One of the best things to happen for cord cutters in the last 10 years was the shift in 2009 to digital over-the-air TV. As a result of digital broadcasting cord cutters get even more channels for free.
The launch of 130 total channels (as in a new 8.3 sub-channel on an existing channel 8) over the next year in 81 current markets is a sign that cord cutting is growing. This deal will bring Escape, GRIT, Laff, and Bounce to channels owned by Nexstar Broadcasting, Mission Broadcasting and White Knight Broadcasting.
Once all these stations are live Escape will be in 42 additional markets and reach 85% of the United States; Grit will add 28 markets and reach 93% of the United States; Laff will gain 45 markets and will be in 85% of the United States; and Bounce TV will be in 15 new markets and 81% of the United States.
What you can expect from these new channels:
“Escape, Grit, Laff, and Bounce TV are unique brands that are complementary to our stations’ existing high quality, original, local news and other exclusive local and network-affiliated programming. Nexstar’s top priority is serving the needs of the people and communities where we operate and with the launch of these digital multicast networks across the companies’ broadcast platforms, we are delivering more exciting content to local viewers including classic and contemporary off-network sitcoms, original programming, popular movies, action series, documentaries, specials, live sports and more,” says Brian Jones, Executive VP and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Nexstar.
Grit’s programming includes the likes of Walker, Texas Ranger and movies like Assassination Games; Escape targets audiences who prefer criminal drama shows like American Justice and movies such as Black Widow; and Laff features comedy programming. All of these networks are owned by Jonathan Katz’s Katz Broadcasting. Katz is also COO of Bounce TV which is the first exclusive African-American broadcast network with a mix of movies, sporting events, documentaries and specials.
“Katz Broadcasting and Bounce TV are managed by seasoned and talented teams of television veterans who have a proven track record of success in both curating and producing excellent programming and we believe consumers in our markets will enjoy all four networks for many years to come,” says Jones.
(Don’t forget to re-scan for new channels on your TV from time to time. A few months ago I did that and found 2 new stations. You can also use Mohu’s antenna channel finder to take a look at what is available over the air where you live.)
Cities that will get the new stations:
- Abilene/Sweetwater, Texas
- Alexandria, La.
- Amarillo, Texas
- Ames-Des Moines, Iowa
- Ark; Lubbock, Texas
- Baton Rouge, La.
- Billings, Mont.
- Binghamton, N.Y.
- Bluefield/Beckley/Oak Hill, W.Va.
- Burlington, Vt.
- Champaign-Decatur-Springfield, Ill.
- Charleston/Huntington, W.Va.
- Clarksburg/Weston, W.Va.
- Davenport, Iowa
- Dothan, Ala.
- El Paso, Texas
- Elmira, N.Y.
- Erie, Pa.
- Evansville, Ill.
- Fort Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.
- Fresno, Calif.
- Grand Junction, Colo.
- Green Bay, Wisc.
- Hagerstown, Md.
- Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville, Texas
- Huntsville, Ala.
- Jackson, Tenn.
- Johnstown-Altoona, Pa.
- Joplin, Mo.
- La Crosse-Eau Claire, Wisc.
- Little Rock-Pine Bluff, Ark.
- Marquette, Wisc.
- Memphis, Tenn.
- Monroe, La./El Dorado
- Odessa-Midland, Texas
- Panama City, Fla.
- Peoria, Ill.
- Phoenix, Ariz.
- Roanoke-Lynchburg, Va.
- Rochester, N.Y.
- Rock Island-Moline, Ill.
- Rockford, Ill.
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- San Angelo, Texas
- Shreveport, LA
- Sioux City, Iowa
- Springfield, Mo.
- Syracuse, N.Y.
- Terre Haute, Ind.
- Tyler, Texas
- Utica, N.Y.
- Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas
- Washington, D.C.
- Watertown, N.Y.
- Wichita Falls, Texas/Lawton, Okla.
- Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pa.
