By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-827960.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Time Warner Cable debuted its latest channel offering Wednesday night. The cable Television provider rolled out YNN, a local 24-hour news channel for its Western New York customers. Company officials say it is a service that will benefit the community and build customer loyalty.
The channel is called YNN - Your News Now. To meet that promise, the news service employees 20 full-time reporters and support staff who work out of the Buffalo offices. The channel will carry half-hour newscasts throughout the day, with western new york news, weather and sports coverage. Buffalo native, Jim Aroune is executive editor for YNN. He said the young news team will immerse itself in the community to earn credibility with viewers.
But he acknowledged there will be a learning curve. The news service will compete with a line-up of well-established local network television news stations. Still, YNN is the region's only full-time television news offering.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the 24-hour format - and the investment in the city - are welcome additions.
Time Warner already has similar news operations across the state, including New York City, Albany, Syracuse and Rochester. Aroune said their customers in those markets tell them that the local news channel is the main reason they do not turn to other cable television providers.
Steve Paulus is General Manager for Time Warner's news division. He said the company is committed to the Buffalo channel and will continue to expand the operation over time.
YNN can be seen on Time Warner's channel nine in the suburbs and channel 14 in the city.
Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.