Local Now, the Allen Media Group-owned free ad-supported streaming service, has added scenic nature film channel NatureStream.tv to its FAST lineup.
NatureStream.tv is focused on uplifting and stress-reducing content, and Local Now said it expands the service’s numerous FAST channels dedicated to relaxation.
It marks the first move for NatureStream.tv into the FAST ecosystem with a linear channel – it already operates as an SVOD through newly released apps available on major streaming devices such as Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Amazon Fire and Android platforms. The channel was founded by nature and travel photographers Olof and Elizabeth Carmel.
“Our channel is perfect for creating a calm and relaxing ambiance, which is especially important during these stressful times,” said Elizabeth Carmel, founder and director of NatureStream.tv. “NatureStream.tv provides ‘play all day’ family-friendly programming that appeals to all age groups and demographics.”
Carmel went on to say that Local Now “will exponentially expand NatureStream.tv’s viewership and will allow viewers access to awe-inspiring scenes and soothing music to enhance mental health and physical well-being for free.”
Michael Senzon was recently promoted to president of Digital at AMG and in June told Fierce Video that since the company relaunched and began aggressively marketing Local Now in Q2 2021 the service has “seen tremendous growth in users, minutes and engagement.”
Byron Allen’s Local Now provides localized news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment in more than 225 markets across the U.S. It also features over 420 free streaming channels in every DMA in the country, along with 15,000 motives, TV shows and documentaries. The Local Now app is available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xfinity, Vizio, Samsung, Android and iOS devices.
New content distribution hire
The latest content addition for Local Now comes the day after Allen Media Group on Tuesday announced the hiring of Mike Nemetz as director of Content Distribution and Partnerships. He will be in charge of initiating and cultivating multi-platform content distribution and client relationships for AMG’s Weather Group, Allen Media Networks and Allen Media Digital.
Nemetz will report to Janice Arouh, president of Network Distribution and Marketing for AMG.
In his new role Nemetz is responsible for growing distribution of AMG’s 12 HD TV networks including The Weather Channel, Justice Central.TV, Comedy.TV, and Recipe.TV among others, as well as the free streaming platforms Local Now, HBCU GO, Sports.TV, TheGrio App, and the recently launched direct-to-consumer subscription CTV app for The Weather Channel.
Before joining AMG, Nemetz held roles at media companies including Fox Cable Networks, Turner Broadcasting, and Cox Media Group.
“We are thrilled Mike Nemetz has joined the Allen Media Group team,” said Arouh in a statement. “Mike is a true salesman, and perfect for our ever-growing cross-portfolio distribution of news, weather, lifestyle/entertainment networks, FAST channels, apps, and free-streaming platforms.”