ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY PRESS RELEASE
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For further information contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Christopher Pike - 202-364-7800 March 6, 2002
WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8 To Co-Locate
Stations to Provide the Largest Electronic News Team in Washington
Washington, D.C. --- Allbritton Communications Company announced today
that it will co-locate the newsgathering capabilities of ABC-7 (WJLA-TV) and its
sister company, NewsChannel 8 to create the largest electronic newsgathering
team in the Washington region. The two stations will converge in new studio
facilities currently under construction in the landmark Twin Towers buildings in
Rosslyn, Virginia. The combination, which is targeted for summer 2002, was
announced to both stations by the company's Chairman, Robert L. Allbritton.
"We constantly search for the improvements in technology that can give
our stations strong and efficient means to improve their product. Recent
innovations in digital capabilities will allow us to join the extraordinary
forces of WJLA and NewsChannel 8 under one roof to create a truly impressive
newsgathering organization," Allbritton said. "We will take the service now
provided to our Washington, Virginia and Maryland viewers to new levels, both
technologically and organizationally."
ABC-7 and NewsChannel 8 have been commonly controlled since 1991 when
NewsChannel 8 began service as one of the first 24-hour local cable news
services in the nation. They have been operated separately, however --
WJLA from studios in Washington and NewsChannel 8 from Springfield, Virginia.
Christopher Pike, ABC-7's current General Manager, who will lead the
combined stations, added, "Our goal is to take advantage of the synergies
created by the combination of elements of NewsChannel 8 and WJLA, allowing both
to build on each other's strengths using state-of-the-art facilities.
Importantly, the stations' individual identities will remain separate and
unique. NewsChannel 8 will continue to be the dedicated 24-hour cable source for
local and regional news and information. WJLA will bring its highly acclaimed
regional news and investigative strengths to the joint newsgathering group. "
John Hillis, NewsChannel 8's current President, who will move to
Allbritton's corporate rolls, added, "This is a move we've long envisioned as a
logical strategic partnering in this news-hungry market. The stars have now
finally aligned to make it work. "
The combined organization will pool newsgathering as well as other
station operations including administration, finance, operations, promotions and
human resources. Both NewsChannel 8 and ABC-7 will maintain their own dedicated
sales staffs and there will be separate programming and unique production
identities, including distinct on-air looks, separate studios and talent
tailored to the special missions of each channel.
Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., President of Allbritton, noted that "This will
be one of the most technologically advanced news operation in the country. The
joint resources of these two stations will create a news capability without peer
in the Washington market. With a ten-year commitment from our cable partners for
both ABC-7 and NewsChannel 8, we are investing in a new
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product that will be unmatched in this important community. "
In addition to owning WJLA and NewsChannel 8, Allbritton Communications
Company will continue to be the parent company to ABC-affiliated stations in six
other markets including: Harrisburg, PA (WHTM), Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA (WSET),
Charleston, SC (WCIV), Birmingham-Tuscaloosa-Anniston, AL (WCFT/WJSU/WBMA),
Little Rock, AR (KATV) and Tulsa, OK (KTUL).
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