Defy (TV network)
 | |
| Type | Digital multicast television network |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Broadcast area | (64% U.S coverage) |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Picture format | |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | E. W. Scripps Company(2021–24) Free TV Networks(2024–present) |
| Parent | Scripps Networks(2021–24) Free TV Networks /A&E Networks(2024–present) |
| History | |
| Launched | July 1, 2021 |
| Replaced by | Ion Plus(Scripps version) |
| Former names | Defy TV (2021–24) |
| Links | |
| Website | defynetworktv |
Defy(also known by its original nameDefy TV) is an Americandigital multicast television networkowned byFree TV Networksin partnership withA&E Networks,airing primarilyreality showsfrom the latter company, having launched on July 1, 2021, with broadcast coverage of 64% of the United States.
History[edit]
On March 2, 2021, Scripps announced that it would launch two new multicast networks—Defy andTrueReal—in the wake of its acquisition ofIon Mediaand television transmitters shuttingQuboandIon Plusdown across the United States.[1]The channels are part of Scripps's strategy to increase perception amongcord cuttersthat do not have traditional pay TV packages.[2]
The services launched on July 1 with 92% national coverage, mostly on Ion transmitters but also on subchannels of some Scripps local TV stations and by agreement with other station groups.[3]
On March 10, 2023, Scripps announced thatTrueRealwould shut down on March 27, merging its programming into Defy TV.[4]
On June 17, 2024, Scripps quietly announced on Defy's social media platforms that a refreshed version ofIon Pluswould return on Defy TV's channel space on July 1.[5]The A&E programming library would move to a new over-the-air digital network, Dare, owned by theFree TV Networksjoint venture.[6]
Shortly before the network's launch on July 1, Free TV Networks acquired the rights to the Defy branding from Scripps Networks and launched a new version of the network at 6 a.m. ET the same day, discarding its plan to launch the network under its originally announced Dare name. The "TV" portion of the original Defy network was removed for its immediate relaunch.[7]
Programming[edit]
The network's schedule is mainly made up of repeats of unscripted shows from the library ofA&E Networks(mainlyA&EandHistory), includingSwamp People,American Pickers,Ax Men,Counting Cars,UFO Hunters,Forged in FireandPawn Stars.[8]
References[edit]
- ^Littleton, Cynthia (March 2, 2021)."E.W. Scripps Co. to Launch Doozy and Defy TV Multicast Networks".Variety.RetrievedJuly 4,2021.
- ^Roettgers, Janko (June 2, 2021)."Scripps's response to cord cutting: Launch new TV networks".Protocol.RetrievedJuly 4,2021.
- ^Jon, Lafayette (July 1, 2021)."New Scripps Networks Defy TV, TrueReal Launch in 92% of U.S."Broadcasting & Cable.RetrievedJuly 3,2021.
- ^Lafayette, Jon (March 10, 2023)."E.W. Scripps Folding TrueReal Digital Network Into Defy TV".Broadcasting & Cable.RetrievedMarch 10,2023.
- ^"Get MORE with ION Plus. More suspense, more action, more to love - every day of the week!".Facebook.March 17, 2024.RetrievedJune 24,2024.
- ^Rice, Lynette (April 3, 2024)."Free TV Networks To Launch New Over-The-Air Channel In Partnership With A+E".Deadline.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^"Defy Hits The Air".Free TV Networks(Press release). July 1, 2024.RetrievedJuly 1,2024.
- ^Miller, Mark (July 1, 2021)."Defy TV And TrueReal To Debut Today".TVNewsCheck.RetrievedJuly 4,2021.
External links[edit]
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