August 19, 2014

Contact: Neil Middleton WYMT VP-General Manager Phone: 606-436-5757

(HAZARD, KY) - WYMT is proud to announce the launch of Eastern Kentucky’s newest local television channel. WYMT.2 is now home to THIS TV’s award winning films, box office hits and retro TV series, plus lots of local programming.

For nearly three decades, WYMT has provided extensive news coverage of Eastern Kentucky, along with local programs, and high school and college sporting events. The launch of ThisTV will allow WYMT to increase its local programming even more.

“We’re really excited about today and what this is going to mean, not only for WYMT, but more importantly for Eastern Kentucky and our viewers. Some of our long-range plans include an all-new LOCAL 10 pm newscast for our viewers who go to bed before Mountain News at 11,” said Neil Middleton, WYMT’s Vice President and General Manager.

The new channel will appeal especially to sports fans here in the mountains. THIS TV will be home to the all new WYMT Appalachian Wireless Game of the Week.

“We’re going to have more than 40 local high school and college games from August through April. We’ll have great match-ups every week from across the region, including our kickoff on August 22 with Prestonsburg at Pikeville,” Middleton added.

Other games of interest include the Pike County Bowl, the first ever Brass Lantern Bowl under the lights, as the University of the Cumberlands travel to Union. Plus, every game of the WYMT Whayne Supply Mountain Basketball Classic will be televised.

“We’re looking for other areas to grow our local programming, including more religious shows on Sunday morning,” Middleton said.

2014 is shaping up as an historic year for WYMT. The station aired its first HD newscast on April 15th, using robotic cameras and introducing new state-of-the-art graphics and music. WYMT also upgraded its master control facility. The new automation allows one operator to manage both stations. WYMT will celebrate its 29th anniversary on October 19th.

Middleton encourages viewers to call their local cable providers and ask for WYMT. 2. “THIS TV is just one more way we can better serve Eastern Kentucky.”