OTT startup Recast launches Ian Poulter golf channel

Ian Poulter and Andy Meikle

Edinburgh-based sports-oriented FAST channel platform Recast has launched a golf channel from leading player Ian Poulter.

Poulter, who claims more than three million social media followers, will offer fans access to his life and career via the new Recast Channel, which launches today at 12pm GMT.

Recast is free to join, but content is priced in Cast Credits, whcih fans can earn by watching ads, sharing content, or inviting friends to join the platform. Additional Casts can also be purchased in fans’ wallets. One Cast Credit is valued at 1p, keeping content affordable using Recast’s unique micropayment model.

Fans signing up to the Ian James Poulter Recast channel will also receive 100 free Cast Credits when they sign up.

Recast, which is currently in beta, has secured £15 million investment to date, according to the company.

Poulter, who will be playing at the 150th British Open Championship at St Andrews Old Course this week, will launch the with exclusive access to his preparation and off-the-course content ahead of tee off on Thursday, July 14.

The channel will feature long and short form packages beginning with highlights and exclusive content from the first two LIV events at Centurion and Pumpkin Ridge, along with some additional behind the scenes action this week at The Open.

“Technology and social media has made it possible for players to be closer to fans than ever before. They want to know more about us and it’s incredibly exciting for those who embrace that opportunity to build a deeper connection and offer fans more,” said Poulter.

“I’ve loved giving fans a glimpse into my life on social media, and the time is right to expand on what I’m offering. Recast is the perfect platform for me to grow what I am able to show fans across the world, giving them even more affordable access to my life on and off the course, and I can’t wait to provide them with even more insight without being tied down to monthly subscriptions – which is important to me. As the age of free agency in golf continues to grow, connection with new and existing audiences around the world will be massively important in broadening the sport’s appeal and its accessibility, platforms such as Recast will play a really big role in that.”

Andy Meikle, Recast Founder and CEO, said: “Modern golfers are truly global stars, and fans everywhere want a connection that extends beyond the limitations of watching them on TV from Thursday to Sunday. Golf fans love Ian for his personality as much as his play, and they’ll get plenty of both on his new Recast channel.

This channel is incredibly exciting for Recast too, as it demonstrates the appeal of the platform to one of golf and sport’s biggest and most talked about names, and leads the way for other athletes worldwide to bring premium content to their fans without it being behind yet another subscription.”