Truth Social, the social media platform owned by Donald Trump’s media company, has unveiled plans to launch a live TV streaming platform. The platform will focus on “news networks” and “religious channels,” as well as “other content that has been cancelled, is at risk of cancellation, or is being suppressed on other platforms and services,” according to a press release. The service will also feature “family-friendly” content, including films and documentaries.
The streaming service will be rolled out in three phases. The company first intends to introduce Truth Social’s CDN (content delivery network) for streaming to the Truth Social app for Android, iOS, and the web. Next, Truth Social plans to release over-the-top (OTT) streaming apps for phones, tablets, and other devices. The final phase of the rollout involves the launch of a streaming app for TVs.
The Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) claims to have tested the streaming service on its web and iOS platforms for six months and has completed the research and development phase.
“We are thrilled to proceed with the next significant phase for Truth Social,” said TMTG CEO Devin Nunes in the press release. “With our streaming content, we aim to provide a permanent home for high-quality news and entertainment that may face discrimination on other channels and content delivery services.”
The announcement comes as Elon Musk’s X has been working to transform the social media site into a free-speech “video-first” platform. The social network currently features an original show hosted by former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and another by former Fox Sports host Jim Rome. Last month, Musk scrapped a talk show deal with former CNN anchor Don Lemon after being interviewed for the first episode of the show.
Truth Social went public last month after shareholders approved a merger of TMTG and Digital World Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The company’s stock plummeted this week after announcing plans to sell more shares to raise capital. Despite being valued at billions of dollars, TMTG is struggling financially, reporting a net loss of approximately $49 million in 2023 and generating just under $4 million in revenue.
