Look for more interactive programming on “Your TV20” KBWB in the coming year. Broadcasting and Cable magazine has a story about the plans of Don Cornwell (pictured), chief executive and chairman of Granite Broadcasting, which owns nine stations including TV20.
Last year at this time, Granite was trying to get out of debt by selling its UHF stations in Detroit and San Francisco to a group headed by former KTVU general manager Kevin O’Brien. But the deal fell through when the WB network announced it was shutting down. Now, with the backing of an investment banking firm, Granite has gone from selling its assets to buying them.
Broadcasting and Cable reports:
- The company is particularly keen on KBWB, which recently brought in Comcast sales vet Craig Coane as president and general manager. Granite execs won’t offer specifics about the station’s plans, but do say its independent affiliation allows them to try something truly experimental. “There’s a unique opportunity to create an interactive TV station unlike what the other folks are doing,” says [chief operating officer John] Deushane, who adds that KBWB will introduce a series of new features in the next nine to 10 months.