Observed Signal · Sep 4, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Don Lemon Launches Free Streaming Channel with Swerve TV
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon announced the launch of The Don Lemon Channel, a free 24/7 streaming network, in partnership with Swerve TV, a distributor of free ad-supported channels. This marks the first channel for Lemon's media company, Lemon Media Network. The channel will feature twice-daily live programs, daily news drops, archival shows, and partner programming from independent voices. Lemon, who left CNN and has built a significant following across multiple platforms, positions the channel as a direct-to-audience news network without corporate oversight. The launch expands Lemon's independent journalism presence from digital platforms into traditional TV distribution.
Launch of a new ad-supported streaming channel expands the CTV/FAST ecosystem, but impact is moderate given niche independent news focus.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Don Lemon announced the launch of The Don Lemon Channel, a free 24/7 streaming network.
- The channel is distributed via Swerve TV, a distributor of free, ad-supported channels.
- This is the first channel for Lemon's media company, Lemon Media Network.
- The channel will feature twice-daily live programs, daily news drops, and partner programming.
- Don Lemon has over 10 million followers across multiple platforms.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
CNN Launches $7 'All Access' Streaming Service
CNN has launched 'CNN All Access,' a $7/month direct-to-consumer streaming tier combining live simulcasts of its domestic and international channels with an on-demand library, including previously unaired episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. The new offering replaces the CNN Max feed and is part of CEO Mark Thompson’s push to build a sustainable streaming subscription business amid declining cable revenues. While existing cable subscribers can view video streams, CNN now requires a monthly subscription to access written articles on CNN.com. The move positions CNN against free-streaming rivals (e.g., ABC, NBC) in a market affected by subscription fatigue and comes as parent company Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly considers a corporate split. CNN aims to emphasize mobile reach and archive content to broaden appeal beyond hard-news viewers.
New York Post Launches Free FAST Channel
New York Post Media Group is launching a free, ad-supported FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel in partnership with VideoElephant Fast Managed Services. The channel will repurpose video assets from The New York Post portfolio — including Page Six and Decider — delivering roughly 150 hours of TV-formatted programming at launch with a planned 20% monthly refresh. VideoElephant will manage channel operations: content scheduling, platform distribution, and advertising monetization. The move targets major connected-TV platforms and smart TVs and aims to leverage the publisher’s reported ~62 million unique monthly visitors (92% outside the New York metro area). The launch reflects broader industry trends toward free linear streaming: roughly 64% of U.S. households now consume free content and connected-TV ad spend is forecast to reach $38 billion by end-2026. Further launch timing and distribution details are pending.
Scott Galloway Backs Swerve TV with $2.5M
Swerve TV, a programmer of live sports for free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST), closed a $2.5 million Series A round led by entrepreneur and NYU professor Scott Galloway. The startup focuses on niche live sports channels — including combat sports and women’s athletics — and will use the funding to expand its live sports library, launch new FAST channels, and help sports leagues distribute on FAST/CTV platforms such as Roku and Pluto TV. The investment is framed as a vote of confidence in FAST as a growth area for streaming and advertising, with the sector projected to grow substantially through the coming decade.
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