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AXS TV
AXS TV
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AXS TV (AK-sess) is an American cable television channel majority-owned by Canadian broadcaster Anthem Sports & Entertainment. It is devoted primarily to music-related programming (such as concert films, documentaries, and reality series involving musicians) and combat sports—related programming (including boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling).

Key Information

The network was originally established in 2001 as HDNet, with investor Mark Cuban as a founding partner. HDNet was originally intended as an exclusively-high-definition network, carrying films and acquired television series, concerts, news programming, and sporting events produced in the format. HDNet's original niche became increasingly redundant as more cable networks established their own HD feeds.

In 2012, HDNet sold ownership stakes to Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), Creative Artists Agency, and Ryan Seacrest, with Cuban retaining a majority stake. The network was then relaunched under its current name—taken from AEG's online ticket platform AXS.com—on July 2, 2012, pivoting to a format based on music and popular culture. In September 2019, Anthem Sports & Entertainment acquired a majority stake in AXS TV, with AEG and Cuban retaining minority stakes.

As of November 2023, AXS TV is available to approximately 32,000,000 pay television households in the United States.[1]

History

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As HDNet

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Logo as HDNet

The network originally launched as HDNet on September 6, 2001, designed as a high definition-exclusive service under the ownership of HDNet, LLC, which then was co-owned by Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and Philip Garvin, owner of Colorado Studios and Mobile TV Group.[2] Originally, the network aired a variety of programming, much of it male-oriented, prominently featuring series, sports events, and concert performances.[3] In December 2001 and January 2002, HDNet aired exclusive HD coverage of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan with former CNN correspondent Peter Arnett.[4]

In February 2002, the network originated eight daily hours of high definition content from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; this feed was picked up by NBC and aired in 24-hour rotation on the digital signals of NBC's stations.[5] Later on that year, it signed a deal with Paramount Domestic Television to provide high-definition versions of the Paramount library.[6]

The channel gradually expanded its carriage to the satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network, as well as the cable providers Charter Communications, Insight Communications, Mediacom, Suddenlink Communications, Verizon FiOS, and AT&T U-verse.[7] On September 4, 2008, Cuban announced that the network had reached an agreement with Comcast to carry both HDNet and HDNet Movies in various markets.[8] The provider began to carry HDNet in many major markets on September 30, 2010. In November 2009, DirecTV became the first provider to offer video-on-demand services of HDNet and HDNet Movies.[9]

As AXS TV

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On January 18, 2012, HDNet, LLC entered into a joint venture with entertainment company/promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group, media personality Ryan Seacrest, and talent agency Creative Artists Agency, in which AEG, CAA, and Ryan Seacrest Media would each purchase a share of the network, with Cuban retaining primary ownership.[10] The network rebranded on July 2, 2012, as AXS TV, a name taken from AEG's ticket sales website AXS.com.[11][12][13][14] With the purchase and rebranding, the channel gradually shifted focus to include a mix of entertainment news, lifestyle, pop culture and in-concert performance events.[15]

Alongside the rebranding, Dish Network announced that it would expand the channel's distribution to customers who do not subscribe to an HD tier through a downconverted standard definition feed.[16] The provider moved the network to channel 131 in the spring of 2012, increasing its carriage to at least 14 million Dish Network subscribers upon its relaunch as AXS TV.[17][18] Through its relationship with AEG, AXS TV also planned to offer special promotions on concerts to Dish Network users who have subscribed to the channel.[13] On February 14, 2013, CBS Corporation took a minority stake in the channel, in exchange for providing content and marketing (suggesting that the channel could air complementary programming for CBS-aired entertainment events such as the Grammy Awards).[19]

In addition to carriage on cable, satellite and telecommunication providers, AXS TV has been added to streaming media providers including Sling TV in October 2016,[20] DirecTV Now when it debuted in November 2016,[21] and Philo when it was launched in November 2017.[22]

Sale to Anthem

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On September 9, 2019, Canadian company Anthem Sports & Entertainment announced that it had acquired a majority stake in AXS TV and HDNet Movies. Mark Cuban and AEG will retain interests in the company as minority equity partners, while AEG will also continue to provide additional sales support for the network through its AEG Global Partnerships unit. Television personality Steve Harvey was also brought in as an additional financier and content partner.[23]

Anthem's founder and owner Leonard Asper stated that there were no plans to make any major changes to AXS TV's format or programming, or to add programming from other Anthem channels unless they were complementary to the AXS TV's existing format. Shortly after the purchase, it was announced that Impact!—the weekly flagship program of Anthem-owned Impact Wrestling (both formerly and now known as TNA)—would move from minority-owned sister network Pursuit Channel to AXS TV.[24][25]

The sale resulted in the layoff of 40 employees, consisting mainly of redundancies with Anthem staff.[26]

Programming

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AXS TV primarily airs music-oriented series, with a particular focus on the Rock and Pop genres. Such programming includes documentaries, interviews, panel shows and concerts. AXS has also aired combat sports-related programming, including events broadcast under the AXS TV Fights banner, as well as content from the Anthem-owned Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and Invicta Fighting Championships.

Programming history

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As HDNet

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An HDNet production trailer is stored between launches at the Kennedy Space Center press area. NASA Space Shuttle launches aired on HDNet.

Original programming on HDNet included news programs such as the HDNet World Report and Dan Rather Reports, a weekly newsmagazine hosted by former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather;[27] coverage of Space Shuttle launches;[28] and male-oriented series such as Ultimate Trailer Show.[29] HDNet also featured uncensored and unrated shows during late-night hours, such as Art Mann Presents, Bikini Destinations and Girls Gone Wild Presents: Search for the Hottest Girl in America. In October 2011, HDNet picked up Goodnight Burbank, the network's first scripted half-hour comedy.[30] Originally created for the web, the show starred Hayden Black, Laura Silverman and Dominic Monaghan. HDNet's programming also included off-network reruns of series such as Smallville,[31] Andy Richter Controls the Universe,[32] JAG, Star Trek: Enterprise[33] and Arrested Development.[34]

HDNet also aired sporting events, including coverage of the National Hockey League from 2001 to 2008[35] and Major League Soccer;[36] select motorsports events, including Champ Car live broadcasts in 2004,[37] highlights and races from the NASCAR Busch East Series (later Camping World East Series, K&N Pro Series East, and ARCA Menards Series East),[38] and races from regional circuits;[39] mixed martial arts, through Cuban's HDNet Fights promotion;[40] the weekly series Inside MMA, which featured highlights and coverage from various MMA promotions;[41] and Indiana University's Little 500 Bicycle Race.[42] From 2009 to 2011, HDNet also aired weekly programming from professional wrestling promotion Ring of Honor,[43] and served as a television partner of the United Football League,[44] primarily airing the league's Saturday night games. The network dropped UFL coverage prior to the 2011 season.[45] Following its July 2012 re-launch, AXS TV continued to air several programs carried over from HDNet, including Dan Rather Reports,[46] MMA events (under the AXS TV Fights banner),[47] movies, and off-network series. However, the channel began to gradually shift its focus towards "music, pop culture and lifestyle-oriented" programming, such as concerts, and general entertainment.[48]

Concerts and music festivals

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AXS TV concerts

As part of its music programming lineup, AXS TV broadcasts a wide variety of concert events from across the country and around-the-world. This includes a Sunday night concert series featuring performances from artists such as Carrie Underwood,[49] Led Zeppelin,[50] Neil Young[51] and Elton John;[citation needed] themed artists takeovers, highlighting a variety of bands in day-long blocks that feature music videos, concert performances, interviews and more, with notable takeovers from Slash[52] and Matchbox Twenty;[53] as well as other live and taped music events such as the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards tribute to Gregg Allman and The Doors, hosted by Sammy Hagar[54][55] and the live broadcast of the 2014 Farm Aid music festival that featured performances by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews.[56]

In 2014, AXS TV broadcast the inaugural Alternative Press Music Awards, hosted by Mark Hoppus.[57] The award show returned to AXS TV on July 22, 2015, hosted by Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat of All Time Low and featuring performances from Weezer, Panic! at the Disco, and Simple Plan among others.[58]

Concert specials in 2017 included Queen,[59] Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard,[60] Def Leppard,[61] Jennifer Nettles,[62] Mavis Staples,[63] Robert Plant,[64] Kenny Loggins,[65] and Ringo Starr.[66]

AXS TV celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love with a month-long event in August 2017 with concerts honoring the music of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia and documentaries profiling artists of the time period such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Doors. The network also premiered a new documentary about the social phenomenon, eponymously titled Summer of Love, on August 12, 2017.[67]

Concert specials premiered in 2018 included: Sammy Hagar,[68] Poison,[69] Santana,[70] Farm Aid,[71] Charlie Daniels,[72] Trace Adkins' Guitar Legends for Heroes,[73] The 2018 BRIT Awards[74] and more.

AXS TV announced the premiere of America Salutes You: Guitar Legends II on Sunday, March 31, starring Sammy Hagar, Billy Gibbons, Dave Navarro, Robby Krieger, Stephen Stills, Joe Bonamassa, Orianthi and more. This year marks the second year in a row AXS TV has served as production partner and cable provided for the acclaimed concert. The "Guitar Legends II" concert seeks to raise funds and awareness for charity organizations supporting brain and mental wellness of American veterans and first responders.[75]

AXS TV teamed up with Feld Entertainment to produce Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey: The Final Farewell, a behind-the-scenes look at the final performance of the longest-running touring show in America.[76] The 90-minute documentary premieres on Memorial Day, May 27, 2019.[77]

Music festivals

In 2013, for the first time ever on television, AXS TV broadcast select concert footage from the Stagecoach Festival[78] and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

In 2014, AXS TV presented the television debut of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival,[79] in addition to broadcasting the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival,[80] and the 2014 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival[81] for the second consecutive year.

The network's 2015 festival slate included the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April 17-April 19) for the second consecutive year; the Stagecoach Country Music Festival (April 24-April 26); and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (May 1-May 3) for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the network broadcast footage from the 2015 Rock on the Range (May 15-May 17) and the 2015 Firefly Music Festival (June 19-June 21), for the first time ever.[82][83]

AXS TV's 2016 festival tour included Zac Brown Band's Southern Ground Music & Food Festival (April 16–17), both weekends of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 23–24, April 29-May 1), Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion (May 6–8) and Hangout Festival May 20–22.[84]

AXS TV announced a new four-part festival series 80s in the Sand, which premiered on April 7, 2019. Hosted by 1980s TV and Radio personalities Downtown Julie Brown, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Richard Blade, 80s in the Sand features interviews and performances with artists including Bret Michaels, Sebastian Bach, Taylor Dayne, The English Beat, Wang Chung, ABC, When in Rome, Berlin and more. The series was filmed at the 80s in the Sand music festival at the Breathless Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.[85]

Original series

[edit]
The Big Interview with Dan Rather
[edit]

Since 2013, Dan Rather has hosted the hour-long original series titled The Big Interview featuring in-depth interviews with a variety of celebrity guests as they join Rather for candid discussions about their lives and careers.[86][87] Notable guests include Gene Simmons,[88] Weird Al Yankovic,[89] Don Rickles,[90] Wynonna Judd,[91] Jack White,[92] Carlos Santana,[93] Carol Burnett,[94] Alan Alda,[95] and Geddy Lee[96] among others. The Big Interview's sixth season premiered on March 13, 2018, with guest Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. Other interviewees for the 20-episode season include Robby Krieger and John Densmore of the Doors, Shania Twain, Eddie Money, Styx, John Mellencamp, The Oak Ridge Boys and Billy Ray Cyrus.[97][98] The series celebrated its 100th episode on October 2 when it returned for the second half of season six with special guest The Beatles' Ringo Starr,[99] with older episodes now also broadcast in the UK via the BIOgraphy channel found on the Pluto TV app.[100]

The Big Interview was renewed for a seventh season, which premiered on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 with former Journey frontman Steve Perry. The new season line-up also includes Paul Stanley, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner members Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, REO Speedwagon, Billy Bob Thornton, Carl and Rob Reiner, Travis Tritt, Boz Scaggs, Paul Shaffer, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Chicago members Robert Lamm and Lee Loughnane, Bret Michaels, Alice Cooper, Little Big Town, Bob Costas, David Byrne, America, Bryan Cranston, Jon Anderson of Yes and Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band.

Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar
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Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar Presented by Mercury Insurance is an original series featuring Sammy Hagar as he drives across the country to interview and jam with influential artists including Tommy Lee, Bob Weir, Alice Cooper, and Nancy Wilson. The series also presents Hagar's personal experiences and rules of the road, as he tours with his group The Circle. The six-episode first season premiered on AXS TV on January 24, 2016.[101] The series premiered in March 2017 with guests including John Mayer, Melissa Etheridge, Toby Keith, John Mellencamp and Mick Fleetwood[102] and returned for its second half in July 2017 with guests including Don Felder, Styx, Vince Neil, Chad Smith, Shep Gordon, Darryl McDaniels and Adam Levine.[103] AXS TV announced that Rock & Roll Road Trip was renewed for a third season in 2017 and premiered in April 2018 with guests including Dave Grohl, Roger Daltrey, Sarah McLachlan, Bob Weir, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.[104][97]

AXS TV announced a fourth season, which premiered on Sunday, May 5. Guests for the new season include Willie Nelson, Rick Springfield, Guy Fieri, Cheech & Chong, Charlie Daniels, Jimmie Johnson, Robby Krieger, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and more.[105]

Real Money with Eddie Money
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AXS TV announced in September 2017 it had greenlit to a 10-episode reality series chronicling the daily lives of Eddie Money, his wife Laurie and their five kids. Production for Real Money began in Q4 2017 and the series premiered on Sunday, April 8, 2018.[106][107][97] In June 2018, the series was greenlit for an expanded 12-episode second season with production set to begin in Q3 2018 and a premiere in early 2019.[108]

The second season of Real Money premiered on Sunday, May 5, 2019.[109] During a midseason episode, Money revealed his cancer diagnosis. Money died the day after the episode's airing.[110]

The Day The Rock Star Died
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In August 2018, AXS TV announced a new docu-series profiling the lives and deaths of some of music's most influential artists called The Day The Rock Star Died. Premiered on October 2, 2018, the 15-part series examines artists including Tom Petty, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston.[111]

The Top Ten Revealed
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The Top Ten Revealed spotlights best-of lists on a variety of rock-related themes, covering topics such as best guitar intros, Vietnam anthems and '80s rock ballads. The series debuted in February 2018, with host and executive producer Katie Daryl joined by a rotating panel of experts including Lita Ford, Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler and former Pantera percussionist Vinnie Paul, among others.[97] The series returned for season two in January 2019,[112] and for season 3 in April 2020.[citation needed]

The Very VERY Best of the 70s
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The Very VERY Best of the 70s puts the spotlight on the enduring films, series, and pop culture moments that defined the 1970s. The series is executive produced by Katie Daryl who guides a rotating panel of celebrity guests each week including Fred Willard, Morgan Fairchild, Barry Williams, Jimmie Walker, Michael Winslow, Sebastian Bach, Mark Steines, Jaleel White, George Wallace, Anson Williams, Dee Wallace, Todd Bridges, Mindy Cohn, Bob Eubanks, Elisabeth Röhm, David Chokachi and Catherine Bach.[113]

The series premiered its first season on Thursday, May 16.[113]

The X Factor UK
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Since 2014, AXS TV has broadcast The X Factor UK, with the episodes airing 24 hours after their respective UK broadcasts.[114] The series premiered on Sunday, August 31, 2014, marking the first time that the British series had aired in the U.S.[115] The 11th season notably featured the return of Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to the judging panel, joining music manager Louis Walsh and pop singer Mel B, making her debut as a full-time judge.[116] Ben Haenow was the winner of this season.[117]

The series has continued to air annually on AXS TV, most recently with its third season on the network, the show's 13th season overall, which premiered on August 28, 2016, with Cowell and Walsh, along with the return of judges Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Sherzinger, and presenter Dermot O'Leary, to X Factor UK.[118] The X Factor UK returned for its fourth season on AXS TV, and 14th season overall, on September 3 and 4, 2017; all four judges from the previous year returned.[119][120]

The X Factor UK returned for its fifth season on the network (15th overall) in September 2018 with Simon Cowell joined by new judges One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, singer-songwriter Robbie Williams and his wife actress and TV presenter Ayda Williams.[121]

TRUNKFest with Eddie Trunk
[edit]

In October 2017, AXS TV greenlit a new series starring music historian and TV and Radio host Eddie Trunk called TRUNKFest with Eddie Trunk premiering in 2018. The program gives viewers a front row seat to some of the nation's biggest music festivals as Trunk travels across the country interviewing bands, visiting booths, sampling festival cuisine, and mingling with the attendees.[122][123] Trunk previously hosted the documentary series Reel to Real on the network in 2016.[124] TRUNKFest with Eddie Trunk premiered on July 1, 2018, with a trip to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.[125] TRUNKFest was renewed for a second season, which premiered on July 7, 2019.[126]

Paul Shaffer Plus One
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Paul Shaffer sits down with his famous friends and colleagues across the music industry in this weekly interview series. Season one guests include Joe Walsh, Graham Nash, Sammy Hagar, Billy Gibbons, Donald Fagen, Buddy Guy, Spinal Tap bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) and Smokey Robinson.

The series premiered on AXS TV Sunday, September 15 and also aired on Shaffer's SiriusXM radio show.[127]

List of programs broadcast by AXS TV

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Original programming

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Sports/Wrestling

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Acquired programming

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Live-action

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Anime

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HDNet Movies

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HDNet Movies was launched in January 2003 as a spin-off of HDNet (now AXS TV). The network features theatrically released films and documentaries, which are presented in high definition and without commercial interruption or editing for content. Programming showcases a wide variety of films including Academy Award winners, action films, scifi films, and westerns. It regularly features special, hosted movie events such as And The Oscar Goes To... Presented by Richard Roeper,[129] Totally 80s Month with Judge Reinhold[129] and Rob Zombie's 13 Nights of Halloween.[130]

HDNet Movies is available nationally on Dish, DirecTV, Verizon Fios and AT&T U-verse;[131] regionally on cable providers such as Charter Spectrum,[132] Service Electric,[133] Suddenlink Communications,[134] Time Warner Spectrum, and SureWest;[135] and on the streaming service Sling TV.[136]

Canadian carriage

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In the Fall of 2006, HDNet became available in Canada on Rogers Cable, Bell Satellite TV and Cogeco Cable;[137] Shaw Cable began carrying the network in April 2007.[138] The network would be dropped by Bell and Rogers upon its relaunch as AXS TV.[139]

After Anthem purchased AXS TV, the channel became a sister to its domestic channels Fight Network, GameTV, and Game+. AXS TV has since syndicated some of its original programming to these sister networks.[140] In December of that year, AXS reached a new carriage deal with Bell TV, including its Bell Fibe TV services and over-the-top services Alt TV and Virgin TV.[141]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
AXS TV is an American pay television network and multi-platform brand specializing in music programming, live concerts, documentaries, reality series, and , available via cable, satellite, streaming, and digital channels throughout the , , and select international markets. Originally launched as HDNet in September 2001 by entrepreneur and Philip Garvin as the first all-high-definition television network, it pioneered HD content delivery at a time when high-definition televisions were rare and expensive. In July 2012, HDNet rebranded as AXS TV (pronounced "access") through a joint venture involving Cuban, (AEG), Media, and (), shifting its focus from general high-definition programming to live , music festivals, , (), and lifestyle content, with an initial distribution expansion to 35 million U.S. homes via . In September 2019, , a Canadian media company and parent of (TNA), acquired a majority stake in AXS TV and its sister network from , who retained a minority interest, while comedian joined as an equity partner to enhance programming development. Under Anthem's ownership, AXS TV has emphasized music-centric content, including series like The Top Ten Revealed, Cash Cab Music, and Rock Legends, alongside exclusive broadcasts of TNA's Impact! wrestling program on Thursday nights and live event coverage such as the . As of 2025, the network continues to expand its digital presence on platforms like , FAST streaming services, and , positioning itself as a destination for rock, pop, and classic music enthusiasts while maintaining ties to combat sports and entertainment events.

History

Founding and Early Years as HDNet

HDNet was launched on September 1, 2001, by entrepreneur Mark Cuban and Philip Garvin as the first all-high-definition cable television network in the United States. The network aimed to capitalize on the emerging HDTV technology by delivering exclusive 1080i programming focused on sports, entertainment, and original content, at a time when high-definition sets were expensive and rare, costing upwards of $20,000 each. Cuban, fresh from selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo for billions, invested in HDNet to pioneer uncompressed HD broadcasts, distinguishing it from other networks that upconverted standard-definition content. From its inception, HDNet's programming emphasized live sports in high definition, including 65 National Hockey League games and 30 matches during the 2001-02 season, as well as international soccer and early UFC fights starting around 2002. Entertainment offerings complemented this with ad-free movies and the HDNet Concert Series, featuring live performances by artists such as , all captured and aired in full resolution to showcase the clarity of HD. This mix positioned HDNet as a premium destination for early adopters, blending high-stakes athletics with cultural events to drive HDTV interest. A pivotal milestone came in 2003 when HDNet secured exclusive high-definition broadcast rights for the Rose Bowl, presenting the college football matchup between USC and as one of the earliest major events fully produced and transmitted in HD. The network's technical prowess was bolstered by partnerships with , utilizing HDC-900 cameras for 1080i-60 capture during key productions, which helped set industry standards for HD live events. By 2007, HDNet had grown significantly, reaching distribution in over 40 million U.S. households via agreements with providers like and . In 2012, HDNet rebranded as AXS TV to expand beyond its HD roots.

Rebranding to AXS TV

In January 2012, , founder of HDNet, announced a with AEG, Media, and (CAA) to rebrand the network as AXS TV, shifting its focus from a sports-heavy lineup to music, live entertainment, and pop culture programming. The rebranding took effect on July 2, 2012, with the new name derived from AEG's AXS ticketing platform, emphasizing access to live events. This partnership aimed to leverage AEG's expertise in concert promotion and venue management to create a destination for unscripted, event-driven content, while Cuban retained a significant ownership stake alongside the new partners. The rebrand preserved some HDNet staples, such as Dan Rather Reports and the Sunday concert series, but introduced a broader slate of music-oriented specials and live broadcasts to attract a wider audience. Early programming shifts included acquisitions of high-profile concert specials, such as performances by artists like Def Leppard, alongside coverage of major music festivals to highlight the network's new emphasis on live rock and pop events. These changes positioned AXS TV as a competitor to networks like MTV, prioritizing authentic, behind-the-scenes access to the entertainment industry over scripted fare. By early 2013, the network had expanded its distribution footprint to approximately 38 million U.S. households through deals like an expanded carriage agreement with , reflecting initial growth in availability for its revamped content strategy. This period marked AXS TV's pivot toward live music festivals and artist-driven specials as core offerings, setting the stage for further original productions in the years ahead.

Acquisition and Developments Under Anthem

In September 2019, acquired a majority stake in AXS TV and its sister network from HDNet LLC, with founder and AEG retaining minority interests. This transaction, valued at an undisclosed amount, positioned to integrate AXS TV's extensive library of wrestling, MMA, and entertainment content with its existing portfolio, including the combat sports-focused and the game show-oriented , thereby expanding distribution reach to approximately 110 million U.S. households and enhancing cross-promotional opportunities. Following the acquisition, AXS TV underwent strategic shifts emphasizing wrestling and programming to leverage Anthem's strengths in combat sports. A key development was the relocation of TNA Wrestling's flagship program, Impact!, to AXS TV starting October 29, 2019, initially airing weekly on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET before moving to Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on April 8, 2021, which broadened the network's appeal to pro wrestling audiences and aligned with Anthem's ownership of TNA. Concurrently, the network amplified its content through concerts, documentaries, and specials, building on its pre-acquisition foundation as a and channel while incorporating Anthem's resources for digital expansion and content syndication. In February 2024, Anthem appointed veteran Andy Schuon as President of AXS TV and , tasking him with overseeing programming, content development, and operations to further revitalize the networks' focus on live events and lifestyle programming. By late 2024, AXS TV navigated changes in its sports broadcasting lineup, including the expiration of its long-term agreement with (NJPW) on December 31, 2024, ending a decade-long partnership that had aired NJPW events since 2015. In September 2024, expanded its Canadian footprint by acquiring Hollywood Suite, an independent broadcaster operating four HD movie channels, which complemented AXS TV's entertainment slate and doubled 's linear TV offerings in the region. Furthering live event synergies, in 2025, AEG's AXS ticketing platform—linked through AEG's minority stake in AXS TV—acquired a majority interest in Singapore-based SISTIC, enhancing regional ticketing capabilities for concerts and events that could integrate with AXS TV's music programming. Into 2025, AXS TV solidified its role in major events, serving as the official television network for the iHeartPodcast Awards live from SXSW on March 10, 2025, at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in , with the broadcast airing the following day at 8 p.m. ET. The network also expanded its concert programming with high-profile marathons, such as the New Year's Eve 2025 event featuring iconic sets from artists including , Queen, , , , , and , drawing from AXS TV's 2024 library to deliver a multi-hour celebration of rock and music history.

Ownership and Operations

Current Ownership Structure

AXS TV is majority-owned by , which acquired its controlling interest in September 2019 from founder . Minority stakes are held by as an individual investor and by AEG (), a global sports and live entertainment presenter that has been involved since the channel's 2012 rebranding. Global also joined as an equity partner and advisor in the 2019 transaction. Anthem Sports & Entertainment, headquartered in and led by CEO , integrates AXS TV into its broader portfolio of media properties, including the for combat sports coverage, for gaming content, TNA Wrestling, and Invicta FC for women's MMA, enabling cross-promotion and shared content distribution across platforms estimated to reach over 150 million global TV households as of . As of November 2025, no significant ownership changes have occurred since the 2019 acquisition, maintaining the stable structure amid Anthem's expansions in other areas like the 2024 purchase of Hollywood Suite. AXS TV's revenue model relies primarily on carriage fees from cable and providers, which account for a substantial portion of income through distribution agreements like the 2023 expansion with adding reach in key U.S. markets. Additional revenue comes from advertising targeted at music and sports audiences, with recent efforts to broaden ad sales under new leadership, as well as syndication deals for and concerts.

Leadership and Key Executives

Andy Schuon serves as president of AXS TV and , a position he assumed in February 2024. In this role, Schuon oversees all aspects of the networks, including programming acquisition, , and advertising sales expansion to broaden the channels' reach across traditional TV and digital platforms. Under Schuon's leadership, key initiatives in 2024 and 2025 have emphasized revenue growth and multi-platform distribution. A notable hire was Brian Doherty as president of advertising sales in July 2024, aimed at enhancing ad revenue through targeted campaigns and partnerships for both AXS TV and . Additionally, efforts have focused on digital expansion via the AXS.tv streaming service, which delivers on-demand access to concerts, series, and documentaries. Strategic oversight for AXS TV falls under , the majority owner since 2019, led by President and CEO , who guides overall corporate direction including media properties like AXS TV. For historical context, prior to Schuon's appointment, Frank Tanki held the role of from 2020, managing day-to-day operations during the post-acquisition transition under . The board's composition influences AXS TV's direction, with input from minority owners Mark Cuban, who advocates for innovative content strategies drawing from his founding involvement with HDNet, and AEG, which emphasizes integration of live events and concerts into programming. Anthem maintains majority ownership, ensuring alignment with broader entertainment goals.

Distribution and Audience Reach

AXS TV is distributed across major U.S. pay-TV providers, reaching approximately 35 million households as of early 2023. Key carriage agreements include those with /Xfinity, , , Charter/Spectrum, AT&T U-verse, and , enabling availability in all 50 states. In December 2023, the network expanded its footprint through a renewed and enhanced deal with , adding access in five major markets such as New York, , and . Complementing linear distribution, AXS TV has grown its digital presence via over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Sling TV, Philo, FuboTV, and its proprietary AXS.tv streaming service, which offers live and on-demand content. Nielsen estimates indicate the network's U.S. household penetration stood at around 32 million as of late 2023. Internationally, AXS TV maintains limited direct linear carriage beyond , primarily through partnerships in and select markets. Expansion efforts focus on content syndication deals, enabling select programming to reach audiences in and via localized broadcasters and streaming partners, though comprehensive global linear availability remains constrained. Facing broader industry challenges from declining linear subscriptions—which fell by about 11% year-over-year in early 2025—AXS TV has prioritized OTT growth and event-specific streaming to sustain audience engagement, including serving as the official television network for the 2025 iHeartPodcast Awards. This strategy aligns with streaming's rise to over 45% of total usage, helping offset linear declines through accessible digital alternatives.

Programming

Music and Concert Content

AXS TV's music and programming emphasizes full-length live performances and archival , positioning the network as a premier destination for enthusiasts. The channel airs complete from iconic artists, such as Billy Idol's In Super Overdrive Live, Cyndi Lauper's timeless hits set, and ZZ Top's high-energy shows from their ongoing tours. This format allows viewers to experience extended sets without commercial interruptions, highlighting the raw energy of live music. A cornerstone of the network's annual tradition is its concert marathon, which in the 2024-2025 transition featured a 19-hour broadcast spanning 12 performances from legendary acts including , Queen, , , , , and . These marathons draw on a vast library of acquired content to celebrate rock history, often including retrospectives from the era with bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who. In terms of festival coverage, AXS TV provides exclusive broadcasts and behind-the-scenes access to events like the and the network's original series TrunkFest, hosted by , which explores eclectic gatherings such as Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp and Woodstock commemorations. This focus evolved significantly after the 2012 from HDNet, when the network shifted from limited music blocks to a dedicated emphasis on concerts and festivals, bolstered by partnerships with AEG for live streams from premier venues. For 2025, AXS TV has expanded its tour coverage to include Metallica's , which broke attendance records with sold-out stadium shows across , as well as Bob Dylan's UK and Ireland dates and ZZ Top's "Elevation" Tour extending through and the U.S. These broadcasts integrate live elements with on-demand access, complementing original series like The Big Interview for deeper artist insights.

Sports and Wrestling Coverage

AXS TV's sports programming has historically emphasized wrestling and combat sports, building on the foundation established during its HDNet era. The network serves as a primary outlet for , particularly through its longstanding partnership with TNA Wrestling. Since 2019, TNA's flagship program, Impact!, has aired weekly two-hour episodes live on Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET, providing viewers with a mix of in-ring action, storylines, and special events from one of the major leagues in the industry, which boasts over 20 million social media followers. The network's wrestling coverage also included a significant collaboration with (NJPW), featuring weekly shows that aired for a decade starting in 2015. This agreement, which brought international strong-style matches and major tournaments to American audiences, concluded at the end of December 2024 when the contract expired without renewal. In combat sports, AXS TV maintains a tradition rooted in the HDNet era's pioneering broadcasts of (MMA) and events, under the banner of AXS TV Fights. While major promotions like UFC and Bellator have shifted elsewhere, the network continues to feature select MMA bouts and leverages Anthem Sports & Entertainment's ownership synergies with the for cross-promotion of global MMA content, including highlights and related programming. Beyond wrestling and combat, AXS TV's sports slate includes residual coverage from its formative years, such as National Hockey League (NHL) games and (MLS) matches during the HDNet period in the early 2000s, though these have diminished to occasional or archival airings in recent schedules. In 2025, the network expanded its sports-related content by broadcasting the live on March 11, tying into recognitions for sports personalities and podcasts across categories like sports and pop culture. Sports events on AXS TV are typically scheduled in prime-time slots to maximize viewership, with live broadcasts followed by replays, highlights, and analysis segments to extend engagement. This format underscores the channel's role as a dedicated hub for combat-oriented sports enthusiasts.

Original Series and Documentaries

AXS TV has developed a roster of original series centered on in-depth artist interviews, music explorations, and nostalgic retrospectives, emphasizing music and entertainment themes. One flagship program, The Big Interview with , premiered in 2013 and features the veteran journalist conducting candid conversations with prominent musicians and celebrities, such as and , delving into their careers and personal insights. Another key series, Rock & Roll Road Trip with , launched in 2016 and follows the rock icon as he travels across the to collaborate with fellow artists like and for impromptu jam sessions and storytelling. Complementing these, The Top Ten Revealed, which debuted in 2018, offers hosted countdowns hosted by that rank influential rock songs, bands, and moments, often incorporating expert commentary and archival footage. The network's documentary offerings provide tributes and cultural reflections, with The Day the Rock Star Died (2018–2019) examining the lives, careers, and passings of iconic figures like David Bowie and Whitney Houston through narrative episodes that blend biography and fan perspectives. Similarly, The Very VERY Best of the 70s, airing since 2019, serves as a retrospective series hosted by a rotating panel of celebrities and experts, counting down highlights from 1970s television, film, and pop culture topics such as sitcoms and stand-up comedians. Ongoing documentaries include Rock Legends, which profiles the careers and cultural impact of rock icons using interviews and archival footage. Short-form content includes TRUNKFest with Eddie Trunk, a 2018 series where the radio personality offers behind-the-scenes access to major music festivals, featuring interactions with artists like Rob Zombie. Following Sports & Entertainment's acquisition of a majority stake in 2019, AXS TV expanded its production, integrating more in-house content with acquired concert footage for hybrid episodes while prioritizing music-focused narratives. This evolution continued into 2024–2025, with a shift toward digital-first distribution via streaming platforms and clips, alongside celebrity-hosted formats that enhance viewer engagement through platforms like and the AXS TV app, and the introduction of new original series such as Anime.com Hour in February 2025. Notable among ended series is Real Money with , a show following the and his family, which concluded after airing its final episodes in late 2019 following Money's death that .

HDNet Movies

Establishment and Focus

HDNet Movies was launched on January 13, 2003, by entrepreneur as a 24/7 movie channel under the HDNet umbrella, marking it as one of the earliest networks dedicated exclusively to high-definition theatrical films and documentaries. This spin-off from the original HDNet service aimed to capitalize on the emerging HD technology, offering viewers a premium cinematic experience without the constraints of traditional broadcast interruptions. In , as HDNet rebranded to AXS TV to emphasize live entertainment and music programming, retained its name and continued operating as a companion channel focused on uninterrupted viewing. The network's core mission centers on presenting unedited, commercial-free HD films in their original aspect ratios, with a particular emphasis on action, sci-fi, and cult classics genres that appeal to dedicated cinephiles. Unlike models, it operates as a standard cable and satellite service, prioritizing accessibility and purity of the viewing experience over transactional rentals. This contrasts briefly with AXS TV's emphasis on music concerts and events. Since acquired a majority stake in 2019, has been integrated into Anthem's portfolio alongside AXS TV, benefiting from shared operational resources and strategic oversight. Key leadership includes Andy Schuon, appointed president of both networks in February 2024, who brings expertise in music and media to guide and expansion efforts. Early milestones under HDNet included securing broadcast rights to a range of independent and theatrical releases, establishing the channel as a go-to for high-quality, ad-free cinema. The network is available digitally through streaming bundles on platforms like and , broadening its reach beyond traditional cable distribution.

Content and Scheduling

HDNet Movies primarily airs theatrically released films and documentaries, presented in high definition without content editing to preserve their original artistic intent. The channel features a diverse selection of genres, with a strong emphasis on action and adventure films such as Flying Tigers (1942) and Stargate (1994), alongside sci-fi entries like Universal Soldier (1992), horror-tinged classics, and dramas including Mystic Pizza (1988) and Academy Award winners spotlighting performers like Audrey Hepburn. All content is broadcast in its original aspect ratios to maintain visual fidelity. The channel operates on a continuous 24/7 schedule dedicated exclusively to movies, featuring uncut presentations free of commercial interruptions to provide an immersive viewing experience. Programming includes themed blocks and marathons, such as the monthly "" series that rotates focus on iconic stars—for instance, dedicating November airings to Hepburn films like Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) and (1953)—along with occasional interstitials like The Trailer Show to highlight upcoming features. Content acquisitions draw from partnerships that expand the library with independent films and , including Sports & Entertainment's 2021 purchase of , which added over 3,000 indie and specialty films to the portfolio at the time (though sold , including the library, to in April 2025). Further enhancements occurred in 2024 through 's acquisition of Hollywood Suite, enabling cross-channel integration of recent independent releases and classic library content across its movie networks. Viewers can access HDNet Movies bundled with AXS TV on major cable and satellite providers such as (channel 566) and , with availability varying by . Streaming options are provided through the AXS TV platform at axs.tv, allowing on-demand and live viewing of the schedule.

International Distribution

Carriage in

AXS TV became available in in December 2020 through distribution agreements with , as well as the over-the-top services Alt TV and , marking the channel's initial entry into the Canadian market. The launch provided Canadian viewers access to AXS TV's lineup of music concerts, entertainment programming, and sports content via these Bell-owned platforms. Subsequent expansions have included carriage on additional providers such as Eastlink and , broadening its reach to diverse regions across the country. As of 2025, the channel is distributed through these major telecommunications and cable operators, serving a substantial portion of 's pay television households. AXS TV operates in Canada under regulatory approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which has authorized it for distribution as a non-Canadian programming service on the Revised List of Eligible Non-Canadian Programming Services. This status allows broadcasting distribution undertakings to carry the channel without it counting toward quotas, provided they adhere to general conditions such as obtaining necessary rights and complying with the Wholesale Code. The channel's emphasis on music and concert programming aligns well with Canadian regulatory priorities for diverse offerings, facilitating its integration into bilingual viewing habits without requiring full localization. Following Anthem Sports & Entertainment's acquisition of Hollywood Suite in September 2024, AXS TV has been positioned alongside Anthem's existing Canadian channels, including Game TV and the newly acquired Hollywood Suite's four movie networks, to create synergies in content distribution and promotion. This integration enables bundled offerings and cross-platform availability, enhancing viewer access to complementary music, gaming, and film content within Anthem's portfolio. In 2025, these developments have supported expanded streaming options for AXS TV in Canada, including free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels and app-based access, further increasing its digital footprint beyond traditional cable carriage.

Expansion to Other Markets

AXS TV maintains a limited physical presence outside and the , with no full channel carriage in or . Instead, the network has pursued content syndication deals to distribute select programming, particularly wrestling and concert specials, through regional broadcasters. For instance, , a flagship wrestling program on AXS TV, airs in the and on every Friday at 11:00 p.m. BST as of 2025, with select pay-per-view events on Challenge TV. In other European markets such as , , , , , and Bosnia, episodes are available via . Further afield, the show reaches through on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. IST and the on channel, airing Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. local time. Concert content, while less extensively syndicated, benefits from similar targeted deals, though specific broadcaster partnerships for music programming in these regions remain sparse. Digital platforms have become central to AXS TV's international expansion, enabling broader access to its library without traditional broadcast infrastructure. The network's FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) service is available globally, allowing viewers in Europe and Asia to access on-demand concerts, documentaries, and wrestling highlights via apps and devices. TNA+ , the dedicated streaming service for TNA Wrestling content, operates without geo-restrictions in numerous countries, including the UK, Ireland, and India, providing live and archived episodes of iMPACT! to subscribers worldwide. Additionally, AXS TV's YouTube channel offers free global access to concert clips, full performances, and interviews, amassing millions of views from international audiences and serving as a key tool for content export. This digital strategy builds on AXS TV's historical ties to AEG, whose international venues facilitate promotional tie-ins for live events featured on the network. Growth in these markets faces challenges such as regional licensing hurdles and competition from local broadcasters, prompting AXS TV to prioritize partnerships over full launches. Efforts focus on leveraging digital exports and selective syndication to cultivate audiences, with wrestling content driving much of the international engagement. While comprehensive viewership data is not publicly detailed, the network's global underscores a shift toward accessible, on-demand programming to sustain expansion beyond its North American base.

References

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