Katz Broadcasting and Bounce TV have launched what they call ‘the largest multicast distribution launch in the history of broadcast television’.
The launch will see all stations owned or programmed by the Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Mission Broadcasting and White Knight Broadcasting carry the Escape, Grit, Laff and Bounce TV platforms.
It will span 130 channel locations across 81 stations in 54 markets.
“Escape, Grit, Laff and Bounce TV are unique brands that are complementary to our stations’ existing high quality, original, local news and other exclusive local and network-affiliated programming,” said Brian Jones, Nexstar executive vice president and co-chief operating officer.
“Nexstar’s top priority is serving the needs of the people and communities where we operate, and with the launch of these digital multicast networks across the companies’ broadcast platforms, we are delivering more exciting content to local viewers.”
According to the companies, the agreement will add:
– 42 new Escape markets, driving Escape to 85 per cent of the US, which represents 99 million homes
– 28 new markets for Grit, putting Grit in 93 per cent of the US – 108 million households
– 45 new Laff markets; 85 per cent of the country, 99 million homes
– 15 new markets for Bounce TV – 81 per cent US, 94 million homes
“These are monumental agreements for our networks and the emerging broadcasting business overall,” said Jeffrey Wolf, chief distribution officer for Katz and Bounce TV.
“Nexstar Broadcasting have always been innovators and we’re grateful for the tremendous confidence they’ve placed in our brands.”
