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Tribune and The WB Network Unveil Plan
for Full 1080i High Definition Television This Fall
Two
new series included in HDTV telecasts to begin Sept. 12
CHICAGO, August 21, 2002 -- Tribune
Broadcasting and The WB Television Network announced today
that they will provide five hours per week of original high
definition digital programming beginning this fall. In a joint
announcement, Jed Petrick, WB Network president, and Pat Mullen,
Tribune Television president, said the broadcasts would begin
Sept. 12, 2002.
"We are excited to embrace this new technology
as it is perfect for our audience, which is comprised of upscale
young adults who are early adopters of new technology,"
said Petrick. "The cinematic scope of our programs lends
itself to this vibrant format and we look forward to expanding
high definition delivery in the future."
The announced HDTV line-up and premiere dates
are:
Thursday, Sept. 12 "Family Affair"
starring Tim Curry as Mr. French
Monday, Sept. 16 "Everwood" starring Treat Williams
Friday, Sept. 20 "Reba" starring Reba McEntire
Tuesday, Sept. 24 "Smallville" starring Tom Welling
"Smallville" and "Everwood"
will air twice a week this fall, and the Sunday telecasts
of these programs will also be made available in high definition.
"We’re very pleased to begin broadcasting
top quality WB Network programming in HDTV," said Mullen.
"We have made a significant investment in digital broadcast
technology, and we think it will mean a wonderful viewing
experience for an increasing number of our viewers with HDTV
receivers."
In the United States, Congress has set a goal
of making digital television the standard. In a recent decision,
manufacturers of large format televisions were instructed
by the Federal Communications Commission to include digital
tuners in sets sold in this country, beginning next year.
:: :: ::
The WB Television Network
Led by hit dramas SMALLVILLE, GILMORE GIRLS, 7TH HEAVEN, CHARMED
and DAWSON'S CREEK and comedy hit REBA, The WB Television
Network strives to be the top programming option for the 12-34
year-old demo. This season, The WB adds dramas EVERWOOD, starring
Treat Williams, and BIRDS OF PREY, an extension of the Batman
legend, along with comedies FAMILY AFFAIR starring Tim Curry,
DO OVER, WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU starring Amanda Bynes and Jennie
Garth, and GREETINGS FROM TUCSON.
Tribune Broadcasting owns and operates
24 major-market television stations, including national superstation
WGN-TV, and reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. television
households. The group’s investment interests include
The WB Television Network (22%) and TV Food Network (31%).
Tribune Entertainment Company develops and distributes first-run
television programming for the Tribune station group and for
national syndication. Tribune Broadcasting also owns and operates
Chicago’s WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. |
