Today’s channel-surfing review of TV items: Meredith affiliates with Katz Nets; Katz signs up for 250 or so movies; Scripps is losing a Scripps from its board; Rentrak gets a cable client; AXS gets a carriage deal with Suddenlink; and Media General is bringing baseball to Indianapolis.
* Meredith has signed up with Katz Broadcasting, using three different networks in five markets, Grit will be used in Atlanta; Escape in Portland OR, Hartford, Greenville SC and Las Vegas; and LAFF will be seen in Portland and Hartford.
* Katz Broadcasting TV net LAFF has cut three separate deals that will add more than 250 movies in the comedy genre to its library. Top stars and familiar titles are in the package which is cobbled from Sony, Disney and Miramax offerings.
* Paul K. Scripps is retiring from the E.W. Scripps board, and Charles Baramonde has been recommended to take his chair. The recommendation is subject to ratification at the upcoming 5/4/15 shareholder meeting.
* Rentrak has inked a deal with a cable channel – it will be providing its services to the Game Show Network, which plans to gather info on its audience to sell to advertisers.
* AXS TV, a cable channel focusing on live music festivals, music and comedy, has inked a multiyear distribution deal with Suddenlink, with delivery in both standard and hi-def to all of the MVPD’s markets.
* Media General Indianapolis CW outlet WISH-TV is bringing televised action from both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox to its audience. Action, which will total 57 games, starts in April.
