Who Said That?

Joseph Gudenrath, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey's communication director, inadvertently sent an e-mail to Omaha-area media members Tuesday titled, "Speaking to the Media." In it, he attempts to find out which mayoral staff member shared information with the Omaha World-Herald for a story in this morning's edition of the newspaper (pictured at right):

In today's Omaha World-Herald there is a small article about trick or treaters coming to the mayor's office and they cite a spokeswoman from the mayor's office as the source of that information.

Neither Jasmyn or myself spoke to the reporter (Susan Szalewski). If you spoke to her, please let me know. For everybody else, excluding Paul, Don and the Mayor, please do not speak to the media unless you have spoken to me, Paul, Don or the Mayor first. Thanks.

Tristan Bonn, perhaps?

Omaha World-Herald's Freedom CenterFeatured in Phamaceutical Commercial

The Omaha World-Herald's Freedom Center print production facility will be featured as apart of a commercial for a popular heart medication, according to Editor & Publisher magazine.

In the 60-second spot, according to information supplied by press maker MAN Roland Inc., atherosclerosis suddenly stops an editor, who appears to be running the pressroom. Thanks to Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals' anti-platelet-clotting medication, however, the editor gets the paper printed and out to readers.

Omaha World-Herald Public Relations Director Joel W. Long said a day of taping was done "on and around" the paper's three MAN Roland Geoman presses in August. In one shot, the actor-editor pulls a freshly printed copy. In another he oversees printing from a press platform.

Long said the Freedom Center was chosen after the ad agency searched sites "throughout North America and Europe." He said client, agency, producer, and director were all "thrilled with the ease of filming" - a result of the building's design, which allows "extensive camera and lighting set ups" without disrupting production.

In fact, the newspaper's agreement with the film crew required uninterrupted printing to meet deadlines, which worked because the commercial required a pressroom printing live papers.

The World-Herald is not identified in the ad, but Long says the industry should benefit from the presentation of "a hard-working staff and state-of-the-art presses producing a great paper."

Public Safety Auditor Report Led to Firing

The Omaha Public Safety Auditor's report that cast Omaha Police in a negative light earlier this month was referenced by many news media outlets, but few provided a live link to its entirety.

With Monday's firing of Tristan Bonn by Mayor Mike Fahey, the report may likely serve as the final word from an often-criticized position within city government.

Blast from the Past

Former KPTM (Cox Channel 10) anchor and KEZO (92.3 FM) morning news reader Lisa Volenec checks in with a post on the Todd and Tyler Unauthorized forum.

While you're there, take a look at pictures from the Freakers Ball, advertised as the "last Todd and Tyler local event" prior to the morning duo's syndication.

Hearst-Argyle Profit Rise Credited To Political Ads

Political advertising helped profits rise 42 percent for Hearst-Argyle Television Inc., the company said Thursday.

Hearst-Argyle owns Omaha ABC affiliate station, KETV.

Net income for the ownership group rose to $16.5 million, or 18 cents per share, from $11.7 million, or 13 cents per share, a year ago. The results included a stock-based compensation charge of $1.9 million, or a penny per share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, were looking for third-quarter earnings of 16 cents per share, including stock-option charges.

"Our company's financial results for the third quarter were expectedly strong, as we capitalized on significant political spending in a number of our markets, and translated our strong local market leadership positions into improved revenue and profitability versus the prior year period," President and Chief Executive David Barrett said in a press release.

Hearst-Argyle said it anticipates its full-year revenue to be at the high end of its previous estimate of $756 million to $777 million, on better-than-expected political revenue and the the acquisition of another station. Analysts are forecasting full-year sales of $769.4 million.

From the Laptop

KFAB talk show host Tom Becka flew to St. Louis Wednesday to watch Game 4 of the World Series, only to have it rained out. Becka was back behind the mic Thursday ... A most unusual sight was seen Thursday morning near The Freedom Center, the Omaha World-Herald's state-of-the-art printing facility. A bearded man in his 40s, waving his arms and yelling obscentities at a World-Herald delivery truck parked on the north side of the building. The truck featured a large photo of sports columnist Tom Shatel ... The popular online discussion board e-omaha.com went dark last week and has yet to re-appear on its new URL, eomahaforums.com.

In This Week's Issue

Meet the host of the "KXVO 15 10:00 News" in this week's issue of The Reader's Media Notes column.

Comedian Matt Geiler took on the job in early September, following the departure of former MTV VJ Brian McFayden. Learn what his expectations are for the program heading into the Nielsen Media Research November ratings period.

More Changes at KEZO:Lester St. James Out as Program Director

Lester St. James is no longer employed as Program Director at KEZO (92.3 FM).

St. James, who was well-known to listeners due to his own on-air shift, told Radio and Records that it was an "amicable parting," and that he was looking forward to his next challenge.

Tom Land, Journal Broadcast Group's Omaha Director of Radio Programming told R&R that the station is seeking someone who can continue the 25-54 (year-old) institution that Z-92 has been in the ratings for years.

"(We) need a rock programmer with a proven track record and the ability to work with a very dominant morning show," Land said.

Journal has already posted the job opening on its corporate website.

With the exception of the morning drive-time when Todd & Tyler are on the air, ratings for KEZO have sagged. According to the latest Arbitron numbers, among all listeners ages 12 and older, KEZO was the fifth most listened to radio station in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. But its rating has dropped from a 7.0 a year ago to a 5.3 in the most recent summer measurement period.

Todd & Tyler Syndication:More Questions Than Answers

The details are slowly emerging about the syndication of the "Todd & Tyler Show" that currently airs live solely on KEZO (92.3 FM) and KXSP (590 AM).

Journal Broadcast Group announced Monday that the popular morning show will begin airing on Journal station KRZQ (106.7 FM) in Springfield, Mo., on Nov. 7. Known as "The Ozarks' Pure Rock" station, KRZQ ranked in the bottom half of the last Arbitron ratings survey among all listeners ages 12 and older.

KRZQ's signal reaches as far south as Branson and as far west as Joplin. According to Arbitron Inc., Springfield is the 145th largest radio market in the country. (Omaha is No. 72.)

What still is not yet known is whether Journal Broadcast Group plans to syndicate Todd and Tyler to more stations and how the format of the show might change. Listeners are speculating on the "Todd & Tyler Unathorized" discussion board that some topics may be off limits and the program will more frequently focus on national topics, rather than Nebraska football.

KPTM/KXVO News Director Leaving Omaha

The newest of Omaha's four TV news directors is leaving Omaha to take a job with with the National Religious Broadcasters Network in Nashville, Tenn.

KPTM/KXVO's Allen Beckner will leave the Pappas Telecasting-owned stations Nov. 15 to become the NRB's Director of Programming.

"It's a position that I wasn't looking for, but they made me an offer last week that just felt like the right thing to do," Beckner said.

Beckner started in Omaha in July of 2005. During his tenure, ratings for the "KPTM Nine O'Clock News" improved, the station conducted the only televised town hall meeting of the "One City, One School District" debate and the CW-affiliated sister station of KPTM launched a 10 p.m. entertainment-focused newscast.

An interim news director may be named as early as later this week, Beckner said.

Recalling The October Snowstorm of 1997

KETV (Cox Channel 9) meteorologist John Campbell is using his blog to recall the snowstorm that crippled most of Nebraska in October of 1997.

Campbell was not a meteorologist at the time, but analyzed data and climatologist reports to produce his stories about the storm.

"October snowstorms aren't unheard of," he writes. "The earliest recorded measurable snow in Omaha came October 9. That was in 1970, when Omaha got 3.5 inches. In 1996, Peru, Nebraska received 9 inches of snow. However, the storm that was predicted to drop "2 to 4 inches ... by Sunday morning" (source: Oct. 24, 1997 Omaha World-Herald) ended up leaving an official nine inches in Omaha and hundreds of thousands without power."

Campbell's blog entry also includes video links to KETV's coverage after the storm.

Nebraska Journalism Hall of FameInducts Five New Members

The Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame added five new members to its ranks during a ceremony Friday in Lincoln.

Lee Warneke, Bud Pagel, Viola Herms Drath and the late Robert Bogue and Burt James were all deemed by the Nebraska Press Association to have made a significant contribution to print, their communities, and/or their state and nation. Nominees to the Hall must have also spent a significant percentage of their newspaper careers in Nebraska.

Warneke was the editor of the Plainview News for 35 years. He previously worked for newspapers in Osmond, Seward and Neligh.

Pagel formerly worked at the Omaha World-Herald. His 34 years as a journalist included jobs in Neligh, Neb., where he was part owner of the newspaper, and Lincoln, Chicago, Miami and Ireland.

Bogue owned newspapers in Oakland, West Point, Madison and Lyons, Neb., and taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Midland Lutheran College. He died in 2003.

James served as the managing editor and editor of the Hastings Tribune. He also worked for the Wichita Eagle in Kansas and the Lincoln Journal. He retired in 1973 at the age of 65 and died in 2004.

Earlier this year, Drath served as a delegate of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations Small Arms Conference and is currently serving on a United Nations disarmament committee.

Visiting Radio Hosts Will BroadcastFrom NRG Media's Omaha Studios Today

KOZN (1620 AM) is lending a hand to a pair of sports talk programs whose hosts are in Nebraska for Saturday's Texas-Nebraska football game.

Former Auburn football Coach Terry Bowden (left) will broadcast his show for WHOO (1080 AM) in Orlando, Fla., from 3 to 6 p.m. from the NRG Media studios at 50th and Capitol in Omaha.

Bowden teams with KOZN's "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" co-host Kevin Kugler each week on Westwood One's college football broadcast.

Austin, Texas, sportscasters Craig Way and Keith Moreland will broadcast their show for KEVT (1300 AM) from 2 to 4 p.m. The pair also serve as the broadcast team for the Longhorn Sports Network.

Husker Men's Basketball TV Schedule Announced

The Nebraska men's basketball team will play at least 18 games on TV this season, including 10 on Fox Sports Net Midwest.

All games broadcast on FSN Midwest will be regional telecasts - available on cable and satellite only in the state of Nebraska, per Big 12 Conference rules.

For the first time in school history, all eight Big 12 Conference road games will be televised. Overall, 15 of the Huskers' 16 league games will be televised either nationally, regionally or locally.

"We are glad to be able to provide Husker fans the opportunity to see more road games, which has been our concentration this year," Executive Associate Athletic Director Marc Boehm said in a press release. "There is a lot of excitement around Coach Doc Sadler and the basketball program. We hope to have the Devaney Center full every night and there are still great season tickets available, but this television package gives even more Husker fans an opportunity to see what's going on with their team."

Greg Sharpe returns for his third season of calling the action for FSN telecasts. Joining him will be Matt Davison, who returns for his fourth year handling color commentary for men's basketball games on the Husker Sports Network.

Nebraska and FSN Midwest are in the second year of a two-year contract that put the Huskers on television a record number of times last year. FSN Midwest has telecast Husker games each of the past two years and this season will air the Doc Sadler Coaches Show at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. A 30-minute season preview show about the Cornhusker basketball team will also air on FSN Midwest on Monday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with the University of Nebraska to televise Husker basketball throughout the state," said FSN Midwest General Manager and Vice President Jack Donovan. "We have a great Nebraska telecast schedule this season that features eight Big 12 matchups and two quality non-conference contests."

In addition to the Husker/FSN Midwest telecasts and the Big 12 Conference television package, the Nebraska-Creighton game on Nov. 18 will also be broadcast. Final details regarding the telecast are still being finalized.

2006-07 Husker Games on FSN Midwest:
Wednesday, Nov. 29 North Texas, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 30 at Miami, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Iowa State, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Oklahoma, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 24 Texas, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 27 at Kansas State, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Texas Tech, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 10 Texas A&M, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 13 Kansas State, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Baylor, 6:30 p.m.

Nebraska's 2006-07 Big 12 Television Package:
Saturday, Jan. 13 Oklahoma State (ESPN Regional), 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20 Colorado (ESPN Regional), 5 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 29 Kansas (ESPN), 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 3 at Missouri (ESPN Regional), 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17 at Kansas (ESPN Regional), 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24 Missouri (ESPN Regional), 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 3 at Colorado (ESPN Regional), 12:30 p.m.
Games at the Big 12 Championship (March 8-11)*
*Will be carried either on ESPN Regional or ESPN2.

Nebraska-Texas Game National Coverage

Portions of the map that are shaded in yellow will see the Nebraska-Texas game on their local ABC station.

ABC Sports' split national telecast of Saturday's Nebraska-Texas football game will feature Brent Musburger on play-by-play, former Notre Dame Coach Bob Davie as color analyst and Lisa Salters will provide sideline reports.

The national radio broadcast on the Westwood One Network features "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" co-host and three-time Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year Kevin Kugler on play-by-play and former Auburn Coach Terry Bowden will handle color. The pair can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio, Channel 128.

Kickoff is at 11:10 a.m. in Lincoln.

World-Herald Readers Oppose Council's Action

Omaha.com, the Omaha World-Herald's online version of the newspaper, unscientifically polled readers Wednesday regarding the controversy created by a commercial parody produced and aired on KFAB (1110 AM).

The question in its "What do you think?" section asked:

Do you think the City of Omaha should have voted to ask radio station KFAB to apologize for their 30-second parody satirizing violence in north Omaha?

As of 11:15 p.m., the results were:

Yes: 307

No: 3,127

I have no opinion: 113

Cox: Our HD Programming IS Free

Cox Communications issued a press release Tuesday refuting claims by Hearst-Argyle that it charges for high-definition programming.

"KETV continues to mislead television consumers in the Omaha market with inaccurate information about high-definition programming," the release states.

Cox Communications says it does not charge its customers for high definition programming.

"Any residents of the Omaha market who have televisions with built-in HD tuners or an HD antenna don't have to do anything to receive KETV in HD," Cox said. "HDTV owners without built-in tuners will need to lease a receiver or CableCARD to transmit HD signals, including local broadcast stations, ESPN HD, Discover HD Theater, etc., into their homes. A Cox HD receiver also provides customers access to the interactive programming guide, On DEMAND and pay-per-view functionality."

In Omaha, Cox charges $9.95 per month for an HD receiver and $1.99 a month for a CableCARD. Cox says providing HD receivers and CableCARDs extends the reach of KETV's signal to more viewers. That ultimately allows KETV to generate more advertising revenue while improving the station's HD signal quality, Cox said.

Hearst-Argyle stations in six markets around the country are seeking compensation from Cox to rebroadcast their high definition signal. KETV's high definition channel on Cox (Channel 809) has been dark since Oct. 1.

"We're trying to keep the cost of cable television reasonable," said Kristin Peck, vice president of public and government affairs for Cox in Omaha. "If we had to pay for the high definition signal of every local broadcaster in Omaha at the rate demanded by Hearst Argyle, our customers' bills would increase by as much as $25 per month. Why should our customers have to pay when the signal is available for free over the air?"

Both KETV and Cox have said they hope to resolve the dispute "quickly."

Becka 'Touched' By Support He Received

Omaha City Councilman Frank Brown garnered enough votes to pass a non-binding resolution today asking radio station KFAB (1110 AM) to apologize for a parody that poked fun at the "Discover North Omaha" campaign.

The controversy over the faux commercial drew some national attention - and was even the subject of a five-minute segment Monday night on a BBC radio station.

Becka laughed at several stories that referred to him as a "shock jock."

"Yes, we are Howard Stern. Last Thursday, I was doing a remote broadcast while people were getting flu shots. I just talked about the Salvation Army. Yes, we are shock jocks on this program," Becka said with tongue firmly lodged in cheek.

The resolution also instructs the station's owner, Clear Channel, to devote resources to repair any damages the parody caused.

Several people, including two mothers of children slain in North Omaha, spoke against the resolution.

"I was touched by the people who stood up and said they supported me," Becka said. "I realize how important the right to free speech is because the biggest criticism of that parody is they didn't like the way I said it."

On his blog, Becka writes, "Let the record show that nobody showed up at the meeting to offer support for the resolution."

On its website, KFAB has posted the following statement:

"As you may be aware, there has been a lot of controversy in recent days surrounding the parody "Discover North Omaha" that aired on the Tom Becka Show. Newsradio 1110 KFAB apologizes to any listener that found the parody to be insensitive or offensive. KFAB does not condone violence. The intention of the parody was to create community awareness for the violence recently plaguing North Omaha in an effort to address the issue. Many ideas for creating positive change have come forward, and KFAB will continue discussions that lead to actions to make a difference in North Omaha, and in all our community, to make it the best that it can be."

City Council Votes On KFAB Resolution Today

When the Omaha City Council votes on a resolution today to request an apology from radio station KFAB (1110 AM) over a controversial parody of North Omaha, talk show host Tom Becka will not be in the council chambers.

Becka said Monday that he will be watching the council's actions on televised coverage of the meeting on Cox Channel 23.

"It should be an interesting day - a very surreal, but interesting day," Becka said.

The resolution, sponsored by Councilman Frank Brown, says KFAB should offer a public apology and dedicate all resources necessary to repair the community damage the parody has inflicted.

Attention surrounding the 36-second faux commercial has steadily increased since Winsley Durand, Director of Minority Economic Development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, brought it to the attention of city officials nearly weeks ago.

"There has been a lot of good that has come from this," Becka told his listening audience at the conclusion of Monday night's program. "I'm very happy about that, I'm very proud of that. I'm very proud of the discussion that has got people going and the support I have received from the people of North Omaha."

Monday night, Becka was interviewed by a BBC radio program and even the Indiana University student newspaper has published a column about it, saying, "a real leader would sponsor a resolution for better law enforcement, not waste everyone's time scolding a radio personality."

In its 6:30 and 7 a.m. newscasts, KFAB did not mention the council's expected action on the matter today.

"(The attention) is going to die down after tomorrow's vote," Becka told The Reader Monday night.

'Ice Tuesdays' New Feature of Justice's Show

Travis Justice is now devoting a full hour of hockey talk to his morning show on Tuesdays on radio station KXSP (590 AM), better known as "Big Sports 590."

The new feature is dubbed "Ice Tuesdays" and runs from 10 to 11 a.m.

"We'll talk about all three (local) teams as well as all three leagues," Justice said, referring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (Central Collegiate Hockey Association), Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights (American Hockey League) and Omaha Lancers (United States Hockey League).

"Keep in mind our signal reaches other areas that have teams as well - Lincoln, Kearney, Sioux City, Sioux Falls and Des Moines," Justice said. "So every week it might not just be about the so-called "local Omaha" teams.

World-Herald: 'Computer Message'The Rest of Us Call It 'E-Mail'

The Omaha World-Herald, in an apparent veiled attempt to disguise the fact that it sometimes conducts interviews via e-mail, used the words "computer message" to describe how Ben Nelson spokeswoman Marcia Cady responded to a question.

"She said through a computer message that Nelson had not contributed to his own campaign," wrote reporter Rick Ruggles in a story about the Nebraska U.S. Senate race in Sunday's edition of the newspaper.

World-Herald Correspondent ParticipatesIn Nebraska Basketball Open Tryout

University of Nebraska-Lincoln senior Robin Washut was among more than a dozen students who participated in an open tryout for the Husker men's basketball team last week.

Washut, who is majoring in journalism, had been cut from his high school team (Lincoln High) two years in a row. He is a sports correspondent for the Omaha World-Herald and a staff writer for the UNL student newspaper, the Daily Nebraskan.

Washut wrote about his experience in a first-person account in Sunday's editions of the World-Herald.

So how did it go?

"The next time you see me at a basketball game, I'll be writing, not playing," Washut wrote at the end of the story.

KFAB Says Council Action Changes Nothing

The Omaha City Council's vote next week on a resolution to request a public apology from Omaha radio station KFAB (1110 AM) barely registered on KFAB program director Gary Sadlemyer's radar.

"Nothing's changed," Sadlemyer said Friday. "We've moved so far beyond this."

The station removed the commercial parody from its website more than a week ago and hasn't broadcast the spot in more than 10 days, according to evening drive time talk show host Tom Becka. It was Becka and his staff that originally created the satirical spot that spoofs a "Discover North Omaha" campaign.

Sadlemyer said station management stands behind Becka.

"We're very supportive of Tom," he said.

Millard School Officials Not AwareOf Threat Until KETV Reported It

A story broadcast Wednesday night on KETV (Cox Channel 9) revealed that a Millard West student had threatened to "shoot everyone" at the school, during an online conversation with his girlfriend.

Millard Public Schools officials said Thursday they were not aware of the situation until KETV reported it.

KETV is not revealing how it learned of the chat transcript between the two students, but did report that the transcript was filed as part of a protection order filed by the girl's mother against the boy who made the threat.

The transcript reads in part, "They can take me into the office and I'll grab Deputy Shepard's gun and ... shoot everyone."

Tom Brokaw Will Be in Omaha Tonight

Tom Brokaw, former anchor and managing editor of the "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw" and author of The Greatest Generation will be in Omaha tonight to receive an award from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Brokaw will be presented with the Ambassador of Hope Award from UNMC's Eppley Cancer Center. The award honors people who have contributed to the fight against cancer through research, patient care activities or by raising public awareness. Previous recipients include General Norman Schwarzkopf and Sam Donaldson.

Brokaw stepped down from his role as anchor and managing editor of the NBC Nightly News in December 2004 after 21 years. He remains employed by NBC News reporting and producing long-form documentaries and providing expertise during breaking news events. In addition, Brokaw is the author of the best selling The Greatest Generation, three other books and numerous articles, essays and commentaries for various print publications.

Brokaw has been recognized with many awards for reporting including the prestigious Peabody award in 2004. In addition he has earned numerous other awards including several Emmy, Overseas Press Club and National Headliner awards and in 2003, the NBC Nightly News was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast.

Qwest Choice Makes Husker Game Available

Qwest Choice TV is making Saturday night's Nebraska-Kansas State football game available for pay-per-view on Qwest Channel 78. Price for the game is $29.95.

Qwest Choice is primarily available to West Omaha residents, in boundaries that extend west of Interstate 680 approximately north to Fort Street, south to Giles Road, and west to 168th Street.

Qwest customers can order the game by calling (800) 885-2479.

Becka Lying Low After Latest TwistIn North Omaha Parody Controversy

The Omaha City Council wants radio station KFAB (1110 AM) to publicly apologize for a parody commercial created by evening drive-time host Tom Becka that spoofs the "Discover North Omaha" campaign.

Item No. 6 of the Omaha City Council agenda for its Oct. 17 meeting reads:

Res. that we, the City Council of the City of Omaha, do hereby declare, that Clear Channel Communications and KFAB 1110 should offer an official public apology and dedicate all resources necessary to repair the community damage it has inflicted.

All three of Omaha's primary TV news stations led with the story Thursday night at 10. As of late Thursday night, KFAB's website contained no news of the resolution proposal.

"It would be funny if it weren't so serious," Becka told WOWT (Cox Channel 8).

When contacted by The Reader Thursday night, Becka declined to comment further. On his blog he writes that for the time being, he will not be commenting on the City Council's decision to take "valuable time and resources to condemn the parody."

"I am a big supporter of the first amendment." Becka writes. "Let the city council utilize their first amendment right the way they see fit."

A discussion forum on KETV.com that was started after a story aired on the issue on KETV Oct. 3 has more than 60 messages posted to it.

The City Council resolution is sponsored by Frank Brown, an African American whose district comprises much of North Omaha.

The 36-second commercial that has generated so much controversy aired on KFAB fewer than a dozen times, Becka has said. It was not until Winsley Durand, Director of Minority Economic Development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce (pictured at right), e-mailed the mayor and other city officials about the parody that KFAB stopped airing it and removed an audio file of it from its website.

The parody said in part:

Discover miles of mayhem.
Discover drive-bys.
Discover gang violence.
Discover North Omaha.

On his program last Friday, Becka told listeners he was pleased by the support shown to him by station management and advertisers.

"The whole thing was focused on the messenger, not the message," Becka said.

World-Herald Passes on Missing Ballots Story

Conspiculously absent from the pages of Thursday editions of the Omaha World-Herald is a story concerning the discovery of missing ballots supplied by Omaha-based election company ES&S (Election Systems and Software).

Although a story written by Kevin O'Hanlon moved on The Associated Press' national news wire, the World-Herald chose not to publish it, nor anything written by its own news staff.

O'Hanlon's story says Election Systems and Software was criticized after several counties in Montana and Wyoming received absentee ballots for the Nov. 7 election after the deadline for starting to mail them to voters had passed.

The last of the missing ballots were accounted for Wednesday - 300 miles from where they were supposed to be, according to the wire story.

ES&S is a subsidiary of McCarthy Group Inc., which is jointly held by the holding firm and the Omaha World-Herald Company.

Hearst-Argyle Posts Special MessageFor Cox Digital Cable Subscribers

Hearst-Argyle, parent company of KETV (Cox Channel 9), has posted a "special message" for Cox Digital Cable subscribers on its website, hearstargyle.com.

The information outlines the negotiations that are taking place between Hearst-Argyle and Cox over retransmission of its high-definition signal.

Hearst-Argyle states that it hopes "to resolve this issue mutually with Cox as soon as possible" and is appreciative of its viewers.

Breaking News Coverage: Aircraft Crash

National news outlets are wall-to-wall Wednesday afternoon with coverage of a small aircraft crash into a high-rise building on Manhattan's Upper East Side (near Rockefeller Center).

As of 2:15 p.m., three Omaha TV media outlets' websites (KETV, WOWT, KPTM) carried preliminary details of the incident, which occurred before 2 p.m. CT. KMTV - which markets itself as a "Breaking News" station - had no mention of the crash on its website, www.action3news.com.

However, KMTV (Cox Channel 5) later ran a continuous crawl over-the-air providing details of the incident.

Media Panel Selected Mavs' New Logo

A logo (far right) designed by Doug Johansen of Elkhorn, Neb., to commemorate UNO's 10th anniversary season was unveiled Tuesday night at center ice of the Qwest Center.

The design was selected by a panel of unidentified media members, according to the UNO sports information department. Perhaps that explains its uncanny resemblance to the logo created for Super Bowl XXXVII* (above, left).

Johansen's logo was chosen from a field of 84 entries through a contest which began last spring. He will receive two full season tickets for the 2006-07 Maverick season and complimentary hockey merchandise featuring the logo he created.

*Editor's Note: Current Nebraska football Coach Bill Callahan coached the Oakland Raiders in their 48-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 37.

Husker Game Costs $29.95 Through Cox

Saturday's Nebraska-Kansas State football game will be available to Cox Digital Cable (residential) subscribers customers via pay-per-view on channel 516. The cost is $29.95.

New customers must install video service no later than Thursday to ensure availability before game time. The game can be ordered via Cox's digital cable boxes or by calling 933-3000.

A Dose of Sports: Lancers' Games on ESPNU

Ten of the Omaha Lancers' home games in 2006-07 will be televised on a tape-delay basis by 24-hour college sports network, ESPNU.

"This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our players and the entire USHL," said Lancers President Luc Robitaille. "We have 14 Lancers on scholarship, so it will be an exciting and fun way for college fans to start following these players before they go to college."

The games will be televised tape delayed at noon CST on the following Wednesday from when the game is originally played.

The schedule:
- Tri-City Storm, Oct. 11
- Lincoln Stars, Nov. 15
- Ohio Blue Jackets, Dec. 6
- Indiana Ice, Dec. 20
- Lincoln Stars, Jan. 3
- Sioux Falls Stampede, Jan. 17
- Chicago Steel, Feb. 7
- Green Bay Gamblers, Feb. 21
- Des Moines Buccaneers, March 21
- Lincoln Stars, April 18

A Dose of Sports, Part II:First Maverick Hockey Broadcast Tonight

Tonight's exhibition game at 7:05 between the UNO hockey team and Manitoba will be broadcast on KKAR (1290 AM) with the pre-game show beginning 30 minutes before face-off.

Greg Harrington will call the action at the Qwest Center, with Terry Leahy providing color commentary.

A Dose of Sports III:Nebraska Football Game on Pay-Per-View

Saturday's Kansas State-Nebraska football game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be telecast on a pay-per-view basis by Big 12 Special Order Sports, the pay-per-view division of Fox Sports Net. Kickoff is at 6:10 p.m.

The telecast will be available on cable systems throughout the states of Nebraska and Kansas and Nebraska. Suggested retail price for residential purchase is $29.95. Customers new to Cox Communications must install video service no later than Thursday to ensure availability before game time.

The K-State vs. Nebraska game was bypassed by the Big 12 Conference's television partners for both over-the-air and cable television coverage, resulting in the pay-per-view telecast. Under Big 12 Conference television guidelines, games not selected for regular television distribution may only be televised on pay-per-view during a conference television window.

Participating cable and satellite providers will offer the telecast to their customers on a specially designated pay-per-view channel. The telecast will not pre-empt FSN's regularly scheduled programming.

Deyo Gives Birth to Baby Girl

KETV (Cox Channel 9) weekend anchor Suzanne Deyo gave birth to a girl Monday, Oct. 2.

Carley Anne (pictured at right) weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.

She was welcomed home by older brother Cayden Reave, and Deyo's husband, Jon Kubler.

Pennslyvania Station Carried Husker Game

More than a couple Nebraska football fans wondered why an ABC affiliate in the middle of Big 10 Conference territory was carrying last Saturday's Nebraska-Iowa State football game, which was provided as "regional coverage" by ABC Sports.

It turns out there is a connection to the Cornhusker State involved, but that's not the reason WHTM (ABC 27) in Harrisburg, Pa., broadcast the game.

The station's sports director, Gregg Mace, is a Baltimore native who attended Syracuse University. But his first job (in radio) was at KHAS (1230 AM) in Hastings before becoming ABC 27's first weekend sportscaster when the station began its weekend newscasts in 1979.

"Even though we are in Penn State territory, we have a diverse audience when it comes to college football," Mace said. "It was my thought that we do have a fair number of Nebraska fans in Central Pennslyvania."

Mace said he received a number of e-mails from Nebraska football fans thanking him for the decision to carry the Husker game, rather than the California-Oregon contest, which most of the East Coast received.

World-Herald Gets First InterviewWith Seward School Bus Driver

The luggage racks toward the rear of the bus buckled.

Nearly five years after a school bus tumbled off a bridge along West Dodge Road, the Omaha World-Herald has the first interview with the man who was behind the wheel that day. (Registration is required to view the story.)

Reporter Henry Cordes profiles Joshua Smith in Sunday's editions, recalling the accident that killed three Seward High School band members and a parent on Oct. 13, 2001.

The National Transportation Safety Board's report on the accident placed primary blame on a hazardous work zone, which Smith encountered as he was driving the bus back to Seward after a competition at Burke High School.


NTSB simulation of Smith's view before the accident.

Editor's Notes: WOWT (Cox Channel 8) reporter Mike McKnight was the first journalist on the scene that day. McKnight lives near 168th & West Dodge Road and had photography gear with him. However, he did not begin shooting immediately, choosing instead to render aid to the injured.

This is believed to be the first accident in Nebraska where three medical helicopters were used to transport victims.

The initial caller to 911 reported that a "tour bus overturned on railroad tracks" with a victim trapped beneath it.

World-Herald Custodian Goes 4-1 In Picks

The Omaha World-Herald custodian who is in a season-long challenge against sports columnist Tom Shatel went 4-1 in picking college football games Saturday.

Darius Morris, who has worked in the newspaper's janitorial services department for two years, is now 11-8 after three weeks. Shatel, who was 2-3 on Saturday, is a game ahead at 12-7.

Even The AP Makes Mistakes

By LUKE MEREDITH, Associated Press Writer

AMES, Iowa (AP) - No. 22 Nebraska went Old School to pick up its first road win of the season.

Cody Glenn rushed 148 yards and two touchdowns, Brandon Jackson added 116 yards and a score and the Cornhuskers defense did the rest in a 28-7 victory over Iowa State on Saturday night.

Oct 7, 2006 11:37 pm EDT

EWTN News Director Speaking In Omaha

Raymond Arroyo, news director of the Eternal Word Television Network, Global Catholic Network will be in Omaha for a book signing and presentation Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Arroyo is author of the bestselling biography of Mother Angelica. He will be speaking on Catholics and the media at St. Robert Bellarmine at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are available for $5 at the St. Robert parish office, Gloria Deo Books (132nd & West Center), at the KVSS (88.9 FM) studios at 5829 N 60th St. or by calling 571-0200 or e-mailing kvss@kvss.com.

Becka Says 'It's Been A Hell Of A Week'

Embattled KFAB (1110 AM) talk show host Tom Becka fired one last salvo Friday at the controversy generated by a parody that spoofs the problems of North Omaha.

"Unlike the Omaha World-Herald, I work for people who believe in free speech," Becka said during the final hour of his evening drive-time program. "When you have a publication that is supposed to be about free speech, you would think they would support it."

In an unsigned editorial published in Thursday editions, the World-Herald called the parody "needlessly insulting to residents."

"In general, radio station KFAB can rightfully be proud of its long heritage as an institution in Omaha and Nebraska," the editorial stated. "But this radio item showed abysmal judgment on the part of whoever approved it for airing and posting on the station's Web site."

Becka acknowledged the 36-second parody created some hard feelings, but said it was no worse than some of the cartoons created by World-Herald editorial cartoonist Jeff Koterba.

"The whole thing was focused on the messenger, not the message," Becka said.

Becka told listeners he was pleased by the support shown to him by station management and advertisers.

KETV: No Truth To Rumor AboutPulling Plug On Nebraska Game

"It's not true."

That's the word from KETV General Manager Joel Vilmenay Friday when asked about a rumor circulating on the Internet that the ABC affiliate would pull its analog signal from Cox Communications' system prior to Saturday's coverage of the Nebraska-Iowa State football game.

KETV's parent company, Hearst-Argyle has pulled the high definition digital signals for several of its stations from Cox Communications' local cable systems as a result of unsuccessful retransmission negotiations.

In addition to Omaha, the other Hearst-Argyle stations involved are KOCO-TV, the ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City; WDSU, the NBC affiliate in New Orleans; KMBC, the ABC affiliate in Kansas City, Mo.; KHBS/KHOB, the ABC affiliates in Fort Smith-Fayetteville, Ark.; WESH, the NBC affiliate in Orlando; and WKCF, the CW affiliate in Orlando.

"Our basic position is that our signal is free to the viewer and not free for Cox to profit from," Vilmenay said.

KETV Inundated With Viewer Inquiries
Negotiations between Hearst-Argyle and Cox are taking place in New York, Vilmenay said, but he does have periodic contact with Cox Communications personnel in Omaha.

"I'm hopeful that we'll get a deal done soon," Vilmenay said.

KETV has received hundreds of calls and e-mails, Vilmenay said, since Cox Channel 809 went dark Sunday, Oct. 1. Cox Communications says it has spent more than $500 million on infrastructure to bring high definition programming to viewers in Omaha. KETV is not disclosing an exact amount, but says it has also spent "millions of dollars" to upgrade to high definition broadcasting in Omaha.

The dispute has led both parties to set up "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) on their websites to clarify their positions. (Click here for KETV and here for Cox.) KETV.com is also providing viewers with instructions on how to watch KETV in high definition without Cox.

KETV has been periodically running informational "crawls" on its analog channel (Cox Channel 9) and will continue to do so, Vilmenay said.

So will the station crawl information during Saturday's Nebraska football game, when viewership levels will be at their highest?

"We haven't decided yet," Vilmenay said.

Cox: HD Programming is Free
On its website and through correspondence, KETV is encouraging viewers to call Cox and either demand a refund on their montnhly cable bill (with respoect to their monthly cable bill) or tell Cox to compensate KETV so the HD signal returns to Cox's system.

Cox's website advertises HD programming for free, saying all that is needed is a subscription to Cox digital cable, an HD-ready TV and a new HD set top box.

"The question I have (for Cox) is if they have invested all that money (on high definition broadcasting capability), why are they saying that it is free when it is not?," Vilmenay said. "They market on their website that all you need is a subscription to Cox and a digital set box. But you have to purchase those services to enjoy what is 'free.'"

Tompkins Promoted, Jensen Added

Matt Tompkins has been promoted to executive producer of the Tom Becka talk show weekdays from 4-7 p.m. on KFAB (1110 AM).

Tompkins (dubbed "The Apprentice" by Becka) replaces Kay Kriss, who left the station this week to take an on-air position mornings on KLTQ (101.9 FM).

Joining Tompkins will be Trish Jensen, who has previously handled on-air traffic reports for Clear Channel-owned stations. Jensen, like Tompkins, is working at KFAB while completing coursework at UNO.

Cox: $550 Million Spent in Omaha

Cox Communications has added a "frequently asked questions" section to its website to address the loss of KETV-DT on its digital tier.

The FAQ reveals some details previously not disclosed. Cox says it has invested more than $500 million in Omaha alone to ensure that it has "the most state-of-the-art technology" available. It also states that it has spent an additional $50 million dollars locally to keep its "cutting-edge infrastructure."

Cox says it will continue to negotiate in good faith with KETV's parent company, Hearst-Argyle.

ABC Sports Regional Coverage Map

Updated: Friday, Oct. 6, 4:30 p.m.

Areas in aqua will see the Nebraska-Iowa State game, while yellow areas will see the California-Oregon game Saturday.

Shatel: No Pressure From University

Omaha World-Herald sports columnist Tom Shatel writes in his online question-and-answer blog that he does not feel restrained by University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials when it comes to writing critically about Husker athletics.

"The editors and management at the World-Herald have left me alone for 15 years (and maybe at times they have regretted it! Hah!)," he writes. "Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne always told me: 'We understand you're going to be critical, just get our side of the story.'

"Heck, that's Journalism 101. I couldn't ask for a better situation."

Kay Kriss Moves From KFAB to KLTQ

Kay Kriss, executive producer of Tom Becka's show on KFAB (1110 AM) is leaving the program and Clear Channel to join Jack Swanda next week on the morning shift on NRG Media-owned KLTQ (101.9 FM).

"I always enjoyed working with Jack and look forward to doing mornings with him again," Kriss said. "I will be doing some news, which I hope to gear toward our audience and I know we will have lots of fun in the early AM."

Swanda is a radio veteran who has been heard on several Omaha stations since 1982. Kriss has been a part of Omaha's radio scene for nearly two decades and worked for Clear Channel the past two years. The pair previously was heard together on KQBW's predecessor, the former KEFM (96.1 FM), when it was privately owned.

Kevin Conners, who has been paired with Swanda on the morning show, will continue working for NRG Media, said Vice President of Programming Mark Todd.

"Kevin will be concentrating on his work at the Waitt Radio Networks," Todd said.

Conners serves as "utility" on-air talent, Todd said, working on Waitt's oldies, adult contemporary and classic rock stations.

Omaha World-Herald Launches 'E-Edition'

The Omaha World-Herald's new "E-Edition" promises "all of the quality content" of the print edition in an online format.

The Omaha World-Herald E-Edition is available only to paid seven-day subscribers of the newspaper. It allows a user to view pages of the newspaper delivered digitally. A subscriber who has not created an online account must do so first before being able to view the newspaper online.

Using Tecnavia's "NewsMemory" publishing system, a special browser window allows a user to scan through page images and skim headlines as if the actual newspaper was on hand.

Four editions of the World-Herald are available - Nebraska, Iowa and metropolitan morning and afternoon. Each offers printable or e-mailable pages.

Becka Reveals Source of Complaint

The man who launched a campaign to stop KFAB (1110 AM) from airing a controversial parody of life in North Omaha is Winsley Durand, Director of Minority Economic Development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce (pictured at right).

KFAB evening drive-time talk show host Tom Becka revealed Durand's identity on his blog Thursday. He also writes that Durand sent copies of the parody from his Chamber e-mail account, something which David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, admits was a mistake.

Public scrutiny surrounding the parody was the subject of media coverage Tuesday, including stories by KETV (Cox Channel 9), WOWT (Cox Channel 8) and the Omaha World-Herald (registration required).

Backa says he invited Durand to appear on Wednesday's program, while Brown and Paul Landow, chief of staff for Omaha Mayor Michael Fahey, both declined offers to be on the air.

ALS Charity Auction Features Media Members

Several members of the media will be participating in the inaugural ALS in the Heartland's Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction on Friday, Oct. 13 at Nico, 11201 Davenport St.

Fifteen men and 15 women, ages 20 and older, will be auctioned. Each has a specific date package.

Among those participating are Tom Becka (KFAB, 1110 AM), event emcees Pat & JT (KQKQ, 98.5 FM), Andy Hoig (Metro Magazine) and Taylor Wilson (KPTM, Cox Channel 10).

Wilson is producing a special "Heartland Proud" segment that will appear on a newscast next week and at the event, according to ALS Executive Director Steve Langan.

Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Click here for more details.

Not Everyone Laughing At Becka's Parody

KFAB (1110 AM) talk show host Tom Becka is under fire for a parody he created which spoofs the Discover North Omaha campaign.

The parody commercial (which is not on-line) was broadcast "three or four times" over a 10-day span but not more recently than last Friday, Becka said. It was not until Tuesday that the commercial came under intense scrutiny. (Click here to listen to the commercial.)

"I made it to express my frustration with the problems in North Omaha," Becka told listeners Tuesday night. "Now someone is orchestrating a campaign against me, with e-mails and calls to the media.

"I was a little naive about the politics of this at first. They're portraying me as a racist."

When reached after Tuesday's program, Becka declined to reveal who "they" are.

"I'm not ready to release that information today. I have to make a few phone calls to confirm a few things but it could end up being a pretty decent story."

Listeners were told by Becka's on-air executive producer, Kay Kriss, that the people orchestrating the complaints will be meeting with KFAB's general manager this week.

WOWT (Cox Channel 8) featured the dispute as the lead story on Tuesday's 10 p.m. newscast. (Portions of the parody are included in Sheila Brummer's report.)

On his blog, Becka says the purpose of the "spoof ad" was to build a dialogue and pressure to try and solve crimes.

"You can't solve a problem if you put your head in the sand," he writes.

One caller during Tuesday's program said he was a law enforcement officer who supported Becka.

"People need to take back the streets from the thugs," the unidentified caller said. "It's their civic duty - not a radio host's job."

Husker Game is Regional Telecast

Saturday night's Nebraska football game against Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, will be broadcast regionally by ABC Sports.

Former San Diego Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts will handle the play-by-play, with Tim Brant providing color commentary and Jack Arute reporting from the sidelines.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Cox Asked KETV Not To Pull HD Signal

Cox Communications said Monday that it asked KETV's parent company, Hearst-Argyle, not to pull KETV's high definition signal from its lineup Friday.

"Unfortunately, it (Hearst-Argyle) is holding its HD signal hostage in order to get Cox to sign an agreement that would cost our customers millions of dollars," said Kristin Peck, vice president of public and government affairs at Cox in Omaha. "Essentially, it wants our customers to pay millions of dollars for a signal that anyone in our community already gets for free over the air. It just does not make sense."

Peck said Cox has invested more than $500 million in the Omaha metropolitan area to provide high-quality cable services, including high-definition TV.

KETV 'Greatly Disappointed'
In a press release distributed Sunday, KETV president and general manager Joel Vilmenay said he hopes Cox can return to negotiations quickly.

"We're greatly disappointed that Cox could not arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution," Vilmenay said. "Our station is a leader in our market and we've made substantial investments to bring our viewers high definition digital programming. Cox has been actively promoting to current and prospective subscribers the addition of our digital channel to its lineup, for an additional monthly fee, and we're certainly supportive of that. But they won't come to terms with us on providing fair consideration for that right. To allow any re-distributor of our station's digital signal to benefit economically from our efforts without providing us a reasonable contract for that right would be unacceptable for us."

KETV Situation Not Unique
Phillip Swann, in commentary on TVPredictions.com, said the real loser in the situation is not KETV or Cox.

"It's the high-def viewers of Omaha, Nebraska," Swann writes. "KETV should be ashamed. By saying Cox can continue to carry its analog feed so a 'large number of its viewers' will not be 'inconvenienced,' KETV is essentially saying that HD viewers don't matter. So what if Cox subscribers can't watch our HD feed? It's just that small group of high-def geeks, right? That won't hurt our ratings."

TVPredictions.com points out that KETV's dispute with Cox over its high-definition signal is not unique. Retransmission-consent agreements between cable operators and TV stations across the country are continually expiring and, under federal regulations, broadcasters can either opt for "must-carry," or guaranteed carriage without compensation, or demand retransmission consent for their signals.

Under retransmission consent, cable operators must negotiate with stations to get permission to distribute their signals. In 2005, TV stations were more aggressive about seeking cash for such carriage, arguing that their high-rated programming warrants license fees just like cable networks are paid, according to a story on Multichannel.com.

Omaha Remains 75th Largest DMA

The Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney Designated Market Area (DMA) dropped one spot for 2007, according to new figures released by Nielsen Media Research.

Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney will be the 104th largest DMA in the country for 2007, with 275,970 TV homes. Omaha remains the 75th largest DMA (403,560 TV homes), while North Platte also retains its position as the second-smallest market in the country (15,480 TV homes).

DMAs are used by Nielsen to identify TV stations whose broadcast signals reach a specific area and attract the most viewers. A DMA consists of all counties whose largest viewing share is given to stations of that same market area. Non-overlapping DMAs cover the entire continental United States, Hawaii and parts of Alaska. There are currently 210 Designated Market Areas.

KETV Pulls Plug On Cox Digital Signal

KETV's digital high definition signal is no longer being carried on Cox Communication's cable system.

The removal of the ABC affiliate's digital signal from Cox on Sunday is the result of unsuccessful negotiations between representatives of Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., KETV-TV's parent company, and Cox, according to information on KETV.com. Hearst-Argyle is seeking fair and reasonable terms from Cox in return for allowing Cox to carry KETV-DT's programming and charge its subscribers for access to that programming.

"So as not to inconvenience a large number of its viewers, Hearst-Argyle will allow Cox to continue to retransmit KETV-TV's primary analog signal while the companies continue to work in good faith toward a resolution of retransmission consent terms," reads the story on KETV.com.

KETV General Manager Joel Vilmenay did not respond to The Reader's request for more information last week, nor did a Cox Communications spokeswoman.