Sinclair sold NewsON to Zeam
Zeam, a leading streaming technology and monetization provider, has announced the acquisition of local streaming news service NewsOn from Sinclair. This merger brings together two major streaming platforms that aggregate local news from hundreds of TV stations across all U.S. markets, aiming to create a more robust, technologically advanced, and financially viable platform for local and hyperlocal news distribution.
With Zeam's backing, NewsOn will continue to operate as a standalone brand called "NewsON. Powered by Zeam." The integration is expected to improve the user experience and local stations' ability to generate revenue from digital streaming.
The acquisition significantly expands Zeam's reach, allowing it to deliver local news content from every measured television market nationwide. This includes partnering with networks like Cox, E.W. Scripps, and Hearst Television, complementing Zeam’s existing partnerships with CBS, Gray Media, Tegna, and others.
Zeam's CEO, Jack Perry, stated that the acquisition shapes the future of local broadcast journalism and reinforces its essential role in American communities. Kevin Cotlove, executive vice president and chief digital officer of Sinclair, expressed confidence in NewsON's continued support for stations and strengthening of local journalism under Zeam’s leadership.
Broadcasters are expected to benefit from the combined strength of Zeam and NewsON, gaining further monetization opportunities, deeper audience engagement, and innovative tools provided by Zeam. However, no information has been provided about the impact of this acquisition on the operations or offerings of NewsOn as a standalone service.
The acquisition follows Sinclair's announcement of a comprehensive review of its assets and broadcasting business, which was made on the same week the deal was announced. The financial terms of the deal between Zeam and Sinclair weren't announced.
Zeam currently features streams from hundreds of local stations and has partnerships with top local broadcast groups. The company launched a hyperlocal streaming service, Zeam, in 2024. Zeam provides streaming technologies and services to a large number of clients, including live local broadcasts on Paramount+, the NFL, Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, Hulu, fuboTV, and hundreds of other apps and websites.
- The integration between Zeam and NewsOn is anticipated to enhance user experience and increase local stations' revenue from digital streaming.
- With the acquisition, Zeam will deliver local news content from every measured television market nationwide, partnering with networks like Cox, E.W. Scripps, and Hearst Television.
- The merged platforms are expected to offer broadcasters further monetization opportunities, deeper audience engagement, and innovative tools provided by Zeam.
- Zeam currently offers streaming technologies and services to several clients, featuring streams from hundreds of local stations and launching a hyperlocal streaming service named Zeam in 2024.
- The acquisition is a significant step in the future of local broadcast journalism, aiming to reinforce its essential role in American communities as a standalone brand, "NewsON. Powered by Zeam."
