Tribe’s radio station now broadcasting

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s new radio station, KWIS 88.3 FM, has begun broadcasting. 

The radio station’s signal is broadcast to 8,000 households on the reservation from a tower 10 miles east of Plummer. People within a 20-mile radius can pick up the signal.

“KWIS will be a great way for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to strengthen and preserve our culture by sharing our stories, language and music with thousands of people across the reservation, both tribal and nontribal members,” said Sarah Carrillo Freeburg, station manager.

The station will also provide local news, such as community announcements about winter driving conditions or summer wildfires and information about tribal council meetings. A grant from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program helped purchase the station equipment.

The station is recruiting volunteer DJs and will be conducting training sessions shortly.  For more information, call Freeburg at (208) 686-0246.

Becky Kramer

Theater owner objects to Kodak’s name-drop

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The owner of Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre is challenging bankrupt Eastman Kodak Co.’s effort to end its sponsorship agreement and have the company’s name removed from the Academy Awards venue.

CIM Group of Los Angeles has filed an objection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court opposing Kodak’s move to get court approval to terminate its naming rights deal for Kodak Theatre.

The agreement signed in 2000 was for 20 years at a cost of $72 million, with $3.6 million due this year.

Rochester-based Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection Jan. 19 after years of turnaround efforts.

CIM claims Kodak already has reaped publicity from this year’s Oscars on Feb. 26. They argue the sponsorship should remain in place at least until the end of 2012 to give them time to find a new sponsor.

Associated Press