Broadcast TV Giant Sinclair Launches Interactive Music Video Channel with UMG, WMG, Sony, Merlin Licenses

Broadcast TV provider Sinclair launches interactive music channel ROXi across 31 US TV markets, with more launching later this year.

ROXi, the first fully interactive TV music channel, has partnered with diversified media company and leading provider of broadcast television, Sinclair. The two have announced a strategic partnership that brings ROXi’s music channel to 31 US TV markets, with additional markets launching later this year. Pearl TV will assist with the rollout of ROXi in non-Sinclair markets and continue to provide support on technical standards.

ROXi’s interactive channel delivers easy and free access to music videos on-demand, on NextGen-enabled televisions with an interactive app-like experience. Notably, it offers the service without the need for user accounts, passwords, or subscriptions.

Viewers tuning into the ROXi TV channel will discover interactive features previously unavailable on broadcast television. Viewers can skip music videos TikTok-style, or search for any artist, song, mood, or genre—all instantly, with their TV remote—from ROXi’s catalog of 100 million licensed songs. This is thanks to ROXi’s partnerships with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Merlin. The comprehensive catalog is comprised of both original music videos and virtual music videos.

“ROXi is expanding what’s possible on broadcast television, and this partnership brings an interactive music experience to viewers in a simple, accessible way—no apps, logins, or subscriptions required. It’s a clear example of how NextGen TV enhances the broadcast experience,” said Skip Flenniken, VP & GM, Technology Business Development, Sinclair.

ROXi is powered by FastStream, the award-winning interactive TV platform technology that leverages NextGen TV, the latest broadcast television standard. FastStream was recognized with “Best of CES” and “Best of Show” Awards at CES and NAB when demonstrated in Las Vegas last year.

“More than 40 years after MTV first hit American TV screens, ROXi is revolutionizing the way we experience music on TV in the US, turning the TV into a musical hub for the American family again,” said Rob Lewis, CEO of FastStream Interactive. “This isn’t just a music channel; it’s a game-changer for television. ROXi is just the beginning—we’ll be launching multiple non-music TV channels, ushering in a new era of interactive TV across America.”

The U.S. rollout is supported by U.S. broadcast business group Pearl TV. “ROXi’s new service will delight viewers because it is seamless, interactive, and free,” said Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV. “Today’s TV audiences expect control, personalization, and instant access, and ROXi delivers this in spades. We’re thrilled to support ROXi’s launch as a new NextGen TV benefit for our viewers and can’t wait to see it expand across the rest of the country, in partnership with multiple broadcasters.”

At launch, ROXi is available in the following U.S. TV markets, with more launching later this year:

• Albany, NY
• Baltimore, MD
• Birmingham, AL
• Buffalo, NY
• Charleston, SC
• Cincinnati, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Dayton, OH
• Des Moines, IA
• El Paso, TX
• Flint, MI
• Fresno, CA
• Green Bay, WI
• Greensboro, NC
• Greenville, SC
• Las Vegas, NV
• Minneapolis, MN
• Mobile, AL
• Pensacola, FL
• Nashville, TN
• Omaha, NE
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Portland, ME
• Raleigh, NC
• Rochester, NY
• Salt Lake City, UT
• San Antonio, TX
• Seattle, WA
• Syracuse, NY
• Washington, D.C.
• West Palm Beach, FL
• Wichita, KS