LATV Inks Deal with Tribune Broadcasting

Bilingual Entertainment Network to Air on The CW Affiliates’ Digital Channels

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/29/2008 12:30:00 PM

Bilingual entertainment network LATV is partnering with Tribune Broadcasting to air LATV on the digital channels of The CW affiliates in New York, Chicago and Dallas.

LATV ventured beyond its Los Angeles home market one year ago, and the Tribune deal expands the young-skewing Hispanic network’s reach dramatically, bringing LATV to some 32 million households.

“In less than one year, LATV’s affiliate roster has jumped from five stations to 33 across the nation. Now, the Tribune deal offers us distribution in three of the most-sought-after television markets in the country,” LATV president and chief operating officer Howard Bolter said. “Tribune had many emerging-network options available to put on their digital-multicast spectrum and chose LATV, validating our rapid rise in the TV landscape. They are a first-class media company and we look forward to working with them as partners.”

Bolter hinted at the deal, which had not been finalized, last week, saying a “huge” distribution agreement “will set our second year in motion.”

Tribune’s new LATV affiliates are WPIX New York, WGN Chicago and KDAF Dallas, representing the Nos. 1, 3 and 6 DMAs, respectively.

LATV’s 33 station partners include five Post-Newsweek Stations outlets. Post-Newsweek is an investor in the channel.

LATV will hold its upfront presentation May 1 in New York.