Local Television Network Inc., offering local programming for young adults 18-34, will debut Oct. 3 as a program block that will be carried by distributors reaching 3.7 million Southern California homes, officials said Monday.
LTN will launch as a nightly 8 p.m. to midnight block on KVMD, a must-carry station that has distribution via Adelphia Communications Corp., Charter Communications Inc., Time Warner Cable, DirecTV Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp.
The youth-targeted network is being spearheaded by Justin Mahy, a former investment banker for Lehman Bros., and programmed by Greg Brannan, the former executive vice president of programming for E! Networks.
Brannan, LTN’s head of programming and production, has nine original series in the works for the new service.
The lineup for the program block will include: Rough Cut L.A., a daily show featuring Hollywood movers and shakers; City Vibe, offering Los Angeles bands and clubs; Belle du Jour, a guide to the Southern California fashion scene; Night Guide, a calendar of activities; Red Light, about the local subculture; Ballin’, black-top basketball from urban L.A.; Dialed In, featuring action sports from surfing to skateboarding; Local Explorer, which details road trips for Angelinos; and L.A. Flavor, a lifestyle show covering topics like home decor and food.
LTN has negotiated a long-term, irrevocable carriage deal with KVMD, a Joshua Tree, Calif., station that has must-carry status in the Los Angeles DMA. LTN will reach Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernadino, Riverside and Orange counties through KVMD, which focuses on local sports programming.
