"The story just developed, and more and more people talked as it went along," she said. On July 1, 2013, Local TV announced that its stations would be acquired by Tribune Broadcasting. The network was number one in viewers and KNAC-TV quickly became a favorite because of its VHF signal and CBS affiliation. These stations broadcast these networks on their digital subchannels. All of us at 5NEWS are thankful for his service, and we wish him and his family only the best as he moves on to his next adventure Sleeves Up!, Arkansas headlines delivered to you on demand. It also provides a 24-hour local newscast seven days a week on Cox channel 55 in Springdale and Fort Smith. A few other shows are in the works as well. It's one of the most important programs we've aired in recent years, and you can see it Saturday (April 17) at 12:00 p.m. The merged operation benefited from a technical quirk in the FCC's original television allocation plan. Sam Nelson Jacksonville, FL. [4] KFSM operated a low-power analog translator, K62DQ (channel 62), licensed to Fayetteville with a transmitter in Johnson along I-540/US 62/US 71. After a year, she worked at Tribune Broadcasting as a weekend morning anchor/reporter. The sale was completed on September 19, 2019.[25]. KNAC's weathermen LeRoy Stollard and Cy Spicer were also staff members of the new operation. Reynolds then built a microwave relay hop on Mount Magazine to relay live programming from the Little Rock stations. KFSM also operates a secondary studio and news bureau on North 13th Street in downtown Fort Smith (site of its former main studio). Mitch Roberts joined 40/29 News as Sports Director in May 2014. pic.twitter.com/kk4HNLDUVJ, Laura Simon (@5NEWSLaura) August 26, 2022. Be sure to research other states around Fort Smith, AR to find the names of more professionals. Full-power KPBI, at one point a standalone RTV affiliate, officially became KFSM's sister station on January 5, 2012 with an FCC "failing station" waiver and changed its call letters to KXNW; at that time, KXNW dropped all remaining RTV programming in favor of a simulcast of KFSM-DT2, which had for a while also carried a part-time affiliation with Antenna TV in addition to its primary MyNetworkTV affiliation (until Antenna TV was ultimately segregated out onto its own dedicated sub-channel via KFSM-DT3, as of spring 2016). Stations were permitted to carry the press conference live on-air, but were prohibited from any online stream. KFSM is routinely rated the top news station in the Fort Smith-Fayetteville market. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. My advice to the next generation of journalists would be to go after your goals, but dont get too attached to the outcome., Content WriterThe Brandon AgencyMyrtle Beach, South Carolina, Laura Simon Leaving Fort Smith Station for St. Louis, Prior to joining KFSM in 2014, Laura was an anchor and reporter at, An error has occurred, please try again later. LITTLE ROCK Fort Smith-based CBS affiliate KFSM-TV fired sports reporter Mike Irwin on Monday, ending a 37-year career at the station. KFSM signed on for the first time on July 9, 1953 as KFSA-TV on channel 22. "Our plan is to tell better stories about all local sports, including the Arkansas Razorbacks. We dont want to create a perfect podcast, or a perfect character for a podcast, but we want people to come to our podcast and listen to it and get it to share with us. Doing the hard things is what separates us from the rest. But Comer did say he was searching for a new anchor to replace Malone. We are also working on an actual podcast, more on that later, but this was an idea from one of our former hosts. "Im still friends with Colleen today, and when I moved away for a year to New York, she was one of the people I said, "Hey, Im leaving for a year." The station operated out of an old building. UHF stations do not get good reception over large areas or in rugged terrain. . Irwin said the move was not related to the station's decision to stream a University of Arkansas press conference introducing new football coach John L. Smith last Tuesday. Now the inspiring news anchor is moving to the next step of his career. Making sure that all vital supplies are in one place, even if it means putting them into a carry-on and checking out early from work so as not to miss any flights! ALMA, Ark. RELATED: Local filmmaker talks about the difficult reenactments for 'Still Missing Morgan' documentary, RELATED: 'Still Missing Morgan' filmmaker talks about the importance of the documentary. I think I would have liked that show more. The storm left four people dead in western Arkansas. After that, she and her husband will depart for St. Louis. Governor Karyn Polito To date, over $277 million in direct. She will start at KFSM in early June and will co-anchor the station's 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts with Daren Bobb. I think it would be really cool to have that kind of podcast and have a ton of content there. You can email Mitch at mroberts3@hearst.com. Most local commercials and programming were live,. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. CBS affiliate KFSM. KFSM-TV 5. The merged station would use the KFSA-TV call letters under the ownership of the wealthier Reynolds, but operate under KNAC's license using the stronger channel 5 facility. I think the decision to let the show go to the dogs caused a lot of the negative reaction we received when we first started to air. ", "We are not ending sports coverage," Bagley continued in the e-mail. Garrett Lewis to leave KFSM after 20 years as chief meteorologist. In November 2020, KFSM returned to its normal broadcast schedule with 5 News This Morning weekdays beginning at 4:30a.m. and 5 News This Morning Saturday originating as a KFSM broadcast rather than a KTHV simulcast. Over the years, KFSM has been the ratings leader in the area, mainly due to the fact that it was the only commercial VHF station on the air in the Fort SmithFayetteville market during the analog television era. Copyright Talk Business & Politics 2017. CBS affiliate KFSM. On March 12, 2012, KXNW/KFSM-DT2 began airing a new hour-long 7 a.m. newscast on weekday mornings and a 30-minute newscast at 9 p.m. nightly. Heather Lewis says shes leaving Fort Smith, Ark. Not to be confused with, Reception may vary by location and some stations may only be viewable with, sorted by primary channel network affiliations, Aborted sale to Sinclair; sale to Nexstar; resale to Tegna. Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Product Development, Process Marketing Intern at University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, P.R.and Volunteer Coordinator at The Salvation Army, P.R. This has since moved to digital channel 661. You can also sign up for daily e-mail news delivered every morning to your inbox. It had a construction permit to air on channel 44, but its license was cancelled on May 4, 2012.[5]. [citation needed] Although the system was less than dependable, it was far better than kinescopes' which aired as many as three weeks after the original air date. This email address is already subscribed to the selected list(s). I honestly dont know. KFSM signed on for the first time on July 9, 1953 as KFSA-TV on channel 22. 2021 Kennygorman.com - All Rights Reserved. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs. For 38 years, Daren Bobb has been a fixture in local media. At that time, CBS was the top network with such hits as Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason and Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town and later, Your Show of Shows. Veteran journalist Ruben Diaz has been responsible for bringing the latest news coverage to Arkansas residents for four memorable years. At the time, UHF stations could only be seen with an expensive converter, and even with one picture quality was marginal at best. Our team at 5NEWS shares stories that reflect the pulse of our community and our shared humanity. "I'm fine with it.". Roberts has play-by-play experience, and has worked as a network sideline reporter for NBC Sports. Correspondent (1992-1998) unknown episodes . Ruben Diaz announced he is leaving 5News in Fayetteville in December 2022. The estimated additional pay is $29,810 per year. Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today's job market. However, by 2019, the planned Johnson studio had become the main studio, with its longtime home in Fort Smith serving as a River Valley bureau. It lost ABC in 1978 when KFPW-TV surrendered its CBS affiliation to new sign-on KLMN-TV (now KFTA-TV). Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. My time at 5NEWS has been one of the greatest joys in my life. At that time, the network live signal reached only as far as Memphis, Tennessee. You have entered an incorrect email address! Laura Simon announced the bittersweet news on her live broadcast on August 26, 2022. During the late 1950s, both KFSA-TV and KNAC struggled for advertising and viewers. Looking back, I wouldnt change my career for the world. she wrote on Facebook. Roberts was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, grew up in Dallas, and graduated from Texas State University. In 2013, she became the weekend anchor at KTVO-DT, covering news across Northeast Missouri and Southeast Iowa. It became national news. Michelle Muscatello Leaving WPRI: Where Is the Rhode Island Meteorologist Going? The TV news business has taken me all over the country to cities like Chicago, Joplin, Kirksville/Ottumwa and Northwest Arkansas/the River Valley. He's scheduled to start in his new role in mid-January. Sep 2012 - Jul 20152 years 11 months. We touched base with her Wednesday morning (July 30th) to see. Sinclair Broadcast Group entered into an agreement to acquire Tribune Media on May 8, 2017, for $3.9billion, plus the assumption of $2.7billion in Tribune debt. NY Times CO. Sell TV Group to Equity Firm for $530M; Second equity group to buy a media business in two weeks. It's one of the most important programs we've aired in recent years, and you can see it Saturday (April 17) at 12:00 p.m. The station lost its CBS affiliation when KFPW-TV (now KHBS) signed on in 1971. Roberts has worked in St. Louis, Nashville, and Las Vegas, Nevada, winning an Emmy for Best Sportscaster in St. Louis. Co-Anchor (2001-2003) unknown episodes Michele Ruiz . At some point during summer 2012, KFSM became the first station in the Fort SmithFayetteville market and the last primary Local TV-owned station to begin broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition. He said politics is not an option under consideration. At the end of the documentary on Saturday, there will be a phone number to the FBI you can call if you have any information about the cases. The estimated total pay for a TV News Anchor at KFSM-TV is $60,126 per year. This was the first (and currently the only) 4 p.m. newscast in the Fort SmithFayetteville market. Were so proud of you, and youre going to thrive in STL! He said he hopes to find another job covering the Razorbacks, whether it be in TV or another medium. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. "Back then, its a small town. However, that changed with the addition of Cliff Walker, who became the outlet's first news director. http://licensing.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/pubacc/Auth_Files/1392679.pdf, "Acquisition to make Tribune Co. largest U.S. TV station operator", Company Completes Final Steps of Transaction Announced in July, "Sinclair Broadcast Group to buy Tribune Media for $3.9billion plus debt", "Sinclair Broadcast Group Sets $3.9 Billion Deal to Acquire Tribune Media", "Sinclair and Tribune Fall as FCC Slams TV Station Sale Plan", "FCC chair rejects Sinclair-Tribune merger", "FCC throws Sinclair/Tribune deal in doubt", "FCC Throws Wrench into Sinclair Media Megadeal", "Sinclair Tries to Appease F.C.C., but Its Tribune Bid Is Challenged", "FCC orders hearing even as Sinclair changes plans to sell TV stations to address concerns about Tribune deal", "Tribune Terminates $3.9 Billion Sinclair Merger, Sues Broadcast Rival", "Tribune Kills Sinclair Merger, Files Suit", "Tribune Media pulls out of Sinclair Broadcast merger", "Tribune Ends Deal With Sinclair, Dashing Plan for Conservative TV Behemoth", "Tribune Ends Deal with Sinclair, Files Breach of Contract Suit", "Tribune withdraws from Sinclair merger, saying it will sue for 'breach of contract', "Nexstar Announces Deal to Buy Tribune for $6.4B", "Nexstar Selling 19 TVs In 15 Markets For $1.32B", "Nexstar to Sell Stations to Tegna, Scripps for $1.32 Billion", "In Fort Smith since 1953, KFSM relocates headquarters to NWA", "Garrett Lewis to leave KFSM after 20 years as chief meteorologist", "Local Flavors: Former weatherman Garrett Lewis appreciates lazy Sunday omelets", "KFSM TV Listings | Fort Smith/Fayetteville News | KFSM 5NEWS", "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=KFSM-TV&oldid=1127137480, Television stations in Northwest Arkansas, Television channels and stations established in 1953, Low-power television stations in the United States, Articles with dead external links from February 2022, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from May 2017, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox television station, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2018, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Fort Smith (FSM is also the airport designation for the, This page was last edited on 13 December 2022, at 02:43. In an interview with Talk Business & Politics, Lewis said he is not unhappy with life but is ready for something different, and ready to be present in the moment when he is with family. Over the course of eight years, viewers have witnessed her evolve into a skilled newscaster. The station's studios and transmitter were located in the Times Record/Southwest American building at 920 Rogers Avenue in downtown Fort Smith. I reached out to her because I felt like a part of my life, and we were of hers.". She remembers how quickly this became a national story. It was owned by Donald W. Reynolds and his Donrey Media Group alongside Fort Smith's two major newspapers the Southwest American and Times Record (later merged as the Southwest Times Record) and KFSA radio (AM 950). Michaela Pereira Leaving Fox 11: Where Is the L.A. Anchor Going? We have had a lot of questions about what to do for a podcast, and we have been trying to answer them in the hopes that people will join our show. On June 14, 2019, KFSM moved most of its operations to a newly built studio in Johnson, a suburb of Fayetteville and Springdale. Most markets received two commercial VHF licenses plus a noncommercial VHF license. Menu. The area's original affiliate, KPBI-CA which was repeated on full-power KPBI, went silent after its owner Equity Media Holdings went bankrupt. There have been so many vacations weve had to cancel because of weather events., Part of the job pressure has been a change in expectations during the past 20 years. I think that the show is in pretty good shape and we definitely have a lot of things in the works that I think will make the show one of the most talked about podcasts on the internet. Here is a complete list of nearly every professional News Anchors in your town. Our aim is to make it easy for people to interact with us, and to bring out a certain kind of personality we find very exciting. Additionally, on Saturdays, 5 News This Morning was sometimes replaced by a simulcast of sister station KTHV's Saturday morning newscast. She decided to go to Columbia College Chicago to get a degree in broadcast journalism after taking a journalism class at Francis Howell North High School. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Simon earned a very competitive internship at NBC Chicago during her time at Columbia, where she worked alongside reporters, anchors, producers, and photographers. The estimated base pay is $66,283 per year. Heres what the anchor said about her departure from KFSM-TVs 5NEWS. Chris Riva Leaving FOX19 NOW: Where Is the Cincinnati Anchor Going? "I have some bittersweet news to share with you this morning," Lewis wrote . We should be doing this stuff. According to station manager Van Comer, the new facility is located near the population center of KFSM's 11-county, two-state primary coverage area. Lewis said there are career options he is considering, but nothing thats certain. On weeknights, the latter newscast competes with the prime time newscast which airs on Fox affiliate KFTA-TV; KXNW was the only station which airs a 9 p.m. newscast on weekends until August 2012 when KHBS/KHOG began producing a nightly 9 p.m. newscast for their CW Plus-affiliated digital subchannels. and Volunteer Coordinator, Salvation Army NWA. Non-profits, Leadership Development, Fundraising, Nonprofits, Team Building, Community Outreach, Director of Sales at Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, Director of Sales Clear Channel Media & Entertainment. Children's T.E.A.M. It carried programming from all four networks of the time NBC, CBS, ABC and DuMont but it was a primary NBC affiliate. However, the Fayetteville area was served by KGTO (TV) in the late-1960s and 1970s. I really just reached a point where I needed a break, Lewis said when asked about whats next. Many old timers remember the station's microwave problems that disrupted several games of the 1954 World Series. Owned by Tegna Inc., the station has studios on South 48th Street in Johnson (with a Springdale mailing address), and its transmitter is located northwest of Winslow, Arkansas. ", She added, "Id never seen a story covered like that before and especially in a local market. I think we might be able to have a small podcast, one with just a couple of episodes, or a podcast that we produce ourselves and it would be more similar to our show. The anchor will join KTVI/KPLR as a weekend morning anchor and weekdays reporter in St. Louis. Learn more about our anchors, reporters and meteorologists at NewsChannel 5 Learn more about our on-air reporters, anchors, and meteorologists 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays His passionate coverage of our extreme weather and commitment to serving our communities have been exemplary. In July 2021, chief meteorologist Garrett Lewis left KFSM after 20 years with the station[27] to pursue a career in finance and community relations.[28][29]. Like many of us who've been around since it happened, Schultz says the reporting forged many friendships. We would have to make it possible for people to subscribe to our podcast and hear from us all the time. While I started my career as a "one-woman band" I now co-anchor the 4&5 newscasts five days a week at KFSM-TV in Fayetteville, AR. In April 2018, she joined 5NEWS as a weekday morning and noon anchor. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Attempted acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast Group, transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts, "Tegna Selling To Standard General For $5.4 Billion". It was like, how did this happen here?". Know Your Worth. What was it like reporting on this story? Huge CONGRATULATIONS!!!. KTLA Morning News (TV Series 1991- ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Dax Clark will be 5NEWS' new weekend evening meteorologist, according to News Manager Rick Bagley. The Most Common Complaints About lake havasu news boat crash, and Why Theyre Bunk. It also simulcasted the weekday noon and nightly broadcasts. In 1969, the FCC barred common ownership of newspapers and broadcasting outlets.