Pedestrian TV FAST Channel Axed

Not even two years after making a splashy launch, Pedestrian Television’s FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel has disappeared from the 9Now streaming platform.

Owned by the Nine Network, Pedestrian TV’s FAST channel showcased video clips from independent artists thanks to an arrangement with AIR.

TV Blackbox reports that the service, which launched in October 2023, has been quietly removed from the 9Now streaming service as Pedestrian reconsiders its “content strategy.” The program was home to news, culture, music, reality, and other commentary.

Now on hiatus, Pedestrian Group CEO Mason Rook confirmed that the channel is taking a break as the service works to cater towards on-demand viewing for its younger audience.

With its channel, Pedestrian TV arrived on 9Now as the only youth-focused FAST offering, showcasing licensed content from AIR, Sony Pictures, OUTtv, and others, along with original content from Pedestrian Group’s brands, including PEDESTRIAN.TV, VICE, and The Chainsaw.

“We’re placing [the live channel] on hiatus for the time being so we can fully focus on our curated on-demand channel,” Rook told TV Blackbox.

“This pivot allows us to deliver even more engaging content that truly resonates with our audience, whenever and wherever they want to watch it.”

When Pedestrian TV returns to the market, it promises to offer an on-demand list of content, including films, reality television, drama, and documentaries. And, live television hasn’t been ruled out as a possible return in the future.

While Pedestrian TV looks to provide a different form of content, 9Now’s current FAST line-up still comprises streams for reality TV series Married At First Sight and The Block, comedies like Seinfeld, documentary programs such as 60 Minutes Australia, Dance Moms, the 9Crime channel, and BBC-branded channels that spotlight Top Gear, earth, comedy, and food programs, Antiques Roadshow and home & garden series.