Who is John Katz the CEO of Teton Ridge?

By Jon Lafayette Courtesy of Broadcasting & Cable

Jonathan Katz Leaving Scripps To Start New Business Venture. Exec sold Katz Networks for $302 million in 2017

Jonathan Katz, who launched Bounce TV, rebooted Court TV and sold his digital over-the-air startup to E.W. Scripps, has resigned from Scripps to start a new company.

Katz Networks has been a pioneer in starting digital over-the-air networks, and when Scripps paid $302million million for the company in 2017, that signaled that it was a serious business. Last year Katz Networks generated $257.5 million in revenue, up 13.4%. Along with Ion Media, purchased by Scripps this year, the Katz Networks are now part of Scripps Networks, the TVstation owner’s new national networks division.

Scripps is not the only broadcaster looking to profit from their secondary digital channels. For example, Sinclair Broadcast Group has Comet, Charge and TBD and Tegna bought Quest and Justice for $77 million in 2019 and launched Twist in January. Katz told Broadcasting+Cable he’s leaving Scripps to return to being an entrepreneur. “I do plan on creating a new company and just like the Katz Networks, that new company will start with the consumer,” he said. “It’s a lesson that I have certainly learned that success and scale are always driven by delighting consumers and serving their needs. And that is my plan.”

He declined to say when the new company will launch or exactly what business it will be in. Katz said he was grateful to Scripps for investing in his company and subsequently buying it. “I enjoyed being part of the world-class team at Scripps,” he said. “The company has been extremely profitable, growing double digits every year for Scripps,” he added. “I look forward to working in the same space and who knows? Maybe be partners again, someday.”

“The mission of Teton Ridge is to make western culture, lifestyle and sports more accessible to more people. The vast reach of INSP, a network beloved by millions of western fans, makes it the perfect place for consumers to watch this largerthan-life original series and the unforgettable live action of The American,” JOHN KATZ – CEO, TETON RIDGE