MyNetworkTV and Tribune Broadcasting, a division of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB), have closed an affiliation agreement in the key markets of Philadelphia, Atlanta and Seattle for the new primetime general entertainment television network launching on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006. The announcement was jointly made today by Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations, and John Reardon, President/CEO of Tribune Broadcasting.

Stations owned by Tribune Broadcasting set to become MyNetworkTV affiliates include WPHL/Philadelphia (market #4), WATL/Atlanta (#9) and KTWB/Seattle (#13), increasing the network’s U.S. clearances to 79% of the country. MyNetworkTV is now cleared in 129 markets, including 26 of the top 30 markets.

“It goes without saying that WPHL, WATL and KTWB are prized affiliates for MyNetworkTV. They are well run by one of the industry’s premiere group owners, complement our station-friendly business model and are perfectly situated to deliver MyNetworkTV’s programming to these markets,” noted Abernethy.

John Reardon said, “We are excited to be affiliating with MyNetworkTV in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Seattle. Each of these stations has a long history providing excellent entertainment programming in their markets,” he said. “This affiliation will enable us to continue that tradition, bringing high quality programming to our viewers while also receiving the benefits of this unique network/station model.”

MyNetworkTV is the new primetime general entertainment broadcast television network scheduled to launch Tuesday, September 5th, 2006. Targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV will provide broadcasters with operational flexibility through a seamless flow of original primetime programming and branded national marketing initiatives that allow stations to maintain and strengthen their localism. Twelve hours of programming will air on MyNetworkTV Monday through Saturday.

Marc Schacher, VP/Programming for Tribune Broadcasting commented, “With this announcement our entire station group now has affiliation agreements in place. MyNetworkTV represents an exciting new programming model,” he continued, “which along with the unique content strengths of FOX, The CW and ABC offer our stations important programming platforms, and our local viewers the most popular shows available.”

MyNetworkTV will launch with the new scripted primetime drama strips “Desire” and “Secret Obsessions.” Produced by Twentieth Television, each of the hour-long programs will feature a 65-episode story arc stripped Monday through Friday over the span of 13 weeks. Every Saturday, re-cap episodes highlighting the two programs’ previous week’s storylines will air. “Desire,” scheduled to air at 8:00pm (Eastern/Pacific)/7:00pm (Central), follows two close brothers on the run from the mafia who both fall in love with, and then passionately battle for, the same woman. Immediately following “Desire” will be “Secret Obsessions,” airing at 9:00pm (Eastern/Pacific)/8:00pm (Central). Starring internationally renowned actress and sex symbol Bo Derek, the drama takes an in-depth look at the dreams, successes and tragedies found everyday in the fashion industry.