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ION Media Networks

Full company profile

uuid000ctp6

Namestring
ION Media Networks
Legal namestring
ION Media Networks
Websiteurl
ionmedia.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1984
Short descriptiontext

ION Media Networks is a Falls Church, Virginia-based private company operating the ION Television national U.S. broadcast network, featuring procedural dramas such as S.W.A.T., crime/mystery sub-brands ION Mystery and ION Plus, and live sports including WNBA and NWSL, distributed free over-the-air, via cable/satellite, and digitally to general viewers and advertisers.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
251–500
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersFalls Church, United States
HQ citystring
Falls Church
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Keyword5 values
broadcast television network, over-the-air programming, crime drama content, women's sports broadcasting, free-to-air entertainment
Industry1 code
1National & Regional Sports TV Networks (Linear)
CodeMPABAJAAPrimaryYes
NAICS code1 code
  • Television Broadcasting Stations51612
SIC code1 code
  • Television Broadcasting Stations4833
Product category
Broadcast Television Network
Marketing channels5 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 of 2 records shown
1ION Mystery
Description

Crime and mystery programming network featuring daily content in the genre.

iontelevision.com
+1 more record
Core offering1 text field

ION Media Networks operates a national broadcast television network distributing free over-the-air entertainment and sports programming to viewers across the United States. The network airs crime and justice procedural dramas, original scripted series such as S.W.A.T., and live sports coverage including WNBA and NWSL broadcasts, complemented by branded sub-channels ION Mystery and ION Plus. Distribution is delivered through over-the-air broadcast, cable and satellite partnerships, and digital streaming via iontelevision.com.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product and service1 record
1ION Television
No data
Peers10 records
1Stadium
TypeDirect peer
Description

Multi-channel linear sports network distributed across OTA and cable; directly comparable to ION's national sports broadcasting ambitions around WNBA/NWSL.

2Court TV
TypeDirect peer
Description

Genre-focused national broadcast network carried on cable/satellite and OTA; closely mirrors ION Mystery's crime and legal programming slant and similar ad-supported distribution model.

3Antenna TV
TypeDirect peer
Description

Free, ad-supported broadcast sub-network operating a curated programming slate; directly comparable to ION Plus / ION Mystery as a sister-tier sub-brand model.

4NewsNation
TypeDirect peer
Description

Nationally distributed broadcast news/lifestyle network carried on cable and OTA; comparable scale and distribution architecture to ION's national broadcast footprint.

5The CW
TypeDirect peer
Description

National broadcast television network with ad-supported model and a mix of scripted and sports-adjacent programming; comparable in reach and business model to ION.

6Cozi TV
TypeDirect peer
Description

Free ad-supported broadcast sub-network with curated classic and themed programming; mirrors ION Plus/ION Mystery sub-brand structure.

7Comet TV
TypeDirect peer
Description

Genre-focused (sci-fi/action) broadcast sub-network distributed via OTA and cable; directly comparable to ION Mystery as a genre-specialized sub-channel.

8Bally Sports
TypeDirect peer
Description

Regional sports cable/linear network with significant live sports rights and ad-supported revenue model; comparable to ION's sports distribution strategy at a different scale.

9ESPN
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Largest US sports broadcaster and pay-TV network, with national linear sports rights at massive scale; relevant as the dominant incumbent ION competes against for premium sports rights and sports-adjacent advertiser dollars.

10Buzzr
TypeDirect peer
Description

Free ad-supported broadcast sub-network offering curated themed programming; architecturally similar to ION's sub-brand portfolio strategy.

Market position
Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles5 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

Subsidiaries2 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquired on, Relationship type, Type, Business focus

No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

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

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

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

ION Media Networks

Broadcast Television Networkionmedia.com

ION Media Networks is a Falls Church, Virginia-based private company operating the ION Television national U.S. broadcast network, featuring procedural dramas such as S.W.A.T., crime/mystery sub-brands ION Mystery and ION Plus, and live sports including WNBA and NWSL, distributed free over-the-air, via cable/satellite, and digitally to general viewers and advertisers.

ION Media Networks firmographics

Firmographics
Name
ION Media Networks
Legal name
ION Media Networks
Website
https://ionmedia.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
1984
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
251–500 employees
Short description
ION Media Networks is a Falls Church, Virginia-based private company operating the ION Television national U.S. broadcast network, featuring procedural dramas such as S.W.A.T., crime/mystery sub-brands ION Mystery and ION Plus, and live sports including WNBA and NWSL, distributed free over-the-air, via cable/satellite, and digitally to general viewers and advertisers.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

ION Media Networks industry classification

Industry
Product category
Broadcast Television Network
NAICS
Television Broadcasting Stations (51612)
SIC
Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)
akta.pro primary industry
National & Regional Sports TV Networks (Linear) (MPABAJAA)

Keywords

  • Broadcast television network
  • Over-the-air programming
  • Crime drama content
  • Women's sports broadcasting
  • Free-to-air entertainment

Where ION Media Networks is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Falls Church
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Markets served

ION Media Networks business model

Business model
GTM type
B2C
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

ION Media Networks product offering

Product offering

Core offering

ION Media Networks operates a national broadcast television network distributing free over-the-air entertainment and sports programming to viewers across the United States. The network airs crime and justice procedural dramas, original scripted series such as S.W.A.T., and live sports coverage including WNBA and NWSL broadcasts, complemented by branded sub-channels ION Mystery and ION Plus. Distribution is delivered through over-the-air broadcast, cable and satellite partnerships, and digital streaming via iontelevision.com.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • ION Mystery: Crime and mystery programming network featuring daily content in the genre.
  • ION Plus

Products and services

  • ION Television

Companies that use ION Media Networks

Customer profile

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

ION Media Networks technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

ION Media Networks competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • Stadium: Multi-channel linear sports network distributed across OTA and cable; directly comparable to ION's national sports broadcasting ambitions around WNBA/NWSL.
  • Court TV: Genre-focused national broadcast network carried on cable/satellite and OTA; closely mirrors ION Mystery's crime and legal programming slant and similar ad-supported distribution model.
  • Antenna TV: Free, ad-supported broadcast sub-network operating a curated programming slate; directly comparable to ION Plus / ION Mystery as a sister-tier sub-brand model.
  • NewsNation: Nationally distributed broadcast news/lifestyle network carried on cable and OTA; comparable scale and distribution architecture to ION's national broadcast footprint.
  • The CW: National broadcast television network with ad-supported model and a mix of scripted and sports-adjacent programming; comparable in reach and business model to ION.
  • Cozi TV: Free ad-supported broadcast sub-network with curated classic and themed programming; mirrors ION Plus/ION Mystery sub-brand structure.
  • Comet TV: Genre-focused (sci-fi/action) broadcast sub-network distributed via OTA and cable; directly comparable to ION Mystery as a genre-specialized sub-channel.
  • Bally Sports: Regional sports cable/linear network with significant live sports rights and ad-supported revenue model; comparable to ION's sports distribution strategy at a different scale.
  • Buzzr: Free ad-supported broadcast sub-network offering curated themed programming; architecturally similar to ION's sub-brand portfolio strategy.

Broad incumbents

  • ESPN: Largest US sports broadcaster and pay-TV network, with national linear sports rights at massive scale; relevant as the dominant incumbent ION competes against for premium sports rights and sports-adjacent advertiser dollars.

Market position

Customer concentration

ION Media Networks social profiles

Digital presence

ION Media Networks financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

ION Media Networks leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

ION Media Networks subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries2 records

ION Media Networks funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

ION Media Networks M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about ION Media Networks

What does ION Media Networks do?

ION Media Networks operates a national broadcast television network distributing free over-the-air entertainment and sports programming to viewers across the United States. The network airs crime and justice procedural dramas, original scripted series such as S.W.A.T., and live sports coverage including WNBA and NWSL broadcasts, complemented by branded sub-channels ION Mystery and ION Plus. Distribution is delivered through over-the-air broadcast, cable and satellite partnerships, and digital streaming via iontelevision.com.

Is ION Media Networks a public or private company?

ION Media Networks is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.

When was ION Media Networks founded?

ION Media Networks was founded in 1984. It employs 251 to 500 people.

Where is ION Media Networks based?

ION Media Networks is headquartered in Falls Church, United States, in the North America region.

Who are ION Media Networks's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Stadium, Court TV, Antenna TV, NewsNation, The CW, Cozi TV, Comet TV, Bally Sports and Buzzr. ESPN is listed as a broad incumbent.

Does ION Media Networks have an API?

No public API is recorded for ION Media Networks.

What industry is ION Media Networks in?

ION Media Networks's product category is Broadcast Television Network. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABAJAA, National & Regional Sports TV Networks (Linear). Its NAICS code is 51612 and its SIC code is 4833.

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PR NewswireScripps launches Scripps Sports division to further its sports programming initiativesThe E.W. Scripps Company (Nasdaq: SSP) is launching a new Scripps Sports division to leverage its 61 local TV stations and national broadcast reach through ION Media for partnerships with sports leagues, conferences and teams. Brian Lawlor, who has led the company's Local Media division since 2009, will assume the role of president of the new division, which aims to capitalize on the fragmented sports viewing marketplace and challenges facing regional sports networks. The company has a history of acquiring sports rights including the NFL, NHL, MLS, NWSL and multiple college sports rights.PR NewswireScripps completes acquisition of ION Media from Black Diamond, creating new national networks businessE.W. Scripps Company has completed its acquisition of ION Media Networks Inc. from Black Diamond Capital Management LLC, combining ION with its Katz networks and Newsy to form a national television networks business reaching nearly every American through broadcast, cable/satellite, and digital distribution. Black Diamond completed its 11-year turnaround of ION, growing EBITDA from $33 million in 2009 to over $300 million during ownership. The highly accretive acquisition is expected to yield $500 million in synergies over six years at a $120 million run rate, with the transaction financed through $1.85 billion in debt, a $600 million Berkshire Hathaway preferred stock investment, and cash.PR NewswireScripps announces promotions for national networks distribution leadership teamThe E.W. Scripps Company has appointed three media industry veterans—Brad Samuels, Damian Riordan and Yvonne Haugh—to leadership roles supporting distribution of its new national networks business, reporting to chief distribution officer Jeffrey Wolf. The new national networks will combine ION Media's entertainment programming, Newsy's news content and the five Katz broadcast networks, with distribution spanning broadcast, cable, satellite, OTT and streaming platforms. All appointments are effective upon the close of Scripps' acquisition of ION Media.PR NewswireScripps appoints Combs to be CFO when ION acquisition is completeThe E.W. Scripps Company has appointed Jason Combs as its next chief financial officer, effective upon the close of its acquisition of ION Media. Combs, currently vice president of financial planning and analysis, will replace Lisa Knutson, who will lead the newly combined businesses of ION Media, the five Katz networks and Newsy. The appointment is part of Scripps' transition planning as it nears completion of the ION Media deal, pending regulatory approval.PR NewswireScripps promotes Jonathan Katz to chief operating officer for new national TV networksThe E.W. Scripps Company has appointed Jonathan Katz, founder and CEO of Katz networks, as chief operating officer and head of entertainment for its new combined national television networks business. Katz will oversee brands including Bounce, Laff, Grit, Court TV Mystery, ION networks, Brown Sugar and "The List," with expanded responsibility for revenue, research, marketing and programming across the entire portfolio. The appointment becomes effective upon the close of Scripps' acquisition of ION Media, which will make Scripps the nation's largest television broadcaster reaching 73% of U.S. television households.PR NewswireScripps prices senior notes offeringThe E.W. Scripps Company's subsidiary Scripps Escrow II has priced offerings of $550 million in 3.875% senior secured notes maturing in 2029 and $500 million in 5.375% senior unsecured notes maturing in 2031, expected to close December 30, 2020. The company plans to use the proceeds along with a $600 million preferred equity investment from Berkshire Hathaway, an $800 million incremental term loan, and $336 million in cash to fund the $2.65 billion acquisition of ION Media, which received FCC approval on the same day.PR NewswireScripps reports third-quarter 2020 resultsThe E.W. Scripps Company reported Q3 2020 earnings with total revenue of $493 million, a 49% increase from Q3 2019, and income from continuing operations of $64 million (76 cents per share) compared to a loss of $17.3 million in the prior-year quarter. The company also announced it will acquire ION Media for $2.65 billion to combine with its Katz networks and Newsy into a national television networks business, with the transaction expected to close in early 2021. Scripps expects 2020 free cash flow to exceed $280 million, above its pre-pandemic guidance of $225-250 million, driven by record political advertising revenue of $265 million and 39% retransmission revenue growth.PR NewswireQ3 broadcast M&A market picks up pace in spite of COVID-19 pandemicU.S. broadcast station M&A volume totaled $534.7 million in Q3 2020, a substantial rebound from the COVID-19-driven all-time low of $90.3 million in Q2. The largest deal was E.W. Scripps Co.'s acquisition of ION Media Holdings Inc., comprising 71 TV stations valued at $338 million and accounting for 63% of the quarter's total volume. Despite concentration in one large transaction, the remaining 123 deals added $196.7 million, more than doubling the prior quarter's total.PR NewswireScripps taps Knutson, Tomlin for new leadership rolesThe E.W. Scripps Company announced new leadership roles for CFO Lisa Knutson and Executive Vice President Laura Tomlin, contingent on the closing of its acquisition of ION Media. Knutson will lead the new Scripps national television networks business combining ION Media, the five Katz networks and Newsy, while Tomlin becomes chief administrative officer. The ION Media acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2021 pending regulatory approvals, and Scripps has begun searching for a new CFO to replace Knutson.GlobeNewswireION Media Expands Long-Term Content Relationship With ViacomCBS Global Distribution GroupION Media announced a multi-year deal with ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group covering all seasons of NCIS: New Orleans and Hawaii Five-0 for broadcast. The deal adds two CBS franchises to ION's syndication library, bringing the company to 12 of the 20 longest-running U.S. drama franchises.