• by Wayne Friedman , April 5, 2021

Amid local TV stations continuing to build national TV businesses, TV station company Tegna is launching Twist, a locally based digital TV network, targeting women.

The network will be in 43 of the top 50 Nielsen DMAs. This includes the top four U.S. markets -- New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Brian Weiss, president and general manager of entertainment networks for Tegna, says the move comes in the local TV digital space because audiences have been “underserved” with this type of programming.

Twist’s programming includes leading off-cable TV network reality abd unscripted TV shows such as “Dance Moms,” “Tabatha Takes Over,” “Flipping Out” and “Clean House.” Shows to come include “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Top Chef: Masters,” and “Dr. 90210.”

In addition to Twist, Tegna owns other multicast networks: True Crime Network and Quest. It also sells local/regional/national advertising on OTT platforms through its Premion ad-selling business. Last year, Tegna's over-the-top advertising business grew 40% to $145 million for the 2020 year.

In addition to airing in 41 markets where Tegna owns TV stations, the network will run in 11 markets where Univision has local TV stations.

Another 31 markets will come from stations owned by HC2 Broadcasting. Other markets include WISH Indianapolis, WADL Detroit and WIWN Milwaukee.

Tegna owns 64 TV stations in 51 U.S. markets, reaching about 39% of all U.S. TV households.