Annual Meeting Sessions
FAST 101: What are Free Streaming Channels and Why They Are Important
Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) has quickly become a part of the viewing experience for millions of Americans, with many countries around the world also embracing the rise of FAST. This informative session will explain what FAST is, outline why it grew in the United States, how it fits into distribution and why it should become part of the playbook for all media companies.
Gavin Bridges is known as the FASTMaster for good reason. During his time at Variety, he authored the influential "Life in the FAST Lane" report series that documented FAST's tremendous rise, and was the first person to record the available channels per month (starting in 2019), creating a range of data points that are constantly referred to across the industry. Using the FASTMaster newsletter, Gavin goes deeper into FAST, earning the mantle of the industry's favorite reporter as well as consulting with major brands. In his new role as VP of Media Research at CRG Global, that is being taken a step further, with thought leadership and deeper collaboration with many of FAST's major players.
Centering DEI in Programming Decisions.
There is a critical intersection between the highly competitive world of media, where consumers have an ever-increasing array of options; and the expanding breadth of diversity among those consumers. To be successful in this new landscape, media companies must ensure that DEI interests are centrally considered in programming decisions.
Long gone are the days where token representation and stereotypes would suffice. Today’s content must include diverse characters, life stories and experiences, depicted in both real and relatable ways. This presentation will look at the ways individuals use and engage with media to explore and validate their identities; and how media companies can create more accurate and nuanced portrayals of diverse communities that resonate with consumers to help drive audience growth.
Randi B. is a renowned public figure, speaker, author, host, and DEI Disruptor, disrupting the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
While she is pro-everyone, she’s a proud Black woman who lives her life openly, honestly, and candidly. As the visionary behind the “Truthing with Randi B.” brand, she encourages everyone to live unapologetically in their own Truth, just as she does, and to learn from the Truths of others by having open conversations.
With 3 different versions and 100+ questions each, this card game ignites engaging conversations on race, privilege, biases, sexuality, and more. Randi is also the host of “Truthing with Randi B.” the official show, where Live Truthing Sessions featuring various guests playing the card game are filmed and Truths are heard.
Her impactful book, Neversays™, guides success in career and relationships by avoiding certain phrases. With 22 years leading an award-winning change management company, Randi's expertise spans government clients and Fortune 500 companies across seven countries and 41 states. She’s also made appearances at various events, shows, and podcasts, including NBC Bay Area, Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit, and Roland Martin Unfiltered.
Randi B. isn't just a catalyst; she's an inspiring force, motivating individuals to embrace their Truth for a more inclusive world.