Coming soon to your TV: New channel with classic shows
Retro Television Network to be carried through WBAY
By Warren Gerds
wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com
Another TV channel may arrive in Green Bay by Oct. 1.
WBAY will carry shows from Retro Television Network (RTN) in the station's digital spectrum.
RTN will be WBAY's third digital channel.
"It will be another entertainment choice — free, over-the-air television from the Retro Television Network from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.," said Don Carmichael, WBAY general manager. "Before 10 a.m., there'll be some paid programming."
Additionally, the channel may carry news.
"We're not that far down the line yet," said Carmichael, who noted Oct. 1 is a goal and not a firm date for launch.
Retro Television Network is owned and distributed by Equity Media Holding Corp., which owns stations in 41 markets.
Many of the shows are from the 1960s and '70s. They range from such comedies as "Happy Days" and "I Love Lucy" to dramas such as "Perry Mason" and "Magnum, P.I."
Lineups vary from city to city.
"Each program schedule is going to be tailored for the market," Carmichael said. "I haven't seen ours yet. Part of that has to do with programs that are already licensed in the market. If they're already licensed to another station, then we won't be able to provide it."
For example, "Little House on the Prairie," which appears on the RTN Network list, already is carried by WLUK, Channel 11, in Green Bay.
The RTN lineup will include at least 3½ hours a week of children's programs, as required by the Federal Communications Commission of all broadcast channels.
WBAY is one of three stations owned by Young Broadcasting that will test the ad-supported RTN. "I wouldn't be surprised if it spread to the other Young stations," Carmichael said.
WBAY continues as an ABC network affiliate, broadcasting an analog signal as well as a high-definition signal. The station also broadcasts a digital 24-hour weather channel.
RTN will be carried by Time Warner Cable, "and we hope other cable companies in the area," Carmichael said.
