Free TV Networks

What Free TV Networks does

Free TV Networks (FTN/FTV) is an Atlanta-based operator of free over-the-air (OTA) digital broadcast networks ("diginets") and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, founded in November 2023 by diginet industry veteran Jonathan Katz and acquired by Versant Media Group (Nasdaq: VSNT) in January 2026. The company owns and operates five branded properties: 365BLK (African American entertainment), OUTLAW (Western films and series), DEFY (unscripted reality programming licensed from A+E Networks), BUSTED (crime/justice content), and Pam Grier's Soul Flix (curated Black cinema FAST channel). Content is licensed from major studios including Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, A+E Networks, and Amazon MGM Studios.

The core technology and platform architecture is a content curation and multi-platform distribution layer — FTN does not own broadcast infrastructure but instead relies on carriage agreements with major station groups (Gray Television covering 113 markets / ~36% of US households, E.W. Scripps, Nexstar, CBS Owned & Operated across 16 markets, TEGNA, Sunbeam, HC2 Broadcasting) for OTA subchannel distribution, and on FAST platform partnerships (Prime Video, Sling Freestream, Philo, The Roku Channel, Plex.tv, VIZIO WatchFree+, TiVo+, Fawesome) for streaming delivery. Combined reach exceeds 90% of US TV households for the lead networks. FTN generates revenue exclusively through advertising across these free, ad-supported channels, monetizing differentiated audience segments (notably African American, Western enthusiasts, unscripted/crime viewers) to advertisers seeking targeted reach in the cord-cutting ecosystem.

FTN currently operates as a dedicated division of Versant Media Group, with Jonathan Katz continuing as President. The leadership team is unusually deep for a sub-15-month-old venture, drawing senior executives from Scripps Networks, Turner Broadcasting, Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, Epix, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. The company's stated mission is to serve value-conscious consumers seeking premium entertainment alternatives to paid cable and subscription services, positioning within the diginet (>$1B ad market) and FAST (>$5B ad market) categories that together are gaining share as cord-cutting accelerates.

Name

Free TV Networks

Legal name

Free TV Networks, LLC

Website

https://freetvnetworks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Free TV Networks is an Atlanta-based operator of free over-the-air digital broadcast networks and FAST streaming channels — including 365BLK, OUTLAW, DEFY, BUSTED, and Pam Grier's Soul Flix — distributing culturally targeted programming to value-conscious US consumers and monetizing reach through advertising across 90%+ of US TV households.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Free Ad-Supported Television

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822)

akta.pro primary industry

Free TV / Syndication Distribution (MPADAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aggregator/Platform Channels & Marketplace Bundles (Channel Stores, Super-Aggregators) (MPABAHAM), Premium/Movies & Specials Broadcast Networks (MPABAAAH)

Keywords

• Free ad-supported television
• Digital broadcast networks
• FAST streaming channels
• Over-the-air TV networks
• Advertiser-supported streaming

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Advertising Revenue: Free TV Networks generates revenue through advertising on its over-the-air broadcast networks and FAST channels. The company's targeted audience approach (African American, Western enthusiasts, crime/justice fans, unscripted content viewers) enables advertisers to reach specific demographic segments with high engagement. According to industry data cited, digital broadcast networks and FAST channels have become a thriving ad market exceeding $1 billion and $5 billion respectively.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Free TV Networks owns and operates five premium ad-supported free television brands delivered via over-the-air digital broadcast subchannels (diginets) and FAST streaming platforms: 365BLK (African American entertainment), OUTLAW (Westerns), DEFY (unscripted reality series), BUSTED (crime-focused programming), and Pam Grier's Soul Flix (Black cinema). The company licenses premium content from major studios including Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, A+E Networks, and Amazon MGM Studios, and distributes through broadcast station group partners and major streaming platforms.

Product overview

Free TV Networks operates as a provider of free over-the-air digital broadcast networks ('diginets') and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. The company serves value-conscious consumers with a portfolio of premium ad-supported nationwide networks. The core offerings include: 365BLK (African American programming with corresponding FAST channel), OUTLAW (Western programming with corresponding FAST channel), DEFY (unscripted reality series), BUSTED (crime-focused programming), and PAM GRIER'S SOUL FLIX (Black cinema FAST channel). All broadcast networks are available free via digital antenna, with FAST versions streaming on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, VIZIO WatchFree+, Plex.tv, TiVo+, Fawesome, Sling Freestream, and Philo. The company was acquired by Versant Media Group in January 2026 and operates as a dedicated business unit expanding distribution across OTA and FAST platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 365BLK: All-new alternative for African American audiences featuring blockbuster movies and hit series.
• OUTLAW
• DEFY
• BUSTED
• PAM GRIER'S SOUL FLIX

Products and services

• 365BLK An all-new ad-supported alternative for African American audiences featuring blockbuster movies (I Am Legend, Purple Rain, Tyler Perry's A Madea Family Funeral, Jackie Brown) and hit series (In The Heat of the Night, Queen Sugar), delivered via over-the-air digital broadcast and FAST streaming platforms.
• OUTLAW Western entertainment channel featuring iconic and legendary tales of the Old West with classic and contemporary western movies (Unforgiven, Chisum, Pale Rider, Wyatt Earp, Rio Bravo), delivered via over-the-air digital broadcast and FAST streaming platforms.
• DEFY Unscripted reality TV network featuring popular series including American Pickers, Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, Alone, Swamp People, Counting Cars, and Ax Men, delivered via over-the-air digital broadcast.
• BUSTED Crime-focused over-the-air broadcast network featuring high-adrenaline programming including COPS Reloaded, Jail, Bounty Tank, Court Cam, Neighborhood Wars, Customer Wars, and World's Wildest Police Videos.
• Pam Grier's Soul Flix FAST channel dedicated to icons and trailblazers of Black cinema, curated by legendary actress Pam Grier, featuring cult classics with iconic heroes and unforgettable soundtracks.

Quantifiable outcome

• Digital broadcast networks viewing share grew by 25% over the last two broadcast seasons
• +3 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• PhilomajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 April 2026Philo, a San Francisco-based live TV streaming service, provides distribution for FTN's FAST channels 365BLK, OUTLAW, and Pam Grier's Soul Flix. Philo offers 70+ entertainment channels and 130+ free channels, with paid plans starting at $25/month. This was FTN's fourth distribution agreement of 2026.
• Prime VideocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 March 2026Prime Video provides streaming distribution for Pam Grier's Soul Flix FAST channel. The launch on Prime Video builds on recent CBS O&O and Sling Freestream launches, strengthening FTN's national FAST footprint. Pam Grier's Soul Flix is accessible through 'Live TV' in the Prime Video platform menu.
• CBS (Owned & Operated Stations)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 February 2026CBS provides broadcast distribution for 365BLK and OUTLAW networks across 16 CBS Owned & Operated markets. The agreement expands 365BLK's consumer availability to 92% of U.S. television households and extends OUTLAW's reach to over 90%. Participating markets include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore.
• Sling FreestreammajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 February 2026Sling Freestream, a free ad-supported streaming service, provides distribution for Pam Grier's Soul Flix FAST channel. This partnership marked FTN's first major streaming expansion under Versant ownership, bringing Grier's curated Black cinema content to Sling's millions of viewers.
• Amazon MGM Studios DistributionmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2025Amazon MGM Studios Distribution provides licensing for the television crime drama In The Heat of the Night, which joined Free TV Networks' 365BLK slate beginning October 6, 2025. The landmark classic airs six days a week on 365BLK.
• Pam GriercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2025Legendary actress Pam Grier partnered with Free TV Networks to launch Pam Grier's Soul Flix, a FAST channel celebrating Black cinema. Grier curates the channel featuring classic films that inspire, empower, and highlight resilience. The channel launched January 21, 2025, on The Roku Channel and Plex.tv, and has since expanded to Prime Video, Sling Freestream, Philo, VIZIO WatchFree+, TiVo+, and Fawesome.
• A+E NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024A+E Networks partnered with Free TV Networks to launch DEFY, the unscripted programming network featuring popular series including American Pickers, Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, Alone, Swamp People, Counting Cars, and Ax Men. DEFY launched on July 1, 2024.
• TEGNAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 March 2024TEGNA provides broadcast distribution for Free TV Networks' 365BLK and OUTLAW networks. TEGNA operates local television stations in major markets and was part of FTN's early distribution expansion alongside Gray Media, Sunbeam, and HC2 Broadcasting.
• E.W. ScrippsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 March 2024E.W. Scripps provides broadcast distribution for Free TV Networks' networks including DEFY, which launched on Scripps stations in 85% of the U.S. Scripps stations carrying DEFY include markets in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle, and Tucson.
• SunbeammajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 March 2024Sunbeam TV stations provide broadcast distribution for Free TV Networks' 365BLK and OUTLAW networks as part of FTN's early distribution expansion in March 2024.
• HC2 BroadcastingmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 March 2024HC2 Broadcasting provides broadcast distribution for Free TV Networks' networks as part of the initial distribution footprint announced at FTN's founding, alongside Gray Television and RNN Media Group.
• Step By Step CommunicationsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 March 2024Step By Step Communications, an African American-owned media sales company led by Elverage Allen (formerly Executive Vice President of Ad Sales for Katz Networks), handles sponsorship and general market advertising for 365BLK. The firm is a State Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
• Nexstar Media GroupmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2024Nexstar Media Group provides broadcast distribution for Free TV Networks' BUSTED network, which launched on March 1, 2025. Nexstar is one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasting companies.
• Warner Bros. DiscoverycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 November 2023Warner Bros. Discovery provides premium content licensing for Free TV Networks' broadcast and FAST channels. The partnership, established at FTN's founding in November 2023, includes blockbuster movies and hit series such as I Am Legend, Purple Rain, Queen Sugar, Crash, Monster's Ball, and Jackie Brown for 365BLK, as well as Western films including Unforgiven, Chisum, Pale Rider, and Wyatt Earp for OUTLAW.
• LionsgatecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 November 2023Lionsgate provides content licensing for Free TV Networks' networks, including Lionsgate content featured on 365BLK such as Dear White People and other programming. The partnership was established at FTN's founding in November 2023 alongside Warner Bros. Discovery and Gray Television.
• Gray TelevisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 November 2023Gray Television, the nation's largest owner of local television stations, provides broadcast distribution infrastructure for Free TV Networks' diginets. As a founding partner announced in November 2023, Gray provides distribution across 113 markets reaching approximately 36% of U.S. television households. Gray also holds a majority interest in Swirl Films.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Scripps Networks: Major U.S. broadcast station group and former home of much of FTN's leadership team. Operates ION Television and distributes several diginets via its station portfolio — both a distribution partner (carries DEFY and others) and a peer in the broadcast-plus-diginet model.
• The Roku Channel: Roku's owned-and-operated free ad-supported streaming hub featuring FAST channels, original content, and licensed programming. Both a distribution partner (carries Pam Grier's Soul Flix) and a direct competitor in FAST aggregation.
• Sinclair Broadcast Group: Major U.S. broadcast station group with extensive diginet portfolio (Comet, TBD, Charge!, TNN) distributed across its owned stations. Competes for both broadcast subchannel carriage and FAST audience attention.

Regional players

• Philo: San Francisco-based live TV streaming service offering 70+ entertainment channels plus 130+ free FAST channels. Now a distribution partner carrying FTN's 365BLK, OUTLAW, and Pam Grier's Soul Flix; serves as a comparable ad-supported streaming aggregation model.

Direct peers

• Pluto TV: Leading free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service owned by Paramount Global, offering hundreds of themed channels including movie, crime, and entertainment verticals. Competes directly with FTN's FAST channels on shared distribution platforms like Roku, VIZIO, and Plex.
• Tubi: Fox-owned free ad-supported streaming service with deep movie/TV library and growing FAST channel lineup. Directly competes with FTN's FAST channels on Prime Video, Roku Channel, and other shared platforms for both viewers and ad budgets.
• Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment: Operates Crackle Conduit and a portfolio of ad-supported streaming and diginet channels, plus Screen Media Ventures content licensing. Jonathan Katz previously served as President. Most directly comparable business model combining licensed content, diginets, and FAST distribution.
• Bounce TV: African American-focused free over-the-air broadcast network that pioneered the culturally-targeted diginet category. Closest direct competitor to 365BLK in audience positioning and distribution approach.
• Katz Networks: Founded by Free TV Networks' founder Jonathan Katz, Katz Networks operates Bounce TV, Grit, Laff, and Escape — culturally-targeted free ad-supported diginets distributed via OTA and cable. Closest direct analog to FTN's business model and portfolio strategy.

Emerging players

• Stadium (Stadium Sports Network): Free ad-supported sports diginet distributed via broadcast subchannels and streaming. Operates the same hybrid OTA-plus-FAST distribution model as FTN with a narrower (sports-only) content vertical.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/free-tv-networks-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Free TV Networks