KNTS-LP

KNTS-LP (channel 17) was a low-power television station in Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States.

In 1998, CP-Tel Network Services, a local Internet services provider, acquired a former Italian restaurant to convert it into studios for the station.[2] KNTS-LP went on the air in June and was affiliated with America One and FamilyNet;[3] the studios were completed later, at which time the station was added to local cable systems.[4] Weekday newscasts, originally at 6 p.m. and eventually also at 10 p.m., were added beginning in March 1999; the station also produced shows covering Northwestern State University and high school sports.[5]

KNTS-LP ceased local operations and news production on March 31, 2001. CP-Tel president Richard Gill cited insufficient advertising revenue, rising costs, and the failure to secure a network affiliation.[5] The station was then sold to Sanphyl Broadcasting Network; it continued to air local sports and church services.[6] It moved from channel 17 to channel 19 in 2012.

Despite its broadcast in analog, KNTS-LP had a digital translator, KNYS-LD (channel 27). Sanphyl Broadcast Network surrendered the licenses for KNTS-LP and KNYS-LD to the Federal Communications Commission on February 15, 2021; the FCC cancelled both licenses the same day.

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KNTS-LP". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Flynn, Leigh (January 10, 1998). "Natchitoches to get commercial TV station". The Town Talk. p. D-1. Retrieved April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Pinnell, Gary (March 25, 2000). "New business of year named: Natchitoches TV station's coverage area has grown since its inception". The Town Talk. p. C-1. Retrieved April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Richard, Jeff (June 23, 1998). "Natchitoches TV station flickers to life". The Times. p. 1B. Retrieved April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b "KNTS-TV to shut down operations". The Town Talk. March 8, 2001. p. C-1. Retrieved April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Small television stations struggling with digital conversion". The Times. May 26, 2008. p. 16. Retrieved April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.