Another ABC affiliate to drop local news

["Chris Beckwith" <beckwith@ime.net>]

WKPT Kingston, TN (Channel 19) will dump local newscasts as of Feb. 18; five
staffers will be laid off.  The station is owned by Holston Valley
Broadcasting Corp,. which also owns UPN affiliate WAPK (Channel 30) which
rebroadcast WKPT's news.  A spokesman for HVBC said a combination of the
economy, the digital mandate and ABC's decision to end affiliate
compensation meant they could no longer fund the news operation and turn a
profit.  A half-hour interview program focusing on community issues airing
roughly five days a week will replace newscasts.

Take care,
Chris