• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, May 25, 2010

As the network becomes Nielsen-rated, several Tribune stations, including WPIX in New York, have picked up This TV to air on digital subchannels. Co-run by MGM and Weigel Broadcasting, This TV features films and shows from the MGM library.

In addition to WPIX, Tribune outlets in Miami, San Diego and St. Louis will add the station. Tribune also said seven of its stations have signed new deals to continue offering the channel, including in the markets of Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

MGM said it has a deal with Nielsen to offer national ratings for the channel. The network apparently has been receiving some internal numbers, saying a 1968 Clint Eastwood film drew 481,000 households and 597,000 viewers on March 20, topping cable outlets such as Travel Channel and VH-1 head-to-head.

Weigel offers the network, launched in November 2008, in the larger markets of Chicago and Milwaukee. Multiple other station groups offer This TV, and it reaches about 85% of the country.

Jim Packer, co-president of MGM Worldwide Television, stated that the network offers stations an "affordable and .. competitive option."

Series on the network include "Mr. Ed" and "Stargate SG-1," while films airing this week include "RoboCop 2 and 3" and "Club Fed."

The network said it provides children's programming that helps it exceed FCC requirements, although it does not air any paid programming.

In addition to its multicast feed, the network is in 40 million cable homes. Stations can run local news and other programming by preempting the network feed, whether high school football or a political debate.