True Crime Network

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.

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

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

• True crime programming
• Broadcast television network
• Crime investigation shows
• Multicast broadcast network
• Free over-the-air TV

Headquarters

HQ city

Oakton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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

Core 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

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Callahan WalshcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2017Callahan 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.
• TEGNAflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 August 2016TEGNA 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 TelevisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 August 2016Hearst 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 MediacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 August 2016Tribune Media distributes the network across its broadcast stations, adding significant market coverage to the network's footprint.
• Gray TelevisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 August 2016Gray Television distributes the network through its station group, contributing to the expansion of the network's reach across U.S. markets.
• UnivisionChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 August 2016Univision distributes the network through its broadcast stations, adding Hispanic market coverage to the network's distribution footprint.
• TwoFour ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2016TwoFour Productions co-produced the original series 'Killing Spree' with Justice Network (now True Crime Network), marking the network's first original programming launch.
• Zodiak ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2016Zodiak 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2015NCMEC 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 ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2015The 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 USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2015Crime 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.
• FBIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2015The FBI partners with the network to feature wanted fugitives and support law enforcement efforts to apprehend criminals through the BeSAFE initiative.
• John WalshflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2015John 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 DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 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 StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAULT 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

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WatchTrueCrime
• Facebookfacebook.com/truecrimenetwork
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/justice-network-television

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 True Crime Network