TBS and TNT to Offer Live Streaming 24/7

TBS and TNT are set to become the first national entertainment networks 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.

"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 and Cold Justice. TBS's summer lineup includes the second season of the sitcom Sullivan & Son and the new series Deon Cole's Black Box, and Deal With It.

The TNT and TBS live streams will be available through http://www.tntdrama.comand http://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.

Meanwhile, ABC also announced plans to offer live streaming on their app for iPhones and iPads, though with a slightly slower roll out.  ABC app users in New York and Philadelphia will have the ability to live stream programming from ABC’s local area stations. The network also plans to make live streaming available in six other cities where they own stations this summer, however, the app will only be available to paying subscribers to cable and satellite providers, though the content is free over the public air-waves.