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\arch 8, 1985 3By KEVIN BROWN Courier staff writerK42AM, the low-power television station based in Ottumwa, may become a high-power, commercial station with “must carry status” on Southern Iowa’s cable television systems, a company official says.Paul Vaughn, general manager for TV42, which is owned by Low Power Television Development Corp. of Vienna, Va,, said his station has bought an option on the construction permit for a proposed Channel 15 in Ottumwa.The Federal Communications Commission last year granted a construction permit for Channel 15 to Haynes Communications Co., Jackson, Miss. Carl Haynes, owner of the communications firm, told The Courier Feb. 22 his plan to start a 5,000 kilowatt, UFH station with the call letters KOIA-TV was “on the back burner.”Channel 15, as proposed, would have the ability to transmit 60 miles — twice the distance of TV42’s low-power signal.Vaughn said that if TV42’s parent company acts on the option, his station could begin the necessary steps to become a full power, independent commercial operation.If that happens, he said, guidelines enforced by the Federal Communications Commission would require Ottumwa Cablevision to include Channel 15 as an offering. Vaughn said low power stations aren’t provided mandatory status by the FCC.Channel 42 has sought to be on cable since it began operation in November. Vaughn said a spot on the cable system will “increase our potential viewership dramatically.” He also said it would give the station market penetration in Oskaloosa, Fairfield, Albia and other area communities.Channel 42, he said, is continuing to negotiate with the cable company’s parent corporation, McDonald Group of Birmingham, Ala., to get Channel 42 listed, adding however, that the Channel 15 option “is a move (the firm) may have to take” to be offered by the local cable firm.Vaughn said that in any event, the station will retain its studios and offices on the top floor of the Parkview Plaza, 107 E. Second St.Vaughn also said few staffing or programming changes would result if the operation becomes full power The station now employs 10 full time and 3 part time employees.“We have a good programming schedule focusing on locally produced news and we feel we re doing a good job,” Vaughn said.
Newspaper Details
Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Iowa, US
Fri, Mar 08, 1985
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Sammi B.
NA 17 Jun 2023
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