Ameba, operated by CyberAgent, Inc. (Tokyo; Susumu Fujita, president; TSE Code 4751), today announced the January 21, 2016 launch of AmebaFRESH!, a new video broadcast platform.

With advancements in personal technology and communications, as well as the abundant availability of content, Ameba will now broadcast a wide variety of live content through Internet video. The new video broadcast platform features high-quality streaming, designed with a highly intuitive user interface. Video content will be available to PCs and mobile devices for convenient access anywhere, offered live and free of charge. At launch, the service will offer nearly 200 channels and 1,000 individual programs, featuring original content and programs from third-party broadcasters. AmebaFRESH! plans to expand to 1,000 channels by the end of December 2016.

AmebaFRESH! content includes live sports such as surfing and basketball, providing viewers with a close-up view of the action. Other content features pets and interesting animals, mahjong, politics, and a wide range of other content for viewers to enjoy. Big-name content owners such as Shochiku, Sony Music Artists, and others have created partner channels, while other well-known content providers have created their own publicly available official channels. These providers include TV and radio networks such as BS Asahi and Nippon Broadcasting System, Shogakukan and other publishers, Internet content providers such as modelpress and ORICON Entertainment News, and many more. These and other providers will offer unique broadcasts that have never before been available through traditional television or current video broadcast websites. The first live broadcast from AmebaFRESH! is scheduled to start at 19:00 JST, January 21, 2016.

AmebaFRESH! will serve as the core platform for CyberAgent Group video services, and will make use of the AmebaFRESH!Studio opened in July 2015 near the Takeshita exit of the JR Harajuku station. The studio will host original programming and live broadcasts featuring artists and celebrities.

To promote content and raise viewership, AmebaFRESH! will recommend programs to the more than 40 million Ameba users, as well as use Ameba blogs, Spotlight, and other tools. AmebaFRESH! is continuously bringing on new broadcasters to expand the channel lineup. At the same time, AmebaFRESH! also plans to help content owners monetize their content through subscription channels and advertisements, eventually opening video broadcasts to general users as well. AmebaFRESH! is actively developing its service, aiming to grow into the largest video broadcast platform in Japan by the end of 2016.

In February 2016, the CyberAgent Group plans to pre-launch AbemaTV, an Internet TV station operated in conjunction with TV Asahi. AbemaTV is scheduled for official launch in April. The Group plans to coordinate with AmebaFRESH!, actively developing businesses in the growing Internet video market.

AmebaFRESH! channel Overview

Pets

Official channels for Maru, the Shiba Inu and other popular pets, live feeds from cat cafés, and video of other fun and amazing animals.

Surfing

Channels created through the collaboration of pro surf teams and brands; extreme sports up close.

Sports

Professional basketball leagues, ice hockey, darts, and a wide variety of other sports channels.

Mahjong

Enjoy mahjong video broadcasts, with programs that range from over-the-air favorites to original content.

Many more channels…

View channels from a broad range of content broadcasters.

Original Entertainment Content

Original programming featuring popular artists, celebrities, and other VIPs.

Auditions/Event Channels

See the next stars as they are being discovered; content from Japan's biggest auditions.
Live video and original programming from fashion, music, and other events.

Content Partner Channels

Official channels from organizations owning unique and exciting content.

Media Partner Channels

Channels from TV and radio networks, magazines, and other media.

AmebaFRESH! Overview

Name: AmebaFRESH! https://amebafresh.tv
Broadcast: PC (browser)/ App Store / Google Play
Recommended Environment: PC: Latest versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge; Internet Explorer 11 or higher/ iOS: iOS8.0 or later/ Android: Android 4.3 or later
Pricing: Free subscription

CyberAgent Inc. issued this content on 2016-01-21 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-25 02:02:03 UTC

Original Document: https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/en/newsinfo/info/detail/id=11544