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Showing posts from August, 2011

No Fox trouble for Dish customers in the Terre Haute market: Company to carry MyFox10 starting Thurs.

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This is sure to create some consternation among Dish Network customers in the Tri-State who are now 61 days into a Foxless existence (since Fox44 is still not available), but it's my duty to share it anyway:  Terre Haute's new MyFox10 will be carried by the satellite provider when it goes on the air tomorrow morning. WTHI-TV announced this evening that Dish customers in the Terre Haute market will see MyFox10 on channel 11. DirecTV viewers won't see MyFox10 at first; instead, they'll get the New York Fox feed for a couple of weeks until DirecTV can get the local feed up and running. Finally, cable customers in the northern part of the Tri-State where MyFox10 will be available will need to contact their cable provider for channel position and further information. EDITOR'S NOTE:  MyFox10 will go live at 4 a.m. Central time.  The former Fox station, WFXW-Fox 38, will become WAWV ABC at 11 p.m. Central time tonight.

WTHI-TV removed from Mediacom lineups in Clay City, Louisville and Iola, Ill. after sides fail to reach new retrans agreement

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Some Mediacom cable customers in the northwestern corner of the Tri-State lost WTHI-TV 10, Terre Haute's CBS affiliate, this evening. The move was made after 5 p.m. when Mediacom's previous contract with LIN Media, which owns WTHI, expired. In addition, Mediacom customers in those communities will not receive the new MyFox10, which goes on the air tomorrow, until a new agreement can be reached. In Clay City, while there is no CBS alternative, for Fox programming, you can turn to KTVI (ch. 7).  In Louisville and Iola, CBS viewers can turn to WCIA (ch. 3) or KMOV (ch. 4), and for Fox programming, KTVI (ch. 6).

Going down: Nielsen says Evansville now 104th-largest TV market, down from 103rd last year

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The Evansville TV market is getting smaller ... again. In the past year, the Evansville DMA lost 4,560 TV households, according to Nielsen , which means that we've dropped from the 103rd-largest market in the country to 104th. Until 2006, Evansville was a top-100 market, but that year, we fell to #101 and have registered drops in 2008, 2010 and now this year as well. If there's any good news to be had in this, it's that we're not alone ... several of our neighbors lost ground as well: Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg fell from #80 to #81, losing 5,490 households Bowling Green dropped from #181 to #182, down 1,760 households Terre Haute slipped two spots from #152 to #154, on a loss of 2,170 households Only two of the largest markets in our region saw their rankings improve this year.  Louisville raised its position from #50 to #48, despite losing 890 households over the past year, and Indianapolis rose from #27 to #26, actually gaining 3,550 ho

THURSDAY'S TOPICS: A look ahead at my column in the Courier & Press

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In Thursday's edition of the Courier & Press , I've got a column just chock-full of interesting news for you.  What's in it, you ask?  Let's take a look: Local 7 has a new weekend co-anchor, who will also host the station's new show featuring communities across the Tri-State.  In addition, they've hired two new reporters, and I'll tell you who they are. Some viewers in the northernmost part of the Tri-State are getting a new Fox affiliate.  Terre Haute's WTHI-MyFox10 will go live tomorrow, replacing WFXW-Fox 38, which is switching to ABC. The WAY-FM Christian radio station serving the Evansville metro area has moved up the dial.  I'll tell you why and where you can find it. And finally, there's a new sports talk radio station in the Tri-State.  I'll tell you where it is, who it will serve and what you can expect to hear on it. That's all in print and online at courierpress.com tomorrow!

Shorter MDA Labor Day Telethon to air on 14WFIE Sunday night

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This year's MDA Labor Day Telethon will, as it has for the past 41 years, air on 14WFIE in the Tri-State, but there are some changes you'll need to know about. The Telethon is much shorter this year; it will run for six hours on Sunday night only, from 6 p.m. until midnight Central time, instead of the former 21½-hour format.  The shorter show, which is expected to draw more viewers in its primetime slot, will be fast-paced and jam-packed with top-notch entertainment. Country music superstars Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum and Martina McBride will be featured on the show, which will be hosted by Nancy O’Dell, Nigel Lythgoe, Jann Carl and Alison Sweeney, joined by MDA's National Goodwill Ambassador, 12-year-old Abbey Umali. On the local level, Mike Blake and the entire 14 News team will be on hand to raise funds and build awareness to help in the fight against neuromuscular disease right here in the Tri-State. Be sure to tune in to 14WFIE on Sunday night

The Original Company seeks to move WVUB translator from Algiers to Petersburg

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Vincennes-based The Original Company, Inc. has filed an application with the FCC to relocate its recently-moved WVUB translator, W246CD-97.1 FM, from Algiers to Petersburg, Ind. If relocated, the station will increase its power from 25 to 38 watts and broadcast from a tower the company already owns just north of Petersburg along the White River, on Bluff Hill Lane. Coverage area for the relocated station would extend from Long Pond to Willisville, north to south, and from an area near the Indiana 56/65 junction to roughly halfway between Alford and Algiers, west to east.

Toyota and Kia announce more models with HD Radio: 2012 Camry and Soul to offer digital radio technology

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Kia Soul, Toyota Camry add HD Radio for 2012 HD Radio continues to make headway in cars. Now, South Korean automaker Kia and Japanese powerhouse Toyota are making the addition to two of their top-selling models. Kia is adding HD Radio to the freshened 2012 Soul hatchback, which has been given new engines (of 1.6 and 2.0 liter size) and improved fuel economy (up to 35 MPG highway).  The funky-looking compact, which starts at $13,900 for the base model, joins the company's Optima, Sorento, and Sportage in offering the digital radio technology. Toyota, which has already announced the addition of HD Radio to its luxury Lexus GS350, is also making it an option in the redesigned 2012 Camry.  The all-new mid-sized sedan, which is built in Georgetown, Ky. and Lafayette, Ind., will start at $21,955 for the new entry-level L series when it goes on sale in October. Nineteen auto manufacturers currently offer HD Radio in at least some of their car lines, either as standard equ

Wabash Independent Networks parent company gets $21.8 mil loan to improve internet, video, phone service

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Wabash Telephone Cooperative, which serves more than 4,500 customers in eight Southern Illinois counties, including Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Jasper, Marion, Richland, Wabash and Wayne, has received a $21.8 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service, the Courier & Press reports this morning . The Louisville, Ill.-based cooperative, which provides television service through its Wabash Independent Networks division, plans to use the loan to finance the installation of over 700 miles of fiber-optic cable, which will improve service to existing customers and reach new ones as well. When the project is complete in five to seven years, the company's customers will receive enhanced internet, video and telephone service.

Longtime NEWS 25 production manager Newman to retire Friday

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This Friday, WEHT-NEWS 25 production manager Stan Newman will retire from Evansville’s ABC affiliate after a distinguished 41-year career.  After an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1970, Newman started his career at NEWS 25 as a part-time camera operator. Shortly thereafter, he graduated from Indiana State University Evansville (now USI).   Within one year, he was promoted to a full-time director’s position.  In 1974, he accepted the offer of production manager, a position he held throughout the rest of his career at NEWS 25. During his four decades at NEWS 25, Newman won many honors including the NATAS Ohio Valley Chapter Emmy Award, multiple IBA Spectrum and Advertising Club of Evansville Addy Awards, and the National Best Easter Seals Telethon Award. “Stan has been an integral part of NEWS 25’s growth over the past 41 years.  He will be missed,” said NEWS 25 General Manager Doug Padgett. █ Information for this story was provided courtesy of NEWS 25.

Comcast introduces $9.95 high-speed internet for low-income families

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UPDATE, 9:50 a.m.:  I've been informed by Southern Illinois Correspondent James Hampsten that Comcast does NOT offer internet service in Olney, Ill.  I regret the error and have removed the city from the story below. Comcast, which provides cable and internet service in Tell City, Ind. and Muhlenberg Co., Ky., has introduced a new, low-cost internet option for low-income families with children. Dubbed "Internet Essentials," the new service costs $9.95 per month plus tax, and is available to families whose children who qualify for free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program.  In addition, participants in the program can purchase a new Dell or Acer laptop computer for $149.99 at the time of enrollment. Comcast will also provide training, parental controls and other necessary information to help families who are new to computing get off to a good start. The company expects that Internet Essentials will be ava

Insight, city of Henderson negotiating new cable franchise agreement

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Insight Communications and the city of Henderson are in the early stages of negotiating a new cable franchise agreement, The Gleaner 's Frank Boyett reports today . The company's existing agreement doesn't expire until October 2013, but FCC regulations require communities and cable operators to begin the process early. Somewhat complicating matters this time around is the fact that Insight is in the process of being acquired by Time Warner Cable, although the deal is not yet final (despite the story's implication that it is).  The necessary regulatory approvals likely won't all be in before the first quarter of next year.  However, Henderson city attorney Joe Ternes told city commissioners that the agreement will be worked out with Insight, and Time Warner will have to abide by whatever agreement the sides agree upon. This won't be the only negotiation facing the city in the near term; Mediacom, which serves a portion of Henderson that was annexed

More on the Dish/Fox44 situation: No negotiations since Dish turned down last proposal

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Earlier today, I advised Dish Network customers in the Tri-State, who have now been without Fox network programming for 60 days , to discontinue their service if possible.  While that may seem an extreme action over the loss of one channel, it now appears that Dish has not been completely forthcoming in their statements regarding the situation. This evening, I spoke via email with Duane Lammers, chief operating officer of Granite Broadcasting, which owns and operates the new Fox affiliate in Ft. Wayne, WISE-TV.  Lammers has been negotiating with Dish for both WISE and WEVV, which is owned by ComCorp*, and he explained that not all is as Dish would like you to believe when they say they're working on a solution to the problem. "(T)here have been no discussions between Dish and the companies I represent during the entire month of August," Lammers told me.  "My last proposal on July 29th was rejected without a counter." That assessment runs contra

"Oakland City University Academic Challenge" coming to Local 7 beginning Sept. 25

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As yet another example of its commitment to air truly local television programming, Local 7 WTVW has teamed up with Oakland City University to create a new show that will highlight the best and brightest students from across the Tri-State area. The "Oakland City University Academic Challenge" is set to premiere on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. on Local 7 following "My Hometown."  The 18-team double-elimination tournament will run for 34 weeks, with the championship match set to air on May 27, 2012.  Local 7 chief meteorologist Ron Rhodes will host. "Our program will encourage learning and give positive recognition for schools and students," the station said in a statement on its website. "It will reward academic excellence with grant money from our community partners and participating teams will qualify for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School National Championship." Interested schools can submit their entries online

BRIEF: High school soccer coming to NEWS 25 Sports Channel beginning Sept. 14

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If you're a fan of high school soccer, NEWS 25 is preparing to broadcast local games on the NEWS 25 Sports Channel (ch. 25.2). The first soccer telecast, which will air on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m., will feature Memorial at Castle.  St. Mary's Medical Center will sponsor the broadcast. More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

60 days without Fox: It's time to hit Dish where it hurts, Tri-State

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UPDATE, 3:45 PM:  Readers, the following comes from a friend of mine, and I believe you will find it of interest:   "Hey Jacob, FYI for Dish Network customers. A co-worker only had Dish for a year (they require 2 year contract) and wanted out of contract because (of) no FOX network. When she called, it took a while and she had to go to the supervisor but she was finally able to get them to waive the termination fee." In other words, if you want out, you can get out.  Be persistent and don't give up! UPDATE, 2:20 PM:  I have been told by a reliable source that there have been no discussions between Dish and ComCorp (as well as Granite Broadcasting, which owns and operates the new Fox affiliate in Ft. Wayne) since Dish rejected the companies' last proposal, which was submitted on July 29. EDITOR'S NOTE:  This post represents my own opinion on this subject, and, as always, I welcome your responses. On July 1, a full 60 days ago, the Tri-State's

St. Louis' KSDK adding newscasts, splitting longtime morning anchor team

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TV viewers in the northwestern corner of the Tri-State who prefer to watch St. Louis' KSDK for their morning news will have a big change to get used to starting Sept. 12. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported yesterday that Art Holliday, who has co-anchored "Today in St. Louis" with Jennifer Blome for the past 22 years, will take on a new assignment at Channel 5 starting on that date. Holliday will solo anchor the station's noon newscast, "NewsChannel 5 @ Noon," and will become a "field anchor" for the station's new 4 p.m. newscast. Blome will continue to anchor "Today in St. Louis" alongside a new hire, Pat McGonigle, who is coming from Rochester, N.Y. In addition to the new 4 p.m. news, the station is also pulling ahead the start time of "Today in St. Louis" to 4 a.m., and adding an hour-long newscast at 10 a.m.  The moves are a result (as are many local TV changes in St. Louis, Evansville and elsewhere

Rupert for Governor? Hoosier "Survivor" star mulling run for Indiana's highest office

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Rupert for Governor? He's thinking about it. (Zap2It photo) Indianapolis ABC affiliate WRTV reports today that "Survivor" contestant Rupert Boneham is considering a run for Indiana Governor in next year's election. Boneham, 47, who competed in CBS' "Survivor: Pearl Island" in 2003 and won $1 million in a fan favorite vote the following year, has formed a committee to explore a possible campaign on the Libertarian ticket. "I do not see anyone that has an understanding of what daily life is like for many Hoosiers nor anyone who appears to understand the harm that misguided government policies are doing to our communities," Boneham said on his website. "It is obvious that career politicians are not the answer because they are often the problem." If Rupert does run, he'll face a crowded field that already includes former Indiana Speaker of the House John Gregg, who is running as a Democrat, and Republic

WTVW picks up "Bill Polian Show" and "Colts Up Close" beginning Sept. 11

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As I told you last night , Local 7 WTVW has signed an exclusive agreement with the Indianapolis Colts to broadcast the Colts’ preseason game live on Thursday night, but there's more:  In addition, Local 7 has agreed to carry the Colts' pregame programs, "The Bill Polian Show" and "Colts Up Close." Mike Smith, vice-president and general manager of Local 7 commented, “We are extremely excited to be involved with one of the premier sporting franchises in Indiana and provide the local community with exclusive, high-quality programming available only on Local 7 in the Evansville market. With the Local 7 format we have the ability to bring in-depth Colts coverage across multiple platforms providing fans and fanatics more opportunities to connect with their favorite sports franchise. “Since Local 7 went live July 1, we have been committed to bringing the best in local programming to our local viewing audience. The addition of these extremely popular Indianapolis

"Litton's Weekend Adventure" block to premiere this Saturday morning on NEWS 25, WSIL and WHAS

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Dave Morgan, president-CEO of Litton Entertainment, has announced the launch of "Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown," one of six, original, HD programs comprising "Litton’s Weekend Adventure." Premiering Saturday, Sept. 3, on over 95% of ABC affiliates across the country including WEHT-NEWS 25, WSIL-3 and WHAS11, the three-hour block will feature programming that, Litton says, "inspires viewers to explore the Earth, to dive beneath the ocean’s surface, to pay it forward and to live a life of health, balance and happiness." Jack Hanna will be featured to announce the block's launch on "Good Morning America" during the 8:30-9 a.m. slot today. Also featured on "GMA" will be the hosts of some of Litton’s other shows in the block -- Richard Wiese of "Born to Explore," on Wednesday, Aug. 31 (8:30-9) and Jeff Corwin, host of "Ocean Mysteries" on Saturday, Sept. 3. "Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown" will l

Local 7 WTVW to air final Colts preseason game Thursday

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Local 7 WTVW has announced this evening that it will air the final Indianapolis Colts preseason game of the year this Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. Central time (7 p.m. Eastern). Originally, NEWS 25 had planned to air three of the team's four exhibition games, but technical difficulties prevented them from airing all but the first one.  Now, thankfully, the folks at Channel 7 have stepped in to ensure that Colts fans don't miss the last big game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which will be played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Local 7 News at 6 and 6:30 will not be seen that evening because of the telecast, but the 9 p.m. news is expected to air at its usual time.

14 News and Deaconess Hospital team up for "Get Fit Tri-State"

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Back in May, a Gallup survey ranked the Evansville metro area as the most obese in the country.  Now, 14 News and Deaconess Hospital have teamed up to change that. Over the next few months, through their new "Get Fit Tri-State" program, you can visit this link and sign the Get Fit pledge.  Those who make the pledge by September 25 will receive a free fitness kit from Deaconess.  Included in the kit will be educational and nutritional information as well as fitness products to help the entire family meet their fitness goals. Then, starting the week of Sept. 26, 14 News and Deaconess will provide you with weekly challenges and tips to help you achieve your desired results. So come on, Tri-State ... let's Get Fit!

BRIEF: NewWave to be back in Albion for more maintenance Tuesday morning

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NewWave Communications customers in part of Southeastern Illinois may experience sporadic service disruptions beginning at midnight tonight, as the cable company is once again planning maintenance in Albion. The process is expected to last from midnight until 5 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Syndicated program changes coming to local stations

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We're getting closer to the beginning of the new fall season, and while the excitement usually surrounds the network shows, local TV stations have quite a few changes coming in the syndicated ranks as well.  Our good friend TeacherJake has done some deep background work to get us the information on these shows, so here's what's coming and on which station. This will be updated as more information becomes available. Local 7 WTVW "3rd Rock From the Sun" comes back to the lineup starting next Monday, Sept. 5.  The show will air weeknights at 11:30 p.m., replacing "Scrubs." Starting Sept. 12, you'll see two hours (!) of "Judge Judy" each weekday.  In addition to the existing 5-6 p.m. hour, the station is also adding an hour between 3-4 p.m. Also joining the lineup:  "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "The Big Bang Theory."  14WFIE & 14Xtra "America Now" joins the daytime lineup for

MyFox10 to launch on northern Tri-State cable systems Thursday

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WTHI-TV has announced this afternoon that a number of cable systems in the northern part of the Tri-State will begin carrying the new MyFox10 when it debuts on Thursday. Those companies and communities in our area which will have MyFox10 as of that date are:   Cinergy Metronet (Vincennes), Comcast (Olney), Daviess-Martin RTC Television (Daviess and Martin counties), NewWave Communications (communities along U.S. 50), Suddenlink (Elnora, Odon and Plainville) and Wabash Independent Networks (Clay, Richland, Lawrence and Wayne counties plus Flora, Xenia and Noble). Customers of those cable providers will need to contact the companies directly to determine which channel will be used for the station. Still to be determined are launch dates for Mediacom , DirecTV and Dish Network .  In the case of Mediacom, LIN Media, which owns WTHI, is in the midst of retransmission consent negotiations with the cable company.  With Dish, it's possible that it may not be on in the sho

BRIEF: WWKY-Oldies 97.7 off the air due to power outage

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UPDATE, 5:20 PM:  The station is back on the air. Providence, Ky. radio station WWKY-Oldies 97.7 is off the air this afternoon due to a power outage in the Manitou area, the station reports on its Facebook page . Kenergy has been made aware of the problem and things should be resolved soon.

"RightThisMinute" coming to 14Xtra beginning Sept. 12

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With "Dr. Phil" moving to CBS44 and "Oprah" going away, some have wondered what 14WFIE would air on its 14Xtra subchannel during primetime on weeknights. You can wonder no more:  The station's director of programming and research, Kirk Williams, tells me this afternoon that "Dr. Oz" will move from his 8 a.m. timeslot to 7 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by "RightThisMinute," a new syndicated news program that integrates the internet, mobile and social media, citizen journalists and a fresh new way of telling stories. The show is a joint venture between Cox Media Group, 14WFIE owner Raycom Media, Courier & Press parent company The E.W. Scripps Co., and MagicDust Television. So what can we expect from "RightThisMinute?"  According to the show's announcement press release, "RightThisMinute is a show designed for active viewers who want to stay informed. It is a fastpaced roundup of the most timely, engaging and ex

KET invites candidates to appear on "Kentucky Tonight" Sept. 5 - Oct. 31

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Bill Goodman, "Kentucky Tonight" host (KET photo) Beginning in September, KET continues its longstanding tradition of providing viewers statewide with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates in statewide races. Candidates in the statewide races have been invited to appear on "Kentucky Tonight," with host Bill Goodman, in the weeks leading up to Election Day. The "Kentucky Tonight" candidate discussions air Mondays, Sept. 5 through Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. Central time (8 p.m. Eastern) on KET. The programs will also stream live and be archived online at www.ket.org . All candidates on the ballot are invited to attend. The schedule of programs can be seen after the jump.

Louisville's WLKY adding Me-TV beginning Thursday

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If you're an over-the-air television viewer in the easternmost portion of the Tri-State -- or if you happened upon this site in the Louisville area -- you'll want to rescan your TV sets on Thursday. That's the day when Louisville's CBS affiliate, WLKY 32, will debut its new Me-TV channel on 32.2. If Me-TV is familiar, it should be:  Local 7 WTVW is also now a Me-TV affiliate, but where WTVW carries only a portion of the Me-TV schedule, WLKY 32.2 will have the whole deal, from "I Love Lucy" to "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," just to name a couple. Classic TV fans in the Louisville market should be well pleased by WLKY's move, because it gives them more choice in what's become a competitive market for classic TV.  Louisville is also home to an RTV affiliate (WBNA 21.4) and Antenna TV (WDRB 41.2). EDITOR'S NOTE:  Louisville-area Insight customers will also receive WLKY 32.2 on cable channel 188.

Want your kids to eat smarter and live healthier? PBS has a plan for you

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All of us want our kids to be happy and healthy, and a little good advice never hurts. Starting Sept. 5, PBS Kids and its partners, AllRecipes.com and Produce for Kids, are teaming up for the back-to-school Eat Smart for a Great Start Challenge . For four weeks starting Sept. 5, you’ll receive daily tips from experts, kid-friendly recipes and activities featuring your child’s favorite PBS Kids characters. How does it work?  Just visit this page on the PBSParents.org website , subscribe via email, and they'll do the rest. On that same page, you'll find great recipes and activities to help your kids learn, eat better and, most importantly, enjoy it while they're doing so! 

Lexus adding HD Radio to 2013 GS350 sedan; 19 auto brands now offer technology

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Lexus is the latest automaker to offer HD Radio technology, as the division of Toyota has announced that it will include HD Radio with iTunes Tagging in its 2013 GS350 sedan. The redesigned GS, along with the new feature, made its debut during the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The GS is the first vehicle from Lexus to have HD Radio, although the company is not the first to offer it in a car.  The feature is now available (or soon will be offered) as a factory-installed feature on 19 car brands including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, MINI USA, Rolls-Royce, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. In the Tri-State, only eight radio stations currently broadcast using HD Radio: WNIN-88.3 FM, Evansville WPSR-90.7 FM, Evansville WVUB-91.1 FM, Vincennes WKTG-93.9 FM, Madisonville WBDC-100.9 FM, Huntingburg-Jasper WGBF-103.1 FM, Evansville WTCJ-105.7 FM, Cannelton WDKS-106.1 FM, Evansvil

The Weekender: Looking back at the TV & radio news of the week, Aug. 19-26

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Hey, everybody ... it's Friday afternoon!  That means we've made it to the end of another week, and it's time to reflect on what happened over the past seven days ... it's a little thing we call the Weekender. It's been a busy week here at JDTVB.  From the return of ABC and the "rescue" of Fox in the Terre Haute market (which will affect those of you reading this in the northern part of the Tri-State) to a radio station's big format change, to mourning the passing of late-night TV's favorite uncle, we've covered it all. Without further ado, kick back, relax, read all the latest info, and we'll see you again on Monday ... or sooner if news breaks!  Have a great weekend! Don't forget:  For the latest TV and radio news anytime, follow Jake's DTV Blog on Twitter and Facebook !  FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 WTHI-TV unveils MyFox10 program lineup Local 7 names new weekend co-anchor and "My Hometown" host, adds two

WTHI-TV unveils MyFox10 program lineup

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It was just yesterday that Fox and WTHI-TV announced that Fox programming would stay on in the Wabash Valley (and the northernmost part of the Tri-State as well), but with less than a week before MyFox10 goes on the air, developments are moving fast. This afternoon, the station took the wraps off of the MyFox10 program lineup , and while not all of the shows on the schedule have been determined, there are some highlights: Classic TV fans will want to watch for "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie," which will kick off morning programming Monday through Friday at 8 and 8:30 a.m. ET (7/7:30 a.m. CT), respectively.  On Saturday nights, you'll find "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Beverly Hillbillies" at 10 and 10:30 p.m. ET (9/9:30 p.m. CT). News will be a part of the schedule as well, with "News 10 on Fox" every weeknight at 10 p.m. ET (9 p.m. CT). Additionally, you'll find court shows, talk shows, entertainment program

Local 7 names new weekend co-anchor and "My Hometown" host, adds two reporters to staff

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Local 7 WTVW reporter Lindsay Merwin has been chosen as the station's new weekend news co-anchor (alongside Shalah Sasse and weather forecaster Drew Gardner) and host of the station's upcoming new program "My Hometown." "The show will be all about history, hot spots and people that make the communities in the Local 7 viewing area special," explains Bob Walters, Local 7's news director.  "During the week Lindsay will work on 'My Hometown' visiting Tri-state communities to tell unique and interesting stories."   The show will air on weekends starting in late September. Merwin joined WTVW in September 2010, following her graduation from DePauw University.  A 2006 Central High School graduate, Merwin also interned at the station and was a camera operator for "A.M. Evansville." MOODY, DOZIER JOIN REPORTING STAFF In the past few weeks, you've likely noticed two new friendly faces reporting the news at Local 7.

Proposed WEOA translator gets OK for move from Ft. Branch to Darmstadt

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Twin Falls, Idaho-based Edgewater Broadcasting, which entered into an agreement in May to sell its Ft. Branch translator station (W254BO-98.7 FM) to Evansville's BLS Entertainment, has been granted FCC approval to proceed with moving the station's city of license to Darmstadt, along with a move one tick down the dial to 98.5 FM. The newly-rechristened W253BF will simulcast the programming of BLS' WEOA-1400 The Pump, which, in addition to its urban programming lineup, also serves as the flagship station of the Evansville IceMen and an affiliate of the Indiana University sports radio network. No word on when the move will be completed, but it is believed to be soon.

Can't make it to a football game tonight? Your selection of broadcast games is vast

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If you're a fan of high school football, then you're going to be happy tonight, even if you can't make it out to a game.  Radio and TV stations across the Tri-State are bringing you lots of exciting action this evening, and in the sidebar on the right side of the page, you'll find a list of who's playing and on which station. Some games will also be streamed live online, and you will find links to those as well. I realize the list likely isn't complete, so, if you know of any I've missed, please feel free to email me at jnewkirk77@att.net or tweet me (I'm JakesDTVBlog on Twitter) so I can be sure to add it.

BRIEF: NewWave to perform maintenance in Albion tomorrow morning

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NewWave Communications has announced this afternoon that the company will be performing maintenance operations in Albion, Ill. on Friday morning between the hours of 1 and 5 a.m. CDT. As is customary during such maintenance, cable, phone and internet service may be affected during the work.

Mediacom customers in Clay Co., Ill. may lose CBS programming next week

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Some Tri-State cable subscribers may lose their source of CBS programming next week if a dispute over retransmission consent fees cannot be worked out. Mediacom customers in Clay City, Louisville and Iola, Ill. (as well as in Mediacom's other Wabash Valley service territories) are being warned by Terre Haute's WTHI-TV 10 that if a new carriage agreement is not reached by next Wednesday at 4 p.m. Central time, the cable company will have to cease carrying the station, as well as others owned by LIN Media in other parts of the country served by Mediacom. "We believe it is our duty to inform our viewers when a contract deadline approaches and a new agreement has not yet been reached," says a statement on WTHI's website .  The station is encouraging customers to call a toll-free number to tell Mediacom that they want to keep WTHI in their lineup.  Additionally, customers can email WTHI at KeepWTHIonmediacom@wthitv.com . If the station is pulled, Clay Ci

Cromwell Group to flip WLME from country to sports talk: "102.7 The Game" premieres Monday

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14WFIE reports this afternoon that the Cromwell Group, which owns and operates seven radio stations in the Owensboro area, will flip one of its three country stations, WLME-102.7 FM, to sports talk beginning Monday. The new "102.7 The Game" will feature mostly ESPN Radio programming, including “Mike and Mike in the Morning” from 5 to 9 a.m., along with Western Kentucky University sports broadcasts and other programs. “Preparations are underway to make this format change on Monday, August 29,” said Cromwell station owner Bayard “Bud” Walters. “We are very excited to finally bring a full-time sports station to Kentuckiana.” There are relatively few all-sports radio stations in the Tri-State area; none of those currently on the air reach Owensboro with a clear signal, so the debut of 102.7 The Game is a first for Kentucky's fourth-largest city. “Besides a studio renovation, we are negotiating contracts with local talent and contacting advertisers,” exp

Local 7 to debut new weather system on Sept. 1

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UPDATE, 3:05 p.m.:  A promo for the new weather system is scheduled to begin running tonight.  Watch for it! The weather is changing at Local 7 WTVW. Drew Gardner, the station's weekend forecaster, tweeted earlier this afternoon that they are training on a new weather system, which is set to make its debut on Sept. 1. No word yet on what the new system is like or where it's from, but my prediction is that it will be a vast improvement over the AccuWeather system now in use at the station, which is not as advanced as those at 14WFIE and NEWS 25. I'll bring you more details as soon as I have 'em!

Fairfield's WFIW-FM begins live streaming

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Fairfield, Ill. radio station WFIW-FM 104.9 has begun live streaming its broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The station, which is owned by Wayne County Broadcasting, broadcasts adult hits and the locally-originated "Morning Show with Woody & Murvis," as well as news.  Other programs of interest include "RFD Illinois," "Gospel Time with Dave Rigg," and "The Methodist Hour." You can listen by visiting WFIW's website or by clicking here .

WTHI-TV picks up Fox affiliation in Terre Haute: "MyFox10" to debut Sept. 1

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UPDATE, 5:30 p.m.:  Details are continuing to emerge on MyFox10.  It will broadcast on channel 10.2 over the air, there will be a 10:00 p.m. newscast, and will be carried on cable and satellite in the Wabash Valley.  More details on channels will be announced soon.  To keep up with the latest, you can check out the station's Facebook page and website . Television viewers in the Terre Haute market (and those in the northern part of the Tri-State who do not receive Fox44 WEVV) will not have to do without Fox programming after all, as the network has announced this morning that it has entered into a new affiliation agreement with LIN Media-owned CBS affiliate WTHI-TV 10.  “We are pleased to offer Fox’s premium lineup of programs on our digital channel in Terre Haute,” said LIN President-CEO Vincent L. Sadusky. “Together with WTHI-TV, we aim to strengthen our leading position in the market.” The new MyFox10 will air on one of WTHI-TV's digital subchannels beginni

PROGRAM NOTE: 14WFIE to air "Muppets from Space" tonight, preempting network reruns

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UPDATE, 7:40 p.m.:  By now, you've probably noticed that "Muppets from Space" is not on 14.  "Last Action Hero" is on instead ... and yes, it did already air once this summer. 14WFIE has announced this morning that tonight's regularly-scheduled repeat episodes of "Community," "Parks and Recreation," "The Office" and "30 Rock" will not air. In those shows' place, the station plans to broadcast the 1999 film, "Muppets from Space," beginning at 7:00 PM CT.

Despite rumors of termination, WDRB renews affiliation with Fox

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LouisvilleKY.com and Business First of Louisville report this afternoon that Louisville TV station WDRB (Ch. 41) has renewed its affiliation with Fox. The agreement, which was reached following lengthy negotiations between the station and the network, should put to rest rumors which had been swirling about WDRB's future since May.  That's when Fox announced that Nexstar's WTVW here in the Tri-State and Block Communications' KTRV in Boise, Idaho, were losing their Fox affiliations. WDRB, which is also owned by Block, may have unintentionally stoked some of those rumors by rebranding itself recently as WDRB and its newscasts as WDRB News, dropping the longstanding Fox 41 moniker it had used for many years. However, in a statement released today, WDRB says that a new deal is in place "for the foreseeable future," and Fox watchers in the Louisville market as well as many eastern Tri-State viewers who do not receive WEVV's Fox44 will still have