TV station files for bankruptcy

The fate of a Yakima television station is unknown in the wake of a recent bankruptcy filing.

KCWK-TV is among 13 Pappas Telecasting Co. television stations that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month. The stations that filed are local affiliates of a variety of English- and Spanish-language networks. The company also owns 17 other television stations and two radio stations, which are not affected by the bankruptcy cases.

The stations filed for bankruptcy after Pappas Telecasting failed to resolve financing issues with several nonbank lenders. The company has struggled with low network ratings, a tightening credit market and a tough economic climate that adversely affected stations' revenues, officials said in a news release.

As part of the Chapter 11 process, the Fresno, Calif.-based company is protected from its creditors while it implements a reorganization to resolve financial issues. The company already has placed all 30 of its television stations up for sale.

In the news release, company executives assured there would be no differences in programming during the bankruptcy process.

No one was present in the downtown KCWK-TV offices Thursday afternoon, and moving boxes could be seen from the front door. Neither executives from the parent company nor the local station could not be reached for comment.

Nearly two years ago, Pappas Telecasting converted the Yakima station from an affiliate of Azteca America, a Spanish-language network, to The CW, a channel that targets viewers between 18 and 34. Company executives said The CW, which broadcasts popular shows such as "America's Next Top Model," provided better marketing potential.

* Mai Hoang can be reached at 577-7685 or mhoang@yakimaherald.com.