List of United States over-the - air Television networks - Wikipedia List of United States over-the - air Television networks This list needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( January 2015 ) The five major U.S. broadcast network logos In the United States, for most of the history of broadcasting, there were only three or four major commercial national broadcast networks. From 1946 to 1956, these were ABC, CBS, NBC and DuMont ( though the Paramount Television Network had some limited success during these years ). From 1956 to 1986, the `` Big Three '' national commercial networks were ABC, CBS, and NBC ( with a few limited attempts to challenge them, such as National Telefilm Associates ( and its NTA Film Network ) and the Overmyer Network ). From 1954 to 1970, National Educational Television was the national clearinghouse for public TV programming ; the Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS ) succeeded it in 1970. Today, more than fifty national broadcasting networks exist. Other than the non-commercial educational ( NCE ) PBS, which is composed of member stations, the largest broadcast television networks are the traditional Big Three television networks ( ABC, CBS and NBC ). Many other large networks exist, however, notably Fox and The CW which air original programming for two hours each night instead of three like the original `` Big Three '' do, as well as syndication services like MyNetworkTV and Ion Television which feature reruns of recent popular shows with little to no original programming. Fox has just about the same household reach percentage as the Big Three, and is therefore often considered a peer to ABC, NBC, and CBS since it has also achieved equal or better ratings since the late 1990s. Most media outlets now include Fox in what they refer to as the `` Big Four '' TV networks. The transition to digital broadcasting in 2009 has allowed for television stations to offer additional programming options through digital subchannels, one or more supplementary programming streams to the station 's primary channel that are achieved through multiplexing of a station 's signal. A number of new commercial networks airing specialty programming such as movies, reruns of classic series and lifestyle programs have been created from companies like Weigel Broadcasting, Luken Communications and even owners of the major networks such as The Walt Disney Company ( through the Disney -- ABC Television Group subsidiary ) and Comcast ( through the NBCUniversal subsidiary ). Through the use of multicasting, there have also been a number of new Spanish - language and non-commercial public TV networks that have launched. Broadcast networks in the U.S. can be divided into four categories : Commercial broadcast networks -- which air English - language programming to a general audience ( for example, CBS ) ; Spanish - language broadcasting networks -- fully programmed networks which air Spanish - language programming to a primarily Hispanic and Latino audience ( for example, Telemundo and Univision ) ; Educational and other non-commercial broadcast networks -- which air English - and some foreign - language television programming, intended to be educational in nature or otherwise of a sort not found on commercial television ( for example, PBS ) ; Religious broadcast networks -- which air religious study and other faith - based programs, and in some cases, family - oriented secular programs ( for example, Daystar ). Each network sends its signal to many local affiliate television stations across the country. These local stations then air the `` network feed, '' with programs broadcast by each network being viewed by up to tens of millions of households across the country. In the case of the largest networks, the signal is sent to over 200 stations. In the case of the smallest networks, the signal may be sent to just a dozen or fewer stations. As of the 2016 -- 17 television season, there are an estimated 118.4 million households in the U.S. with at least one TV set. Contents 1 Table of broadcast networks 1.1 Major English - language commercial networks 1.2 Noncommercial & public television networks 1.3 Spanish - language networks 1.4 Genre - based and general entertainment TV networks 1.5 News, sports, and lifestyle networks 1.6 Shopping networks 1.7 Electronic program guide networks 1.8 Religious TV networks 2 English - language commercial networks 2.1 Conventional networks 2.2 Minor and digital multicast networks 2.3 Nomenclatures for commercial networks 3 Spanish - language commercial networks 4 Non-commercial networks 4.1 Public / cultural / educational non-commercial 4.2 Religious 5 Defunct networks 6 See also 7 Notes Table of broadcast networks All of the networks listed below operate a number of terrestrial TV stations. In addition, several of these networks are also aired on cable and satellite services. Major English - language commercial networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable # of Full - Power Affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters NBC 1941 97 % 114,848,000 226 ~ 338 CBS 1941 97 % 114,848,000 215 ~ 299 ABC 1948 97 % 114,848,000 229 ~ 266 Fox 1986 97 % 114,848,000 223 ~ 202 The CW 2006 95 % 112,480,000 204 ~ 11 Noncommercial & public television networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable Network type # of Full - power affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters PBS 1969 96 % 113,664,000 Public Nonprofit / cooperative 349 ~ 342 PBS Kids 2017 83 % 98,272,000 Children 's programming 269 0 Create 2006 74 % 87,616,000 Public TV / instructional 235 World 2007 59 % 68,617,000 News and documentaries 160 0 MHz WorldView / MHz Networks 2001 21 % 24,864,000 Educational / international 25 V - me 2007 20 % 23,680,000 Spanish educational 10 NHK World 1998 18 % 20,934,000 Japanese news and information 7 0 FNX ( First Nations Experience ) 2011 12 % 14,208,000 Native American programming 15 France 24 2006 10 % 11,640,000 International news 5 MiND ( MiND : Media Independence ) 2007 9 % 10,467,000 Multicultural, educational 0 Classic Arts Showcase 6 % 6,978,000 Non-commercial performance art video clips DW - TV ( Deutsche Welle ) 1953 2 % 2,326,000 Multicultural Minnesota Channel 2005 2 % 2,326,000 Educational television, public affairs, ethnic and local programming 17 0 Spanish - language networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable Network type # of Full - power affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters Univision 1986 49 % 94,100,000 Spanish commercial 62 26 Telemundo 1954 45 % 53,280,000 Spanish commercial 54 46 UniMás 2002 43 % 69,600,000 Spanish commercial 35 24 Estrella TV 2009 38 % 44,232,000 Spanish commercial 28 19 Azteca 2001 32 % 37,248,000 Spanish commercial 14 28 LATV 2001 32 % 37,248,000 Bilingual ( English / Spanish ) entertainment 27 16 TeleXitos 2012 27 % 31,428,000 Spanish commercial 16 Mega TV 2006 6 % 6,984,000 Spanish commercial 5 TeLe - Romántica 2012 2 % 2,368,000 Telenovelas / lifestyle 0 Inmigrante TV 2 % 2,328,000 Spanish political news and commentary 0 Multimedios 1968 2 % 2,312,000 Spanish commercial 6 Genre - based and general entertainment TV networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable Network type # of Full - power affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters MyNetworkTV September 5, 2006 85 % 100,640,000 Commercial / syndication service 151 ~ 30 MeTV December 2010 84 % 99,456,000 Classic TV series 176 29 Antenna TV January 2011 80 % 94,720,000 Classic TV series and movies 114 27 Escape August 18, 2014 75 % 88,800,000 Suspense / drama / women 's interest 124 25 Grit August 18, 2014 75 % 88,800,000 Action / westerns / men 's Interest 120 16 Laff April 15, 2015 74 % 87,616,000 Comedy 111 22 This TV November 2008 74 % 87,616,000 Movies and TV shows 89 29 Bounce TV September 2011 73 % 86,432,000 African - American programming 112 11 Ion Television August 31, 1998 ( as PaxTV ) 72 % ( OTA only ) 85,248,000 Commercial / syndication service 109 25 Comet October 31, 2015 66 % 78,144,000 Science Fiction 100 17 GetTV February 2014 66 % 78,144,000 Classic movies & shows 66 20 qubo 2007 65 % 75,595,000 Commercial ( Children 's ) 61 Heroes & Icons September 29, 2014 58 % 68,672,000 Classic TV series and films 57 30 Decades May 25, 2015 57 % 67,488,000 Classic TV & films / Historical documentaries 53 6 Movies ! January 2013 57 % 67,488,000 Feature films 52 18 Cozi TV January 2013 56 % 66,304,000 Classic TV series / movies / lifestyle 66 31 Buzzr June 1, 2015 45 % 53,280,000 Game shows 20 37 Charge ! February 28, 2017 43 % 50,912,000 Action series and movies 52 Retro TV July 2005 34 % 40,256,000 Commercial, reruns 15 83 Light TV December 22, 2016 33 % 39,072,000 Family 14 0 The Country Network January 2009 13 % 15,392,000 Country music videos 7 33 Mi Casa Broadcasting September 2014 12 % 14,208,000 English - language Hispanic programming 0 16 AMGTV 2006 11 % 13,024,000 General Entertainment 24 Soul of the South Network May 27, 2013 7 % 8,288,000 African - American programming 7 Heartland November 1, 2012 6 % 7,104,000 Country music / lifestyle 32 The Family Channel 2008 ( as My Family TV ) 2014 5 % 5,920,000 Classic TV series and movies 21 Launch TV 2014 3 % 3,552,000 Independent programming 0 8 TheCoolTV 2009 0.6 % 698,400 Music videos 0 News, sports, and lifestyle networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable Network type # of Full - Power Affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters Ion Life 2007 65 % 75,595,000 Health / lifestyle ; occasional movies 60 Justice Network 2014 54 % 63,936,000 True Crime / Investigation 62 10 Rev'n 2014 42 % 49,728,000 Automotive 44 Live Well Network 2009 25 % 29,600,000 Health / lifestyle 8 0 TBD 2017 25 % 29,600,000 Talk / lifestyle 50 5 The Action Channel 2016 18 % 21,312,000 Men 's Interest 38 Biz Television 2009 17 % 19,788,000 Business and financial information 5 34 WeatherNation TV 2011 17 % 19,788,000 Weather 20 7 American Sports Network 2014 15 % 17,760,000 Sports 18 19 Newsmax TV 2014 12 % ( OTA only ) 14,208,000 News / Documentaries / Conservative Talk 0 23 Tuff TV 2009 11 % 13,024,000 Male interest programming 28 AccuWeather Channel 2006 7 % 8,148,000 Weather 13 Youtoo America ( formerly America One ) 1985 6 % 6,984,000 Commercial / sports / lifestyle 34 Untamed Sports TV 2008 1 % 1,156,000 Sports / outdoors DrTV 2014 0.78 % 895,666 Health / lifestyle 0 19 Frost Great Outdoors 2011 0.5 % 578,000 Outdoors / shopping 0 5 Pursuit Channel 2008 0.15 % 173,400 Sports and recreation 0 Shopping networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable # of Full - power affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters QVC 1986 59 % 68,204,000 48 13 HSN 1985 59 % 68,204,000 41 46 QVC2 2013 31 % 36,704,000 5 34 JewelryTV 22 % 26,048,000 30 EVINE Live 1991 11 % 13,024,000 5 6 Shop LC 2007 8 % 9,472,000 0 42 Beauty iQ 2016 5 % 5,920,000 0 5 Electronic program guide networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable # of Full - power affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters TV Scout 2012 10 % 11,590,000 0 10 Religious TV networks TV network Founded % of U.S. households reached # of households viewable Network type # of Full - power affiliates # of Low - power / Class - A affiliates and transmitters Daystar 1982 56 % 64,736,000 Religious 20 80 SonLife Broadcasting Network 44 % 52,096,000 Religious 22 77 enlace 2006 ? 41 % 48,554,000 Spanish - language religious programming 37 9 TBN 1973 40 % 47,360,000 Religious 39 10 Smile of a Child TV 2005 40 % 47,360,000 Religious children 's programming 35 12 JUCE TV ( formerly JCTV ) 2003 40 % 47,360,000 Religious youth programming / music videos 36 10 Hillsong Channel 2002 ? 40 % 47,360,000 Religious 35 9 3ABN 1984 27 % 31,968,000 Religious 133 3ABN Latino 2003 20 % 23,680,000 Spanish religious 0 124 Peace TV 2006 15 % 17,760,000 Religious ( Islamic ) 0 7 Cornerstone Television 1979 14 % 16,184,000 Religious 17 Dare to Dream Network 13 % 15,392,000 Religious 0 101 3ABN Proclaim ! 13 % 15,392,000 Religious 0 109 Almavision 2002 8 % 9,472,000 Spanish religious 0 9 TCT 1977 6 % 6,936,000 Religious 8 5 The Walk TV 5 % 5,780,000 Religious 12 CTN 1979 5 % 5,780,000 Religious 11 5 God TV 1995 5 % 5,780,000 Religious WHT 1985 5 % 5,780,000 Religious 7 Tele Vida Abundante Unknown 5 % 5,780,000 Spanish religious ? ? EWTN 1981 2 % 2,312,000 Religious ( Catholic ) Hope Channel 2003 1.5 % 1,734,000 Religious 0 6 The Word Network 2000 1.5 % 1,734,000 Religious TLN 1973 1 % 1,156,000 Religious 0 Tvida Vision 2005 0.7 % 809,200 Spanish religious 0 The Worship Network 0.6 % 693,600 Religious 0 GLC 1982 0.25 % 289,000 Religious 5 0 English - language commercial networks Conventional networks American Broadcasting Company ( ABC ) -- The nation 's third - largest commercial network, ABC was originally formed from the NBC Blue Network, a radio network which the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) forced NBC to sell in 1943 ; the ABC - TV network began broadcasting in 1948. Owned by The Walt Disney Company, ABC airs original programming, sports, and news seven days a week. It has over 200 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations, almost all of which air local newscasts. CBS ( originally the Columbia Broadcasting System ) -- The nation 's second - largest commercial network, it originated as the CBS Radio Network in 1927 ; the CBS - TV network commenced broadcasts in 1941. Owned by CBS Corporation, CBS airs original programming, sports and news seven days a week. The network has over 200 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations, almost all of which air local newscasts. For most of its existence, CBS has been the nation 's most watched network. National Broadcasting Company ( NBC ) -- The nation 's largest and oldest commercial network, the NBC - TV network was formed out of the NBC Red Network radio service, which launched in 1922 ; the network commenced television broadcasts in 1941. Owned by NBCUniversal, NBC airs original programming, sports and news seven days a week. It has over 200 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations, almost all of which air local newscasts. Fox Broadcasting Company ( Fox ) -- The nation 's fourth - largest commercial network, Fox was launched in October 1986 through former parent News Corporation 's purchase of Metromedia earlier that year ( two of the network 's owned - and - operated stations once owned by that group at its founding had formed the hub of the DuMont Television Network, which existed from 1944 to 1956 ) and the purchase of the 20th Century Fox film studio the year prior. Owned by 21st Century Fox, Fox airs first - run programming and sports seven days a week, programming two hours each night in primetime ( three hours on Sundays ), along with political talk program Fox News Sunday on Sunday mornings and the optional infomercial block Weekend Marketplace on Saturday mornings. ( Fox also allows affiliates the option to air the Xploration Station block on Saturday mornings in place of Weekend Marketplace. ) It has nearly 200 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations, almost all of which air local newscasts, with some producing newscasts in - house and others airing newscasts produced by a local affiliate of another major network. The CW -- The nation 's fifth - largest commercial network, The CW was originally formed by CBS Corporation and Time Warner as a replacement for The WB and UPN, both of which folded in September 2006 after 11 years of existence and whose programs formed most of its initial schedule. It maintains approximately 100 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations in the top 100 television markets ; it also has approximately 90 additional cable - only and digital subchannel affiliations in smaller TV markets through a fully programmed feed known as The CW Plus. The network airs two hours of first - run programming in primetime and one hour in daytime on Monday through Fridays, as well as a five - hour children 's program block on Saturday mornings called One Magnificent Morning. Unlike its four larger major network competitors, The CW does not have owned - and - operated stations in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago ; the affiliates in those markets ( WPIX, KTLA and WPWR - TV, respectively ) are owned by Tribune Broadcasting & Fox Television Stations ; despite joint ownership by CBS and Time Warner, CBS Corporation serves as the network 's de facto O&O station group ( Time Warner owns one station in Atlanta through its Turner Broadcasting System subsidiary, however it does not serve as the CW affiliate for the market ). Some CW affiliates air local newscasts, most of which are produced by another station in the market though ten of its affiliates ( most of which are owned by Tribune Broadcasting ) produce local newscasts in - house. MyNetworkTV -- MyNetworkTV is a programming service owned by 21st Century Fox, which is also parent of the Fox network. It was hastily formed in February 2006 to provide programming for stations left out of affiliation with The CW, after CBS Corporation and Time Warner chose to shut down The WB and UPN to form that network. The network launched in September 2006 with a format of English - language telenovelas, but gradually switched to mainly low - budget programming by the end of its first year. Since it converted from a TV network into a programming service in 2009, MyNetworkTV fills its two - hour primetime schedule on Monday through Fridays, with reruns of drama series that originated on other broadcast and cable networks. Some MyNetworkTV affiliates air local newscasts, most of which are produced by another station in the market ( San Francisco affiliate KRON - TV is the only affiliate that produces its local news programming in - house ). Ion Television -- Ion ( originally known as Pax TV from 1998 to 2005, and i : Independent Television from 2005 to 2007 ) is a mid-sized network owned by Ion Media Networks ; it airs off - network repeats of recent television series and select English - language imported programming, as well as feature films for eighteen hours per day. Ion is the largest English - language network that is wholly responsible for handling programming on behalf of its affiliates, some of which run limited locally produced public affairs and religious programming. It has around 70 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations, the majority of which are owned by parent Ion Media Networks through its TV stations group, Ion Media Television ) ; Ion is available in markets without an over-the - air ( OTA ) affiliate via a national feed that is distributed to cable and satellite providers. As Pax TV and i, it aired several hours a week of original programming in primetime ( often produced in conjunction with NBC ). Ion owned - and - operated stations and some affiliates also carry two sister multicast services on their digital subchannels, children 's network Qubo ( which handles most of the federally required educational programming content for the network 's stations ) and lifestyle - oriented Ion Life, with many of the network 's O&Os also carrying QVC and the Home Shopping Network on additional subchannels. Minor and digital multicast networks MeTV ( a backronym for `` Memorable Entertainment Television '' ) -- MeTV is a network owned by Weigel Broadcasting that airs reruns of classic series from the 1950s to the 1990s sourced primarily from the CBS Television Distribution, NBCUniversal Television Distribution and 20th Television program libraries, as well as some limited content from Weigel. The network is maintains over 160 affiliates ( mainly through digital subchannel affiliations, with a small number of stations carrying it as a primary network affiliation ), making it the most widely distributed multicast network and the seventh - largest commercial broadcast network in the U.S. This TV -- This TV is a movie - oriented multicast network owned as a joint venture between Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer and Tribune Broadcasting ; originally owned by MGM in conjunction with Weigel Broadcasting, the network was launched on November 1, 2008. The network primarily carries feature films from the libraries of MGM and select other film studios ( such as Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment ), as well as limited amount of TV series from the 1950s to the 1990s. The network maintains over 110 affiliate stations ( primarily on digital subchannels, with a small number of stations carrying the network as a primary network affiliation ), making This TV the eighth - largest commercial broadcast network in the U.S. Antenna TV -- Antenna TV is a digital multicast network owned by Tribune Broadcasting ; launched on January 1, 2011, the network carries classic series from the 1950s to the 1990s sourced from the programming libraries of Sony Pictures Television, NBCUniversal Television Distribution and 20th Television as well as other distributors ; the network also carries a limited amount of feature films. The network maintains approximately 95 affiliates ( nearly all of which carry the network on digital subchannels ). Movies ! -- Movies ! is a digital multicast network owned as a joint venture between Weigel Broadcasting and Fox Television Stations ; launched on May 23, 2013 and natively transmitted in the 16 : 9 format, the network features theatrically released feature films from the 1920s to the 1980s primarily sourced from the 20th Century Fox library, as well as select titles from Sony Pictures Entertainment and Paramount Pictures, most of which are broadcast in the aspect ratio to which they were originally produced. Movies ! maintains subchannel - only affiliations with approximately 45 stations. Bounce TV -- Bounce TV is a digital multicast network owned by Bounce Media, LLC ; co-founded by Martin Luther King III and Andrew Young, and launched on September 26, 2011, its programming is aimed at blacks and African Americans between the ages of 25 and 54, featuring a mix of acquired sitcoms, game and talk shows, original programs and feature films. Bounce TV maintains affiliations with approximately 45 stations ( the vast majority of which are subchannel - only affiliations ), primarily in markets with sizeable African - American populations. Cozi TV -- Cozi TV is a digital multicast network owned by the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations subsidiary of NBCUniversal ; launched on January 1, 2013, the network carries classic series from the 1950s to the 1990s sourced from the NBCUniversal Television Distribution programming library, as well as lifestyle programming and feature films. Cozi TV traces its history to the 2010 launch of NBC Nonstop, a local news and lifestyle programming subchannel format that spread to most of NBC 's owned - and - operated stations. The network maintains approximately 65 affiliates, including all of NBC 's owned - and - operated stations ( nearly all of which carry the network on digital subchannels ). GetTV -- GetTV is a digital multicast network owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment ; launched on February 13, 2014, the network focuses on classic theatrically released films from the 1920s to the 1960s sourced mainly from Sony Pictures library, most of which are broadcast in the aspect ratio to which they were originally produced ( due to the network 's native 4 : 3 transmission, films presented in widescreen are presented with letterboxing ). The network maintains subchannel - only affiliations with approximately 64 affiliates, along with a bulk carriage agreement with their Sony sister networks on Dish Network. Charge ! -- Charge ! is a digital multicast network owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and operated by Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer through its MGM Television division ; launched on February 28, 2017 ; the network features action - and adventure - based programming sourced primarily from the MGM television and film library. Charge ! maintains affiliations with 56 stations ( nearly all of which carry the network on digital subchannels ). Escape -- Escape is a digital multicast network owned by Katz Broadcasting ; launched on August 8, 2014 and natively transmitted in the 16 : 9 format ( although some programs are stretched to 16 : 9 if not already available in the format ), the network features crime - focused documentary series, as well as theatrically released mystery and crime drama films aimed at a female audience. Escape maintains subchannel - only affiliations with approximately 35 affiliates. Grit -- Grit is a digital multicast network owned by Katz Broadcasting ; launched on August 8, 2014 and natively transmitted in the 16 : 9 format ( although some programs are stretched to 16 : 9 if not already available in the format ), the network features theatrically released action and western films, as well as a limited amount of classic series aimed at a male audience. Grit maintains subchannel - only affiliations with around 45 stations. WeatherNation TV -- WeatherNation TV is a television and online network owned by WeatherNation, LLC ; launched on October 27, 2011 and natively transmitted in the 16 : 9 format, the network features national and regional weather forecasts and analysis ; the network 's broadcast affiliates also air local weather updates either provided by the station 's weather staff or via an automated graphical segment. The network maintains subchannel - only affiliations with approximately 35 stations ; WeatherNation is also available on select cable and satellite providers, as well as via streaming on computers, mobile devices and Smart TVs. TBD -- TBD is a digital multicast network owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group ; launched on February 13, 2017, the network primarily carries various web - originated films, scripted and unscripted series, showcase programming, and featurettes on a wide range of topical and themed categories including, but not limited to, science, fashion, lifestyle, travel, music, comedy, gaming, eSports, and viral content. Some traditional full - length films and documentaries also air on the network. TBD maintains subchannel - only affiliations with 55 stations owned and / or operated by Sinclair. Decades -- Decades is a digital multicast network owned by a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Weigel Broadcasting ; launched officially on May 25, 2015 after a soft launch on January 16, the network carries classic television sitcoms and drama series from the 1950s to the 2000s, feature films from the same period, and historical news and documentary programming, most of which is sourced from the CBS Television Distribution library. Decades maintains subchannel - only affiliations with 54 stations, including all of CBS 's owned - and - operated stations. Heroes & Icons -- Heroes & Icons ( abbreviated as `` H&I '' ) is a digital multicast network owned by Weigel Broadcasting ; launched in September 2014, the network carries classic series and films intended to attract a generally male audience ( featuring a mix of action series, police procedurals, westerns, science fiction / fantasy series and military - themed series ). Heroes & Icons maintains affiliations with around 15 stations ( nearly all of which carry the network as a subchannel - only affiliation ). Buzzr -- Buzzr is a digital multicast network owned by FremantleMedia North America ; launched on June 1, 2015, the network carries classic game shows sourced from FremantleMedia 's extensive library. The network traces its roots to a YouTube channel of the same name created and produced by Fremantle 's digital content studio Tiny Riot, which debuted in late 2014 and featured classic game show clips, and short - form adaptations of its game show properties with internet celebrities as contestants. Buzzr maintains affiliations with 51 stations ( most of which carry the network as a subchannel - only affiliation ). Retro Television Network -- Retro Television Network ( branded as `` Retro TV '' ) is a digital multicast network owned by Luken Communications ; launched in September 2005 as the first multicast network to rely on older acquired programs, the network carries a mix of classic series from the 1950s to the 1970s ( including some public domain programming ), along with recent imported series and feature films. Retro Television Network maintains affiliations with approximately 85 stations ( most of which carry the network as a subchannel - only affiliation, and are mostly owned by parent Luken Communications ). TV Scout -- TV Scout is a network launched in July 2013, which provides programming listings for broadcast stations serving the affiliate 's local market. As of October 2013, the network maintains subchannel - only affiliations with 12 TV stations. YouToo America -- A successor to Channel America and formerly named America One, YouToo America is a network featuring general entertainment programming ( which is wholly scheduled by the network for its affiliates ), with a heavy emphasis on primetime sports programming and events ; it maintains affiliations with approximately sixty stations. America One merged with Youtoo TV in the spring of 2015, a cable service which dates back to 1985 as a network with multiple names, formats and owners, including the Nostalgia Channel and American Life Network. Additionally, several of the cable - oriented theme channels ( e.g. music or shopping channels ) have obtained broadcast clearances, usually on low - power stations, in many markets. Among these are Home Shopping Network, and EVINE Live. Nomenclatures for commercial networks Nicknames referring to the major American networks ( most established by the industry publication Variety as `` slanguage '' ) are as follows : ABC : `` Alphabet network '' ( its name is also the first three letters of the alphabet ) or `` circle network '' ( the network 's logo, used since 1962, is a circle with its initials in lower - case ) CBS : `` Tiffany network '' or `` eye network '' ( for the network 's high - toned reputation and eye logo, respectively ) Fox Broadcasting Company : referred to by media outlets and by the network itself by the capitalized `` FOX '', and the legal name is only used in industry media and legal documents NBC : `` Peacock network '' ( after its multi-colored logo ) The CW : `` Green network '' ( the color scheme originally used by the network for its on - air imaging was dominated by the color green ) MyNetworkTV : `` Fox mini-network '' ( like Fox, the network was formed by News Corporation ) PBS : `` Head Network '' ( in reference to the network 's educational programming, mascot, and logo ) UPN ( defunct ) : `` Used Parts Network '' ( for its acquisitions of series formerly seen on other networks to broadcast new episodes ), `` Shapes network '' or `` Disc network '' ( after the network 's 1995 to 2002 and 2002 to 2006 logos ) The WB ( defunct ) : `` Frog network '' or, the network 's secondary branding, `` The Frog '' ( after the network 's mascot, Warner Bros. animated character Michigan J. Frog ) DuMont Television Network ( defunct ) : `` The Forgotten Network '' ( due to its modern - day obscurity, considering it was a major network during the 1940s and 1950s ) Additionally, both The WB and UPN were referred to as `` weblets '' by Variety, because of their smaller audiences and reduced program schedules. The CW and MyNetworkTV have more often been called `` netlets, '' which utilizes the same definition. Spanish - language commercial networks Univisión -- The flagship property of corporate parent Univision Communications, Univision was formed in 1986 following the sale of predecessor Spanish International Network ( SIN ) to Hallmark from Mexican broadcaster Televisa due to federal laws that restrict foreign ownership of U.S. TV networks. The network airs a mix of telenovelas, news and variety programming ( either produced by the network or sourced primarily from Televisa ), as well as soccer events and occasional Mexican - imported feature films. It is the nation 's largest commercial Spanish - language network, with approximately 120 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations ( including over 50 full - power stations ) ; Univision is available in markets without an over-the - air affiliate via a national feed ( east and west channels ) that is distributed to cable and satellite providers. Most of its stations produce and / or broadcast local newscasts, usually limited to weekday evening time slots in most markets. Since the mid-2000s, Univision has ranked as the fifth highest - rated commercial network overall on average, currently placing ahead of English language competitor The CW. Telemundo -- Telemundo is a general entertainment network owned by NBC Universal ; the network carries a mix of original and imported telenovelas, general and entertainment news programs, feature films ( both dubbed and natively produced in Spanish ), sports and variety programming ( much of the network 's programming is filmed in the network 's homebase of Miami, although its imported programming is sourced from Mexico, Colombia and to a lesser extent, Brazil ). The nation 's second - largest commercial Spanish - language network, Telemundo has over 100 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations ( including approximately 40 full - power stations ) ; it is also available in Mexico and Puerto Rico ( where it was founded in 1954 as the brand name for WKAQ - TV ). Most Telemundo stations air local newscasts, primarily aired in evening timeslots, although some affiliates also produce public affairs programming. Telemundo is available in markets without an over-the - air affiliate via a national feed ( east and west channels ) that is distributed to cable and satellite providers. Azteca ( originally known as Azteca América from 2001 to 2014 ) -- Azteca is a general entertainment network owned by Azteca International Corporation, featuring programming primarily sourced from the Mexican Azteca networks ( though much of the American network 's programming airs at different times ), along with original and imported programming from other U.S. and Latin American distributors ; it carries a mix of telenovelas, feature films ( both dubbed and natively produced in Spanish ), sports, news and variety programming. Azteca maintains nearly 90 affiliates ( including eight full - power stations ), and is the nation 's fourth - largest commercial Spanish - language network. UniMás ( known as Telefutura from its launch in January 2002 until January 2013 ) -- UniMás is a general entertainment network owned by Univision Communications, which airs a mix of original and imported programming, consisting of telenovelas, Spanish - dubbed versions of U.S. feature films and sports programming aimed primarily at teenagers and young adults ages 12 to 34. UniMás maintains nearly 45 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations ( including 35 full - power stations ), and is the third - largest commercial Spanish - language network in the U.S. Estrella TV -- Estrella TV is a general entertainment network owned by Liberman Broadcasting ; it airs mainly original variety programming, as well as general and entertainment news programming, limited scripted programming and imported Mexican feature films. The network was launched in 2009, featuring programming originally produced for the Liberman - owned Spanish language independent stations that formed the nucleus of the network. Estrella TV maintains nearly 35 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations ( most of which are owned by Liberman or carry the network as a subchannel - only affiliation ), and is the fifth - largest commercial Spanish - language network ; it is also available nationally on select cable providers. Multimedios Televisión -- Multimedios is a general entertainment network based out of Monterrey, Nuevo León which features mainly live studio variety programming and news, and is a major regional network in Northeastern Mexico which also features several stations along the Southern Texas border, and tailors their programming ( and through local stations, news programming ) to both Mexican and American viewers. The network is distributed through several separately owned over-the - air affiliates in the U.S. mainly in the Southwest and southern Texas, and nationally through cable providers and DirecTV. LATV -- LATV is a bilingual general entertainment network owned by LATV Networks, LLC ; originated as a programming format on KJLA in Los Angeles, the network 's lone owned - and - operated station, it became a national network in 2007. It relies largely on unscripted programming aimed at young adults between the ages of 18 and 34, featuring a mix of variety, music, lifestyle and talk programs ( most of which are sourced by MVS Television and Multimedios Television ) ; LATV also airs a limited amount of English language programming, including overnight content from cable / satellite shopping network Shop LC. LATV maintains nearly 40 owned - and - operated and affiliate stations ( available mostly on low - power stations ). TeleXitos ( originally known as Exitos TV from 2012 to December 2014 ) -- TeleXitos is a digital multicast network owned by NBCUniversal ; maintaining affiliations with 15 Telemundo owned - and - operated stations, the network originally carried a format featuring repeats of telenovelas ( mainly those aired by Telemundo ), before rebranding in December 2014 to feature Spanish dubbed versions of U.S. classic action - adventure series and feature films, effectively acting as a Spanish counterpart to fellow network Cozi TV. Additionally, Televisa, which distributes programming to Univision in the United States, operates in Mexico, but the company 's networks ( Canal de las Estrellas, Canal 5 and Gala TV ) have certain stations which can be received in parts of the U.S. located along and near the Mexican border, and likewise with the American networks have affiliates located or receivable in Mexican border cities. Some Mexican border stations ( such as CW affiliate XETV - TDT in Tijuana ) maintain affiliations with U.S. - based English or Spanish networks, but mainly target their programming at their American border city ( more than the Mexican metropolitan area that they are based in or merely licensed to ). Although the English - language programming model in the U.S. traditionally relies on the network and its stations handling programming responsibilities, Spanish language networks handle most of the responsibility for programming, while affiliates are limited to breakaways from the network feed to provide local news, public affairs and / or entertainment programming as well as local advertising. As such, all Spanish language networks primarily available on broadcast TV operate national feeds that are distributed to cable and satellite providers in markets without a local affiliate. Spanish - language independent stations also exist, though ( particularly with the launch of Estrella TV ), these are very limited and mainly exist in large markets. Non-commercial networks Public / cultural / educational non-commercial PBS ( Public Broadcasting Service ) -- PBS is the largest public broadcasting network in the U.S., with somewhat decentralized operations ( PBS is essentially owned through a consortium of its member stations, reversing the traditional network - station ownership model ). The network operates or has operated 24 - hour program feeds carried part - time or full - time by its member stations, the PBS Satellite Service ( which maintains feeds for the Eastern and Pacific Time Zones, and was originally conceived as a cable - only channel for areas not served by a PBS station ), PBS YOU ( devoted largely to adult education, crafts, and public affairs programming, which ceased operations in January 2006 ), PBS Kids Channel ( a children 's programming network, which was discontinued on October 1, 2005 in favor of the advertiser - supported cable channel PBS Kids Sprout ). PBS allows its member stations to run the network 's programs out of pattern ; member stations generally produce their own local programming in the form of news ( mainly weekly news / analysis series, though a few stations carry daily newscasts ), documentary and lifestyle programming that is aired alongside the PBS schedule. NYCTV -- NYCTV is the broadcasting service of the City of New York, which offers original programming. Available nationally on PBS stations, NYCTV in actuality, serves as a provider of programming to several noncommercial broadcasters in New York outside of its originating station, WNYE - TV. Annenberg Channel -- Originally known as Annenberg / CPB Channel and formerly operating as a national educational access network for public broadcasters and schools, Annenberg Channel was available on some cable and satellite providers ; it now operates as an online streaming service that is offered for carriage by broadcast stations and cable providers ; many of the channel 's broadcast affiliates carried its programming to fill overnight and `` fringe '' timeslots ( with only a few still doing so ). It shared some programming with PBS YOU, various university - and college - owned stations around the U.S., and the now defunct Research Channel. Deutsche Welle ( DW TV ) -- Deutsche Welle is a Germany - based noncommercial television service which provides some English - language news programming to public TV stations ; its programming feed is available part - time on select educational independent stations. Create -- Create is a digital multicast network owned by American Public Television ( in partnership with PBS, member stations WGBH - TV, WNET and WLIW, and the National Educational Television Association ), offering instructional ( consisting of cooking, crafts and home improvement series ) and travel programming ; the network was launched in January 2006 in part to fill the void left by the shut down of PBS YOU, and its primarily carried on the subchannels of PBS member stations. World ( sometimes informally referred to as `` PBS World '' ) -- World is a digital multicast network owned by American Public Television ( in partnership with PBS, WGBH - TV, WNET, WLIW and the National Educational Television Association ), which primarily carries news and documentary programming. Religious Cornerstone Television Daystar Television Network Eternal Word Television Network -- Roman Catholic, primarily cable - based God 's Learning Channel -- Hebrew and Jewish roots of the Christian Faith Golden Eagle Broadcasting ( Oral Roberts University ) Hope Channel -- Seventh - day Adventist Loma Linda Broadcasting Network ( LLBN ) Trinity Broadcasting Network ( TBN ) -- Ecumenical Christian Three Angels Broadcasting Network ( 3ABN ) -- Seventh - day Adventist Total Living Network ( TLN ) Unity Broadcasting Network -- five low - power stations Up -- family - oriented secular and religious entertainment network World Harvest Television ( WHT ) / LeSEA Broadcasting -- family - oriented secular and religious programming ( available over-the - air and on satellite ) The Word Network -- African American Christian network The Worship Network Several religious networks allow their broadcast affiliates to carry their programming out - of - pattern through clearance arrangements, notably TBN, 3ABN, Hope Channel and World Harvest Television. Defunct networks This article needs to be updated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. ( November 2010 ) American Independent Network -- A commercial broadcast network, which operated from the mid-1990s to December 3, 2001 ; predecessor to UATV America 's Store -- A cable and satellite shopping network spun off from the Home Shopping Network, which operated from 1988 to April 3, 2007 ; its broadcast affiliates were a mix of stations that carried the network full - time as well as overnight clearances on minor network affiliates and independent stations. AZN Television ( originally known as International Channel ) -- A broadcast and cable network, which operated from 1996 to April 9, 2008, featuring a mix of international programming, which launched before the advent of digital cable and satellite services that allowed carriage of various foreign networks ; the AZN iteration offered programming aimed at English - speaking Asian - Americans. Badger Television Network -- A short - lived television network consisting of three stations in Wisconsin ; operated from January to August 1958. The Box ( originally Video Jukebox Network ) -- A music video network with a viewer request format, which operated from 1985 to 2001, at which time the network was purchased by Viacom and replaced by MTV2. All of MTV2 's remaining broadcast affiliates were former affiliates of The Box. Channel America -- A commercial broadcast network which operated from 1988 to 1995 ; it was the first commercial television network whose affiliate body was intentionally made up of low - power stations, serving as a model for Pax and AIN / UATV, and a predecessor of America One. CV Network ( formally CaribeVisión ) -- A Spanish - language network, which operated from 2007 to July 31, 2012 ; network closed prior to the launch of MundoFox. DuMont Television Network -- A commercial broadcast network owned by DuMont Laboratories, which operated from 1946 to 1956 ; two of its owned - and - operated stations are now owned by the Fox Television Stations subsidiary of 21st Century Fox as O&Os of the Fox network. FamilyNet -- A general interest cable network owned by the Rural Media Group ; launched in 1988, it went through several owners and mainly featured a religious format ; owners included Jerry Falwell and the Southern Baptist Convention before its acquisition by the Rural Media Group, the parent of the rural - focused RFD TV in 2013. After its sale it programmed a slate of classic television programming from Sony Pictures Television until July 1, 2017, when Rural Media converted it to a Western - focused sports network, The Cowboy Channel ; all remaining over-the - air carriage agreements were nullified. Hispanic Television Network -- A family - oriented Spanish - language network, which operated from 2000 to July 10, 2003. Hughes Television Network ( HTN ; originally Sports Network Incorporated ) -- A sports - based broadcast network later owned by businessman Howard Hughes, which operated from 1956 to the 1970s. ImaginAsian - The company ceased in 2011, with the television network becoming MNet. La Familia Cosmovision - Ceased operations on December 31, 2014. LAT TV -- A Spanish - language network offering family - oriented and educational programming, which operated from May 19, 2006 to May 20, 2008. MGM Family Network -- A commercial broadcast network, which launched in 1973. Más Música -- A Spanish - language music video network, which operated from 1998 to January 2006 ; predecessor of Tr3s. Metromedia -- A media company that owned radio and TV stations that was founded after the collapse of DuMont, airing mostly syndicated programming. It operated from 1956 to 1997. The parent company survives as MetroMedia Technologies. Mizlou Television Network -- An occasional over-the - air broadcast network and sports syndication service, which operated from 1961 to 1991. Mobil Showcase Network -- An occasional over-the - air broadcast network, which operated in the 1950s. MTV2 -- A general entertainment and music network owned by Viacom, which remains distributed mainly on cable and satellite providers ; it became a broadcast network on January 1, 2001 when it assumed the operations of The Box, but slowly dropped its broadcast affiliates in subsequent years as existing affiliation contracts expired. MundoMax -- MundoMax was a general entertainment network operated by Colombian broadcaster RCN Televisión SA. Launched in August 2012 as MundoFox, the network broadcast original and imported telenovelas and teleseries, as well as feature films ( both dubbed and natively produced in Spanish ), news and variety programming, with some imported content being sourced by RCN and NTN24. MundoMax maintained approximately 60 affiliate stations ( consisting of mostly low - power stations with some full - power affiliates, with some Fox Television Stations - owned outlets carrying the network via subchannel - only affiliations to alleviate availability issues in markets where the network had a low - power affiliate and / or limited cable distribution. Some MundoMax stations aired local newscasts, while some also carry public affairs programs. The network ceased broadcast on November 30, 2016. National Educational Television ( NET ) -- An educational broadcast network, which operated from 1952 to 1970 ; predecessor to PBS. NBC Weather Plus -- A weather - oriented digital multicast network owned by NBC Universal, which operated from November 15, 2004 to December 31, 2008 ; some affiliates subsequently replaced the service with an automated local weather channel under the brand NBC Plus. Network One ( N1 ) -- A small independent network featuring a mix of acquired and first - run programming, which operated from the mid-1990s to November 13, 1997. NTA Film Network -- A project that flourished from 1956 - 1962, with anchor station WNTA in New York / Newark, gaining at its height over 100 affiliates, and drawing in the larger markets some of the stations that had lost their Dumont and / or Paramount Television Network affiliation with the cessation of those networks... a few series moved directly from Dumont to NTA in 1956. Only attempted in - pattern broadcasting nationally in one season, on one night, but had some notable programming. Continued as purely a syndicator throughout the 1960s. Overmyer Network ( ON ; launched as the United Network, not to be confused with UPN ) -- A short - lived commercial network, which operated from May 1 to June 1, 1967. Paramount Television Network -- A commercial broadcast network owned by Paramount Pictures, which operated from 1949 to 1953 ; most of its partner stations were also affiliates of major broadcast networks, relegating it to secondary affiliations in most markets. PBJ - A digital multicast network from Luken Communications that featured classic cartoons and children 's programming that was in operation from August 2011 until March 2016. PBS Kids -- A digital multicast network operated by PBS, which operated from 1999 to 2005 ; some of its functions were assumed by the advertiser - supported cable network PBS Kids Sprout, while some of PBS ' member stations and state networks carry independently programmed digital subchannels featuring children 's programs produced for broadcast on the network and through public television syndication. PBS originally planned to launch a successor service, PBS Kids Go !, in October 2006, which never launched. The PBS Kids name remains in use as the branding for PBS ' children 's programming block. PBS YOU ( `` YOU '' being an acronym for `` Your Own University '' ) -- A public television network featuring a mix of instructional, news / commentary and documentary programs, which operated from the late 1990s to 2006. Many of its affiliates joined Create, a similar service from American Public Television that focuses more on craft and travel programming, after YOU ceased operations. PTL Satellite Network -- An Evangelical Christian religious network founded by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, which operated from 1977 to 1987 ; it was known for its flagship program, the PTL Club. The network collapsed in the wake of a sex and embezzlement scandal that resulted in Jim Bakker being sentenced to prison. Prime Time Entertainment Network ( PTEN ) -- An ad - hoc syndication service operated by the Prime Time Consortium, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Television and Chris - Craft Industries, in conjunction with the service 's affiliates, which operated from September 1993 to September 1997 ; most of PTEN 's affiliates would join The WB and UPN when those networks launched in January 1995, with stations subsequently pushing its programming to other timeslots not programmed by The WB and UPN. Retro Jams -- A digital multicast music video network, which operated from 2007 to 2008 ; it was carried by some low - power stations owned by Equity Media Holdings, most of which replaced it with the Retro Television Network ; the music video format reappeared in 2009 after Equity terminated its affiliation agreements with RTN. SFM Holiday Network -- A limited - run ad - hoc network that specialized in Christmas specials. Shop at Home Network -- A home shopping network available on broadcast and cable television, which operated from 1987 to 2008 ; its broadcast affiliates were a mix of stations that carried the network full - time as well as overnight clearances on minor network affiliates and independent stations. SOI TV -- A small Spanish - language network, which operated from March 2012 to January 2013. Launched with a $20 million investment, it was founded by a Venezuelan banker and former political prisoner under that country 's president Hugo Chavez, who was granted asylum in the U.S. ; the network used interactive broadcast technologies allowing real - time response by viewers regarding its television content via Twitter and Facebook. SOI 's programming was carried by cable network La Familia beginning in December 2012 ; while NBCUniversal owned Telemundo stations formerly carried the network on their digital subchannels until January 2013. Spanish International Network ( SIN ) -- A Spanish - language commercial network, which operated from 1961 to 1986 ; it is a predecessor to Univisión. Star Television Network - This classic television network was in planning as early as 1987 and launch in 1990 then folded in 1991. The Tube Music Network -- A music video - focused digital multicast network, which operated from 2004 to October 2007, when it folded due to financial difficulties and complications involving E / I programming. ThinkBright -- A New York - based public broadcasting network. TouchVision -- TouchVision was a digital multicast and broadband television network owned by Think Televisual, LLC ; launched on September 16, 2013 with backing from Weigel Broadcasting which was discontinued on January 14, 2016. It featured blocks of national and international news content presented in a newsreel - style format, along with opinion and feature segments. TouchVision 's programming was also syndicated to television stations in a few markets as a substitute for national morning or evening newscasts, carried as a morning programming block on Heroes & Icons. TuVisión -- A Spanish - language commercial network owned by Pappas Telecasting Companies, which operated from 2007 to 2009. TVS Television Network -- A sports programming syndication service, which had its peak years in the 1960s and 1970s. It continued to provide limited programming from then on until the company ceased operations in 2012. UPN ( formerly an initialism for the `` United Paramount Network '' ) -- A conventional general entertainment network originally owned by Viacom and Chris - Craft Industries ( whose interest was acquired by Viacom in 2000, and was later spun off to CBS Corporation in 2005 ) ; operating from January 16, 1995 to September 15, 2006, CBS Corporation shut down the network to form The CW, in conjunction with The WB 's co-parent Time Warner. Universal Sports ( formerly World Championship Sports Network ) -- A digital multicast network offering sports programming, consisting mainly of events sanctioned for play in the Olympic Games, which operated from 2005 to December 31, 2011 ; at its peak, it had 56 subchannel - only affiliates ( including all of NBC 's owned - and - operated stations ). Universal Sports transitioned into a cable and satellite - only channel on January 1, 2012. It ceased operations on November 16, 2015. Urban America Television ( UATV ) -- A successor to the American Independent Network, which operated from December 3, 2001 to May 1, 2006. UATV was a small network with approximately 60 affiliates at its peak, carrying a mix of original programming, and older films and series. Variety Television Network -- A digital multicast network owned by Newport Television, whose stations served as its affiliates, which operated from 2007 to January 2009. The WB -- A conventional general entertainment network owned by Time Warner and the Tribune Company that operated from January 11, 1995 to September 17, 2006 ; Time Warner shut down the network to form The CW, in conjunction with UPN parent CBS Corporation. The Works - A news and general entertainment network from MGM Television that launched on April 1, 2014 and aired mostly on stations owned by Titan Broadcast Group. The network closed on February 28, 2017 with the launch of Charge ! which replaced it. See also Television in the United States portal Television portal Big Three television networks Cable television in the United States Communications in the United States Fourth television network High - definition television in the United States List of television stations in the United States List of United States cable and satellite television networks List of United States television markets Satellite television in the United States Television in the United States Television news in the United States United States cable news Notes Jump up ^ http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2016/nielsen-estimates-118-4-million-tv-homes-in-the-us--for-the-2016-17-season.html ^ Jump up to : Although ABC, NBC, and CBS were founded prior to 1941, those companies did not begin continuous over the air TV broadcasting until 1941 ( NBC and CBS ) and 1948 ( ABC ). ^ Jump up to : DuMont 's relationship with the Fox network via Metromedia is disputed, with Fox being either a modern re-incarnation, or at least a linear descendant of the DuMont Television Network ( via former DuMont subsidiary Metromedia ) ^ Jump up to : On January 24, 2006, CBS and Time Warner announced the merger of The WB and UPN, forming one larger network, The CW in late 2006. See The CW for more information. The CW and MyNetworkTV are also carried on cable - only channels and digital subchannels of many currently operating television stations of several different affiliations, ranging from current WB and Fox affiliates, to even NBC and CBS affiliates. The WB and UPN shut down on September 18, 2006 to merge into The CW. MyNetworkTV was created by the Fox Broadcasting Company to give programming to several Fox - owned UPN affiliates, upon the shutdown of UPN. MyNetworkTV transitioned from a commercial network to a syndication service in 2009. Jump up ^ Although PBS was initially established in 1969, it assumed full - time broadcasts on October 5, 1970 to replace its predecessor, National Educational Television ( NET ). Jump up ^ Date at which the Spanish International Network ( founded in 1962 ) was reorganized and became Univision. Jump up ^ Univision. `` Univision Network ''. Univision Corporate. Retrieved June 30, 2016. Jump up ^ UniMás was originally launched as Telefutura in January 2002, before rebranding under its current name in January 2013. Jump up ^ Univision. `` UniMás Network ''. Univision Corporate. Retrieved June 30, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` The Top 25 Digital Broadcast Networks ''. tvnewscheck.com. NewsCheckMedia. June 17, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014. ^ Jump up to : These channels are available over the air on digital channels or digital subchannels only. Jump up ^ `` Stations for Network - AMG TV ''. RabbitEars.Info. SatelliteGuys. Retrieved 17 September 2014. ^ Jump up to : Network founded by Lowell `` Bud '' Paxson Jump up ^ Jewelry Television has around three direct affiliates ; most other stations carrying its programming are indirectly affiliated with the network through Shop at Home. Jump up ^ Prior to its shutdown in 2008, Shop at Home only broadcast its programming overnights, and thus full - time affiliates of the network carried Jewelry Television during the daytime hours. ^ Jump up to : These networks are carried only on the digital subchannels of local TBN affiliates, and are owned by TBN. Jump up ^ JCTV is carried on some analogue and digital television stations, digital subchannels of local Trinity Broadcast Network affiliates, and cable / satellite providers, while Smile of a Child and TBN Enlace USA are carried only on local TBN affiliates. All four networks are owned by TBN. Jump up ^ Cornerstone Television is not considered a television network in the traditional definition, rather it is a distributor of in - house produced programming. Although the main station, WPCB - TV in Pittsburgh is carried on many owned - and - operated translators, its full - power and LPTV `` affiliates '' typically air one or two Cornerstone - produced programs per week scheduled at different times than on WPCB and do not identify themselves as `` Cornerstone Television '' affiliates. Jump up ^ Although Cornerstone Television was founded in 1970, the network did not begin even limited broadcasts until 1979. Jump up ^ Date at which WHTV acquired two additional stations. World Harvest Television is a product of LeSea Broadcasting. Jump up ^ Andrew Dodson ( October 25, 2013 ). `` TV Scout Brings Program Grid To Over-The - Air TV ''. TVNewsCheck. Retrieved November 22, 2013. Jump up ^ Sara Bibel ( May 21, 2013 ). `` Season - to - Date : Univision Increases Total Viewers, While ABC, Fox and NBC Decline ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 30, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Exitos is NBCUniversal Largest Subchannel Network - Subchannel Report ''. Across Platforms. Jump up ^ Michael Insalaco. `` 22 Spanish Networks Are On Full - Power Subchannels - Subchannel Report ''. Across Platforms. Report data posted here. Jump up ^ Diana Marszalek ( December 1, 2014 ). `` Telemundo Stations Debut Classic TV Diginet ''. TVNewsCheck. Retrieved February 6, 2015. Jump up ^ Michael Kokernak. `` La Familia cable network to nest SOI TV programming ''. Across Platforms. Jump up ^ `` Programming Reports - SOI TV ''. Comcast. Jump up ^ Strother, Susan G. ( January 17, 1991 ). `` Tv Network Signs Off - Out Of Cash ''. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 20, 2015. Jump up ^ http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2015/10/21/universal.aspx Broadcast television networks in the United States English - language broadcast television networks in the United States Major ABC CBS The CW Fox NBC Minor AMGTV Ion Television MyNetworkTV Youtoo America Public TV PBS Kids American Public Television Create World CAS MHz Worldview NASA TV Specialty News / lifestyle AccuWeather Cheddar DrTV France 24 Ion Life Justice LWN WeatherNation Sports Frost Great Outdoors Pursuit Rev'n Stadium Untamed Other Qubo TBD Gender Escape Grit Tuff TV Music TCN Heartland Minority / International Arirang Asia Vision Bounce CV DW KBS World KEMS MBC America NHK SBS International Soul of the South Classic Antenna Cozi TV Decades Family Channel GetTV Light TV MeTV Retro TV Movies Movies ! This Genre Buzzr Charge ! Comet Heroes & Icons Laff Shopping Evine Gun TV HSN Jewelry TV LifehacksDRTV OnTV4U QVC Shop LC Defunct Major DuMont NET UPN The WB Minor A1 AIN Ch. 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Question: when does the us open air on tv
Answer: 1954