Little Rock Weekend Met Leaving

Weekend Meteorologist for KTHV/Channel 11/Little Rock is leaving.  Sarah Fortner made the announcement this afternoon on her Facebook page:

Sinclair Buys The Tennis Channel

The parent company of KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock has purchased The Tennis Channel.  TV Spy reports  Sinclair is paying 350 million dollars for the cable channel. 

It was the only independently-owned major sports network left, and we knew we could unlock value through a tuck-in acquisition,” said Sinclair president and CEO David Smith. 

Nexstar Growing Its Station List

The parent company for KARK/Channel 4/Little Rock and KTAL/Channel 6/Shreveport is expanding its number of stations.  Here is the press release:

On Thursday, Nexstar Broadcasting announced the purchase of the Television group Media General for $4.7 billion.
 
Once the transaction is completed, Nexstar will own 171 television stations, reaching approximately 39% of all U.S. television households.
Nexstar will change its name to Nexstar Media Group, Inc. upon the completion of the transaction.
 
Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO of Nexstar, commented, “The acquisition of Media General’s broadcasting and digital media assets represent a transformational growth opportunity for Nexstar and is strategically and financially compelling.  The transaction increases Nexstar’s broadcast portfolio by approximately two thirds with very limited overlap with our existing properties, more than doubles our audience reach, provides entrée to 15 new top-50 DMAs and offers synergies related to the increased scale of the combined digital media operations.
 
The new Nexstar Media Group will be one of the nation’s leading providers of local news, entertainment, sports, lifestyle and network programming and content through its broadcast and digital media platform with annual revenue in excess of $2.3 billion.
Vincent L. Sadusky, President and CEO of Media General, said, “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Nexstar, which provides Media General shareholders with substantial and immediate value, as well as the opportunity to participate in the significant upside potential of the combined company. Together with Nexstar, we can deliver a more comprehensive, integrated and competitive offering across all markets for the benefit of our advertisers and brands. I am thankful for the hard work and dedication of our talented employees, and I'm confident they will continue to make many valuable contributions as part of a larger and stronger organization. I look forward to working closely with the Nexstar team to bring our companies together to realize the power of this compelling combination and ensure a smooth transition.”

Date Set for KATV Anchor's Departure

From the tip box:

Confirmed on Scott Inman's twitter: His last day on air is March 1, 2016.

In November the long time KATV reporter/anchor announced he would be leaving the station after 16 years.  

KFSM Adds New Sports Anchor

From the tip jar:

KFSM Channel 5 in Fort Smith has a new weekend sports person — Brooke Grimsley. Her Twitter account says she's a Nashville, Tenn. native. 

Seems she's been on board since at least mid-December  

Moore Named Sportscaster of the Year

KLRT/Channel 16/Little Rock Sports Director Wes Moore has been named Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association’s Hall of Fame.  

"When you look at the names of the past winners, it reads like an All Star list of Arkansas sportscasters," said Moore of the honor.  "It really is humbling to be mentioned with guys like Paul Eells, Jim Elder, and Bud Campbell.  This only drives me to try to live up to the lofty standards they set for Arkansas sportscasters."

 "This honor is well deserved," said Fox16 News Director Austin Kellerman.  "Wess has worked extremely hard to provide new depth to high school football coverage on television across the state.  He's just getting started."

ArkLaTex Anchor Moving to the Big D

This from the tip box:

KTBS/Channel 3/Shreveport staffer Jessica Crandall is leaving for Dallas this week.  Apparently her spouse got a better job there. 

Changes Made in Northwest Arkansas

From the tip box:

40/29 News has announced a change up in on-air talent. Allison Wise, was named their new Breaking News and Traffic Anchor.

 Joshua Cole will be moving to the position of Weekend Sunrise Anchor and Reporter.

Shreveport Station Recieves New Logo

KTBS/Channel 3/Shreveport, LA has a new logo.   I will have to watch their newscasts to see if their on-air graphics have changed as well.