TV News: TNT and TBS First to Offer Live Stream Programming 24/7

TBS and TNT are about to become the first national entertainment networks in the industry to stream on-air content live across multiple platforms 24/7, including through the networks’ websites and a pair of newly created Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps. The announcement was made during TNT and TBS’s annual Upfront presentation today in New York. Live streaming is the latest phase in the rollout of TV Everywhere, the industry-wide initiative that gives subscribers to cable, satellite and telco video services access to more of their favorite shows across a wide range of digital platforms.

“Starting this summer, subscribers will be able to watch TBS and TNT live – anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices,” Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, told the Upfront audience. “Tablets and smartphones become television sets, bringing new opportunities for us and for advertisers.”

TNT and TBS will begin their live streaming just as both networks are in the midst of the their summer programming, which for TNT includes returning series Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies, Major Crimes, Perception, Franklin & Bash and newcomers King & Maxwell, The Hero, 72 Hours andCold Justice. TBS’s summer lineup includes the second season of the hit sitcom Sullivan & Sonand the new series Deon Cole’s Black Box, and Deal With It. Also available through live streaming will be TNT’s award-winning coverage of the NBA, including the regular season, playoffs and All-Star Weekend; TBS’s regular-season and playoff coverage of Major League Baseball; and both network’s coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

The TNT and TBS live streams will be available through http://www.tntdrama.com andhttp://www.tbs.com, as well as through the networks’ newly created iPhone/iPad apps, with additional platforms added by the end of the year. The free Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps will be made available just prior to the live-streaming launch. To watch the live streams, viewers will be required to log in using their cable/satellite-provider account information.