Ionic Studios and Questar Form Joint Venture to Elevate GoTraveler Streaming Channel

Ionic Studios Partners with Questar Entertainment to Boost GoTraveler

In a groundbreaking move for the travel media landscape, Ionic Studios LLC and Questar Entertainment Group, Inc. have joined forces to create Ionic Questar Holdings, LLC, a venture dedicated to operating North America's largest free ad-supported travel channel on streaming television, GoTraveler. This partnership aims to monetize and further expand the GoTraveler brand by merging Questar’s extensive content library with Ionic's modern operational capabilities.

GoTraveler stands out as a staple in the FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) ecosystem, making its mark across various major platforms, including DIRECTV, LG Channels, VIZIO WatchFree+, Xumo, Sling TV, and Dish Network. This comprehensive distribution not only ensures widespread access to its diverse content – which covers destinations on six continents – but also enables GoTraveler to cater to the preferences of today’s travel enthusiasts.

The channel offers a plethora of programming catering to every kind of traveler, featuring everything from culinary excursions and cultural explorations to breath-taking adventure shows. With an editorial style that encourages viewers to indulge in aspirational travel content, GoTraveler aims to keep audiences engaged and inspired, rather than simply serving as background filler.

What really sets GoTraveler apart is its impressive collection of travel shows, a legacy cultivated by Questar over the last 40 years. This library boasts iconic series like A Cook's Tour by Anthony Bourdain, Rick Steves' Europe, and America's National Parks, creating a rich tapestry of content that resonates with viewers. Unlike many travel channels that repeat recycled programming, GoTraveler prides itself on delivering high-quality, original content that both entertains and informs its audience.

Ionic Studios contributes significantly to this venture with its advanced operational expertise in connected television. By integrating modern ad operations, efficient demand management, and audience targeting capabilities, Ionic is enhancing GoTraveler's advertising potential. Their iX Access framework empowers advertisers to reach high-intent viewers, ensuring campaigns are not only impactful but also measurable. By moving away from reliance solely on demographic data, Ionic's approach identifies both active travelers and those currently in the planning stages — offering advertisers a better opportunity to engage their target audience effectively.

The timing is fortuitous; projections indicate that FAST audiences in the U.S. will reach 131.4 million by 2026, representing 54% of all connected television users (as forecasted by eMarketer). Simultaneously, digital ad spend within the travel industry is on pace to approach an impressive $9.4 billion this year, nearly doubling its 2021 figures. Recognizing these trends, Ionic and Questar are determined to position GoTraveler at the forefront of this thriving market segment, challenging the status quo of treating travel content as secondary.

Shafi Mustafa, Managing Director at Ionic Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the venture's potential, stating, "GoTraveler has built something genuinely rare in FAST - a channel with a clear editorial identity and a viewer who comes back intentionally. We believe this supply deserves better than generic advertising strategies. Our collaboration aims to connect advertisers with the right audience at the opportune moment."

Jonathan Plowman, CEO of Questar Entertainment, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this partnership in the advancement of their travel content legacy: "Our collaboration with Ionic allows us to unlock substantial monetization and distribution avenues, bringing GoTraveler into the spotlight for travel advertisers who genuinely understand its value. We align with Ionic’s vision for GoTraveler as a must-have destination on connected television."

Immediate changes will focus on expanding GoTraveler's platform distribution, investing in new content, and engaging with advertisers to activate commercial opportunities throughout 2026 and 2027. Both Ionic Studios and Questar Entertainment are committed to the long-term growth of GoTraveler, aspiring to redefine it as a category-defining destination within the realm of connected television.

About Ionic Studios

Ionic Studios is a key player in the evolving open streaming ecosystem, offering a wide portfolio of brand-safe FAST channels. Their unified buying system enables advertisers to enjoy standards on par with premium networks while accessing a diverse content range. By combining its operations with joint ventures and partnerships, Ionic currently reaches more than 100 million U.S. households.

About Questar Entertainment

Founded in 1985, Questar Entertainment specializes in producing travel and lifestyle content. As the leader in free ad-supported streaming travel channels in North America, GoTraveler showcases an impressive inventory of programming, drawn from a successful history of content creation that caters to travel enthusiasts all over the world.

For more information, please visit: ionic.tv

Contact:
Warda Baig
Ionic Studios
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