Qwest TV initiates content partnership with Local Now in the United States

Qwest TV has partnered with Local Now to offer hundreds of additional live channels, on-demand films, and TV content to millions of US customers. “By presenting this music in a new format to new audiences, we’re striving to tear down the barriers that separate different cultures and limit our listening habits,” Qwest TV CEO and Co-founder Reza Ackbaraly said.

The first Qwest TV live stream set to air on Local Now is the Atlanta Jazz Festival scheduled for Labor Day weekend on 5-6 September. With this move, the company intends to make popular jazz performances accessible to viewers around the world, in correlation with Atlanta Jazz Festival’s goal to exude culture key “in a city with incredibly deep and important music roots,” as Quincy Jones previously stated. The festival will feature the jazz greats Patti Austin, Archie Shepp, and Ron Carter, as well as musicians from younger generations like Jazzmeia Horn, Isaiah Sharkey, and Theo Croker, among others.

Collectively with the new additions, Qwest TV’s linear channels will now reach more than 149 million viewers across more than 50 countries. “Partnering with an innovative company like Local Now solidifies Qwest TV’s position as the global leader working to ensure openness, curiosity, and inclusivity in our artistic and cultural consumption,” Qwest TV CEO and Co-founder Reza Ackbaraly said. “We are proud to join an increasingly diverse roster of channels that Local Now has been adding to its service.” 

The linear channels displays the evolution of artistry in the region, predominantly carried out by artists such as James Brown, Stan Getz, Nina Simone and Erykah Badu, among many others. The programming will also feature Paak and Yo-Yo Ma in a single evening’s programming. The titles will be available across all of Qwest's compatible devices.

Aside from its music selection, Local Now also offers localized content including news, traffic updates, and weather, as well as hundreds of free channels, movies, and TV shows. Qwest TV’s channels include Qwest TV Classical, Qwest TV Jazz & Beyond,  Qwest TV Mix. ”Qwest TV’s exclusive live stream of The Atlanta Jazz Festival and partnership with Local Now allows jazz lovers to watch this world-class live music event for free,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Local Now parent company Allen Media Group. “Local Now’s mission is to include a channel for every interest, in every market and this partnership helps us deliver on that mission for dedicated music fans.”