Free TV Networks is an American specialized digital multicasting and advertising-supported video on demand network media company owned as a joint venture between Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate and Gray Television. The company owns and operates two broadcast television networks and plans to launch four FAST streaming networks that each carry programming with specified formats targeted at individual demographics. The company was founded and is led by broadcasting veteran Jonathan Katz, who previously launched what is now the Scripps Networks division of competitor E. W. Scripps Company.
| Free TV Networks | |
| Company type | Joint venture |
| Industry | Media |
| Predecessor | Circle (broadcast operations)[1] |
| Founded | November 7, 2023 |
| Founder | Jonathan Katz |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia , United States |
Key people | Jonathan Katz (President/CEO) David Decker (President, Content Sales, Warner Bros. Discovery) Jim Packer (President of Worldwide Television Distribution, Lionsgate) Pat LaPlatney (President/Co-CEO, Gray Television) |
| Products | Television networks |
| Owners | |
| Website | freetvnetworks |
| Footnotes / references [2] | |
The venture launched with two digital multicast television networks on January 1, 2024, each resembling networks Katz originally launched, which are THE365, a channel for Black audiences (similar to Bounce TV) and Outlaw, a network for Western programming (similar to Grit). Other channels to launch at a later time on AVOD platforms include FAST streaming versions of the former two networks as well as VCR Action (similar to Ion Mystery), a channel for older action/crime programming, and VCR Haha, a network for older comedic programming (similar to Laff).[2] The venture also plans to launch its third broadcast network, Dare, on July 1, 2024 in partnership with A&E Networks, which will feature programming from the latter company.[3]
References edit
- ^ Bouma, Luke (November 10, 2023). "The OTA TV Network Circle Is Shutting Down & Will Be Replaced By Warner Bros. Discovery's New Network". Cord Cutter News. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Hayes, Dade (November 7, 2023). "Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate And Gray Television Team With Free TV Networks, A New Programmer With A Presence On Broadcast TV And Streaming". Deadline. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (April 3, 2024). "Free TV Networks To Launch New Over-The-Air Channel In Partnership With A+E". Deadline. Retrieved April 10, 2024.