KWBF LITTLE ROCK TO AIR GOP, DEM DEBATES

Equity Media Holdings’ Little Rock, Ark., MNT affiliate KWBF and Allbritton Communications’ ABC affiliate KATV jointly announced today that KWBF will broadcast ABC News-sponsored Republican and Democratic debates on Jan. 5, 2008, beginning at 6 p.m. CT, because KATV is unable to air them due to a previously scheduled Arkansas-Baylor college basketball game. KATV scheduled the basketball game prior to ABC’s scheduling the debates.

KWBF will push its regularly scheduled network programming back until 10 p.m. to accommodate the debates.

“KWBF is very excited to be able to provide the Democratic and Republican presidential candidate debates live to central Arkansas,” said Bill Maples, general manager of KWBF, KKYK and KLRA. “KATV was in an uncomfortable position and we are glad we could help.”

“This conflict was quite disappointing because our job is to bring our viewers the very best in news, entertainment and sports programming,” said Dale Nicholson, president and general manager of KATV. “Over the years, we have learned that when we have two popular programs scheduled for the same time period, there is no way to make everyone happy. We are pleased we have found a way to offer viewers both the debate and the basketball game.”

KWBF and KKYK regularly air ABC programming that KATV, due to prior commitments, is unable to air. Over the past few years, KWBF and KKYK have aired ABC golf, college football and basketball games, soccer and other ABC events for KATV.