Bounce TV, a new broadcast network with programming targeting African-Americans, has carriage deals in 26 markets for its Fall debut, but no traditional affiliates. Rather, Bounce is taking advantage of the new DTV digital standards, which allow stations to add second standard definition signal to an HD signal, or offer 4-5 standard definition signals on a standard TV channel. Many of those come from a recently announced deal with station owner Raycom. Bounce hopes to have deals in place that will allow the network to reach 50% of US TV homes by the time it launches the network this fall.
As NAB head Gordon Smith put it, Bounce and local TV stations "are using TV airwaves to deliver on the promise of digital television" and helping provide niche audiences access to "a free niche programming service."
This move shows one of the ways that local stations can take advantage of digital to provide additional revenue streams while expanding service to its community.
Source "African-American Net Bounce TV Lands Raycom As First Carriage Deal," Broadcasting & Cable
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