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KARK Hires New Anchor/Reporter
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Sinclair Launches Sports Network
The soon new owner of KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock has announcedit has launched a sports network. Sinclair Broadcast Group says it will launch The American Sports Network just in time for the college football season. Below is part of the news release:
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.announced today that it has launched the American Sports Network ("ASN"), a collegiate sports initiative to be broadcast on a number of Sinclair's broadcast television stations, and has entered into comprehensive sports rights agreements with a number of distinguished NCAA Division I conferences including Conference USA, the Colonial Athletic Association, Big South Conference, Southern Conference, and Patriot League. The initiative will be led by Doron Gorshein, Chief Operating Officer of Sinclair Networks, a division of Sinclair, who joined the Company in January 2014. The announcement was made by David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair.
Under these agreements, Sinclair will premiere an extensive slate of live, local sporting events, including football, basketball, soccer, and other sports with the opening of this year's college football season. The initial launch will include over 50 universities and colleges. These local, live, exclusive games will be broadcast in different regions of the country, including where the conferences are located. Sinclair's broadcast stations will either be carrying the games and original content as part of the primary program line-up (generally on the Company's CW and MyNet affiliates) or as part of second channels (sub-channels of the primary station's signal), complimented by access and distribution on digital platforms. Subject, among other things, to successfully securing carriage agreements with distributors in the future, the Company's plans may include potential development of new cable networks and digital platforms focused on these new content initiatives. In addition, other television broadcasters have expressed an interest in distributing the games in their markets. Additional content and distribution elements will include programming that showcases the colleges, students, and student-athletes, focusing on their aspirations and achievements.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.announced today that it has launched the American Sports Network ("ASN"), a collegiate sports initiative to be broadcast on a number of Sinclair's broadcast television stations, and has entered into comprehensive sports rights agreements with a number of distinguished NCAA Division I conferences including Conference USA, the Colonial Athletic Association, Big South Conference, Southern Conference, and Patriot League. The initiative will be led by Doron Gorshein, Chief Operating Officer of Sinclair Networks, a division of Sinclair, who joined the Company in January 2014. The announcement was made by David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair.
Under these agreements, Sinclair will premiere an extensive slate of live, local sporting events, including football, basketball, soccer, and other sports with the opening of this year's college football season. The initial launch will include over 50 universities and colleges. These local, live, exclusive games will be broadcast in different regions of the country, including where the conferences are located. Sinclair's broadcast stations will either be carrying the games and original content as part of the primary program line-up (generally on the Company's CW and MyNet affiliates) or as part of second channels (sub-channels of the primary station's signal), complimented by access and distribution on digital platforms. Subject, among other things, to successfully securing carriage agreements with distributors in the future, the Company's plans may include potential development of new cable networks and digital platforms focused on these new content initiatives. In addition, other television broadcasters have expressed an interest in distributing the games in their markets. Additional content and distribution elements will include programming that showcases the colleges, students, and student-athletes, focusing on their aspirations and achievements.
"Broadcasters serve and are closely connected to their communities, of which the colleges and universities are an integral part," commented Sinclair Networks COO, Doron Gorshein. "We believe there is significant value and consumer appeal for live sporting events from these important institutions, and we can offer expanded distribution through our broadcast platforms, as well as on potential new platforms, deepening our connection to our communities. We're proud to be working with the Conferences on this initiative, which combines compelling local sports and related content, with enhanced localism, diversity, and positive social purpose."
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Down to the Wire for Sinclair/Allbritton Deal
With just days left until the deadline for approval the Justice Department Tuesday cleared the way for approval for Sinclair to purchase Allbritton's TV station properties. Broadcasting and Cable reports the Justice Department declared it has no antitrust issues with Sinclair's purchase of Allbritton's TV broadcast assets..which includes KATV/Little Rock. NOW it's on to the FCC for approval before the July 27th deadline.
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Sinclair/Allbritton Deal is DONE
Reuters reports the FCC has approved Sinclair Broadcasting's purchase of Allbritton's broadcast TV stations. The deal includes KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock.
Thursday's approval "exemplifies the careful scrutiny the (FCC) will provide to broadcast transactions that propose new combinations of sharing arrangements and financial entanglements between a dominant licensee and a so-called sidecar entity," FCC Media Bureau Chief William Lake said in a statement.
"The Media Bureau has demonstrated clearly that it will not allow such combined arrangements to undermine the local TV ownership rule, which is in place to ensure competition and diverse voices on the airwaves."
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Axe Falling at KATV
We are getting several emails of the axe already falling at KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock following the finalization of Sinclair purchasing the station and the other Allbritton properties. No specifics...please post in the comments.
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LR Stations Provide Wall-to-Wall Storm News
Little Rock tv stations have been wall-to-wall tornado aftermath coverage this morning. I am not sure if they all waited til their morning programs began at 430 this morning to begin the coverage of the devastation of yesterday's storms.
KTHV had evening anchor Dawn Scott up and at'em this morning in the storm damaged area along with other reporters from the station. KATV had a number of their morning show people in the area as well, as did KARK. As of 9am wall-to-wall coverage continues as more information becomes available concerning the overnight storms.
KTHV had evening anchor Dawn Scott up and at'em this morning in the storm damaged area along with other reporters from the station. KATV had a number of their morning show people in the area as well, as did KARK. As of 9am wall-to-wall coverage continues as more information becomes available concerning the overnight storms.
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Allbritton Looking Towards the Future
Now that Sinclair Broadcasting's $985 million deal with Allbritton has been approved by the FCC, Robert Allbritton is looking forward to the future of the properties under his control. Allbritton is still the publisher of POLITICO nd owner of its parent, Capitol News Company, as well as its sister company, CapNY, publisher of Capital New York.
In an article on POLITICO.com, Allbritton says the internet is the future:
Allbritton said Internet-based communications are the way things are headed.
“What you guys at POLITICO are doing is the future,” he said. “It’s just the way media is changing now, and man, is it changing fast.”
Allbritton pointed to the changes that have occurred at POLITICO as an example.
“We were a different company five years ago,” he said. “We didn’t have Pro. Most of the revenue came from the newspaper five years ago. We’re totally different now. The beautiful thing about what we’ve got is we’ve strangely been able to reinvent ourselves every two or three years.”
In an article on POLITICO.com, Allbritton says the internet is the future:
“Hey it’s great to do a deal, but it’s kind of tough to walk away. I’ve been doing this 20 years personally, and you don’t walk away from that without some thoughts,” Robert Allbritton said in an interview. “It’s going to be a good business for a while to come, but man, I’m 45 and I don’t know if it’s going to be a good business for the rest of my life.”
Allbritton said Internet-based communications are the way things are headed.
“What you guys at POLITICO are doing is the future,” he said. “It’s just the way media is changing now, and man, is it changing fast.”
Allbritton pointed to the changes that have occurred at POLITICO as an example.
“We were a different company five years ago,” he said. “We didn’t have Pro. Most of the revenue came from the newspaper five years ago. We’re totally different now. The beautiful thing about what we’ve got is we’ve strangely been able to reinvent ourselves every two or three years.”
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Sinclair Starts the Bloodbath
FTV Live reports the first casualty of the Sinclair purchase of the Allbritton broadcast stations. WJLA/Channel 7/Washington DC General Manager is getting the axe. Bill Lord sent the email to his staff stating September 30th will be his last day at the station as Sinclair is terminating him from that position.
How long til the axe starts falling at all the other new Sinclair stations...
How long til the axe starts falling at all the other new Sinclair stations...
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Shreveport Station Welcomes Back Former Longtime Anchor
“I’m so excited to be back with the team that has a sharper-than-ever focus on good, quality journalism,” said Sherri Talley.
Talley is referring to KTBS’ commitment to In-Depth and Investigative journalism. Upon her return, Talley will have reporting responsibilities in addition to her role as anchor.
Viewers know Talley from having watched her report and anchor in the ArkLaTex for decades. A few years ago, Talley left the news business to pursue other opportunities in public relations and social media.
She will rejoin old friend and colleague Gerry May on KTBS 3 News at 6:00.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Gerry and Joe and the rest of the team, again,” she said. “KTBS is like a family to me. It’s good to be back home.”
Talley left KTBS abruptly in April 2011. Since then she has work with the United Way and started her own PR firm.
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Shreveport Station Losing Evening Anchor
Additional: LaFave posted this on facebook:
There is nothing more important to my wife and me than family. Our three years here in Shreveport have been an absolute blessing. But, we have missed our friends and family far more than we anticipated. And, during that time, members of both sides of our family have battled some serious health challenges. Those challenges made the distance much more difficult to bear.
That distance will now be much less. I'm happy to announce that I have accepted a position with WZZM, the ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Beginning in September, I join Juliet Dragos co-anchoring the 5, 6 and 11pm newscasts. It's an ubelievable opportunity I've been given to do a job I love around the people I love. My wife and I simply couldn't say no.
The people of the ArkLaTex and NBC 6 have our unending gratitude. When KTAL brought me in, my wife and I were somewhat nervous. Would we fit in? Would we make friends? Would you, the viewers, accept me... a kid from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? The answer was an absolute 'yes' in all instances. We've been treated with nothing but kindness from our very first day here. You've tuned in to watch every night, engaged me on social media every day, stopped me at restaurants and stores to say, 'hi,' and you've tolerated my constant hockey references (which I've REALLY appreciated!).
To KTAL, I'm so happy to have been a part of the turnaround here. The viewers recognize the improvements we've made as we've established ourselves as a rock solid, quality product they can depend on night after night. I'm proud of what we've accomplished and humbled to have been a part of it. I have every confidence NBC 6 will continue to improve. The people here are simply too talented for that to not happen.
To the people of Western Michigan, I look forward to getting to know you on a nightly basis. I'm coming home, and I don't plan on leaving again.
- Nick
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Article 1
The deal for Sinclair Broadcasting to purchase the Allbritton TV properties will close at midnight tonight....and tomorrow is Friday....hmmmmm
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KARK Morning Anchor Leaving
Big news from Matt Mosler this morning:
Dear Friends,
It is with a great deal of excitement that I announce after a wonderfully fulfilling and rewarding 28-year career in radio and television I’ll be leaving KARK on Friday, August 29th and joining the pastoral staff of New Life Church’s Greater Little Rock campus on Monday, September 1st.
Camille and I are incredibly grateful to Pastor Rick Bezet and the entire staff of NLC for this opportunity to continue my ministry full-time with this great fellowship. Among my new duties at NLC I will be encouraging and motivating others to fulfill their own ministries through the church’s Connect classes as well as helping lead the men’s ministry at the Greater Little Rock campus. Just thinking about the possibilities of ministering at a church with the resources and the passion of New Life makes me dizzy!
With Pastor Rick’s encouragement I will continue to accept the opportunities, as time allows, to share in other churches as well as maintain my leadership of the CrossHeirs Retreat Center in Humphrey, AR. This year we will host retreats and events for more than 110 churches, ministries and families. It’s amazing to see what God has done at this “little log cabin.” It is so encouraging to see the impact teaching, training and retreating has on the lives of our guests.
This is a decision I have wrestled with for a couple of years now after I was first approached by NLC. While ministry has always been my passion I really enjoy working at KARK and the time never felt right to close the door on a profession that has been so good to me and my family. However, my youngest daughter will be heading off to college later this month, our CrossHeirs Retreat Center is really doing well and, frankly, at my steadily advancing age it was getting tougher and tougher to answer that 2:50am wake-up call! So after much prayer and counsel I had a real peace that now was the time to step away from the early hours of morning TV and begin this next step in life’s journey.
I am so thankful the management of KARK gave me the opportunity to return to Little Rock television in 2006. They have always been very supportive and encouraging of my ministry endeavors. I can’t thank them enough for their commitment and generosity and hope to continue to pop up on the airwaves now and then if they ever need me.
Now, the hard part- Boy, am I going to miss the daily interaction with Mallory Brooks, Greg Dee and the staff of KARK 4 Today. When you come to work in the middle of the night there are no managers or sales staff or…anyone for that matter so you and your crew quickly become like family. You see each other at their best and worst and love them through it all. Greg Dee is one of the best meteorologists I’ve ever worked with. His knowledge and work ethic is inspiring. And Mallory…well…I have worked with some incredible co-hosts over the years but no one longer and none better than this young lady. It’s been such a pleasure to see her grow personally and professionally in the 5 years we have sat together at that desk. She is a real pro and probably one of the nicest people I have ever been around. What a treat it has been to work with such a great team.
So, thank you again for all of your support over the years. I’m so blessed God called us to this state in 1996 and proud to call her home. I look forward to this new challenge and opportunity to continue serving the great people of Arkansas. You really are the best! God bless you, and if you get a chance I would love to see you sometime at NLC!
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Shreveport Station in Retrans Squabble With DirecTV
KSLA/Channel 12/Shreveport is in a squabble with Direct TV. Ah, that's right it's that time to renegotiate the retransmission fees. In a video message on the station's website, KSLA and DirecTV have until August 31st to come to an agreement. And then if an agreement isn't reached..that's right KSLA will pull the plug on the feed to DirecTV.
At KSLA, nothing is more important to us than providing the ArkLaTex with the very best in local news and weather, along with your favorite CBS programming.
In order to serve our viewers, KSLA has in place agreements with the cable and satellite companies that bring our station to your home. In fact, KSLA has such agreements in place with every TV provider in our area.
Raycom Media our parent company is currently negotiating in good faith with DirecTV. We will keep you updated here, on air and on the KSLA News 12 Facebook page as to our progress.
At KSLA, nothing is more important to us than providing the ArkLaTex with the very best in local news and weather, along with your favorite CBS programming.
In order to serve our viewers, KSLA has in place agreements with the cable and satellite companies that bring our station to your home. In fact, KSLA has such agreements in place with every TV provider in our area.
Raycom Media our parent company is currently negotiating in good faith with DirecTV. We will keep you updated here, on air and on the KSLA News 12 Facebook page as to our progress.
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Gannett to Split
KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock parent company Gannett is splitting up. The company announced today it will be splitting up it's newspaper and broadcast television stations/digital properties into two separate entities.
"The bold actions we are announcing today are significant next steps in our ongoing initiatives to increase shareholder value by building scale, increasing cash flow, sharpening management focus and strengthening all of our businesses to compete effectively in today's increasingly digital landscape," said Gannett president and chief executive Gracia Martore.
Gannett's has 46 broadcast tv stations and owns cars.com and careerbuilder.com and owns USA Today and 200 weeklies and magazines and community news service Newsquest.
"The bold actions we are announcing today are significant next steps in our ongoing initiatives to increase shareholder value by building scale, increasing cash flow, sharpening management focus and strengthening all of our businesses to compete effectively in today's increasingly digital landscape," said Gannett president and chief executive Gracia Martore.
Gannett's has 46 broadcast tv stations and owns cars.com and careerbuilder.com and owns USA Today and 200 weeklies and magazines and community news service Newsquest.
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KARK Names New Morning Co-Anchor
Here is the KARK press release:
Aaron Nolan will be starting his work day as little earlier as the new co-anchor of KARK 4 Today. Nolan returned to Little Rock and KARK-TV in 2013 as a co-anchor of the statewide noon broadcast “Arkansas Today” alongside Mallory Brooks. Nolan will now transition his anchoring duties to KARK’s 2-hour morning show and serve as a feature reporter highlighting “local news that matters” for KARK’s evening broadcasts.
“I’m really excited to join such a strong morning team with Mallory and Greg Dee,” said Nolan. “I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy working with them each day at noon. I look forward to spending even more time with them each morning.”
“Aaron has the type of personality and energy that should be a hit with morning viewers,” said KARK-TV News Director Austin Kellerman. “He’s an outside-the-box thinker who will bring new ideas to the table each morning. In addition to making sure you’re caught up on news, weather and traffic, I expect him to leave you with some moments you’ll be talking about later in the day.”
Prior to returning to Central Arkansas, Nolan anchored a one-hour 9 p.m. newscast at Nexstar Broadcasting’s KOLZ in Springfield, Missouri. Earlier in his career, Nolan worked at Nexstar Broadcasting’s KNWA in Fayetteville and spending four years at KARK-TV as a sports anchor and reporter for the popular “Razorback Nation” product. He’s a Maumelle native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Telecommunications.
“This is my home. This is where we want to be,” said Nolan. “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help my friends and neighbors get their mornings started each day.”
Nolan officially begins his new duties on Monday, September 1. He will replace Matt Mosler who recently announced he’d be transitioning into full-time ministry work with New Life Church.
Nolan is married to KARK-TV weekday evening co-anchor and fellow Arkansas native Ashley Ketz.
KARK-TV is owned by Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
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Shreveport Anchor Arrested for Drunk Driving
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Shreveport Station Becomes Weather Ready Nation Ambassador
The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative is an effort to formally recognize NOAA partners who are improving the nation's readiness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. As a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, the Bossier Parish Library will work with the National Weather Service to strengthen the area's resilience against extreme weather by taking a leadership role in educating the public on weather hazards and promoting weather awareness activities in the community.
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Sinclair Execs Start Visits to Newly Acquired Stations
FTV Live reports the staff at former Allbritton station NOW Sinclair Broadcasting station WJLA/Channel 7/Washington DC was paid a visit by Sinclair CEO David Smith and other company execs. Sinclair finalized the deal to purchase the Allbritton broadcast tv stations last week..including KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock. FTV Live says, "Smith met with the staff and started out trying to downplay the misconceptions many have about Sinclair. He tried to downplay the fact that Sinclair leans hard to the conservative side and tried using the company's station in Seattle as a "liberal" example.
Smith talked about the vast network of stations they own, and how they help one another. Paraphrased example: “Say you want live coverage about the “invasion” – you could call our El Paso or Brownsville station to set one up.” We presuming the "invasion" he was referring to was the stream of people crossing the US's southern border."
I wonder when Smith will show up in Little Rock.
Smith talked about the vast network of stations they own, and how they help one another. Paraphrased example: “Say you want live coverage about the “invasion” – you could call our El Paso or Brownsville station to set one up.” We presuming the "invasion" he was referring to was the stream of people crossing the US's southern border."
I wonder when Smith will show up in Little Rock.
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Does the GM of Monroe Station Have a Twin
Sometimes we just can't make things up....check this out. FTV Live points out a Fox News viewer wrote into Bill O'reilly stating he was aggravated with liberals being on the BO show. The viewers name..Ed Oretelli from Monroe, Louisiana. The editor of FTV Live searched the name on the internet and low and behold there is an Ed Oretelli from Monroe that is the General Manager of KNOE/Channel 8/Monroe. LA. Could it be?
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Former ArkLaTex Weather Guesser Now Talking Politics
This from the tip box:
Looks like former KSLA weather-guesser, "Stormtracker Steve Parr" has landed at KEEL 710am in Shreveport, co-hosting conservative talkshow: "America on the Edge".
Parr left KSLA/Channel 12/Shreveport at the end of June. Parr had been with Channel 12 since 2007.
Looks like former KSLA weather-guesser, "Stormtracker Steve Parr" has landed at KEEL 710am in Shreveport, co-hosting conservative talkshow: "America on the Edge".
Parr left KSLA/Channel 12/Shreveport at the end of June. Parr had been with Channel 12 since 2007.
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