Paramount Network Signs 3 Stations

Paramount Communications, which is in a race with Warner Bros. to establish a fifth broadcast network, has signed affiliation agreements with stations in San Antonio, Indianapolis and Charlotte, N.C.

The action is seen as a coup for Paramount because the three stations represent the better of the non-affiliated outlets available. The stations now bring the network’s total coverage to about 40% of all TV homes.

The fifth network will need at least 80% coverage to attract advertisers. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. is negotiating to have its proposed fifth network carried on Chicago-based superstation WGN-TV. Carriage on the cable TV channel could give Warner’s fifth network a valuable boost in reaching households.