True Crime Network
True Crime Network is a 24/7 free over-the-air multicast television network operated by TEGNA Inc., broadcasting crime and investigation programming to 66 million U.S. households across 51 markets, supported by advertising and the BeSAFE public-service initiative.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersOakton, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What True Crime Network does
True Crime Network is a 24/7 multicast broadcast television network dedicated to crime and investigation programming, operating in the United States across 51 markets and reaching approximately 66 million households. Originally launched as Justice Network in January 2015 by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) and rebranded as True Crime Network in July 2020, the network distributes a 7,000+ hour content library anchored by recognizable franchises such as Forensic Files, The FBI Files, Homicide Hunter, and Dateline, plus original commissions including Killing Spree and Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer. Its distinguishing technical component is the BeSAFE initiative, a 90-second-per-hour public-service block carrying most-wanted fugitive notices (U.S. Marshals Service), missing-children alerts (NCMEC), and safety tips, delivered through localized server infrastructure at affiliate stations for market-specific customization.
The network's distribution architecture is multi-channel: free over-the-air carriage through TEGNA's 62 owned TV stations and broadcast-group affiliates (Hearst, Tribune, Gray, Univision, Media General); cable carriage on Charter Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, and WOW; satellite on DirecTV and DISH; and a free, ad-supported on-demand streaming service launched in 2020 across web, mobile, and connected TV (Roku, FireTV, Apple TV, Android). A podcast portfolio produced through TEGNA's VAULT Studios — including True Crime Chronicles, Bardstown, and 88 Days: The Jayme Closs Story — extends the brand into audio.
True Crime Network is wholly owned by TEGNA Inc. and generates revenue exclusively through advertising, leveraging TEGNA's Premion OTT ad-serving platform and linear ad inventory across its distribution footprint. The brand is differentiated by its institutional law-enforcement partnerships (NCMEC, U.S. Marshals, FBI, Crime Stoppers USA) and by John Walsh's role as spokesperson, which together create a public-safety halo unavailable to competing true-crime content properties. Headcount on the network itself is reported at 1–10, with executive and operational roles (Brian Weiss as President/GM, John Kiser as Programming Director, Shera Collins as Director of Operations & Production, Thomas Goodhew as Senior Director of Business Development) supported by shared TEGNA corporate infrastructure.
True Crime Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- True Crime Network
- Legal name
- TEGNA Inc.
- Website
- https://truecrimenetworktv.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- True Crime Network is a 24/7 free over-the-air multicast television network operated by TEGNA Inc., broadcasting crime and investigation programming to 66 million U.S. households across 51 markets, supported by advertising and the BeSAFE public-service initiative.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
True Crime Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Crime Television Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162)
- SIC
- Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)
- akta.pro primary industry
- True Crime Documentaries (MPADADAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Investigative & Journalism Documentaries (MPADADAD)
Keywords
Where True Crime Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oakton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
True Crime Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Advertising Revenue: The network generates revenue through advertising, including targeted commercials delivered via its Premion OTT advertising service (a TEGNA product). The free, ad-supported streaming service also generates advertising revenue.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
True Crime Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
True Crime Network is a 24/7 free over-the-air multicast broadcast television network that airs crime and investigation programming. The network distributes licensed and original crime content such as The FBI Files, Forensic Files, Homicide Hunter, and Dateline, alongside an hourly BeSAFE public service initiative that broadcasts missing children alerts, most wanted fugitives, and safety tips in partnership with law enforcement. The content is also offered via a free ad-supported on-demand streaming service and true crime podcasts.
Product overview
True Crime Network is a 24/7 multicast broadcast television network (formerly Justice Network, rebranded July 2020) that offers crime and investigation programming through three main channels: linear broadcast TV, a free ad-supported on-demand streaming service, and true crime podcasts produced by TEGNA's VAULT Studios. The network differentiates itself through its BeSAFE public service initiative, which dedicates 90 seconds of each hour to displaying missing children alerts, most wanted fugitives, and safety tips in partnership with law enforcement agencies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BeSAFE Initiative: Public service initiative that features most wanted fugitives, missing children, and safety tips every hour, 365 days a year.
Products and services
- True Crime Network (Broadcast TV Network) A 24/7 over-the-air multicast broadcast television network featuring crime and investigation programming, including shows like The FBI Files, Forensic Files, Homicide Hunter, and Dateline, available free to viewers via antenna.
- True Crime Network On-Demand Streaming Service A free, ad-supported on-demand streaming service available via web, mobile and connected TV apps including Roku, FireTV, Apple TV, and Android, providing access to hundreds of hours of true crime content.
- True Crime Network Podcasts True crime podcasts produced by TEGNA's VAULT Studios, including True Crime Chronicles, Officer's Wife, Selena: A Star Dies in Texas, Bomber, Bardstown, Amy Should Be Forty, 88 Days: Jayme Closs Story, and Urge to Kill, covering serial killers, cold cases, and unsolved mysteries.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100+ fugitives captured through viewer tips generated by hourly Most Wanted segments
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use True Crime Network
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
True Crime Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
True Crime Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Callahan WalshcoreCallahan Walsh, son of John Walsh and Child Advocate at NCMEC, joined the network as part of its BeSAFE initiative. He serves as an on-air representative for NCMEC, alerting viewers to missing children and providing child safety tips.
- TEGNAflagshipTEGNA Inc. is the parent company that owns and operates the True Crime Network (formerly Justice Network). TEGNA provides distribution through its 62+ TV stations in 51 markets, reaching approximately 39% of U.S. television households.
- Hearst TelevisioncoreHearst Television is a major broadcast group partner distributing the network across its station portfolio, contributing to the network's expansion to 66 million homes.
- Tribune MediacoreTribune Media distributes the network across its broadcast stations, adding significant market coverage to the network's footprint.
- Gray TelevisioncoreGray Television distributes the network through its station group, contributing to the expansion of the network's reach across U.S. markets.
- UnivisionUnivision distributes the network through its broadcast stations, adding Hispanic market coverage to the network's distribution footprint.
- TwoFour ProductionsminorTwoFour Productions co-produced the original series 'Killing Spree' with Justice Network (now True Crime Network), marking the network's first original programming launch.
- Zodiak ProductionsminorZodiak Productions co-produced 'Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer' with the network, providing international true crime content for U.S. audiences.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)coreNCMEC is a key partner in the BeSAFE initiative, providing missing children alerts and child safety expertise. John Walsh, co-founder of NCMEC, serves as the network's spokesperson. The partnership has contributed to recovering 100+ missing children featured on the network.
- U.S. Marshals ServicecoreThe U.S. Marshals Service provides most wanted fugitive information for hourly BeSAFE segments. The partnership has resulted in the capture of 100+ fugitives featured on the network through viewer tips.
- Crime Stoppers USAcoreCrime Stoppers USA collaborates on fugitive alerts and tip collection, enabling viewers to report information that leads to captures. Partners include local Crime Stoppers organizations across affiliate markets.
- FBIcoreThe FBI partners with the network to feature wanted fugitives and support law enforcement efforts to apprehend criminals through the BeSAFE initiative.
- John WalshflagshipJohn Walsh, iconic crime-fighter and creator of America's Most Wanted, serves as spokesperson and on-air talent for the network. His involvement includes hosting hourly BeSAFE public service announcements asking viewers to help find criminals and missing children.
- Atlanta Police DepartmentminorThe Atlanta Police Department, particularly through Sgt. Ralph Woolfolk, provides safety tips for the BeSAFE initiative, offering practical advice on topics like carjacking prevention, home safety, and social media safety.
- TEGNA's VAULT StudioscoreVAULT Studios produces true crime podcasts for the network, including True Crime Chronicles and other investigative podcast content that extends the network's brand to audio platforms.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
True Crime Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
True Crime Network social profiles
Digital presenceTrue Crime Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
True Crime Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
True Crime Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
True Crime Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about True Crime Network
What does True Crime Network do?
True Crime Network is a 24/7 free over-the-air multicast broadcast television network that airs crime and investigation programming. The network distributes licensed and original crime content such as The FBI Files, Forensic Files, Homicide Hunter, and Dateline, alongside an hourly BeSAFE public service initiative that broadcasts missing children alerts, most wanted fugitives, and safety tips in partnership with law enforcement. The content is also offered via a free ad-supported on-demand streaming service and true crime podcasts.
Is True Crime Network a public or private company?
True Crime Network is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was True Crime Network founded?
True Crime Network was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is True Crime Network based?
True Crime Network is headquartered in Oakton, United States, in the North America region.
How does True Crime Network make money?
One revenue line is on record: advertising Revenue.
Does True Crime Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for True Crime Network.
What industry is True Crime Network in?
True Crime Network's product category is Crime Television Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADADAN, True Crime Documentaries, with a secondary code of MPADADAD, Investigative & Journalism Documentaries. Its NAICS code is 516120 and its SIC code is 4833.