience without relying on a subscription model.  

    •  Increase Revenue - Fast-paced ad breaks can be disruptive. But with AI-optimized scheduling, golf media brands can seamlessly integrate advertising into their FAST channel programming, ensuring higher engagement, reduced viewer fatigue, and increased ad revenue—all while keeping the viewer experience intact.  

    •  Create a Direct-to-Consumer Experience - A dedicated FAST channel gives golf media brands direct access to their viewers without intermediaries. This direct connection ensures that content can be delivered on-demand and monetized efficiently, while also allowing brands to shape their viewer’s experience more closely.