Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is offering local broadcasters a turnkey solution for generating revenue from its new digital spectrum with the launch of This TV network, a new ad-supported 24/7 linear digital channel.

The studio is partnering with Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting Co. to launch This TV across the United States beginning this fall.

MGM is also partnering with children's entertainment producer Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc. to handle all of the children's programming, including FCC-approved educational informational shows (EI) for This TV. The announcement was made today by Jim Packer, co-President of MGM Worldwide Television and John Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, MGM.

Television veteran Neal Sabin, in his role as executive vice president of Weigel Broadcasting, will oversee the programming for This TV. Under Sabin's supervision, Weigel has launched independent stations and formats including WCIU Chicago, as well as Me-TV and Me-Too classic television formats on WCIU's analog and digital sub-channels.

Weigel and its affiliate companies own and operate WCIU, WWME, WMEU and FBT in Chicago; WDJT, WMLW and WYTU in Milwaukee; WBME Racine, Wis.; and WBND, WCWW and WMYS South Bend, Ind.

The roll-out of THIS TV will begin immediately on Weigel stations in Chicago, Milwaukee and South Bend, Ind.

Kim Bryson, MGM senior vice president, advertiser sales, will handle ad sales for This TV out of MGM's New York office.

Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc. features children's properties including Johnny Test, The Doodlebops and Caillou, among others.