Sinclair has officially launched STIRR, its free, ad-supported streaming service that will include local programming, national news, entertainment, sports and an on-demand library.
STIRR is initially available on iOS and Android devices, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Roku and on the web. The service will feature networks including BUZZR, Charge, Cheddar, Comet, CONtv, Dove Channel, DUST, FailArmy, Futurism, Gravitas, Mobcrush, MovieMix, NASA TV, Outdoor America, The Pet Collective, SOAR, Stadium, TBD, The Tennis Channel and World Poker Tour. The service is hoping to have more than 50 channels by the end of 2019.
STIRR has also developed original channels, including STIRR Movies, STIRR Sports, STIRR Life and STIRR CITY, a channel that will curate live local news, local and regional sports, entertainment and city-focused lifestyle programming provided by the local Sinclair TV station in that city.
“We are entering a new era of broadcast television and our number one priority at Sinclair is to help advance the industry and increase access to broadcast content in the midst of a digital age,” said Sinclair CEO Christopher Ripley in a statement. “With the launch of STIRR, we intend to offer audiences an easy, convenient and free way to watch live local and national channels, as well access a deep selection of on-demand programming.”
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“Despite the explosive growth of new national over-the-top (OTT) services, local TV station’s programming, especially local news, has remained some of the most popular and desired content to audiences and advertisers alike,” said Adam Ware, STIRR’s general manager, in a statement. “By creating the STIRR CITY channel format, local TV stations can now extend their programming strength to OTT. STIRR will offer viewers both a new local channel and an extensive local on-demand library relevant to the place they call home.”
In addition to Ware, Sinclair last month named Stacie Anthony as editor in chief and Ben Lister as director of content acquisitions and business development for STIRR.