Northwest Arkansas Station Names New News Director

KHBS/KHOG/Channel 40/29/Northwest Arkansas has named a new news director.  Colleen Clement has been tabbed for the position.  Clement comes to Arkansas from WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Michigan where she was an executive producer.  

“Colleen has distinguished herself throughout her career as a newsroom leader with a unique blend of exceptional team leadership skills, and an eye for what it takes to deliver great local television news,” said KHBS/KHOG-TV President and General Manager, Shawn A. Oswald. “Her passion, energy, and work ethic are infectious and I’m confident our team and our viewers will be well-served with this appointment,” added Oswald.

Clement  begins her new job January 11, 2016.

Former Fort Smith GM Passes Away

Former KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith General Manager  Edward Eugene “Gene” Graham has passed away.  KFSM reports Graham passed away Saturday in Fort Smith.  Graham spent 24 years at Channel 5 before retiring in as president and general manager in 2000.  

“Those of us at KFSM who had the good fortune to work with Gene Graham benefited from his leadership and professionalism,” said Van Comer, current 5NEWS general manager.  “His profound contribution to our success will live on.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

TEGNA Employees To Get Bonus

TEGNA, the parent company of KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock, is giving its employees a little extra in their paychecks this holiday season.  TV Spy reports TEGNA employees will recieve a $400 bonus this holiday season.  

“TEGNA has made terrific progress since becoming a separate company six months ago and we are primed for great things in 2016 and beyond,” wrote Martore. “But we won’t be able to do it without you. As you’ve heard me say before, you, our employees, are our greatest resource. What each of you does every day matters and is critically important to our continued success.”

Northwest Arkansas Anchor/Reporter Leaving

From the tip box

KHBS/KHOG/40/29 morning news anchor Ben Wagner is leaving Northwest Arkansas.  Ben is headed to WISN/ Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he will be a morning anchor/reporter.  Ben joined 40/29 in August 2012.  His last day at KHBS/KHOG is December 23rd.

Long Time KATV Anchor Leaving

Long time KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock anchor Scott Inman is leaving the station.   Arkansas Online reports the more than 15 year KATV veteran is leaving the anchor desk early next year to join GenWealth Financial Advisors as director of business development.  "This was a very difficult decision," Inman said of his leave from KATV. "I am truly humbled by the trust KATV viewers have placed in me over the years, and know that they will continue to trust KATV for their news, weather and sports." 

Inman joined KATV in 1999 as weekend sports anchor.  In 2003 he joined the news desk, co-anchoring the 5pm, 6pm and 10pm newscasts.  

 KATV said in a statement on its website that Inman has decided to leave to "pursue other interests and to spend more time with his family."

KTHV Adds New Reporter

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock has brought a new reporter on board.  Winnie Wright comes to Little Rock from Georgia. According to her bio, Winne attended the University of Alabama and was an intern at WVUA in Tuscaloosa.

KATV is ON YOUR SIDE

Just noticed KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock has changed it's slogan from "The Spirit of Arkansas" to "On your side".  How long have they been using this?  I guess this was a Viacom change.

The cable company where I live doesn't carry KATV. Crazy huh, all the other Little Rock stations but Channel 7.  I guess my cable company and Sinclair didn't come to terms on a retrans agreement.

Okay, So Channel 7 has had 7 on your side...but it hasn't always been in the logo.  It's always been "KATV, The Spirit of Arkansas".  So now they use the ON YOUR SIDE logo.  Just an observation. 

New KATV Set Takes Advantage of the Newest Technologies

Seems KATV's Daybreak morning program recently got new digs. Neal Gladner with AMP-POB has posted a story about how the new set came about.  The story states the old set was used for 25 years.  Of course the new one takes advantage of all the technology available to bring you the excitement you see in the mornings on KATV. 

Jonesboro Reporter Moves to Little Rock

This from the tip jar:

Jessi Turnure leaves KAIT for KLRT/KARK.  

Turnure had been an anchor/reporter for KAIT since May 2013

Reporter Changes Stations

This from the tip box:

Jo Ellison returns to tv news in ft. Smith arkansas. She's joined kfsm "5 news" as a reporter. She used to work at 40/29 khbs/khog as a reporter.

THV to Return to Dish

TEGNA, the parent company of KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock reports an agreement has been reached with DISH Network to return all their stations to its lineup.  Of course terms of the multi-year agreement will not be released.

KTHV's Parent Company Resorts to Name Calling About Re-trans Spat

Tegna has resorted to calling DISH Network names due to not being able to reach a retransmission agreement.  Here's the press release:

“TEGNA has worked hard over the course of months to reach a deal with DISH. Our position has been simple: the same fundamental terms that allowed us to reach deals with distributors nationwide should serve as the basis for our deal with DISH. Rather than accepting that fair, market-based approach, DISH has refused to reach an agreement and once again is preventing its customers from accessing valued channels, even as customers continue to pay for that content. Despite DISH’s repeated efforts to blame programmers, the record is crystal clear – DISH is a serial dropper of channels. It has been responsible for the largest broadcast blackout in history and routinely drops valued cable and broadcast channels. TEGNA, on the other hand, has never been in this position before because we have always been able to reach fair agreements with distributors without disrupting our viewers."

Channel 11 has blown up its facebook page with apologies to viewers.  Of course it blames Dish for the impasse.

Fort Smith News Director Leaving

Source: KHBS/KHOG Press Release  Greg Shepperd, who since 2012 has served as News Director of KHBS/KHOG-TV’s 40/29 News, the Hearst Television ABC and CW affiliates serving the Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Arkansas, television market, has been named News Director of KOAT-TV, Hearst’s ABC affiliate serving the Albuquerque, New Mexico market.

“In his 3 years at 40/29 Greg has distinguished himself with a unique blend of exceptional team leadership skills, and an eye for what it takes to deliver great local television news,” said KHBS/KHOG-TV President and General Manager, Shawn A. Oswald. “Greg’s leadership has set us up for success in the short as well as the long term.” 

Among his many accomplishments, Shepperd and the 40/29 News team have been named by the Associated Press as Arkansas’ Best Newscast, while he’s been honored for his contributions to multiple Edward R. Murrow awards and regional Emmy Awards.

Prior to KHBS/KHOG-TV, Shepperd was Managing Editor at one of the company’s largest stations, KCRA-TV in Sacramento, CA. At Hearst’s New Orleans station WDSU-TV, Shepperd was promoted from Producer to Executive Producer to Assistant News Director for his leadership role in that station’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath in 2005.

Shepperd’s last day leading the 40/29 News team is October 16th.

THV/Dish Taking it Day by Day

Wow who knew it was time for KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock to negotiate another deal with Dish to keep it on its system.  From the station's face book post its down to being a day by day decision.  I often wonder when stations will start charging the cord cutters...or the folks that have antennas and get the signal for free. 

THV to Offer TV Programs on Secondary Channel

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock President and GM Michael Caplan has announced Antenna TV will begin airing on the station's second digital channel.  Antenna TV will offer such classics as I Dream of Jeannie, Family Ties, The Jeffersons, All in the Family, Bewitched, Three’s Company and Leave it to Beaver.  The channel will begin broadcasting on their secondary channel September 30th.

KFSM Debuts New AM Anchor

KFSM/Channel 5/Northwest Arkansas has a new weekday morning news anchor.  April Baker comes to The Natural State from Myrtle Beach, SC.

Shreveport Station Adds New Weekend Anchor

This from the tip jar:


Meredith Hillgartner coming to KTBS as the new weekend morning anchor from KLBK (Lubbock).

Shreveport Station Receives Graphics Re-hash

This from the tip jar:

KSLA has moved to the new ray com graphic.

I'll try and get a screen grab.

Shreveport Station Receives Graphics Re-hash

This from the tip jar:

KSLA has moved to the new ray com graphic.

I'll try and get a screen grab.

Fort Smith Anchor/Reporter Headed to the ArkLaTex

KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith anchor/reporter Aubry Killion is leaving the station and headed to KTBS/Channel 3/Shreveport.  Killion made the announcement on his Facebook page:

Northwest Arkansas Has New Met

40/29/KHBS/KHOG has hired a new weekend meteorologist.  Chris Swaim made his first appearance this weekend.  Swaim comes to The Natural State from Indiana.

Shreveport News Director Departing the ArkLaTex

This from the tip box:

KTAL / KMSS news director Chris Huston has announced his resignation.  His last day will be Oct. 2.  He is moving up north to take a job as news director in Idaho and to be closer to his family.

KATV Nearly Makes A Clean Sweep in July

KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock nearly won all the news time slots in the month of July.  Arkansas Money and Politics reports KATV won all the time slots except the 5am - 6am hour in which KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock won.  And now they measure facebook "likes" and tweeter followers.  You can read all those results in THE ARTICLE.  The one interesting tidbit, more people watch Wheel a Fortune than any newscast.

KHBS/KHOG Anchor Moving On

KHBS/KHOG/40/29 Weekend anchor John Paul is leaving the station after only 3 years in Northwest Arkansas.  John's co-anchor Brad Carl posted this on Facebook:

Sinclair TV Stations Go Dark on Dish

Dish Network subscribers no longer are receiving Sinclair Broadcasting stations.  Dish and Sinclair have been in a retransmission spat for weeks now. Reports say Dish had made extension offers to Sinclair but the Sinclair was holding out to try and leverage distribution for a cable channel it does not own yet.  Sinclair wants to start a cable channel focused on college and high school sports.  The blackout effects more than 150 Sinclair owned stations, including KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock.

UPDATE: Well the blackout didn't last long.  The Associated Press reports Sinclair and Dish have come to an agreement in principle. The stations will return to the air ASAP while the agreement is finalized.  And of course the details can't be released. 

Familiar TV Doctor Passes Away

A well known doctor familiar to Arkansans years ago has passed away.  Dr James "Red" Duke passed away Tuesday at the age of 86.  The Associated Press reports Duke tended to then Texas Governor Gov. John Connally on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  

Duke was a native of  Ennis, Texas and earned his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University and a divinity degree at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, before reconsidering his career choice and earning his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

He joined the faculty of the 2-year-old University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 1972. In the mid-1970s, he founded the Life Flight air ambulance service in Houston.  His medical reports aired for years on KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock.

Sex for Ad Dollars

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock is being sued by a former sales rep accusing her former boss of ordering her to have sex with a client in order to get the account.  Kelly Easby-Smith says sales director Bryon Wilkinson demonstrated what he wanted to perfom on the client in order to get the account.  Courthouse News Service has all the details on the suit that was filed last week.  Named in the suit are Wilkinson, Tegna, Arkansas Television Company and President Michael Caplan.  Read the entire article HERE.

No More THV For Jonesboro

This from the tip jar:

i am in jonesboro  ark and our cable  said as of sep 1 they are replaced KTHV 11 with CBS 42 jonesboro  suddenlink cable  channel 14 is where i found out

Dish Network/Singclair Retrans Fight Gets Nasty

There seems to be more than what meets the eye in the Dish Network/Sinclair retransmission fee spat.  Online sources report Dish Network claims Sinclair Broadcasting is refusing to negotiate unless the deal includes 32 stations that it doesn’t own. Sinclair has management agreements with those stations, which are commonplace for local stations. Dish says that is a direct violation of the STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014, and asked the FCC to intervene.

Hmmmm.......Don't ya love big media companies.

Dish claims that Sinclair is insisting it be allowed to negotiate for 32 stations it does not own in markets where it had other stations. According to Dish, if an agreement is not reached, it has the potential to be the largest retrans blackout in history, covering 153 stations in 79 markets.  - See more at: http://www.multichannel.com/news/fcc/dish-sinclair-extend-talks/393028#sthash.LxC0pTL7.dpuf

ish filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission on Saturday, claiming Sinclair was not negotiating in good faith and asked the FCC to intervene in the talks.  Dish’s retrans agreement was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.

Dish claims that Sinclair is insisting it be allowed to negotiate for 32 stations it does not own in markets where it had other stations. According to Dish, if an agreement is not reached, it has the potential to be the largest retrans blackout in history, covering 153 stations in 79 markets.
- See more at: http://www.multichannel.com/news/fcc/dish-sinclair-extend-talks/393028#sthash.LxC0pTL7.dpuf

ish filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission on Saturday, claiming Sinclair was not negotiating in good faith and asked the FCC to intervene in the talks.  Dish’s retrans agreement was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.

Dish claims that Sinclair is insisting it be allowed to negotiate for 32 stations it does not own in markets where it had other stations. According to Dish, if an agreement is not reached, it has the potential to be the largest retrans blackout in history, covering 153 stations in 79 markets.
- See more at: http://www.multichannel.com/news/fcc/dish-sinclair-extend-talks/393028#sthash.LxC0pTL7.dpuf

Better Late than Never...But Really?

This from the tip box on apparent coverage of "breaking news" on KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock:

7 cuts into programing three hours later! For a fire at Shoe Carnival? Then reporter asking when the stores will reopen? Really? What's up with that Nick?

Sinclair in Re-trans Spat with Dish

Looks as though KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock might disappear from Dish Network as its parent company, Sinclair Broadcasting is in a dispute over re-transmission fees.  Sinclair has set up a website for viewers to get info and air their concerns to Dish.  

I loved the answer to this question on the website:

• Q: Is this just a dispute about money?A: Although we do not believe it is productive to negotiate its private business relationships in the public, the inability to reach agreement with Dish Network is about more than just money.

UPDATE: 08/16  An announcement on KATV's website states a short term extension has been agreed to and they are working on a long term agreement.

KTHV Morning Anchor Leaving

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock morning anchor Ashely Blackstone is leaving the station.  KTHV made the announcement Tuesday afternoon Blackstone has accepted an anchor/reporting position in South Carolina.  Blackstone is originally from South Caorlina and is returning to be closer to family.  Blackstone has been with Channel 11 for the last nine years.  Blackstone's last day is September 25th.

Channel 11 News Director Dave Parker had this to say about Blackstone:"We wish Ashley great success as she moves forward in her life and career."

THV11 President and General Manager Michael Caplan commented, "We certainly wish Ashley the very best with her new opportunity and thank her for all she has given to Central Arkansas and THV11".

New Weekday Anchor Named in Northwest Arkansas

KNWA/Fayetteville has named a new evening news anchor.  Nate Kuester will be joining the station as the new main weekday evening news anchor.  Kuester comes to Arkansas from Milwaukee, WI where he served as the morning anchor at the CBS affiliate. Kuester begins his new job in September.

Little Rock Sports Anchor/Reporter Headed to Arizona

This from the tip box:

Jason Snavely from Fox16 is heading to KNXV in Phoenix. 

Jason came to Little Rock in 2010.

Shreveport FOX Station Adds Morning News

This from the tip box:

As of today, KMSS-33 out of Shreveport has a 7am morning news.  

Of course the newscast is produced by Nexstar's KTAL/Channel 6/Shreveport.  KMSS is owned by Marshall Broadcasting.

NWA Promotes Sports Anchor to Sports Director

This from the tip box:

Bobby Swofford has been appointed the new Sports Director for KFSM.

According to his bio, Swofford has been with the station since 2012.  

New Weeknight Anchor named at KFSM

KFSM's Katelynn Zoellner has been tapped as a new weeknight anchor..Zoellner made the announcement on her Facebook page:

Northwest Arkansas Station Losing Weekend Anchor

This from the tip box:

40/29 News (ABC affiliate in Northwest Arkansas) is losing weekend morning anchor John Paul. He's taking up a job in Tennessee as  a morning / midday anchor.

Shreveport Station Losing Longtime Reporter

This from the tip box:

KSLA is losing Fred Childers. He is heading down to Baton Rouge. That means they will lose the morning producer, which he is married to.

According to his bio, Childers has been with KSLA for nearly 10 years.  

KNWA Losing Main Anchor

KNWA/Fayetteville reports main anchor Jonathan Martinez is leaving the station.  KNWA reports Martinez is headed to KPRC/Houston, TX.  Martinez will be anchoring weekends at the station. 

Do What KATV.....

Seems KATV is getting news from people's Instagram accounts. FTV Live reports KATV pulled some controversial pictures from some local high school girls Instagram account started an investigation, then dropped it. Pulled the facebook post and posted an apology saying it wasn't pursuing the investigation:  Here's the fb posts..via FTV Live:

Sinclair Political Show to Debut in the Fall

KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock parent company Sinclair Broadcast group will debut Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson this fall.  TV Spy reports the 30 minute show will debut Sunday, October 4th on Sinclair stations across the country including KATV.

CBS 42 Coming to Jonesboro

This from the tip jar:

CBS42 will go on the air 8/1/15 and will replace the Memphis CBS affiliate on cable and satellite outlets.  And yes, they will have LP translators on Jonesboro radio towers.

Split Decision for May Ratings Book

Arkansas Business.com reports TV news viewers were split on where they got their news and information in May.  AB.com says KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock won the mornings..the 5am and 6am morning slots while KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock won the 5 and 6pm slots.  KATV and KTHV tied for the 10pm newscast. AB.com didn't post the specific numbers for the May ratings period.

More Movers in Northwest Arkansas

This from the tip jar:


Two reporters are leaving 40/29.
 
Emily Maher is joining the Hearst station in Louisville WLKY.
 
Jonathan Rozelle is leaving for KARK in Little Rock.
 
Both will leave 40/29 in July.

More Shake-ups at KFSM

This from the tip box:

KFSM Sports Director Chris Breece is leaving for WIAT-TV in Birmingham, Alabama after July 16.  

KFSM Assignment Editor Larry Henry is taking a high school teaching position in a few weeks.

KFSM: Let's Make a Deal?

Did KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith make a deal with a judge to avoid a fine after the station's managing editor broke a judge's ban on no electronic posts during a recent trial?  TV Spy recently ran a story about the issue with KFSM News Director Bill Cummings saying, " “There was never any discussion with the court on content of that story nor was there any quid pro quo to avoid a fine or other action.”

“KSFM did not, nor would we ever, relinquish control over our content or editorial process,” said Cummings. “In this case we did acknowledge that Mr. Henry unintentionally violated Judge Karren’s rules regarding tweeting in his courtroom. In additional to apologizing to the court, we deemed it appropriate to take a positive step and offer to do a story on children’s advocacy — a topic we have covered many times on 5NEWS.”

KARK Viewer Says Station Changed Logo to "Colors of Gays"

Sometimes the uneducated just need to keep their mouths shut:
from FTV Live

KFSM Anchor Leaving

KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith anchor Heather Lewis is leaving the station.  Lewis posted this announcement on her Facebook page:

Lester Holt Named Anchor of NBC Nightly News; Williams Moved to MSNBC

NBC News has announced Lester Holt will become the permanent anchor for NBC Nightly News.  Brian Williams will become an anchor for the network's cable news channel MSNBC.  NBC News execs say Williams will be the anchor for breaking news and special reports.   Read the entire story HERE.

Shreveport Morning Anchor Gone Gone Gone....

And she's never coming back..well never say never..

This from the tip jar:

Carly Flynn Morgan has left KTBS and is apparently headed to WPXI in Pittsburgh.

Morgan joined KTBS/Channel 3/Shreveport in Decemeber 2013 and the rest as they say is history.

New Northweast Arkansas Anchor Arrest for DWI

This from the tip jar:

KFSM TV 5 in Fort Smith announced on its 5 PM newscast that their newly announced anchor was arrested for DWI over the weekend.  Liza Danver was arrested by Arkansas State Police.

Heather Lewis was filling in and Darren Bobb as well as Garrett Lewis were both absent from the set.

Movers in NorthWest Arkansas

This from the tip jar:


The KNWA revolving door continues. KPRC in Houston just picked up KNWA evening anchor Jonathan Martinez. No word yet on the date of his departure. (Per Mike McGuff's media blog)
KNWA Weekend anchor/Fox News Edge fill-in Christina Carilla has also left for a position in Florida...
Wonder who will bite the dust next at the station.

Little Rock station Off Air Monday Morning

This from the tip jar:

 KARK off the air for over an hour. Only one post on their facebook page about it.  Either they have no viewers or they are deleting the angry posts about them being off the air. its 6:40 am now, and it's been over an hour.

Something to Make Ya Go Hmmmmm......

This from the tip jar:


Todd Yakoubian changed his Twitter handle last night from katvweather to just Todd Yakoubian. Is he leaving Katv?

He has also taken down any mention of KATV on his Facebook page....

Additional:
This from the tip jar:

 To answer your question about Todd, everyone at channel 7 is required to get separate Twitter handles per Sinclair Broadcasting policy.

  

Shreveport Sports Director Departs the ArkLaTex

Source: KTBS.com  KTBS 3 Sports Director Paul Crane bids farewell to the Ark-La-Tex, as he takes advantage of a new opportunity overseas.

He'll be joining the Universal Basketball Association of India, as well as the Elite Football League of India, in order to announce play-by-play for those teams.

It's a new U.S. venture and Crane says India is fertile ground for sports expansion and that this is a chance to introduce those sports to residents there.

Little Rock Station Adds to Roster

KARK/Channel 4/Little Rock has a new team member.  Victoria Price came on board Monday, June 1st.  Price comes to Little Rock from KAMC/Lubbock, Texas.  At KAMC Price was an anchor/reporter. 

New Fox Station for Jonesboro

This from the tip box:

Jonesboro has a new Fox Station.  It's called KJNB 39 its on channel 13 jonesboro cable   It is based out of mediran miss  right now. it shows no news weather  but it says it has big ideas big plans  but right now 5 days in its CW with FOX'S prime time schedule.

Fort Smith Met Gets Promotion

KHBS/KHOG weather guesser Darby Bybee received a promotion yesterday.  Bybee made the announcement on his facebook page:

KLRT Promotes Weekender to Weekday Mornings

KLRT/Channel 16/Little Rock has named a new anchor for Good Day, the channel's morning news program.  Susanne Brunner joins Pat Walker and Natalie Walters for the daily morning program.  Susanne joined KLRT in 2013 as a weekend anchor/reporter.  

“Susanne has done a tremendous job over the last two years and is deserving of this new opportunity,” said Fox16 News Director Austin Kellerman. “I think viewers will enjoy waking up with the combination of Susanne, Natalie and Pat. All three are dedicated to what they do and serving Central Arkansas.”

Brunner replaces Deedra Wilson who moved to Baton Rouge to work at the Nexstar Broadcasting station there.

New Anchor on the Air in Northwest Arkansas

This from the tip box: Several KFSM viewers have emailed saying a new blond anchor is on the air and has taken the place of MIA Ashley Beck and her bio has been taken down from the station's website.

Nexstar Hires GM for Monroe Stations

TV Spy reports Randy Stone has been named the new General Manager for KARD/Channel 14/Monroe, LA.  Stone was previously General Manger at Nexstar's stations in Grand Junction, Colorado.  TV Spy says he will also oversee Mission Broadcasting's KTVE which is operated under a joint sales agreement.

Seems May sweeps means no news to post here.  Got a tip? use the anonymous tip link to the right and send it to us.

Little Rock Station's Control Board Crashes During Newscast

Seems KARK/Channel 4/Little Rock had some difficulties with its 10pm news Wednesday:

New Anchors Named in Northwest Arknasas

Source: Press Release KHBS/KHOG  Kelly Johnson and Paige Preusse have been named weeknight news anchors for KHBS/KHOG-TV, the home of 40/29 News.

Johnson will co-anchor 40/29 News at 5:00 p.m. with Daniel Armbruster and 6:00 p.m. with Craig Cannon, while Preusse will co-anchor 40/29 News at 9:00 p.m. with Armbruster and 10:00 p.m. with Cannon.

Johnson previously co-anchored 40/29 News Sunrise, while Preusse anchored 40/29’s weekend evening news. Both Johnson and Preusse will also contribute LIVE. LOCAL. LATE BREAKING. reporting on all 40/29 News platforms.

“Kelly and Paige’s anchoring and field reporting experience are a perfect fit for our team”, said 40/29 News Director, Greg Shepperd. “Their versatility will enhance 40/29 News’ commitment to thoroughly cover the entire market.”

Johnson and Preusse assume their new responsibilities, effective immediately.

KLRT Anchor Moving to Baton Rouge

This from the tip jar:

Deedra Wilson, morning anchor at KLRT/Channel 16/Little Rock, will be leaving soon to join a fellow Nexstar Broadcasting sister station in Baton Rouge, La.

Wilson joined in-house sister station KARK/Channel 4 as a reporter in 2012, and was later promoted as the lead morning anchor on KLRT.

KATV Hires Former KARK Creative Services Director

Matt Barnette has been hired as the new marketing producer at KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock.  TV Newscheck reports Barnette will start his new job later this week.   Barnette most recently worked at the Nextsar stations in Little Rock. 

Sinclair to Produce Sunday National News Program for its Stations

Sinclair has announced it will start producing a Sunday morning national news program for its stations nationwide, which includes KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock.  In a press release Sinclair says former CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson will join the company in June and host the 30 minute weekly program.  

"We are excited to have Sharyl on board as we launch this group-wide news program," said Scott Livingston Vice President of News for Sinclair Television Group.  "Our goal is to provide the context and perspective on major issues impacting our viewers.  Sharyl has a proven track record of exposing the truth behind stories that other news organizations shy away from. I admire Sharyl's determination and passion to seek the truth.  Her unwavering commitment to exposing government waste, abuse and impropriety will be the foundation of our news program."

The program will begin in the fall.

Former NWA Met Finds New Gig

We now have the answer as to where former KNWA weather guesser Gina De Vecchio is.  Gina debuted this past weekend at WXII in Salem, North Carolina.  Gina disappeared from Northwest Arkansas at the first of the year.

Hat tip
TV Spy

New Corporate Name for Gannett Broadcast Stations and Digital Unit

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock will be getting a new parent company..sorta.  Gannett announced today it is spinning off its publishing and broadcast and digital properties.  Tegna will be the new name for Gannett's broadcast and digitial units.  "Tegna is a nod to the more than 100-year-old history of Gannett," Gracia Martore, Gannett's CEO, said in a statement.  Tegna will be the new corporate name for 46 broadcast stations and its digital units.

SINCLAIRED!

This from the tip box:

KATV is officially looking like Sinclair.  They debuted the Sinclair graphics and music package today. (Monday)

The Beginning of the End for Soul of the South?

Could Little Rock's two year old Soul of the South network be shutting down operations?  Arkansas Business.com reports the network is in financial trouble and is mulling the decision to wind down operations.  Read the complete article over at Arkansas Business.com.

Another Clean Sweep for KATV for February

KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock sweeped the ratings in February's Nielson ratings book.. Arkansas Business.com reports KATV won every news hour where it had competition.  AB.com says the station beat KARK and KTHV by 6 ratings points in the 6pm news slot alone.  KATV attributes the ratings win with its weather coverage during the month.

Little Rock Station Adds to the Weather Department

KLRT/Channel 16/Little Rock has a new weather guesser. Meteorologist Matt Peterson made his first on air appearance last night on the Little Rock station.  Matt comes to KLRT from KCAU/Channel 9/Sioux City, Iowa where he was the weekday morning and mid-day meteorologist. 

Shreveport Station Adds Weekend Co-anchor

KTBS/Channel 3/Shreveport has a new weekend co-anchor. Jeff Beimfohr joined the weekend anchor desk this past weekend.  From what I can gather Jeff comes to the ArkLaTex from WPTY/Memphis, TN where he was the weekend anchor.

New Morning Anchor On Air in Northwest Arkansas

KHBS/KHOG/Channel 40/29/Fort Smith has a new morning anchor.  Joshua Cole began earlier this month, anchoring 40/29 News Sunrise.  His official title is "Breaking News and Get Ready Traffic Anchor".  He comes to Northwest Arkansas from KLBK-TV in Lubbock, Texas. 

Monroe Reporter Moving to the ArkLaTex

Today was the last day for Alanna Quillen at KTVE/KARD/Channel 10-14/Monroe,LA.  Quillen has announced on her facebook page she is moving to Shreveport to work for KTBS/Channel 3:

Northwest Arkansas Station Loses Long Time Managing Editor

KHBS/KHOG/Channel 40/29  long time Managing Editor Melissa Kelly Williams has left the station.  She made the following post on her Facebook:

Melissa Kelly Williams
March 20 at 10:46am ·
After 13-years...today is my last day to work at 40/29 News. I've taken a job at our Hearst station in Kansas City, KMBC. It's a new adventure that David and I are very excited to tackle. I have loved my job at 40/29...the people, the stories and the responsibility holding government agencies accountable. I will miss my Work Family...a group that is being very kind and generous to me today.

Northwest Arkansas Station Hires New Weather Guesser

KNWA/Fayetteville has hired a new weather guesser for weekends.  Zachary MIcoch will man the weekend weather desk for the Northwest Arkansas station.  Below is the announce from MIcoch's facebook page. 

New Weekend Anchor Named at KARK

KARK/Channel 4/Little Rock has a new weekend anchor.  KARK/KLRT News Director Austin Kellerman sent out a tweet Friday, March 13th announcing Shannon Miller will be taking over the weekend anchor desk.  

Miller joined the Little Rock stations in August 2014.

Channel 11 Hires New MMJ

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock has a new Multi Media Journalist.   Laura Monteverdi comes to The Natural State from KDLT, the NBC affiliate in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  At KDLT Monteverdi was co-anchor/reporter for its morning program. 

Former Channel 11 Fill-in Met on Air at LR Nexstar Stations

This from the tip box:

Tracy Davidson Beene, who used to do fill in weather for KTHV a while back is now doing fill-in weather for KARK and KLRT.

Beene posted on her facebook page she will be filling in as needed on the two Nexstar stations.  Her first appearance was tonight on KLRT.

KARK Losing Reporter

KARK/Channel 4/Little Rock is losing a member of its news team. The Charlotte Observer reports  Channel 4 reporter Brittney Johnson is leaving the Little Rock station to join WSOC/Channel 9/Charlotte, NC.  Johnson is a native of Charlotte.  Her last day at KARK is March 15th.  

Hat tip TV Spy

Nexstar Hires Two Mets For It's Little Rock Stations

Nexstar's Little Rock station's KARK and KLRT have new meteorologists.  TV Spy reports Matt Peterson and Kira Miner will be joining the company as weekend meteorologists.  Matt comes to KLRT from KCAU in Sioux City, Iowa while Kira comes to KARK from WBBH in Fort Meyers, Florida.  The mets start in Little Rock in March.

Northwest Arkansas Met Leaving

This from a tipster:

This is a Facebook message from 40/29 Chief Meteorologist Drew Michaels' wife.  It's the 3rd 6pm/10pm anchor to leave since last February. Mike Jacques, Angela Taylor and now Drew. Craig Cannon is the only one left.
Adrienne Lovell Burgoyne
14 February at 18:04 · Lowell, AR ·
I guess it's time to make it "official"! Watch out, Milwaukee.. The Burgoynes are coming this June! Drew has accepted a position as the Chief Meteorologist at the CBS station. It's going to be tough to leave our Arkansas family and friends.. But, we're very excited for this amazing opportunity! 


According to his bio on the station's webpage, Drew started at KHBS/KHOG in 2003

KTAL Now Providing News for KMSS

A tipster emailed and says KTAL/Channel 6/Shreveport, LA is now producing the 9pm newscast for KMSS/Channel 33/Shreveport, LA.  Nexstar, KTAL's parent company operates KMSS under a local marketing agreement and I have heard moved Channel 33's operations into KTAL's headquarters on North Market.

KTHV Anchor/Reporter Moves to Fox 16

Seems KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock has lost another reporter/anchor.  Melissa Dunbar Gates now is a reporter for KLRT/Channel 16/Little Rock.  The former weekend anchor for Channel 11made her debut on the air today.

Little Rock Station Adds Former Hog to its Morning Team

KARK/Channel 4/ Little Rock has added an additional face to its morning program.  DJ Williams will be joining Aaron Nolan, Mallory Brooks and Natalie Walters on KARK Today which airs from 4am til 7am. Williams is a former tight end for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

 Today was Meteorologist Greg Dee's last day at the Little Rock station.  He announced in January he would be moving to Cleveland, Ohio for a job there.

Inquiring Minds Wanna Know...

I have been getting several emails daily for a week or so about a couple of Northwest Arkansas news personalities.  The first one is Ashely Beck..at KFSM who according to emailers hasn't been on the air for 4 weeks now....and the other isKNWA weekend Met Gina Devecchio. Both according to emailers are MIA on the air...

Former Jonesboro Assistant ND on the Way Back as ND

Jonesboro's KAIT/Channel 8 has a new News Director.  TV Spy reports former assistant ND Josh White will return to the station in late February.  White had been assistant news director from 2008 - 2013 at which time he left for a job in Indiana.

New ND Named in Fort Smith

KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith has hired a new News Director.  FTV Live reports Bill Cummings is the News Director for the Northwest Arkansas station.  Cummings comes to The Natural State from Erie, PA.  FTV Live says Cummings quit WICU, in Erie late last year.

KTHV Hires MMJ/Anchor

KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock has a new reporter/anchor coming on board.  TV Spy reports Laura Monteverdi from KDLT/Sioux Falls, South Dakota will be joing the Little Rock station in March.  Monteverdi is currently the morning anchor at KDLT.  She begins at Channel 11 March 2.

Fake Tweet From Little Rock Station Get's a Tweet Back

Seems KARK was trying to have a little fun with the fact that Met Greg Dee is headed to Cleveland, Ohio. TV Spy reports KARK sent out a satire tweet that was supposedly from Drew Carey..whose hometown is Cleveland.  Well Carey shot back in a tweet of his own.  TV Spy has all the info for ya.

Little Rock Met Moving On

KARK/KLRT Meteorologist Greg Dee has announced he will be leaving Little Rock.  Dee made the announcement this morning on KARK. Dee says he is leaving Little Rock forWKYC, the NBC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio.  Dee's last broadcast will be Super Bowl Sunday. Dee joined KARK in May 2008 as weekend meteorologist.

Northwest Arkansas Reporter Leaving for Wisconsin

KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith is losing a reporter.  Jocelyne Pruna has announced she is leaving the station at the end of the month.  She has been with KFSM since October 2011.  Here's her announcement on her facebook page:

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

I have received several emails inquiring about a couple Little Rock TV personalities MIA:

An emailer informs me Michelle Rupp from KLRT/KARK hasn't been seen on the air lately.  Rupp was hired on at KLRT as a weekend meteorologist..and her bio has been taken down from the KLRT website.

ALSO, I have recieved emails inquiring on the whereabouts of Ed Buckner, chief meteorologist at KTHV/Channel 11.  Emails poured in when it was discovered Channel 11 was advertising for a meteorologist in their jobs area on the station's website....