I’m surprised of this move but I guess the suits at CBS thought this had to be done to save the station. I happen to disagree WBFS would be saved by going network but who’s asking me.
So it looks like the launch date will be September 5th 2006 and the press release states that “MyNetworkTV is the first all Hi-Definition broadcast network”.
WTCN in West Palm Beach, also owned by CBS, will be taking the MyNetworkTV affiliation as well
Thanks to those that alerted me to the news.
Interesting? I thought CBS was unhappy with FOX because of the snub the UPN stations that it owns stopped advertising for UPN. This still leaves Boston where UPN O&O WSBK is currently independent and the FOX O&O may have to take the added affilation. May CBS should work out an agreement with FOX to affilate with MNTV.
I was in Boston for the July 4th holiday and on the Mass Pike I saw a tower that had the old UPN 38 (WSBK) logo. I do not have a pic of it but I’ll try to get one next time I go (in 2 weeks).
I’m also surprised by this move. It might have been better for say Fox 29 WFLX either to have MNTV from 1-3 pm, or 11pm-1am, or maybe use the MNTV 8-10pm programming on an additional sub channel, 29.3
I originally thought that WTCN would become a MNTV affiliate, but then became doubtful when Fox and CBS wouldn’t let their stations affiliate with each other’s network. If CBS remained with its decision to leave WBFS and WTCN independent, then WFLX would probably pick up MNTV programming, most likely on a digital subchannel as it has done with The Tube.
Bottom line — they needed each other. CBS didn’t want to deal with having to program 2 extra hours a day on those 2 stations, and Fox wanted legit, full-power stations carrying MNTV programming. If WBFS hadn’t taken MNTV, then the MNTV programming would have been relegated to some station’s digital subchannel or the programming would have run at less-than-ideal times. This was a win-win for everyone.
they already are airing commericals for the channel.