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Local TV owner pitches free Texarkana channel, commission routes request to regular funding cycle
Summary
Wes Crenshaw, who identified himself as owner of local Class A station channel 35, proposed a no-cost Texarkana community television channel with streaming and an app, emergency-alert capability and nonprofit promotion; commissioners declined to schedule a special workshop and asked him to follow the regular A&P application calendar.
Wes Crenshaw, who identified himself as owner of a locally based Class A television station on channel 35, told the Texarkana Advertising & Promotion (A&P) Commission he wants to create a free community channel, paired streaming and a mobile app to promote local events, nonprofits and municipal messaging.
Crenshaw said the station would operate without charging the city and would allow Texarkana organizations to post event information, coordinate emergency alerts to cell phones and digital billboards, and remove commercial advertising on the proposed public channel. "We're offering those as like a public television system to the city of Texarkana to be able to promote events, promote nonprofit organizations and profit the businesses in this town," Crenshaw said.
Commissioners pressed Crenshaw on reach and costs. Crenshaw said his over-the-air signal covers roughly a 30-mile radius and that the proposal includes simultaneous streaming and social-media distribution to reach beyond that area. He told the commission he listed an operating budget figure of $6,500 on his application; commissioners and staff sought clarification after other numbers mentioned in past proposals were raised during the discussion.
The commission considered, but ultimately rejected, a motion to hold a special workshop on July 28 specifically to hear Crenshaw's full proposal (several commissioners were unavailable on that date). Instead the body agreed Crenshaw should present under the regular A&P application process; commissioners gave him 15 minutes at an upcoming meeting so the full commission can review his materials.
Why it matters: The proposal would use a locally based broadcast outlet and digital tools to centralize event promotion and emergency messaging; commissioners signaled interest but emphasized adherence to application timelines and additional budget detail before any funding decision.
Next step: Staff asked Crenshaw to meet with commission staff to confirm the application timeline and provide a detailed budget and supporting materials for the October funding cycle.
