KTBS, KSLA Asleep at the Wheel

Severe storms moved through the Ark-La-Tex overnight Friday/early Saturday morning (12/29-30), and one viewer made this observation: "Torando warning last night around 1:45am, and the ONLY station to break in with the warning was KTAL. Where were the other Stormtracking stations???Rustin Duke broke in with weather updates all night."

Former KNWA Anchor Leaving NWA for Gig on the East Coast

An e-mailer let ATN know, "On ArkansasTonight.com former KNWA anchor and managing editor Don Elkins announced he is leaving Northwest Arkansas to take a job on the east coast. With his leaving KFAY-AM will now be looking for a morning anchor and Arkansas Tonight, Elkin's radio show on the weekends, will no longer be on the air."

KSLA Launches "KSLA News 12 Live Online"

KSLA-News 12 has debuted a new downloadable program to serve up news and weather. KSLA.com says the program offers:

> Current weather conditions and temperature display on your computer

> Severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service

> Notification of breaking news

> Links and summaries of current local news

> Hour-by-hour forecasts for your neighborhood

>Regional and local satellite radar images

KAIT Asking for Volunteers

KAIT is going interactive. According to KAIT.com, the station will begin a weather watchers program in early 2007. Right now they are taking applications. KAIT's weather blog says 2-3 watchers will be picked from each county.

Movin' and Shakin' at KAIT

This from a tipster:

"Tiffany Blankenship will leave KAIT in 2 weeks.

Hatton Weeks (formerly of KTHV) is now Asst. ND at KAIT.

Former photjournalist at Fox 13 in Memphis, Will Carter, is now a reporter at KAIT."

November Book- Little Rock Numbers

Arkansas Business.com has the Little Rock market numbers from November: Below are highlights from the article:

> The dead heat at 10 p.m. is virtually unchanged from the November 2005 book in the broad designated market area household ratings and shares shuffle, with both stations showing an 11 rating and 24 share. KARK-TV, Channel 4, pulled a 6 rating and 12 share at 10 p.m.

> KATV, owned by Allbritton Communications Co., is making a battle out of the 6 a.m. newscast by pulling a 7 rating and 25 share, compared with KTHV’s 7 rating and 27 share. Nexstar Broadcasting Group-owned KARK pulled a 1 rating and 7 share at 5 a.m. and a 3 rating and 12 share at 6 a.m.

> But the NBC affiliate again dominates the lunch hour with an 8 rating and 27 share, while KTHV and KATV combine for slightly more than half of KARK’s stronghold at noon.
KATV continues to hold onto its 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. wins with a 13 rating and 28 share, and a 17 rating and 31 share, at those respective hours. KARK is strong at 5 p.m. with a 10 rating and 21 share. KTHV, fighting off a poor 4 p.m. lead-in, saw a 6 rating and 14 share at 5 p.m. and grew to an 8 rating and 14 share at 6 p.m., surpassing KARK for second.

> KLRT-TV, Channel 16, posted a 4 rating and 7 share at 9 p.m. Departing News Director Michael Fabac said the newscast also grew in key 18-49 and 25-54 audience demographics.

THV Family Grows

Source: Today's THV.com Good News! The THV family has grown.

THV anchor Dawn Scott gave birth to her first child Thursday night. It's a boy.

Jackson Ty Stevenson Jones was born at 10:23 p.m. Thursday. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Mother and son are all doing well. Oh, and so is the daddy. We can't forget him.

Fox 24 Cancelled?

This from an e-mailer: "It appears Fox24 KFTA has cancelled their 9pm newscast. As of Dec 20 at 9:20 the station was still running NBC programming."

Pearson Gone From THV

An e-mailer tells ATN, "Andy Pearson cleaned out his desk last night after the late news."

Additional: Arkansas Times blog has the THV Press Release:

"News anchor Andy Pearson is leaving Today’s THV to pursue other opportunities available to him now, according to KTHV President and General Manager Larry Audas.

“Andy has been on the front lines at THV and his efforts to make this a number one TV station are greatly appreciated,” Audas said. “As Andy concludes his contract at year’s end, there is an open door for opportunity elsewhere and he’s going to make that move. We wish him the very best.”

Pearson said it is premature to discuss his plans at this time. Audas said Pearson asked for a low key departure, saying on-air good-byes and fanfare are not his style. “I've sincerely enjoyed working with everyone at KTHV, past and present, in front of the camera and behind, who have strived to be part of a quality effort despite the distractions that are inherent in our line of work. I can't think of anyone in the building that leaves out,” said Pearson. “I wish you nothing but more success and contentment.”

Andy Pearson co-anchored THV’s evening newscasts and worked on a number of special reports over the years. He has a particular interest in aviation news, and as a pilot himself, Pearson has a passion for flight. Pearson returned to Little Rock television in 1998 after previously working for stations in Pittsburgh and Nashville.

Today’s THV News Director Mark Raines says veteran anchors Anne Jansen, Liz Massey and Dawn Scott will continue their anchor work at 5,6, and 10pm. Jansen and Massey will be especially busy in the weeks ahead. “We expect Dawn to be away from the anchor desk for a few weeks after the delivery of her first child. She promises to share some pictures and stay in touch with viewers while she is at home,” according to Raines."

KATV Parent Company To Buy KFSM

An inside source tells ATN, "Virginia based broadcasting group Allbritton Communications Company to buy KFSM-TV (Ft. Smith/Fayetteville)from New York Times. They have been visiting KATV (LR) and KFSM (NWA) for the past few weeks."

New Shreveport Mayor Picks KTBS Anchor as New Assistant

Source: The Shreveport Times The anchor's desk at KTBS is becoming quite the pipeline into the Mayor's 200 suite at Government Plaza.

Gwen Campbell, who has worked at Channel 3 for the past 26 years, has been hired to handle community and media relations for new Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover.


Campbell will apparently follow the course of her predecessor Liz Swaine, who left KTBS in 1998 to become an executive assistant for former Mayor Keith Hightower.

"We're very excited about her," said Dale Sibley, chief executive assistant to Glover. "She has a wealth of knowledge about the local media. Her experience, knowledge and credibility will serve us very well."

Campbell will start in her new role Monday, Sibley said.

Since coming to KTBS in 1980, Campbell has worked in a variety of on-air roles. Most recently, she covered education and anchored the 6 p.m. newscast for KTBS and was an anchor for the 9 p.m. newscast on UPN, Channel 21.

Campbell attended high school in England, graduated from the University of Arizona and spent the early years of her journalism career in radio news.

KNWA Anchor/Reporter Fired

This from a tipster: "Ginny Barksdale has been fired from KNWA Today and told never to re-enter the building."

Additional: This past August, Barksdale was promoted from General Assignment Reporter to Anchor of KNWA Today, replacing Dana Sargent.

KLRT ND Headin' to Texas

Gary Dinges with The Austin American-Statesman reports that KLRT News Director Michael Fabac is heading to KXAN in Austin. Below is an excerpt from the blog post:

"Michael Fabac, currently news director at KLRT, Little Rock’s Fox station, will lead the KXAN news team beginning in early January.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for me,” Fabac said. “I can’t wait to get there. The city obviously is a big draw.”

Fabac, 33, assembled Clear Channel-owned KLRT’s news operation from scratch, launching a nightly 9 p.m. newscast in 2004. Prior to Little Rock, he served as a news director at WNEM in Saginaw, Mich. His first paying TV gig was as a producer at KKTV in Colorado Springs, Colo., followed by stints as a producer at KTVI in St. Louis and WDIV in Detroit. He also served as executive news producer at CBS-owned WWJ and WKBD, both in the Motor City.

“I think Michael will bring a lot of positive energy to the newsroom,” KXAN General Manager Eric Lassberg said. “He comes across as a very passionate leader with a lot of integrity.”

Former KARK'er on the Move

In keeping up with another former Little Rock TV personalities, Newsblues reports former KARK meteorologist Mike Nicco is on the move to ABC O&O KGO-7. He had worked at Kin Eden Prairie Minnesota after leaving KARK.

Where's Friedman Now?

It seems former KARK'er Jason Friedman was victim of lay offs earlier this year at WDAF in Kansas City, Missouri. According to THIS article in The Kansas City Star 13 staffers were cut from the Newscorp owned FOX station. Friedman left KARK for WDAF in July of 2005.

Many in Arkansas wonder where's he at now?

KLRT.com Receives New Look

KLRT-FOX 16/Little Rock has redisgned its website. The first thing you notice when the homepage loads is KLRT's Nowcast. The site does seem a little less cluttered and more visually appealling than the previous version.

New Anchor at KATV

KATV debuted a new anchor on Live at Five Tuesday. Heather Crawford has taken the spot next to Scott Inman. Crawford comes to KATV from FOX 13 in Memphis. HERE's a link to her FOX 13 bio.

Is Crawford taking over the co-anchor duties for 5, 6 and 10?

UPDATE: At the end of Live at Five, Christina Munoz was previewing some of the stories coming up at 6. Seems Munoz will be the anchor during the 6pm and 10pm newscasts. One can only wonder why KATV brought in an anchor just for the 5pm newscast. Do ya think they wanna eventually go the route of Channel with 5 or 6 people at the anchor desk during the newscast?

Nexstar Selling TV Stations....Which Ones?

The Turner Report, a media blog in Missouri, has an article about Nexstar, the parent company of KARK, KNWA and KTAL, nearing the sale of approximately $50 million worth of television stations. The article doesn't mention any specific stations.

KSLA Reporter Leaves

A tipster tells ATN Brent Forbes has left KSLA 12 in Shreveport.

JB Hunt Passes Away

Was watching KARK News at Noon when the news of JB Hunt passing away was reported. That was about 12:20pm. Did KATV interrupt its soap opera and did KTHV interrupt Positively Arkansas ? As of 12:40pm, KARK and KTHV have a story up about Hunt passing away on their websites.

KARK.com Becomes Arkansas Matters.com

KARK.com is now Arkansas Matters.com.

The change has occurred within the last day or two as I have been trying to visit to see when the change over happened. Info on the site seems to be somewhat better arranged and organized on the new site. I hope the use of web based video is on the way for the new site.

KARK Sports Anchor/Reporter Movin' to The Big Easy

This from a tipster: "I heard Keli Fulton, the Sports reporter/anchor, on the radio today announcing that she’s going to the NBC affiliate in New Orleans ."

Fulton joined KARK in September 2005.

Winter Storm OR Hogs?

Which will wind up being the bigger story this week in Arkansas, the projected winter weather set to hit the state Thursday OR the Arkansas Razorbacks in Atlanta? Two big stories in one week, just so happen to occur during sweeps.

Talkin' Outdoors Moving to KARK

Arkansas Business reports after more than six years on AETN Talkin' Outdoors with Steve “Wildman” Wilson. Outdoors is set to begin on KARK and KNWA January 6 2007.

KNWA Airs KARK Morning Program

This from a tipster: "Instead of"KWNA Today", this morning KNWA aired the KARK morning show and they told the appropriate weather for NWA. Dollard did the news and weather updates during the Today show. What's up with that?"

THV News Director on 6 Pack Newscasts: So Far, So Good

It's been what...three weeks since the return of Dawn Scott to the THV anchor desk and they still all find room at it. THV News Director Mark Raines spoke with the Arkansas Times and had this to say about how things are going with the setup: “We’ve got six very talented people that we are working into our shows,” Raines said, “and it’s so far so good from our standpoint and from some viewer feedback we’ve received. It seems to be going pretty well.”

Clear Channel Announces Plan to Sell Radio Stations Outside the Top 100 Markets and Entire Television Station Group

Source: Clear Channel Press Release Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU) today announced plans to sell 448 of its 1,150 radio stations, all located outside the top 100 U.S. media markets, as well as the company’s 42-station Television Group. Collectively, these properties contributed less than 10 percent of the company’s revenues last year.

“Our decision to divest these broadcast properties was reached as a result of the ongoing optimization of our diverse portfolio of media assets,” said Mark Mays, Chief Executive Officer. “These are profitable and well-managed properties in excellent markets. We believe that the sale of these stations will allow us to position our business to provide even greater value to our listeners and shareholders.”

The radio stations scheduled for sale are located in 90 markets outside of the top-100 Arbitron Metros. The television stations are located in 24 small and mid-sized markets throughout the country.

New Website Coming for KARK

This from a tipster: "Have you heard that KARK will be getting a new website beginning next week?

The website will be more of a community portal than a typical TV website. It will go by the name of arkansasmatters.com

All Nexstar stations are in the process of converting the websites. I would estimate that you will see KNWA and KTAL do other similarly formatted websites around January."

Former Little Rock "On Your Side" Reporter Beaten in Pulaski County Sheriff's Race

Not much is on former Little Rock "On Your Side" reporter Dewayne Graham's side. Graham got beat by a wide margin in the race for Pulaski County Sheriff. Graham received 33,226 votes to Charles “Doc” Holladay's 73,977. Graham had this to say to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette," “I’m relieved and I’m disappointed,” Graham said. “I’m relieved because this has been a 15-month process and has taken a lot of time and energy on the part of a lot of people. “I do appreciate the fact that the voters have spoken, but I’m disappointed that the voters have spoken to the status quo,” he said. “But we did raise issues and we’re proud of it.”

Sound Off: Election Night Coverage

Alright let's hear what ya'll have to say about election night coverage.

KTAL Gets New Look Just in Time For November Book

WOW! Nexstar has spiffied up KTAL in time for the November sweeps. The station is sporting new graphics, a new set AND it has redone its website. The station really emphasizes the NBC peacock, in its station bug and it uses the peacock as a splash between stories.

MORE: Looks as though Nexstar has finally build a weather center for KTAL. It's the last station in Shreveport to have one. Wonder what their slogan will be? KSLA already has, "We track storms".

Scott Gets Interview With Huckabee

Just in time for sweeps, KTHV is promoting an interview to be aired with Governor Mike Huckabee. Recent THV re-hire, Dawn Scott, sat down with the governor. Will Arkansans learn what Huckabee plans to do in the future? The interview is set to air Monday night, during the 10pm newscast.

Trouble in NWA?

This from an insider: "KFTA working staff to the bone. Not enough people. It is having a hard time keeping reporters. One just left. Problems with production also is ongoing. KFTA is having to pull KNWA staff."

THV GM Larry Audas: We're Gonna Use Them All

Arkansas Business.com has a few comments from KTHV General Manager about the overabundance of anchors on air at the station. Audas tells AB.com,"“I guess an answer in its simplest form is that we’re using them all,” said Larry Audas, general manager at KTHV. “We’ve got an opportunity to take advantage of all the talent we’ve got and we’re not going to be confined by some prescribed, unwritten rule that says two anchors must sit behind the desk and that’s it.”"

Dawn's Debut on THV

Well my first reaction is Dawn Scott has changed since the last time she was on KTHV a number of years ago. Scott opened the newscast featured in a 5 minute lead story about getting ready for holiday shopping. I guess the biggest surprise for me was that the question of the day format has disappeared. I will say it has been awhile since I've actually had an opportunity to watch the five o'clock news period.

So what's your impression of Dawn Scott's debut? Post your comments.

6PM- At six, it looks like it's Dawn and Anne at the anchor desk. Hmmm..one can only wonder who will be on at 10. Andy is now the one that is reporting the news from the newsroom. My opinion is there are too many faces on the screen.

10pm- The anchor desk is full tonight with Dawn, Liz, Andy and Craig. No room at the desk so Ed had to stand up. How long will this last?

6 a Crowd?

As the THV webmasters continue working on the new website, the afternoon anchor banner has appeared at the top of the homepage. The new banner features all six of them that will be fsitting at the anchor desk. I ask the question, is there room for 6 people at the anchor desk? I guess we'll have to wait and see what it looks like on air before judging.

KLRT Anchor/Reporter Jumps Ship

This from a tipster: "No clue if you already know or not, but Kim Betton has left Fox16 for channel 4. She never signed a contract so there is no noncompete issue. She is already onboard and will be on air shortly."

> Arkansas TV News has confirmed Betton has joined KARK.

The Dawn of a Brand New Website at Today's THV

Looks like the return of Dawn Scott to the THV airwaves TODAY is not the only thing happening at THV as Channel 11 is currently working on a website renovation. A message at Today's THV.com states the web staff will be working on the site all day, converting the old format to the new.

New Anchor On Air at KSLA

Source: KSLA Press Release KSLA News 12 proudly welcomes a new member to the anchor line-up. News Director Jayne Ruben announced effective today that Shannon Royster has officially joined the KSLA News 12 Anchor Team. Ruben says, “Shannon is a seasoned journalist who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to KSLA News 12. She is a perfect fit, someone our viewers can rely on to uphold our mission of Coverage You Can Count On.”

Shannon comes to Shreveport from WCCB in Charlotte, North Carolina where she anchored the weekend newscasts and reported. Prior to that Shannon anchored the morning newscast at WTOC, a KSLA News 12 sister station located in Savannah, Georgia. She began her broadcast news career as a reporter/fill-in anchor at WICU in Erie, Pennsylvania. Shannon is a graduate of The Ohio State University and also has a Masters in Journalism from Kent State University. She was born and raised in Akron, Ohio.

“I am very proud to have Shannon join Carl on the anchor desk. She is an experienced journalist who knows how to handle breaking news and the other big stories of the day. Shannon and Carl make a great team” commented KSLA Vice/President and General Manager James Smith.

Ark-La-Tex viewers can see Shannon and Carl weekdays at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 10:00pm on KSLA News 12, Coverage You Can Count On.

Arkansas TV News reported the move FIRST a few weeks ago.

KAIT's Very Own Mr Rogers

The graphics department at KAIT had some fun with KAIT Chief Met Ryan Vaughan Tuesday night after wearing a sweater to work and on the air. Vaughan's co-workers dubbed him Mr Rogers during the weather segment Tuesday night. Vaughn posted the video on his weather blog.

Main Anchors MIA

I have received several e-mails asking where all the main Little Rock news anchors are. Christina Munoz from KATV, Jancey Sheets and Brett Cummings from KARK and Liz Massey from KTHV are all off. My explanation is November sweeps are on the way and management forced them to take the time off before sweeps period.

Familiar Name, New Face at KATV Sports Desk

The Arkansas Times Blog says Dale Nicholson, Jr made his debut at the sports anchor desk today. In watching one of the newscasts over the weekend I heard them introduce Nicholson. Will be watching the 10pm KATV newscast to see if he's at the desk tonight.

Nexstar's Campaign to Preserve Local TV

In the past weeks I have seen and gotten several e-mails wanting to know what the heck the "Preserve Local TV" spots have been about. Just today I ran across an article on the subject written by Nexstar owned KTAL's General Manager Scott Thomas. This article is from nwlanews.com:

"In the coming weeks and months the FCC will begin wrestling with the complex issue of media ownership. The question the FCC is seeking to answer: “How many TV stations can one company own?”

This issue is complex with billions of dollars and thousands of jobs hanging in the balance. The current regulations were originally drafted in 1953 and are to say the least, outdated.

Today’s complex world of ever changing telecommunications is well beyond the scope of the original legislators imaginations. These antiquated regulations are inadvertently limiting broadcasters’ ability to compete and must be changed.

Why should you care? Well.....if you like seeing local news you better care.

Can you imagine a time when you turned on your TV in search of Local News or weather and there was none — or there was just one local source.

This seems unthinkable. Maybe in the Middle East, or Europe, but not in the good ole US of A. Not in the vast 500 channel universe of National cable and satellite TV.

How could that happen? Is something like that even possible? As far fetched as that may sound, the answer is Yes.

Believe it or not this scenario is actually a reality for many Americans now. If the FCC doesn’t do something soon, more Americans will begin to see less local news. Currently, there are 15 TV markets that only have one news station and 113 markets that only have two news stations.

Why is local news at risk? The FCC is regulating it to death. Television news production is a very expensive proposition. In a medium sized market like ours, we invest well over two million dollars a year with over 40 employees to put a quality product on the air.

We can do that because we’re part of a financially healthy television group. Many weaker stations across the country have simply given up and gotten out of the news business.

This has happened in cities like St. Louis, Mo. and Billings, Mt. When the local stations are gone, what’s left? Fox news and CNN. How many interviews have you seen with your local Mayor on Fox News? Zero.

With so much at stake the debate is growing vociferous. There are those who argue against multiple station ownership. Special interest groups say media monopolies would arise and the public would be manipulated.

Fifty years ago that would have been a pretty good argument. But in this day and age it simply doesn’t hold water. Even if somebody wanted to hatch an Orwellian “Control the Media” conspiracy, it would be an impossible task. There’s just too much content for any one entity to control. Besides, a successful media monopoly would also have to control print and the worldwide web.

James Quello was an FCC Commissioner/Chairman for over 23 years. At the beginning of his tenure he was a staunch defender of media regulation. He says it’s time for change, “Telecommunications in America have drastically changed... thus necessitating a more practicable marketplace approach to government regulation and legislation.”

So why should the FCC change its rules and let companies own more stations? The answer is simple. It’s in the best interest of the people served by those stations.

Healthy ownership groups don’t abandon news. In fact, they embrace it. Since its creation ten years ago Nexstar Broadcasting Group, KTAL’s parent company, has brought news to eight stations that previously had no news product and increased news production in 25 other markets.

Here in our market we produce over a thousand hours of local news every year. In the process we employ over forty professionals. Those are good jobs that support forty families and pump money into our local economy.

In the end the decision is up to the FCC. I think responsible media groups are good for television. I think multiple station ownership will protect and improve local news. I think it will help stations improve their ability to bring more news to the people they serve. I think it will be good for America. If you think like I do, let your legislators know. Go to PreserveLocalTV.com and let your voice be heard."

Former KARK'er Looking to Reunite With Former Co-workers

This from the TV Spy WaterCool: "I am Bill Evans, former reporter / producer for KARK 85-89. Last weekend I caught up with Bill Sadler and Chuck Maulden--two former co-workers. We would like to get a little reunion going for former KARKers and others from LR TV."

Evans has posted a list of names of former co-workers AND an e-mail address in which those interested can get in contact with him.

KAIT Looking to Hire Web Producer

Looks as though KAIT is wanting to take its website to the next step by hiring a "web producer".

The advertisment for the position says, "KAIT-TV, one of the country's highest-rated television stations, is now expanding its resources on the web. Newly-created Web Producer position for the newsroom will focus on the station's extremely popular website. If you are CREATIVE, can handle hard-work, flexible hours and the unexpected, we want you. You must be a great writer. Your job will include managing news content, keeping it updated with compelling stories, video, and pictures to slideshows. Interview, write, edit, and report stories. Some shooting (mini-P2) may be needed. Work in newsroom environment where the website is part of the daily culture. Journalist should be able to find unique "day of" stories, ways to tell the story differently from what is on the TV broadcast. These stories must be able to have some shelf life-through storytelling, visuals and/or emotion. If you have great ideas of how to take an excellent website to the next level we want to hear from you."

Nielsen Update

This from a tipster: " Katie Nielsen is at the CW affiliate in Reno, NV. She's going to be an anchor on the station's brand new 10 PM newscast."

New Anchor Hired in NWA

Newsblues reports, "Doug Currin, primary news anchor at KSWT-13-CBS in Yuma, AZ (Market #167), moves to Nexstar's KNWA-24-NBC in Fayetteville, AR (Market #102) as senior reporter and fill-in anchor."

Former NWA Sports Anchor Lands in Texas

Former KFSM and KTHV sports anchor Eric Sullivan has landed at KYTX in Tyler, Texas. Sullivan starts his sports anchor/director job there tomorrow, Wednesday, October 18.

New KSLA Anchor Coming From WCCB-TV in Charlotte, NC

The webmaster for Charlotte Television.com tells Arkansas TV News Shannon Royster is headed to KSLA, Shreveport, to fill the vacant anchor chair. At WCCB, Royster anchored the 10pm weekend newscasts. Below is here bio from foxcharlotte.com:

"Shannon Royster was born and raised in Akron, Ohio but calls Charlotte home.

You can catch Shannon anchoring the weekend 10 o'clock newscasts and reporting throughout the week.

Previously, she anchored the morning and noon shows at WTOC in Savannah, GA.

Shannon is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Kent State University. She worked as a radio news anchor and a production assistant before landing her first on-air position as a reporter/fill-in anchor at WICU in Erie, PA.

Shannon is happily married, and she's a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority."

Switcharoo at KTBS and Will Former KSLA Anchor Michelle White Return After Former Boss Loses in Mayor's Office Primary?

This from an e-mailer: "I've noticed on KTBS that the weekend crew (Jodi Lowery, Jennifer Gray, etc) has been working on Fridays, while the weekday crew (Gerry May, Sheri Allen, etc) has been working on Sundays. Do you know why they have been switching out?

- The anchor position on KSLA.com has been removed... could this mean that Michelle White may be coming back, since Ed Bradley did not win in the Shreveport mayor primary election?"

White has been off the air a couple of months now...shall be interesting to see if she returns to her former seat at the anchor desk.

Coming Home THV Anchor Buys Half-A-Million Dollar Home

This from Sunday's Arkansas-Democrat/Gazette's real-estate transactions: Christopher H. Pope and Katherine Green-Pope to Steven S. and Dawn Jones $470,000.

Fort Smith Radio Host Headed to KFSM

This from an e-mailer: "KWHN-AM morning host Darren Bobb is headed to KFSM-TV. The following job posting came from KWHN Program Director Gary Elmore (his partner on "Arklahoma AM")

We have a rare opening at KWHN as our current co-host has gone on to become anchor and managing editor for the CBS TV affiliate in town.
Therefore, Clear Channel Fort Smith, Arkansas is looking for a Morning co-host for our top rated news talk station, KWHN. Duties also include Assistant PD, remote broadcasts, and commercial production, plus. If you are a team player, please send demo, references and resume to garyelmore@clearchannel.com

Clear Channel Radio is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Looks like he'll slide alongside Bridget at 5, 6, and 10."

KTHV'ers Applying for UALR PR Job?

This from a tipster: "Sources are telling me that since Amy Oliver Barnes is now teaching classes at UALR and left her post as the public information for the college, Andy Pearson and Mark Raines have applied for the position."

Reporter Leaves KARK

This from a tipster: "Katie Nielsen is no longer working at kark took another job out west won't tell anyone where."

Hearst-Argyle, Cox Continue Negotiations for Signal Carriage of KHBS/KHOG

Source: KHBS/KHOG -TV Press Release KHBS/KHOG -TV Channel 40/29 and KHBS-KHOG TV-DT Channels 15/21, which are among Ft. Smith/Fayetteville/Rogers’ leading analog and digital television stations, respectively, announced on Monday that the digital high definition signal of KHBS/KHOG DT is no longer being carried on Cox cable television systems.

The removal of the station’s digital signals from the Cox system is the result of unsuccessful negotiations between representatives of Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., KHBS/KHOG’s parent company, and Cox. Hearst-Argyle is seeking fair and reasonable terms from Cox in return for allowing Cox to carry KHBS/KHOG-DT’s programming and charge its subscribers for access to that programming.

So as not to inconvenience a large number of its viewers, Hearst-Argyle will allow Cox to continue to retransmit KHBS/KHOG-TV’s primary analog signal while the companies continue to work in good faith toward a resolution of retransmission consent terms. However, Cox has not agreed to terms with Hearst-Argyle for the carriage of KHBS/KHOG-DT’s valuable high-definition digital programming. Viewers may call Cox corporate headquarters at (404) 843-5000.

“We’re greatly disappointed that Cox could not arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution,” said Jim Prestwood, KHBS/KHOG-TV/DT president and general manager. “Our station is a leader in our market and we’ve made substantial investments to bring our viewers high definition digital programming. Cox has been actively promoting to current and prospective subscribers the addition of our digital channel to its lineup, for an additional monthly fee, and we’re certainly supportive of that. But they won’t come to terms with us on providing fair consideration for that right. To allow any re-distributor of our station’s digital signal to benefit economically from our efforts without providing us a reasonable contract for that right would be unacceptable for us.”

“We sincerely hope we and Cox can return to negotiations quickly so as not to deprive Cox cable customers of high definition programming,” Prestwood added. “However, our viewers can still receive our high-definition signal using an appropriate tuner or antenna.”

Former Little Rock Anchor Makes Debut on CNN

Former KTHV anchor T.J. Holmes debuted on CNN Saturday. Holmes is now the regular weekend morning co-anchor for CNN. Holmes joins several other former Little Rock news talents at CNN. The others include Randi Kaye and Susan Roesgen and a couple of behind the scenes people too.( I don't know their names but know that some work in the newsroom at CNN that once worked at in the Little Rock stations.)

Former KATV'er Back at 7?

This from an e-mail: "Betsy Pilgrim (Mars) showed up Thursday nite on KATV's Hog Report. Haven't seen her around in a few years. Since they couldn't get Dawn, they must have tried to recycle one of their former employees."

KARK to Air Gubernatorial Debate

This from KARK.com: "KARK, we are proud of our commitment to this very important election and we are pleased to have the opportunity to bring the third gubernatorial debate to the television audience in Arkansas.

The next debate will be on Tuesday October 17th - hosted by the Clinton School for Public Service.

KARK is the broadcast partner for this debate.

We will be at the Clinton School with our cameras to provide live coverage of this event.

The exact time of the debate and other important details will be announced very soon."

Couric Blasts Into Third Place

Source: DC Post CBS's Katie Couric-anchored newscast has fallen to third place in a three-way race for viewers among the broadcast evening newscasts, triggering an exuberant news release from CBS News marveling at Couric's unprecedented double-digit, across-the-board gains in her first month and celebrating her victory over the decades-old ratings curse that has plagued new anchors.

The multimillion-dollar campaign to launch Couric as anchor of the perennially third-place "CBS Evening News" delivered two weeks in which Couric's was the most-watched newscast. It opened with more than 10 million viewers and settled -- not unexpectedly -- down to about 7.9 million the second week.

Couric's slide continued in Week 3; she finished in second place with about 7.7 million viewers, behind perennial evening news winner Brian Williams, who logged about 8.2 million on NBC.

And, while final numbers on Couric's fourth week in office will come out today, it appears from preliminary stats that she has fallen to third place with about 7.5 million viewers, behind Williams's 8.2 million and Charles Gibson's 7.6 million at ABC. To get there, Williams and Gibson held firm week to week, while Couric continued to shed some viewers.

CBS News noted that last week Couric was still in first place among the 25-to-54-year-olds advertisers try to reach with news programming. In that demographic group, Couric tied Williams, and they were one-tenth of a ratings point ahead of Gibson.

In its news release, CBS slapped Couric on the back for reversing the "historic pattern of first-month losses when anchors change."

"The ratings history of network evening news anchor changes reveals a clear pattern of audience loss in the first month versus the same period a year earlier," CBS News said. "Compared to the five anchor changes of the past two decades, Couric has dramatically reversed that pattern with the broadcast's remarkable growth."

Fire on the Set

This from an e-mailer about an incident during KATV's Sunday evening newscast: "I dont know if u have heard about this or not but on Sunday during the five o'clock news while Todd was doing the weather, a key light shorted out at the chroma key wall causing a minor fire. What was funny was that Todd just kept on going while no more than three feet away from him, the plug is shooting sparks out of it and melting itself to the wall. You could actually hear the light shorting out even while Todd was sitting at the desk talking to Pam.

Fired News Anchor Sues KFSM

Source: Times Record A former television news anchor has filed a lawsuit accusing a Fort Smith television station of firing him in breach of his contract.

Tim Malone filed the suit Monday in Sebastian County Circuit Court against KFSM-TV, a division of New York Times Broadcasting Holdings.

The suit states that in September 2004 Malone was hired by KFSM as “an anchor, co-anchor and/or staff newsperson, newscaster, writer, reporter, photographer, producer and editor.”

Malone, a Crawford County resident, alleges he entered into a contract with KFSM that was to expire in December 2007, but on March 8 he was fired without cause, in violation of the contract. He claims the firing cost him $116,400 in wages.

KFSM General Manager Van Comer said Monday that it is the station’s policy not to comment on personnel matters.

Rogers attorney Kristin Pawlik is representing Malone, who is asking for lost wages, consequential damages — that is, damages sustained as a consequence of the firing — plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs.

Contract in the Works to Bring CW to NWA

Source: NWA Times Cox Communications customers will be without the CW Network until the new network signs a contract for its programming to air in Northwest Arkansas.

“ The situation is still in negotiation on who the carrier will be, ” said Kelly Zega, Cox community relations manager for Arkansas. “ Aside from Cox, there’s still the decision from CW on who will be the local affiliate, so right now, we’re not in a position to obtain programming. ”

Zega said CW’s pending decision affects Cox customers throughout Arkansas, except for residents in Harrison and Berryville, who receive service from Springfield, Mo.

KTHV Not Sure How Things Will Flow When Dawn Scott Returns

KTHV General Manager Larry Audas tells Arkansas Business he's not for certain how things will flow when Dawn Scott returns November 1:

"KTHV General Manager Larry Audas said last week that even though the pregnant Scott and her husband are expected to complete their move back to central Arkansas “any day now,” the station is still not sure how things will flow with KTHV’s current staff of weeknight anchors, Andy Pearson and Liz Massey.

“We’re going to sit down in the next few weeks and figure out how best to handle the situation,” said Audas. “Dawn’s main concern was getting back on the air this fall instead of waiting until after the baby arrives.”"

No Mayor's Office for Former Shreveport TV Exec and Anchor

In watching the results of the Shreveport Mayor's election tonight, it looks as though former KTBS anchor/reporter Liz Swaine and former KSLA General Manager Ed Bradley WILL NOT be on the ticket in November. With 99 percent of the votes in, Swaine came in 3rd while Bradley pulled up the rear. Swaine had been a long time staff member in the mayor's office. Bradley resigned as GM of KSLA to enter the race.

KATV's GM Hires Grandson for 7's Sports Department

ATN has received several e-mails saying the KATV GM Dale Nicholson's grandson has been hired to fill the vacancy in the sports department.

Autopsy Finds No Evidence Of Drugs, Alcohol In Eells

Source: Associated Press An autopsy report showed longtime University of Arkansas sportscaster Paul Eells had no alcohol or drugs in his system when he died in a traffic crash on Interstate 40.

Eells was killed July 31 when his car crossed the median at Russellville and hit another vehicle. The other driver, Billie Jo Burton of Dover, also was killed.

An associate state medical examiner, Dr. Frank Peretti, conducted the autopsy at the request of Eells' wife. Vickie Eells authorized Peretti to release the autopsy results. Peretti conducted the autopsy one day after Eells' death and found no indication of drugs or alcohol.

Been working on the road the last two days. Hopefully blogging will get back to normal soon.

Poll of the Week Returns

Thought I'd begin the weekly pool feature again. This week's poll deals with the return of Dawn Scott to KTHV in November. Will Dawn's return to KTHV help the station gain viewers? Take the poll!

KATV Debuts "Seven News Now"

KATV has debuted Seven News Now, a 24/7 stream of news and info available via the internet and its digital over the air signal. According the faq page, "Anyone with a digital receiver that can receive KATV with an antenna can turn to Channel 7-2 to view KATV News Now. Anyone with internet access via KATVnewsNOW.com."

Couric Raises Ratings for CBS O&Os

Source: Media Week CBS is touting the Couric effect for its local TV stations. Since the debut two weeks ago of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, 16 of CBS' 21 owned-and-operated CBS stations saw ratings jump for both the national news broadcast and their local programming, the company said Tuesday.

Collectively, household ratings for the Evening News on the 16 stations between Sept. 5 and Sept. 15 were up 44 percent, compared to the same two week period last year. Strongest gains were posted in New York on WCBS (up 67 percent); Los Angeles on KCBS (up 68 percent); Chicago on WBBM (up 65 percent); Philadelphia on KYW (up 58 percent); Boston on WBZ (up 60 percent); San Francisco on KPIX (up 33 percent) and Dallas on KTVT (up 44 percent).

Several CBS O & Os also saw ratings increases for their local newscasts, on average up 6 percent. MORE

A Channel Seven Rant

I will get accused of not being fair by the people at KATV but come on here, YOU'VE TAKEN EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND OFF AT 10:30PM!! Just another bad move on your part KATV! Raymond was the only reason to watch even a little of KATV Nightside.

Pearson on the Way Out at KTHV?

A tipster tells ATN, "Looks like Andy Pearson will be out when Dawn comes back."

THV announced several weeks ago former KTHV anchor Dawn Scott will return, thus leaving someone without a chair at the anchor desk. Many had assumed that whoever the person was that got the boot from the weekday evening anchor chair would take over the vacancy on the weekend. But as we all know now a replacement has already been found.

Scott is set to return to the THV anchor desk November 1st.

New Producer on the Way for KATV's Daybreak?

This from a tipster: "Evidently, KATV is looking for a new producer for Daybreak, and they are thinking about giving it to one of the PAs that work on the show. However, Jason Harper and Melinda Mayo are not big fans of these PA's."

Backpack Journalist's Trail Leads to Weekend Anchor Desk

ATN can confirm a tip that KTHV Backpack Journalist Mike Duncan has been promoted to the position of weekend anchor at the station. Duncan joined KTHV in June of this year to become the Little Rock market's first Backpack Journalist. The weekend position has been filled the last number of months by several anchor/reporters at THV following the dismissal of Win Noble.

KFSM-TV Looking for New Owner

Source: Associated Press The New York Times Co. said Tuesday that it intends to sell its group of nine network-affiliated TV stations in order to concentrate on its newspaper and digital businesses.
Chief Executive Janet L. Robinson said in a statement that while the stations were profitable and well-run, the sales would “allow us to sharpen our focus on developing our newspaper and rapidly growing digital businesses, and the synergies between them.”

The stations accounted for 4 percent of the company’s revenue last year. The Times said the station group is expected to have revenue of about $150 million this year and operating profit of about $33 million.

The stations being sold by the Times include:

-WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, an NBC affiliate

-KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, Ark., a CBS affiliate

-WHNT-TV in Huntsville, Ala., CBS affiliate

-WREG-TV in Memphis, Tenn., a CBS affiliate

-WQAD-TV in Moline, Ill., an ABC affiliate

-WTKR-TV in Norfolk, Va., CBS affiliate

-KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, Okla., an NBC affiliate

-KAUT-TV in Oklahoma City, Okla., a MyNetworkTV affiliate, and

-WNEP-TV in Scranton, Penn., an ABC affiliate.

Yet ANOTHER KATV'er to KARK

This from a tipster: "From Spots and Dots....Mark Renner has returned to Little Rock as Sales Manager of KARK-TV. The one-time Petry rep had been NSM of KATV in that market prior to taking on other sales management positions at Jefferson Pilot Sports and Univision."

ADG- KTHV to Reap Rewards from CBS Evening News with Katie Couric

Source: Arkansas Democrat/Gazette The only Arkansas angle to be found in Tuesday night’s debut of Katie Couric at the helm of the CBS Evening News was how smoothly her exit strategy - a warm smile and an authoritative shuffle of papers that were probably totally superfluous to her news delivery - segued into the 6 p.m. Arkansas broadcast of Today’s KTHV-TV, Channel 11. It led with anchorwoman Anne Jansen’s furrowed-brow account of a stray bullet that found its way into a child’s wrist over the weekend at Magic Springs.

Channel 11 is certain to reap some rewards from Couric, its new tent-pole lead-in, still grappling with her reluctantly accepted feminist mantle just as Channel 11 grapples with what to do with its increasingly feminized lineup of A-list anchors: The station soon will have Jansen, Dawn Scott and Liz Massey and barely enough news broadcasts to go around.

For her part, Couric seemed to arch an eyebrow at the implication that she should debeautify and debronze before staring into the unblinking CBS eye: The bright white of her blazer amplified how not-white Couric’s skin is.

It is probably a reflection of the still-unlevel male/female playing field that her opening segment evoked the cadence of Carrie Bradshaw’s old “I couldn’t help but wonder... ” voice-overs from Sex and the City: Introducing a meaty and exclusive report on the resurgence of the Taliban, Couric posited, “But in the war on terror, you have to wonder: Is it back to the drawing board?” (If a man had said it, nobody would have thought of Sarah Jessica Parker.)

Couric courts the treachery of the “cute” label - certainly more the province of girlishness than boyishness - when she introduces some tinkering to her Tiffany-network product by announcing, “Something new for the evening news - besides me.” We can’t remember Brian Williams being quite so self-referential in quite the same playful way when he took over for Tom Brokaw. But that has more to do with personality than sex. Worth noting will be how Channel 11 follows the lead of its lead-in and tries to make news-watching an event: Whether you find her a diva or a deliverance, when the halfhour is up, Couric has made the evening news interesting again in a way that nobody has done since Jon Stewart.

Another Former KATV'er Pops up on KARK

First it was former KATV'er Matt Mosler and now former KATV sports anchor Jeff Wingfield is now on KARK on Friday night's contributing to the station's high school football coverage. If I'm not mistaken, Wingfield left KATV to go into ministry work.

And speaking of KARK high school football coverage, it looks as though the station has put together a pretty good sports page, featuring scores and online video highlights.

KHBS-KHOG’S Digital Signal Carriage May Be Discontinued On Cox System

Source: KHBS-KHOG-TV KHBS-KHOG-TV (Channels 40/29) and KHBS-KHOG-DT (Channels 15/21), the Fort Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Roger’s leading analog and digital television stations, respectively, today announced that the digital high definition signal of KHBS-KHOG-DT may no longer be carried on Cox cable television systems effective October 1, 2006, if the parties are unable to conclude retransmission-consent negotiations currently underway.

The removal of the station’s digital signals from the Cox system will only result if negotiations between representatives of Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., KHBS-KHOG TV’s parent company, and Cox are unsuccessful in reaching a conclusion before October 1, 2006. Hearst-Argyle is seeking fair and reasonable terms from Cox in return for allowing Cox to carry KHBS-KHOG-DT’s programming and charge its subscribers for that programming. So as not to inconvenience a large number of its viewers, Hearst-Argyle currently anticipates that it will allow Cox to continue to retransmit KHBS-KHOG-TV’s primary analog signal while the companies continue to work in good faith toward a resolution of retransmission consent terms. Hearst-Argyle will decline to permit Cox, however, also to carry KHBS-KHOG-DT’s valuable high-definition digital programming if Cox refuses to complete a long-term contract governing the carriage of it.

“We’re greatly disappointed that Cox has yet to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution,” said Jim Prestwood, KHBS-KHOG-TV/DT president and general manager. “Our station is a leader in our market and we’ve made substantial investments to bring our viewers high definition digital programming. Cox has been actively promoting to current and prospective subscribers the addition of our digital channel to its lineup, and charging its subscribers a premium for our high-definition signals. We’re certainly supportive of their adding and promoting our high-definition programming. But they won’t come to terms with us on providing fair consideration for that right. To allow any re-distributor of our station’s digital signal to benefit economically from our efforts without providing us a reasonable contract for that right would be unacceptable for us.” “We sincerely hope we and Cox can conclude our negotiations before October 1 so as not to deprive any of our respective viewers and customers of high definition programming,” Prestwood added.

KTAL Texarkana Bureau Chief Leaves

This from a tipster: "KTAL TV Texarkana Bureau Chief Jason CLark has left the station after four years. His last day was Friday. Heard he was headed to Houston to work outside of business."

KATV Weekend Sports Anchor Gone

This from a tipster: "Justin Acri is the new program director @ 103.7 The Buzz in Little Rock as of next Monday."

According to his bio at KATV.com, Acri joined the KATV News Team in September 1998 as a General Assignment Reporter. He was also the ARSN Radio Broadcast Team's pre-game & post-game reporter which he began in 1999. In 2001, Justin joined the Saturday Daybreak crew as co-host and in 2003 became the Weekend Sports Anchor.

It's A New Day at KARK

So what does everyone think of the new KARK morning program? I had a chance to catch a total of one hour of the program the last two days and think KARK just might be on the right track.

Former KTAL Trouble Shooter Pops up on CNN

Former KTAL-6/Shreveport Trouble Shooter Rich DeMuro is now Senior Editor for CNET.com. Many tv news viewers, including me, in the Ark-La-Tex were surprised to see DeMuro on CNN's American Morning Thursday. I recieved several e-mails reporting the sighting. DeMuro left KTAL in June of last year to become an anchor for Channel One, the school news channel. Apparently DeMuro was part of the staff cuts this past spring when Channel One moved its operations.

KFTA Officially Becomes FOX 24

This from a tipster: "KFTA-TV has made the switch to Fox affiliation (myfox24.com). Also, word has it that KPBI, the area's old Fox station, will become a My Network TV station and KFDF, the old UPN station, will pick up with the CW. Also, Cox Communications has dropped both of those stations from their cable systems in Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith area. If all of that isn't enough, Equity has filed a complaint with the FCC over the sale of KFTA to Mission Broadcasting. Looks like we have a bit of drama up in our part of the state."

Video Now available on KARK.com

Looks as though KARK is now getting into the online video game. KARK here recently has started providing video as the story was presented during its newscast.

Hogs' Helmets Initialed for Eells

Source: Whole Hog Sports Along with the Razorback on the side, Arkansas’ helmets will have the letters “P. E.” on them this season in memory of Paul Eells.

Eells, who died July 31 in a car accident, was the Razorbacks’ play-by-play announcer the previous 28 seasons. He also was host of the football and basketball coaches shows during that span.

Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt said the day after Eells died that he would be honored by the team this season, and it was decided having his initials on the Razorbacks’ helmets is the most appropriate way.

“Somebody that special, somebody as dear to the program as Paul Eells, you want to do something to remember him,” Nutt said. “To represent Paul Eells in just a small way means a lot.

THV Welcomes Home Dawn Scott

Source: KTHV.com Dawn Scott, a popular news anchor at Today’s THV from 1995 to 2002, is returning to the station to anchor its weeknight newscasts. The station announced Scott’s return to the staff Monday morning.

“I am so excited to be returning to Arkansas and Today’s THV,” said Scott. “I left the state four years ago, but my heart never left.”

Scott and her husband, Scott Jones, moved to Seattle, Washington in 2002 where he attended a residency program for anesthesiology. He will soon be practicing in Little Rock. While in Seattle, Scott worked at KIRO-TV where she was a reporter and fill-in anchor and also worked in pharmaceutical sales.

“The television news business is what I love and I look forward to telling the Arkansas stories that I care about,” Scott said.

“Who says you can never go home again? Dawn is coming home and her many TV friends and viewers are just as excited as her family here in Arkansas,” Today’s THV President and General Manager Larry Audas said. “Beyond that, Dawn will resume a lead news anchor role in the market, providing THV viewers the best journalism and local news coverage every day. I couldn’t be happier for Dawn, our viewers and the folks here at THV who will be able to work with her again.”

Today’s THV News Director Mark Raines said Dawn’s impact will be evident beyond the anchor desk.

“Dawn is a top-notch journalist and viewers will watch her because of the credibility she brings to the newscast,” said Raines. “But they’ll also grow to love Dawn because of her commitment to the state and the way that she gets involved in the community. I’m excited that she’s back home and a part of our family again.”

Speaking of family, Scott’s personal family is about to expand. She and her husband are expecting their first child, a boy, in December.

“My husband and I were both raised in Arkansas, and this is where we want to raise our family,” Scott said. “We want to be surrounded by family and friends that share the same values.”

Scott attended Hall High in Little Rock and graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., in 1993.

Her first day on the air will be November 1.

KATV Names Steve Sullivan Sports Director

Source: KATV Press Release KATV, the ABC affiliate in Little Rock, Arkansas, today announces the enhancement of its already dominant Arkansas Razorback sports coverage. Steve Sullivan, long-time sports anchor, has been named Sports Director and the television station is opening a permanent sports bureau in Fayetteville.

Sullivan has been a part of the KATV sports team since 1998, and has been covering Arkansas sports as an anchor and reporter for more than 20 years. The host of the highly successful SportsWeek and Friday Night Touchdowns is a two-time Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year.

“KATV has been the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks for the past 40 years,” KATV President and General Manager Dale Nicholson says, “and we are proud to continue that history of award winning Razorback coverage with Steve Sullivan.”

“Paul Eells can never be replaced, but I am honored for the opportunity to walk in his footsteps and continue KATV’s dedication to the Hogs,” says Sullivan.

Channel Seven Sports will also carry on the legacy of sports excellence by opening a full-time bureau in Fayetteville, dedicated to daily Razorback reports. Hog Central will be led by KATV reporter and former sports anchor-reporter Rusty Jackson.

“As an Arkansas native, I grew up a fan of KATV’s Razorback coverage and I am excited to be a part of it,” says Jackson.

Jackson is no stranger to the Razorbacks. He is a University of Arkansas graduate and spent more than two years covering the Razorbacks as a sports anchor and reporter in northwest Arkansas. Ironically, Jackson’s first assignment will not be in Fayetteville. He is in Los Angeles today covering USC’s preparations for Saturday’s game against Arkansas.

News Director Randy Dixon says he is excited about the new opportunities that the bureau will allow, “The close proximity to the Hog headquarters will increase the scope of our coverage, but it will not be limited to the state. We’ll go wherever the Hogs take us.”

On the road...will return late Tuesday evening.

What's Happening at 11?

The Arkansas Times blog says KTHV will hold a news conference Monday, Aug 28 at 11am to make a 'big announcement'. Rumor is the announcement will be that former KTHV anchor Dawn Scott is headed back to 11 anchor chair. I will be out of town Monday, so someone please post the news here in the comments section.

KATV Dominates July Book

I can hear the talk now, KTHV and KARK GM's say July ratings book is unimportant BUT the KATV people will disagree as July found it at the top of all time periods. Below are highlights of an article from Arkansas Business.com about the July book:

> KATV saw a wide victory gap at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., but it still has KTHV on its tail at 10 p.m., even though the lead was slightly expanded. Channel 7 also scored well at 6 a.m. by edging out KTHV in its traditional area of timeslot dominance.

KATV pulled a 6 rating and 26 share at 6 a.m., while KTHV was close behind with a 5 rating and 25 share. KARK’s 2 rating and 10 share in the slot will soon be getting some backup as Rogala has made a realignment.

> KATV reasserted its early evening dominance by more than doubling up both KTHV and KARK at both 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Channel 7 pulled down a 13 rating and 31 share at 5 p.m. and a 13 rating and 28 share at 6 p.m. KTHV and KARK hovered near a second-place tie at both time periods with an average of a 6 rating and 13 share.

> KATV and KTHV have duked it out at 10 p.m., with both stations trading leads over the last six books but ultimately standing in a near tie in the coveted news period.

KATV earned a 10 rating and 24 share while KTHV was still close behind with a 9 rating and 21 share. KARK came in third with a 6 rating and 13 share.

Shreveport Business Man Arrested Accused of Assaulting KSLA News Employees

Source: KSLA.com Two KSLA News 12 employees become a news story - while covering a news story Wednesday night.

Thomas Milam, owner of Milam Kars, a Bossier City car dealership, is caught on camera assaulting a News 12 photographer and verbally assaulting a News 12 reporter.

Sara gouedy was in Benton Wednesday night at the Bossier Parish courthouse covering Milam's aggravated assault trial.

Milam was acquitted on those charges Wednesday, but on his way out of the courthouse, it was what he said and did to a News 12 crew that landed him in jail again.

For his actions - Benton Police chief Charles Pilkinton says Milam is charged with simple assault, simple battery and property damage.

New KARK Morning Team Revealed

Just got back from the land of no internet AND several tipsters have e-mailed saying that KARK is now airing promos of their new morning team. It looks as though Matt Mosler will be making his way back to the Arkansas morning airwaves AND Melissa Simas, Tracy Douglass, and Mike Francis will be along side of him in the mornings on KARK. This could be a good move on KARK's part, bringing in Matt with a big following in Arkansas with it all being made even bigger by KATV giving him the boot several years ago. If I have my info right, Matt and Melissa should began their new jobs the fist week in September.

KTBS Now Offering 24/7 VIDEO Webcast

It's a first for the Shreveport TV News Market, KTBS/Channel 3 now offers a 24/7 video webcast. If I'm not mistaken, it's what you will find broadcasting on 3's digital tv signal.

KLRT Touting Increase in Viewers for 9pm Newscast

Arkansas Business.com reports KLRT/16 GM Chuck Spohn is proudly touting the 33 percent growth ( over July 2005) of KLRT's "Fox News at Nine" newscast in last months book. AB.com says, "Spohn also hinted that KLRT had pulled even with KARK-TV, Channel 4, “in all key demos,” he said."

Democrat/Gazette Offers KTHV Video

Not sure how long the link has been there but noticed it today, Arkansasonline.com, the web home of the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette, now offers video from KTHV. I remember a while back the AD/G was advertising for a videographier position BUT I guess it decided to partner up with KTHV instead.

Can We Say Spellcheck?

This from a tipster: "The attached image is a screen-capture from Channel 7 News during their 10 PM broadcast on Thursday the 17th of August. A Sherwood Police detective was suspended and demoted after admitting having sexual contact with a woman in his patrol car. During Channel 7's report, they used the headline "interanal" at the top of the screen as you'll see in the attachment. Funny typo considering the subject matter being presented. "

Former KARK'er Sighted in The Rock?

Here's something to make one say hmmm....considering the rumors of the last several days:

This from a tipster: "Just wondering if you had heard anything about former KARK reporter/weekend Anchor Lyndall Stout? I thought she had moved away, but I thought saw her at PF Changs in LR last night with a small child in tow. maybe you could do a where are they now?"

At last account Stout was the 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. anchor at WBRE/Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Former KTHV Anchor Joins CNN

Former KTHV-11 anchor TJ Holmes will be joining CNN as weekend anchor in September. Holmes will be taking over the position now filled by Tony Harris. Harris will become a daily daytime anchor for CNN in September. Currently Holmes is an anchor for NBC 11-San Jose/San Francisco/Oakland, California.

Who's Coming Back To KARK Mornings

Anybody have the scoop WHO is coming back to KARK mornings? KARK is currently running promos about the mystery?

Update: Maybe I should have checked my tip box. A tipster says, "Melissa Simas to replace Barbara Roberts as morning show anchor at KARK-4."

Additional: Another tipster sent in this: "Barbara Roberts told KARK morning show viewers that today was her last morning show because of a "high-risk" pregnancy. She'll know be doing the noon show and health segments."

Tipster: Hiring Has Begun for KFTA

This from a tipster: "KNWA Hired Mary Marsh and another reporter to start back its Fort Smith KFTA office. "

KNWA Promotes Reporter to Anchor

Source: KNWA Press Release KNWA-TV today announced the promotion of Ginny Barksdale from General Assignment Reporter to Anchor of ‘KNWA Today’ – the station’s morning newscast. She replaces Dana Sargent, who is moving to anchor KFTA-TV’s Fox 24 News at 9:00pm. The announcement was made by Blake Russell, Vice President and General Manager of the television station.

“We did a nation-wide search for someone to replace Dana,” said Mr. Russell. “but after going through application after application, the perfect person to do the job was already here at the station.”

"This is a terrific opportunity for me to move so quickly from reporting to anchoring," said Mrs. Barksdale. "I’m honored that my managers believed in me enough that they offered me the position and that I get this chance to represent KNWA."

Mrs. Barksdale started at KNWA in March. She’s a native of Hamburg, AR and has a degree is Broadcast Journalism from the University of Arkansas. She worked at KATV and Fox 16 in Little Rock before moving to Northwest Arkansas and KNWA. She’s married to Alan Barksdale, an investment banker based in Little Rock. Razorback Fans will also be happy to know her uncle, Louis Campbell is a football coach at the U of A and she has two cousins who are former players.

KNWA Hires New Razorback Nation Anchor

Source: KNWA Press Release KNWA-TV announced the hiring of Jesse Abdenour today as its newest member of the Razorback Nation Team. He replaces Matt Turner, who was recently promoted to the news desk. The announcement was made by Blake Russell, Vice President and General Manager of the television station.

“Jesse has a huge passion for sports,” said Mr. Russell. “He’s also very interested in moving to an area and to a television station that put such a large emphasis on the Razorbacks as we do.”

"Before coming to Arkansas for the interview, I didn’t know very much at all about the area," said Mr. Abdenour. "But when I got here and they showed me the university, Dickson Street, Pinnacle Hills and the rest of Northwest Arkansas, I knew people here have something going. And then when I saw how many resources KNWA puts into covering the Razorbacks, I knew, this was the job for me."

“We looked long and hard to find the right person for this unique opportunity,” said Bo Mattingly, Sports Director at KNWA. “After spending time with Jesse, we knew he was the guy that would help us keep delivering consistent excellence day in and day out.”

Mr. Abdenour will also anchor sports for KARK-TV in Little Rock.

He comes to NWA from Rockford, IL where he’s Sports Director at WREX-TV. He’s also worked at stations in Columbus, OH, Moline, IL and Rochester, MN. He’s originally from Seattle and graduated from Ohio University. When he's not working, Mr. Abdenour says he likes play tennis, golf and baseball. He’s also a video game fan as well as a Seinfeld rerun watcher. Most importantly, he's a sports fan. "I like sports and I like to talk about sports, so [working in sports broadcasting] it’s a good fit."

All Shook up in NWA

This from a tipster: "More movin' & shakin in NWA: Dena Drabek, Harriet Vaughn & Jennah Kester all leaving KFSM."

Eells: ASP Releases Accident Report

Source: KATV Arkansas State Police released their final report on Monday’s fatal car crash that killed Paul Eells and B.J. Burton. The accident happened near Russellville. Paul was returning home from Fayetteville.

State police say there was nothing surprising in the report. Results from toxicology tests could be back in the next few days. The accident happened along Interstate 40 west in the far west bound lanes. The report indicates both vehicles were traveling at or near the speed limit.

A data recorder inside Paul's vehicle has been analyzed and indicates Paul was driving with his cruise control and it was never turned off. It also appears breaks were never applied. His car crossed the center line, through the median and into west bound traffic, hitting Burton's vehicle in the inside lane. State police say neither driver reacted. The question that still remains is what caused Paul to cross the center lane. State Police say it may never be known.

Nexstar Files Extension to Increase DTV Power

Nexstar, the parent company of KARK/Little Rock and KTAL/Shreveport, is asking the FCC to grant them an extension in the deadline to up the power for some of its station's DTV signal. KTAL is one of those stations. Nexstar says can't afford to make the needed upgrades at the moment. Read the full letter HERE.

No Television Coverage of Eells Funeral

KATV just reported the Eells family requested no televising of the funeral of Paul Eells. Services are to be held Friday, 2pm at Robinson Center Auditorium in Little Rock. It is open to the public. There will be no parking downtown in Little Rock. Free shuttles will run from War Memorial Stadium beginning at noon Friday. Robinson Centers seats around 2500 with an overflow room to be opened that will seat around 1000.

Turner Makes Debut Anchoring the News

A tipster says Matt Turner made his on air debut as the news anchor at KNWA Monday. KNWA named Turner to the position in early July.

I can't believe I was out working out of town when the biggest story in Little Rock TV news occured. And to boot, it looks like I will be in the same town a couple of nights a week for the next month or two with no internet access at any of the hotels in town. Anyway I did catch the many Paul Eells tributes on the different Little Rock TV stations. Of course KATV did a great job putting together and paying tribute to a member of their family. Really liked how they got reaction from the many former KATV employees. KARK also did an outstanding job, as it did dedicate the majority of its 10pm news Tuesday to paying tribute to Eells. KTHV paid far less attention to the story as it did air some coverage in its 10pm newscast but went on with other news items of the day. Please comment on your reaction to the coverage by the Little Rock stations. Was it too much coverage by KARK and KTHV?

Voice of the Razorbacks Dies in Car Accident

Source: KATV.com Paul Eells, the "voice of the Razorbacks" whose trademark "Touchdown, Arkansas!" call endeared him to generations of sports fans, is dead after a head-on collision on Interstate 40 at Russellville. State police said the accident last night at 8:13 pm also took the life of the other driver, Billy J. Burton of Dover.

The 70-year-old Eells had served as sports director of Little Rock television station KATV for nearly three decades and also delivered play-by-play coverage of Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball for radio and television.

Scoring plays weren't the only events that drew a characteristic response from Eells.
Viewers or listeners perked up when they heard him utter the mild exclamation "Oh, my!" because they knew something interesting had happened on the field or the court.

A police report said Eells' car, eastbound near the Arkansas 331 exit from I-40, crossed the median and collided in the westbound lanes with a car driven by the 40-year-old Burton.

The report said she and Eells were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Eells was returning to his home at Little Rock after participating in a golf tournament for sports figures and the media at Fayetteville. KATV said he had also interviewed Arkansas Football Coach Houston Nutt during the visit to northwest Arkansas.

Eells, a West Branch, Iowa, native, joined KATV in 1978.

He was named Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year eleven times and was also honored several times with an Associated Press award for bestsports play-by-play.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, he began his broadcast career with radio station KOKX in Keokuk, Iowa, as an announcer. He then moved to WMT in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, andfrom there to WSM radio and television in Nashville, Tennessee, where he did play-by-play for Vanderbilt until coming to Arkansas in 1978.

Governor Huckabee is calling for state flags to fly at half staff on the day of Paul Eells' funeral and for prayers for Eells' family. Paul Eells was 70 years old.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Robinson Center Auditorium in Little Rock. It is open to the public. Paul Eells' family requests memorials be made to the Paul Eells Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 10689, Conway, AR 72034.

Behind the Scenes People Gone at KATV?

This from a tipster: "I heard KATV lost their assignment editor, morning show producer, 11:30am producer, and 5pm producer on Friday. Is this true? If it is.... what's going on there?"

Former KFSM Anchor Pops up in Texas

This from a tipster: "Tim Malone, former anchor for KFSM-TV 5, has appeared in the anchor chair in Sherman, Texas, on KTEN. Does this mean he was able to get the DWI charges dropped and get out of Arkansas?"

KTHV Number One in Nation in Big Brother Streaming Test

CBS conducts a test with affiliates testing Big Brother streaming on
sites...

KTHV #1 in nation in Big Brother Streaming Test beating LA and DC
markets.

Four (4) Gannett stations in the CBS Top 10 for the Big Brother affiliate test. KTHV #1 & WLTX #2. WMAZ #6 & WFMY #10. WUSA #17 & WTSP #26. 40 stations participating. Our six (6) affiliates (15% of sample group) are responsible for 28% of all referrals in this latest report.

Source: Gannet Press Release

Some New Yorker's Not Liking Sullivan

From this thread in the TV Spy Watercooler, some New York TV viewers aren't impressed with former KATV'er Kate Sullivan so far. Sullivan left KATV a couple of months ago for WCBS in The Big Apple.

Former KTHV Weekend Anchor Goes On the Record About His Disorders

In Friday's Arkansas Democrat Gazette's Paper Trail's column, former weekend KTHV anchor Win Noble tells about his struggle with obsessive-compulsive and bipolar disorders. To his viewers, Noble says, “I hope they are able to forgive me if they feel I’ve done them wrong.”
“The person they invited into their home is still that person. I didn’t do something that couldn’t have easily ended with an apology from me.”

Read the full article HERE.

Noble lost his job this spring after a fight at a Little Rock night club.

Sams Signs Three Year Deal with 11

This from Wednesday's Paper Trials column in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette: "Longtime TV news anchorman B.J. Sams continues his run on local TV; he’s just signed a new three-year contract with KTHV, Channel 11. " According to his bio KTHV.com, Sams has been in broadcasting more than 50 years and at KTHV since 1982.

KTHV, KARK to Pre-empt Daytime Soaps for LT Governor's Funeral

KARK and KTHV will cover the funeral of Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller LIVE Thursday. HERE's KARK's schedule for Thursday:

The following is our schedule for Thursday : 12:00pm - 1:00pm KARK 4 Midday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm Rockefeller Memorial Service, 2:00pm-3:00pm Days of Our Lives, 3:00pm - 4:00pm Passions, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Judge Judy.

> KTHV will also broadcast the service LIVE on the web. THV.com features a comprehensive memorial page with dozens of links to browse through. Also worth noting, KTHV is streaming video of Rockeller's body lying in state at the Capitol. Watch HERE.

No word IF KATV will air the service.

NWA May Numbers

Arkansas Business.com has the May ratings for the station in NWA. Below are the highlights from the article:

> KHBS+ (which includes KHBS, Channel 40 in Fort Smith, and KHOG, Channel 29 in Fayetteville) had a 9.3 rating at 10 p.m. for Washington, Benton and Madison counties combined. KNWA had a 5.5 rating during the same time slot, down from 7.4 in November, but still beating KFSM, Channel 5, which had a 4.6 rating.

> KFSM was the clear winner in the entire 11-county designated market area. KHBS+ was the winner during all three evening time slots in Northwest Arkansas.

KNWA-TV/KFTA-TV Promotes From Within for New Razorback Nation Anchor, ALSO Names New Met

Source: KNWA-TV/KFTA-TV Press Release KNWA-TV / KFTA-TV today announced the promotion of Derek Ruscin from Weekend Weather Anchor / News Photographer to full-time Sports Reporter for KNWA Northwest Arkansas News. At the same time the station named Dan Ashley as the new Weekend Meteorologist. The announcement was made by Blake Russell, Vice President and General Manager of the television stations.

“As we continue to grow the news department, it's exciting when we already have someone here that can take a new position and run with it.,” said Mr. Russell. “Derek does a great job anchoring weather on the weekends, and I think he'll be even better as the fifth and newest member of the Razorback Nation team.”

"My dream growing up was always to be a sportscaster," said Mr. Ruscin. "And here's my opportunity."

Mr. Ruscin joined the KNWA Power Doppler Forecast team as the weekend forecaster in March of 2005. He's worked in the broadcast industry since he was 15, calling basketball games for the cable TV station in his hometown of Searcy, Arkansas. His interest shifted from sports to weather on January 21, 1999 when he lived through the largest tornado outbreak in Arkansas history. Now, he's turning his attention back to sports.

Dan Ashley comes to KNWA/KFTA from KOAM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Pittsburg, Kansas. Mr. Ashley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2003 with a degree in Atmospheric Science. His hometown is Rock Hill, South Carolina, where his family (mom, dad & one sister) still live.

"I'm looking forward to coming to both a growing station and a growing area like Northwest Arkansas," said Mr. Ashley. "There seems to always be something going on here, and the chance to continue to forecast weather as it rolls through tornado alley will be a blast."

“Forecasting weather and covering the Razorbacks are two important services we provide to our viewers,” said Mr. Russell. “It's great to have two people of this caliber complimenting the growth of our television stations.”

New KARK Weekend Met Makes on Air Debut

An e-mailer sent in a tip that Jason Kadah is KARK's new weekend meteorologist and Kadah made his on air debut Thursday. According to info found on the world wide web, Kadah comes to Little Rock from KVIA in El Paso, Texas. HERE's a link to his bio at KVIA.com .

Former KTBS Anchor Running for Shreveport Mayor

Well it looks as though the race for Shreveport mayor will get a little more crowded when former KTBS anchor Liz Swaine announces her intentions July 25. This from an article in the Shreveport Times:

"The executive assistant to Hightower refers to herself as an unannounced candidate, despite a fundraiser held on her behalf that raised $200,000 and a public appearance just last week where she was introduced with the mayoral candidates.She won't officially announce her intentions until July 25.Until then, Swaine's biggest benefit may be her name recognition. A recent poll showed a majority of the 80 percent of likely voters who recognized the former news anchorwoman had a favorable opinion of her."

The race also includes former KSLA GM Ed Bradley and a number of others.

KSLA Anchor Leaving

This from a tipster: "KSLA has posted the job opening for evening news co-anchor, which means Michelle White is likely on her way out to possibly take a position on former KSLA general manager Ed Bradley's mayoral election staff. "