MANKATO— Aside from a couple of details still in the works, the Mankato Fox station is set to launch July 1.
KEYC TV announced a few months ago that the longtime CBS affiliate would be adding the second network. Fox network approached KEYC last summer and pitched the idea.
Fox programming, such as “American Idol,” “The Simpsons” and NFL football will be aired on the Mankato Fox channel. Because of non-duplication protection guaranteed to the local affiliate, programming will not be duplicated on Fox 9 out of the Twin Cities, said Denny Wahlstrom, KEYC vice president and general manager.
That means if “American Idol” is scheduled to air at the same time on both Fox 9 and the Mankato Fox channel, Fox 9 will go black and the program only will be aired on the local affiliate. The cable channel of the local station has yet to be determined. Those with the new digital ready television sets will view the station on channel 12-2.
KEYC is still working with Direct TV regarding satellite television carrying the local Fox station. If a deal is not struck, Direct TV subscribers still will be able to view Fox 9 and will not miss programming because of the non-duplication protection, Wahlstrom said.
A local 30-minute 9 p.m. newscast also will air on Mankato Fox. An anchor separate from KEYC’s news program will be hired. The same weather and sports personnel will be on both the Fox and KEYC newscasts.
Mankato Fox will have access to Fox’s syndicated programming, such as “Family Guy,” “Ellen” and “Martha Stewart,” among others. Wahlstrom and Jan Ellanson of KEYC will determine the programming.
Local advertisements will air on the station.
KEYC’s programming will not change.
