Byron Allen’s ‘This TV’ Network Expands Reach to Include ABC Subchannels

Byron Allen’s media empire continues to grow as his This TV network enters into major markets including within ABC-run subchannels.

As of April 1, 2021, Allen Media Group’s recently purchased network expanded its distribution to include eight ABC-owned television station subchannels, Deadline reports. This TV serves as an over-the-air 24/7 broadcast television network currently viewed in 86 million households.

The new major markets added to This TV’s roster include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Fresno, and Raleigh-Durham. When combined, the markets reach 27 million U.S. households, Allen Media Group said in a press release on Monday.

“Allen Media Group’s over-the-air broadcast television network This TV is now well-positioned for greater success with the addition of these eight phenomenal ABC owned and operated broadcast television stations,” Allen explained. “As we continue to invest substantial amounts of capital into the programming, marketing, and distribution of This TV and our portfolio of 11 networks, we remain strong believers in over-the-air broadcasting and free-streaming direct-to-consumer platforms.”

Byron Allen at the 2018 BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Summit (Image: BLACK ENTERPRISE)

Allen Media Group purchased This TV last October as part of a two-network deal that also included Light TV, which was later rebranded to become TheGrio.TV. Under This TV, the free premium network is broadcast 24 hours a day and made available over-the-air, cable, and through online platforms. The content lineup on This TV includes documentaries, original programming, movies, popular TV shows from the past, as well as event specials.

According to Allen Media Group, This TV “brings original programming, award-winning movies, the best in comedy, box office hits, cult classics, retro television series, documentaries, and event specials to viewers nationwide.”

At the start of the year, the Entertainment Studios owner shared his vision for 2021, which included investing more into the growing media empire. “We are looking to deploy more than $10 billion on Big Four affiliates this year,” Allen said, as captured by The Grio. “We are definitely in the hunt on Quincy, Meredith and others.”