New Vision Debuts Topeka News Triopoly

Over the weekend, three Topeka, Kan., stations — ABC affiliate KTKA, NBC affiliate KSNT and Fox affiliate KTMJ —came together to form a virtual triopoly called Kansas First News.

The move was made possible following the FCC’s July 21 approval of PBC Broadcasting’s purchase of KTKA Topeka from Free State Communications for $1.5 million. PBC, owned by Todd Parkin, turned over operation of the station to New Vision Television, which owns the other two.

According to the stations’ President-GM Jean Turnbough, Kansas First News will be located in the Highway 24 studios operated by KSNT and KTMJ.  Kansas First News will use one newsroom and the combined resources of NBC, ABC and Fox to offer “more local news at more convenient times, on more platforms, including the Web and mobile apps.”

The stations said viewers can also expect additional newscasts debuting this fall. “People today need local news programs throughout the day, not just in the morning, the early evening, and at 9 or 10 p.m.,” said Kansas First News Director Nate Hill. “By combining resources, we will have more photographers and reporters in the field, along with three live mobile newsrooms, to provide the most comprehensive news, weather, and sports information in the market.”