Law&Crime, a network offering everything from celebrity trial coverage to true crime programming, said on Tuesday that it was scooped up by a media startup known for helping creators grow their online presence on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
In a joint statement, Jellysmack said it had agreed to buy Law&Crime to bolster its own library of content. While the companies didn’t offer details on the terms of the deal, Axios valued it at nine figures. Law & Crime is the brainchild of entrepreneur Dan Abrams, who started the company, then known as LawNewz. He later raised $5 million from A&E Networks in 2017, rebranding it to Law&Crime, a contemporary version of Court TV.
It’s the biggest deal for Jellysmack, which has largely focused on the realm of social media. Law & Crime is available as a channel distributed by the likes of Verizon and Comcast, and is also available on multiple online streaming platforms.
Law&Crime has a significant social presence, with a YouTube channel that boasts more than 5 million subscribers. The network also gives Jellysmack a wealth of high-quality true crime content, which Axios noted is one of the company’s fastest-growing creator categories.
Law&Crime will retain its current leadership, with Abrams remaining as CEO.
“This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide high-quality content that resonates with global audiences across platforms,” said Sean Atkins, president of Jellysmack. “Dan Abrams’ expertise and his network’s impressive track record in legal and true crime storytelling make it a perfect fit for Jellysmack and creates exciting new synergies and opportunities for our creators.”
“I’m excited to join forces with a team that has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in maximizing the reach and impact of digital content,” Abrams said in a statement. Together, we can take the Law&Crime Network to new heights, reaching a global audience that is increasingly hungry for captivating legal and true crime stories.”
Photo credit: Law&Crime