Next TV is reporting that over-the-air TV and free streaming services continue to grow in popularity as prices for cable and streaming services rise. And as they grow in number they have become more focussed on specific genres and audiences. With that in mind, TV pioneer Jonathan Katz, has announced two upcoming channels set to hit screens. One The365 will be focussed on African-American content through movies like; I Am Legend, Purple Rain, Queen Sugar along Crash, Monster’s Ball and Jackie Brown. The option will give people a place to find great action, drama and everything in between. They will even get a dose of Tyler Perry’s work.
“These digital broadcast and FAST channels bring together two content leaders, one of the nation’s largest broadcast companies, and a respected industry pioneer in support of a strong lineup of African American and Western programming,” said Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This is a great opportunity to serve two large and scalable demos with world-class IP in a well-defined market segment.”
January will also bring the launch of Outlaw. The network is a western-based content channel, but unlike other Western offerings, it is not just a place to watch old episodes of The Rifleman or Rawhide. While it is not going to be the home of Yellowstone or anything its titles will include Unforgiven, Chisum, Pale Rider and Wyatt Earp.
Both channels will also be found as part of the many free streaming options out there on multiple platforms.
“Never underestimate the power of ‘free.’ Audiences and advertisers have driven the thriving ad market for digital broadcast networks to well over $1 billion, with FAST channel revenues now more than $5 billion,” said Katz. “The Free TV Networks team has a successful and profitable track record scaling well-defined brands designed to serve the ever-growing number of value-conscious consumers combining free over-the-air and FAST channels with their favorite streaming services.”
The channels and streaming options will be part of a new venture by Katz called “Free TV Networks” and will partner Katz with programmers Warner Bros. Discovery and Lionsgate, along with station owner Grey Television. The cache should help the group find available stations along the digital networks and free streaming options. Aside from the duel access channels, Free TV Networks is also launching VCR Action and VCR Haha, as FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming) channels.
