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Sinclair launches over-the-top streaming solution STIRR

The Buzzr network as it appears on STIRR, a new streaming network from Sinclair Broadcasting Group.
The Buzzr network as it appears on STIRR, a new streaming network from Sinclair Broadcasting Group.

Sinclair Broadcasting has entered into the crowded streaming TV market with a new service that brings free local programming and other content to consumers over the Internet.

STIRR aims to bring a mixture of locally-produced news and other programming from 190 Sinclair-owned television stations across the country along with more than a dozen live streams of national networks.



The 20 networks available at launch include Buzzr, a Fremantle-owned game show network and Comet, a science fiction-themed TV network jointly programmed by Sinclair and MGM Studios. Buzzr is available on digital TV in major markets across the country and was previously made available on Pluto TV, a rival streaming platform.

“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,” Sinclair executive Christopher Ripley said in a press release. “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.”



STIRR will also feature a curated local channel that aggregates news, sports and other programming based on a user’s location. Outside of Sinclair’s own Stadium network, the broadcaster has little in the way of self-produced sports programming, but that could change as Sinclair is a contender for several regional sports networks that Fox will have to divest as part of a takeover bid from Disney.

STIRR is available to stream now on browser-based PCs and an app is available for iOS, Android, Roku and Apple TV.



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Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally-recognized, award-winning journalist who has covered the business of media, technology, radio and television for more than 11 years. He is the publisher of The Desk and contributes to Know Techie, Digital Content Next and StreamTV Insider. He previously worked for Thomson Reuters, the Walt Disney Company, McNaughton Newspapers and Tribune Broadcasting. Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn by clicking or tapping here.
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