CHICAGO, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribune Broadcasting today announced that it will integrate the operations of its 24-hour cable news station, CLTV, with Chicago's #1 source for news, information and entertainment, WGN-TV. The combination will create the area's largest and most powerful television newsroom. Bringing the operations together under one roof will provide viewers with enhanced local news coverage on both cable and over-the-air television -- the benefit of a deeper, stronger, more experienced local news team with more resources at its disposal.
"This is a golden opportunity to expand our position as the breaking news leader in Chicago, to broaden our reach and develop new programming and advertising opportunities," said Ed Wilson, Chief Revenue Officer and president of Tribune Broadcasting. "This also will strengthen our overall broadcasting business in Chicago -- the moment is now."
All of CLTV's business and television functions will move to WGN-TV's facilities on Chicago's northwest side this summer. The two entities will operate together in one newsroom, with reporters and photographers delivering content to both stations. CLTV will continue to be a stand-alone 24-hour cable news channel with extended coverage of live stories not available anywhere else and specialty programs such as "Garrard McClendon Live," "Metromix," Sports Page," "Homes Plus," and "Living Healthy Chicago."
Advertisers will benefit from the arrangement, too, with one-stop ability to buy time on both stations. Advertisers will get increased opportunities to share their message with loyal local audiences and broaden their market coverage.
"We're looking forward to collaborating with our sister station on all fronts," said Marty Wilke, WGN-TV vice president and general manager. "This gives us a competitive advantage over the other television news operations in town and benefits viewers and advertisers, as well. We can't wait to get started."
Steve Farber, CLTV's general manager, said, "This is great news all around -- our team is excited about our future and the many opportunities for growth."
TRIBUNE is America's largest employee-owned media company, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, Morning Call and Daily Press. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience. At Tribune we take what we do seriously and with a great deal of pride. We also value the creative spirit and nurture a corporate culture that doesn't take itself too seriously.
