Defy (TV network)
| Type | Digital multicast television network |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Broadcast area | (64% U.S coverage) |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Programming | |
| Language | English |
| Picture format | |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | E. W. Scripps Company (2021–24) Free TV Networks (2024–present) |
| Parent | Scripps Networks (2021–24) Free TV Networks / A&E Networks (2024–present) |
| History | |
| Launched | July 1, 2021; 4 years ago (2021年07月01日) |
| Replaced by | Ion Plus (Scripps version) |
| Former names | Defy TV (2021–24) |
| Links | |
| Website | defytvnet |
Defy (also known by its original name Defy TV) is an American digital multicast television network owned by Free TV Networks in partnership with A&E Networks, airing primarily reality shows from the latter company, having launched on July 1, 2021, with broadcast coverage of 64% of the United States.
History
[edit ]On March 2, 2021, Scripps announced that it would launch two new multicast networks—Defy and TrueReal—in the wake of its acquisition of Ion Media and television transmitters shutting Qubo and Ion Plus down across the United States.[1] The channels are part of Scripps's strategy to increase perception among cord cutters that do not have traditional pay TV packages.[2]
The services launched on July 1, 2021 with 92% national coverage, mostly on Ion transmitters but also on subchannels of some Scripps local TV stations and by agreement with other station groups.[3]
On March 10, 2023, Scripps announced that TrueReal would shut down on March 27, 2023, merging its programming into Defy TV.[4]
On June 17, 2024, Scripps quietly announced on Defy's social media platforms that a refreshed version of Ion Plus would return on Defy TV's channel space on July 1, 2024.[5] The A&E programming library would move to a new over-the-air digital network, Dare, owned by the Free TV Networks joint venture.[6]
Shortly before the network's launch on July 1, 2024, Free TV Networks acquired the rights to the Defy branding from Scripps Networks and launched a new version of the network at 6:00 a.m. ET the same day, nixing its plan to launch under the originally announced Dare name. The "TV" portion of the original Defy name was removed prior to its immediate relaunch.[7]
On July 1, 2025, Defy began to be carried anew by eleven Ion stations, this time under an affiliation agreement with Scripps, along with some new Gray stations after the expiration of other subchannel network deals.[8]
Programming
[edit ]The network's schedule is mainly made up of repeats of unscripted shows from the library of A&E Networks (mainly A&E and History channels), including reality programs: Swamp People , American Pickers , Ax Men , Counting Cars , UFO Hunters , Forged in Fire and Pawn Stars .[9]
References
[edit ]- ^ Littleton, Cynthia (March 2, 2021). "E.W. Scripps Co. to Launch Doozy and Defy TV Multicast Networks". Variety. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ^ Roettgers, Janko (June 2, 2021). "Scripps's response to cord cutting: Launch new TV networks". Protocol. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ^ Jon, Lafayette (July 1, 2021). "New Scripps Networks Defy TV, TrueReal Launch in 92% of U.S." Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
- ^ Lafayette, Jon (March 10, 2023). "E.W. Scripps Folding TrueReal Digital Network Into Defy TV". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ "Get MORE with ION Plus. More suspense, more action, more to love - every day of the week!". Facebook . March 17, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (April 3, 2024). "Free TV Networks To Launch New Over-The-Air Channel In Partnership With A+E". Deadline. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ "Defy Hits The Air". Free TV Networks (Press release). July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "Free TV Networks Expands Reach With New Affiliate Launches For 365BLK And Defy" (Press release). TVNewsCheck. July 8, 2025. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ Miller, Mark (July 1, 2021). "Defy TV And TrueReal To Debut Today". TVNewsCheck. Retrieved July 4, 2021.