TV & VIDEO - May 19, 1989

MTV Networks announced plans Thursday to launch a new basic cable television channel exclusively featuring comedy programming. The new channel, in development for the past 18 months, will be called “HA” TV Comedy Network. In addition to producing original programming, “HA” TV Comedy Network will acquire shows and movies from existing television and film libraries and will have access to comedy programs distributed by its parent company, Viacom. Launch date is early 1990. Cable giants HBO and Ted Turner also are planning comedy channels.