A new Guardian-branded FAST (Free Ad Supported Television) channel has gone live on VoD platform Rakuten TV, giving audiences in the UK and across Europe the opportunity to watch a range of Guardian documentaries and video journalism content.

The deal marks the first time the Guardian’s content will appear on a scheduled, linear channel as part of the Guardian’s global digital network.

The Guardian FAST channel is available in the 43 countries where Rakuten TV is distributed, reaching more than 110 millions households.

Robert Hahn, director of business affairs & platform partnerships, Guardian News & Media said: “At the Guardian, we have always sought to make our journalism available to people around the world. Through this new agreement with Rakuten TV, we hope to broaden the distribution of Guardian content even further and make a selection of our brilliant video series and documentaries even more discoverable.”

Cedric Dufour, Rakuten TV CEO, added: “The addition of The Guardian to our linear channels bouquet further demonstrate our commitment in expanding the platform’s free offer with top tier content and brands, opening up new opportunities for our users as well as for advertisers to get in front of The Guardian audiences”.

Christian Bennett, executive editor for visual journalism, Guardian News & Media, commented: “We are proud of our reputation for award-winning video journalism and powerful storytelling, and are excited to share a selection of our best Guardian series and films with Rakuten TV’s audiences across the UK and Europe”