Turner Broadcasting said it soon will be live streaming TNT and TBS via new apps for tablets and smartphones.
As such,Turner said TBS and TNT will become the first national entertainment networks to stream on-air content live across multiple platforms 24/7, including through the networks' websites and a pair of newly created Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps. The announcement was made during TNT and TBS's annual upfront presentation today in New York.
"Starting this summer, subscribers will be able to watch TBS and TNT live – anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices," said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. "Tablets and smartphones become television sets, bringing new opportunities for us and for advertisers.”
ABC yesterday became the first broadcast network to make its full lineup available via streaming, with content initially available in the New York and Philadelphia DMAs.
More programming is being made available via streaming as programmers and distributors reach TV Everywhere deals designed to make content more available to subscribers and stave off competition for new over the top rivals.
TNT and TBS will begin their live streaming just as both networks are in the midst of the their summer programming, which for TNT includes returning series Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies, Major Crimes, Perception, Franklin & Bash and newcomers King & Maxwell, The Hero, 72 Hours and Cold Justice. TBS's summer lineup includes the second season of sitcom Sullivan & Son and the new series Deon Cole's Black Box, and Deal With It.
Live streaming will also extend to the networks' sports lineups: TNT's coverage of the NBA, including the regular season, playoffs and All-Star Weekend; TBS's regular-season and playoff coverage of Major League Baseball; and both networks' coverage of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.
The TNT and TBS live streams will be available through http://www.tntdrama.com and http://www.tbs.com, as well as via the networks' newly created iPhone/iPad apps, with additional platforms added by year-end. The free Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps will be made available just prior to the live-streaming launch. To watch the live streams, viewers will be required to log in using their video provider account information.
