CBS Corporation and Tribune Broadcasting today announced a comprehensive, long-term agreement that renews their existing affiliation agreements and gives the nation’s #1 network a new home in the Indianapolis market on Tribune Broadcasting’s WTTV.
Under terms of the agreement, the CBS affiliate in the Indianapolis area will move from LIN Media’s WISH-TV (Channel 8) and begin broadcasting on WTTV (Channel 4) on Jan. 1, 2015.
“There’s nothing more valuable to a local station than programming from the #1 television network, and Tribune Broadcasting has been a great partner in reaching this agreement,” said Ray Hopkins, President, Television Networks Distribution, CBS Corporation. “We’re very pleased that Tribune recognized the full value that CBS brings to their business and brands across all of their stations included in this deal.”
“This comprehensive agreement further expands our strong partnership with CBS and allows us to provide an array of outstanding programming, including leading live sports, news and entertainment,” said Tribune Broadcasting President Larry Wert. “Through WTTV’s new affiliation, we look forward to significantly enhancing our sports offerings, local news coverage and commitment to the community.”
With the CBS affiliation, WTTV becomes the new home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts beginning in 2015. The station will also broadcast other live sports, including NCAA football and basketball games.
The agreement also includes early renewals for four Tribune Media-owned CBS affiliates: WREG-TV in Memphis, Tenn.; WHNT-TV in Huntsville, Ala; KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, Ark., as well as a renewal for WTVR-TV in Richmond, Va. In addition, CBS has renewed its affiliation agreement with Dreamcatcher Broadcasting’s Norfolk, Va., WTKR, to which Tribune Broadcasting provides operational support under a shared services agreement.
SOURCE: Tribune Media Company