Daystar buying former PBS affiliate in Waco, Texas, for $250,000

The Daystar religious network is purchasing KDYW, the former PBS affiliate KWBU in Waco, Texas, according to a filing with the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for the deal. Licensee Baylor University is getting $250,000 for the station. Facing a $400,000 budget shortfall, KWBU went dark at the end of May 2010. The local nonprofit entity that will own the station is Community Television Educators of Waco, headed by Daystar's Marcus and Joni Lamb. Its call letters were changed in May.

Public broadcasting 9/11 content runs from arts to investigations

CPB is compiling an online list of 9/11-related pubcasting programming airing during the next several weeks. Spokesperson Nicole Mezlo told Current that the list is being updated as information comes in from stations and organizations around the country. Content includes two live presentations: A City Reimagined: Voices of 9/11 in Poetry and Performance, an evening of spoken-word performances of first-hand accounts of the day the terrorists struck the World Trade Center, and On Being's panel discussion, a collaboration with the Trinity Wall Street Church St. Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero. The list also highlights local activities at stations.

Fighting budget cuts with TALENT WAR$

WVPT in Harrisonburg, Va., is hoping an online talent contest helps them raise money to restore state cuts to their budget, reports the Augusta Free Press in Waynesboro, Va. Viewers can post videos showcasing their unique abilities at TALENT WAR$ @wvpt. Visitors view the films, select their favorite and “vote” for it by making a donation to WVPT on the site. Every dollar donated equals one vote for the video. The three participants with the most $1 votes by Jan. 3, 2012, win a first place award of $3,000; second place, $2,000; and third place, $1,000.

As of July 1, cuts in state funding for pubcasting resulted in a loss of more than $200,000 for the station, said David Mullins, president and g.m. “By raising support from our communities, we’re helping ensure that we can continue to deliver the valued programs and services that we’ve provided for the last 43 years,” he said. “We hope that as people become aware of the contest and communicate about it through Facebook, Twitter and other social media, it will become a popular contest for participants.”