Freemax

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Freemax
Type	Free-to-air television network
Country	United States
Broadcast area	Nationwide (as of July 2021)
Headquarters	Orlando, Florida
Programming
Language(s)	English
Picture format	720p (HDTV) (1080p via ATSC 3.0 in some markets)
Ownership
Owner	Freemax Corporation
Parent	Freemax Entertainment
Sister channels	Filmax • InFlex • TrueSpace
History
Launched	June 1, 2019 (as W3 Network)
Former names	W3 Network (June 1, 2019 - July 26, 2021)
Links
Website	freemax.com

Freemax is an American free-to-air television network owned and operated by Freemax Corporation, serving as its flagship property. The network headquartered in Orlando, Florida alongside the corporate offices of Freemax Corporation. It is aimed towards adults ages 18–49 and it's programming consists of serialized dramas, sitcoms, reality and variety shows, news, and sporting events. Reruns of limited-run soap operas produced by the production branches of GloboRB broadcast during the weekday morning hours.

Since its launch, the network has made major changes in overall and demographic viewership. Prior to 2022, stations served as pass-throughs for the network's main programming feed, offering limited to no exclusive local programming. The network initiated a channel drift in September 2022 when it launched its flagship news program Freemax News America (formerly WLAR News America). On March 11, 2024, it launched a sports division called Freemax Sports and the following week its stations (with the exception of KISN/San Diego, California and KXUF/Santo Ileso, Nevada) launched local daily newscasts.

History

Original roots and nuclei formation (2015-19)

The Freemax roots trace back to February 2015 when a small number of independent stations owned by GloboRB predecessor RB Media began broadcasting the same programming on the same time for five days a week. It was revealed that these stations were under a customized independent station format nicknamed "FreeVision" taking the name from Freemont, which infused syndicated programming, local entertainment, and magazine programs, mimicking the style of USA Broadcasting's defunct "CityVision".

During an upfront presentation held by GloboRB forerunner Studio Networks in Los Angeles on November 5, 2018, the company revealed its intentions to form a then-unnamed secondary television network that would compete with Ion Television, MyTV and MyNetworkTV. Organizational plans for the network called for its existing and recently acquired independent stations to serve as the network's nuclei, with its programming catering to adults ages 18–54. Studio executives did not believe that a second network would result in a cannibalization of Freemont. On January 14, 2019, WarnerMedia announced its partnership with Studio Networks, reaching a deal for a fifty-fifty share of the said network. On April 15, it was revealed that the network would be identified as "W3 Network", a "word play" on WarnerMedia.

Launch of W3 Network

First and original logo of W3 Network used from June 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020.

Teasers of the network debuted initially on cable and satellite providers and on three terrestrial stations; WRBN-TV Atlanta, KISN San Diego, and KXNG-DT Houston. W3 Network officially launched nationally on June 1, 2019, at 7AM Eastern Time (ET) on all selected affiliates and television providers. The network's library consisted of feature films and syndicated television series, many of which were imported by the Warner Bros. Television and Freemont Studios (along with its predecessors Jupiter Productions (1961-1996) and RB Studios (1996-2002)) libraries. ranging from 1995 to 2017.

Second logo as W3 Network used from March 1, 2020, to July 26, 2021. Despite the change, affiliated stations continued to use the previous logo for station identifications.

On March 1, 2020, W3 Network evolved from a syndication service to a broadcasting network following the transfer of Freemont's two original programming, Corsicana Nights (2018-) and Socialite Benefactor (2016-2021) to its Friday nighttime slot. During the next few months, Prolific 9, 1331, and Big Brother: Del Sol Valley were added to the Monday-Wednesday prime time slots. In January 2021, W3 added former programming aired on Freemont including serialized dramas, sitcoms, reality series, and soap operas, the latter taking majority of its morning hours.

On March 31, 2021, WarnerMedia sold its share to Studio Networks.

Relaunch as Freemax

First logo as "Freemax", used from July 26 to November 2, 2021. According to viewers, this logo looks similar to that of the UniMás logo.

On June 2, 2021, Studio Networks announced it would relaunch W3 Network as "Freemax" – which loosely translates to "Freemont Max", to underline its ties to its parent network Freemont. The new network's programming would refocus on the 18-54 adult demographic with the continuation of airing previous programming from Freemont and the addition of imported series from cable networks. The logo and brand identity debuted on-air at 8PM (ET) on July 26, launching with the season premiere of Big Brother: Del Sol Valley.

On July 27, a day after the launch, Space Coast Media of Orlando, Florida, acquired 50 percent of the network. When the transaction completed on October 29, the network received a refresh with the launch of a new logo, on-air graphics, and a diverse on-air voice personalities on November 2.

Changes in ownership

In the Spring of 2022, Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported that GloboRB was exploring a possible sale of Freemax in order to further solidify its two major networks: Freemont and NU9VE. Space Coast Media was considered a default buyer due to its 50% ownership. On August 19, 2022, GloboRB officially announced that Space Coast will control Freemax by the end of 2022. Space Coast acquired 30% of GloboRB's share, with the latter retaining 20%. GloboRB's film and production companies will continue to provide content for the network until the end of the decade.

The transfer finalized on September 15. Freemax outlet WLAR in Orlando, Florida was promoted as the new flagship station. Many Freemax stations owned by GloboRB we're either sold to Space Coast, continue to carry the network, or disaffiliated from the network all together. In January 2023, GloboRB sold its remaining Freemax stations and the rest of its share to Space Coast Media, giving the latter total control of the network. On July 4, 2024, the company rebranded as Alcyone Corporation. On January 9, 2025, it rebranded once again as Freemax Corporation.