Frndly TV will begin carrying local broadcast stations in six select DMA markets around the country. The arrival of the new channels will mark the first time that the vMVPD has carried local programming.
The local broadcast stations are currently expected to be added to the Frndly TV channel lineup in each market by April 30, 2024. The six local broadcast stations (five independents and one CW affiliated station) to go live later this month are as follows:
- KDCO, Channel 3, Denver, CO DMA (Scripps – Independent)
- WMYD, Channel 20, Detroit, MI DMA (Scripps – CW Affiliate)
- WACY, Channel 32, Green Bay, WI DMA (Scripps – Independent)
- KMCI, Channel 38, Kansas City, MO DMA (Scripps – Independent)
- WFMZ, Channel 69, Philadelphia, PA DMA (Marantha Broadcasting Co. – Independent)
- WHDT, Channel 9, West Palm Beach, FL DMA (Scripps – Independent)
“This is a significant milestone for Frndly TV. As we built out Frndly TV and added more national channels, the one thing missing was providing our customers with the local programming they want and care about – especially local news and popular syndicated content. With the addition of these local stations in each market, we are delivering to our customers news and entertainment they want at a price they can afford,” said Michael McKenna, Frndly TV co-founder and Chief Programming Officer.
The big selling point with Frndly TV is the price. With plans ranging from $7.99 to $11.99 a month, Frndly TV is significantly cheaper than many other live TV streaming services. However, in keeping the price low, the Frndly TV channel lineup has never been as robust as the channel lineups offered by other services. In particular, Frndly TV has never been a great option for local channels and programming.
While the arrival of local broadcast stations in six select DMA markets won’t greatly change that, it is certainly a small step in the right direction. Furthermore, it would seem to indicate that Frndly TV is planning to expand its channel lineup even further in this direction in the future.
“As cord cutting continues to accelerate across the country, we at Frndly TV are proud to be able to help support the local broadcast industry, and in particular, the important public service of delivering local news, by bringing back homes and viewers into the television ecosystem. We hope to continue to add a local station in more markets across the country in the near future,” McKenna added.
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