Here’s the story behind WLEP.
My name is Kevin Bae. My day job is general manager for KM Communications, Inc., a group owner of TV and radio stations headquartered in Skokie, Illinois (a northern suburb of Chicago). In my capacity as general manager I often help to choose new markets that our company will enter and Erie, PA. is just one of those markets. But, as it turned out Erie was outside the markets of our company’s focus so building the station did not become a priority. Personally I like the market. I discovered your town because, since Erie is right off I-90, it was directly in my drive path as I passed through over the four years my daughter attended Syracuse University. So I decided to acquire the station.
I’m not a “broadcaster”. That is to say I’ve never worked in a television or radio station. My job has been to primarily operate our corporate office. Like most people though, I am a consumer of television and radio. My background includes a bachelor’s degree in computer science so, unlike most people, I’m also a consumer of Internet media (Sometimes referred to as “new media” these are audio and video podcasts and blogs.) Internet media is very intimate and there is a closeness and an interaction between the consumers of content and the providers and/or creators of content. It’s the polar opposite of broadcasting where a TV or radio station puts out a program feed and either the consumers watch or don’t watch, with very little interaction between the two. Web based content networks such as This Week in Tech (TWiT) and Revision3 are changing the way people think about entertainment and information and the way it is presented to the audience. I would like to bring some of these concepts to local TV.
So why then am I broadcasting Retro TV and TUFF TV? The simple answer is that I have to start somewhere and these two networks were not being broadcast in Erie. They provide programming that hasn’t been in the Erie market in quite some time and they are available to me at barter (this means that instead of paying for the programs the ad time is split). It’s a way to bring eyes to a new station with quality programming at relatively low cost. Some people scoff at these old shows but networks showing older programs is really quite the trend and the audience reactions to them have, for the most part, been positive.
So that’s the story about what you are seeing on the air with channels 9.1 and 9.2. Channel 9.3, which is simulcasting 9.1 at the moment, is the channel where I hope to bring you locally produced and locally focused programming. I won’t attempt to match or compete with the other major stations in the market. They already do a phenomenal job at providing local news and entertainment and what good would it do for viewers in Erie if I just try to copy them? I hope to provide an alternative that maybe won’t appeal to all the people all the time but will instead appeal to a specific audience for each specific show. I’m looking to the viewers in Erie to guide me along that path and teach me what’s important to you and how this station can serve you better.
Thank you for watching!
Kevin Bae
I put out the word about WLEP on the blog I write media related articles for called http://www.pbrtv.com. I’m glad to see both RTV & Tuff TV on the Erie airwaves. I live in Cochranton, Pa. but work part time in Erie at WMCE “88.5 Jazz FM” on the Mercyhurst College Main campus as the Programming / Operations director. Before this, I worked at WQLN Public Media for 12 years as a Master Control Operator on the TV side with some work on the radio side. If there is anything I can do to help, feel free to let me know.
@Tom: I did see that post and I tweeted it. I appreciate it very much! I’m sure I’m going to need all the help I can get as I move the station forward. I’ll be in contact.
Sounds good.
With cable we can not get your station. Is there a way to get it on the internet?
@Dorothy: I’m sorry but I am not streaming the station on the Internet at this time and as far as I know there is no source that streams RTV or TUFF TV online. I am working on trying to get my station on cable, though. As soon as I have any positive news I will post it on the blog. Thank you very much for your comment.
I just happened upon these three new channels, you should put an ad somewhere so people can find out about these stations.
@Bill: I’m working on it. I’ve had so many higher priorities that deal with consistency on the air and I have to make sure funds are going towards that first. As I keep moving forward I will definitely make an effort to publicize the station. After all, without people knowing it’s there I can’t stay in business.
Thanks for your comment and please keep watching!
Kevin,
Any chance of Retro Tv being added to the locals package for both Directv and Dish Network?
@Richard: It’s not very likely. WLEP is a low power TV station and cable and satellite companies are not required to carry this class of station. I’m working on presenting the station to both the satellite and cable companies. If the station does get picked up it will be some time down the road.
Many times the most effective way to get carried is by viewer request. But, it has to be in significant numbers to catch attention.
Keven, What’s up? It’s Saturday & all I have been seeing on 9.1 & 9.2 are those #@*#@ INFOMERCIALS. I don’t need a bloody Jack LaLane juicer, lose weight or see fat assed broads wearing corsets under their jeans in order to look sexy. How about some NORMAL Programs? Channel 9.3 has been showing the same bloody vintage movies OVER & OVER & OVER. Maybe 9.3 could get something completely different on it. Let’s pick up the pace please. Under the Geneva Convention, this is cruel & unusual punishment.
@Dave: I have a 2 hour block of infomercials on Saturday’s and Sunday’s between 12p and 2p on both 9.1 and 9.2. I understand your frustration and if I had the capability of selling, producing, and broadcasting local ads I would do that. But, I’m not able to do that just yet and I do have to try to pay the bills. Putting the station on the air and keeping it on the air isn’t free.
Channel 9.3 will continue to air those same movies over and over for a time yet. I have other movies and shows that will go on that channel but the logistics of getting them there are still a little difficult. Again, in order to improve that channel I have to bring in some dollars.
It will all change and improve with time. I post the schedule on the site so you can avoid the paid programming if you like. Although, I would desperately like you to buy a juicer or two!