For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 13, 2001

For More Information: Bob Mercer or Mike Mueller, 773-3212

Radio, TV Plan Live Broadcasts Of World War II Memorial Dedication Events On Saturday, September 15

(Pierre) – South Dakota will be blanketed with live radio and television broadcasts Saturday from the World War II Memorial dedication in Pierre.

South Dakota Public Television and KNBN TV of Rapid City plan to broadcast the entire parade and dedication ceremony, starting Saturday morning. SDPTV has statewide broadcasting capability and also is carried statewide via cable television. KNBN will distribute the program throughout much of South Dakota via the station's PAX cable channel. The television programming begins at 11 a.m. CT and continues through the dedication ceremony, which is expected to wrap up about 4 p.m. CT.

There will be extensive live radio coverage by South Dakota Public Radio and three groups of commercial radio stations from across the state. Public Radio, which broadcasts statewide, and commercial station KSDR of Watertown plan to broadcast the dedication ceremony starting at 2 p.m. CT. Two commercial groups -- Dakota Radio and Waitt Media -- with radio stations across the state plan coverage all day.

Waitt Media includes KORN of Mitchell, KJJQ of Brookings, KYNT of Yankton, KWAT of Watertown and KCCR of Pierre. Live coverage starts at 10 a.m. CT and continues through the conclusion of the dedication ceremony. KCCR plans live coverage locally starting at 5:30 a.m.

Dakota Radio Group includes KPLO of Reliance/Chamberlain, KMLO of Mobridge, KGIM of Aberdeen, KOLY of Mobridge, KMSD of Milbank, KQRD of Redfield and KGFX of Pierre. Live coverage begins at 7 a.m. and continues through the conclusion of the dedication ceremony.

Motorists coming into Pierre can tune into KCCR (1240 AM) and KGFX (1060 AM) for continuous information and traffic updates throughout Saturday morning. The two stations will be working with the South Dakota Highway Patrol and event organizers to provide a constant flow of current information for visitors.