The WB Network Offers Dramatically Increased HDTV Programming

10-Sep-03

For the 2003-2004 season, The WB Network will broadcast 11-1/2 hours, or 77 percent of its total 15 primetime hours, in HDTV, more than twice the total from a year ago.This season's high-definition offerings will include broadcast dramas ""Smallville,"" ""Everwood"" (including its EasyView airing on Sunday), ""Gilmore Girls,"" ""Tarzan"" (also during Sunday's EasyView), ""One Tree Hill,"" ""Angel"" and Season Two episodes of ""Smallville"" in the ""Smallville: Beginnings"" package. In addition to dramas, the WB will also present the comedies ""Reba,"" ""What I Like About You,"" ""All About The Andersons,"" ""Like Family"" and ""Run Of The House"" in hi-def. This slate, which is sponsored by RCA, offers high-definition programming on each WB broadcast night.""We know, and Magna Global confirmed, that The WB has the largest concentration of upscale young adults in primetime network television,"" said Jed Petrick, The WB's President and Chief Operating Officer. ""Those upscale young WB viewers are also early adopters of new technology. We realize how vital it is to embrace high-definition production, the most exciting thing to happen in television entertainment since black-and-white gave way to color broadcasts. We also understand it is important to our local affiliates, and to the local cable systems on which they are carried, to have the availability of this high-definition programming.""""We are happy to be able to broadcast the majority of our WB programming in high-definition,"" added Pat Mullen, Tribune Broadcasting President. ""This announcement from our partners at The WB gives us an increased presence as a provider of desirable high-definition content."" Tribune Broadcasting stations in 19 major markets provide more than 50 percent of the total delivery of The WB Network nationwide.""The WB has increased the amount of 1080i HDTV substantially for the 2003-2004 season,"" said Hal Protter, The WB's Senior Vice President, Distribution Development. ""Cable operators have expressed an interest in compelling HD programming and this network schedule provides that, through original scripted series.""The WB primetime schedule in HDTV (all times ET):Monday9-10pm ""Everwood""Tuesday8-9pm ""Gilmore Girls""9-10pm ""One Tree Hill""Wednesday8-9pm ""Smallville""9-10pm ""Angel""Thursday9-9:30pm ""What I Like About You""9:30-10pm ""Run Of The House""Friday8-8:30pm ""Reba""8:30-9pm ""Like Family""9:30-10pm ""All About The Andersons""Sunday5-6pm ""Tarzan""6-7pm ""Everwood""7-8pm ""Smallville: Beginnings""9-10pm ""Tarzan""