Transaction strengthens VERSANT's distribution footprint and expands its free-to-watch portfolio
VERSANT (NASDAQ:VSNT), an industry-changing media and entertainment business, today announced the completion of its acquisition of 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.
FTN will operate within VERSANT as a dedicated business, expanding the company's reach across over-the-air and FAST distribution, extending its footprint beyond traditional pay-TV, and scaling access to audiences engaging with free, ad-supported television.
FTN's portfolio of multicast and FAST networks complements VERSANT's existing portfolio of brands by introducing a distinct distribution model designed to serve growing segments of viewers who increasingly engage with free television options.
Jonathan Katz, FTN's Founder, has joined VERSANT, reporting to David Pietrycha, Chief Revenue and Business Officer. Katz will continue to lead day-to-day operations of the business.
The acquisition follows VERSANT's recent acquisition of INDY Cinema Group, operating under Fandango, further reinforcing the company's strategy of building vertical businesses that extend distribution, deepen audience engagement, and develop new audience touchpoints on both existing and new platforms.
About Free TV Networks
Free TV Networks (FTN) 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. FTN 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). FTN 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 and GolfPass. Visit www.VersantMedia.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward- looking statements are not historical facts or statements of current conditions, but instead represent only our beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. These may include, among other things, the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition of Free TV Networks, future business strategies, market opportunities, audience trends, distribution expansion, and other aspects of our operations and plans. These statements are often identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "potential," "opportunity," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may," "goal," "commit," "future," "strategy," "project," "forecast," "target," "continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. However, the absence of these words does not mean a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including risks relating to our ability to integrate and realize the expected benefits of the acquisition, shifts in audience behavior ,changes in the competitive or regulatory landscape, and other factors the risks described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Registration Statement on the Form 10, as amended, which has been publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the fairness, accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we are not under any duty to update any of these forward-looking statements or any other information contained in this release.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112848904/en/
Investor Contacts:
Wylie Collins
[email protected]
Natalie Candela
[email protected]
Media Contacts:
Keith Cocozza
[email protected]
Hollie Tracz
[email protected]