Hubbard Broadcasting ends small town newscasts

[genius]

KOBF in Farmington New Mexco, a semi-satellite of KOB in Albuquerque, all owned by Hubbard, has effectively ended their local news production. Though I haven't heard confirmation this morning, I also believe the same is true for KOBR in Roswell. Now they will become full satellites of KOB. The reason being is your typical financial worries. The story below is a sad one really:


http://www.daily-times.com/news/ci_5337157

 

[justthenumbers]

Something similar has happened (or is still happening) in the Phoenix DMA. KNAZ-2 in Flagstaff is a satellite of KPNX-12 in Phoenix. KNAZ had its own newscasts, but I believe that they have all been dropped by now (or at least the weekend newscasts, according to the link below). Gannett is in the process of trying to sell (or has already sold?) the station.

http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php/topic,46700.0.html

 

[fortmill]

I'm sure the growth of local channels on Dish and Direct has a lot to do with the cancelation of local news on these repeater stations. People in the Farmington and Roswell areas who get their local channels on satelite get KOB and the other local Albuquerque stations, not KOBF. The same is also true in Flagstaff and other markets where there are repeaters. once viewers get satelite, they'll be watching KOB, not KOBF.

 

[genius]

Good point but it's not the cause. The main reason for the conslidation to save some $$$. It happens all the time in the industry.

 

[formeraa]

KNAZ in Flagstaff still has weekday 6:30am, 6pm, and 10pm LIVE newscasts. All other newscasts are simulcasted from KPHX in Phoenix.