KRON announced today that it will use one of its digital multicast channels to air a new network that will feature classic shows from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s starting Oct. 1. The new Retro Television Network, or RTN, is owned by Equity Media Holdings Corp. and it is signing up affiliates nationwide. RTN’s schedule will include “Hawaii 5-0,” “Matlock,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Streets of San Francisco.”

As part of the transition to digital television, a single station can now provide multiple channels of separate programming simultaneously, free and over the air. Each separate program stream is called a multicast. In June, KBWB-TV 20 announced it was going to air the Azteca America network on one of its multicast channels. Other stations are expected to announce how they will use their multicast channels as the Feb. 17, 2009 deadline to switch to DTV nears.