MGM touting low-cost programming to cash-strapped TV stations

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. has found an economical solution for cash-strapped TV stations looking to fill their digital space: "Beach Blanket Bingo." Nearly eight months ago, the venerable movie studio created a low-cost programming service for television stations called This TV. Stocked with B-level films found deep within MGM's vault, the venture serves up vintage fare like the 1960s beach movie with Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello as well as TV shows such as "The Addams Family" and "The Patty Duke Show." The shift to digital TV, which had been in the works for two decades, was envisioned by the federal government as an opportunity for stations to provide comprehensive coverage of local news and sports, public affairs and multilingual programs on their digital sub-channels. But a market to underwrite that vision has not materialized, and the lousy economy and crimped local advertising spending have not helped. During the last year, TV stations have cut costs and shed employees, leaving few resources to develop original programming that could be used to draw viewers to their digital channels.