Scripps, Cox Stations Set to Launch Katz Networks

Katz Broadcasting said that E.W. Scripps, Cox Media and other station owners have signed up to launch the digital multicast networks Grit, Escape and Laff.

The additions bring Grit, aimed at men, to 93% of the U.S., and Escape, which targets women, and comedy-focused Laff to 85%.

"The footprints of Escape, Grit and Laff continue to expand and we value the ongoing commitment the industry has made to our networks," said Jeffrey Wolf, chief distribution officer for Katz Broadcasting.

Related: Bounce TV, Grit, Escape, Laff Multicast Deal Covers 81 Stations, 54 Markets

Scripps is launching Escape on WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, and Grit on WRTV in Indianapolis.

Cox is launching Escape on WFTV in Orlando.

Related: Grit and Escape to Be Rated By Nielsen

Midwest Television is launching Grit on KFMB-TV, San Diego.

Morris Network's WTVQ-TV in Lexington is launching Laff and its WDEF-TV in Chattanooga and WMGT-TV in Macon, Ga., will launch escape.

Related: LAFF Grabs Top Sitcoms in Carsey-Werner Deal

Cordillia Communications is launching Escape on KVOA-TV, Tucson, Laff on KSBY-TV, Santa Barbara, Calif., and Grit on KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, KATC-TV, Lafayette, La., KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi; KTVQ-TV, Billings, Mont., KXZLF/KBZK-TV, Butte, Mont., KPAX-TV, in Missoula, Mont., and KRTV, in Great Falls, Mont.

Holston Valley Broadcasting is carrying Katz networks on two stations in the Tennessee Tri-Cities market, Escape on WKPT-TV; and Grit and Laff on WAPK-TV.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.