Another Possibility For My Network TV??

[Joseph_Gallant]

While Fox's My Network TV has signed a number of affiliation deals, there are two top-ten markets, as far as I know, where the new venture does not yet have an affiliate. One is my hometown of Boston; the other is Philadelphia.

In Boston, CBS-owned WSBK-38 will lose it's UPN affiliation with the consolidation of UPN and The WB into The CW, which in Boston will be seen on WLVI-56.

In Philadelphia, CBS-owned WPSG-57 will become the CW affiliate, leaving WPHL-17 without an affiliation.

Given that the merger of CBS-owned UPN and partly-owned-by-Tribune The WB left several Fox-owned UPN affiliates without a network (and the original reason for starting My Network TV), it may be difficult (but not impossible) for My Network TV to get on any former CBS-owned UPN affiliates.

Thus, in Philadelphia and Boston, could My Network TV programming end up being broadcast on the Fox-owned stations in late-night (11 P.M. to 1 A.M.) hours??

Yes, it would not be in prime-time, but if Fox is unable to make a deal in Boston or Philadelphia to carry My Network TV "in pattern" (read: Monday through Saturdays from 8 to 10 P.M. ET/PT), running it in late-night on the existing Fox-owned station would be better than nothing.

 

[upn38fan]

>
> In Boston, CBS-owned WSBK-38 will lose it's UPN affiliation
> with the consolidation of UPN and The WB into The CW, which
> in Boston will be seen on WLVI-56.
>

WSBK-38 has potential to become independent and stay that way. Please don't give anyone any ideas. Unfortuneatly, the way TV is going these days, WSBK will be summoned by MY Network TV by September. I'll be so very upset if that happens.

QUESTION: Why can't a local station be independent anymore?

 

[jellyeggs]

> >
> > In Boston, CBS-owned WSBK-38 will lose it's UPN
> affiliation
> > with the consolidation of UPN and The WB into The CW,
> which
> > in Boston will be seen on WLVI-56.
> >
>
> WSBK-38 has potential to become independent and stay that
> way. Please don't give anyone any ideas. Unfortuneatly, the
> way TV is going these days, WSBK will be summoned by MY
> Network TV by September. I'll be so very upset if that
> happens.
>
> QUESTION: Why can't a local station be independent anymore?
>
Well, it costs to buy programming (at least new quality) as an indie (license fees, barter time), My`s offering a favorable ad split (9-5 an hour in stations favor Mon-Fri) that`s better than most syndies offer for 1st-run shows more than likely (no wonder the Sinclairs & Raycoms love it!). And what if the telenovelas catch on? The key word, is revenue, & stations may be in line to get more of it in the future than they are now as My progresses. Speaking of My (actually, Rupert`s) network, they`ve announced 13 new affiliations today http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6316234.html?display=Breaking+News

 

[r566]

There is also Atlanta. I believe in Philadelphia, Seattle and Atlanta, Tribune will carry MyNetworkTV. If they don't they'll have to be creative about programming. Tribune doesn't have an ownership interest in The CW and is a Fox affiliate partner. On the other hand, CBS may not want to carry a rival fledgling net. to give it clearance, as they have ownership interest in MyNetwork.

If Fox owned stations choose to run MyNetwork, I'd think they'd do so from 12AM-2AM, or even 1AM. WPMT 43, FOX, would save the first-run WB primetime programs for 1AM.

Tribune however has dependence on FOX already in markets like Harrisburg, where they know it is more lucrative to run FOX than The CW/WB(which they even had a stake in, originally) in primetime. In order to keep FOX affiliations and a rapport with FOX, they could extend the Seattle affiliation for both Fox and MyNetwork and include Atlanta and Philadelphia.

On contrast with WSBK Boston, WSBK has WBZ to piggy back off. Wheel/Jeopardy and Dr.Phil are strong hours, and are original and exclusive (not on cable).

Tribune might as well buy The Inquirer, sell off WPHL. As you know, Tribune failed miserably with local news programming on Ch.17 and now outsources it to NBC 10. WPHL has 3 primetime comedies: Friends, Will&Grace and SATC, all on TBS, and some urban shows they fill around 5pm. Not even Raymond like other Tribune markets. They have Jerry Springer, Maury and Montel-all handme down shows that NBC 10 canned. Tribune has treated WPHL like an urban trash dump. And I can't see them doing anything original for it.

Few over the air stations are running movies. I believe Clear Channel station KVOS does, but I don't know many other. But, I don't even see WGN National running movies anymore. It's doubtful Tribune will slot a movie.

They could run some real oldies like "Brady Bunch" (KBWB/San Francisco does so) and move Friends, Will&Grace and SATC to the primetime hours (like TBS). But Tribune hasn't put classic programs on WPHL for years, and still, they'd just be running too close a lineup to TBS, with sitcoms in the primetime. Atleast with KRON(runs SATC at 10pm) and other west coast stations, the TBS channel(east coast) on DirecTV/Dish doesn't conflict with the same shows at the same time.

> While Fox's My Network TV has signed a number of affiliation
> deals, there are two top-ten markets, as far as I know,
> where the new venture does not yet have an affiliate. One is
> my hometown of Boston; the other is Philadelphia.
>
> In Boston, CBS-owned WSBK-38 will lose it's UPN affiliation
> with the consolidation of UPN and The WB into The CW, which
> in Boston will be seen on WLVI-56.
>
> In Philadelphia, CBS-owned WPSG-57 will become the CW
> affiliate, leaving WPHL-17 without an affiliation.
>
> Given that the merger of CBS-owned UPN and
> partly-owned-by-Tribune The WB left several Fox-owned UPN
> affiliates without a network (and the original reason for
> starting My Network TV), it may be difficult (but not
> impossible) for My Network TV to get on any former CBS-owned
> UPN affiliates.
>
> Thus, in Philadelphia and Boston, could My Network TV
> programming end up being broadcast on the Fox-owned stations
> in late-night (11 P.M. to 1 A.M.) hours??
>
> Yes, it would not be in prime-time, but if Fox is unable to
> make a deal in Boston or Philadelphia to carry My Network TV
> "in pattern" (read: Monday through Saturdays from 8 to 10
> P.M. ET/PT), running it in late-night on the existing
> Fox-owned station would be better than nothing.
>

 

[clichemoth]

Speaking of My
> (actually, Rupert`s) network, they`ve announced 13 new
> affiliations today
http://www.broadc> astingcable.com/article/CA6316234.html?display=Breaking+News
>

...several of which are current Fox affiliates who will probably schedule My's programming either in late-night slots or perhaps during the afternoon to snag the soap audience.

 

[Mark_Ericson]

New My Stations... WUFX!? WNTZ!?

> Well, it costs to buy programming (at least new quality) as
> an indie (license fees, barter time), My`s offering a
> favorable ad split (9-5 an hour in stations favor Mon-Fri)
> that`s better than most syndies offer for 1st-run shows more
> than likely (no wonder the Sinclairs & Raycoms love it!).
> And what if the telenovelas catch on? The key word, is
> revenue, & stations may be in line to get more of it in the
> future than they are now as My progresses. Speaking of My
> (actually, Rupert`s) network, they`ve announced 13 new
> affiliations today
http://www.broadc> astingcable.com/article/CA6316234.html?display=Breaking+News

Wait, wait wait wait.

WNTZ? Fox 48?

WUFX? Fox 35? Is Fox all of a sudden returning to WDBD-40?

HUH?

- Trip<P ID="signature">______________
Visit my website, www.rabbitears.info! It's eventually going to be your one resource for television info! Digital television, histories, and technical information for the entire USA from one source!</P>

 

[jellyeggs]

> Speaking of My
> > (actually, Rupert`s) network, they`ve announced 13 new
> > affiliations today
> http://www.broadc>
> astingcable.com/article/CA6316234.html?display=Breaking+News
>
> >
>
> ...several of which are current Fox affiliates who will
> probably schedule My's programming either in late-night
> slots or perhaps during the afternoon to snag the soap
> audience.
>
I was assuming that the couple of Fox affils mentioned that`ll join "My Network" are getting it for digital subchannels perhaps?

 

[JeffSteele]

WUFX: Fox/My; WDBD: The CW?; WRBJ: independent??

> WUFX? Fox 35? Is Fox all of a sudden returning to WDBD-40?

I'm sure WUFX will remain Jackson's <U>Fox</U> affiliate. After all, the call letters are WU<U>FX</U>.

If WUFX really is joining My Network TV, I'm guessing WDBD (WB40) will join The CW this fall.

And if WDBD really does join The CW, I guess WRBJ (UPN 34; "Jackson's new U") will become an independent TV station.

 

[arnoldevns]

I can see Fox getting the My Network on some Tribune stations in markets where Tribune lost WB affiliates. However, in places like Boston where Fox does not have a duopoly, I would not be surprised to see Fox set up secondary stations on their DTV signals. They've already affiliated My on a DTV subchannel in Madison, Wisconsin. CW will be on the ABC affiliate's digital subchannel in El Paso. Obviously those affiliations will be dependant on getting some cable carriage. (which usually seems to happen)

 

[jal]

> There is also Atlanta. I believe in Philadelphia, Seattle and Atlanta, Tribune will carry MyNetworkTV.

No formal announcemnet as of yet.

> If they don't they'll have to be creative about programming.

In Atlanta, WATL would most likely carry movies or The Simpsons

> Tribune doesn't have an ownership interest in The CW and is
> a Fox affiliate partner. On the other hand, CBS may not
> want to carry a rival fledgling net. to give it clearance,
> as they have ownership interest in MyNetwork.

CBS is probably teed off about this for many reasons. My Network TV is non reverse compensation with 9 mininute od local avails, while CW will require payments to the network in exchange for only 3 minute of local avails.

> If Fox owned stations choose to run MyNetwork, I'd think
> they'd do so from 12AM-2AM, or even 1AM. WPMT 43, FOX,
> would save the first-run WB primetime programs for 1AM.

If WATL does not pick up My Network, WAGA might do that.

> Tribune however has dependence on FOX already in markets
> like Harrisburg, where they know it is more lucrative to run
> FOX than The CW/WB(which they even had a stake in,
> originally) in primetime. In order to keep FOX
> affiliations and a rapport with FOX, they could extend the
> Seattle affiliation for both Fox and MyNetwork and include
> Atlanta and Philadelphia.

It makes since to all parties involved. It would be a good deal for them.

> On contrast with WSBK Boston, WSBK has WBZ to piggy back
> off. Wheel/Jeopardy and Dr.Phil are strong hours, and are
> original and exclusive (not on cable).

Cox does this in Orlando and Charlotte with their two stations, and it has worked vary well.

> Tribune might as well buy The Inquirer, sell off WPHL. As
> you know, Tribune failed miserably with local news
> programming on Ch.17 and now outsources it to NBC 10.

WUPA (UPN/CW) did this with the local NBC here (WXIA/11 Alive), but it floped after a year. It was ironic since they were owned by CBS (Viacom ath teh time), and they didn't choose the CBS affiliate (WGCL), but they were having managment and ratings problems then.

WATL almost had local news as a Fox O&O, but the 1994 affilaition shakeup nixed those plans.

> WPHL has 3 primetime comedies: Friends, Will&Grace and SATC, all
> on TBS, and some urban shows they fill around 5pm. Not
> even Raymond like other Tribune markets.

Same with WATL, only TBS is transmitted OTA in Atlanta. Again, irony that a show would be on 2 stations.

> They have Jerry Springer, Maury and Montel-all handme down shows that NBC 10
> canned.

Jerry Springer and Maury both air twice each day on WATL. Montel is still doing well here (it is on WSB-TV).

> Tribune has treated WPHL like an urban trash dump. And I can't see them doing anything original for it.

WATL has the sydnicated rights to "The Simpsons" in Atlanta.

> Few over the air stations are running movies. I believe
> Clear Channel station KVOS does, but I don't know many
> other. But, I don't even see WGN National running movies
> anymore. It's doubtful Tribune will slot a movie.

WGN does air movies Thursday-Saturday Nights

Tribune stations might, but it will be more expensive than normal syndnicated fare.

> They could run some real oldies like "Brady Bunch" (KBWB/San
> Francisco does so) and move Friends, Will&Grace and SATC to
> the primetime hours (like TBS). But Tribune hasn't put
> classic programs on WPHL for years, and still, they'd just
> be running too close a lineup to TBS, with sitcoms in the
> primetime.

WATL occasionally runs "Tha Andy Griffith Show" and "In the Heat of the Night". The low associated with classics might be a viable option.

> Atleast with KRON(runs SATC at 10pm) and other
> west coast stations, the TBS channel(east coast) on
> DirecTV/Dish doesn't conflict with the same shows at the
> same time.

That is not on purpose. West coast is three hours earlier than east coast. Sex and the City would run at 7PM PT.

In belive that in the end, WATL, WPHL, and KTWB will go with My Network TV.

 

[txchipk]

Re: New My Stations... WUFX!? WNTZ!?

> > Well, it costs to buy programming (at least new quality)
> as
> > an indie (license fees, barter time), My`s offering a
> > favorable ad split (9-5 an hour in stations favor Mon-Fri)
>
> > that`s better than most syndies offer for 1st-run shows
> more
> > than likely (no wonder the Sinclairs & Raycoms love it!).
> > And what if the telenovelas catch on? The key word, is
> > revenue, & stations may be in line to get more of it in
> the
> > future than they are now as My progresses. Speaking of My
> > (actually, Rupert`s) network, they`ve announced 13 new
> > affiliations today
> http://www.broadc>
> astingcable.com/article/CA6316234.html?display=Breaking+News
>
>
> Wait, wait wait wait.
>
> WNTZ? Fox 48?
>
> WUFX? Fox 35? Is Fox all of a sudden returning to WDBD-40?
>
>
> HUH?
>
> - Trip
>

The press release and article is somewhat vague. It also listed KFXK and KADN along with their low power sister outlets. Obviously, in Tyler/Longview, KFXK 51 will remain Fox and KLPN-LP 58/KTPN-LP 48 will be getting My. Likewise, in Lafayette, KADN 15 will remain Fox and KLAF-LP will be My. The release also listed Fox KWKT/44 Waco. KWKT and satellite KYLE/28 Bryan-College Station are Fox and secondary WB affiliates today. Obviously, the 2 hours now filled by the WB from 9-11PM on KWKT and KYLE will be replaced by My and the two will remain Fox affiliates. In Tyler/Longview, that means a more complex set of changes (KCEB 54 WB->CW; KTPN/KLPN Ind.->My; KYTX-DT UPN->Ind.) than the usual 2 station moves in most markets.

As for WNTZ and WUFX, they are part of similar local clusters. WUFX, WB WDBD 40, and independent WXMS-LP 27 (former UPN there) operate together in the Jackson market. It seems doubtful WUFX would carry Fox and My with one or both of its quasi-sisters being independent (if the CW goes with WRBJ 34 over WDBD 40). I imagine it's headed to WXMS unless WDBD loses out on the CW affiliation; in which case, I suspect My ends up on WDBD.

WNTZ likewise operates in Alexandria with WB KBCA 41. KBCA is headed for the CW. My could obviously end up running as a secondary affiliation on either. Another interesting round of changes to come there since the existing UPN (ABC KLAX 31's channel 36 LPTV) is now left with no CW or My option.

Of course, some stations could be launching digital multicasts. The CW has already affiliated with several digital subchannels -- WCYB-DT Tri-Cities TN/VA, WAGT-DT Augusta, WKYT-DT Lexington and quasi-satellite WYMT-DT Hazard KY, etc. being the most recent. My likewise has WKBT-DT La Crosse/Eau Claire and WISC-DT Madison WI.

 

[Tom_Desmond]

> Well, it costs to buy programming (at least new quality) as
> an indie (license fees, barter time), My`s offering a
> favorable ad split (9-5 an hour in stations favor Mon-Fri)
> that`s better than most syndies offer for 1st-run shows more
> than likely (no wonder the Sinclairs & Raycoms love it!).
> And what if the telenovelas catch on? The key word, is
> revenue, & stations may be in line to get more of it in the
> future than they are now as My progresses.

Of course no one knows whether those English language telenovelas will catch on -- but considering how cheaply they're being produced (Fox is spending less per episode on these than it costs to produce a daytime soap opera), I have my own questions. If these programs end up looking low budget on the air, the favorable barter split won't really help much to compensate for the resultant abysmal ratings.

Personally, I have a suspicion that even running old TV shows ("Andy Griffith", "Brady Bunch", "Hogan's Heroes", etc) would likely get better ratings than the initial My Network TV offerings. But, of course, those shows are sold for cash, which means that it would actually cost more out of pocket to follow that strategy than it would to go with My Network TV. As you note, Sinclair is incredibly cheap -- so I suspect that it is simply the desire to avoid spending money to fill prime time that drove those "affiliation" deals.

I guess if My Network TV ends up not working out, Sinclair can try filling those prime time hours with public domain movies -- they can go to Fry's and buy 50 of 'em on DVD for $25. That should fit Sinclair's budget nicely, and the programming will still be of roughly the same quality as My Network TV is likely to be offering.