March 2, 2010- A couple of TV stations celebrate anniversaries this week; Channel 11 Tacoma/Seattle KTNT [now KSTW] signed on March 1, 1953. Channel 3 Phoenix KTVK signed on March 1, 1955. KSTW, as KTNT, had local kids shows, Northwest roller derby and wrestling sports, country music shows [one featuring Buck Owens], and an in-house news team. Now, as a CW affiliate, all programming comes out of KSFO studios in San Francisco. There is no local programming, there are no newscasts.
KTVK has great local programming and their morning news program, Good Morning Arizona beats Good Morning America in the ratings everytime. KTVK is one of the top choices for local news in Phoenix.
Tacoma has a “new” local radio station! Browns Point Radio has been renamed Tacoma.FM and features an eclectic mix of classic rock, folk and what have you — with ‘live’ DJs. That is unique, in these days when radio stations across the country are cutting budget by dumping air talent. But, Tacoma.FM is not owned by Clear Channel, CBS or Entercom. The local station is staffed by volunteers. The station also promotes local musical talent, with ‘live’ performance in the studio. Tacoma.FM is on the web, oddly enough at Tacoma.FM
