Tag Archives: launch

TNN returns via ABC 33/40 while TheCOOLTV fades away

TNN 2012 relaunch logoDigital televisions across central Alabama have stumbled across a new digital sub-channel or two while flipping for the last few weeks while noticing others have disappeared.

First, let’s talk about the new one. ABC 33/40 signed an agreement with The Nashville Network to serve as the former cable-network-turned-broadcast-network’s area affiliate, using digital sub-channels 33.3, 40.3, and 58.3. It, and agreements with nine other stations located in Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee were formally announced earlier this week; the station was only formally announced back in April of this year. The classic country music station and Music City postcard to the world relaunched on November 1.

It makes sense that ABC 33/40 is the local affiliate considering their chief meteorologist, James Spann, is a regular guest on The Rick & Bubba Show – the Birmingham-based program that will anchor the revived network’s morning schedule from 6-10 a.m. The new version of The Nashville Network is a partnership between Jim Owens Entertainment, Inc. (the folks behind Crook & Chase, another part of the network’s lineup) and Luken Communications, LLC (the folks behind Retro TV – a.k.a. RTV – formerly seen on 13.2).

Another digital sub-channel appears to have gone dark – at least that’s what it looks like over on 68.2, where TheCOOLTV lived until August 31. That’s when it was dropped by all 32 Sinclair Broadcasting stations that had been carrying it, reducing its footprint substantially.

You can still watch it online though if you’re really missing it…

City Stages unveils online schedule, new acts

We haven’t done much digging through City Stages‘ new online calendar – yet – but considering that they’re using sched.org to maintain it, it is bound to be a useful tool for folks planning to attend this year’s edition of the music festival held in Birmingham’s city center. You’ll be able to send the schedule to your phone, subscribe to a calendar ICS feed and even merge schedules so you know where your friends are headed.

They’ve also added a new act to the lineup – local favorite Wild Sweet Orange will now be gracing The Discovery Stage on Friday evening, June 19 starting at 9 p.m., serving at the opening act for Plain White T’s. There’s no mention of the headliner’s appearance on their site, but it wouldn’t be a surprise either…

Jane’s Addiction is not included in the listings, nor is their performance listed on their upcoming tour dates. There is word though that Perry Farrell injured (actually tore) his calf muscle Sunday while performing in Atlanta’s Lakewood Amphitheatre. He’s still planning on performing tonight in Austin, TX.