MGM Secures Long-Term Affiliation Agreement for THIS TV

LOS ANGELES: MGM Worldwide Television has signed a long-term affiliation agreement for THIS TV with Tribune Broadcasting, scoring renewals on existing stations as well as notching up new markets.

THIS TV adds Tribune stations as new affiliates in New York, Miami, St. Louis, San Diego and Grand Rapids. Renewals with existing Tribune affiliates were secured in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Denver, Indianapolis/Bloomington, Hartford and New Orleans.

MGM also announced an agreement with The Nielsen Company, which will provide national ratings for THIS TV. The channel is operated jointly by MGM and Weigel Broadcasting.

Jim Packer, co-president of MGM Worldwide Television, said: “We have strengthened the THIS TV national platform with our new affiliation agreement and strategic partnership with Tribune. THIS TV is already by far the leader in the digital network space and this will further cement us as the prime leader in the digital spectrum. THIS TV’S free programming service provides a meaningful, affordable and therefore competitive option for viewers who otherwise would have to rely on paid services to gain access to the diverse, 24/7 programming available through THIS TV.”

Sean Compton, President of Programming for Tribune Broadcasting, said: “MGM has successfully built THIS TV into a valuable programming network for local stations in this digital age. THIS TV is now the only movie channel for homes without cable and the viewer response has been overwhelming. The existing ratings for the network prove that there are a lot of digital growth opportunities and we are pleased to capitalize on them with THIS TV.”

“Each month, as more THIS TV affiliates begin service, more communities have access to a new free entertainment option that optimizes local TV stations’ digital spectrum,” stated John Bryan, the executive VP of broadcast strategy at MGM. “We are also pleased to be able to provide more children’s educational and informational shows, exceeding the FCC requirement and, as an additional benefit to viewers, the network does not schedule paid programming. The number of people discovering THIS TV as a free over-the-air network is growing daily.”

Norman Shapiro, the president of Weigel Broadcasting, commented: “From Day One in November, 2008 when MGM and Weigel launched THIS TV with only 4 affiliates, to today’s announcement where THIS TV will soon cover 85 percent of the country, MGM has done a fantastic job distributing THIS TV. This speaks to MGM’s focus, the quality of the programming, the professionalism of the network and basically that THIS TV is an idea whose time has come. And I am delighted that Tribune Broadcasting has signed on with a long term commitment that further reinforces THIS TV’s growth.”