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Zeam Expands Reach with NewsOn Acquisition

 

Streaming platform Zeam has made headlines by acquiring the NewsOn local broadcast streaming service from Sinclair Broadcast Group. This strategic move is part of Zeam’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings and enhance its public-facing services.

A Legacy of Supporting Local Broadcasters

 

Founded in 2009, Zeam was a trailblazer in streaming technology, aiming to assist local broadcasters as they ventured into the streaming landscape. Today, Zeam powers the backend technology for live streams of all CBS-owned stations and affiliates featured on the Paramount+ platform.

Strategic Shift at Sinclair

 

This acquisition comes on the heels of Sinclair’s announcement that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its extensive station group and other assets.

Zeam’s Vision for Local TV News

 

In recent years, Zeam has rebranded itself as a central hub for local TV news, showcasing content from stations nationwide. The platform is also evolving into a consumer-focused entertainment destination, maintaining a strong emphasis on live local content. To illustrate the capabilities of its portable live streaming technology, Zeam partnered with comedian podcasters Mike Young and Bret Ernst for the “Destination Comedy” event, featuring their adventures on the road over five consecutive days from July 29 to August 2.

Innovative Live Streaming Technology

 

“We are pushing the boundaries of our technology to show the industry that we can capture live video in a van traveling down the road with two comedians,” stated Jack Perry, CEO of Zeam, which operates out of Marion, Iowa and New York. “We aim to inspire our broadcasters to invest in hyper-local content.”

Maximizing Advertising Revenue

 

For local TV stations, Zeam provides a streamlined method to boost advertising revenue through live streams. The platform enables dynamic ad insertion at a local level, allowing stations to target specific consumers more effectively while maximizing audience reach by combining streaming data with linear signals.

Impactful Advertising Campaigns

 

Zeam made a significant impact in 2024 with its inaugural Super Bowl advertisement, generating buzz around the company. Since then, it has delivered over 4 billion dynamically inserted ads for its partners.

Expanding Local TV Footprint

 

The acquisition of NewsOn significantly broadens Zeam’s local TV presence across all 201 designated market areas as defined by Nielsen. Sinclair had previously invested in this space and encouraged other stations to utilize the NewsOn platform.

Commitment to Local Journalism

 

“NewsOn has been a vital resource for connecting viewers with trusted local news nationwide. We believe that under Zeam’s leadership, the platform will continue to support stations and enhance the value of local journalism,” commented Kevin Cotlove, Sinclair’s executive VP and chief digital officer.

Two Pillars of Zeam’s Business Model

 

Zeam operates on two key fronts: its B-to-B division, which supports live streaming for a variety of clients, and its consumer-facing platform that offers revenue-sharing deals with partners. Typically, Zeam manages all streaming ad inventory sales, positioning itself as a valuable outlet for generating additional revenue from the moment a user downloads the app or clicks on a channel’s feed at Zeam.com.

Streamlined Digital Revenue for Stations

 

“We provide the infrastructure for these local stations to drive digital revenue without requiring significant effort,” Perry explains.

Strategic Partnerships with CTV Manufacturers

 

The Zeam team is currently pursuing collaborations with Samsung, LG, and other connected TV manufacturers to enhance the visibility of the Zeam platform on smart TVs’ homepages. This device-based distribution is increasingly becoming a crucial factor for the revenue-generating potential of FAST channels.

Creating Original Local Content

 

Perry believes the most significant advantage Zeam offers its station partners is the opportunity to create original local content at manageable incremental costs. The live stream technology accommodates a variety of live and on-demand production options, which is becoming essential for broadcasters as the availability of syndicated programs has notably declined in recent years.

Shifting Perspectives on Content Creation

 

“Stations are no longer focusing solely on the network-affiliate model. They’re also considering, ‘We want to create our own content, independent of what our network provides,’” Perry remarks.