Ionic Studios Launches Innovative CTV Studio at CES 2026
Launch portfolio spans 89 exclusive, brand-safe FAST channels; former Paramount & Pluto TV leader Ulysses Davalos joins executive team
Ionic Studios has made a grand debut at CES 2026, showcasing an impressive next-generation CTV studio model designed for the open streaming ecosystem. This remarkable initiative has unified a large collection of exclusive, brand-safe FAST channels sourced from various independent studios, content owners, and distributors. This groundbreaking system enables advertisers to efficiently reach highly relevant audiences through data-driven strategies.
The portfolio of channels offered by Ionic taps into multiple genres, including entertainment, sci-fi, live sports, multicultural, fashion, and much more. This diverse array is constructed for advertisers who prioritize scalability, consistency, and an effortless approach to executing campaigns across a variety of independent CTV platforms.
Ionic Studios revolutionizes the advertising landscape by facilitating a smoother purchasing experience within the open FAST channel arena. The company currently boasts an impressive distribution capability, delivering:
- 89 FAST channels
- 250M+ hours streamed every month
- 5.2B monthly ad impressions
- 100M+ U.S. household device reach
Shafi Mustafa, the Managing Director at Ionic Studios, shared insights into the existing challenges in the rapidly growing CTV market. "While CTV is advancing quickly, the open ecosystem often fails to deliver a streamlined buying experience. Currently, the landscape is fragmented and complex, making it difficult for advertisers to achieve the clean scale they seek," he explained. Mustafa emphasizes that the success of large, closed ecosystems lies in their standardization and reach, factors Ionic now incorporates into their independent CTV offerings, providing a unified, brand-safe portfolio tailored for data-driven audiences.
Built on Audience-First Principles
Ionic Studios is crafted around the real-world needs of agencies and brands when planning CTV campaigns, with a strong focus on an audience-first strategy. Channels within the Ionic framework are categorized into clear audience packages, supported by data insights and aligned content. Advertisers can engage these offerings through programmatic deal paths (PMP/PG) or collaborate directly with Ionic for premium sponsorships, dynamic branded integrations, and distinctive channel experiences.
Ulysses Davalos Joins the Executive Team
In a significant addition to the company, Ionic has welcomed Ulysses Davalos as the Vice President of Publisher Solutions. Davalos brings extensive experience from his tenure at Paramount and Pluto TV, where he played a vital role in establishing and expanding one of the largest FAST advertising businesses globally. His expertise will drive the growth and enhancement of Ionic's channel portfolio through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, optimizing the operation strategies that transform premium channels into sustainable, revenue-generating entities.
"Independent CTV has a wealth of programming and an engaged audience, but achieving consistency at scale has been a challenge," Davalos remarked. "Ionic is developing the crucial foundational framework that will make premium independent channels more accessible for buyers, instilling the standards and efficiencies they need. I look forward to facilitating this model with partners throughout the ecosystem, ensuring steady monetization for all stakeholders involved."
Collaborating with Independent Studios to Shape the Future of CTV
Ionic engages with content owners and distributors through two primary avenues:
- Ionic Exclusives: Provides exclusive monetization and representation, assisting rights holders in unlocking additional CTV revenue with minimal effort.
- Ionic Channels: Focuses on co-launching and scaling new channels via strategic investments and partnerships using an underwrite-and-operate model.
To discover more about Ionic Studios, visit their official site at ionic.tv.
About Ionic Studios
Ionic Studios is pioneering the studio layer that modern CTV has needed, presenting a unified, buyer-ready system for addressable audiences across the open streaming ecosystem. Their extensive portfolio of exclusive, brand-safe FAST channels from esteemed independent studios and distributors is crafted utilizing data and audience insights for consistent execution across platforms. Ionic simplifies the planning, purchasing, and scaling of independent CTV campaigns, delivering the reliability and consistency that buyers expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ionic Studios?
Ionic Studios is a next-generation CTV studio that unifies independent FAST channels for efficient advertising.
What are FAST channels?
FAST channels are free ad-supported streaming television channels that provide various content to viewers.
How many channels does Ionic Studios offer?
Ionic Studios offers a portfolio spanning 89 exclusive FAST channels.
Who is Ulysses Davalos?
Ulysses Davalos is the VP of Publisher Solutions at Ionic Studios, bringing extensive experience in streaming.
What is the audience-first strategy?
The audience-first strategy focuses on reaching targeted viewers efficiently by categorizing channels into data-driven audience packages.
