Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate and Gray Television team up with free-to-air channels, a new programmer with a presence in broadcast television and streaming

Free TV Networks, a new programming company with a presence in both over-the-air broadcasting and streaming, has acquired Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate and Gray Television were involved as partners and suppliers.

The new company was founded and led by Jonathan Katz, who gained attention a decade ago by creating multicast networks, or “Diginets,” using spectrum made available by the television industry’s shift to high-definition signals in the 2000’s. This portfolio of networks, including Bounce, Escape and Grit, was acquired by EW Scripps in 2017 for $292 million.

The first free-to-air channels will be channels focused on African-American programming and Westerns. The flagship brand launching New Year’s Day as Diginet will be The365 (slogan: “Black, all day, every day”). It is aimed at African-American viewers with a range of films and series
Warner Bros.’ I am a legend, purple rain And Queen Sugar along with Lionsgate titles such as crashing down, Monster ball, Jackie Brown, Madea’s family reunion And Dear white people.

Outlaw, FTN’s second over-the-air network, also goes live on Jan. 1 and targets male viewers with films like Warner’s don’t forgive, Chisum, Pale rider And Wyatt Earp.

Based on Grey, one of the largest US broadcasting groups by revenue and number of markets, the new channels will be launched with distribution in 80% of the country.

In addition to the broadcast launches, Free TV Networks will also highlight several FAST networks based on acquired content in the coming months, including streaming versions of The365 and Outlaw.

“Never underestimate the power of ‘free’. Viewers and advertisers have driven the booming advertising market for digital broadcast networks to more than $1 billion, while FAST channel revenue now exceeds $5 billion,” said Katz. “The Free TV Networks team has a successful and profitable track record of scaling well-defined brands designed to serve the ever-growing number of value-conscious consumers who combine free WiFi and FAST channels with their favorite streaming services.”

Katz most recently served as President of Chicken Soup for Soul Entertainment and his previous career chapters included an executive position at Turner Broadcasting. On hand with Katz to announce the new entity was David Decker, president, content sales, Warner Bros. Discovery; Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution, Lionsgate; and Pat LaPlatney, president and co-CEO of Gray Television.

Free TV Network’s founders and board members include human rights activist and philanthropist Martin Luther King III and businessman Alan Haymon, known for his work in music, television and boxing.