Zeam has acquired NewsOn, the nationwide local news streaming platform, from Sinclair Broadcast Group for an undisclosed amount. The deal integrates NewsOn’s network of more than 275 local TV stations into Zeam’s core streaming platform while retaining NewsOn as a standalone service under the brand “NewsON. Powered by Zeam.”
The acquisition marks a major expansion for Zeam, which was founded in 2009 to provide streaming infrastructure for local broadcasters. Zeam currently powers live streams for all CBS-owned stations and CBS affiliates on Paramount+, and supports feeds for hundreds of stations across platforms, including Roku, Amazon, Apple TV, Hulu, fuboTV, and more. In 2024, the company launched its own consumer-facing streaming service featuring local TV content from partners such as CBS, Gray Media, Tegna, and others.
By adding NewsOn’s station roster, Zeam will now have coverage in all 201 Nielsen-designated market areas. The move strengthens its consumer-facing offering and expands monetization opportunities for station partners through features like dynamic ad insertion and combined linear-plus-streaming audience sales.
Zeam CEO Jack Perry said the acquisition reflects a broader push to help stations create and monetize original local content, moving beyond traditional network-affiliate models. The company is also working to secure distribution deals with connected TV manufacturers like Samsung and LG to boost visibility on smart TV home screens.
The sale comes one day after Sinclair disclosed it is exploring strategic alternatives for its broadcast TV business, which may include acquisitions, partnerships, or a separation of its Sinclair Ventures unit. Recent activity in the sector includes Gray Media’s $171 million deal for 10 Allen Media Group stations and Nexstar’s talks to acquire Tegna.
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