Tribune to acquire TV stations

The acquisition of KPLR-TV (WB11) in St. Louis, Missouri, and KWBP-TV (WB32) in Portland by Tribune Company from ACME Communications for US$ 275 million is discussed. The stations will expand Tribune's television holdings into two additional top 30 markets and stengthen Tribune's position as the largest affiliate group of the WB Network. Upon completion of the acquisitions, Tribune will own and operate 26 stations, 19 of which are WB affiliates. KPLR and KWBP will increase Tribune's coverage of US television households to 40 percent and nearly 30 percent by Federal Communications Commission standards.