After eight years at KFSM, she has accepted an anchor/reporter position in her hometown of St. Louis. Were so proud of you, and youre going to thrive in STL! All Rights Reserved, Experience Fayetteville earns two Henry Awards at state tourism conference, Arkansas natural gas severance tax revenue on pace to set a new record, Arkansas House advances LEARNS Act; returns to Senate, Investment group to invest about $10 million to renovate Kinkead apartment complex, Senate panel moves signature threshold bill forward for citizen initiatives, Arkansas tax revenue surplus tops $250 million; collections up 8.3% in February report, Irish healthcare service firm to locate in Sherwood, add 255 new jobs, Delta Biscuit Co. owner launching new concept in Bentonville, Sterling Bank in Fayetteville hosting 11th annual A-List event, New commerce secretary says entrepreneurship will be a focus, Rep. Brooks, Sen. Chesterfield discuss LEARNS bill, changes to be made, Southern Bancorp CEO watching inflation, supportive of diversity efforts, Senate President Hester: Legislature will work to find the money for education, prisons, Rep. Mayberry offers bill to address child care center, workforce shortages, DroneUp, McMillon Innovation Studio partner on drone use study, Retailer survey highlights final-mile shipping challenges, tech solutions, The Supply Side: Walmart, Sams Club battle for business customers, The Supply Side: More retailers focusing on healthcare in 2023, Walmart to hold virtual shareholder events again this year, Two Northeast Arkansas counties still leading state in COVID-19 cases. [4] KFSM operated a low-power analog translator, K62DQ (channel 62), licensed to Fayetteville with a transmitter in Johnson along I-540/US 62/US 71. 2021 Kennygorman.com - All Rights Reserved. Chris Riva Leaving FOX19 NOW: Where Is the Cincinnati Anchor Going? Looking back, I wouldnt change my career for the world. she wrote on Facebook. KFSM currently broadcasts 35 hours of newscasts each week (with six hours each weekday, 2 hours on Saturdays and three hours on Sundays),[30] a considerable amount for a station in the 100th market. Most recently, Roberts won the 2011 Arkansas Associated Press Award for Best Sports Series. The series featured the University of Arkansas legendary Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, Frank Broyles. Heather Lewis joined KOLR10 News as an anchor for Daybreak in July 2015. It did not help that viewers in Fort Smith could receive stations from Tulsa and Little Rock by using large masts and rotary antennas. Know Your Worth. Most commercials were live since videotapes were not yet available. Chief meteorologist Matt Standridge reacted to her announcement post and said, "At least you're still on our side of the Mississippi River. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21], Following the Sinclair deal's collapse, Nexstar Media Group announced its purchase of Tribune Media on December 3, 2018, for $6.4billion in cash and debt. Weve made our part of the world a better place by sharing news and weather that matters, Lewis noted in a post on the KFSM website. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Attempted acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast Group, transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts, "Tegna Selling To Standard General For $5.4 Billion". I have some bittersweet news to share with you this morning, Lewis wrote Monday on facebook. What was it like reporting on this story? Over the course of eight years, viewers have witnessed her evolve into a skilled newscaster. Produce, edit video and write scripts for . Michaela Pereira Leaving Fox 11: Where Is the L.A. Anchor Going? Mike Irwin was fired by KFSM on Monday after 37 years at the station. I think the decision to let the show go to the dogs caused a lot of the negative reaction we received when we first started to air. Co-Anchor (2001-2003) unknown episodes Michele Ruiz . Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Sports Anchor/Reporter. The average salary for a TV News Anchor is $64,877 per year in Fort Smith, AR, which is 7% higher than the average KFSM-TV salary of $60,126 per year for this job. It lost ABC in 1978 when KFPW-TV surrendered its CBS affiliation to new sign-on KLMN-TV (now KFTA-TV). Matt Standridge KFSM, Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Wife, WKYC, Salary, and Laura Simon announced the bittersweet news on her live broadcast on August 26, 2022. By: Aditi Pardhi - Published: August 30, 2022 at 7:09 am. I really just reached a point where I needed a break, Lewis said when asked about whats next. Our team at 5NEWS shares stories that reflect the pulse of our community and our shared humanity. This would be a very good thing to do, because we would have to have a lot of content that we could use to market ourselves and get a lot of buzz for our podcast. His forecasted last day forecasting is July 30. Stations were permitted to carry the press conference live on-air, but were prohibited from any online stream. Our aim is to make it easy for people to interact with us, and to bring out a certain kind of personality we find very exciting. Bridget Schultz, who has held the anchor position the longest, is anchor for the CBS affiliate KFSM-Channel 5. On April 21, 1996, a large tornado, part of the April 1996 tornado outbreak sequence, destroyed and heavily damaged much of historic downtown Fort Smith around the Garrison Avenue Bridge. Its not going to happen here," former 5NEWS anchor Bridget Schultz said. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved. Roberts father grew up with former Hogs basketball coach Eddie Sutton, and they remain good friends to this day. All became icons in Fort Smith's broadcasting history. You can also sign up for daily e-mail news delivered every morning to your inbox. Laura Simon announced the bittersweet news on her live broadcast on August 26, 2022. Aside from KNAC's brief time on-the-air, KFSA/KFSM was the only station in Fort Smith for 18 years. In March 2020, KFSM temporarily scaled back its broadcast schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. and Volunteer Coordinator, Salvation Army NWA. Garrett has been recognized by the Arkansas Associated Press for his work including numerous awards for Best Weathercast. A graduate of Alma High School, Lewis earned a bachelors degree in geosciences and masters degree in applied meteorology from Mississippi State University. It also simulcasted the weekday noon and nightly broadcasts. Meet the Team - Fort Smith/Fayetteville News | KFSM 5NEWS His forecasted last day forecasting is July 30. Making sure that all vital supplies are in one place, even if it means putting them into a carry-on and checking out early from work so as not to miss any flights! Engleman had worked at the station since 2009. Laura Simon Leaving 5NEWS: Where Is the Fort Smith Anchor Going? ALMA, Ark. KFSM parts with Irwin, Engleman - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette It was my job to make sure our anchors and reporters stayed active on the case. Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today's job market. We want to make something out of this. Prior to moving to Springfield, she was the Additional pay could include bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips. So naturally, they are curious to know why she is leaving and where she is going next. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs. All of us at 5NEWS are thankful for his service, and we wish him and his family only the best as he moves on to his next adventure Sleeves Up!, Arkansas headlines delivered to you on demand. Lewis and his wife, Ashley, have a son & daughter. Children's T.E.A.M. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, I must say I was really glad to get my show back. RELATED: Local filmmaker talks about the difficult reenactments for 'Still Missing Morgan' documentary, RELATED: 'Still Missing Morgan' filmmaker talks about the importance of the documentary. The area's original affiliate, KPBI-CA which was repeated on full-power KPBI, went silent after its owner Equity Media Holdings went bankrupt. NY Times CO. Sell TV Group to Equity Firm for $530M; Second equity group to buy a media business in two weeks. KFSA radio personality Pat Porta hosted the first broadcast. [23][24] (As KXNW does not rank among the top four in total-day viewership and therefore is not in conflict with existing FCC in-market ownership rules, it was retained by Nexstar, thus creating a de facto triopoly with KNWA and KFTA, which are licensed as satellite stations despite being separately programmed.) Its been an honor and privilege. Ruben Diaz Leaving 5News: Where Is the Arkansas News Anchor Going? Thank you so much for making me a part of your morning routine. Lewis saidshe was moving toSpringfield, Missouri to work as morning anchor on CBS affiliateKOLR. I honestly dont know. [26] When the station announced plans to build the facility in 2018, original plans called for a newer facility in Fort Smith to serve as its main studio. Claudia Sessa Leaving 59News: Wheres the West Virginia Anchor Going? CBS affiliate KFSM. In 1956, KFSA-TV gained a competitor when KNAC-TV signed on channel 5 from studios in Van Buren as a primary CBS affiliate and secondary ABC affiliate. Non-profits, Leadership Development, Fundraising, Nonprofits, Team Building, Community Outreach, Director of Sales at Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, Director of Sales Clear Channel Media & Entertainment. Congressman John Boozman (AR), Bachelor of Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Leadership, Customer Relations, Microsoft, Executive Director, Cancer Support Foundation at Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, Executive Director, Reynolds Cancer Support House. Updated: 10:27 AM CDT April 12, 2021. We have no intention of being a podcast of the kind its been used to talk about over the years. Heather Lewis Leaving KFSM - Adweek Channel 5 Celebrates Its Rich History, Looks To The Future On March 12, 2012, KXNW/KFSM-DT2 began airing a new hour-long 7 a.m. newscast on weekday mornings and a 30-minute newscast at 9 p.m. nightly. This was due to the network searching for stronger affiliates in the Fort Smith market. In November 2020, KFSM returned to its normal broadcast schedule with 5 News This Morning weekdays beginning at 4:30a.m. and 5 News This Morning Saturday originating as a KFSM broadcast rather than a KTHV simulcast. Copyright Talk Business & Politics 2017. She left in 2005. Meanwhile, channel 22's UHF signal didn't reach much farther than 30 miles (48km) from downtown Fort Smith, leaving many homes without clear television reception. Formerly the station's sports director, Irwin said he and Engleman had nothing to do with the decision to carry the press conference online. As a side note, her brother Garrett is the stations chief meteorologist. Syndicated programming on KFSM includes Rachael Ray, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, and Dr. Phil, all of which are distributed by the corporate cousin of KFSM's affiliated network, CBS Media Ventures. After nearly five years, this is my last week at 5NEWS.. Garrett Lewis to leave KFSM after 20 years as chief meteorologist On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Both advocate for child protection and for the prevention and treatment of sexually or physically abused children. However, by 2019, the planned Johnson studio had become the main studio, with its longtime home in Fort Smith serving as a River Valley bureau. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Roberts has worked in St. Louis, Nashville, and Las Vegas, Nevada, winning an Emmy for Best Sportscaster in St. Louis. She decided to go to Columbia College Chicago to get a degree in broadcast journalism after taking a journalism class at Francis Howell North High School. Learn How to State Your Case and Earn Your Raise, Climb the Ladder With These Proven Promotion Tips, A Guide to Negotiating the Salary You Deserve, How to Prepare for Your Interview and Land the Job. Were not an LA or a New York, but for us, we put so much energy into it because it upset everybody in the community. Tribune Broadcasting's CBS affiliate KFSM Fort Smith-Fayetteville, Ark. Were not the largest market. As a result, the KFSA stations were sold off, with channel 5 going to Buford Television in 1973 and renamed KFSM-TV (after the airport designation for Fort Smith Regional Airport). LITTLE ROCK Fort Smith-based CBS affiliate KFSM-TV fired sports reporter Mike Irwin on Monday, ending a 37-year career at . FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- It was 1958 when Jim Kell got the call to be one of the first news anchors at Channel 22, which would later become Channel 5. She remembers how quickly this became a national story. Is Tech Making buffalo grove news Better or Worse? Denise Kirkland (Whitaker) - she was with the station in the late 90's into the mid 2000s. "We had to separate the gossip from the reality to find what really happened and to get people to talk.". It had a construction permit to air on channel 44, but its license was cancelled on May 4, 2012.[5]. . Team Canada practices for Olympic triathlon in Bentonville, Northside-Southside kickoff delayed due to heat. Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Product Development, Process Marketing Intern at University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, P.R.and Volunteer Coordinator at The Salvation Army, P.R. The merged station would use the KFSA-TV call letters under the ownership of the wealthier Reynolds, but operate under KNAC's license using the stronger channel 5 facility. However, the news of anchor/reporter Laura Simon leaving 5NEWS has been met with widespread disappointment. Prior to that, he was a Radar Meteorologist (Intern) at North Dakota Water Commission. The station was purchased by The New York Times Company in 1979, and subsequently became that company's second station after WREG-TV in Memphis. There have been so many vacations weve had to cancel because of weather events., Part of the job pressure has been a change in expectations during the past 20 years. After the license transfer to Donrey's broadcasting subsidiary, American Television Company, was finalized in January 1959, channel 5 changed its calls to KFSA-TV. On July 1, 2013, Local TV announced that its stations would be acquired by Tribune Broadcasting. The station's studios and transmitter were located in the Times Record/Southwest American building at 920 Rogers Avenue in downtown Fort Smith. We have a lot of ideas we are working towards and we are working on our podcast as well. Be sure to research other states around Fort Smith, AR to find the names of more professionals. No, it hasnt always been easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. However, Fort Smith and Fayetteville are sandwiched between Little Rock (channels 2, 4, 7, and 11) to the east, ShreveportTexarkana (channels 3, 6, and 12) to the south, Springfield (channels 3 and 10) and PittsburgJoplin (channels 7 and 12) to the north, and Tulsa (channels 2, 6, 8, and 11) to the west. The station lost its CBS affiliation when KFPW-TV (now KHBS) signed on in 1971. Not necessarily the show, but a podcast so that we get to see whats going on. The estimated base pay is $66,283 per year. Laura Simons last day at KFSM will be September 9, 2022. Its just that we arent really able to go the whole way yet with the show. Governor Karyn Polito To date, over $277 million in direct. Chief meteorologist Matt Standridge reacted to her announcement post and said, At least youre still on our side of the Mississippi River. A familiar face to viewers in the Fayetteville-Fort Smith television market, Roberts worked as a News Anchor/Reporter for. Over the coming months, we will join our viewers in celebrating Garretts incredible career at 5NEWS. Many had started their broadcasting careers on KFSA radio just after World War II. Heather Lewis says she's leaving Fort Smith, Ark. Learn more about our anchors, reporters and meteorologists at NewsChannel 5 Learn more about our on-air reporters, anchors, and meteorologists 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays Fort Smith, Arkansas Area. Sep 2012 - Jul 20152 years 11 months. NWA's TV news anchorwomen - The Free Weekly It also provides a 24-hour local newscast seven days a week on Cox channel 55 in Springdale and Fort Smith. former kfsm news anchors - Kenny Gorman Meet anchors, reporters, weather and more on 40/29 News' news team page. This has since moved to digital channel 661. Heres what the anchor said about her departure from KFSM-TVs 5NEWS. "KNAC-TV" redirects here. However, the Fayetteville area was served by KGTO (TV) in the late-1960s and 1970s. "Im still friends with Colleen today, and when I moved away for a year to New York, she was one of the people I said, "Hey, Im leaving for a year." While I started my career as a "one-woman band" I now co-anchor the 4&5 newscasts five days a week at KFSM-TV in Fayetteville, AR. Walker had worked for KFSA radio and earlier for Nakdieman at KWHN. Local talent included Clint Fisher, Freddie Rose and programs from Camp Chaffee (later Fort Chaffee). Menu. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. In July 2021, chief meteorologist Garrett Lewis left KFSM after 20 years with the station[27] to pursue a career in finance and community relations.[28][29]. Also Read: Michaela Pereira Leaving Fox 11: Where Is the L.A. Anchor Going? ", "We are not ending sports coverage," Bagley continued in the e-mail. The good news is that the anchor covered most of the topics her audience wanted to know. Both of Roberts sisters graduated from the University of Arkansas, and they never moved back to Texas! Solera Dental Spa. His passionate coverage of our extreme weather and commitment to serving our communities have been exemplary. [6] The sale was completed on December 27. Thank you for your support both then and now, and I look forward to sharing the end of my journey with you as we near the end of Summer.. For 38 years, Daren Bobb has been a fixture in local media. I think that podcast is one step closer to being done. The two stations' operations were merged at a converted furniture warehouse in downtown Fort Smith at North 5th and B Streets that had originally been renovated for KNAC-TV. We have had a lot of questions about what to do for a podcast, and we have been trying to answer them in the hopes that people will join our show. "Our plan is to tell better stories about all local sports, including the Arkansas Razorbacks. In an interview with Talk Business & Politics, Lewis said he is not unhappy with life but is ready for something different, and ready to be present in the moment when he is with family. By Kevin Eck on Jun. Fort Smith residents have always loved the banter between Laura Simon and Ruben Diaz. You have entered an incorrect email address! Get TVSpy delivered straight to your inbox. . Irwin said the move was not related to the station's decision to stream a University of Arkansas press conference introducing new football coach John L. Smith last Tuesday. We touched base with her Wednesday morning (July 30th) to see. [22] As Nexstar already owned NBC affiliate KNWA-TV (channel 51) and Fox affiliate KFTA-TV (channel 24), the company agreed on March 20, 2019, to divest KFSM-TV to Tegna Inc. as part of a series of transactions with multiple companies that totaled $1.32 billion. Kfsm Channel 5 News5NEWS Erika Thomas, Springdale, Arkansas. Fans of Laura Simon was born and raised in a suburb of St. Louis. ", She added, "Id never seen a story covered like that before and especially in a local market. He added later in the interview that, being on call 24/7 is not easy. Mitch and his two kids live in Fayetteville. "We reported it every day. Brad Johansen Leaving NBC4 Columbus: Where Is the Anchor Going? Jobin Panicker Jobin Panicker is a reporter at WFAA in Dallas, TX, specializing in stories from. 18 News Anchors in Fort Smith, AR Directory - Trustoria Until January 2012, KFSM-DT2 simulcast the weekday morning show and then re-aired it in a rotating cycle. In fall 2017, KFSM began airing a 30-minute newscast at 4 p.m., titled 5 News First at Four. Roberts has play-by-play experience, and has worked as a network sideline reporter for NBC Sports. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA in 2012. There are a lot of things in the works and a lot of things that need to be worked out, but the podcast is definitely the next step. Meet the anchors, reporters and meteorologists from 5NEWS KFSM in Fort Smith, Arkansas I think it would be really cool to have that kind of podcast and have a ton of content there. She has been anchoring 5NEWS This Morning from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 5NEWS at noon. FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Operations began July 9, 1953, at KFSA TV Channel 22, out of a building owned by Donald W. Reynolds in downtown Fort Smith. The estimated total pay for a TV News Anchor at KFSM-TV is $60,126 per year. LITTLE ROCK Fort Smith-based CBS affiliate KFSM-TV fired sports reporter Mike Irwin on Monday, ending a 37-year career at the station. In 2013, she became the weekend anchor at KTVO-DT, covering news across Northeast Missouri and Southeast Iowa. . 68 News Anchors in Fayetteville, AR Directory - Trustoria You can email Mitch at mroberts3@hearst.com. [3] During the analog television era, KFSM was the only big three affiliate that did not need a second full-power station to reach the entire market. Schultz began her stint in Arkansas in Fort Smith in 1993. The TV news business has taken me all over the country to cities like Chicago, Joplin, Kirksville/Ottumwa and Northwest Arkansas/the River Valley. Huge CONGRATULATIONS!!!. During the late 1950s, both KFSA-TV and KNAC struggled for advertising and viewers. However, the networks extended the AT&T coaxial cable to Little Rock in 1957 to provide live coverage of the Little Rock Crisis. Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time. I was executive producer at 5NEWS back then. It was like, how did this happen here?". On September 1, 2010, the FCC granted KFSM a construction permit for a fill-in translator in Van Buren on channel 24. CBS affiliate. Anchors | CBS Affiliates | Mornings | Revolving Door Tiffany Lee Promoted to Weekday Mornings at KFSM in Arkansas By Kevin Eck on Dec. 21, 2022 - 9:13 AM The station said that with Lee's. Most markets received two commercial VHF licenses plus a noncommercial VHF license. pic.twitter.com/kk4HNLDUVJ, Laura Simon (@5NEWSLaura) August 26, 2022. "I had heard through the grapevine they were going to radically change their sports department," Irwin said Tuesday when reached by phone. Before, Matt worked as a meteorologist at WKYC Studios. A familiar face to viewers in the Fayetteville-Fort Smith television market, Roberts worked as a News Anchor/Reporter for KFSM-TV, but most of Roberts career has been spent as a Sports Director. KARK Faces of the News A message seeking comment from KFSM station manager Van Comer was not immediately returned. However, that changed with the addition of Cliff Walker, who became the outlet's first news director. Washington Regional . Still Missing Morgan . The estimated additional pay is $29,810 per year. Veronica Ortega - Weekend Morning Anchor/Reporter - LinkedIn At the time, UHF stations could only be seen with an expensive converter, and even with one picture quality was marginal at best. News Reporter KLKN-TV Aug 2014 - Aug 2016 2 years 1 month. "Wild Bill") along with Engles TV & Appliance, bought the first commercial live spots for $1.00 per minute. This email address is already subscribed to the selected list(s). ALMA, Ark. This employer has not claimed their Employer Profile and is missing out on connecting with our community. [8][9] The deal received significant scrutiny over Sinclair's forthrightness in its applications to sell certain conflict properties, prompting the FCC to designate it for hearing and leading Tribune to terminate the deal and sue Sinclair for breach of contract. KFSM/Channel 5/Fort Smith anchor Heather Lewis is leaving the station. "I have some bittersweet news to share with you this morning," Lewis wrote . I think that the show is in pretty good shape and we definitely have a lot of things in the works that I think will make the show one of the most talked about podcasts on the internet.