Sinclair Broadcast launches free TV streaming service, STIRR

Sinclair Broadcast Group Launches Free Live And On-Demand Streaming Service, STIRR

BALTIMORE — Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI) announced today the launch of STIRR, a free, ad-supported streaming service that will include access to some of the most popular national news, sports, entertainment and digital first channels, a robust video on demand (VoD) library and a new local channel featuring programming based on a user’s location, ensuring that viewers can still access the local news and lifestyle programming that is relevant to their everyday life.

STIRR is launching on iOS and Android devices, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Roku and on the web providing viewers with a variety of linear networks that cater to all interests, such as movies, news, sports, sci-fi and action, family-friendly programming, and comedy. STIRR will offer 20 national networks at launch:

STIRR has also developed original channels, including STIRR Movies, STIRR Sports, STIRR Life, and STIRR CITY. STIRR plans to add new linear networks monthly growing to over 50 by the end of 2019.

“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. “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 as access a deep selection of on-demand programming.”

In addition to national networks, the service will be anchored by a new unique local channel called, “STIRR CITY,” offering a curated 24/7 program lineup based on where a viewer lives. The new STIRR CITY channel lineup includes live local news, local and regional sports, entertainment and city-focused lifestyle programming provided by the local Sinclair TV station in that city.

“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. “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 tapped digital media veterans Ben Lister, Director of Content Acquisitions, and Stacie Anthony, Editor in Chief, who are leading efforts at STIRR’s Santa Monica headquarters. The app was developed by Sinclair Digital based in Seattle, Washington.