Brand entertainment company Tribal Apes has announced the official launch of its independent streaming service that produces and distributes original TV-style screen content that blends journalism, news and entertainment.

SKIPI TV soft-launched in November 2016 with three original series – The Right Note, The Third Rail and Watch This. Each show is filmed at Fox Studios Australia in Tribal Apes’ purpose-built broadcast and live streaming studio, Tribal Live.

The Right Note was SKIPI TV’s first release, which is an original music news and reviews show that airs every Friday.

It is the brainchild of Rolling Stone Australia editor Rod Yates, who is joined each week by music journalists Bernard Zuel (The Sydney Morning Herald) and Danielle McGrane (AAP).

The Right Note is hosted by former Triple J host and Frenzal Rhomb guitarist Lindsay McDougall, and has already been graced by artists like Grinspoon, The Jezabels, James Mercer, Amy Shark, Billy Bragg, Holly Throsby, and Sarah Blasko.

“For years, I’ve wondered why this kind of show didn’t exist, particularly when there are programs dedicated to gaming, books and films,” Yates said.

“Thanks to streaming services, we now have access to more music than at any point in history, and a show like The Right Note is designed to help you wade through the noise and figure out which albums are worth your precious time.”

The Third Rail is a political and media talk show, which takes a look at headlines causing a stir each week.

Developed and hosted by barrister Sera Mirzabegian, the show rolls up its sleeves and asks questions traditional media tend to avoid.

“At a time when there is growing distrust in mainstream media and politics, The Third Rail offers viewers a uniquely Australian perspective in an honest, no-nonsense and engaging way”, Mirzabegian said.

Watch This is hosted by CJ Johnson from ABC Radio’s Movieland and a recurring panel of contributors. The show reviews the latest films, TV shows and web series, and also includes interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors from Australia and abroad.

SKIPI TV co-founder Bruce Dawson said the streaming service is committed to financing, producing and distributing original series and episodic content which have an Australian flavour.

April will also see SKIPI TV launch a weekly gaming and Esports show.

“The wheels are turning and we’re starting to find our audience,” Dawson said.