FREE TV NETWORKS TO LAUNCH FOURTH OVER-THE-AIR CHANNEL

BUSTED ON MARCH 1, 2025

 

BUSTED to join FTN’s existing National Digital Broadcast Networks

365BLK, OUTLAW, and DEFY

 

ATLANTA, GA – January 30, 2025 – Free TV Networks proudly announces the launch of BUSTED, its fourth over-the-air digital broadcast network (“diginet”), set to debut on March 1, 2025. Geared towards men, BUSTED offers audiences endless thrills through first-hand, high-adrenaline, crime-focused programming including COPS Reloaded, Jail, Bounty Tank, Court Cam, Neighborhood Wars, Customer Wars, and World’s Wildest Police Videos.

 

“With riveting unscripted series, BUSTED is the only dedicated broadcast channel that takes audiences on vicarious real-life ride-alongs to witness justice in action,” said Jonathan Katz, President and CEO of Free TV Networks. “While the migration from cable forces many legacy media businesses to contract, Free TV Networks continues to grow as more and more value-conscious consumers combine antenna usage with streaming.” 

 

BUSTED is anticipated to launch with more than 90% coverage of U.S. households via distribution on Scripps; Gray Media; Nexstar Media Group, Inc.; and HC2 Broadcasting TV stations nationwide. 

 

Free TV Networks (FTN) serves consumers as the leading independent owner of national premium free over-the-air digital broadcast networks (“diginets”) and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms.

 

In partnership with global content leaders Warner Bros. Discovery and Lionsgate, and broadcast powerhouse Gray Media, FTN launched its first two Broadcast Networks on January 1, 2024, with 365BLK, serving African American viewers with blockbuster movies and hit series; and OUTLAW, showcasing iconic and legendary tales of the Old West. Both Broadcast Networks have corresponding FTN FAST Channels under the same branding. On July 1, 2024, FTN launched its third Broadcast Network, DEFY, featuring popular unscripted TV series. These three diginets are on air in 90% of the U.S.

 

FTN capitalizes on the resurgence of over-the-air viewing, the rapid growth in ad-supported streaming channels, and the rise of digital broadcast networks, which grew their total share of viewing by 13% during the 2023/2024 broadcast season, per Nielsen. Today, according to industry research, nearly one in three U.S. households – approximately 35 million – have a digital antenna, with the market projected to surpass 50 million U.S. households by 2027.

 

Press Contact:

Brandee Brooks

Free TV Networks Publicity 

404.775.5450

brandee@freetvnetworks.com