CHICAGO, Aug. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribune Company's WTIC-TV, the Fox affiliate in Hartford, Connecticut, is no longer available on Cablevision's cable systems, denying subscribers access to the award-wining local news, traffic, weather, sports and high-quality entertainment programming provided by the station. In addition, Tribune's networks, WGN America and AntennaTV, are no longer available to Cablevision subscribers.
Tribune and Cablevision have not been able to reach an agreement on continued coverage for these channels. As a result, Cablevision subscribers in Hartford will miss programming such as "New Girl," "Glee," "The Simpsons," and live sports like NFL Football, NASCAR and Major League Baseball.
"This is an extremely unfortunate situation and we're disappointed that Cablevision refuses to recognize the value of these channels to our viewers," said Nils Larsen, Tribune Broadcasting president. "We remain far apart in negotiations and urge subscribers to call Cablevision and to express themselves through social media, including Twitter and Facebook."
Cablevision has never compensated Tribune for the rebroadcast of WTIC-TV while Tribune has continued to make significant investments in high quality programming. As a result, WTIC-TV is one of the highest rated channels on Cablevision's platform. For this reason, Tribune is simply asking for an agreement that is similar to those that Cablevision already has in place with many other broadcasters and program providers.
Cablevision subscribers in Hartford don't have to miss their regular news, live sports or favorite shows. WTIC-TV is available for free in HD through every other pay-TV provider in the market or with a TV antenna.
Tribune has established toll-free numbers and websites to enable Cablevision subscribers to register their concerns about losing their channels. The phone numbers are: 855-FOXCT61 (855-369-2861,) 855-2ANTENNA (855-226-8366) and 855-KEEP-WGN (855-533-7946.)
Web addresses: KeepFOXCT.com, KeepAntennaTV.com and KeepWGNAmerica.com
About Tribune Company
TRIBUNE is one of the country's leading multimedia companies, operating businesses in publishing, digital 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, The Morning Call and Daily Press. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, the national multicast network Antenna TV and Chicago's WGN-AM. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.
SOURCE Tribune Company
