KWBU News Feed
WASPs Finally Honored With Congressional Gold Medal
[3/12/2010]
Years of work by Wacoan Deanie Parrish and her daughter Nancy culminated Wednesday as the Women Airforce Service Pilots were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Now, participants are hoping the recognition opens up their stories to history. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
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FULL STORY)
Waco Woman Recognized for Historic World War II Service
[3/10/2010]
Today, a groundbreaking group of women who served their country in World War II will be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol. Wacoan Deanie Parrish will be among them. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Hippodrome To Finish 2010 Season
[3/6/2010]
The Waco Performing Arts Company has announced that they will complete the final shows of the season at the Hippodrome. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
DPS tells Spring Breakers - Stay Away from Mexico
[3/5/2010]
Spring break is a chance for college students to put away the books get away from campus - but if they cross the border the DPS says those students could get a lesson in drug gang violence. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies has the story.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Receives Largest Gift in School's History
[3/4/2010]
A record-setting gift announced today will propel Baylor's medical research in the decades to come. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Curnock, Flores Look Ahead To Runoff
[3/3/2010]
GOP Congressional candidates Rob Curnock and Bill Flores will continue the primary season in a runoff for another six weeks. They told KWBU's Derek Smith their thoughts on the continuation and their plans going forward.
(FULL STORY)
17th District Republicans Face Runoff
[3/3/2010]
Republicans in Texas' 17th congressional district will face a runoff election following last night's primary. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
New State Requirement for First Time Drivers License
[3/1/2010]
A new state law goes into effect today that toughens the requirements for getting a drivers license. The intention is to make the streets safer. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies has the story.
(FULL STORY)
Central Texas Town To Be Auctioned
[3/2/2010]
Money talks and if you've got it you can buy a little piece of Texas history, or rather, a big-little piece of Texas history. In April, a small Central Texas Town and it's contents will go to the highest bidders.
(FULL STORY)
CPS Deaths Up
[2/26/2010]
The number of child abuse and neglect related deaths reached an all time high in Texas last year. As KUT's Nathan Bernier reports, the state is still trying to figure out why.
(FULL STORY)
Hippodrome Closes Its Doors
[2/26/2010]
A perfect storm of events, a down economy and cancelled performances has put The Waco Performing Arts Company's theater operations are on hiatus until further notice including tonight's performance of One Night of Queen. KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport has more.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Law School Presents People's Law School
[2/18/2010]
Central Texans can get questions about real estate, traffic tickets, and more answered without a trip to an attorney. The Baylor University Law School is putting on their 5th annual People's Law School this Saturday morning.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Intorduces Kenneth Starr As Incoming University President
[2/17/2010]
Tuesday afternoon, Judge Ken Starr was introduced as the fourteenth president of Baylor University. KWBU's Derek Smith was there.
(FULL STORY)
NASA Explorer School Program Lets Kids Reach For The Stars
[2/15/2010]
When you think of NASA you might conger up images of the Hubble Telescope, a Mars Rover, or American Astronauts on the Moon. But NASA also has a close relationship to public education through the NASA Explorer School Program. Two central Texas Schools, G.W. Carver Academy and West Ward Elementary in Killeen, were deemed NASA Explorer Schools in 2004, and their continued connection with NASA still enriches students' learning.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Names Ken Starr as Fourteenth President
[2/15/2010]
Baylor is set to introduce Ken Starr as its fourteenth president, ending a year and a half-long search to helm the university. Starr, who has served dean of the law school at Pepperdine University for the last five years, is best known as the special investigator whose work led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Professor Urges President To Make Principled Commutations
[2/11/2010]
A Baylor law professor who successfully argued for change cocaine-sentencing guidelines in front of the Supreme Court is now drawing attention to the issue of Presidential sentence commutations. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Political Expert Examines Texas' Gubernatorial Primary
[2/11/2010]
Continuing our primary election coverage on KWBU-FM, we focus today on the gubernatorial races. KWBU's Derek Smith spoke with McLennan County Community College political science professor Ashley Cruseturner.
(FULL STORY)
Political Expert Examines Texas' Congressional Primary
[2/10/2010]
KWBU's primary election coverage continues as we look at the state of Texas primary races with just under 3 weeks remaining before election day. KWBU's Derek Smith visited with MCC history and political science professor Ashley Cruseturner about the state of the races.
(FULL STORY)
STAAR Test to Replace TAKS
[2/3/2010]
Over the next couple of years Texas schools will embark on one of the biggest changes Texas Education has seen in the last decade, a transition that requires an overhaul of state standardized tests and school accountability systems.
(FULL STORY)
GOP Candidates State Their Case to Face Edwards
[2/3/2010]
Five Republican congressional candidates, all vying for the right to take on Chet Edwards in the election this fall, squared off in a debate last night in downtown Waco. KWBU's Derek Smith was there.
(FULL STORY)
Closing the Literacy Gap--PBS Show Makes Reading Cool
[1/25/2010]
Nationally, 27% of public school 4th graders score below basic reading levels, and children in low-income families hear an average of 30 million words less by age three than those in middle and high income brackets. The PBS Kids show The Electric company attempts to close the literacy gap between low and middle income families and improve reading skills among children.
(FULL STORY)
Planting Urban Gardens Unites Community Members
[1/18/2010]
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not a day off but a day of service, community service. For some Waco citizens this means getting very dirty. KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport has more on what one area organization is doing to commemorate MLK Day.
(FULL STORY)
Carl Kasell Reflects on Career
[1/12/2010]
In the two weeks since legendary NPR newsman Carl Kasell retired from Morning Edition, he's found himself getting more sleep but not necessarily finding himself having more free time. He spoke with KWBU's Derek Smith.
(FULL STORY)
Fort Hood Addresses Soldier Mental Health in Weeks After Shooting
[1/11/2010]
Two months after the Five-November tragedy at Fort Hood, the installation is using the tragedy to address behavioral health care among its soldiers, while preparing for soldier deployments, including that of its Commanding General, Robert Cone. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Area Organization Brighten's Student's Holiday with Books
[12/17/2009]
A Storybook Christmas has spent two decades giving free books to schoolchildren throughout the county each Christmas, working to improve and promote literacy in the region. Thursday they delivered books to students at one area school. KWBU's Derek Smith was there.
(FULL STORY)
Much Needed Interstate Expansion Project Comes to Waco
[12/16/2009]
Interstate 35 is going to be changing in McLennan County in the next few years, and the Texas Department of Transportation is urging residents along the interstate to come to public meetings tonight and tomorrow. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Winter Tradition Continues with Waco Symphony's Holiday Pops
[12/10/2009]
An area Christmas tradition returns tomorrow night with the Waco Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Waco Mammoth Site Opens to the Public
[12/6/2009]
68,000 years of protection from mother nature, plus about 30 more with the help of the Waco community allowed the bones at the Waco Mammoth Site to finally be introduced to the public on Saturday. KWBU's Derek Smith and Jackie Deavenport were there.
(FULL STORY)
Waco Gears Up for Holiday on the Square
[12/2/2009]
A Waco Christmas tradition will be without one of its key components this year, but organizers are working to fill the void for the city's annual Christmas kickoff, Saturday's "Holiday on the Square." KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
National Day of Listening Inpires Storytelling
[11/30/2009]
National Day of Listening from Storycorps and National Public Radio encourages people to take an hour on the day after Thanksgiving to listen to someone-an elderly relative or neighbor--ask them questions, and allow them to share their story. Listeners are also encouraged to record their subject's story for posterity. Storycorps hopes many of these stories become family heirlooms in the long-term, while encouraging conversation and story-telling immediately. The first National Day of Listening was a success last year, and more are hoping to get on board in 2009. The hope is that the stories of many individuals are not lost.
(FULL STORY)
Block Playing Helps Kids Learn Math, Language Skills
[11/20/2009]
Research says blocks play a critical role in early language and math skills. Blockfest demonstrates these findings, and it's part of the Waco Education Summit going on this week. KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport reports.
(FULL STORY)
Youth Find Lack of Safe Entertainment Venues in Waco
[11/23/2009]
What do Waco teenagers do on a Friday or Saturday night? Many people who work with youth in Waco say there's a lack of fun and safe things for teenagers to do. KWBU's Anita Pere has more.
(FULL STORY)
KWBU Speaks with Christy Rost
[11/24/2009]
Chef and home-design expert Christi Rost shares Thanksgiving-themed cooking tips, and explores the history and renovation of her 19th century Colorado mountain estate in the PBS special "A Home for Christi Rost". It airs on KWBU-TV this Thanksgiving, and KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport talks with Christi about her passion for family, friends, food and entertaining at home.
(FULL STORY)
Children Reading Below Grade Level More Likely to Struggle, Drop-out
[11/19/2009]
The 2nd annual Greater Waco Education Summit gets down to business today, focusing on on key areas of youth development and examining the role that various community groups can play in advancing the educational environment. One major area of focus for educators is reading development. And teachers in Waco, spurred by renewed emphasis from the summit and the Greater Waco Education Alliance, are focusing on helping students read at grade level by the time they're 8 years old. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
H.O.T. Storytelling Guild Keeps Oral Tradition Alive
[11/13/2009]
The art of story telling is not lost in Central Texas. The Heart of Texas Story Telling guild
meets every Saturday to keep the beloved tradition alive, and they have a special event this weekend.
KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport has more.
(FULL STORY)
KWBU to Host Community Feedback Meetings
[11/12/2009]
KWBU would like to invite the Central Texas community to attend a KWBU Community Feedback event this November. Because we value your opinion, KWBU is reaching out to individuals in the Central Texas area.
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FULL STORY)
Questions surround Ft. Hood shooting's suspected gunman
[11/11/2009]
The religious roots of the alleged gunman in Thursday's deadly shooting at Fort Hood are beginning to draw scrutiny, along with questions about how much officials knew. KWBU's Derek Smith spoke with soldiers and officials at Ft. Hood.
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FULL STORY)
Mourners gather for Ft. Hood Memorial Service
[11/10/2009]
After spending the last few days sorting through Thursday's tragedy at Ft. Hood, mourners gathered yesterday to honor and remember the fallen. KWBU's Derek Smith was there.
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FULL STORY)
Local musician to appear on From the Top
[11/10/2009]
When KWBU and Baylor University bring From the Top to Waco on Wednesday, one local teen will be showing off her talents on an instrument that many associate more with country than classical. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Edwards addresses Ft. Hood shooting
[11/9/2009]
Congressman Chet Edwards released a statement Monday addressing the shooting at the military base that was part of his district for more than a decade. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Waco VA Mental Health Experts Discuss Fort Hood Shooting, Demands of Job
[11/9/2009]
Some attention has been placed on the fact that the gunman in yesterday's Ft. Hood killings, major Nidal Malik Hasan, was an army psychiatrist. KWBU spoke to Dr. Susie Gulliver, director of the Center for Excellence at the VA hospital for dealing with mental health issues, as well as psychiatrist and Air Force Reservist Dr. David Tharp about the demands of the job.
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FULL STORY)
Central Texas cyclists "Ride for Relief"
[11/5/2009]
A team of cyclists will be making their way through Central Texas on farm roads as they cover over 200 miles in 2 1/2 days. The bikers are raising money for the World Hunger Relief farm. KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport was there at the beginning of their journey this morning.
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FULL STORY)
NPR correspondent Jim Zarroli speaks in Waco
[10/30/2009]
NPR financial reporter Jim Zarroli was in town this week, speaking to Baylor students, professors, and KWBU members about a number of topics. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
City's interactive map aids developers, businesses, and residents
[10/28/2009]
Some of Central Texas' natural beauty, rock escarpments and hilly landscape, is also a geological landscape that can cause problems for builders and homeowner's foundations. However, one local city now has an innovative online resource to aide developers and property owners.
(FULL STORY)
Screenplay writer Derek Haas speaks with KWBU on his new book and website
[10/27/2009]
What does the new novel Columbus and the Web site popcornfiction.com have to do with Baylor? KWBU's Anita Pere has more.
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FULL STORY)
Philanthropist Paul J. Meyer Passes
[10/26/2009]
Long-time Waco businessman and philanthropist Paul J. Meyer passed away today after a battle with cancer. KWBU's Jacqueline Deavenport has more.
(FULL STORY)
Texas Collection dedicates 4 Texas Historical Markers on Baylor campus
[10/23/2009]
Memories, history, and tradition are an important part of homecoming at Baylor. As Baylor celebrates its homecoming's 100th anniversary, the state of Texas will now recognize 4 sites on Baylor campus, some over a century old.
(FULL STORY)
Organizations sleepless as parade approaches
[10/23/2009]
With the homecoming parade just about 24 hours away, members of Chi Omega and Phi Kappa Chi spent the last night into the wee hours to get their float done in time for judging prior to the parade. KWBU's Derek Smith continues our look at what goes into making the signature homecoming parade floats.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor organizations balance money, time, effort in building homecoming floats
[10/21/2009]
2009 marks the 100th anniversary of Baylor University's Homecoming and the associated parade. KWBU is following a sorority and fraternity as they build one of the signature floats in a competitive field for the homecoming parade in the final frantic hours before the float must be completed tomorrow morning.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Greek life prepares for 100th Baylor Homecoming Parade
[10/20/2009]
One of the nation's largest collegiate homecoming parade will wind through the streets of Waco this Saturday. Attendees will enjoy the floats, the ambiance, and the history; a lot of Baylor students put in months of work to make it memorable. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
KWBU-TV to air Baylor University Homecoming Parade
[10/19/2009]
WACO, TEXAS - KWBU-TV will broadcast the 100th Annual Baylor University Homecoming Parade, one of the oldest and largest in the nation, with live coverage from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009. Encore presentations will air on KWBU-TV at 11:00 p.m. that evening and Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor University joins iTunes U
[10/14/2009]
Baylor University students and faculty have a new platform for showcasing university productions. It's iTunes U, and it's a part of iTunes designated for podcasts produced at universities.
(FULL STORY)
Texas physician links education and health
[10/14/2009]
A prominent Texas physician is spreading the message that education equals health, and vice-versa, speaking to students and educators in Waco yesterday and today. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
From the Top Comes to Waco in its 10th Anniversary Season
[10/13/2009]
From the Top, the preeminent showcase for young musicians, comes to Baylor University's Jones Concert Hall on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. to tape a radio broadcast in its 10th Anniversary Season.
(FULL STORY)
Author Roger Rosenblatt Encourages Others to Tell Their Story
[10/6/2009]
Award winning writer Roger Rosenblatt delivered a lecture at Baylor today on storytelling. But the focus is not on his illustrious career; rather, it's telling our own stories as individuals. He spoke with KWBU's Derek Smith.
(FULL STORY)
NPR launches new online local journalism venture with CPB and Knight Foundation funding
[10/2/2009]
Washington, DC - NPR will launch a new journalism project to develop in-depth, local coverage on topics critical to communities and the nation, in a new effort funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the groups announced today.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor study looks at nature of clergy sexual misconduct
[9/28/2009]
The largest ever study on clergy sexual misconduct was conducted at Baylor, and it is receiving attention from a number of national outlets, including NPR. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Waco may become part of National Parks system
[9/28/2009]
Ken Burns' documentary "National Parks: America's Best Idea" continues nightly this week at 7 on KWBU-TV. Thanks to the work of a number of people in the community, the city of Waco is closer than ever to becoming a part of that national park system.
(FULL STORY)
Mammoth site National Monument bid passes House
[9/24/2009]
On Sunday, KWBU-TV begins airing Ken Burns' latest project, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," running all week. Locally, decades worth of work have put Waco closer than ever to becoming a part of that National Park Service.
(FULL STORY)
China Spring High School students get a "Dose of Reality"
[9/24/2009]
High school assemblies educating students on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse are not uncommon, but Thursday one local high school got a "Dose of Reality."
(FULL STORY)
KWBU receives national award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
[9/23/2009]
WACO, TX -- KWBU, Public Broadcasting for Central Texas, has received a My Source Community Impact Award for Engagement from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
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FULL STORY)
Change of command at Ft. Hood
[9/22/2009]
There was a change in command at Fort Hood yesterday, as Robert Cone took the reigns from former Commanding General Rick Lynch. KWBU's Derek Smith was there.
(FULL STORY)
6 consecutive years - Texas is nation's repeat brith-rate leader
[9/16/2009]
For a sixth consecutive year, Texas leads the nation in the repeat teen birth rate. ChildTrends, a Washington based research group, reports that 23% percent of Texas girls who become pregnant will become pregnant a second time, prompting many to question the effectiveness of current sex-ed programs. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
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FULL STORY)
From the Top wins two Emmys
[9/4/2009]
From the Top won two Daytime Entertainment Emmys, one for Outstanding Children's Series and another for Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing.
(FULL STORY)
BU football kicks of 2009 season
[9/2/2009]
When the Baylor football team kicks of its 2009 season at Wake Forest on Saturday, it does so with a buzz from fans and media that haven't surrounded the program in some time. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
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FULL STORY)
Baylor professor's book focuses on faith messages in U2 music
[8/26/2009]
A Baylor professor who has written extensively about the intersection of faith and pop culture in American life has turned has sights on one world-famous band, U2.
(FULL STORY)
Chet Edwards meets with Waco medical professionals on health care reform
[8/19/2009]
Congressman Chet Edwards held a meeting with medical professionals at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center Wednesday morning discussing health care legislation. Edwards gave brief opening remarks and spent up to two hours answering questions.
(FULL STORY)
McLennan Community College dedicates new science building
[8/18/2009]
McLennan Community College cut the ribbon yesterday of a new campus centerpiece, the MCC Science Building. The new building is the crown jewel of the three new buildings constructed at MCC this year. A tax hike provided funds for the facilities.
(FULL STORY)
The 14th Annual Margarita and Salsa Festival returns to Waco
[8/13/2009]
The 14th annual Margarita and Salsa Festival is just around the corner, there's a new music lineup alongside the familiar food contests. Kevin Fowler will headline the musical portion, and the popular judging and people's choice contests pit restaurants and individuals against each other for food and drink superiority.
(FULL STORY)
Local colleges share in job training
[8/6/2009]
Local college partnership will provide workers with training in job-specific skills, computer programs, and leadership.
(FULL STORY)
Local workforce commission engages in finding jobs, training
[8/5/2009]
The Heart o' Texas Workforce Commission is actively engaged in not only helping people find jobs now, but increasing their viability through such training. Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken says this sort of partnership is vital in helping Texas and the nation lift out of the recession.
(FULL STORY)
Workforce Commission presents grant to McLennan Community College and L-3 Communications
[7/29/2009]
The chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission was in Waco Wednesday to present a grant for a job training partnership between McLennan Community College and L-3 Communications. He spoke to KWBU's Derek Smith about the job climate in Texas.
(FULL STORY)
City planners talk to community about downtown Waco revitalization
[7/28/2009]
Hundreds showed up at a city meeting yesterday where city planners working with Waco articulated the steps necessary to revitalize downtown and revitalize the riverfront. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Study finds processed meats cause cancer
[7/24/2009]
Hot dogs are a staple of summer, but one organization says they should be avoided because of their link to cancer. The Cancer Project is a non-profit organization that examines the role of nutrition in cancer occurrence and prevention. They've started an ad campaign urging people to completely avoid processed meats, with hot dogs being the main feature.
(FULL STORY)
Baylor Law professor examines Sotomayor hearings
[7/15/2009]
Baylor law professor Mark Osler spoke with KWBU's Derek Smith about the Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, and the nominee process. Osler graduated from Yale Law School, the same law school as the nominee, and he has a similar background working in a district attorney's office.
(FULL STORY)
Martin Luther King III speaks at Waco town meeting
[7/14/2009]
The son of the famed civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was in Waco with his organization, Realizing the Dream. Wrapping up 3 days of work here in Central Texas, this non-profit hopes to glean information to combat poverty by interacting with the Waco community.
(FULL STORY)
KWBU question - "How do I look?"
[7/10/2009]
KWBU has a lot going on! Check this blog periodically to see show highlights, information on the goings-on in Waco, and the latest news at KWBU. You can also subscribe to this blog via an RSS feed or share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and more!
(FULL STORY)
Local WW II hero recognized for trailblazing role
[7/7/2009]
Wacoan Deanie Parrish, was interviewed on "All Things Considered" after the WASPs were awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal. The Wasps flew in World War II as part of the historic Women Air Force Service Pilots.
(FULL STORY)
Veteran's Affairs Hospital's rennovation to improve veteran metal health care
[7/7/2009]
Yesterday, The Waco VA Hospital broke ground on a building renovation, making more room to treat veterans for acute psychiatric illnesses. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
Native plants help improve Lake Waco water quality
[7/7/2009]
Results show that native plant species, planted by volunteers last month, have improved the water quality in Lake Waco. KWBU's Derek Smith has more.
(FULL STORY)
"The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" and PBS Announce Major Changes
[7/1/2009]
Enhanced broadcast and digital content will offer more options for audiences looking for trusted news source in evolving media landscape.Changes include new name, dual anchor format and online correspondent. New format to launch in September 2009.
(FULL STORY)
New statistics help Education alliance improve early childhood development
[6/25/2009]
The Greater Waco Education Alliance began a roll-out of early childhood education data in McLennan County yesterday as the region seeks to understand the factors shaping area youth. The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition--or TECEC--has spent the past 4 1/2 months gathering data.
(FULL STORY)
Entertainment acts needed for Waco Cultural Arts Fest
[4/20/2009]
KWBU, Central Texas Public Media, is looking for entertainment acts for children to perform on the KWBU Kid's Stage during the Waco Cultural Arts Fest, September 19 and 20, 2009.
(FULL STORY)
Joe Riley named president and CEO of KWBU
[4/1/2009]
Joe Riley, Vice President Director of Television for Maine Public Broadcasting Network, has been named President and CEO of Brazos Valley Public Broadcasting Foundation, effective May 4th. In his new capacity, Riley will provide day-to-day leadership for Central Texas PBS and NPR affiliates KWBU-TV and KWBU-FM.
(FULL STORY)
KWBU ceases analog transmission
[2/2/2009]
KWBU, public broadcasting for Central Texas, licensed to Waco, because of technical difficulties with our transmitter, ceased analog signal transmission on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, fourteen days before the official deadline of February 17, 2009.
(FULL STORY)
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