Gannett joins deal to broadcast TV shows to mobile devices

The national effort to bring broadcast TV to wireless phones and devices got a boost on Tuesday: Nine of the largest owners of television stations – including Gannett, parent of USA TODAY — teamed up with NBC, Fox, and ION Television to send news, entertainment, sports, and print content to mobile devices.

The stations, which collectively reach 150 million people, will use their broadcast airwaves – as opposed to the Internet – to transmit shows from the national networks as well as locally produced news and programming. They also may carry cable channels such as CNBC and Fox News, Gannett Broadcasting President David Lougee says.

Specific programming, possible consumer charges, and a launch date have yet to be decided. Lougee says the group also is interested in bringing ABC and CBS on board. LG and Dell have just begun to sell mobile devices that can receive digital TV broadcasts.