New Network Escape Acquires Crime Series

New digital multicast network Escape has added three off-cable true crime series to its programming lineup.

Escape, being launched by Katz Broadcasting, is being aimed at women 25 to 54 years old. It is expected to launch later this month.

The network acquired rights to 150 episodes of Snapped from NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution, 175 episodes of Unsolved Mysteries from Cosgrove/Meurer Productions and 213 episodes of Forensic Files from Trifecta Entertainment & Media.

“These three series are in the true-crime television hall of fame,” said Jonathan Katz, CEO of Katz Broadcasting. “We are assembling a mystery and drama-fueled line-up that will provide viewers the opportunity to escape from their daily lives.”

Katz previously announced deals to license movies from NBCU and Warner Bros. to air on Escape and Grit, another new channel that will target male viewers.

The networks are cleared to air on stations covering about 50% of the country, including major markets including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.