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Area Has Its First Free, 24-Hour Movie Channel

Associated Press file photo

Sean Connery, as James Bond, poses in 'Thunderball.'

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By WALT BELCHER wbelcher

@tampatrib.com

Published: March 2, 2009

A new digital channel offering nine feature films daily is set to debut today at 5 p.m.

"Our new channel, 'ThisTV Tampa Bay,' is this area's first 24-hour free movie channel," said Ken Lucas, general manager of WMOR, Channel 32.

"ThisTV has access to more than 4,000 movies in the MGM library including all the 'Rocky' and James Bond films," Lucas said.

"In addition, there will be some classic TV programs such as "Mr. Ed," "Flipper," "The Patty Duke Show" and "The Outer Limits."

Channel 32, known as WMOR-TV32, will be broadcasting ThisTV over the air to those capable of receiving digital signals (on channel 32.2).

The new channel also will be carried on Channel 630 on Bright House Networks; Channel 463 on Verizon FIOS; and Channel 229 on Comcast Cable.

"This is the upside of the digital revolution because we're able to expand our programming and it's already being accepted by our advertisers," Lucas said.

ThisTV is a national network formed by a partnership between MGM and Weigel Broadcasting, which has access to more than 10,000 episodes of vintage TV series.

Mondays through Saturdays, movies will run from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. The morning hours between 4 and 10 a.m. will be filled with TV classics. A block of programs for children is scheduled for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

ThisTV joins a growing list of new digital channels that are being added as the nation's TV stations switch from analog to digital signals.

In January, WFLA, Channel 8, added 8 Prime, a digital channel filled with vintage programs such as "Wagon Train," "Leave it to Beaver," "Kojak" and "McHale's Navy." It broadcasts on digital Channel 8.2 and is on Channel 607 on Bright House and 460 on Verizon.

Lucas said ThisTV has an impressive mix of new and old films. "You will see Clark Gable and Daniel Craig," he said. "And we will have innovative ways of packaging the films."

For example, viewers can look forward to theme days such as "This is the West" day on Sunday with the epic movie "Red River" in addition to "Sam Whiskey" and "Support Your Local Gunfighter" with James Garner.

"This is Elvis!" day on March 22 features Elvis Presley movies and on March 28 it's "This is Vincent Price," featuring a collection of classic horror movies.

Lucas said ThisTV is a perfect complement to the WMOR-TV32 programming, which includes "The Jerry Springer Show," "Family Guy," "The Tyra Banks Show" and reruns of "Family Guy," "Frasier" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

"I'm excited about how our station keeps growing in this tough economy," Lucas said. "In the past, it was tough being an independent without any network affiliation."

And there was a time when Channel 32 wasn't a player when it came to landing reruns of network hits. "But now we've got some good programs coming in the fall," Lucas said. "The Office" and "My Name is Earl" join the lineup and "How I Met Your Mother" joins in 2010.

"Right now, 'Family Guy' is our biggest show," he said. The Stewie character from "Family Guy" has become the station's mascot.

At a time when there is so much gloom and doom talk in the media it's refreshing to find someone who is bullish on the future.

TUNE IN TONIGHT

"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," 12:35 a.m., NBC

The "Saturday Night Live" alumnus takes over Conan O'Brien's job. First guests include Justin Timberlake and Robert De Niro.

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