Cablevision signs agreement to add WGN America

Cablevision Systems Corp. Thursday announced an agreement with Tribune Media Company to begin transmitting WGN America, a national cable channel, to its video subscribers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut in January. WGN America carries the original dramas "Underground" and "Outsiders," but does not broadcast the games of local MLB and NBA teams seen on Chicago's WGN.

Under the deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, Cablevision will continue to carry New York City's WPIX and Tribune stations in Hartford and Philadelphia.

Cablevision also acquired the 2.8 percent of Newsday Holdings LLC that had been retained by Chicago-based Tribune Media. In 2008, Cablevision paid Tribune $650 million to acquire Newsday and amNewYork, a free tabloid that circulates in the five boroughs. The deal makes Newsday a wholly owned Cablevision subsidiary.

By Ken Schachter

kenneth.schachter@newsday.comkschach

Ken Schachter covers corporate news, including technology and aerospace, and other business topics for Newsday. He has also worked at The Miami Herald and The Jerusalem Post.