Channel 11 KTVF in Fairbanks AK is going to a new owner. The seller is national television group owner Newport Television LLC. And according to brokers Kalil & Co. and Kepper Tupper and Co., the buyer is local.
Chena Broadcasting LLC is stepping up to acquire the station. It is headed by Mike Young, who not only is a lifelong resident of Fairbanks, but was an elected member of the Borough Assembly. Interestingly, the former president of KTVF, Hank Hove, was elected Borough Mayor at the same time.
Newport is active in 21 markets – it says it has 59 stations, including 28 that offer digital multicasts. It includes affiliates of all the major networks on its roster.
KTVF is on digital 26 but retains its heritage virtual location on channel 11. Young plans to carry forward its tradition of quality programming and local news leadership when he takes over following FCC approval and closing, which is expected within about three months.
Kalil & Co., Inc. represented Newport for this transaction and John Tupper of Kepper, Tupper and Company represented Chena.
