Now a second chance to watch 'Smackdown'

Herald-Leader Staff Report

Friday Night Smackdown fans will now be able to watch a clearer picture of the popular pro wrestling show — and not just on Fridays.

WTVQ-TV in Lexington announced Friday that it has reached an agreement to broadcast the popular pro wrestling show and the rest of the MyNetworkTV lineup.

WWE Smackdown will air at 8 p.m. Friday nights on WTVQ's second digital channel, 36-2, which currently broadcasts only weather coverage. It is channel 436 on Insight cable system.

But as part of the agreement, WTVQ has agreed to rebroadcast Smackdown on WTVQ's main channel on Saturday nights at 11:35 p.m. after WTVQ 36 News at 11, giving Lexington area viewers two chances to see Smackdown each week.

Lexington-area Smackdown fans had been frustrated because the program was being shown in the Lexington market only on the low-powered broadcast station WBLU-62 and not on any cable system.

WTVQ general manager Chris Aldridge said the station plans to eventually turn its weather digital channel, 36-2, into a full-time MyNetworkTV affiliate.

MyNetworkTV, owned by Fox Broadcasting Co., currently broadcasts programming Monday through Saturday from 8 to10 p.m. A schedule can be seen at www.mynetworktv.com.

Aldridge said MyNetworkTV is no longer affiliated with WBLU.

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