Former KFVS GM returning to run KBSI, WDKA

Mike Smythe

The Fox and MyNetwork TV affiliates in the Paducah-Harrisburg-Cape Girardeau market are getting a new general manager, and his face is a familiar one in that area.

Mike Smythe, who retired as VP and GM of Raycom Media's KFVS12 in Cape Girardeau late last year after 13 years heading up the CBS affiliate, is returning to the area to fill that role at KBSI-Fox 23 and WDKA-My49.

"It's a unique opportunity for me. [Sinclair Broadcast Group wants] to become more local, and they've started that with their local newscast," Smythe told the Southeast Missourian in a report published Sunday. KBSI's 9 p.m. evening newscast is produced by KFVS.

Smythe will assume his new duties at KBSI/WDKA next week.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  KBSI and WDKA can be seen in western and southwestern portions of the Tri-State via cable and over-the-air.

The Bill Cunningham Show coming to The CW this fall

The CW television network and Tribune Broadcasting have reached an agreement for the network to air Tribune's The Bill Cunningham Show as part of its weekday afternoon lineup beginning in September. The show will air Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. CT.

Cunningham, an attorney and nationally syndicated conservative talk radio host, launched his television show on Tribune Broadcasting stations last fall.

“We are very pleased to add The Bill Cunningham Show to our weekday afternoon block,” said John Maatta, The CW's COO. “Bill is a talented host with a fascinating program, and we know he’ll be a terrific asset for The CW and our affiliated stations.”

The CW programming is seen in the Tri-State on what's left of WAZE-CW19 (actually analog channels 4, 5 and 17) in the Evansville market counties; WQWQ/WQTV and KFVS-12.2 in the Paducah-Harrisburg-Cape Girardeau market counties, WBKO-13.2 in Bowling Green, and WBKI in Louisville.