Free TV Networks


Free TV Networks, LLC is an American broadcasting company. Owned by Versant, it operates digital multicast and free ad-supported streaming television networks.
The company was founded by Jonathan Katz, who had previously run Katz Broadcasting prior to its sale to the E. W. Scripps Company in 2017.

History

In November 2023, Jonathan Katz—who had owned Katz Broadcasting prior to its sale to the E. W. Scripps Company in 2017—announced a new venture known as Free TV Networks, which would similarly operate digital multicast television networks, as well as free ad-supported streaming television services. The new company planned to launch two networks on January 1, 2024, including The365—which would focus on programming targeting African Americans, and Outlaw—which would broadcast Westerns. The new company reached agreements with Lionsgate and Warner Bros. Discovery to provide content, and Gray Media to provide an initial affiliation base serving at least 80% of the country at launch.
Among the new company's initial board members were boxing promoter Al Haymon and civil rights activist Martin Luther King III, who were both among the original investors in Katz's Bounce TV.
In April 2024, Free TV Networks announced a third network known as Dare, a joint venture with A+E Networks that would feature unscripted programming from its library. On July 1, 2024, the network launched as Defy, after Scripps Networks discontinued its version of the channel and Free TV Networks assumed rights to the branding. Defy returned to selected Ion Media stations in July 2025 as part of an affiliation agreement with Scripps.
On March 1, 2025, Free TV launched a fourth network, Busted, devoted to reality and "caught on camera"-based true crime programs following law enforcement. In December 2025, Versant—a then-upcoming spin-off of Comcast—announced that it would acquire Free TV Networks. The acquisition was completed in January 2026, with Free TV Networks becoming a business unit within Versant, and Katz joining the company as an executive to continue managing the networks' day-to-day operations.

Programming

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All About the AndersonsAll of UsEveFor Your LoveGod Friended MeHangin' with Mr. CooperIn the HouseJudge MathisKevin Hart: What The FitLove Thy NeighborThe Parent 'HoodQueen SugarRoc

Outlaw

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.BonanzaThe CowboysThe DakotasF TroopKung FuLongmireA Man Called ShenandoahThe Rounders

Defy">Defy (TV network)">Defy

AloneAmerican HoggersAmerican PickersAx MenBilly the ExterminatorCounting CarsThe Curse of Oak IslandDuck DynastyIn Search of HistoryLive PD: Police PatrolLive PD Presents: PD CamPawn StarsStorage Wars

Busted