February 6, 2026
Free TV Network Artwork: https://freetvnetworks.com/pr-ftv
ATLANTA, GA – February 6, 2026 – Free TV Networks (FTV), a division of VERSANT (Nasdaq:VSNT), today announced new multi-platform distribution agreements spanning broadcast and streaming, marking the company’s first major expansion since joining VERSANT.
As part of the expansion, Free TV Networks has secured a broadcast distribution agreement with CBS to bring its over-the-air networks 365BLK and OUTLAW to CBS’ Owned & Operated (O&O) station group. In addition, FTV is accelerating growth on streaming with new FAST distribution for PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX on Sling Freestream.
Under the CBS agreement, Free TV Networks’ 365BLK and OUTLAW over-the-air broadcast networks will launch across 16 of CBS’ O&O markets in high-visibility positions. The rollout expands 365BLK consumer availability to 92% of U.S. television households and extends OUTLAW’s reach to more than 90%, reinforcing both brands as scaled destinations for viewers and advertisers.
The CBS O&O footprint strengthens FTV’s position as a leading owner of premium free broadcast networks and reflects the growing demand for high-quality, advertiser-supported programming with broad national reach.
On streaming, PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX continues to build momentum following its launch in January 2025. With more than 13 million hours viewed, the acclaimed FAST channel broadens its footprint with new distribution on Sling Freestream, bringing Grier’s curated collection of film favorites to millions of additional homes nationwide.
The expansion further establishes PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX as a culturally resonant FAST destination and a key pillar of FTV’S growing portfolio.
“These agreements accelerate our growth plans and represent our first major expansion under VERSANT,” said Jonathan Katz, President of Free TV Networks. “Free TV Networks’ partnerships with CBS and Sling Freestream are strategic steps forward that amplify scale, broaden reach, and deliver meaningful value to our viewers and advertisers.”
“These agreements represent an early example of how we’re putting our strategy into action,” said David Pietrycha, Chief Revenue and Business Officer of VERSANT. “By expanding Free TV Networks’ distribution across both broadcast and FAST platforms, we’re diversifying our entertainment business, extending our reach to new audiences, and advancing a scalable, free, ad- supported model that complements our broader portfolio and supports our long-term growth strategy.”
Participating CBS O&O Stations and Markets:
365BLK
WCBS – New York
KCBS – Los Angeles
WBBM – Chicago
WPSG – Philadelphia
WUPA – Atlanta
KPIX – San Francisco
WWJ – Detroit
KDKA – Pittsburgh
WJZ – Baltimore
OUTLAW
KTVT – Dallas
WBZ – Boston
WTOG – Tampa
KSTW – Seattle
WCCO – Minneapolis
WFOR – Miami
KOVR – Sacramento
About 365BLK
On January 1, 2024, Free TV Networks (FTV) launched 365BLK, its flagship over-the-air ad- supported digital broadcast network with a corresponding FAST channel, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, and Gray Media. 365BLK serves African American viewers with blockbuster movies and hit series, including I Am Legend, Purple Rain, Queen Sugar, Crash, Monster’s Ball, Jackie Brown, Dear White People, Madea’s Family Reunion, and most recently, the groundbreaking television crime drama In The Heat of The Night. 365BLK is free to watch via a digital TV antenna, over-the-air in 92% of U.S. households. The free streaming version of the network is available on Amazon Prime Video, Plex.tv, TiVo+, and Fawesome.
About OUTLAW
Also launched January 1, 2024, OUTLAW is Free TV Networks’ (FTV) second over-the-air ad- supported digital broadcast network with a corresponding FAST channel, created in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, and Gray Media. OUTLAW serves viewers iconic Westerns and legendary tales of the frontier, featuring classic theatricals like Unforgiven, Chisum, Pale Rider, and Wyatt Earp. OUTLAW can be watched free with a digital TV antenna in more than 90% of U.S. households. The free streaming version of the network is available on Amazon Prime Video, Plex.tv, TiVo+, and Fawesome.
About PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX
On January 21, 2025, legendary actress and activist Pam Grier launched her own Free TV Networks (FTV) FAST channel, PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX, celebrating the heroes and legacy of Black cinema. The culturally significant channel showcases classic films that inspire, empower, and highlight resilience, curated through Grier’s unique perspective as a cultural icon and trailblazer. PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX engages fans of Black film and storytelling. PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX streams free on The Roku Channel, VIZIO WatchFree+, Sling Freestream, Plex.tv, TiVo+, and Fawesome.
About FREE TV NETWORKS
Free TV Networks (FTV), a Versant Media Group, Inc. company since January 2026, serves consumers as a leading independent owner of national premium free over-the-air digital broadcast networks (“diginets”) and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. FTV has successfully launched a portfolio of digital broadcast networks including 365BLK and OUTLAW—each with corresponding FAST channels—along with DEFY, BUSTED, and PAM GRIER’S SOUL FLIX (FAST). FTV capitalizes on the resurgence of over-the-air viewing and the rapid growth of free ad- supported television. Digital broadcast networks grew their total share of viewing by 12% during the 2024/25 broadcast season and 25% over the last two seasons, per Nielsen. Nearly one in three U.S. households—approximately 38 million—have a digital antenna today, with projections exceeding 50 million households by 2030.
About VERSANT
VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates across four core markets: political news and opinion, business news and personal finance, golf and athletics participation and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass and Free TV Networks. Visit www.VersantMedia.com for more information.
Media Contacts:
Brandee Brooks
Free TV Networks
Hollie Tracz
VERSANT
