TEGNA will be a charter broadcast launch partner, receive minority ownership stake
McLEAN, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced it has partnered with Cooper Media to launch Quest, a new ad-supported adventure and exploration multicast network free to consumers. Quest will initially debut early next year across TEGNA’s station portfolio as a new multicast channel. TEGNA will receive an ownership stake in Quest and will share in the network’s revenues.
Quest will capture the wonder, imagination and excitement of the natural and man-made world and features shows about natural history, engineering and science, as well as military history and man’s greatest achievements. The only broadly-distributed factual-entertainment multicast network, Quest will show how the world really works and will not only entertain but will inform and educate viewers as well.
“As part of TEGNA’s ongoing content transformation initiative, we are always examining ways to reach new and underserved audiences through entertaining, informative and relevant content across platforms,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Quest will do just that. It will offer engaging programming that will appeal to a national audience currently under-represented by multicast networks. Launching Quest across our portfolio is also a cost-effective and advantageous use of our valuable distribution capabilities.”
Cooper Media is the newly-formed parent company of both Quest and the Justice Network, a 24/7 multicast network delivering mystery and investigations entertainment programming with a commitment to safety. The Justice Network debuted across TEGNA’s multicast portfolio in early 2015. Both networks are founded by Cooper Holdings Chairman Lonnie Cooper.
“Quest is a fresh take on a nature and science factual entertainment network designed specifically for the growing over-the-air multicast audience,” said Steve Schiffman, CEO of Cooper Media. “We are thrilled to build on our thriving partnership with TEGNA to fill a programming gap in the multicast space and to double down on the growing over-the-air segment.”
Quest is expected to launch in January 2018.
About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. With 46 television stations in 38 markets, TEGNA delivers relevant content and information to consumers across platforms. It is the largest owner of top 4 affiliates in the top 25 markets, reaching approximately one-third of all television households nationwide. Each month, TEGNA reaches 50 million adults on-air and 35 million across its digital platforms. TEGNA has been consistently honored with the industry’s top awards, including Edward R. Murrow, George Polk, Alfred I. DuPont and Emmy Awards. TEGNA delivers results for advertisers through unparalleled and innovative solutions including OTT local advertising network Premion, centralized marketing resource Hatch, and G/O Digital, a one-stop shop for local businesses to connect with consumers through digital marketing. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.
About Cooper Media
Cooper Media is a privately-held holdings company comprised of multicast, over-the air broadcast networks including Justice Network and Quest Network. Justice Network features crime and mystery programming with a unique commitment to keeping communities safe with its BeSAFE initiative. That initiative, led by iconic crime-fighter John Walsh, features Wanted Fugitives, Missing Children and Safety Tips each hour. Quest Network, launching in 2018, features adventure and exploration programming showcasing nature’s greatest dangers, history’s greatest mysteries and man’s greatest feats. Cooper Media is a subsidiary company of Cooper Holdings, Inc.
For media inquiries, contact:
Steve Kidera
Manager, Corporate Communications
703-873-6434
skidera@TEGNA.com
For investor inquiries, contact:
Jeffrey Heinz
Vice President, Investor Relations
703-873-6917
jheinz@TEGNA.com
For Cooper Holdings inquiries, contact:
Lauren Dalrymple
Director, Communications
678-213-5423
lauren@cooperholdingscorp.com