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Showing posts from June, 2011

The change is upon us: Local 7 and Fox44 go live tomorrow ... here's what you need to know

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When you wake up in the morning, TV in the Tri-State will have changed:  Fox programming will be on WEVV's new Fox44 starting tomorrow night, and newly-independent WTVW-7 will become Local 7 . What does that mean for you?  Here are a few examples: Your favorite Fox shows like "Glee," "Bones," "House," "The Simpsons," and others, as well as sporting events like Major League Baseball (including the upcoming All-Star Game), will be found on Fox44. Local 7 will still have the local news, sports and weather coverage you've become accustomed to over the years, but there will be more of it, as the station is preparing to add six and a half hours of news programming each week, including expanded weekend newscasts and another hour of "AM Evansville." MyNetwork TV programming, which formerly aired each weeknight from 7:00 to 9:00 PM CT on My44, will now air from 9:00 to 11:00 PM CT on Fox44. Local 7 will air two nightly newsmagazine s

"All My Children" finale set for Sept. 23: Many former stars returning to Pine Valley to say goodbye

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ABC will broadcast its final episode of the Daytime Emmy Award-winning drama series, "All My Children," on Friday, September 23 . The iconic series will end in a manner that respects the show's legacy and honors its history. Out of love and respect for the show, many beloved actors will be returning to Pine Valley, including Josh Duhamel (Leo Du Pres), Eva La Rue (Maria Santos), Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater), Carol Burnett (Verla Grubbs), Kate Collins (Janet Green), Jennifer Bassey (Marion Chandler), Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Chandler) and Leven Rambin (Lily Montgomery), among others yet to be announced. Final episodes will celebrate the stories of the families that fans have grown to know and love over the years. Recently nominated for a total of 13 Daytime Emmy Awards in 2011 and hallmarked for its iconic brand of humor and satire, "All My Children" has been prized with more than 30 Daytime Emmy Awards over the past four decades, including the thre

POLL RESULTS: Cable still leads among readers

This afternoon, I've tallied up the votes in this month's poll, which asked "How do you receive television programming in your home?"  The results are interesting. Out of 202 votes cast over the past month, here's how things turned out: 80 voters (40%) said they are cable subscribers. 64 voters (32%) use satellite services like Dish or DirecTV. 38 voters (19%) use an antenna and get their TV over the air. 16 voters (8%) utilize more than one of the above methods.  Typically, this means they have cable or satellite on one or more TV sets, plus an antenna on another or more than one additional TV, or they may subscribe to both cable and satellite, although this is rare. 4 voters (2%) don't watch TV at all. Interestingly, these results show a roughly 10% difference from what Nielsen and TVB estimated for the Evansville market in May of this year.  Their results show that 90% of homes in the market have some form of pay TV service (versus 80% in this un

Like great American music? You'll want to check out "American Routes" on WNIN-FM

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WNIN-FM 88.3 has a new show on Saturday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, and if you love truly great American music, it's worth a listen. “American Routes” is a weekly two-hour public radio program produced in New Orleans, presenting a broad range of American music — blues and jazz, gospel and soul, old-time country and rockabilly, Cajun and zydeco, Tejano and Latin, roots rock and pop, avant-garde and classical. Now in our 12th year on the air, American Routes explores the shared musical and cultural threads in these American styles and genres of music — and how they are distinguished. The program also presents documentary features and artist interviews. Conversations include Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, B.B. King, Dr. John, Dave Brubeck, Abbey Lincoln, Elvis Costello, Ray Charles, Randy Newman, McCoy Tyner, Lucinda Williams, Rufus Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. Join us as we ride legendary trains, or visit street parades, instrument-makers, roadside attractions and juke jo

Jackie's back: Monroe returns to 14 News tonight at 9 and 10

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14 News anchor Jackie Monroe returns to the station's anchor desk tonight, two months after giving birth to her twin son and daughter, Jude and Ava. Monroe will once again anchor the 9:00 newscast and co-anchor the 10:00 with David James. Additionally, beginning September 12, Monroe will anchor 14's new 4:00 PM newscast. Welcome back, Jackie!

KTVI may be new Fox choice for WIN and Hamilton County Communications subscribers

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While Wabash Independent Networks and Hamilton County Communications customers will lose Fox programming from WTVW when the station becomes independent tomorrow, there seems to be some hope this afternoon that the loss will be short-lived. Our Flora correspondent, James Hampsten, has been in contact with WIN general manager Jeff Williams today, and Williams says that negotiations are underway with St. Louis Fox affiliate KTVI-Fox 2 .  If the company and KTVI can reach an agreement, that will be the new Fox choice. "I have had conversations with both the General Manager and Program Manager with KTVI (in) St. Louis for the purpose of acquiring an agreement to offer their feed to our customers," Williams said. "Negotiations weigh very heavily in the station programmer's favor, but I do believe WIN will be able to acquire a favorable agreement with KTVI and at that point we will again be able to present the Fox programming." James and I will keep you posted on

A programming note from me

Because I will be attending the funeral of a very good and dear friend this morning, I will not post any news items and will be unavailable until sometime this afternoon.

Tonight on the Travel Channel: Bert the Conqueror conquers Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

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It’s finally time! The Travel Channel’s own "Bert the Conqueror" will show the hilarious highlights from his trip to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari this evening. Show host Bert Kreischer’s goal: To conquer The Voyage and Wildebeest. All the folks at Holiday World can tell you about their episode is  Bert indeed screamed like a little girl; the rest you’ll just have to see for yourself. "Bert the Conqueror" airs on The Travel Channel tonight at 9:00 PM CT (10:00 ET).

CBS announces premiere dates for 2011-12 season: "Survivor" kicks off the action Sept. 14

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CBS , America's most watched network, will officially open the 2011-2012 season on Monday, Sept. 19, highlighted by the special series debut of its new comedy, "2 Broke Girls," which premieres at a special time behind the season premiere of "Two and a Half Men." CBS will once again launch the majority of its new and returning programming during premiere week (Sept. 19-25). "Survivor" premieres one week earlier (Wednesday, Sept. 14) for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons, and the comedies "Mike & Molly" (Monday, Sept. 26) and "How to Be a Gentleman" (Thursday, Sept. 29) will debut one week later. The new drama, "Person of Interest," opens Thursday, Sept. 22 preceded by back-to-back episodes of "The Big Bang Theory." "Unforgettable" premieres Tuesday, Sept. 20 and "A Gifted Man" on Friday, Sept. 23. "Our playbook is pretty consistent: wherever and whenever possible we use estab

14WFIE news director Hoyt accepts news director position at Raycom's Toledo station

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C.J. Hoyt 14WFIE news director C.J. Hoyt announced today that he will be leaving the station and the Tri-State during the week of July 11, shortly after the station goes live with its new news set and HD newscasts. Hoyt, who has been with Channel 14 since February 2008, has accepted the news director job at WTOL, Raycom Media's CBS affiliate in Toledo, Ohio. "Leaving Evansville won't be easy," Hoyt told me this afternoon.  "The people at WFIE and the people of the Tri-State welcomed me with open arms and really made me feel a part of the 14 family and of the Tri-State community." During his time at the station, WFIE made many advancements in newsgathering and in how the public receives the station's news product, from smartphone apps to Twitter feeds and Facebook.  "I'm proud of the work we've done at 14 News in my 3+ years there, and I am excited about the station's future in being the market's first HD newscast and in launch

Preview tomorrow's column today: This week, we'll get you ready for the Fox switch

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In tomorrow's Courier & Press , there is a jam-packed column full of news you can use, including the latest information to help you get ready for Fox's big move from WTVW to Fox44 WEVV on Friday , as well as these stories: Three companies are in the running to buy Insight Communications.  Who will be the lucky bidder?  Or will the company remain in current hands? A Southern Illinois Christian radio station is hosting a fundraiser on Friday to buy a new transmitter so it can remain on the air.  I've got the details. And finally, the NFL and its players continue to negotiate, and sources say they're getting close to a deal.  Will we see games this fall? It's all in the Thursday edition of the Courier & Press and online at courierpress.com !

Reversing the slide? Viewers flocking back to network newscasts this year

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There's good news to report today for ABC, CBS and NBC:  The "Big Three" networks' evening newscasts may be reversing their longtime viewership slide, TVNewser reports this afternoon. Compared to the second quarter of last year, the three networks gained nearly 1.5 million viewers from April through June this year. NBC's ratings-leading "Nightly News" benefited the most, adding more than 891,000 viewers, a 12% increase over the 7.62 million who watched during the second quarter of 2010.  ABC's "World News" gained 655,000 (+9%) and CBS' "Evening News," which experienced a change in anchors midway through the quarter, was up 387,000, a 7% jump. The numbers for this year are even more impressive when compared to 2009, which was a better year than 2010.  All three networks posted solid gains.  BY THE NUMBERS Network    2011 (2nd Quarter)      2010 (2nd Quarter)      2009 (2nd Quarter)   8,511,000 2,553,000 (ages 25-54) 7,6

Unbelievable, but true: WIN continues to keep its customers in the dark on Fox

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It appears at this point that customers of Wabash Independent Networks (WIN) and Hamilton County Communications in Southern Illinois will lose Fox programming entirely on Friday, despite the company having ample time to find another source for the network. Although I said previously that I was, out of sheer frustration, ending my efforts to find out anything from WIN's general manager, Jeff Williams, I gave him one more try last night, sending him this email message: Mr. Williams, I have made numerous attempts to get in touch with you regarding the future of Fox programming on WIN beginning Friday, but have never heard back from you. I am the TV & radio columnist with the Evansville Courier & Press and operate my own website, Jake's DTV Blog .  Through these, I do what I can to keep my readers informed of changes in television that will affect them, but I can only do so when I have the help of people like you who are in decision-making positions with the ar

"Dr. Phil" moves to CBS44 this fall: Channel change also means move for "Ellen," cutback for "The Doctors"

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"Dr. Phil" will have a new home in the Tri-State this fall. With 14WFIE replacing the show with the new daily version of "America Now" starting Sept. 12, CBS44 WEVV will pick up "Dr. Phil" and put him in the same timeslot - 3:00 PM CT each weekday. The move does mean a couple of other programming changes will be made at CBS44, however:  "Ellen" will move from 3:00 to 4:00, displacing the afternoon episode of "The Doctors," which will continue to air at 9:00 AM, according to WEVV's creative services director, Eric Stremming.

14WFIE to air new daily edition of "America Now" as a 1-hour block

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Earlier today, I told you that 14WFIE plans to debut its new HD newscasts on July 11 , and a new 4:00 PM newscast will follow on Sept. 12. There's more news this afternoon on the station's afternoon lineup beginning this fall. Starting Sept. 12, the new daily edition of "America Now" will take over for "Dr. Phil" at 3:00 PM.  (There's no word yet on where "Phil" will go, but it won't be on Channel 14.) "To provide maximum flexibility, (America Now) will be formatted so it could be aired in two separate 30-minute segments," said Kirk Williams, WFIE's director of programming and research.  "WFIE will televise (it) as one block (from) 3-4 PM," he explained. Williams also tells me that fans of the station's early afternoon programming won't see any changes.  "Both “Jeopardy!” and “Dr. Oz” will remain in their current time periods for the upcoming 2011/2012 season," he said.

Nexstar turns the tables on Fox: WFXW changing call letters, will be ABC's re-entry to Terre Haute market

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UPDATE, 4:30 PM:  Added "More Reading" links to articles elsewhere on this story.  Scroll to the bottom for those. Nexstar Broadcasting, which has lost three of its Fox affiliations in recent weeks (including WTVW here in Evansville), is turning the tables on Fox and dumping them instead. The company's Terre Haute Fox affiliate, WFXW (channel 38.1), will switch call letters and networks - to ABC - on September 1, according to TVNewsCheck . The new WAWV - which stands for "ABC for the Wabash Valley" - will return ABC programming to Terre Haute for the first time since 1995, when the former WBAK-38, then owned by Bahakel Broadcasting, switched to Fox. "We are delighted to extend, on a long-term basis, our affiliation agreements with ABC, said Nexstar chairman, president and CEO Perry Sook.  "WAWV’s ABC affiliation enables Nexstar to continue to serve the Terre Haute community and the Wabash Valley with compelling network programming as well as lo

Tri-State radio legend Brian Jackson joins LiveOneRadio.com: New morning show to debut July 4

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Brian Jackson ( LiveOneRadio.com photo) LiveOneRadio.com , the online streaming radio station (part of the Tripodder Media family) announces a new star studded line up to hit the Internet airwaves this Monday, July 4th including radio legend Brian Jackson 's first live show in 12 years. Jackson left radio in 1999 after 14 years on WSTO and a 15th year on WQXQ, but “Beej and the Breakfast Bunch” and characters like “Wicked Wanda” and “Furry Head and the Favorites” are still part of Tri-State culture. After a successful career as voice-over talent, network TV personality, producer, and co-founder of WatchEvansville.com . Brian is bringing back his Breakfast Bunch, his famous characters and one-of a kind style ― with new surprises ― weekday mornings 5:00 to 9:00 CT (6:00-10:00 ET) on LiveOneRadio.com . The Paul & Tom Show of Indianapolis will also be broadcast in a “ best of” format on LiveOneRadio afternoons 2:00 to 6:00 PM CT (3:00-7:00 ET). Paul Poteet and Tom Davis perf

FOX44 CABLE UPDATE II: NewWave making changes to its lineups in the Tri-State for both WTVW and Fox44

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The new Fox44 's debut on Friday means that NewWave Communications customers in Southeastern Illinois, Southwestern Indiana and Western Kentucky will see some channel shifts involving not only the new channel, but WTVW Local 7 as well. In the Tri-State communities served by NewWave, WTVW will be moved to a new channel, and the new Fox will be in the same place as the old one. Here is the information that NewWave shared with me: In Southeastern Illinois (Albion, Carmi, Crossville, Enfield, Fairfield, Grayville, Mt. Carmel, Norris City, Wayne City and surrounding areas): WTVW is moving to Channel 10 Fox44 will be on Channel 7 Fox44 HD will be on Channel 202 In Wadesville, Indiana: WTVW will move to Channel 7 Fox44 will be on Channel 6 . No HD option is available. In Madisonville and Beaver Dam (as well as Hopkins and Ohio counties), Kentucky: WTVW will move to Channel 22 Fox44 will be on Channel 7 . Fox44 in HD will be available on Channel 303 in these communities. Ma

14WFIE planning HD news launch on July 11, will add new 4PM newscast beginning Sept. 12

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The wait is nearly over:  The Evansville market's first high-definition local newscast is set to debut on 14WFIE on Monday, July 11, says the station's news director, C.J. Hoyt. "Our HD launch will be the 5pm newscast, barring any major issues that might emerge," Hoyt said, although he added, "circumstances could always force a change to the timeline."  He did say that he doesn't anticipate any further holdups. In addition, Jackie Monroe will be the anchor of a new 4:00 PM newscast beginning September 12.  More information on staffing for this newest newscast will be forthcoming, Hoyt told me this afternoon. 14's new newscast will compete head-to-head with NEWS 25's 4:00 show, which debuted in September of last year.

FOX44 CABLE UPDATE: Comcast to keep My44's channel position in the Tell City area

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Tell City-area Comcast customers will find the new Fox44 in a familiar channel location starting this Friday. Comcast has decided to keep My44's current channel position on Channel 226 unless something changes down the road. I'm also in contact with other area cable companies this afternoon, and I'll bring you more updates as I get them.

UE grad Giddish tapped for new role on "Law & Order: SVU," alongside Danny Pino

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Kelli Giddish 's last NBC show, "Chase," may not have worked out, but the network and "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf have found a new vehicle for her to exercise her talents. The University of Evansville grad, already known for her roles on "All My Children" and "The Good Wife," among others, will take on a new starring role this fall in NBC's "Law & Order: SVU," as will Danny Pino , who is replacing Christopher Meloni's Det. Elliot Stabler. Mariska Hargitay, whose character, Det. Olivia Benson, is slated to be promoted to a supervisory position at midseason (according to TVGuide.com), will work on the show in a reduced capacity this season.  The website reports that it's not clear if Giddish is Hargitay's replacement or if another star will be added in the middle of the season. "I'm very pleased that we have two amazing actors joining the cast," executive producer Dick Wolf said in a stat

REMINDER: Bishop's ordination to be televised Wednesday afternoon

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Southwestern Indiana Catholics who won't have the opportunity to attend the ordination of Bishop Charles C. Thompson on Wednesday afternoon will still have the opportunity to watch the ceremonies, as the three local TV news stations have made plans to broadcast it live on television. The ordination, which will begin at 2:00 PM Central time (3:00 PM Eastern time) at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, will be televised on WTVW-7, WFIE's 14Xtra channel and WEHT's NEWS 25 Sports Channel. WTVW-7 news director Bob Walters said his station is pleased to be able to share the broadcast with its viewers.  "We carried the ordination of the Owensboro bishop live a while back and felt it was important to do the same for our viewers and the Evansville Diocese," he said. 14Xtra, which normally airs weather information and repeats of "Oprah" and "Dr. Phil," is not as widely available as WTVW on cable and satellite, but it is available over the air on cha

WTVW to become "LOCAL 7" on July 1: More news and local programming highlight major changes for station

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It's finally official:  WTVW will become "Local 7" on Friday, and the changes you'll see from the former Fox affiliate are extensive. "Launching LOCAL 7 reflects WTVW's deep commitment to the community and focus on addressing the interests of our multiple viewing audiences in the Tri-State area with more locally-produced programming than they can get anywhere else," said Mike Smith, WTVW's general manager. "Local 7 will build upon its highly successful news product as we are immediately increasing the amount of local news content and are developing other exclusive, locally originated programming," Smith said.  "Our market leading news content will be complemented by a range of hit prime time shows, blockbuster movies and other high quality entertainment programming -- just as we have for the past 55 years." The station is not only keeping its current newscasts in place, but adding more, giving a total of 36 1/2 hours of

NEWS 25 Fan Club aims to help low-income families and seniors beat the heat again this year

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The NEWS 25 Fan Club is back in action once again this year, and as in years past, the station, along with the American Red Cross and Papa John's Pizza locations in the Tri-State will provide new electric fans to help low-income families and senior citizens all over the area beat the heat this summer. On July 13, area Papa John's locations will donate $1 for every pizza sold to the Fan Club, and donations above and beyond that will also be accepted at those locations. The Red Cross is also challenging area businesses to take part in the event by encouraging their employees to order Papa John's pizza during their lunch and dinner breaks. For more information, click here or watch the video after the jump.

"Local 7?"

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It looks like the soon-to-be-independent WTVW 7 may take on another identity, if this photo of the station's flyer for its upcoming Hawaii vacation (hosted by news anchor Julie Dolan) is any indication. I've already shown you two logos the station has tried out, but this one actually brands the station as "LOCAL 7 WTVW." Will it be the final one?  What will it signify?  I don't yet know, but what I do know is that the clock is ticking ...so hopefully I'll have more to share with you very soon.

ABC sets fall premiere dates: Tim Allen to head up new Tuesday comedy block beginning in Oct.

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ABC is the latest broadcast network to announce its fall schedule, and the network has decided if comedy is good on Wednesdays, perhaps its viewers will want more.  To give them that extra dose of laughter, ABC will add a comedy block on Tuesday nights starting in October. Tim Allen's upcoming new show, "Last Man Standing," will lead the new block, which is set to debut on Oct. 11.  "Man Up," the second comedy in the lineup, will make its first appearance one week later. After the jump, take a look at the network's full premiere schedule.

Insight announces channel locations for Fox44

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UPDATE, 8:55 PM WEDNESDAY:  For those of you who are Insight subscribers in Dawson Springs and Providence, Ky., I now have your channel locations:  In Dawson Springs, Fox44 will be on channel 8 (replacing the NEWS 25 Sports Channel; no word on if that channel will remain in the lineup elsewhere), and in Providence, you'll find Fox44 on channel 5. Insight Communications subscribers will have access to both the SD and HD feeds of the new Fox44 beginning this Friday, says Insight spokesman Jason Keller. "For the time being, WTVW will stay in it's current channel location, channel 8, and Fox programming will move to the current MyNetwork (now Fox) station, channel 119," Keller told me this afternoon. "Customers without a digital box or Mini Box will be able to tune in on channel 20.9, (and the) new Fox HD channel will launch on Friday on channel 915 of the Insight HD lineup." I've updated the list at the top right of the page to reflect the addition of I

NEWS 25 Sports Channel is latest TV choice for bishop's ordination

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Last week, both 14WFIE and WTVW-7 announced that they would carry the ordination of Bishop Charles C. Thompson live on Wednesday afternoon.  This afternoon, I can tell you that there is now a third choice. You'll also be able to tune in to the NEWS 25 Sports Channel (channel 25.2) starting at 2:00 PM on Wednesday. The NEWS 25 Sports Channel is not available on satellite, but it is on the following cable channels: Insight - ch. 524 (8 in some areas) WOW! - ch. 111 Time Warner Cable - ch. 311 Avenue Broadband - ch. 135 PSCtv - ch. 6 Comcast - ch. 208

Leeza Gibbons to join Bill Rancic on "America Now" this fall; show expected to air on 14WFIE

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Leeza Gibbons ( USAToday photo) Since last September, 14WFIE and Raycom Media's other television stations have aired "America Now," a lifestyle-oriented newsmagazine show featuring news clips from Raycom's stations, hosted by Bill Rancic . This fall, the show will transition to a daily 30-minute syndicated format, and Rancic will gain a co-host: Leeza Gibbons . Gibbons, who has hosted "Extra," "Entertainment Tonight" and, most recently, PBS' "My Generation," said, "The program is topical but not day-to-day timely," adding that the show is "the perfect show" for her, and it comes at the right time for her to return to daily syndication. "I'm thrilled to return to television with a program that is meant to enhance the lives of viewers with information they can put to use immediately," Gibbons said. "Today's consumers have practically unlimited resources for information, but they have

Nick Charles, longtime CNN "Sports Tonight" anchor, dies at 64

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NICK CHARLES, 1946-2011 Nick Charles, who rose from obscurity as the son of a Chicago taxi driver - at one point working as a taxi driver himself - to become a pioneer of cable sports coverage as the co-host (with Fred Hickman) of CNN's "Sports Tonight" for many years, died yesterday at his home in Santa Fe, N.M. Charles, who died just five days short of his 65th birthday, had been fighting metastatic bladder cancer since 2009. CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton called Charles' passing "a loss to CNN, to the sports world and to fans and friends everywhere." Of all the sports he covered, boxing was Charles' passion, CNN said on its website.  He became a friend and mentor to Mike Tyson, who wrote on Twitter yesterday, "Mourning the loss of a true warrior. My friend & brother, Nick Charles." Charles is survived by his wife, Cory, and their daughter, Giovanna, as well as three grown children from his two previous marriages, Jason, Meliss

Official information from WEVV on Fox44 in HD, as well as cable and satellite negotiations

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EDITOR'S NOTE:  As I told you last night , there is a new low-power HD television station now broadcasting in the Evansville area, and it's where you'll find Fox44 in high-definition over the air. To explain how this all works out, as well as update viewers on where cable and satellite negotiations stand, WEVV general manager Tim Black has issued the following press release, which I share with you here in its entirety: "FOX 44 WEVV will provide its over-the-air high-definition signal via local channel 47, effective July 1. Channel 47 will simulcast WEVV-D2, 44.2 which will carry FOX Network programming, MyNetwork programming and various syndicated programs. Evansville cable and satellite viewers will also be able to receive FOX 44 programming in high-definition. CBS 44/FOX 44 General Manager Tim Black says "When the FOX affiliate switch was announced, we promised to provide FOX 44 programming over-the-air in high-definition. We are very pleased to provide the 1

WEVV lights up new low-power digital station for Fox

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UPDATE #2, 11:35 PM:  Courtesy of RabbitEars.info webmaster Trip Ericson, you can also see a better, more detailed coverage map that I've linked to below. UPDATE, 10:05 PM:  After rescanning the TV sets connected to my "good" antenna, I am getting a 54% signal from W47EE-D on those sets.  This is comparable to the signal I get from WTSN-LD (channel 36.1), which is located closer to me. Earlier today, WEVV turned on a new low-power digital station ― W47EE-D, channel 47.1 ― that was granted special temporary authority by the FCC earlier this month. W47EE-D is currently simulcasting My44 's programming (found on channel 44.2), but in 720p high definition .  According to the station's recent filing with the FCC, the station will be used for airing Fox44 programming in HD and providing that feed to cable and satellite. If you live within the circled area as shown on this map ( or this better, more detailed one from RabbitEars.info ), try rescanning your TV (if

WTVW joins WFIE, will televise ordination of new Evansville bishop on Wednesday

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Earlier this week, I told you that 14WFIE's 14Xtra channel would televise the ordination of Bishop Charles C. Thompson of the Evansville Catholic Diocese.  However, I've heard from some readers who told me that they're unable to get 14Xtra (primarily those who are satellite subscribers), so for those folks, I'm pleased to share with you that there is another choice. WTVW 7 (channel 7.1) will also broadcast the ordination live, with coverage scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM CT (3:00 PM ET) and continuing until 4:30 CT (5:30 ET).  Regardless of where you live in the Tri-State, WTVW is available just about everywhere to just about everyone, whether you're an over-the-air viewer or a cable or satellite subscriber. "We carried the ordination of the Owensboro Bishop live a while back and felt it was important to do the same for our viewers and the Evansville Diocese," said WTVW news director Bob Walters.

THE WEEKENDER: Looking back at the TV and radio news of the week, June 20-24, 2011

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Another week has come and gone, and it's time to look back at all that took place. We found out ― inadvertently ― that WTVW will become an independent station on July 1 , that Insight has three possible suitors in its quest for new ownership, and that the ordination of the new bishop of Evansville's Catholic Diocese will be televised next Wednesday. Those are just a very few of the more than 25 stories I've brought your way this week, and as usual, I've linked to all of them below for your convenience. Have a great weekend, and we'll get together once again on Monday ... or sooner if news breaks! Don't forget:  For the latest TV and radio news anytime, follow me on Twitter or Facebook .  FRIDAY, JUNE 24 WEVV lights up new low-power digital station for Fox WTVW joins WFIE, will televise ordination of new Evansville bishop on Wednesday James Spader negotiating for starring role on NBC's "The Office" Fox programming moves to Fox44 one week

James Spader negotiating for starring role on NBC's "The Office"

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James Spader on "The Office" ( Entertainment Weekly photo) You may remember Emmy Award-winning actor James Spader for his role as wily attorney Alan Shore on ABC's "The Practice" and "Boston Legal," but if you thought his performances were eccentric before, his possible new role on NBC's "The Office" might be his most eccentric yet. Spader guest-starred on the show's recent season finale as one of the applicants for Michael Scott's (Steven Carell) job, but now it appears that his character, the strange and more-than-a-little creepy Robert California, as Entertainment Weekly reports , could get to run Dunder Mifflin ― not just the Scranton branch, but the whole company! EW 's James Hibberd reports that "(s)ources say (Spader's character) California will have a strong impact on the rest of the Office staff, demonstrating a manipulative power and a somewhat creepy sexual vibe." If the negotiations between

Fox programming moves to Fox44 one week from today ... are you ready?

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One week from today, the Tri-State will have a new home for Fox programming, WEVV's Fox44 (channel 44.2).  Nearly all cable and satellite companies serving the Tri-State (with a few exceptions, such as Dish Network) will carry the new channel. Next week, I'll share with you the channel locations for the new Fox44 as I get them.  We already know that WOW!, which serves Evansville and the surrounding area, will put Fox44 on channels 3, 103 and 803 (803 being in HD). If you're an over-the-air (antenna) viewer, you'll just tune to channel 44.2 as you do for My44 now.  You won't need to do anything else.  In some cases, cable customers may need to rescan their TV sets, depending on whether or not your company is moving or adding the channel, although those with cable boxes shouldn't have to do so. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to find the new Fox44, so if you have any questions, please leave a comment on this post below, or you can email me at

Peter Falk, TV's "Columbo," dies at 83

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PETER FALK, 1927-2011 Peter Falk, the actor perhaps best known for his portrayal of the rumpled, cigar-chomping Detective Columbo on NBC from 1971-78 and ABC from 1989-2003, died Thursday night at his Beverly Hills, Calif. home. Falk was 83 and had been suffering from dementia since a series of dental operations in 2007. Having begun his acting career on the stage, one agent told Falk not to expect much film work because he had a glass eye (his right eye was removed due to a cancerous tumor when he was a child).  However, Falk ended up starring in numerous movies, guest-starred on countless television shows, and more. Indeed, Falk would be honored with Oscar nominations in 1960 (for "Murder, Inc.") and 1961 (for "Pocketful of Miracles"), four Emmy Awards (four for "Columbo") and one Golden Globe. Known for his wit, Falk once described his most famous character this way:  "Columbo has a genuine mistiness about him. It seems to hang in the air .

UNLOCKING, MAYBE: NFL, players said to be closer to agreement that would end 3-month-old lockout

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There has been some doubt in recent months regarding whether or not there will be an NFL season this year, but it appears that the league and the players may be getting closer to an agreement. Negotiations have been underway this week, and Media Life Magazine reports that one source says the lockout should be over in two weeks.  If true, this would mean the players could get back into the teams' respective facilities and get in condition prior to the scheduled preseason, and no regular-season games would be missed. Having a normal season would be good for the fans, as well as for the TV networks and local stations which carry the games.  This season, WEVV will once again broadcast CBS' games and add Fox's as well, while WFIE will continue to have the Sunday night games as in the past. I'll keep you posted on the latest as it becomes available. MORE READING: Media Life Magazine:   "The word:  An NFL-player deal is close"

Fox announces fall premiere dates: "The X Factor" slated to debut over two nights, Sept. 21-22

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Fox has announced its fall premiere dates, and in the Tri-State, all of the new shows will, as you know, have a new home - WEVV's Fox44 (channel 44.2). Simon Cowell's "The X Factor" will receive a two-night launch on Wednesday, Sept. 21 and Thursday, Sept. 22. New drama "Terra Nova," which stars Jason O'Mara, will premiere with a two-hour series debut on Monday, Sept. 26. New comedy "I Hate My Teenage Daughter" premieres on Wednesday, Nov. 23 while Jonah Hill's animated "Allen Gregory" takes off on Sunday, Oct. 30. Tuesdays are back with "Glee" and "Raising Hope" on Sept. 20, while "Kitchen Nightmares" and "Fringe" return Friday, Sept. 23. Fox's "Animation Domination" lineup launches Sunday, Sept. 25. "House" makes its return Monday, Oct. 3, with "Bones" launching Thursday, Nov. 3. The full schedule follows the jump.