Fox Signs 79 TV Outlets for Its Programming

Fox Broadcasting Co. said Sunday that 79 independent stations have agreed to broadcast all its television programming. The group of affiliated stations will reach nearly 80% of the nation’s 85.9 million households with television sets, the company said.

The announcement, made by FBC President Jamie Kellner, appears to be a significant step forward for Fox’s effort to establish a fourth television network because advertisers generally require 70% penetration of the U.S. television market for the purchase of commercial time in nationwide programming.

In early June, Fox said that it had “close to 30” affiliate agreements with stations in the top 30 markets. Those agreements covered nearly 60% of the nation’s television households.

Publisher Rupert Murdoch, who controls Fox, has said that he intends to use the company’s six television stations--which reach more than 20% of U.S. television households--as the building blocks for a possible fourth national network. In its most publicized bid to offer nationwide programming, Fox announced earlier this year that in the fall it will broadcast a late-night show hosted by comedienne Joan Rivers.

Five Hours of Prime-Time Programming

In addition to that show, Fox has said that next March it intends to begin broadcasting five hours of prime-time programming spread over Saturday and Sunday nights. Fox said Sunday that the 79 affiliated stations have agreed to “exclusively broadcast all programming” offered by FBC. The agreements cover two years, beginning with the October premiere of the Joan Rivers show.

Among the station groups that have reached affiliate agreements with FBC are Camillia City Telecasters, Cox Communications, Malrite Communications, Meredith Broadcasting, Outlet Communications, Scripps-Howard Broadcasting, Taft Television and Radio Co., TVX Corp. and United Television. Fox said it would seek additional station affiliates.

Barry Diller, chief executive of Fox Inc., which owns FBC, said: “We are pleased with the overwhelming acceptance of FBC and the possibilities for its future.”