LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 28, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- KWBF and KATV jointly announced today that KWBF will broadcast ABC News sponsored Republican and Democratic debates on January 5, 2008, beginning at 6:00pm (CT). KWBF will push their regularly scheduled network programming back until 10pm that night to accommodate the debates.
KWBF (Channel 42) agreed to carry the ABC debate after KATV learned it would be unable to due to a previously scheduled Arkansas - Baylor college basketball game. KATV scheduled the basketball game prior to ABC scheduling the debate.
"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 (Channel 20) 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.
About Equity Media Holdings Corporation
KWBF is owned and operated by Equity Media Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:EMDA), a growing broadcaster with multiple sources of revenue and value in its operations that include its Broadcast Station Group, Spectrum Holdings Division and Broadcast Services Division. Equity Media is one of the largest owners and operators of television stations in the United States, currently owning stations in 41 markets that cover more than 32% of the U.S. population. It is the second largest affiliate group of the top ranked Univision and Telefutura networks, two networks driven by the growth of the Hispanic population in the U.S. Equity Media's proprietary Centralized Automated Satellite Hub (C.A.S.H.) system and Retro Television Network provide centralized content distribution services, which Equity Media believes are unique within the media industry. For more information, please visit www.EMDAholdings.com.