OTTera, the provider of end-to-end streaming solutions, has partnered with digital media brand The Shade Room to launch a new Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel, marking the media company’s entry into the linear streaming space. The Shade Room, which commands an audience of over 46 million social media followers, reaches 88% of Black adults on social media and is recognized as a key cultural brand for Black audiences.
The new channel will showcase content from The Shade Room’s decade-long content library, utilizing a linear format to offer a curated experience. The programming includes investigative series, live shows, and long-form originals like Thick House, Shady Brunch, and Love Locked.
OTTera is providing complete technical support for the launch, covering full playout, global distribution, and monetization via its AdNet+ platform. This partnership ensures a scalable transition into the FAST sector.
Stephen L. Hodge, CEO of OTTera, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating: ‘The Shade Room is more than a media brand, it’s a cultural powerhouse”. He added that OTTera is «excited to support their bold vision in FAST and bring their signature storytelling and vibrant voice to screens worldwide’.
Joshua Ott, head of revenue at The Shade Room, noted that the move meets audiences where they are while strengthening brand connection. Ott explained: ‘We’re bringing the best of our library into a linear experience that meets audiences where they are and strengthens the connection they already have with our brand’. The new FAST channel will be available on leading platforms via OTTera’s StreamBridge, expanding The Shade Room’s presence across the United States.
