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Free TV Networks
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Free TV Networks, LLC is an American specialized digital multicasting and advertising-supported video on demand network media company. The company owns and operates four broadcast television networks. 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.
Key Information
Structure
[edit]The venture launched with two digital multicast television networks, The365 and Outlaw, on January 1, 2024, with Gray Television making up the bulk of the network's affiliate base, though at an early cost of affiliating with low-power stations without cable coverage in markets with no Gray stations. The365 (since renamed 365BLK) targets an African American audience. Outlaw airs Western films and series.[1] Programming on 365BLK and Outlaw is similar to that of Bounce TV and Grit, respectively; the latter two broadcast networks were founded by Katz as part of Katz Broadcasting, which was later acquired by the E. W. Scripps Company, and became Scripps Networks.[2]
On July 1, 2021, Scripps' network Defy TV debuted, primarily airing reality shows from the library of A&E Networks. On July 1, 2024, Scripps' ownership of Defy TV ended as the network was relaunched (renamed simply as Defy) as a joint venture of Free TV Networks and A&E Networks,[3][4] though Scripps would re-add Defy to several Ion stations on July 1, 2025 under a new affiliation agreement.[5]
Free TV Networks launched a fourth network, Busted, on March 1, 2025. Its programming consists of reality series observing law enforcement.[6]
Programming
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ Keys, Matthew (December 30, 2023). "TV stations replacing Circle Country with new networks Outlaw, The365 on January 1". The Desk. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ Miller, Mark K. (August 1, 2017). "Scripps Buys Katz Diginets For $302 Million". TV News Check. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
- ^ "Defy Hits The Air". Free TV Networks (Press release). July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ Keys, Matthew (July 1, 2024). "Free TV Networks rebrands multicast network Dare as Defy". The Desk. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ "Free TV Networks Expands Reach With New Affiliate Launches For 365BLK And Defy" (Press release). TVNewsCheck. July 8, 2025. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ "Free TV Networks To Launch Fourth Diginet". Radio–Television Business Report. January 31, 2025. Retrieved February 2, 2025.