Two new demo-specific broadcast networks will launch from African-American-targeted Bounce TV this summer. “Escape” will target women 25-54 with a brand of programming that’s “daring, sexy and anchored in stories of crime and mystery.” The network’s mix of theatrical motion pictures and off-net series will emphasize heroines and heroes that slip away from pursuit or peril, while providing viewers themselves the opportunity to escape from their daily lives.
With a heavy focus on western and war genres, action-oriented “Grit” will be a new television brand built around the classic male hero archetype.
Featuring stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Chuck Norris, the network will reach men 25-54 with theatricals and off-network series that are bold, brave and legendary.
The two new networks will be part of Katz Broadcasting, a new company established by Bounce TV founder/COO and former Turner Broadcasting executive Jonathan Katz. Katz Broadcasting will own and operate the two new networks. Katz will serve as President and CEO while continuing as COO of Bounce TV.
“Free broadcast television is experiencing a renaissance in this new age of media disruption, as more and more consumers combine over-the-air with over-the-top services,” commented Katz. “Distributing Escape and Grit alongside successful demo-specific networks like Bounce TV makes the burgeoning new broadcast ecosystem closely resemble the early days of basic cable, providing viewers diverse new choices.”
Univision Television Group will launch both Escape and Grit as a multicast channel on stations representing more than 30% of U.S. television households. Initial markets include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Miami.
Katz has tapped Bounce TV Executive Vice President of Network Distribution, Jeffrey Wolf, former EVP of U.S. Syndication Sales for Sony Pictures Television and widely respected as an innovator within the industry, to serve as Chief Distribution Officer. “We are being very strategic and selective when determining our partners for these new networks,” commented Wolf. “Bounce TV has enjoyed an extremely successful relationship with Univision and we couldn’t be more thrilled to call Univision the launch group for both new networks. We look forward to another mutually-beneficial partnership for many years to come.”
Both Escape and Grit expect to make further distribution announcements in the coming weeks.
