7 Tops in the Rock Across the Board...Credits Social Media

Arkansas Business.com reports KATV, Channel 7 clearly was the news leader during the November ratings period. AB.com reports it was at the top of every newscast. KATV credits the use of social media in its newscasts as the key. Read the complete article HERE.

Another Anchor/Reporter Quits Shreveport Station...

TV Spy reports, KTBS Anchor/Multimedia journalist Stephen Mayer has joined KCTV in Kansas City. One wonders if there's anyone left at Channel 3!

Some KATV Viewers Could be Up A Creek in the New Year.....

This from KATV.com

KATV's carriage agreement with AT& T U-Verse expires on Saturday, December 31st at 11:59 PM.

• To avoid impacting local viewers, KATV has presented AT&T with a very fair and competitive deal, but at this point they are not willing to accept our offer.

• If you are an AT&T U-Verse customer, starting Sunday morning, January 1st, you will no longer see KATV.

Last on the Air for LR Reporter....

Today is the last day at KTHV for reporter Faith Abubey. The morning show this morning showed several clips of Faith's work since she began at the station in June 2009.

Little Rock TV Tidbits...

Here's a hodge podge of tips from the tip box...


Anchor, Melissa Simas is leaving KARK
-BJ Steed was fired from KTHV
-KATV fills reporter position with Janelle Lilly
-KARK morning anchor Wendy Suares is pregnant
-KATV takes number one in all ratings (Morning, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.)

There's a New Face in Shreveport.......

This from the tip box....

Leslie Draffin, replaces Jenna Zibton on KTAL's AM show.

Former Shreveport Reporter Arrested in Child Sex Sting

Former KSLA/Channel 12 reporter Derek Daniel was busted last week in a Shreveport Child Sex Sting. Daniel is the Calumet Specialty Product's communications director.

What to do When the Remote Control Breaks....

This from at tipster:

So much for 'hubbing' of Master Control operations for Nexstar's KTAL-TV NBC 6 in Shreveport. Today they were off the air for at least an hour. A receptionist said the problem originated in Little Rock which now control's KTAL's transmitter, etc.

Shreveport Morning Anchor Bids Farewell

KTBS, Channel 3 Morning Anchor Sonja Bailes anchored for the last time this morning. Bailes is getting out of the tv biz as she heads off to the Bossier Parish School Board. KTBS reporter Rick Rowe sat down with Bailes this morning to talk about her 10 year stint as a morning anchor at channel 3.

FOX 16 Looking for a New Head Weather Guesser....

This was left a few days ago in the tip box:

Rumor: FOX16's Chief Meteorologist Jeff Baskin may be leaving the station. I saw a "Newport Television Career Connection Update" commercial during the 8:30AM half-hour this morning on FOX16 saying that the station is looking for a "Chief Meteorologist". Could this mean KLRT and KASN are looking for a new head weather person? We'll have to see...

Shreveport Morning Anchor Hitting the Road.....

This from the tip box:

Jenna Zibton is leaving KTAL for Virginia.

Jenna is currently KTAL's morning news anchor.

Will A Former Shreveport Anchor Make a Return Back to the ArkLaTex?

With the exit of Sonja Bailes at KTBS...is a former KTBS anchor on her way back to fill the gap?

This from the tip box:

Word is...Jody Lowery will soon make a return to KTBS.

Lowery is currently an anchor/repoter at Bay News 9 in Central Florida.

It's All About Sweeps....

Is sweeps over yet? I tell ya what this has to be one of the worst sweeps period when it comes to "sweeping news stories". Seems the quality of the packages have really went down hill. I am not talking just on one channel nearly all of them and I get both Shreveport and Little Rock channel. Just like one day a Little Rock channel promoted heavily on how it will feature a story at 10 about how crooks are using facebook to steal from ya. It was nothing more than a 20 second anchor read. Some were so horrible I can't even remember them. One channel promoted the abuse of food stamps...i tuned it every time they said they were gonna run the story but never saw it...Maybe I blinked my eye.


Besides the unusual "news stories" the average viewer should be able to pickup something is going on by the notion none of the main anchors are on vacation....and they are all dressed up when they usually wear casual clothes. Or when they all report news that doesn't happen in Little Rock. Will be glad when the sweeps are over and all the over the top "news stories" are finally done for another period.

Anchors Away.......

This from the tip box:


Sonja Bailes is leaving the mornings at KTBS in Shreveport to do PR. Chrissi Coile, the current 9/10pm anchor, will move to mornings.

Judge Decides on the Side of Hospital in Murdered Reporter Lawsuit

KATV reports a Little Rock Judge sided with St Vincent Medical Center in a lawsuit filed by Patti Cannady, the mother of KATV reporter Anne Pressly who was murdered in 2008. The lawsuit was filed after a doctor and two hospital employees pleaded guilty to charges of federal medical privacy violations. The story says Arkansas law that doesn't allow claims of privacy invasion to proceed once the affected person dies. Cannady released a statement saying the family's lawyers are prepared to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court.

Former Little Rock Met Seen Around Town....

Former KATV weather guesser Devon Lucie was back in the rock this past weekend for the Hillcrest Harvestfest. Lucie calls Arlington, Virginia home these days covering evening duties at WJLA.

Little Rock Reporter Shown the Door

A tipster says KTHV reporter Wayne Cross has been let go from the station. According to Cross' bio, he joined the station earlier this year from Shreveport where he was a Mutli-media journalist.

KAIT Makes the HD Conversion

This from a tipster:

KAIT8 in Jonesboro starts in HD on Monday.

Get a preview and a behind the scenes look at the construction of the new set/control at KAIT's Chief Meteorologist's Ryan Vaughan's blog.

Little Rock Gets Bounce

This occurred with little fanfare it seems. According to this press release Bounce, the first ever African American Broadcast Network is now being programmed on Nexstar's KARZ 42. According to the press release programming began September 12th on the channel's digital channel 42.2.

Shreveport Station Gets New Weather Guess

Just in time for the new sweeps period about to start, KTBS, Channel 3 has hired a Met. Alexandra Cranford has started work for the station. A google search turned up she came from KNOE in Moneroe, LA.

New Chief Weather Guesser Named at Little Rock Station

KARK today has announced the hiring of a new Chief Meteorologist. A news release says Keith Monahan will be joining KARK next week. Monahan comes to Channel 4 from KIAH/Houston, Texas. His bio states:

Keith graduated from The United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Affairs and American Politics. Following six years of military service, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Meteorology from the University of Northern Colorado. While in his final semester at UNC, he began working as the staff meteorologist at KGWN-TV in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His forecasts received First Place Awards from the Wyoming Associated Press.


Keith comes to Houston from KDLT-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was the Chief Meteorologist for the weekday 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. Keith's forecasts have been recognized by the Texas Associated Press in 2001, 2002, 2007 and 2008, by the Houston Press Club in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and were judged Best in Texas in 2002 and 2008. In May 2005, Keith was awarded the American Meteorological Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation in recognition of the quality of his weather broadcasts. His coverage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita during 2005 was awarded an Emmy by the Lone Star Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences. He also received an Emmy Nomination for his coverage of the 2006 Houston Ice Storm.


Wonder why KARK now wants a Chief met? They didn't want one when Bret Cummins was there......

Anchor Changes Now Official at KARK

Source: KARK KARK 4 News announced today a permanent anchor lineup for all newscasts starting the week of October 10th.

Jessica Dean, life-long Arkansan and KARK weekend anchor, will join KARK veteran Bob Clausen on the news desk every weeknight at 6 &10pm. KARK 4 News veteran Melissa Simas will co-anchor the 5pm newscast alongside Clausen, as well as produce In Depth Special Reports for the 6 &10pm newscasts. Joining Simas, Clausen and Dean is Keith Monahan, currently residing in Houston, Texas, who has been named KARK Chief Meteorologist and will forecast for all evening newscasts. The final anchor change moves reporter Lauren Trager into Dean's former weekend slot.

KARK News Director Rob Heverling said, "We are very pleased that Jessica is joining Bob Clausen weeknights at 6 and 10pm. Jessica was born and raised in Central Arkansas and has spent her entire career in our state. She's passionate about our community and invested in our television station long-term."

"This is truly a remarkable opportunity for this station," Heverling continued. "Melissa is an exceptional anchor/reporter and has made it clear that her passion is reporting stories and digging into important issues that affect Arkansas. She's a newsroom leader. Melissa's editorial insight will help drive our daily news meetings. We are pleased Melissa will have a much greater influence on how we shape our coverage of the news of the day."

Commenting on the appointment of Chief Meteorologist Keith Monahan, Heverling said, "As soon as we watched Keith, we knew he was a very good fit. He brings experience and leadership to our weather team. Having served as a Captain in the Air Force, including military intelligence, and forecasting dangerous hurricanes during his tenure in Houston, he knows how to perform under pressure. Keith is poised, calm and just an all-around nice guy."

Commenting on Lauren Trager, Heverling, said, "Lauren is one of the best enterprise journalists in Little Rock. She will add stability and experience to our weekend news team."

With KARK 4 Today, the morning newscast from 5-7am on KARK and 7-8am on KARZ, continuing to see positive results with the addition of Meteorologist Greg Dee, the lineup will remain consistent with Matt Mosler, Mallory Hardin, Wendy Suares and Mr. Dee.

"This team continues to stay true to what we're all about in the morning. Giving our viewers updated stories and weather and traffic on a constant basis. We know that lives are busy in the morning as people scramble to get the kids to school and head to work and this team doesn't want to waste their time, they get right to it," Heverling said.

KARK General Manager and Vice President Mike Vaughn concluded, "We have an incredible team of talented journalists and meteorologists at this station that provide relevant and important content every day. This new lineup is about providing our viewers and advertisers with consistently exceptional product over the long-term and utilizing the strengths of these talented people to deliver a product that continues to build on the legacy of KARK."

Former Shreveport Reporter Passes Away

This from a tipster:

Former KTBS News reporter and producer Sharon Fullilove died in New Mexico over the weekend after complications from surgery.

Friends said Fullilove, 30, had undergone surgery for work on a pacemaker in her heart.

Fullilove, a University of Texas graduate, worked at KTBS from 2008 to 2010. She was most recently a reporter and fill-in anchor at KOB-TV in Albuquerque

Fullilove, who had been on life support after the surgery complications, was an organ donator.

Funeral and memorial services are pending.

Rupp Leaving KATV

This from the comments section....

This was posted on Twitter from Todd Yakoubian @KATV_Weather:
Congrats. to Michelle Rupp! She's the new main anchor at WCAV "Charlottesville's Newsplex

Fall Brings Change to KARK

This from the tip box:

At KARK- Melissa Simas moves to dayside and only anchor 5pm. Jessica Dean will be new 6 and 10pm anchor. Trager moves to weekends. Happening very soon.

Musical Chairs at KATV

This from a tipster:

KATV is advertising a new Daybreak morning show person in October that looked like Chris Kane the sports person with no Barry Brandt.

It is interesting they are pulling from the sports team.

Is Barry leaving or just doing the Noon time show?

Tracy Douglass filled in tonight at KARK as it continues its search for a new met to join the team. I wonder why Nexstar doesn't hire her for the job.....

Just did some research and she's not even a Met.  KARK needs to pull an already local established Met over to the station.  Sure they might have to dish out the big bucks but would be worthwhile because otherwise you are gonna have 3 unknown Mets on the air.

HD News...I Guess Someone Had to Bring Up the Rear...

With little fanfare KATV broadcast its late evening newscast Saturday in High Definition.

Pic from KATV's Facebook page

Cummins Gone From KARK

Well it looks as though KARK can stop telling viewers Brett Cummins is off mourning the loss of his friend....he is now unemployed. Though the station is likely not making this public but the fact his bio has been pulled from the KARK website is proof enough!

Additional: Arkansas Business.com reports Cummins resigned from the station Friday. The article says the station confirms Cummins isn't employed there anymore but refused to comment if he resigned...or something else!

Cummins' Attorney: No Foul Play Involved

KARK weather man Brett Cummins' Attorney tells CNN no foul play was involved in the death of his client's friend. Mark Hampton said Thursday that his client was devastated by the death of his friend. It added that Cummins was cooperating with authorities investigating the death and "looks forward to a conclusion of the inquiry, secure in his own innocence and confident that no foul play was involved."

Cummins remains off the air at KARK. The station is not saying when Cummins will return to the airwaves.

Sorry folks I have a Full time job in which I work 14 hours a day at...no internet at work so I can't blog.....

KARK Weather Guesser at the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time....

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports KARK weather guesser Brett Cummins was questioned in the death of a friend. The paper says Cummins is not considered a suspect in the death of his friend who was found dead in a hot tub. AR DEM/Gaz reports alcohol and drugs were involved. Cummins is off the air at this time. Read the full article HERE.

MMJ Becomes Anchor

Press Release: KHBS/KHOG-TV (Channels 40 and 29) is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Johnson from Multi-Media Journalist to Anchor/Reporter.

Johnson will join the 40/29 News Sunrise anchor team alongside Derek Burleson and Meteorologist Matt Devitt. 40/29 News Sunrise airs weekdays from 4:30 – 7:00am. Viewers will recognize Johnson from her live morning reports from Fort Smith & the River Valley. Johnson has been part of the Sunrise team since April, when the newscast was expanded to 4:30am.

“Kelly’s energy and personality will be a great addition to the morning anchor desk,” said Dawn R. Dugle, News Director. “She has also been integral to our late breaking news coverage since the day she joined our team, with one of her first stories being the disaster at the Albert Pike campground.”

Johnson joined 40/29 News in May 2010 as a Multi-Media Journalist covering Fort Smith & the River Valley. Johnson is a graduate of Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Johnson will begin anchoring 40/29 News Sunrise on Monday, September 12th.

KTBS Needs a Met....

This from a tipster:

Freelance Meteorologist Neil Shaw has been bringing the weather on KTBS shows today (Sunday).

He was filling in for KTAL for a while a few years ago.


Sorry I didn't get this posted sooner..I've been having intenet problems..

She's Baaaaaaaack...Again...

This from the tip box:

Former KTBS met has showed up yet again. Jennifer Gray-Reeves is filling in on the morning show this week.

Former KATV'er to 11

This from the tip box...

Lauren Scott, the blonde morning show live personality popped up at Today's THV.

Another KTBS Weather Guesser Leaves.....

This from the tip box..

Kristina Montuori, the weekend meteorologist is moving back to Virginia. Evidently, her father passed away and she needs to reurn home. KTBS is now down 2 mets.

KTBS Gets New Weekender

This from the tip box

Judy Waggoner, former anchor at KNOE in Monroe, was hired to co-anchor weekends at KTBS in Shreveport.

New Head of Channel 11 Named

Source: Gannett Gannett’s Broadcasting Division has named Michael Caplan president and general manager at KTHV-TV (Today’s THV) in Little Rock, AR. Caplan most recently served as Group Leader for Media General’s multimedia operations in Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC. In that role, he had management oversight for multiple operating units, including TV, print and web properties. Caplan succeeds Larry Audas, who was named president and general manager of Gannett’s WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC.

"Michael brings significant and proven multi-media experience to the team at Today'sTHV," said Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting. "His talents, combined with his passion for excellence make him the ideal leader of KTHV's award-winning service to the people of Central Arkansas."

Caplan joined Media General in 1998 as general sales manager at KALB-TV in Alexandria, LA. In 2002, he was named general sales manager at WBTW-TV in Myrtle Beach/Florence, later vice president and general manager for the station. Then in 2009, Caplan also was named group leader for Media General’s multimedia operations in the market. Prior to joining Media General, Caplan worked in sales management at KTVE-TV in Monroe, LA; in sales at KLAX-TV in Alexandria, LA; and as assistant general manager of the Alexandria (LA) Aces Professional Baseball Club.

It's Follow The Leader in Shreveport..

This from a tipster:

KSLA is following in the footsteps of KTBS. Starting Monday, KSLA This Morning will begin at 4:30AM.

No Chief Weather Guesser For KARK

Arkansas Business.com reports KARK has hired a new meteorologist. Darby Bybee will be joining the Channel 4 weather team at the end of August. AR.com reports the station has dropped the position of Chief Meteorologist from the roster...taking the station towards a team effort toward weather guessing.

KATV in HD...

Well not yet. According to KATV's Facebook page it will happen later this year. Any how the station has already made HD modifications to its news set. Yep it's blue!

It's Switch A Roo at KATV

This from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette:

Heather Crawford, weekday 5 p.m. news anchor for KATV, Channel 7, returns from maternity leave and moves to the weekend anchor position on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Current weekend news anchor Pamela Smith will move to Good Morning Arkansas and Beth Hunt, previously in that position but filling in for Crawford, will remain in the 5 p.m. weekday news anchor spot.

Hey, Hey, There's a New Anchor in Town...

This from the tip box:

Hubert Tate, new weekend anchor at KLRT.

KATV Viewer Not Happy With Choice of Music...

This from an emailer: Why did KATV-TV, Channel 7, feel the need to add a goofy Friday the 13th music bed to the beginning and end of its report on the poor guy from Alaska that was beaten to death by four teen-agers. The report, by Roger Susanin, which aired Friday at 6 p.m. didn't need the hoaky effect which is the kind of thing you'd normally do to a Halloween feature story.
Why?
The guy DIED after being chased down and beaten for no reason, isn't that scary enough without embelishing the already tragic story?
One of the tackiest things I've seen in Arkansas TV news in some time. Would love to hear the KATV News Director defend it.

Shreveport Reporter on the Move.......

This from the tip box:

Kerry Charles, KTAL TV 6 reporter in S'port leaving to join Fox in Greensboro, NC as anchor.

Nexstar for Sale?.......

Check out this press release from KARK's and KTAL's Parent Company:

Irving, TX (July 21, 2011) - Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) announced today that its Board of Directors has decided to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives intended to maximize shareholder value, including a possible sale of the Company. The Company has retained Moelis & Company as its financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as its legal counsel.

The Company has not made a decision to pursue any specific strategic transaction or other strategic alternative and there is no set timetable for the process, so there can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in a sale of the Company or any other transaction. The Company does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the progress of its strategic review until such time as the Board has approved a transaction or otherwise deems disclosure appropriate.

Better Late Than Never....

An emailer says KTAL, Channel 6, Shreveport, will start doing its news in HD....in 2012. From what I'm told KTAL recently started airing syndicated programming in HD.

Shreveport Weather Guesser Leaves.....AGAIN...

This from the tip box:

Just heard that Jennifer Reeves (nee Gray), the AM/NOON weather anchor at KTBS has put in her two weeks notice and will follow her husband to Miami.

THV This Morning is Holding On....For Now...

Channel 11 gained back the morning viewers even after losing morning anchor Alyson Courtney to KATV. May 2011 ratings numbers show KTHV had a 4 rating in the 5am hour and a 6 rating in the 6am hour. KTHV News Director Charles Mauldin commented to Arkansas Business.com about the win:

Chuck Maulden, news director at KTHV, seemed pleased with what his station was able to accomplish in the morning. "We made some gains from a year ago," he said. "It was good for us to win back the morning. That's a big battleground now and always has been." KTHV's morning win may seem especially sweet as it comes after losing morning show anchor Alyson Courtney to KATV.

The real test will come in August when the newly hired beauty queen comes full time to the KTHV morning show. This will determine if people migrate away from Channel 11 mornings...

and.. as of late it seems KATV has been tinkering with its morning staffing. There really hasn't been any consistency in the last month or so to who is hosting the program. Something tells me they are gonna build the program around Alyson Courtney....and could this mean Beth Hunt is forever working the daytime anchor shift? Beth is better anchoring news than a fluffy ol' morning show!

LR May Ratings Are In

Arkansas Business.com has the results of the May Ratings Sweeps

In summary
KTHV won the mornings....KATV won the evening/night time slots...KARK was flat in the May 2011 book! For the complete results head on over to Arkansas Business.com

More Info on the New Anchor to be at Channel 6

Here's info about KTAL's newly hired anchor. This is from his bio at KQDX, FOX 21 in northeastern Minnesota:


Nick LaFave is a FOX 21 original. He’s been the main anchor since our launching in 2007. His anchoring helped win two Emmy Awards. Nick doesn’t just sit at the desk, his reporting has won countless awards and garnered two Emmy Nominations.

Nick graduated from Northern Michigan University before beginning his career in Big Sky Country, working in both Missoula and Bozeman Montana. He then took off for Lansing Michigan before traveling to the Twin Ports to help launch FOX 21.

A native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, LaFave is a life-long hockey fan and is active in the local Referee’s Association. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Kristy, working out and golfing... poorly.

New Anchor on the Way for KTAL

This from the tip jar: K-TAL is getting a new anchor. Nick Lafave.

Things Are Turning Over In Jonesboro

This from the tip box:

Tons of turnover at KAIT. Multiple AP award winner Bob Snell is leaving in September. Meteorologist Justin Logan left this week to Columbus, GA. This comes after nightside anchor Lauren Payne left the station a few weeks ago.

Not So Fast...............

This from a tipster: Nexstar's consolidation is not going as planed. Back in April Nexstar announced they were consolidating the master control operations of their stations in Monroe and Shreveport to the hub at KARK. This was to take affect on July 1st. The Monroe crew was informed their lay off date has been extended to August 1st. The Shreveport crew was informed this week they were being extended an extra week, and the new lay off date will be July 8th.

Jonesboro to Gain NBC Affiliate

Broadcasting and Cable reports New Moon Communications has acquired a number of low power tv stations from Trinity Broadcasting, including one in Jonesboro. B and C reports the stations, including KJNE in Jonesboro will be an affiliate of the NBC Broadcasting Network. A spokesperson for New Moon says local news in is the works possibly for all the stations.

KARK Parent Company Names New Station GM, Promotes Rogala

Arkansas Business.com reports KARK's parent company Nexstar has promoted Rick Rogala to company vice president and regional manager and Northwest Arkansas GM Mike Vaughn comes to Little Rock and becomes GM and vice president of KARK.

Shreveport Weekend Anchor Gone

This from a tipster:

Diana Raphael don't have to drive to Shreveport from Alexandria to anchor the weekend news shows at Ktal no more.

Does This Make it Official Now...

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution blogs Mike Francis has officially been named Chief Meteorologist at WXIA in Atlanta. If I understand this correctly..the Met Francis is replacing didn't know he was leaving until yesterday when KARK put out the news release on its website...and e-mailed out to ATN.

Maybe....or Maybe NOT....

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette has published a story on its website reporting KARK Chief Met Mike Francis has NOT accepted the job in Atlanta. Mike Francis' attorney tells the ARK Democrat/Gazette, "Francis is leaving the Little Rock station, where he has worked since 2001, but that "where he's going has not yet been determined." "Mike has not accepted an offer from WXIA and nothing has been finalized"(A)n offer has been made and conversations are continuing -- for now, Mike is simply a candidate for their Chief Met opening and nothing more."

KARK News Director Rob Heverling tells the newspaper,"KARK issued the news release on its website after Francis told him Tuesday that he was resigning because he had accepted the Atlanta job." Heverling said KARK had been in contract negotiations with Francis, but said there is no bitterness between the parties. Read the full article HERE.

Chief Met Leaving KARK

Source: KARK KARK 4, Your Weather Authority, has proudly announced today that Chief Meteorologist Mike Francis has accepted the Chief position at WXIA in Atlanta, GA. Francis has been with KARK for ten years and was instrumental in building KARK’s brand as the station Central Arkansas can count on to be Your Weather Authority.

KARK 4 News Director Rob Heverling said, “We will certainly miss Mike and all that he has brought to KARK over the past 10 years. We are very proud that he has developed so much during his tenure here that he has been able to make a positive impression on a top-ten TV market. Way to go Mike!”

Heverling added, “The good news for us is that Mike leaves behind a weather brand that’s bigger than just one person, it’s about a dedicated team, working together to keep viewers safe during severe weather and help them plan for their day or their week.”

Mike Francis said, “Leaving Central Arkansas will not be easy for me. I want to thank our viewers, fans, friends and all my coworkers at KARK for helping me become the meteorologist I am today. The times we’ve shared together have given me and my family the opportunity to get the Chief Meteorologist position in one of the biggest TV markets in the country and we’re very grateful.” Francis also said, “It’s always been my number one goal as a meteorologist to keep people safe and it gives me great pleasure to know that with the weather team of Brett Cummins and Greg Dee, the people of Central Arkansas are in good hands. KARK is a great station and I wish them all the best.”

Francis started at KARK-TV on June 25, 2001 and was announced Chief Meteorologist on May 23, 2008. He has covered countless severe weather events in Arkansas such as Atkins on February 5, 2008, Mena on April 9, 2009 and most recently the tornado in Vilonia on April 25, 2011. Francis currently does his daily forecasting on the morning newscast, KARK 4 Today for both KARK-TV and KARZ-TV. His last newscast will be July 1, 2011.

Little Rock Anchor Leaving for Texas

This from a tipster:

Justin Earley is leaving Fox 16 to become the main anchor at a station in Tyler, Texas.

NWA Station Hires New Sports Head

KHBS/KHOG Press Release Mike Jacques joins KHBS/KHOG-TV (Channels 40 and 29) as Sports Director/Anchor and Reporter June 27th. Jacques will anchor and report on 40/29 News at 6 and 10pm and online at 4029tv.com.

Jacques brings 10-plus years of college and high school sports reporting talent to 40/29 News - most recently serving as a reporter for the University of Wisconsin Badger Sports Report, featured on several network affiliates and the Big 10 Network.

“Mike’s passion for local college and high school sports will be a great asset,” said 40/29 News Director Dawn Dugle. “He’s a unique story teller and we look forward to him reporting on the Razorbacks, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and the outdoor sports our area is known for.” “Mike shows viewers the human side of sports, not just the scores and stats,” added KHBS/KHOG-TV President and General Manager Brian Sather. “I’m convinced that will resonate with our viewers.”

Known to viewers as “Jocko”, Jacques served as Sports Director in Wausau, Wisconsin at WSAW-TV where he became an award winning journalist for his work on "The Highlight Zone", a Friday night high school sports program. Jacques has also reported and produced sports for WMTV-TV in Madison and WISN-TV in Milwaukee.

Jacques is a recent graduate from the University of Phoenix where he received his Master’s degree in Business Administration, while previously he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Hunt to Start Getting Her Beauty Sleep.....

Well it seems Allyson Cortney arrived at KATV just in time. I still say she has too much energy to work at Channel 7. Any how a tipster sends this in:

Beth Hunt is going to 5 PM starting monday here what she said on her facebook page I Want to thank everyone for choosing to wakeup with the DayBreak crew each day I've been working the morning shift for about 7 years but i will be Getting to sleep in starting Monday I'll be heiping out in the evenings here at channel 7! I hope you all will continue to watch see u at 5 P M instead of 5 A M. !

Did Shreveport Station Have Second Thoughts...

about putting Chrissi Coile as Gerry Mays' sidekick? I saw her anchoring the weekend edition of the news...and a tipster sends in this;

It appears like Chrissi Coile will no longer co anchor with Gerry. She was doing the health report, but she wasn't anchoring. Advertisements for a "main anchor" have aired recently

Former Shreveport Anchor Finds New Job

Former KTBS anchor Sherri Talley now with the the United way.

This email was forwarded to me from a tipster:


Dear media friends,

I'm honored to be working now with the United Way of Northwest Louisiana. I知 looking forward to keeping you informed about how thousands in our 10-parish region work collaboratively to improve the lives of citizens, particularly in the areas of education, health, income and basic needs.

My contact information is listed below. If you know of anyone else in your company who might want to be included in news/community releases concerning United Way, please let me know.

Thanks. I look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,

Sherri


Sherri Talley
Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations

KARK Blooper...

This from the tip box:
KARK, Channel 4, news really blew it the other night (Friday, I think) when doing a story about a couple of guys that were robbed in their Conway neighborhood while following a suspicious looking individual. The two, while observing the individual, were then robbed by another party. One of the boys that was robbed agreed to speak to the KARk reporter ONLY if his face and identity was electronically altered, fearing reprisals. KARK then covered his face through the first part of his on-camera comments but then, for some unknown reason, aired a wide shot clearly showing his face for about 4 seconds. The next edit showed the boy's face once again covered while he spoke. Amazing! My wife and I couldn't believe it. It aired during the 10 p.m. news. I'd be interested to see what their explanation is for the mistake.

Courtney to Co-host Daybreak AND Contribute to KATV Newscasts

I am a little behind on this but here's the press release. My real job has been keeping me way to busy these days.....

KATV Press Release KATV General Manager and Senior Vice President Mark Rose and News Director Nick Genty are pleased to announce Alyson Courtney is the newest member of the Channel 7 News Team!

Alyson starts her duties on Channel 7 Friday morning. She will work alongside Beth Hunt, Meteorologist Melinda Mayo and Meteorologist Barry Brandt, broadcasting from Riverfest Friday. Alyson will also contribute special reports on KATV newscasts.

Courtney brings 13 years of experience to the job, much of that in Arkansas. She has worked as a news anchor, reporter and producer. Courtney is married and has two young daughters, Brooklyn and Berkeley.

“We are fortunate to have great anchors and reporters at KATV,” says Rose. “And with the addition of Alyson, we add another terrific person to the team. She is warm and dynamic. Viewers in Arkansas have really grown to love her. We are thrilled she is here and on Channel 7 now!

Genty, who has worked with Courtney for a number of years at another station, agrees. “Like several members of our anchor team, Alyson is a working mom and brings that perspective to the job. She can identify with the way events and issues in Arkansas affect families here. As a parent, she knows it is more than just news---it’s how that information impacts your family.”

Courtney says she has been looking forward to her first day on Channel 7 for quite some time. “I’m excited to be part of the Channel 7 news team and so grateful for the opportunity. I am joining a great group of journalists. They’re also wonderful people. I look forward to a whole lot of fun with KATV!”

No Compete Doesn't Hold Water for Former KTHV Anchor.....

This was left in the tip jar early Friday morning:


I guess Alyson Courtney's non-compete claus didn't hold up in court, it just delayed her from getting on the air after leaving Today's THV when her contract was up. Channel Seven started promos, she starts today 4:30 a.m. - 7 a.m.

The story is the THV News Director Chuck Maulden dropped the ball and forgot to offer her a new contract and somewhere in there she got a better offer at Channel Seven.

Another One Bites the Dust in Shreveport......

This from the tip jar: Next week is Casey Ferrand's last at KTBS. Another one bites the dust.

Shreveport Marketing Director Gone

This from a tipster: Looks like another exit at KTBS as the new Marketing Director for both KTBS / KPXJ has left the building. Those in the know aren't sure if it was by choice or a mutual agreement but this person was there for a little over a year and didn't last. There was some hint that after this person took the gig... they were surprised by all the other duties added on to their job-function.

KARK Newsmobile Floods

This pic came from KARK's face book page. Here are the comments below the pic:

The good news is the water has gone down and the car starts. The bad news is there is water in the cup holders. This is at the train station in LR. Our crew was covering an event there. Not sure if this is due to a water main break, rain or drains blocked. We are investigating.

Inquiring Minds Wanna Know.....

This from a tipster: I noticed that Tracy Douglass bio has been taken down from KARK's website. Did she get Nexstar's swinging ax? Did she leave on her own?

Hit and Miss Weekend for Shreveport Station.

Seems KTAL, Channel 6 in Shreveport had difficulty staying on the air over the weekend. A tipster says the stations on and off the air all weekend. The station posted an apology on its website and links to shows interrupted.

UPDATE: KTAL's General Manager posted this letter on the station's website:

A letter to our viewers from the General Manager of KTAL

On behalf of KTAL, I want to personally apologize to our loyal ArkLaTex viewers for the problem we had bringing you David Toms’ thrilling finish in the Player’s Championship. Like all of you, I was ready to enjoy NBC’s Sunday coverage and root for our home town hero.
Instead, some serious technical difficulties knocked us out of the tournament.

No one feels worse about what happened this weekend than those of us who work at KTAL. We take our commitment to serve you as responsible broadcasters seriously. A team of engineers have been working throughout the weekend to fix our problem. Here at the station we’ve been answering your phone calls and responding to your e-mails. We understand your frustration. We feel it ourselves.

Over the last few years, we have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in upgrading our television station. More major technical upgrades are scheduled for the coming months. We have come a long way. But today we were reminded we still have a ways to go.

Again, we apologize for our technical problem this weekend. We are working hard to get it fixed, and to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Mark Cummings

General Manager/KTAL

What's in the Works on THV Mornings

An e-mailer sent in something very interesting...things I have even wondered about since the shakeup during the mornings at Channel 11. My thought is THV made a big mistake by hiring a "star" when they should've promoted from within and made Blackstone a part of the morning team and not even hired an outsider. Any how, here's an e-mailer's thoughts and observations:

Today's THV: Ashley Blackstone has been moved to mornings to help Melissa-Dunbar Gates with 3-hours of news. Pam Baccam now gets the Saturday anchor desk and Stephanie Bryant gets Sunday.

THV made the decision for Blackstone to help Gates, but will she stay when Alyse Eady arrives?

Eady can't help Gates read the news.

Is Faith going to stay as the live shot reporter when Eady arrives?

I thought Eady was going to be out and about. What is going on... or does THV not even know?

All Signals Lost....

Seems KTHV experienced some major technical issues last night as its signal was off air for quite some time. I don't have a time table for when the signal was lost then restored, but according to posts on the channel's facebook page the signal was lost around the 10pm news time.

Shreveport Stations Run with the Severe Weather Ball

...well at least KSLA and KTBS. It did bother me that the Met on KTBS was apologizing for breaking into programming to cover a tornado warning for the Linden, Texas area. Ron Young was on the air for awhile covering the lone storm trekking across Northeast Texas. KTAL, well they dropped the ball, just ran their crawl on the screen..

New News Director Named at KATV

Arkansas Business.com reports Nick Genty has been named News Director at KATV. Gentry joined KATV as Assistant ND earlier this year from KTHV.

Severe Weather Round??????......

Looks as though all the Little Rock tv station mets will be busy this evening/night. The cable is out here where I live and I am having to watch online.....Tom Brannon has joined Ed Buckner and I guess Merideth and Tracy Beane are helping at Channel 11......On KATV Todd and Barry are on the air and at Channel Mike and Greg I think is manning the weather center. Hey KATV, you've got on annoying hum in your online streaming and the audio is very distorted and you sound like you are in a fast food place..... Guess I will flip between Channel 11 and Channel 4 online.....

Tracking Storms on a Sunday Afternoon...

Was KARK the only station going wall to wall with severe weather coverage as tornodo warnings were issued for parts of north Arkansas? KATV and KHTV stayed with regular programming. Looks like Channel 7 is now covering the tornadoes....no doubt NBA fans aren't gonna be happy as the playoffs are suppose to be on the air. How long will they stay with it....

Merideth Mitchell now on, on Channel 11...she seems lost.

245: Ed finally arrived a few minutes ago. 11 is my choice for severe weather but come on, put a METEOROLOGIST on the air during severe weather.

Severe Weather Coverage...Winners and Losers...

Well it looked like all the Little Rock stations were on the ball Tuesday night as severe storms pounded the state. All the Little Rock stations had their weather teams in place providing wall-to-wall coverage as the storms mached across the state. Will say Channel 11 needs to give Ed some help. Some times it to the point he just loses his voice with no one to fill the gap. Like I said the other day, KTHV needs to hire another met that is strong in severe weather to bring in and help Ed.

The losers were the Shreveport stations....come on guys! A tornado is blowing its way across SouthWest Arkansas...and quite frankly you didn't give a damn! Sure you had your crawls across the screen but a tornado warning warrants coverage to let viewers know where it is...where it is going. You dropped the ball..all of the Shreveport stations did!!

Master Control Asleep?.....

This from a tipster:
Somebody at KTAL is asleep at the wheel. They reran an entire episode of Wheel of Fortune Monday night...it had already aired last Monday. Looks like no one there even noticed. Maybe they should move control to KARK.

Preview of KARK HD News Set

From KARK's Face book page

KARK....Third in HD....

KARK officially debuts HD newscasts this Wednesday at 5pm!

Tell Us Why..Please Tell Us Why.....

KTBS, Channel 3 Shreveport will be honoring longtime Shreveport TV anchor Sherri Talley during its evening/night newscasts. Talley was an anchor at the ABC affilliate since October 1994. Before KTBS she worked at KTAL, Channel 6. What is the reason for her leaving the station....I guess the little tribute package is meant to look like it was a mutual deal huh....

Are the Network Evening Newscasts Really Dead?

Aaron Barnhart with the Kansas City Star asks if the 3 nightly network newscasts are really dead:

Viewership for the four network newscasts has actually increased by more than 1 million since 2006. Yes, four newscasts: I have included “Fox Report With Shepard Smith” because the Fox News Channel, alone among cable networks, has a newscast of record and because it’s an option for viewers repelled by Couric’s so-called liberal slant.

Viewership over the half-decade has gone down at the two networks with female anchors and up at the two networks with male anchors. In fairness to Diane Sawyer, “ABC World News Tonight” lost a lot of its audience in the waning months of Charlie Gibson’s time there, and her audience has actually leaped up by 1.2 million viewers in 2011.

Even more impressive is the gain of 1.3 million viewers this year by “NBC Nightly News,” anchored by Brian Williams, who in 2009 took back the mantle from Gibson as the most-watched news anchor.

Read the full article HERE

And the Storms Roll On

Well it took a bit for the Little Rock channels to go into full severe weather mode. KARK had Brett Cummins on the air along with weekend met updating viewers. Todd and Ned were on for KATV, proving their skills. KTHV had Merideth Mitchell on for the first half hour or so..touch and go. Was quite strange, Channel 11 would be in the middle of severe weather coverage then all of a sudden go back to regular programming. At around 11..or maybe even 1130 Ed Buckner (who was suppose to be on vacation) came in and anchored coverage. Hmmmm, Channel 11 needs to invest in another Met that's capable of carrying the coverage when the main Mets are off/vacationing. All in all I would say Channel 7 had the best coverage tonight....KARK second..and sorry Channel 11 last...mainly due to thier slow start.

Fort Smith Station Hopes Viewers Rise Before the Sun

KHBS/KHOG-TV is expanding their weekday morning news. Starting Monday, April 18th, 40/29 News Sunrise will start at 4:30am.

Anchor Derek Burleson, and Meteorologist Matt Devitt will be joined by a team of field crews who will be providing live updates of overnight news events, along with preview coverage of significant local news stories throughout Fort Smith, The River Valley and greater Northwest Arkansas.

“As the lifestyles of our viewers change, the news we deliver must change with them,” said 40/29 President and General Manager, Brian Sather. “Not only will our early morning viewers get local news earlier, but we’re adding resources to provide them more local news and weather,” added 40/29 News Director, Dawn Dugle.

Gone As an Anchor Can Get......

This from the tip jar:Heard from a reliable source that long-time anchor Sherry Talley from KTBS is Shreveport packed her desk up and left the building stating "she can't take this anymore". She's done this before and some say it may be a ploy to get more $$$ but those close to the source say KTBS management is cutting back & consolidating duties to the point that the strain is showing.
Stay tuned...

I have wondered what happened to her...and I am not impressed with the female anchor they picked to replace her with...

KARK to Debut HD Sunday Night

A tipster says, KARK is planning to go HD this Sunday night.

Can anyone down in Shreveport tell me why the Tim Fletcher Show is on instead of Good Morning America on KTBS?

Weather Not a Fan of Soap Operas

I always watch Today's THV 2 when I'm at the computer and the news is on..and at noon today Tom Brannon read an email from a viewer who griped about him interrupting the Young and Restless for severe weather coverage. Brannon read the email on THV 2 while the broadcast watchers saw commercials. All I've gotta think is how big the can of worms is since the public has the ability to send emails to the news anchors/weathermen/reporters. I bet they get some interesting emails.

KARK Goes HD Next Week

Well I can't find the Facebook post right now but this morning I read a post on KARK's page that it will debut in HD next week. KARK will be the third, behind KLRT and KTHV, to broadcast local news in HD!

Shreveport Station Hoping Better Lead In will Boost Ratings

This from the tip jar: KTBS is moving Jeopardy as a lead-in into their 5pm news due to higher ratings than Inside Edition.

No Real News Leader in Little Rock

The February 2011 Nielson Ratings are out. Here's a summary:

> KTHV won the 5am hour
> KATV won the 6am hour
> KATV won the 5pm hour
> KATV won the 6pm hour
> KTHV won the 10m hour

Arkansas Business.com has the complete numbers HERE.

More HD Programming Coming to Shreveport by Summer

This from a tipster: KTAL will begin broadcasting most syndicated shows in HD by July. HD News will follow soon after that.

Nexstar Throws the Ax

This from the tip jar: Nexstar is at it again. Today Nexstar officially announced it is laying off all of the Master Control Operators in Shreveport and Monroe, and shipping all of the Master Control operations to the hub at KARK in Little Rock. These newest lay offs take effect at midnight July 1st.

Couric Blames Local CBS Affiliates for Poor Ratings

Source: TV Week Katie Couric is hinting that she knows why her CBS “Evening News” telecast has struggled in the ratings. In an interview with The New York Times Magazine, Couric indicates the reason for her third-place finish among evening news broadcasts might have something to do with the local news lead-in on CBS stations.

Asked why she thinks her broadcast remains in third place, Couric responded, "I believe we were in third place for 13 years before I got here, and I think habits, particularly with an evening news broadcast, move at a glacial pace. And I think that local news stations have something to do with it."

But Couric backed off when asked whether she meant local affiliates weren't providing a strong enough lead-in. "Some people have said that local news is really important in terms of lead-ins,” she said. “I haven’t really analyzed that. I’m just saying what I’ve read or some of the theories about it."

KLRT Goes HD Today

A tipster left this in the tip jar: KLRT Fox 16 News goes HD today (Tuesday 4/5/11) at 5PM!
Pics from KLRT.com

New Weather Guesser on the Job in Shreveport

This from the tip box: KSLA, Channel 12 has a new Met, his name is Kevin Roth.

NWA Stations Dominate the Small Market AP Awards

Small Market TV Station Market

SWEEPSTAKES: KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville.

SPOT NEWS: 1, Staff, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "Cincinnati Tornado 5 PM;" 2, Staff, KFSM, "Deadly Tornado in Cincinnati 12/31/2010."

NON-SPOT NEWS: 1, Jo Ellison, Kenny Knutson, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "Man Hole Burglars." No second place awarded.

ENTERPRISE/INVESTIGATIVE: 1, Diana Davis, Laura Gunter, KAIT, Jonesboro, "Co-sleeping Baby Dangers." No second place awarded.

ELECTIONS: 1, Staff, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "November 2, 2010, 10 PM;" 2, Kyle Cabodi, Staff, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "Lincoln Ad Truth Test 10 PM."

FEATURE: 1, Mitch Roberts, Brandon Hartung, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "Family Meets for the First Time;" 2, Mallory Cooke, David Strassle, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "Santa Mail Carrier;" Honorable Mention, Robert Boyd, Brandon Hartung, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "Missionaries Return Home from Haiti."

DOCUMENTARY: 1, Diana Davis, Laura Gunter, KAIT, Jonesboro, "Bus Accident Anniversary;" 2, Staff, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "Caves of NW Arkansas."

CONTINUING COVERAGE: None awarded because of lack of entries.

SPORTS COVERAGE: None awarded because of lack of entries.

SPORTSCAST: 1, John Engleman, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "December 31, 2010;" 2, Mark Lericos, Derek Burleson, John Laws, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "Friday Night Frenzy 10 PM."

WEATHER: 1, Garrett Lewis, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "March 31, 2010, 10 PM;" 2, Drew Michaels, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "Super Dopler Forcast 5 PM."

SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY: None awarded because of lack of entries.

NON-SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY: 1, Brett Rains, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "Veterans Day 5 & 6 PM;" 2, Diana Davis, Laura Gunter, KAIT, Jonesboro, "Co-sleeping Baby Dangers."

NEWSCAST: 1, Patrick Clark, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, "News at 10 PM;" 2, Staff, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, "March 31, 2010 6 PM."

WEBSITE: 1, Alicia Agent, Jessica Brogdon, KFSM, Fort Smith-Fayetteville, www.5newsonline.com; 2, Staff, KHBS-KHOG, Fort Smith, www.4029tv.com

Little Rock Stations Acknowledged in AP Awards

Source AP: Here's the complete list of winners in the AP awards.

LARGE MARKET TELEVISION

All of this year's winning stations are in Little Rock.

SWEEPSTAKES AWARD: KTHV.

SPOT NEWS: 1, Staff, KTHV, "Albert Pike Flooding;" 2, Kelly Dudzik, Chance Horner, KLRT, "West Memphis Shooting;" Honorable Mention, Staff, KTHV, "Air Evac Crash."

NON-SPOT NEWS: 1, Ashley Blackstone, Kenny Reynolds, KTHV, "It's Gone;" 2, Kelly Dudzik, Chance Horner, KLRT, "Royal Oaks Apartments."

ENTERPRISE/INVESTIGATIVE: 1, Pamela Smith, Mark Farrell, KATV, "Weather Radio Tower Down;" 2, Pam Baccam, John Young, KTHV, "The Courage of Charleston;" Honorable Mention, Craig O'Neill, Kenny Reynolds, John Young, Nick Genty, Kelly Tibbit, KTHV, "The Great Hang Up."

ELECTIONS: 1, Mark Farrell, KATV, "U.S. Senate Debate;" 2, Staff, KTHV, "Coffee with the Candidates."

FEATURE: 1, Liz Massey, David Craft, KTHV, "Hope Outdoors;" 2, Christina Munoz, KATV, Frozen Woman.

DOCUMENTARY: 1, Ebone Monet, John Young, KTHV, "Kipp Delta;" 2, Ashely Blackstone, Kenny Reynolds, KTHV, "Cold Case Solved: Goldie Thornsberry."

CONTINUING COVERAGE: 1, Staff, KTHV, "Air Evac Crash;" 2, Kelly Dudzik, Chance Horner, KLRT, "Murder Escapes/Captured."

SPORTS COVERAGE: 1, Morgan Adsit, KLRT, "No Boundaries;" 2, Charles Crowson, Kenny Reynolds, KTHV, "Two in Three Strokes;" Honorable Mention, Chris Scott, KATV, "Hogs in the Rock."

SPORTSCAST: 1, Steve Sullivan, KATV, "Oct. 22, 2010, 10 PM;" 2, Morgan Adsit, KLRT, "December 24, 2010."

WEATHER: 1, Ed Buckner, KTHV, "Today's THV Weather;" 2, Todd Yakoubian, KATV, "August 8, 2010."

SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY: 1, Larry Potter, KATV, "Pine Bluff Standoff;" 2, Chance Horner, KLRT, "Truck in House."

NON-SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY: 1, Kenny Reynolds, John Young, Nick Genty, Kelly Tibbit, KTHV, "The Great Hang Up;" 2, Kenny Reynolds, KTHV, "It's Gone.;" Honorable Mention, Kenny Reynolds, KTHV, "Damien Echols."

NEWSCAST: 1, Candi Carney, KLRT, "Murderer Escapes/Captured - 10 PM;" 2, Staff, KATV, "December 14, 2010."

WEBSITE: 1, Staff, KTHV, www.todaysthv.com,; 2, Scott Munsell, KATV, www.katv.com.

Channel 11 Picks Up Several AP Awards

Today's THV won several Associated Press Awards recently. According its website the station won awards for the following:

• Spot News, Staff, "Albert Pike Flooding"
• Non-Spot News, Ashley Blackstone, Kenny Reynolds, "It's Gone"
• Feature, Liz Massey, David Craft, "Hope Outdoors"
• Documentary, Ebone Monet, John Young, "Kipp Delta"
• Continuing Coverage, Staff, "Air Evac Crash"
• Weather, Ed Buckner, "Today's THV Weather"
• Non-Spot Photography, Kenny Reynolds, John Young, Nick Genty, Kelly Tibbit, "The Great Hang Up"
• Website, Staff, www.todaysthv.com
  

The station also won the Associated Press Sweepstakes Award for the most award winning stories in 2010 in its class.

Audas to Head North Carolina Station

As reported here first...KTHV General Manager Larry Audas announced he is leaving the station today. Arkansas Business.com reports Audas will be moving to Greensboro, North Carolina to head Gannett owned WFMY.

Pic from AB.com

GM Out at THV

This from the tip jar: General Manager Larry Audas out at KTHV. Announcement tomorrow.

Beauty Queen Hired for THV Mornings....

As promised a new morning personality has been chosen for THV This Morning. KTHV has hired Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady to take the spot left vacant by Alyson Courtney. "Anyone who has met Alyse knows she is as charming as she is intelligent, as delightful as she is committed," said KTHV President & General Manager Larry Audas. "She is altogether engaging and now dedicated to THV morning viewers."

Pic from KTHV

KLRT'er Moving On....

This from a tipster: I saw on the 9 PM channel 16 newscast that Morgan Adsit is leaving KLRT to take a position at the Fox affiliate in Baltimore.

Who Will It Be.......

A tipster says KTHV is having a staff meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2pm to announce who is taking over the female role on "THV This Morning." Inquiring minds wanna know.......

KTHV to Host "Garden Parties"

Arkansas Business.com reports KTHV will start airing "THV Garden Parties" during the noon news program one Wednesday a month. Channel 11 General Manager Larry Audas tells AB.com, "We will end the news; the news will be over,we'll have commercial break; we'll come back and run this sponsored segment."The 5 minute spot will be hosted by THV Sales Manager Mike Jenkins and will focus on home safety. The program will be sponsored by Little Rock Company Electric Solutions.

Shreveport Station Adds New Met to Roster

This from the tip box: KTBS has hired a new weekend meteorologist. With this new addition, KTBS has become the first in the market with four licensed meteorologists.

THV Management Issues Statement Concerning Alyson Courtney

Facing continuing inquiries on KTHV's Facebook page, Channel 11 management has issued a statement about the leaving of Alyson Courtney:

About Alyson Courtney; She is our friend and former co-worker, but Alyson's choice to go to work for KATV was her decision. We honor her privacy which means we will not discuss her employment. This is THV Policy for all employees, particuarly those under contract, which respects her new job and the valuable years at THV. We can only say we wish her the very best. -David Craft, Vice-President, KTHV

Fort Smith Station Announces New Morning Met

Source: KHBS/KHOG Press Release Matt Devitt joins 40/29 News as morning meteorologist. Devitt will deliver local weather forecasts every weekday from 5:00 - 7:00am on 40/29 News Sunrise, during ABC’s Good Morning America, and on-line at 4029tv.com.

Devitt served as morning news meteorologist for KTEN-TV in Denison , Texas . Recently, Devitt covered a rare storm that brought several inches of snow to Denison , and in March, Devitt was part of the forecast team who protected viewers when two tornadoes touched down in the Denison area..

“Matt’s easy to understand weather forecasts are perfect for the morning viewer on the go and I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to our news team,” said 40/29 TV’s News Director, Dawn R. Dugle. “Coming from another market known for their severe weather has prepared Matt for a smooth transition to Arkansas ’ severe weather outbreaks,” added Brian Sather, KHBS/KHOG-TV President and General Manager. “Plus, he’s joining a solid team including Drew Michaels and Ross Ellet, giving our viewers a true team approach to weather coverage.”