Katz, Bounce Boost Diginet Distribution

Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Mission Broadcasting and White Knight Broadcasting have agreed to clear Katz Broadcasting’s three multicast digital networks, plus Bounce Media’s Bounce TV, across 81 stations in 54 markets, Katz and Bounce Media announced today.

In the announcement, the deals were described collectively as the “largest multicast network distribution launch in history.” The Katz diginets are Escape, Grit and Laff. Katz and Bounce Media were described by a Bounce spokesman as “separate companies that share resources.” In a similar vein, Nexstar has various service agreements (LMAs) with the Mission and White Knight stations.

Under the diginet distribution deals, Escape — aimed at women 25-54 with an emphasis on crime and mystery programming — will add 42 new markets, bringing its coverage to 85% of U.S. TV homes (99 million households). Grit — which targets men 25-54 with Western and action movies and TV shows — will add 28 new markets, allowing it to reach 93% coverage of the U.S. (108 million TV homes).

Laff, which specializes in off-network sitcoms and comedy movies, will add 45 new markets to reach 85% of the country (99 million homes).

Bounce, which is aimed at African-American audiences, adds 15 new markets plus eight renewed by Nexstar. Bounce is now available in 81% of U.S. TV homes (94 million), the companies said.

The 54 markets involved in the distribution deals range in size from Phoenix (DMA 12) and Salt Lake City (DMA 26) all the way down to Grand Junction-Montrose, Colo. (DMA 185) and San Angelo, Texas (DMA 198).

“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…. We believe consumers in our markets will enjoy all four networks for many years to come,” said Brian Jones, EVP and co-COO, Nexstar Broadcasting Group.

“These are monumental agreements for our networks and the emerging broadcasting business overall,” said Jeffrey Wolf, chief distribution officer, Katz Broadcasting and Bounce TV.