Virgin Media Partners with PubMatic to Scale FAST Advertising in the UK

PubMatic, an independent technology company delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future, has today (April 18th, 2024) announced a partnership with Virgin Media, one of the UK's premier entertainment and communications companies, to enable advertisers to reach UK audiences at scale through premium ad-funded TV content.   

Renowned for its variety of high-quality content including a diverse selection of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels, apps, and programming accessed through set-top box solutions, Virgin Media TV customers can seamlessly transition between linear and FAST content in one convenient, easy-to-use platform with relevant, premium advertising experiences across Virgin Media’s TV platform.  

With 15 FAST channels currently available, and more to launch later this year, Virgin Media is set to further expand its video offering throughout 2024. This growth trajectory will provide PubMatic with increased scale, further strengthening its position in the CTV and broader video ecosystem. 

One of only a few sell-side technology providers selected by Virgin Media to help the company navigate the evolving FAST landscape and scale their advertising offering, PubMatic brings a wealth of experience in supply path optimisation (SPO) and private marketplace deals (PMPs). The independent technology company is uniquely positioned to help Virgin Media scale its FAST offering and enhance its monetisation strategies through PubMatic’s strong partnerships with brands and agencies and innovative advertising solutions. 

David Bouchier, chief TV & entertainment officer at Virgin Media O2 said, “This is an important step forward for Virgin Media as we continue to expand and evolve our TV services and the commercialisation of our FAST offering. Employing PubMatic's advertising solutions, we’re now able to deliver enhanced advertising experiences for our customers, while maximising engagement and value for advertisers.”    

Hitesh Bhatt, senior director, CTV/OTT, EMEA at PubMatic said, “We are delighted to partner with Virgin Media, meeting the demand for transparent and premium-quality supply inventory. By facilitating the connection between programmatic buyers and high-value FAST inventory, we look forward to driving value for advertisers and viewers alike.”