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Showing posts from December, 2012

Madisonville's WFMW to get FM translator

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Sound Broadcasters buying W235AC from Heartland Ministries for $32K MADISONVILLE, Ky. ― If the FCC gives its approval, Madisonville country station WFMW-730 AM will soon have an FM translator. FCC records indicate that WFMW's owner, Sound Broadcasters , has reached an agreement to purchase W235AC-94.9 FM from Heartland Ministries of Hardin, Ky., for $32,000. W235AC is currently licensed to simulcast Heartland's WVHM (Benton, Ky.). In a separate (but related) move, the translator's transmitter will be moved to Sound Broadcasters' tower next to its studios on U.S. 41 on the north side of Madisonville.  It will also get a significant power increase ― to 170 watts from its current 19. I'll bring you more information as soon as I have it. EDITOR'S NOTE:   Heartland Ministries will, after the sale of W235AC is completed, retain a Madisonville-area translator for WVHM; it also owns and operates W206BB-89.1 FM.  Sound Broadcasters, in additi

The NFL Playoff Picture - Wild Card Weekend

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The Weekender for Dec. 17-21

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It's Friday, which means it's time to wrap it up and share with you a look back at what happened in area TV and radio this week.  In this case, it also happens to be the LAST Weekender of 2012! All of this week's headlines can be found below for your convenience. Once you're done catching up, be sure to check out JDTVB's Facebook page , which now includes special exclusive items which aren't posted here, and follow me on Twitter for all the latest information, as well as comments on a host of other topics, too. I'd like to thank all of you for reading JDTVB this year.  I am grateful to have such a loyal readership, and I hope you'll stay with me in 2013! As a reminder, JDTVB's office will be closed from tonight through New Year's Day.  There will be no regularly scheduled updates until Jan. 2, but breaking updates will be posted as they happen. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !   KET founder O. Leonard Pre

KET founder O. Leonard Press receives Vic Hellard Jr. Award

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Award is the highest honor b estowed by Ky. Legislature O. Leonard Press O. Leonard Press , the founding director of KET and nationally acclaimed pioneer in bringing classroom and civic education to Kentuckians through the nascent medium of public TV, has been named recipient of the 2012 Vic Hellard Jr. Award for excellence in public service. The Hellard Award, the highest honor the Kentucky Legislature can bestow, has been given annually since 1997. Press was chosen for this year’s honor by the 16-member legislative leadership that comprises the Legislative Research Commission . The award’s namesake, Vic Hellard Jr. , was executive director of the LRC staff for 19 years. The honor goes each year to someone who embodies the professional vision and unique personal qualities that Hellard brought to his own long and distinguished career. In announcing Press’ selection, legislative leaders noted that Len – as everyone knows him — has throughout his working and personal life met t

At midseason, the numbers show CBS in a good position to win ― again

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While much fuss has been made this season of NBC 's amazing resurgence in viewership, most sources gloss over the fact that this is mostly because of two programs ― Sunday Night Football and The Voice .  NBC still hasn't managed to put together a schedule that's solid seven nights a week. CBS does not have this problem ― and when the numbers are really crunched, they show that CBS is still top dog in more categories than any other network.  But don't take my word for it:  Nielsen data is where the action is.  Check out the table after the jump for CBS' good news.

NewWave acquires Suddenlink's cable systems in SW Indiana

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Elnora, Odon and Plainville among communities to be served by Missouri-based cable provider The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission earlier this month approved NewWave Communications ' application to provide video services in several additional Southwestern Indiana communities, including several here in the Tri-State. NewWave has acquired and will soon take over control of cable systems in Elnora, Odon and Plainville, Ind.; those communities were previously served by Suddenlink Communications , which is exiting the market.  (Suddenlink's main presence is in the southern U.S.) It's not known how much NewWave paid Suddenlink for the systems. For NewWave, the acquisition of these systems, as well as others in Sullivan, Greene, Vigo, Parke and Clay counties, marks an expansion of its Indiana service territory that began with the company's purchase of Avenue Broadband in 2011.  The company has a substantial presence in both Southeastern Illinois and Southw

VIDEO: Me-TV Sunday Showcase to feature Christmas cartoons

This week's edition of the Me-TV Sunday Showcase will feature an afternoon of animated Christmas specials starting at 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET. Watch the video below for all the details!

NBCU, Mediacom reach new affiliation agreement

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Family TV package customers can access on-demand content across multiple platforms NBCUniversal and Mediacom Communications have announced a multi-year affiliation agreement to offer NBCUniversal’s entire portfolio of award-winning broadcast and cable content to Mediacom’s customers. This agreement includes expansive rights to carry the Olympic Games, as well as on-demand content from NBCUniversal’s cable and broadcast network portfolio and access to live channels across multiple platforms, both in and out of the home across the U.S. To access the online programming, customers must subscribe to Mediacom’s Family TV package. The agreement covers retransmission consent for continued carriage of all NBCUniversal’s cable networks, including, Bravo, Chiller, cloo, CNBC, E!, G4, Golf Channel, MSNBC, mun2, NBC Sports Network, Oxygen, Sprout, Style, Syfy, Telemundo, Universal HD, USA, as well as Comcast SportsNet.   “We are very pleased to complete this agreement with

Fox Sports Midwest to televise Cardinals marathon on Christmas Day

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Special takes fans inside the Winter Meetings, and five of the best regular season games of 2012 will be replayed Fox Sports Midwest will televise a marathon of St. Louis Cardinals programming on Christmas Day, highlighted by replays of five of the best regular season games of 2012 and a 30-minute special that takes fans inside the Baseball Winter Meetings. The 12½ hours of baseball starts Tuesday, Dec. 25 at 11:30 a.m. CT with a replay of the 2012 season review special. It’s followed at 12 p.m. by Cardinals Legends: 1982 World Series Revisited , a one-hour show looking back at the 1982 championship team. Cardinals Confidential: Inside the Winter Meetings premieres at 7 p.m. and replays at 9:30 p.m. Fox Sports Midwest cameras were granted unprecedented access behind closed doors during the Winter Meetings with the Cardinals front office, including GM John Mozeliak, giving fans insight into how deals develop. And throughout the day Fox Sports Midwest replays five of

Jay Mohr to replace Jim Rome on Fox Sports Radio

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Jay Mohr Fox Sports Radio has given actor and comedian Jay Mohr the nod to host the network's midday show, replacing Jim Rome , who is moving over to CBS Sports. Mohr's show ― to be named Jay Mohr Sports ― is set to debut Jan. 2 and will air from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT each weekday.  In the Tri-State, the show will air on Fox Sports Radio affiliates WVLN-740 AM in Olney and WMSK-1550 AM in Morganfield. "After spending the last 15 years guest-hosting, I couldn’t be happier to get the opportunity to host my own show!" Mohr said in a statement.  "I’m looking forward to talking sports, connecting with listeners, and interviewing amazing guests every day, while being a part of the Fox Sports Radio family.  It was worth the wait."

PBS to air After Newtown special Friday night

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As the country comes together to grieve the loss of life in Newtown, a national conversation has begun about how to better protect and serve our communities in the face of catastrophe. The questions of how to respond to these tragedies face us all:  Government at all levels, educators, mental health professionals, the media, and individual Americans. Continuing PBS ’ participation in this vital discussion, After Newtown , an hour-long special from New York's WNET, airing Friday night at 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET * , brings together news and public affairs teams from across PBS in a joint effort to analyze and illuminate the issues surrounding these events.  PBS will offer additional insight and analysis with several new programs in the new year, to be announced. After Newtown , anchored by Gwen Ifill, addresses such issues as access to guns and the politics of gun laws; mental illness in young adults; the science of detecting violent impulses; and how communities rea

DirecTV Everywhere gets more networks

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Satellite provider adds more than 30 channels to service, now has over 60 avai lable for in-home streaming DirecTV has enhanced its DirecTV Everywhere service by adding more than 30 new networks to the platform, with thousands of the most popular TV shows and movies on demand and available for access anytime, anywhere and on any device. The company's customers now have access to a variety of new on demand titles from A+E Networks, Scripps Networks Interactive, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel and Viacom Media Networks through their PC or Mac via DirecTV.com , iPad , iPhone , iPod Touch or Android phone, at no extra charge. "We strive to provide our customers with a robust television viewing experience that delivers more choice and the most compelling programming, all delivered harmoniously across all devices," said Tony Goncalves, senior VP of Digital Entertainment Products for DirecTV. "We are making significant investments in the multi-screen space and are com

BRIEF: Antenna TV releases new schedule

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Tribune-owned classic diginet Antenna TV released its new schedule for the new year (effective Jan. 2) this morning, and it looks like they've got a solid lineup that viewers will enjoy. You can see the full lineup by clicking here. In this part of the country, Antenna TV has affiliates in St. Louis ( KTVI 2.2 ), Indianapolis ( WXIN 59.2 ), Paducah ( WPSD 6.3 ) and Louisville ( WDRB 41.2 ).

TERRE HAUTE: Former home of WTHI coming down

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The old WTHI TV & radio building is being demolished Recently, both WTHI-TV 10 and WTHI-Hi99 FM (99.9 FM) moved to new homes ― in different locations ― in downtown Terre Haute, and the stations' old home at 918 Ohio Street is now in the process of being torn down. WTHI-TV has a gallery of photos of the teardown in progress, and you can see the pictures by clicking here . The 918 Ohio Street building was built in 1906 and was originally a garment factory.  It was renovated and repurposed for WTHI's TV and radio operations in 1954.  Emmis Communications moved WTHI-FM and WWVR-FM to a newly-constructed building at 925 Wabash Avenue back in August, and WTHI-TV moved to its own brand-new building at 800 Ohio Street in late October. When demolition is completed, it's expected that the site will become a parking lot for the new 925 Wabash Avenue building which is located immediately behind 918 Ohio.

Mediacom offering $60,000 in scholarships to high school seniors

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Cable company serves several comm unities in and around the Tri-State area Mediacom Communications is offering $60,000 in scholarship support for high school students who are seniors and plan to obtain further education.  The scholarship program is in its 12th consecutive year and will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 60 high school seniors. Recipients will be selected from applicants living in areas where Mediacom delivers broadband and cable services.  The company’s service areas are primarily non-metro communities and counties in Midwestern states and southeastern states, including more than 40 communities and two dozen counties in western and central Kentucky. Those receiving the scholarships may use the financial awards to support educational expenses they will incur in the fall of 2013 as they pursue higher education or vocational training from any accredited post-secondary institution. High schools in Mediacom-served communities were sent application materia

Nielsen announces that it's buying Arbitron

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TV ratings powerhouse Nielsen Holdings has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Arbitron Inc., its counterpart in the radio business, for about $1.26 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory review. “U.S. consumers spend almost 2 hours a day with radio. It is and will continue to be a vibrant and important advertising medium," said Nielsen CEO David Calhoun. "Arbitron will help Nielsen better solve for unmeasured areas of media consumption, including streaming audio and out-of-home. The high level of engagement with radio and TV among rapidly growing multicultural audiences makes this central to Nielsen’s priorities.” With Arbitron assets, Nielsen intends to further expand its “Watch” segment’s audience measurement across screens and forms of listening. “These integrated, innovative capabilities will enable broader measurement of consumer media behavior in more markets around the world," said Steve Hasker, Nielsen president of

KET's College Financial Aid Call-In 2013 set to air Jan. 7

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College should be a time of excitement, growth and discovery, but for many it can be a source of great stress as students and parents try to find a way to pay for it. Fortunately, there is help available in the form of financial aid options. To provide students and parents with answers to pressing questions about financial aid, KET presents College Financial Aid Call-In 2013 , a one-hour, live special edition of Education Matters, airing Monday, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. CT / 10 p.m. ET on KET. The program features a panel of financial aid representatives from public and private Kentucky colleges and universities who provide information on the availability of scholarships, grants and other financial aid and offer tips on applying for student loans. The panel will discuss general financial aid issues and field questions. Experts in the financial aid field will also take calls from viewers. Issues discussed by the panel include common application mistakes, documents necessary to ap

WHAT UP WITH THAT? Samuel L. Jackson drops a bomb on SNL

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Actor admits to saying bull****, but maintains he didn't say f*** Saturday night's holiday-themed episode of Saturday Night Live was mostly sweetness and light, but we wonder if Samuel L. Jackson will be invited back after what happened during Kenan Thompson's What Up With That? skit. Most viewers - this writer included - thought they heard Jackson drop the F-bomb, as well as another, perhaps slightly less offensive, word. Jackson took to Twitter to defend himself: "I only said FUH not F&*K! K was sposed to cut off da BULL%^&T, blew it!!" the actor wrote. So ... what do you think he said?  Watch the video below and you tell me.

HEADLINES: Fox News #1 among cable news nets; layoffs at Jeff Probst Show

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Fox Leads Cable News, CNN Dips For 2012, Fox News Channel will go down as #1 again, with 2 million average viewers. MSNBC is now in second place and CNN is a distant and struggling third. [ MediaDailyNews ] Layoffs On Syndicated Talker ‘Jeff Probst’ In yet another sign that this talker probably won't be around beyond this season, CBS Television Distribution's The Jeff Probst Show is laying off a sizable number of employees - and right before Christmas, too. [ Deadline Hollywood ] L.A. Reid: ‘I Will Not Return To The X Factor Next Year’ Count one judge out for next year's edition of The X Factor.  L.A. Reid says he needs to focus on Epic Records, the record company that he says he's had to neglect because of his duties on Simon Cowell's popular Fox reality show. [ Access Hollywood ]

The Weekender for Dec. 8-14

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It's Friday, which means it's time to wrap it up and share with you a look back at what happened in area TV and radio this week. All of this week's headlines, as you've come to expect, can be found below for your convenience. Once you're done catching up, be sure to check out JDTVB's Facebook page , which now includes special exclusive items which aren't posted here, and follow me on Twitter for all the latest information, as well as comments on a host of other topics, too.   WTSN and WYYW switch channels Ingraham sets return to radio with Courtside Entertainment Group BIM makes new TitanTV for Android app available NASHVILLE: WZTV offers $10,000 reward in reporter's shooting Larry Hagman's J.R. Ewing will get a funeral, says TNT HEADLINES: Ex-Storage Wars star says show is staged; Piers Morgan may move to a later time Comcast gives us the bird: Entertainment giant's new logo is "Proud as a Peacock"

WTSN and WYYW switch channels

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What was once one is now the other, and vice-v ersa The Evansville Low Power Partnership 's two Me-TV affiliated stations have switched call signs - again. WTSN-CD , which was on Channel 36, is now on Channel 20, and WYYW-CD , which was on channel 20, will return to the air on Channel 15 ( as I had previously reported would be the case with WTSN ). The switch, which was made official by the FCC on Wednesday, isn't the first for the two stations: They also played switcheroo on Channels 36 and 41 back in 2009 before WYYW got its current call sign. It's still not known when what is now WYYW-CD will be ready on Channel 15.  They're waiting for the tower company to move the antenna at the transmitter site in Warrick County.  When it's all done, WYYW will match WTSN's 15 kW effective radiated power and coverage area.

Ingraham sets return to radio with Courtside Entertainment Group

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Popular conservative host has been off air since ending her contract with TRN Laura Ingraham Courtside Entertainment Group announced Thursday that it has reached a new agreement to distribute The Laura Ingraham Show to her national radio audience beginning Jan. 2. Ingraham’s highly anticipated return to her more than 300 radio affiliates (presumably including WGBF-1280 AM in Evansville) will offer audiences an expanded show experience and a heightened presence on new media platforms. One of the most popular radio hosts in the United States, Ingraham returns to radio coast-to-coast, while significantly increasing her audience through Launchpad Digital Media , a division of Courtside. Launchpad will digitally stream the three-hour program live online, make it available as an on-demand podcast, and feature new original content from Ingraham’s Dream in My Head Productions. The Laura Ingraham Show will be produced by Dream In My Head Productions with ad representation residing

BIM makes new TitanTV for Android app available

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Free app lets mobile users see 14 days of TV program schedules Broadcast Interactive Media (BIM) has announced the release of its new free, easy-to-use TitanTV for Android app. Designed for use in the United States, TitanTV for Android allows users to view the schedules for 14 days of programming on broadcast, cable, and satellite lineups. Schedules are displayed in the channel lineups in a simple grid format. For optimum readability, the grid is also scalable by device type. A one hour grid is displayed in portrait mode and three hours in landscape on smaller Android devices. On tablets, the grid spans three hours in portrait mode and six in landscape. A Details page containing a program’s plot summary, cast, ratings and more may be viewed by pressing on the program in the grid. A powerful and flexible search function is also included. Users who have created accounts on the free TitanTV.com desktop site may also access many of its advanced features on the new Titan

NASHVILLE: WZTV offers $10,000 reward in reporter's shooting

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Nashville Fox affiliate WZTV-Fox 17 is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for last Thursday’s robbery and shooting of Fox 17 reporter Erika Lathon . Lathon was shot after she withdrew cash from a Bank of America ATM at 1634 Church Street in Nashville. The robber, who was dressed in all black and wore a mask, fired one time into Lathon’s car and fled on foot.  Fortunately, she was able to drive herself to a nearby hospital where she was treated and released for a gunshot wound to the arm. Anyone with information that can assist detectives in identifying the suspect is urged to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at (615) 74-CRIME. Citizens can also send an electronic tip to Crime Stoppers by texting the word “CASH” along with their message to 274637 (CRIMES) or online at www.nashvillecrimestoppers.com . Persons who contact Crime Stoppers by phone, text or Internet can remain anonymous

Larry Hagman's J.R. Ewing will get a funeral, says TNT

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Farewell to air in March, according to TV Line Dallas star Larry Hagman (1931-2012) J.R. Ewing will get a proper funeral during the second season of TNT's popular series, Dallas . Larry Hagman , who originated the character during the show's 13-year run on CBS and revived the role last year, died Nov. 23 at 81 after battling cancer, and TNT spokeswoman Erin Felentzer told the Associated Press that the character will die with the legendary actor. Felentzer said that the network won't say how the patriarch of the Ewing clan will die.  The episode which will include the funeral hasn't yet been filmed, but TV Line reports it will air on March 11. The second season of Dallas premieres Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. CT (9 p.m. ET).

HEADLINES: Ex-Storage Wars star says show is staged; Piers Morgan may move to a later time

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'Storage Wars' Staged, Fired Star Claims in Lawsuit Dave Hester was the bidder viewers loved to hate on A&E's Storage Wars, and now Hester is suing the network and the producers of the hit series, claiming they plant valuable items in the storage lockers featured on the show. [ The Wrap ] Late shift ap-Piers likely for CNN host CNN is giving thought to moving Piers Morgan's struggling primetime program back an hour, possibly more, as new leadership tries to give cable's oldest news network a fresh infusion of energy - and ratings. [ New York Post ] Fourth Man Sues Ex-Elmo Puppeteer For Abuse Things are getting very ugly for now-former Sesame Street puppeteer Kevin Clash, who is now being sued by a fourth alleged sexual abuse victim.  Clash resigned from Sesame Workshop, which produces PBS' popular children's program, last month. [ AP via TVNewsCheck ]

Comcast gives us the bird: Entertainment giant's new logo is "Proud as a Peacock"

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Say goodbye to Comcast 's red "C" logo, and hello to the ... NBC Peacock ? Yup, NBC's highly-recognizable, long-serving, rainbow-colored avian mascot is now Comcast's corporate logo as well. Interestingly, the move comes roughly two years after Comcast pointedly eliminated the bird from NBCUniversal's logo.  It does not appear that the Peacock will return there (although you never know, of course). So why make it part of the corporate image? “The peacock is one of the most recognizable brands in America, and if you look at the iconic peacock with the modern new font for Comcast, it brings together the whole concept of media and technology,” a company rep told The Wall Street Journal . Expect to see the new look gradually phased-in on company vehicles, bills and other places.  It can already be seen on the Comcast website .

THINGS WE HEAR: Cromwell lets Goodall and Chaney go; Owensboro BBQ restaurant to be featured on Travel Channel

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THINGS WE HEAR is a new feature bringing you little snippets of news sent to me or gathered from around the interwebs on a local level.  Some items will preview something more in-depth to come at a later date, while others are just little bits and pieces. Goodall and Chaney out at Cromwell We've heard that Melissa "Spiff" Goodall and Mike Chaney (Micah Cox) have been let go at Cromwell Radio 's Owensboro operation.*   There's been no official word on why the two were terminated, but there has been something of a movement gathering steam among loyal fans on Facebook to boycott Cromwell's local stations because of their termination. Owensboro's Old Hickory to be featured on Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods 14 News reports that a popular Owensboro BBQ joint will be featured on the Travel Channel.  Old Hickory , which is located on Washington Avenue just west of Frederica Street, is to be seen on an upcoming episode of Bizarre Foods .  No w

Jasper On The Air buying WQKZ from GEM Communications

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Ferdinand, Ind. country station WQKZ-98.5 FM is being sold by GEM Communications, LLP , to Jasper On The Air, Inc. , which owns WITZ-990 AM/104.7 FM in Jasper, Ind. Sale price for the station is $45,000. Jasper On The Air has operated WQKZ, which shares its studio facilities with WITZ-AM/FM, since it signed on the air in 1997.  The late Earl Metzger, who died in August 2011, owned WQKZ and held a minority ownership interest in Jasper On The Air, which he served as general manager until his death. GEM Communications, which is in the process of being transferred from Metzger's estate to a family trust, will continue to have a minority interest in Jasper On The Air, as will the Trust's trustee, Nick Metzger, All Access reports .

CBS Sports Radio finalizes program schedule

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New radio network gearing up for Jan. 2 debut   CBS Sports Radio , the new 24/7 national sports network, will officially launch on more than 100 stations on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at midnight with Scott Ferrall's Ferrall on the Bench , followed by a complete lineup of hosts to interest sports fans across the country. The network's original programming is expected to reach more than ten million listeners upon launch. It's not yet known if any local radio stations will be carrying CBS Sports Radio programming.  Sports radio is a small but growing format here in the Tri-State, with just a handful of stations (one [ WVLN ] in Southeastern Illinois, one [ WYFX ] in Southwestern Indiana, and four in Western Kentucky [ WMSK/AM , WTTL/AM , WNTC and WLME ]) now broadcasting sports programming on a full-time basis.  Those stations are currently affiliated with either Fox Sports (WVLN and WMSK/AM) or ESPN Radio (WYFX, WTTL/AM and WLME), with WNTC going a different route, simulcasti

HEADLINES: G4 to become Esquire channel; Univision gets (a) Bounce

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NBCUniversal, Hearst Corp. Close Deal to Rebrand G4 as Esquire Channel NBCU and Hearst are looking to grab "metrosexual" male viewers previously ignored by networks like Spike and History, and they're going to use the G4 network - rebranded with Esquire magazine's name - to bring them into the fold. [ The Hollywood Reporter ] Univision To Air Bounce TV In 7 Top Markets Univision and Bounce TV announced a deal this morning that will see the Spanish-language network add the African-American-themed diginet in San Francisco, Boston, Tampa, Miami, Denver, Sacramento and Raleigh.  The new deal brings Bounce TV’s coverage to 86% of African-American television homes and 68% of total U.S. TV households. [ TVNewsCheck ]

The Weekender for Dec. 3-7

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It's Friday, which means it's time to wrap it up and share with you a look back at what happened in area TV and radio this week. All of this week's headlines, as you've come to expect, can be found below for your convenience. Once you're done catching up, be sure to check out JDTVB's Facebook page , which now includes special exclusive items which aren't posted here, and follow me on Twitter for all the latest information, as well as comments on a host of other topics, too. I'll be in Indianapolis this wee ke nd to watch the Colts take on the Tennessee Titans Sunday afternoon. Hope you have a great weekend ... and GO COLTS!!!   HEADLINES: WGN America could get a revamp, Dr. Timothy Johnson retires Me-TV changing part of its lineup for 2013 Hearst president and CEO Barrett adds chairman to title; Wertlieb is new president GMA Live set for Monday online debut CBS announces Golden Boy debut, midseason premiere dates M

HEADLINES: WGN America could get a revamp, Dr. Timothy Johnson retires

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Facelift for WGN: On to-do list of incoming Tribune CEO WGN America needs a heavy-duty makeover, and it looks like that's exactly what Peter Liguori plans to take on once Tribune Co. makes its way out of bankruptcy. [ New York Post ] Dr. Timo thy Johnson retires after 40 years at Ch. 5 Two years after retiring from ABC News, Dr. Timothy Johnson is hanging up his stethoscope at Boston's WCVB-TV, where he made his TV debut in 1972. “It just seemed like the right time,” Johnson said. “Forty years is a nice, round number, and I’m 76. I don’t want to feel any responsibility to the daily news anymore,” he said. [ Boston Herald ] NBC Orders 2 Additional Episodes Of ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Now in its 14th s eason, Dick Wolf' s last surv iving member of the L&O franchise will now have 24 ep isodes this season . [ Deadline Hollywood ]

Me-TV changing part of its lineup for 2013

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2013 is just around the corner, and the Me-TV classic television network is making some changes to its lineup for the new year. Starting Dec. 31, the new lineup ( which can be seen here ) features the launch of two fan favorites, Bewitched (weeknights at 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET) and I Dream of Jeannie (7:30 p.m. CT / 8:30 p.m. ET). Also joining the line up will be The Green Hornet , The Odd Couple , The Saint and Mr. Lucky . Me-TV can be seen on the following stations in the Tri-State and surrounding areas: WYYW 20.1 ( and soon to be on WTSN 15.1 ) - Evansville WTVW 7.1 ( partial schedule ) - Evansville WLKY 32.2 - Louisville WQWQ 9 , WQTV 24 and KFVS 12.2 ( partial schedule ) - Paducah/Murray/Cape Girardeau WTHR 13.3 - Indianapolis WRBU 46.2 - St. Louis

Hearst president and CEO Barrett adds chairman to title; Wertlieb is new president

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Hearst Corporation has announced that David J. Barrett has been named chairman and CEO of Hearst Television and Jordan Wertlieb has been named president. The announcements were made by Hearst Corporation CEO Frank A. Bennack, Jr. Both promotions are effective immediately. Hearst owns Louisville CBS affiliate WLKY. “David has been an important leader at Hearst for nearly 30 years and remains a force in the broadcast industry, championing the digital and mobile future of television news and information,” Bennack said. “I congratulate him on his new role as chairman and look forward to his continued stewardship of the expansion and success of Hearst Television.” “For almost 20 years, Jordan Wertlieb has been an outstanding Hearst Television executive — something I know will continue in his new role as president,” Barrett said. “During the last few years, we’ve been working together to increase the service we provide to viewers around the country — on-air, online and via mobile—a