KCTU Local Programming and Broadcasting History
Beyond its network affiliations, KCTU serves its community through a diverse array of local public affairs and specialty programming. By blending news, talk shows, and religious services, the station provides a platform for local voices and community interests in the Wichita area.
Current Local Programming
The station currently maintains a schedule of locally produced content designed to engage different demographics throughout the week. A cornerstone of this lineup is Your Hour, a news and interview program that airs every weekday at noon.
For those seeking targeted discussions, the station broadcasts Mouthy Broads, a talk show oriented toward female audiences, every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Additionally, KCTU supports local faith communities by broadcasting a religious service from Wichita's Riverside Christian Church every Sunday at 9 a.m.
The Evolution of KCTU News
KCTU previously operated a full-scale news department, which was led for several years by R. J. Dickens. During the early 2000s, the station produced comprehensive hour-long newscasts at 4 p.m. This format was later adjusted between 2004 and 2005, when the program was reduced to a half-hour and moved to a 4:30 p.m. time slot.
The final regular news broadcast aired on March 3, 2005. While full newscasts ended, the station continued to integrate news segments into other programming, most notably as inserts during Your Hour. During the period of River City ownership and affiliation with Azteca América, the news department also expanded its reach by producing Spanish-language newscasts and updates for KSMI-LP.
Award Recognition and Special Projects
The station's commitment to journalism earned it significant industry recognition. In 2005, KCTU was nominated for a Heartland Emmy Award for Best Dayside Newscast. This was a landmark achievement, as it was reportedly the first time an English-language low-power station (a station with limited broadcast range) in a Nielsen Top 160 market received such a nomination. The station earned a second nomination in 2010, this time for its news graphics.
In addition to news, KCTU produced The River City Forum, a program featuring a mix of permanent weeknight hosts and rotating fill-in presenters.
Seasonal Traditions
KCTU maintains a cherished local tradition during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving night through Christmas Eve, the station broadcasts the early 1980s version of Santa's Workshop. This long-running Wichita television program is well-known for featuring Henry Harvey in the role of Santa.
Key Facts
- Current Shows: Your Hour (weekdays at noon) and Mouthy Broads (Wednesdays at 6 p.m.).
- Religious Broadcasts: Riverside Christian Church services air Sundays at 9 a.m.
- News History: Regular newscasts ended March 3, 2005, previously led by R. J. Dickens.
- Accolades: Two Heartland Emmy nominations (2005 for Best Dayside Newscast and 2010 for graphics).
- Holiday Special: Airs the 1980s-era Santa's Workshop from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
| Program Name | Type | Schedule/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Your Hour | News & Interviews | Weekdays at Noon |
| Mouthy Broads | Female-oriented Talk | Wednesdays at 6 p.m. |
| Riverside Christian Church | Religious Service | Sundays at 9 a.m. |
| Santa's Workshop | Holiday Special | Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve |
| The River City Forum | Talk/Forum | Previously Produced |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current news offering on KCTU?
While KCTU no longer airs full regular newscasts, it provides news segments primarily as inserts during the weekday noon program, Your Hour.
When did KCTU stop producing regular newscasts?
The last regular news broadcast aired on March 3, 2005.
What Emmy awards has KCTU been nominated for?
KCTU received Heartland Emmy nominations in 2005 for Best Dayside Newscast and in 2010 for its news graphics.
Does KCTU provide multilingual content?
Yes, the station's news department previously produced Spanish-language newscasts and updates for KSMI-LP during its affiliation with Azteca América.
What is the significance of Santa's Workshop on KCTU?
It is a long-running Wichita TV program featuring Henry Harvey as Santa, which KCTU broadcasts annually from Thanksgiving night through Christmas Eve.