• by Wayne Friedman , December 7, 2016

Sinclair Broadcast Group is launching a Millennial-targeted, locally based digital TV network based on Internet content.

Called TBD, the new multicast network will launch in early 2017, featuring content curated from some of the digital creative producers.

TBD will include Web series, short films, fashion, comedy, lifestyle, eSports, music, and viral content, all curated through partnerships with creators.

TBD intends to target Millennials “who have grown up with online video as a core part of their entertainment diet.”

Content partnerships for the channel include deals with Internet producers Jukin, Legendary Digital Networks (Nerdist and Geek & Sundry), Whistle Sports, Kinonation, Zoomin’ and Canvas Media Studios.

Sinclair also has a deal with The QYOU, a curator of online video content for television, to program the network and provide creative direction. 

Chris Ripley, president/CEO of Sinclair, stated: “Much of the multicast market today focuses on classic TV and movie content, with little aimed at audiences for whom fresh and relevant pop culture content is important.”

This is Sinclair’s second digital multicast network. In October 2015, it launched with MGM, the Comet network, a science fiction channel, which reaches 65 million TV homes, around 60% of U.S. TV households.

Sinclair owns owns, operates and/or provides services to 173 TV stations in 81 markets, covering over 40% of the U.S. TV homes.