Four months ago, RBR+TVBR first shared the news that The E.W. Scripps Co. would be launching two new national TV networks, capitalizing on its position “as a full-scale national television company.”
While Scripps slightly altered the original plan, with respect to one of the digital multicast networks’ names, the debut of the two reality-based offerings came as expected on July 1.
Defy TV and TrueReal have been launched by Scripps, prompted largely by the company’s blockbuster merger with Ion Media. The channels have coverage of 92% of the U.S.
Defy TV is sticking with its original plan of action. It will cater to men ages 25-54 “with programming that celebrates fascinating and independent-minded people living life to the fullest.” Programming will include popular series such as “Swamp People” (Mondays), “Counting Cars” (Tuesdays), “American Pickers” (Wednesdays), “The Curse of Oak Island” (Thursdays), “Forged in Fire” (Fridays), “Ax Men” (Saturdays), “Alone” (Saturdays), “Dog the Bounty Hunter” (Sundays) and “Pawn Stars” (Sundays).
TrueReal was originally intended to be Doozy, targeting women aged 25-54 and tap into their ”strong interest in can’t-stop-watching, unscripted drama that’s surprising and true.”
The name is different; the programming is the same as envisioned, with off-network shows including “Storage Wars,” “Married at First Sight,” “Hoarders,” and “Little Women: LA” on the lineup.
Defy TV and TrueReal join ION, Bounce, Laff, Grit, Court TV, Court TV Mystery and Newsy, which remains on-track for its launch as a free over-the-air network on Friday, Oct. 1. This is a major shift for Newsy, which began life as a millennial-targeted OTT offering and then shifted to cable TV distribution.
