KIRKSVILLE, MO --
You may have seen the public service announcements aired on KTVO talking about the dangers of losing free, over-the-air television.
You wanted to know what the chances of that happening are, and we have answers.
Losing free television is a real possibility.
There's talk in Washington D.C. about reducing airwaves, and the issue will be front and center in early August.
“What I'm concerned about is local television could be diminished. You may not have as many options locally, or they may not be able to be offered in HD. I also have another concern that if free tv is completely taken away, then everyone's going to have to get their local television through a pay service,” said Carol Kellum, President & C.E.O. of KTVO.
For instance, if KTVO were to have its airwaves reduced, we might not be able to broadcast our CBS signal, or offer programs in high definition.
If airwaves were completely taken away, you might only be able to get local channels like KTVO through satellite or cable services, something many viewers can't afford.
In the worst case scenario, some local tv stations could be lost completely, which is a possibility.
You're encouraged to contact your U.S. senators and tell them you don't want to lose free television, and that you rely on local stations like KTVO for breaking news, severe weather warnings and local sports.
“I think local news is extremely important, and what we offer on any given day. I think the last two years have proven just that, with all of the severe weather we've had, and the warnings that we've had to send out to our viewers to keep them and their families safe, that's my biggest concern,” Kellum said.
To share your concerns about this issue with your U.S. senators, call 1-800-556-0229.
More information can be found at www.thefutureoftv.org
If you have questions, feel free to call KTVO-TV at 660-627-3333
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO