Frndly TV signed a mutli-year distribution agreement with Weigel Broadcasting that brings five of Weigel’s national TV networks to all Frndly TV subscribers. Weigel Broadcasting is a family-owned media company based in Chicago, Illinois, which owns and operates national television networks, as well as local broadcast stations.
The announcement was made by Michael McKenna, chief programming officer of Frndly TV, and Neal Sabin, vice-chairman of Weigel.
The five TV networks are: MeTV, H&I (Heroes & Icons), DECADES, Start TV and Weigel’s recently announced new national network, Story Television.
Starting today, MeTV and Story Television will premiere on the Frndly TV lineup with the other networks joining soon.
The addition of the Weigel programs will bring Frndly TV to more than 35 networks in its offering. The service starts at $6.99 per month.
“We are honoring our promise to our subscribers by keeping our prices very friendly — and the lowest in the industry — while adding even more great programming,” said McKenna, in a statement.
Frndly TV launched about two years ago as a highly targeted skinny bundle with 12 channels and a $5.99/month price point. It’s since more than doubled that lineup — with family-friendly channels like Hallmark, History, Game Show Network, Weather Channel, GAC Family, Curiosity, Dove Channel, Family Movie Classics and Heartland TV — but it’s only increased its price to $6.99.
In a recent interview with Fierce McKenna said the company made a strategic decision at the beginning to keep the customer service in house, so that its founders were directly in contact with its subscribers to determine their affinity for certain programming.