David Bohrman, a former D.C. bureau chief for CNN, is launching Political Voices Network, an upcoming liberal news OTT streaming service.
According to Deadline, Bohrman is looking to raise between $3 million and $5 million to launch the OTT service across Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and on mobile devices via Android and iOS. In the first half of 2018, the company will begin streaming content via its website. The service will monetize itself through sponsorships, advertising and $10 memberships available for purchase by viewers.
As the report points out, on-air talent for the new network will include former CNBC and Oxygen host Stephanie Miller and former California Democratic Party head Bill Press.
The service will offer both live and on-demand content and will focus efforts on social and community aspects. The timing for the network coincides with the upcoming midterm elections and the run-up to the 2020 presidential election.
RELATED: Glenn Beck’s Blaze cuts 20% of staff as competition rises
Streaming services geared toward news delivered with a particular political leaning have been attempted before, and Bohrman acknowledged the struggles Glenn Beck’s conservative news outlet The Blaze experienced. Last year, the Blaze cut 20% of its staff amid struggles to win ad money from competition like Breitbart.
Bohrman told Deadline that Political Voices Network would stay “lower to the ground and grow organically” while avoiding the allure of pursuing traditional cable and satellite distribution.