The network’s original programming are expected to air elsewhere
After nearly four years of operation, Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Opry Entertainment Group and Gray Television, Inc. will cease operation of Circle Network at the end of 2023. Ryman Hospitality Properties shared the decision in their third quarter financial report yesterday (Mon, Nov 6th).
“In September 2023, we determined to pivot from television network ownership in favor of a distribution approach. Therefore, we and our joint venture partner agreed to wind down the Circle joint venture, with operations expected to cease on December 31, 2023. As a result, we incurred a loss related to Circle of approximately $10.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023,” the message reads.
Circle was launched on January 1, 2020, as a premier linear multicast and OTT (over-the-top) channel dedicated to the country lifestyle. Circle featured original programming centered around artists and their music; hobbies; outdoor and offstage adventures; food; family; and friends. Circle also offered entertainment news, documentaries, and movies along with licensed programming and archival content.
Original programs at the launch included Opry Live, a compilation of newly recorded performances from Ryman Hospitality’s Grand Ole Opry hosted by Bobby Bones, Fandom, Bluebird Cafe Sessions, among others. Country artists such as Craig Morgan, Phil Vassar, and Clint Black have also hosted shows on the channel.
A spokesperson for Ryman tells Country Aircheck some of the original programming will continue through other outlets.
“The Circle brand isn’t going away,” they tell the publication. “The linear TV network will wind down at the end of the year along with the joint venture. Programming like Opry Live and [Ryman Hospitality’s WSM-AM radio show in Nashville] Coffee, Country & Cody will continue to be produced and made available digitally on FAST, streaming and other digital distribution platforms. We also expect Opry Live to air on network television, just not on a dedicated Circle network. Opry Live will also air on Sky Arts in the UK.”
The network was a 50/50 joint venture between the two companies.
