Two new digital broadcast networks being launched by Bounce TV executive Jonathan Katz have acquired the rights to air 135 movies from Warner Bros.
The deal marks the first programming agreement for the new nets, Escape, aimed at women and Grit, which targets men. Both are expected to launch this summer.
The announcement comes at a time when Walt Disney Co.’s ABC unit is pulling the plug on its digital broadcast operation, the Live Well Network.
The multi-year agreement between Katz Broadcasting and Warner Bros. Domestic TV includes titles selected to appeal to each network’s audience.
Crime and mystery films that will air on Escape, programmed for women 25 to 54, include Body Heat, Disclosure, Dead Calm, Malice, Dolores Claiborne, Presumed Innocent and Star 80.
Action films headed for Grit’s men 25 to 54 core audience, include Clint Eastwood films Sudden Impact, Kelly’s Heroes and Bronco Billy; Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra, Demolition Man and Victory; and Steven Seagal’s Hard to Kill and Fire Down Below.
Grit will also air John Wayne westerns including Cahill U.S. Marshal, Chisum and The Cowboys.
Escape and Grit have distribution agreements covering 35% of U.S. television markets, according to Katz Broadcasting. Univision stations will carry the networks in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Miami.
