Bounce TV, the first over-the-air broadcast network for African-Americans launching 9/26, has added its home market of Atlanta and will air on Gannett Broadcasting’s WATL-TV—the second largest African-American television market in the US. Like its other affiliates, Bounce TV will air on a WATL digital multicast channel.
Formed by a group including Martin Luther King III and Ambassador Andrew Young, Bounce TV was announced in April and expects to be available in at least 50% of the country by its launch.
The agreement is Bounce TV’s first with Gannett. It also has affiliation deals with Belo, Nexstar, LIN TV and Raycom Media.
“The addition of Atlanta is significant and shows that important station groups continue to see the enormous value in carrying Bounce TV,” says Bounce TV EVP/Distribution Jeffrey Wolf. “We are thrilled to be affiliated with Gannett and The Networks of 11Alive in our hometown.”
Bounce TV will target African-Americans primarily between the ages of 25-54 with a programming mix of theatrical motion pictures, live sporting events, documentaries, specials, inspirational faith-based programs, off-net series, original programming and more. In addition to Atlanta, the network will be seen in Houston; Cleveland/Akron, OH; Charlotte; Cincinnati; Indianapolis; Hartford/New Haven, CT; Norfolk, VA; Dayton, OH; West Palm Beach, FL; Birmingham, AL; Memphis; Louisville and Richmond, VA, among other markets.
RBR-TVBR observation: While those viewing the network over-the-air will be a component of the overall viewing and ratings, the bigger chunk of viewership should come from local cable carrying the network in each market. This will put the network up against established networks like BET and TV One—with a better channel position on the cable box as well. By launching OTA first, getting carriage on cable becomes much easier.
