Tribune Broadcasting Forges New Relationship With MGM Television To Oversee All Programming Operations For Digital Network THIS TV

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribune Broadcasting and MGM Television (MGM) have joined forces on a new programming operations relationship for THIS TV, the 24/7 free digital network  that features movies from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's vast library of over 4,000 titles. Effective this Fall 2013, Tribune Broadcasting will oversee all programming operations for the digital network. 

THIS TV is one of the fastest growing new television entertainment networks in the U.S. and the #1 digital movie network in the country.  Launched in November of 2008, with Tribune joining as an affiliate partner in 2009, the network is now carried in more than 85% of the country.  To kick off the new relationship between MGM and Tribune the network will feature such box-office hits as the Academy Award®-winning "Platoon," "Ronin," "Barbershop 2," "Get Shorty," "Benny and Joon," "Original Sin" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral."

MGM and Tribune's existing long-term affiliation agreement for THIS TV will remain in place, with clearances on Tribune stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, Washington, D.C., Portland, San Diego, St. Louis, Denver, Indianapolis, Hartford, New Orleans and Grand Rapids.

"MGM has partnered with Tribune on THIS TV because they are the best organization to optimize the network's growth through new content development and distribution opportunities," said John Bryan, President, Domestic Television Distribution, MGM Television. "We look forward to a long business relationship and expanding THIS TV to audiences across the country."

Sean Compton, President of Programming for Tribune Broadcasting, said:  "MGM has built THIS TV into a valuable programming network, and we believe this expanded partnership will further solidify THIS TV as a leader in the digital network space.  THIS TV's solid lineup of movie offerings is a perfect complement to the television series lineup on Antenna TV, Tribune's existing digital network."

About THIS TV

THIS TV launched nationally in November 2008 and is the only multicast programming service dedicated to movies in the country.  THIS TV has more than 130 affiliates and is in more than 85% of the U.S. market.  In addition to MGM films, THIS TV affiliates carry a block of programming dedicated to children's viewing. Select THIS TV affiliates carry rebroadcasts of local news programming and local or regional sporting events.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally.  The company owns one of the world's deepest libraries of premium film and television content.  In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels.

About Tribune Company

TRIBUNE is one of the country's leading multimedia companies, operating businesses in publishing, digital and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, The Morning Call and Daily Press. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, the national multicast network Antenna TV and Chicago's WGN-AM. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

Media contacts:
MGM: Kristin Cotich (310) 449-3606 [email protected]
Rubenstein Communications for MGM: Katie Schroeder (212) 843-8036 [email protected]
Tribune: Jessica Bellucci 212-210-2626 [email protected]

SOURCE Tribune Broadcasting