Are you a fan of British television and critically acclaimed mysteries, dramas, and comedies? If so, you’re likely familiar with Acorn TV, a popular streaming service that offers a vast library of UK-centric content. But have you ever wondered who owns Acorn TV? In this in-depth article, we’ll delve into the history of Acorn TV, its parent company, and the individuals behind this beloved streaming platform.
The Birth of Acorn TV
Acorn TV was launched in 2013 as a subsidiary of RLJ Entertainment (formerly known as RLJ Acquisition, Inc.), a leading independent distributor of entertainment content. At the time of its launch, Acorn TV was primarily focused on providing a niche service catering to fans of British television, offering a range of shows that were often difficult to find on mainstream streaming platforms.
RLJ Entertainment: The Parent Company
RLJ Entertainment, founded in 2011, is a NASDAQ-listed company (RLJE) specializing in the acquisition, distribution, and production of entertainment content. The company’s portfolio includes a diverse range of assets, including content libraries, production companies, and streaming services. RLJ Entertainment’s primary objective is to leverage its extensive library of content to create engaging entertainment experiences for audiences worldwide.
A Strategic Partnership
In 2012, RLJ Entertainment formed a strategic partnership with Acorn Media Group, a leading independent distributor of British television content. This partnership enabled RLJ Entertainment to tap into Acorn Media Group’s extensive library of British programming, which would later become the foundation of Acorn TV’s content offerings.
The Man Behind Acorn TV: Robert L. Johnson
So, who is the mastermind behind RLJ Entertainment and Acorn TV? Meet Robert L. Johnson, a renowned entrepreneur, media mogul, and philanthropist. Johnson is the founder and chairman of RLJ Entertainment, and his vision is the driving force behind the company’s success.
A Pioneering Career
Robert L. Johnson’s illustrious career spans multiple industries, including television, film, and private equity. In the 1980s, Johnson co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), which he sold to Viacom in 2000 for $3 billion. This sale made him one of the first African American billionaires in the United States.
A Passion for Storytelling
Johnson’s passion for storytelling and entertainment led him to explore opportunities in film and television production. He founded Our Stories Films, a production company focused on developing and producing feature films and television shows that showcase diverse stories and talent.
The Future of Acorn TV
Under the guidance of RLJ Entertainment and Robert L. Johnson, Acorn TV has grown exponentially, expanding its content offerings to include a range of original productions, exclusives, and critically acclaimed series. The platform’s popularity has led to its availability in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
A Commitment to Quality Content
Acorn TV’s commitment to quality content has earned it a loyal subscriber base. The platform’s focus on British television, in particular, has helped fill a gap in the market, providing audiences with access to shows that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Original Productions
In recent years, Acorn TV has invested heavily in original productions, including the critically acclaimed series “Agatha Raisin” and “London Kills.” These productions have not only received widespread critical acclaim but have also helped attract new subscribers to the platform.
A Strong Competitive Presence
The streaming market is highly competitive, with giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu dominating the space. However, Acorn TV’s niche focus on British television and its commitment to quality content have enabled it to carve out a unique position in the market.
A Niche Focus
Acorn TV’s focus on British television has allowed it to tap into a dedicated fan base, providing subscribers with content that is often difficult to find on mainstream streaming platforms. This niche focus has helped the platform stand out in a crowded market, attracting subscribers who are passionate about British television.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Acorn TV has also formed strategic partnerships with various production companies, studios, and networks to expand its content offerings. These partnerships have enabled the platform to offer a diverse range of programming, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, and mysteries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Acorn TV’s ownership structure is rooted in the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of RLJ Entertainment. The platform’s commitment to quality content, niche focus on British television, and strategic partnerships have enabled it to thrive in a highly competitive streaming market. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Acorn TV is well-positioned to remain a leader in the industry, offering audiences a unique and engaging entertainment experience.
Who is the owner of Acorn TV?
The owner of Acorn TV is RLJ Entertainment, Inc., a leading distributor and producer of entertainment content. RLJ Entertainment is a subsidiary of AMC Networks, a renowned media company that operates several popular cable television networks, including AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv.
RLJ Entertainment was founded in 2012 by Robert L. Johnson, the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). The company is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, and has established itself as a significant player in the entertainment industry, with a focus on producing and distributing high-quality content for various platforms, including television, digital media, and home video.
What kind of content does Acorn TV offer?
Acorn TV specializes in offering a wide range of premium, international television programming, including drama, comedy, mystery, and documentary series. The platform features a curated selection of content from the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries, showcasing some of the best and most popular shows from around the world.
Acorn TV’s content list includes popular titles such as Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders, Doc Martin, and Murdoch Mysteries, as well as critically acclaimed series like A Place to Call Home and The Good Karma Hospital. The platform regularly updates its content with new and exciting titles, ensuring that subscribers always have something new to look forward to.
Is Acorn TV available in all countries?
Acorn TV is currently available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. The platform is accessible via various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Subscribers can sign up for Acorn TV through its website or mobile app, and then stream content directly to their preferred device. While Acorn TV is not available globally, the platform is expanding its reach and may become available in more countries in the future.
How much does Acorn TV cost?
Acorn TV offers a competitive pricing plan, with a monthly subscription fee of $4.99 in the United States. The platform also offers an annual subscription option, which costs $49.99 per year. There are no contracts or commitments, and subscribers can cancel their subscription at any time.
Acorn TV occasionally offers promotional pricing and discounts, especially for new subscribers. The platform also provides a 7-day free trial, allowing users to try out the service and explore its content before committing to a subscription.
Can I watch Acorn TV for free?
Acorn TV does not offer a free, ad-supported option. However, the platform provides a 7-day free trial, which allows users to access its entire content library without paying a subscription fee. During the trial period, users can watch as much content as they want, without any interruptions or limitations.
After the trial period ends, users can decide whether to subscribe to Acorn TV or cancel their trial. If they choose to subscribe, they can continue watching their favorite shows without any interruptions. If they cancel, they will no longer have access to Acorn TV’s content.
Does Acorn TV have ads?
Acorn TV is an ad-free platform, which means that subscribers will not encounter any commercial interruptions or advertisements while watching their favorite shows. The platform focuses on providing a seamless viewing experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content without distractions.
As a subscription-based service, Acorn TV relies on subscription fees to generate revenue, rather than relying on advertising revenue. This approach enables the platform to provide a high-quality, ad-free viewing experience that is similar to traditional premium cable networks.
Can I cancel my Acorn TV subscription?
Yes, users can cancel their Acorn TV subscription at any time. The process is straightforward and can be completed through the platform’s website or mobile app. To cancel, users need to log in to their account, go to the account settings, and select the “Cancel Subscription” option.
Once the cancellation is complete, users will no longer have access to Acorn TV’s content, and their subscription will be terminated. Users can re-subscribe at any time if they want to restart their service. Acorn TV does not offer refunds for unused portions of a subscription period, so users should ensure they cancel their subscription before the next billing cycle.