The Retro Television Network will replace NBC Weather Plus on WRCB’s digital signal 3.2.
WRCB has offered years of up to the minute weather information on the NBC Weather Plus channel. Weather Plus was a joint effort with the NBC affiliates and the NBC television network. Due to NBC Universal’s acquisition of the Weather Channel, NBC has decided to discontinue Weather Plus by year end.
RTN is a television network that will provide WRCB with a customized feed of classic hit shows. Viewers will be able to watch timeless shows throughout the day, like Adam-12, Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Buck Rogers, Dragnet, Hardy Boys, The Incredible Hulk, Ironside, the Jack Benny Show, Knight Rider, Kojack, Leave it to Beaver, Magnum P.I., Marcus Welby M.D., Munsters Today, Operation Petticoat, The Rockford Files, Simon and Simon, The Virginian and Wagon Train.
The tentative start date for RTN on WRCB’s Digital Channel 3.2 may be as soon as Nov. 1, pending any possible delays for equipment installation and testing.
WRCB President/General Manager Tom Tolar said, “All reports across the country indicate that RTN is being received with great enthusiasm. This programming will obviously give our viewers exposure to quality shows that are not available anywhere else. We are delighted that Channel 3 is part of the Retro Television Network and that we will be their affiliate in the greater Chattanooga area.”
WRCB General Sales Manager Ralph Flynn said, “From the sales perspective, WRCB believes the Retro Television Network is the most viable of all the digital networks of which we are aware. In terms of revenue potential for our television station and successful marketing opportunities for advertisers, RTN is clearly the digital television network of choice. In my view, the entire Retro Television Network concept is simply ‘cool ’.”
When the transition is complete, WRCB-TV will continue to air its complete slate of NBC High Definition programs, Channel 3 Eyewitness News and syndicated programs on digital Channel 3.1. The RTN programming will be shown on digital Channel 3.2 for free to over-the-air viewers and on special digital channels for most cable customers.
More RTN show information can be found at the link on WRCBtv.com or go directly to www.rtnville.com.
WRCB is owned by Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. In addition to WRCB-TV/DT in Chattanooga, Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. owns and operates KTVN-TV in Reno, Nevada; WAJI-FM and WLDE-FM in Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and WGCL-AM and WTTS-FM in Bloomington/Indianapolis, Indiana. Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. headquarters are located in Bloomington, Indiana.