About a month ago we interviewed Kevin Lawrence is a successful entrepreneur, developer, and .TV investor who at the time had just sold the domain name FYI.TV for $30,000 making it the highest reported .TV sale of 2014.
Tonight Kevin reported to us that the buyer is A & E Network who is using the domain name FYI.TV to re-brand its Bio network.
The Hollywoodreporter.com confirms that A & E Networks is rebranding Bio as lifestyle network FYI and will launch in June 2014
“Known as “for your inspiration” or “for your innovation,” FYI is described as a personalized experience that will embrace the way viewers live their lives — proudly hyphenated and not constrained by one interest or passion. It will blend the inspiring personal creativity of viewers and the emergence of powerful digital entrants to the space with a linear reach that will create a platform for new approaches to content.”
“Bio, a joint-venture between the Disney/ABC Television Group and Hearst Corp., currently reaches more than 70 million U.S. households. ”
“The network has a programming roster that includes docuseries Mobsters, Gangsters: America’s Most Evil, Alien Encounters, Ghost Bait, Haunted History and Sell This House, among others.”
“The transition to FYI is the next phase in our strategy to bolster the A+E Networks portfolio by evolving and maturing our brands to allow for future growth in the rapidly changing media landscape,” A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc said in making the announcement Wednesday.
“FYI will be an upscale network with a younger and more modern sensibility than what we’ve seen on traditional lifestyle networks, in an effort to appeal to an audience that has been underserved on linear but thrives online.”
“FYI is defined by the world we live in today — offering viewers a less prescriptive, more adventurous approach to their taste, space, social life and look. Gone are the days where consumers are looking for experts to instruct them how to live. Together with our partners and audiences, we are building a new brand that embraces personal creativity and the sharing of the best ideas on air and online.”
The new network will cater to a younger, upscale audience by becoming the first net on TV that reflects the way a new generation experience their lives.
The new FYI is already developing more than 30 potential new series that are said to inspire viewers. Programming announcements will be made in early 2014. Outside of the U.S., announcements about the evolution of the Bio brand will be made market by market. While the network will be rebranded, the Bio brand will continue to exist on various platforms in the U.S.”
Joseph Peterson says
That will be a huge boost for .TV in terms of visibility.
Leonard P Britt says
Interesting story – I believe we will see more such stories in the next few years.
facebook_user_f1ef6eac548c78c99d5c7eb2df87d116 says
The largest media/entertainment company in France uses d8.tv for their primary network.
BigNewEngland says
Bob.tv is absolutely rocking right now