FOX to launch new US broadcast network

FOX has announced plans to launch a second broadcast network in the US this autumn.

The move follows the news last month that UPN and The WB would be merging to create a fifth network, provisionally called 'The CW'. That decision left many local affiliates - primarily FOX-owned UPN affiliates - without a primetime partner (background info).

'My Network TV', a "station-friendly" primetime option, is FOX's solution. The network will offer up a total of twelve hours of original programming per week within the broadcast hours of 8pm-10pm, Monday through Saturday.

The stations served by My Network TV at launch will include WWOR in New York, KCOP in Los Angeles, WPWR in Chicago, KDFI in Dallas, WDCA in Washington, DC, KTXH in Houston, WFTC in Minneapolis, KUTP in Phoenix, WRBW in Orlando and WUTB in Baltimore. That ensures the network will reach at least 24% of the US.

In a bold move, two telenovelas will occupy the majority of the schedule. Desire and Secrets, based on the format popular in Latin America, will be stripped in primetime, Monday through Friday, for thirteen weeks each. Other formats in development are Catwalk, a series similar to America's Next Top Model; a US version of ITV's reality series Celebrity Love Island; America's Brainiest, another Brit-based import; and On Scene, a crime investigation series from FOX News.

My Network TV is also in "advanced negotations" with American Idol producers Fremantle over an "international format".

"Backed by the strongest media company in the world, My Network TV is a viable alternative brought to you by proven winners who know quality programming," said Roger Ailes, chairman of Fox Television Stations. "Independent stations are in need of a solid option for primetime and we believe no other company is providing this service to the market."

My Network TV will launch on Tuesday, September 5.