How To Start Your Own TV Network Today


If he can do it… anyone can..

There was a time not so long ago when, if you wanted your own TV show you had to work your way up the ranks.. and even then, it was next to impossible.
There were only three networks (yes, that was a long time ago) and air time was minimal, but if you made it to the top you could garner salaries like Dan Rather’s $8 million a year when he took over for Cronkite.

The arrival of cable shattered that, replacing three networks with 500 channels, but the idea of a personality-driven show still dominated, though salaries were smaller. Emeril on The Food Network or Tony Bourdain on The Travel Channel are classic examples.

So was Glenn Beck on Fox.

OK.  Nuts he may be, but he did draw in a crowd, and as such, (2 million viewers a night), Roger Ailes rewarded him accordingly.
Then, Beck went off the rails and Fox termianted his contract.

But Beck would see the writing on the wall – or the chalkboard, rather, and launched his own website/webcast GBTV.com, which stands for, GlennBeck TV.
Neat.

Beck’s site is a monthly subscription – with 200,000 loyal subscribers so far.
So, here’s a bit of math:

200,000 X $10 a month = $2 million a month x 24 months = $24 million a year.
And he is just getting started.

And what do you think the overhead here is?
Nothing?
Next to nothing?

And now Beck does not have to answer to Roger Ailes or Rupert Murdoch or anyone else.
Pretty good deal.

I think if Oprah were smart she would have trashed the whole idea of the Oprah Winfrey Network with Discovery (where I read they had spent $150 million on program development without producing a single show – is that even possible?) and instead launched O.com (come on, she can afford to buy the URL. (can you even get one-letter URLs?))

If Glenn Beck can get 200,000 subscribers Oprah could probably get 2 million (I don’t think this is unreasonable).  That would translate to $240 million a year, almost all profit,  in income, which is, I think, a whole lot better than the OWN network is currently doing.

Now, what does this have to do with you?

Well, you might ask, how do I get started making my own online video network?

It’s a lot easier than you might think, and WordPress, my favorite free software, is just the ticket.

Here is one I particularly like

These are all very ‘video friendly’.

WordPress clearly understands that video has now come to the web in a big way, and their templates (these are not free, but not too expensive) give you a good way to mount your videos and distribute them… or start your own ‘network’.

Add a bit of Ustream this and you’re in business.

And, even though OWN.com and Oprahwinfrey.com are taken, it turns out that Theoprahwinfreyonlinevideonetwork.com is still available.
Hurry!

Michael Rosenblum

For more than 35 years, Michael Rosenblum has been on the cutting edge of the digital video journalism revolution. During this time, he has lead a drive for video literacy, and the complete rethinking of how television is made and controlled. His work has included: The complete transitioning of The BBC's national network (UK) to a VJ-driven model, starting in 2002. The complete conversion of The Voice of America, the United State's Government's broadcasting agency, (and the largest broadcaster in the world), from short wave radio to television broadcasting and webcasting using the VJ paradigm (1998-present). The construction of NYT Television, a New York Times Company, and the largest producer of non-fiction television in the US. Rosenblum was both the founder and President of NYT TV, (all based on this paradigm (1996-1998). The President and Founder of Video News International, a global VJ-driven newsgathering company, with more than 100 journalists around the world. (1993-1996). Other clients include Spectrum News, Verizon and CBS News.

50 Comments
  • selva June 24, 2015

    any local chanel sale in vallioor contact to me immeaditly9629637524

  • Connie May 21, 2015

    Hi Michael, I sent you an email. I really need your help. I just ordered the Iphone Millionaire too.

    Thank you,
    Connie

  • Jeff February 01, 2015

    It doesn’t seem like anyone has yet answered the question: ” If you are passionate and have an novel idea for a television channel but have minimal funding, how does one start a satellite channel (not network)? Does the lack of funding eliminate you from the opportunity?

    • Bishop K. Davis August 07, 2015

      I posted my channel online through my website. I have spoken with comcast and they wanted something in the amount of $100,000,000.00 to use one of their channels.

  • D.A. ‘Laddie” Baylis November 08, 2014

    Mr. Rosenblum,I happen to be one of the VERY LEAST SEEN group in AND AND ALL media-at 61,I’m a cover boy handsome,muscular,beefy-five-nine,205-210 lb.,sporting 18″ biceps,though like a LOT of older chaps,I’m attempting to lose about 25 lb.-black man who,rather than “urban’ fashion,usually don Wranglers jeans and sneakers,sometimes a cowboy hat,shirt and boots.(Of course,I’m a Country fan who’s trying to become a song-writer)
    man.
    Because nobody seems interested in depicting us “Laddies” ALMOST ANYWHERE in media,I’d like to start a network for VERY telegenic older black men .
    (Age:50+) Could you advise me if I could find an “angel” backer to help my launching such a venture?
    Yours Truly,D.A. “Laddie” Baylis,Windsor,Ont.

  • Kushal September 08, 2014

    Hi
    Plz can u tall me how to make own tv station

  • Maylucky August 21, 2014

    Am a song writer.n am into film production.i have ideas on creating content too.i am also thinkng on starting my own tv channel.but dont have the fund.how do i go about it,or is thr any one tht need some one to work wth him.this is my numbr+2348163151050.

  • Nathan K July 20, 2014

    We are a jewelry manufacturer interested in starting a 24-hour TV jewelry shopping channel (yes we have the capacity to produce huge variety to fill that much airtime). We also have access to fair amount of starting capital.

    Unfortunately we no experience in this medium specifically, although we have supplied different TV shopping networks with jewelry and have LOTS of marketing experience.

    What’s the simplest and most conservative way you “get our feet wet” in this medium? Email me at: Silverfact@aol.com
    Thanks!–Nader

  • PeterCarr June 08, 2014

    In a way the digital age has taken away any chance for the average joe to run a broadcasting station since really only radio broadcasts. In 1991 to 1993 we ran a ‘pirate’ tv station and broadcast on commercial vhf channel 12 here in Vancouver called SUBMITV. We operated on the same channel as the local CBS affil,, KVOS TV 12, went off air until they were back and had to take breaks every so often moving around so the men in black suites in the van with the spinning ant. on t wouldn’t find us. Wanted to make sure the CRTC ( our FCC) were doing their jobs see. It was fun and we had a good following until one day the city police and detectives from the RCMP showed up at my home with a search warrant and took everything.

  • Gary Holt May 25, 2014

    Contact me at tailgateutv@gmail.com or by text to my phone no. Which you will find at http://www.tailgateutv.com. I am open to having partners to get my network off the ground.

  • Ebeth May 12, 2014

    Little confused on the math there are only 12 months in a year, so how do you get

    200,000 X $10 a month = $2 million a month x 24 months = $24 million a year.

    Shouldn’t it be

    200,000 X $10 a month = $2 million a month x 12 months = $12 million a year.

    • Gary August 13, 2014

      2 Million X 12 is 24 Million a year.

    • Tony September 10, 2014

      It should be
      200,000 x $10 a month = $2 million a month x 12 months = $24 million a year

  • Peterson April 17, 2014

    I am in the show biz and planning to start my entrepreneural tv series,i would like to partner with anybody interested in the deal and has a better offer.+2347065513836

  • Peterson April 17, 2014

    I am in the show biz and planning to start my entrepreneural tv series,i would like to partner with anybody interested in the deal and has a better offer.

    • Gary Holt May 25, 2014

      Please contact me. I have some content ideas I would like to discuss with you. Go to my website for my phone number. My name is Gary. If you text me include code 515tv in the text and I will respond immediately. Togethet I believe we can create the network you are interested in and fill it with extraordinary content.

    • Brenda January 02, 2015

      Hi,

      Could you please contact me about what you are looking for. I have an extremely good idea and is to do with selling on TV.

      Brenda

  • Kathy Smith April 04, 2014

    I would like to know how to purchase a channel like 64.5 to then buy the license or rights content inastead of creating my own… that will come after make enough moneythis way first from the advertising .

    • Michael Rosenblum April 18, 2014

      you buy them
      its pretty simple

      • Gary Holt May 25, 2014

        Michael. I began the journey to statt my own network. Its Tailgate U TV. My website, which I am editing this week, explains my concept. I want to create a party channel where every sort of party can be aired and followed by an audience. Although I want to focus on tailgate parties, I’m open to pajama parties, hair parties, etc. I need to obtain financial backing. Any ideas. If there are investors out there I would like to make an offer to them. Can you help me out.

  • Chinny February 05, 2014

    Hello Mike. I’m a film maker and TV producer. I’ve been in TV content creation and production for a while and recently got a job to head the programs department of a satelite TV station. I have always produced local content for my country but now I hav to produce contents that should be acceptable globally. Pls do get in touch cos I really want to reach you. chinny_music@yahoo.com

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  • hernanday December 25, 2013

    I’d imagine to start a tv network you’d need the money to buy some broadcasting type equipment and probably some broadcasting space/airwave space. you make money by selling ads.

  • Charl November 27, 2013

    Can i have some words with u mike?? Working smthing out & need ur insight. Zuteco@yahoo.com

  • EGAR TO LEARN October 05, 2013

    Hello! I find this page you have very interesting but still not clear on how to create my own network. I mean should I start first on youtube and i phone millionaire and than wordpress.com… and than TRY to get a meeting with MSO ???? i dont know where to start???

    • Michael Rosenblum October 07, 2013

      Yes, by all means buy the book! and then start on YouTube…

  • Marlene September 07, 2013

    The whole idea of starting my own network is very appealing. I would say gotta start with enough cash to make it happen. But also need a vision to drive the concept. Any suggestions?

    • Michael Rosenblum September 15, 2013

      whatever you find of interest is a good place to start

  • Lani August 07, 2013

    How do I start my online network on wordpress and generate income?

    • Michael Rosenblum August 08, 2013

      Go to wordpress.com and launch your blog. Post every day. When you start to get some traction, sell ad space. simple.

  • MrNetwork July 13, 2013

    how do you get a network ?
    how much for a network license like Disney channel ?
    how long do it take to receive the license ?

    • Michael Rosenblum July 16, 2013

      You get a ‘network’ by convincing an MSO, a major cable supplier, to give you shelf space. In the case of Al Jazerra, for example, they paid $500 million for theirs. It isn’t cheap.

  • Shem Ageta July 07, 2013

    In Kenya and I want to start own TV Network>
    . GOT the land and don\t mind partners

    • Michael Rosenblum July 16, 2013

      but do you have a checkbook?

    • Precious December 26, 2013

      Hi Shem, what kind of network, Christian or secular?

    • David December 27, 2013

      Hey I am kenyan living in USA. We should have a chat. Please contact me on making254movies.wordpress.com

  • Parris June 25, 2013

    Greetings.. I would like to start my own TV Network for children. I’m not quite sure how or where to begin. Any suggestions?

    • Michael Rosenblum June 28, 2013

      You should start by creating some demo content – a few minutes. a few videos. post on Youtube and see how people respond.

  • AK June 05, 2013

    The math is wrong. It should be $2M * 12 and not $2M*24

  • Tei Lawson June 03, 2013

    Hi micheal, seen the reviews of your book (iphone millionaire) and i love the angles and the writing,just ordered it on amazon. Am already inspired to forge ahead on my network dream. i will keep in touch and hope to meet you soon.

    • Michael Rosenblum June 03, 2013

      Hey. Delighted. Lemme know what you think/ Thanks!

  • lisa May 06, 2013

    I work for a network and know the ins and outs

    • Jamin Fishback June 09, 2013

      Lisa please share, I interned with a channel back in 2011 and it was a great experience, unfortunately not enough for strategic planning and valid guidance. I look forward to hearing from you!

      • Michael Rosenblum June 12, 2013

        what would you like?

    • siya July 23, 2015

      Hi!I would like to start a tv chanell can you help about the steps to follow.

  • Alluc April 10, 2013

    Thanks for this share, Micheal. This is indeed an interesting article.

  • Jamin Fishback February 04, 2013

    Hello, I am a current film student and up in coming producer. It is my goal to eventually start my own network. I’ve been doing intense research on the proper steps in starting a network but I’m not quite receiving the answers I’m looking for. My question is simply WHERE DO I START? I’m currently producing a talk show that caters to artist in the entertainment business. Should I start with in-house production only to build a brand, or should i look into syndication or finding more content?
    My second question is what field of study do you recommend to further my education with the goal of starting my own network? Thank you for your time… Looking forward to hearing from you soon!!!

    • Michael Rosenblum March 23, 2013

      Hi Jamin
      I think the best place to start is with my book iPhone Millionaire (no kidding). Full of good advice on how to break into the business.

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