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The new local UPN network affiliate will broadcast over the air on digital channel 8.2 from WKBT-TV’s digital television station, WKBT-DT. And in the La Crosse area, it will be carried on Charter Communications cable channel 10. Besides cable subscribers, people with TV sets that can pick up a digital signal over the air will be able to watch it.
Scott Chorski, general manager of WKBT-TV, said Thursday he also hopes his company’s new station will be the local affiliate for the new The CW television network when it debuts this fall.
But a competing station, WXOW-TV in La Crosse, hopes to be the local operator for The CW television network.
It was announced Tuesday the UPN and The WB networks will shut down this fall, and programming from both will be used to launch The CW network, aimed mainly at young and minority viewers.
The “C” comes from CBS Corp. and the “W” from Warner Bros., each of which will own half of the new entity and contribute programs, assets and executives to the new venture.
WKBT-TV is a CBS affiliate. WXOW-TV is an ABC affiliate, and also operates the local WB affiliate, WBCZ-TV, which is carried on area cable TV systems but doesn’t broadcast over the air.
Chorski said UPN La Crosse/Eau Claire will carry a mix of UPN programs such as “America’s Top Model,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Veronica Mars,” as well as syndicated and local programs. “The Simpsons” will air at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and “Dr. Phil” at 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
And WKBT-TV’s 6 p.m. local newscast will be rebroadcast on the new station at 9 p.m. While it will be a rebroadcast, live reports are planned if dictated by news events, Chorski said.
KQEG-TV in La Crosse has been the local UPN affiliate, but that will end Friday.
Steve Cahalan can be reached at (608) 791-8229 or scahalan@lacrossetribune.com.
KQEG-TV CHANGES
