HDTV Forum

From Mark Basch, The Times-Union:

Jacksonville television stations WAWS TV-30 and WTEV TV-47 will undergo a major change this fall, when new ownership takes over operations of the Fox and CBS network affiliates.

But even before the new owners come in, the two stations are making changes to better compete with local news stalwarts WJXT TV-4 and WTLV TV-12 (which simulcasts many of its newscasts with WJXX TV-25 under the First Coast News banner).

The changes, which began this week, include a new lineup of anchors for the stations' evening newscasts, new graphics that the stations say will be clearer to viewers and more reporters and photographers to cover the news.

"There is a commitment to really put this news organization in a better position to win," said Jeff Whitson, who was brought in as the vice president and general manager of the two stations in April.

WAWS and WTEV are owned by Clear Channel Communications, but Clear Channel agreed in April to sell its group of 56 television stations in 24 cities to a private investment firm called Providence Equity Partners Inc. That deal is expected to be completed in the fall.

Providence has formed a company called Newport Television, which will be based in Kansas City, Mo., to run its television stations.

Whitson said he is making changes at the two Jacksonville stations without input from Newport, but Clear Channel executives are keeping Newport informed.

"They are communicating on a consistent basis," Whitson said.

Sandy DiPasquale, the president and chief executive of Newport Television, said he did not want to comment on the Jacksonville stations because his company does not yet own them.

"Sandy has been in the business a long time," said Whitson. He hasn't yet met with DiPasquale but Whitson is encouraged by what he's heard about the Newport executive from others in the industry. ...