Cablevision has inked a multi-year deal that will bring Tribune Media’s general entertainment cable network, WGN America, to its New York, New Jersey and Connecticut customers beginning in January.
As part of the deal, Cablevision will continue to air Trib’s New York (WPIX-TV), Hartford (WTIC-TV and WCCT-TV) and Philadelphia (WPHL-TV) stations and extend access to TV listings and movie data provided by Gracenote, Tribune Media’s digital data and entertainment company. Gracenote data is used to provide programming information on the Optimum interactive programming guide, DVR recordings and VOD content on set-top boxes and the Optimum app.
“Cablevision is a tremendous distribution partner and we are looking forward to bringing WGN America’s new original dramas such as Underground and Outsiders and exclusive syndicated programming like Elementary and Person of Interest to new audiences in the nation’s No. 1 market,” said Dana Zimmer, president of distribution for Tribune Broadcasting.
The addition of Optimum TV customers will extend WGN America’s conversion reach to 76 million homes.
Cablevision has also acquired Tribune Media’s 2.8 percent interest in Newsday Holdings LLC, making Newsday a wholly owned subsidiary of Cablevision. Newsday Media Group includes Newsday, amNewYork and Newsday Local Publishing, one of the Northeast’s largest groups of weekly shopper publications.
