Press Release

Posted: January 13, 2012, 4:00 P.M. CST

Fidelity Drops KWTV to Avoid Higher Rates, Adds 24-7 Weather

Fidelity Communications has been unable to come to terms with KWTV, the Oklahoma City CBS affiliate, to continue carriage of their station on its system in Lawton. As a result, as of 5 p.m. today, KWTV will no longer be available on channel 9 in Lawton.

KWTV's demand for payment was unreasonable considering the small amount of programming it provides. "Their offer would require Fidelity to raise subscriber rates by a considerable amount - something we are not prepared to do," said Alan Holcomb, Fidelity General Manager. Customers will still be able to watch CBS network programming on KAUZ, channel 6, the Wichita Falls CBS affiliate.

While the loss of the Oklahoma City CBS affiliate will be an adjustment for customers, Fidelity will continue to offer local news and information via KFOR, the Oklahoma City NBC affiliate. KFOR has also granted Fidelity permission to simulcast KAUT's Rise and Shine morning program weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. - giving Fidelity subscribers even more local programming from the Oklahoma City area.

In addition, as of 5 p.m. today Fidelity is pleased to bring back Lawton's 24-7 Weather channel to Channel 9, which was replaced in October with the LiveWell Network. This channel provides up-to-the-minute weather coverage and radar screens from around the area, plus any severe weather advisories and warnings as they happen.

Lawton residents are also unable to view KWTV via Dish or DirecTV. Because Lawton is positioned in the Wichita Falls and Lawton Designated Market Area (DMA), satellite delivers only Lawton feeds and provides no other local programming alternatives.

"The decision to remove KWTV was not made lightly. What is best for our customers is our ultimate goal," Holcomb said.

For more information, contact:
Craig Montgomery
Public Relations Manager
Fidelity Communications
craig.montgomery@fidelitycommunications.com
ph :  573-468-1294
fax:  573-468-7986