CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Local television has returned.
After years off the air, WTNB-East Tennessee Television is broadcasting on Charter Communications Channel 5 and UHF 27.
“We want to be considered as Cleveland’s community television station,” said Joe Palo, managing partner of WTNB with his wife, Kim.
The station has a working relationship with Cleveland State Community College, The station uses the college’s studio and will air some of the college’s local programs. The station also makes a donation to the college each month, he said.
“Down the road, they are going to redevelop their TV production class,” Mr. Palo said. “We utilize student interships. Some volunteer to do work for the station.”
WTNB has brought back Friday night football and former programs such as “Health Matters” with Dr. Don Robinson; and “Professionally Speaking” with Peggy Hathcock.
It airs basketball, county commission and city council meetings, the area shopper and local sports shows with each of the high schools, and is selling time for local infomercials.
WTNB also is affiliated with the My Family TV network.
“It fits more with our area, we think,” Mr. Palo said.
In its previous life, WTNB was affiliated with WDNN, a similar station in Dalton, Ga.
Susan Kolyno, marketing director, said the Palos joined with local investors to buy the station from WDNN.
The My Family TV network is a Christian family network without ties to any particular denomination, she said.