Dish Network will launch WGN America in HD as part of a broader agreement with Tribune Co., the companies announced.
The agreement also covers retransmission of Tribune’s 23 local televisions. Dish will begin carrying HD programming from Tribune’s stations in, New York, Chicago, Seattle and Sacramento beginning this week.
Tribune has re-branded what used to be called WGN Superstation and is upgrading its programming. It added more classic shows its lineup this week and is developing originals to air later this year. The channel also carries games of the Chicago Cubs, a team also owned by Tribune, which has been downsizing since being acquired in a Sam Zell-led employee buyout.
“This agreement provides solid value for Tribune and will deliver our best entertainment, sports and news programming to DISH Network subscribers in the best format possible – full HD,” said Bill Shaw, general manager of WGN America in a statement.
(Editor: Baumann)