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Versant is acquiring Free TV Networks, the owner of 365BLK, Outlaw, DEFY, and Busted

P

powergate92

NBC Universal's new Spin off Versant is acquiring Free TV Networks, the owner of 365BLK, Outlaw, DEFY, and Busted.
thedesk.net

Versant acquires Free TV Networks, plots new FAST platform

December 4, 2025 - Comcast's spin-out business Versant has acquired Free TV Networks as it plots a push into broadcasting and the development of a FAST service.
thedesk.net thedesk.net
“Free TV Networks is thrilled to become a part of Versant’s entertainment portfolio and a key contributor to its transformation strategy,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement. “Exciting things to come as we help Versant reach more audiences in the diversified free-to-watch business and support their long-term growth goals.”

“As we prepare to launch Versant as an independent public company, we are focused on building a business with greater scale, more ways to reach audiences, and a stronger foundation for long-term growth,” Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said on Thursday. “Reaching an agreement with Free TV Networks furthers that ambition and reflects our commitment to expanding the range of services and experiences we offer.”
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It’s interesting to see Versant outside of Cable TV content. But then again it’s Versant having find other places to put their content while leaving Peacock and NBC. FAST is one of the avenues Versant is running with to adapt to the current audiences.
 
Official Press Release from Versant. The acquisition of Free TV Networks is expected to close in Early 2026. Jonathan Katz will join Versant and continue to oversee operations of the networks.
www.versantmedia.com

VERSANT ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE FREE TV NETWORKS

A global media and technology company.
www.versantmedia.com www.versantmedia.com
New York, NY – December 4, 2025 – VERSANT, Comcast's planned spin-off of select media brands and digital businesses, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Free TV Networks (FTN), a leading provider of national premium free over-the-air digital broadcast networks (“diginets”) and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels.

The transaction will broaden VERSANT’s entertainment portfolio, expand distribution across key audience segments, and establish a more diversified free-to-watch business within VERSANT’s footprint of networks and digital platforms. The over-the-air audience continues to increase, with more than 20 million households accessing TV exclusively over-the-air, representing 16% of all households, according to data from TVB. FTN’s targeted multicast and FAST networks complement VERSANT’s existing brands and provide a distribution model distinct from traditional pay-TV.

“As we prepare to launch VERSANT as an independent public company, we are focused on building a business with greater scale, more ways to reach audiences, and a stronger foundation for long-term growth,” said Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer for VERSANT. “Reaching an agreement with Free TV Networks furthers that ambition and reflects our commitment to expanding the range of services and experiences we offer.”

“This transaction represents a thoughtful step in diversifying our entertainment business and expanding our presence across free, ad-supported platforms,” said David Pietrycha, Chief Revenue and Business Officer for VERSANT. “FTN’s portfolio complements our existing brands, and its distribution model provides an additional path to reach audiences and support our long-term strategy.”

“All of us at Free TV Networks are excited to bring new, scaled, and differentiated reach to VERSANT's portfolio. From day one, our focus was to become the leading media company serving value-conscious consumers, by filling the entertainment gap for these viewers within the broader media marketplace. With Versant, we can scale faster, extend our ability to connect with more underserved segments, and deliver even larger audiences for our advertisers,” said Jonathan Katz, President and CEO of Free TV Networks.

Following the closing of the transaction, Jonathan Katz, FTN’s Founder, will join VERSANT, reporting to Pietrycha. Katz will continue to lead day-to-day operations of the business.

Upon completion of the spin-off from Comcast, VERSANT will be a leading independent media company comprised of a strong portfolio of brands, including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, along with complementary digital assets such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and SportsEngine.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in early 2026.
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