New York City bodegas are set to transform into community media hubs with the launch of Bodegas TV, a smart TV streaming network announced today. The platform combines local news, entertainment programming, and community-driven advertising on screens installed inside neighborhood stores. According to the announcement, the initiative aims to install screens in 500 bodegas by 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 2,000 stores across New York within the next three years.
Bodegas TV is designed to turn neighborhood stores into community media hubs, delivering hyperlocal news and entertainment while creating new revenue opportunities for store owners. The programming mix includes 50% local news content, such as breaking local news, community stories, and updates relevant to neighborhood residents, produced by local reporters and creators. The other 50% consists of entertainment programming, including short-form entertainment, AI-generated content, micro-dramas, and creative video series.
The platform combines AI-powered content production with local storytelling to create a continuous streaming channel for in-store viewing. This combination allows stores to provide engaging content for customers while supporting local storytelling and journalism. For store owners, Bodegas TV is designed to be simple and hands-off. Hardware installation is provided at no cost to the retailer, and advertising revenue from programmatic and direct-sold local ads is shared with participating stores, generating passive income without any operational work required.
Bodegas TV also creates opportunities for local reporters, creators, and storytellers to produce content that reaches audiences directly inside their communities. By combining AI-assisted production tools with local journalism, the platform dramatically reduces the cost of producing and distributing video news. The result is a scalable model that supports community-driven storytelling while expanding access to local information.
The network will begin its rollout in New York City bodegas, with a target of 500 participating stores by 2026 and expansion to 2,000 bodegas across the region within three years. Each participating store becomes part of a growing network delivering hyperlocal content, community news, and culturally relevant entertainment to customers throughout the day.
Bodegas TV is a smart TV streaming network designed for neighborhood bodegas and small businesses. By providing hardware at no cost and offering a revenue-sharing model, Bodegas TV enables store owners to generate passive income while supporting local news and community storytelling. More information is available at Newsworthy.ai.
