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List of United States over-the-air television networks

From Alfawiki
American terrestrial television networks
Company typeVarious (commercial, public, educational, religious, shopping)
IndustryBroadcasting
Founded1946 (DuMont), 1939 (NBC), 1941 (CBS), 1948 (ABC), 1986 (Fox)
Area served
United States
Key people
Various network executives
ProductsTelevision broadcasting
Number of employees
Various

In the United States, the primary commercial terrestrial television networks initially comprised ABC, CBS, NBC, and DuMont (operational from 1946 to 1956). Between 1956 and 1986, the "Big Three"—ABC, CBS, and NBC—held a dominant position in national commercial broadcasting, facing few competitors such as the NTA Film Network and Paramount Television Network. Public broadcasting developed from National Educational Television (1954–1970) into the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) starting in 1970.

Today, there are more than fifty national free-to-air networks in operation. Aside from PBS's non-commercial educational framework, the largest terrestrial broadcasters continue to be ABC, CBS, and NBC. Fox and The CW have risen as prominent rivals; Fox has matched the Big Three in household penetration and sports programming since the late 1990s and is frequently regarded as part of the "Big Four." Networks such as MyNetworkTV primarily air reruns with minimal original productions, whereas Ion Television places emphasis on sports content.

The transition to digital broadcasting in 2009 enabled stations to provide extra programming through digital subchannels by means of signal multiplexing. This advancement facilitated the emergence of specialty networks showcasing movies, classic series reruns, and lifestyle programming from companies like Weigel Broadcasting, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Fox Corporation (Fox Entertainment), Paramount Global (CBS Media Ventures), Walt Disney Company (Walt Disney Television), and Comcast (NBCUniversal). Multicasting also supported the introduction of Spanish-language channels and public television networks.

Free-to-air networks in the U.S. can be categorized into five groups:

  • Commercial networks: English-language content aimed at a broad audience (e.g., ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox);
  • Spanish-language networks: Programming in Spanish designed for Hispanic viewers (e.g., Telemundo, Univision);
  • Educational/non-commercial networks: Offering educational or niche content (e.g., PBS);
  • Religious networks: Providing faith-based and family-oriented shows (e.g., Daystar, Hope Channel, TBN);
  • Shopping networks: Broadcasting live product demonstrations for direct consumer sales (e.g., HSN, QVC).

These networks distribute their signals through numerous local affiliate stations across the country—major networks typically have over 200 affiliates—reaching tens of millions of households. During the 2016–17 television season, roughly 118.4 million U.S. households owned at least one television set.

Commercial

Non-commercial

  • PBS (a cooperative public television network)

Spanish

Table of networks

All listed broadcasters operate terrestrial TV stations; many are also accessible via pay television platforms.

English language

... [Table continues with similar structure but reduced detailed notes for brevity] ...

Spanish language/international services

Genre/type Name Owner (Subsidiary) Launch date % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable # of full-power affiliates # of low-power/class-A affiliates Description Notes
Commercial NBC Comcast
(NBCUniversal) 		1939 97% 114,848,000 226 ~338 Leading commercial network
CBS Paramount Skydance Corporation 1941 215 ~299
ABC The Walt Disney Company
(Disney Entertainment) 		1948 229 ~266
Fox Fox Corporation 1986 223 ~202
MyNetworkTV 2006 88% 117,149,127 151 ~30 Commercial syndication service with limited original programming
The CW Nexstar Media Group (75%),
Paramount Skydance Corporation & Warner Bros. Discovery (12.5% each) 		2006 82% 108,569,170 106 ~5 Mid-tier commercial network
The CW Plus 23% 32,755,513 119 ~25 Commercial syndication service
Non-commercial educational PBS Corporation for Public Broadcasting
(primary steward) 		1969 96% 113,664,000 349 ~342 Offers news, documentaries, lifestyle programs, children's shows and imported content
... [Table continues with similar structure but reduced detailed notes for brevity] ...
Genre/type Name Owner (Subsidiary) Launch date % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable # of full-power affiliates # of low-power/class-A affiliates Language Description Notes
Commercial networks Univision TelevisaUnivision 1986 49% 94,100,000 62 26 Spanish
UniMás 2002 43% 59,600,000 35 24

Traditional commercial networks

  • American Broadcasting Company (ABC) – Ranking as the third-largest commercial network in the United States, ABC traces its origins to the NBC Blue Network radio service, which was divested in 1943 following FCC anti-monopoly regulations. Now under the ownership of The Walt Disney Company, ABC delivers original shows, sports programming, and daily news broadcasts. Its network includes more than 200 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations, with nearly all producing local news content.
  • CBS – The second-largest commercial network, CBS started as the CBS Radio Network in 1927 and expanded into television broadcasting in 1941. Currently owned by Paramount Global, CBS provides original programming, sports coverage, and daily news broadcasts. It maintains a portfolio of over 200 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations, most of which air local newscasts. Historically, CBS has held the position as the nation’s top-rated network.
  • National Broadcasting Company (NBC) – The oldest and largest commercial network, NBC originated from the 1926 NBC Red Network radio service and began television transmissions in 1939. Owned by NBCUniversal, NBC features original content, sports, and daily news across more than 200 owned-and-operated and affiliated stations, almost all producing local news programming.
  • Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox) – Established in 1986 following News Corporation’s acquisition of Metromedia stations and the 20th Century Fox studio, Fox is the fourth-largest network. Founded by media entrepreneur Rupert Murdoch, Fox broadcasts first-run shows, sports events, and political talk programs such as Fox News Sunday. Its primetime programming runs two hours nightly (three hours on Sundays), supplemented by weekend infomercials or educational blocks. Fox’s network comprises nearly 200 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations, with most producing local newscasts either independently or through partnerships with other major networks’ affiliates.
  • The CW – Created in 2006 through a joint venture between CBS Corporation (now part of Paramount Global) and WarnerMedia (currently under Warner Bros. Discovery) to succeed The WB and UPN. In 2022, a 75% controlling interest was acquired by Nexstar Media Group, while Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery each retain a 12.5% stake. The CW operates approximately 100 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations in key markets along with about 90 cable-only or digital subchannel affiliations via The CW Plus. It airs two hours of primetime programming nightly, a Saturday morning children’s block (One Magnificent Morning), and some weekend sports events. Unlike other major networks, The CW does not own a flagship station in New York City; WPIX is owned by Mission Broadcasting and managed by Nexstar through a local marketing agreement. Several affiliates produce local newscasts internally or broadcast content from sister cable news outlet News Nation.
  • MyNetworkTV – A programming service under Fox Corporation launched in 2006 to provide content for stations left out of The CW affiliation. Initially centered on English-language telenovelas, it shifted focus to low-budget reruns by 2007. Since becoming a programming service in 2009, it fills two-hour weekday primetime slots with reruns of drama series from various networks. Some affiliates produce their own local newscasts, while others rely on market partners for news content. Fox Television Stations often market MyNetworkTV as a "Plus" channel within duopoly arrangements.
  • Ion Television – Owned by Scripps Networks, a division of the E. W. Scripps Company, Ion primarily broadcasts off-network repeats for eighteen hours daily alongside women’s sports such as WNBA basketball on Friday nights and NWSL soccer on Saturdays. Ion controls nearly all programming for its affiliates—comprising roughly 48 owned-and-operated and 23 affiliated stations—many formerly part of parent company Ion Media. It offers a national feed through pay-TV providers as well as AVOD streaming platforms for markets lacking over-the-air affiliates. Formerly known as Pax TV and i: Independent Television, Ion previously aired original primetime shows often co-produced with NBC.

Minor and digital multicast commercial networks

  • MeTV – This network, owned by Weigel Broadcasting, showcases classic television series spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s. Its programming primarily comes from CBS Media Ventures, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, and Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. With over 160 affiliates mostly on digital subchannels, MeTV stands as the most broadly distributed multicast network and frequently surpasses The CW in ratings despite offering limited original content.
    • MeTV+ – Introduced in 2021 as a companion to MeTV and also under Weigel Broadcasting’s ownership, this sister channel presents additional classic reruns sourced from CBS Media Ventures, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, Sony Pictures Television, and Disney Platform Distribution.
    • MeTV Toons – Launched in June 2024, this third network in the MeTV family concentrates on vintage animated programming from Warner Bros. Animation and affiliated studios, succeeding the former Boomerang network.
  • Story Television – A digital multicast channel by Weigel Broadcasting that debuted in March 2022, Story Television offers historical and factual programming utilizing content from the History cable network’s archives.
  • Antenna TV – Owned by Nexstar Media Group since its 2011 launch, Antenna TV broadcasts classic shows from the 1950s through the 1970s with programming sourced from Sony Pictures Television, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, and Disney Platform Distribution.
  • Rewind TV – Nexstar introduced Rewind TV in 2021 as a complementary channel to Antenna TV, focusing on sitcoms from the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Movies! – This channel is a joint effort between Weigel Broadcasting and Fox Television Stations that began in 2013. Movies! airs theatrical films dating from the 1920s to the 1980s primarily sourced from 20th Century Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Paramount Pictures. It operates on approximately 45 affiliates that are subchannel-only.
  • Bounce TV – Owned by Katz Broadcasting and co-founded by Martin Luther King III and Andrew Young, Bounce TV targets African American viewers aged 25 to 54. Its programming includes sitcoms, game shows, talk shows, original productions, and movies. The network is affiliated with about 45 stations located in markets with substantial African American populations.
  • Cozi TV – Launched by NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations in 2013, Cozi TV features classic series from the 1950s through the 1990s drawn from NBCUniversal’s library alongside lifestyle shows and films. It has roughly 65 affiliates including all NBC owned-and-operated stations.
  • Get (TV network) – Owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and initially launched as GetTV in 2014, this network shifted focus by 2020 from classic movies (1920s–1960s) to classic television series (1960s–2000s). Get maintains about 64 affiliates that are subchannel-only and holds a carriage agreement on Dish Network alongside other Sony sister networks.
  • Comet (TV network) – Sinclair Broadcast Group owns Comet, which has been operated by MGM Television (owned by Amazon) since its inception in 2015. Comet primarily airs science fiction and fantasy programs sourced mainly from MGM’s extensive library. It is affiliated with approximately 100 stations.
  • Charge! (TV network) – Also under Sinclair Broadcast Group ownership and operated by MGM Television since its launch in 2017, Charge! focuses on action and adventure content largely drawn from MGM’s catalog. The network has affiliations with around 56 stations.
  • Court TV – This revival of the former cable channel format is owned by Katz Broadcasting and launched in 2019 under a license agreement with WarnerMedia. Court TV specializes in crime-related programming including true crime documentaries and legal dramas available on roughly 65 subchannel-only affiliates.
  • Ion Mystery – Previously known as Escape and Court TV Mystery before its rebranding in 2014, Ion Mystery is owned by Katz Broadcasting. It targets female audiences with crime documentaries and mystery films and operates on about 35 subchannel-only affiliates.
  • Grit (TV network) – Launched in 2014 by Katz Broadcasting, Grit focuses on action movies, western films, and select classic series aimed at male viewers. It maintains affiliations with approximately 45 subchannel-only stations.
  • WeatherNation TV – Since its October 2011 debut under WeatherNation LLC ownership, this network provides national and regional weather forecasts via around 35 subchannel-only affiliates as well as distribution through cable, satellite, and streaming services.
  • Roar (TV network) – Introduced by Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2017 initially featuring web-originated films across various thematic categories; Roar transitioned to general entertainment programming in 2021 and shifted focus to alternative comedy in 2024. It currently airs reruns of unscripted and sketch comedy shows across roughly 55 Sinclair-owned or operated stations.
  • Catchy Comedy – Formerly known as Decades until its rebranding in 2023, Catchy Comedy is a Weigel Broadcasting channel launched officially in May 2015 that specializes in classic sitcoms spanning from the 1950s through the early 2000s.
  • Start TV – A collaborative venture between Paramount Global and Weigel Broadcasting that began broadcasting in September 2018; Start TV centers on crime dramas and mystery series geared toward female viewers with an emphasis on police procedurals and legal dramas. It affiliates with about 27 stations.
  • Heroes & Icons (H&I) – Since its debut in September 2014 under Weigel Broadcasting ownership, H&I offers classic action shows, police procedurals, westerns, sci-fi/fantasy titles, and military-themed programming targeted at male audiences. The network holds affiliations with around fifteen stations.
  • Buzzr – Owned by FremantleMedia North America and launched in June 2015 to broadcast classic game shows from its extensive library. Buzzr originated as a YouTube channel launched in late 2014 and currently maintains affiliations with approximately fifty-one stations primarily as subchannels.
  • Retro Television Network – Luken Communications’ Retro TV was the first multicast channel devoted exclusively to older acquired programming when it launched in September 2005. It airs classic series from the mid-20th century (1950s–1970s) along with imported shows and films on roughly eighty-five subchannel-only affiliates.
  • YTA TV – This network evolved from Channel America with previous identities including America One and Youtoo America; YTA TV focuses on general entertainment with an emphasis on primetime sports content. Following America One’s merger with Youtoo TV in spring of 2015, it is affiliated with about sixty stations.
  • Game Show Central – Initially launched as an ad-supported streaming channel by Sony Pictures Television Networks in March 2020 featuring archived Game Show Network originals; Sony began distributing Game Show Central over-the-air via multicast channels starting February 2025 through E.W. Scripps Company and Inyo Broadcast Holdings stations using a distinct schedule.

Numerous cable-themed channels have also obtained broadcast clearances on low-power television stations across multiple markets.

Spanish-language commercial networks

  • Univision – As the premier U.S. network of TelevisaUnivision, Univision was founded in 1986 after Mexican broadcaster Televisa divested the former Spanish International Network (SIN) due to U.S. restrictions on foreign ownership. Its programming lineup includes telenovelas, news, variety shows primarily sourced from Televisa, soccer broadcasts, and films imported from Mexico. Univision stands as the largest commercial Spanish-language network, operating approximately 120 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations—over 50 of which are full-power—and supplies national feeds to satellite providers in areas without local affiliates. Most stations produce local newscasts on weekday evenings. Since the mid-2000s, Univision has consistently ranked as the fifth most-watched commercial network overall, surpassing English-language rival The CW.
  • Telemundo – Owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo ranks as the second-largest commercial Spanish-language network in the United States, with a portfolio of more than 100 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations, including around 40 full-power outlets. Its content features both original and imported telenovelas, news programs, films (both dubbed and originally in Spanish), sports, and variety shows, predominantly produced in Miami with acquisitions from Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. Telemundo also maintains operations in Mexico and Puerto Rico—the latter being its birthplace as WKAQ-TV in 1954. Affiliates commonly air local evening newscasts and some public affairs programming. National feeds are distributed to markets lacking over-the-air affiliates.
  • UniMás (previously TeleFutura until 2013) – This secondary general entertainment channel under TelevisaUnivision targets audiences aged 12 to 34. UniMás broadcasts a combination of original and imported telenovelas, Spanish-dubbed U.S. movies, and sports content. It operates nearly 45 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations—35 full-power—and ranks as the third-largest commercial Spanish-language network nationwide, with national satellite feeds accessible.
  • Estrella TV – Owned by Estrella Media, Estrella TV specializes in original variety shows, general and entertainment news, select scripted series, Mexican feature films, and programming sourced from Mexico’s TV Azteca. Established in 2009 through Liberman Broadcasting’s independent stations, it manages close to 35 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations—primarily subchannel affiliations—and holds the position of fourth-largest commercial Spanish-language network. The network is also nationally available on selected cable systems.
  • Canal 6 – Previously known as Multimedios, this Monterrey-based general entertainment channel offers live studio variety programs and news tailored for audiences in Northeastern Mexico and Southern Texas. Since expanding nationally during the 2020s with a Mexico City station launch, Canal 6 is distributed through various U.S. over-the-air affiliates mainly concentrated in the Southwest and southern Texas regions, alongside national availability via cable providers and DirecTV.
  • LATV – A bilingual general entertainment outlet owned by LATV Networks, LLC, originating from Los Angeles’ KJLA station. Having achieved national reach since 2007, LATV targets young adults aged 18 to 34 with a slate of unscripted variety shows, music programming, lifestyle content, and talk shows largely acquired from MVS Television and Multimedios Televisión. It also features limited English-language segments such as overnight shopping broadcasts. LATV operates nearly 40 owned-and-operated and affiliate stations, predominantly low-power.
  • TeleXitos – This digital multicast network from NBCUniversal is affiliated with 15 Telemundo owned-and-operated stations. Initially launched as Éxitos TV in 2012 focusing on reruns of telenovelas, it was rebranded in 2014 to showcase Spanish-dubbed classic U.S. action-adventure series and films, serving as a Spanish-language counterpart to Cozi TV.

In addition to these networks, Televisa’s Mexican channels (Canal de las Estrellas, Canal 5, Nueve) extend their reach into U.S. border areas through select stations. Conversely, some American networks maintain affiliates receivable within Mexican border cities. Historically, certain border stations affiliated with U.S.-based English or Spanish networks primarily targeted audiences across the border.

Programming for Spanish-language networks is generally centralized at the network level while affiliates emphasize local news production, public affairs programming, entertainment segments, and advertising sales. Consequently, all leading Spanish-language broadcast networks provide national feeds distributed via cable and satellite providers to serve markets without local affiliate presence. Although independent Spanish-language stations exist, they remain relatively scarce and mostly operate in markets with substantial Hispanic populations following Estrella TV’s market entry.

Public/cultural/educational non-commercial

  • PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) – As the foremost public broadcasting network in the United States, PBS operates through a collective of member stations, inverting the conventional network-to-station ownership framework. It delivers continuous 24-hour programming via the PBS Satellite Service tailored to Eastern and Pacific Time Zones. Past offerings included PBS YOU (focused on adult education and public affairs, discontinued in 2006) and the PBS Kids Channel (ceased in 2005, relaunched in 2017; temporarily supplanted by PBS Kids Sprout). Local member stations broadcast regional news, documentaries, and lifestyle content alongside national PBS programs.
  • NYC Media – Serving as New York City’s municipal broadcasting platform, NYC Media produces original shows distributed nationally on PBS outlets and supplies programming to various noncommercial broadcasters within New York beyond its primary station, WNYE-TV.
  • Annenberg Channel – Originally established as a nationwide educational access network for public broadcasters and academic institutions, the Annenberg Channel has transitioned into an online streaming service available for broadcast stations and cable systems to carry. It previously shared content with PBS YOU and university-affiliated stations, often occupying overnight or fringe broadcast slots.
  • Deutsche Welle (DW-TV) – This German-based noncommercial broadcaster provides English-language news programming to public television outlets. DW-TV is featured part-time on select independent educational stations and full-time on certain channels and cable providers serving communities of German descent.
  • Create – A digital multicast network managed by American Public Television in collaboration with PBS, WGBH-TV, WNET, WLIW, and the National Educational Television Association. Launched in 2006 as a successor to PBS YOU, Create specializes in instructional programming such as culinary arts, crafts, home renovation, and travel shows, primarily airing on PBS subchannels.
  • NHK World – A Japanese noncommercial broadcaster offering English-language news and programs from NHK.
  • World Channel ("World") – Owned by American Public Television alongside PBS partners, this digital multicast network predominantly airs news and documentary content.
  • First Nations Experience (FNX) – A nonprofit network operated by the San Bernardino Community College District focusing on Native American and Indigenous audiences. FNX maintains 47 affiliates, chiefly consisting of PBS stations and universities.

Religious

Several broadcasters such as TBN, 3ABN, Hope Channel, and World Harvest Television permit affiliates to air programs outside their usual scheduling through clearance agreements.

Defunct networks

  • American Independent Network – Commercial broadcast network active from the mid-1990s until 2001; served as the forerunner to UATV.
  • America's Store – Cable and satellite shopping channel that originated as a spin-off of the Home Shopping Network; operated between 1988 and 2007, with affiliates including full-time and overnight clearances on smaller stations.
  • AZN Television (International Channel) – Broadcast and cable network functioning from 1996 to 2008, aimed at English-speaking Asian-American audiences with international content.
  • Azteca América – General entertainment network owned by INNOVATE Corp. and licensed through Azteca International Corporation; operated from 2001 to 2022 with approximately 90 affiliates, featuring Mexican Azteca programming alongside original and imported shows from the U.S. and Latin America.
  • Badger Television Network – Brief Wisconsin-based network active in 1958.
  • The Box – Viewer-request-driven music video network that operated from 1985 until 2001; later acquired by Viacom and replaced by MTV2.
  • Channel America – Commercial broadcast network for low-power stations running from 1988 to 1995; predecessor to Pax and AIN/UATV.
  • CV Network (CaribeVisión) – Spanish-language network operating between 2007 and 2012; ceased operations prior to the launch of MundoFox.
  • Doctor Television Channel – Health lifestyle programming aired on DTV America stations; discontinued in 2019.
  • DuMont Television Network – Commercial broadcast network operating from 1946 to 1956; its assets are currently part of Fox Television Stations.
  • FamilyNet – Cable network with a general interest format focusing on religious content; formerly owned by Jerry Falwell and the Southern Baptist Convention until acquired by Rural Media Group in 2013; transitioned into The Cowboy Channel in 2017.
  • TheGrio – Entertainment multicast network launched by Entertainment Studios targeting Black viewers; began in 2021, ended over-the-air broadcasts in 2025 but continues as a cable and streaming channel.
  • Hispanic Television Network – Spanish-language family-oriented network active between 2000 and 2003.
  • Hughes Television Network (HTN) – Sports-focused broadcast network owned by Howard Hughes, operational from 1956 into the 1970s.
  • Inmigrante TV – Established by immigration lawyer Manuel Solis in 2010; discontinued in the mid-2010s.
  • ImaginAsian – Ceased operations in 2011 before transitioning to MNet.
  • La Familia Cosmovision – Spanish-language family network that ended operations on December 31, 2014.
  • LAT TV – Spanish-language channel providing family and educational programming; active from 2006 until 2008.
  • Light TV – Family-oriented network created by MGM and Mark Burnett; acquired by Allen Media Group in 2020 and rebranded as TheGrio.
  • MGM Family Network – Commercial broadcast network initiated in 1973.
  • Más Música – Spanish-language music video channel running from 1998 to 2006; served as the predecessor to Tr3s.
  • MHz WorldView – Non-commercial public television international news and programming service operating from 2005 through 2020.
  • Mizlou Television Network – Sporadic sports syndication and broadcast network active between 1961 and 1991.
  • Mobil Showcase Network – Occasional broadcast network during the 1950s.
  • MTV2 – General entertainment and music cable channel owned by Viacom; launched as a broadcast channel in 2001 but gradually phased out its affiliate stations.
  • MundoMax – Spanish-language general entertainment network originally launched as MundoFox in partnership with Fox International Networks in 2012; ceased broadcasting on November 30, 2016.
  • National Educational Television (NET) – Educational broadcast network operating from 1952 to 1970; served as a precursor to PBS.
  • NBC Weather Plus – Digital multicast channel focused on weather, owned by NBC Universal; operated between 2004 and 2008.
  • Network One (N1) – Small independent network offering acquired and first-run programming; active from the mid-1990s until November 1997.
  • NewsNet – Rolling news format launched in January 2019; purchased by Bridge Media Networks in 2022 and abruptly shut down in August 2024.
  • NTA Film Network – Syndicator/network active during the mid-1950s through the ’60s, reaching over one hundred affiliates at its peak.
  • Overmyer Network (United Network) – Short-lived commercial television network operating briefly between May and June of 1967.
  • Paramount Television Network – Broadcast television network owned by Paramount Pictures, operating from 1949 to 1953 primarily through secondary affiliations.
  • PBJ (TV network) – Digital multicast channel featuring classic cartoons and children’s programs from August 2011 until March 2016.
  • PBS Kids Channel (1999–2005) – Digital multicast children’s service operated by PBS, replaced later by cable’s PBS Kids Sprout and local digital subchannels.
  • PBS YOU ("Your Own University") – Public television service focusing on instructional, news, and documentary content active from the late ’90s until its closure in 2006; many affiliates transitioned to Create afterward.
  • PTL Satellite Network – Evangelical Christian television network founded by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker; operated between 1977 and its collapse amid scandal in 1987.
  • Prime Time Entertainment Network (PTEN) – Syndication service formed by Warner Bros. and Chris-Craft Industries, functioning from September 1993 until September 1997 before affiliates migrated to The WB and UPN.
  • Qubo – Children’s programming network owned by Ion Media, operational from January 2007 through February 2021.
  • Retro Jams – Digital multicast music video channel carried on Equity Media Holdings stations, briefly active from 2007 to early-2008 with a limited revival in late-2009.
  • Scripps News – Originally launched as Newsy in 2008, acquired by E. W. Scripps Company in 2014; relaunched as an over-the-air broadcast/streaming outlet in October of 2021; scheduled for conversion into a FAST streaming service in November of 2024.
  • ShopHQ – Third-ranked home shopping cable channel that controversially gained major-market broadcast carriage through WRNN-TV Associates beginning June of 2021; ceased operations on April 17, 2025 following ownership changes involving Manoj Bhargava and Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios.
  • SFM Holiday Network – Seasonal ad-hoc Christmas special programming service with limited run periods.
  • Shop at Home Network – Home shopping channel available via broadcast and cable platforms from its inception in1987 until closure in2008, featuring full-time as well as overnight affiliate clearances.
  • Smile (TV network) – Christian digital multicast/pay TV channel launched by TBN targeting children aged two to twelve starting December 2005; ceased operations January 12, 2025.
  • SOI TV – Small-scale Spanish-language interactive broadcast network funded with $20 million investment; operated March 2012 through January 2013 with carriage on La Familia cable systems and Telemundo digital subchannels prior to closure.
  • Spanish International Network (SIN) – Spanish-language commercial television network operating between1961 and1986; precursor to Univision.
  • Sports News Highlights – Sports-focused rolling news outlet launched May 2022 as an offshoot of NewsNet; shut down alongside NewsNet by Bridge Media Networks in August 2024.
  • Stadium (sports network) – Over-the-air/streaming sports joint venture between Sinclair Broadcast Group and Silver Chalice launched August 2017; transitioned exclusively to streaming on October 30, 2023 after Sinclair replaced its broadcast space with lifestyle channel The Nest.
  • Star Television Network – Attempted fifth major television network launched in1990 centering on classic programming but folded within a year due to financial difficulties.
  • ThinkBright – Public broadcasting service based out of New York state.
  • This TV – General entertainment multicast venture between Weigel Broadcasting/Tribune Media and MGM started in2008 featuring films and classic series; acquired by Allen Media Group in2021 with a shift in focus before ceasing operations May31, 2024.
  • TouchVision – Digital multicast/broadband news/opinion platform backed by Weigel Broadcasting running September 2013 through January 2016.
  • TrueReal – Katz Broadcasting women-focused reality channel paired with Defy TV airing A&E content between2021-2023 before closing with content absorbed into Defy.
  • The Tube Music Network – Music video digital multicast operating from2004 until financial issues led to shutdown October 2007.
  • TuVisión – Spanish-language commercial television network owned by Pappas Telecasting Companies functioning from2007 through2009.
  • TV Scout – Program listings scrolling channel similar to Prevue Channel running between2012 and2016.
  • UPN (United Paramount Network) – General entertainment commercial broadcast entity initially owned by Viacom/Chris-Craft Industries then CBS Corporation until closure September15, 2006 for The CW launch.
  • Universal Sports (formerly World Championship Sports Network) – Olympic sports-centered digital multicast running from2005 until December31, 2011 then cable/satellite-only until ceasing November16, 2015.
  • Urban America Television (UATV) – Successor to American Independent Network operating December3, 2001 through May1, 2006 with around sixty affiliates offering original shows plus older films/series.
  • Variety Television Network – Digital multicast owned by Newport Television functioning from2007 until January 2009.
  • The WB – General entertainment broadcast network owned jointly by Time Warner/Tribune Company running January11, 1995 until closure September17, 2006 for The CW launch.
  • The Works (TV network) – MGM Television general entertainment/news channel launched April1, 2014 on Titan Broadcast Group stations closed February28, 2017 replaced subsequently by Charge!.
  • Tuff TV – Digital broadcast television outlet owned by Seals Entertainment/Luken Communications shut down August26, 2018.
  • The Worship Network – Christian nature music video multicast owned by Christian Network Inc., carried on Ion Media subchannels until shutting down in2013.
  • TVS Television Network – Sports syndication service launched late1980s by Chicago White Sox minority owner Eddie Einhorn producing sports/entertainment content until ceasing operations August1993.

See also

References

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