The Arkansas Educational Television Network reported today that tower analysis for the KETS Channel 2 antenna has been completed, and the network is awaiting approval from KASN and the Arkansas Building Authority to begin the installation of new equipment. Repairs are expected to be completed during March."Towers are designed to hold only a certain weight, including heavy ice in the winter time, and withstand a maximum amount of high winds," AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said. "A complete structural analysis had to be performed by a licensed tower engineering firm to be sure the tower can safely hold the additional load of the emergency analog KETS Channel 2 antenna before we could install anything on the KASN tower.

"Once we’ve obtained work approval from the tower owner and state regulators, an expert installation crew will begin work at the site to hang the antenna at approximately 1,000 feet above the ground. That work will require about a week of clear, calm weather."After the antenna is installed on the tower, KETS will be able to resume broadcasting on analog channel 2 until Feb. 17, 2009, when analog broadcasting will be replaced by 100 percent digital broadcasting.

Weatherly notes that the analog KETS will be operating on an emergency, lower power configuration to reach as many viewers as possible until the digital conversion. The reach of the new transmitter has not yet been determined, which leaves the potential for some viewers to be without access to AETN. However, anyone who watches over the air would still be able to watch AETN’s digital broadcasts on a digital television. Viewers in Southeast Arkansas are encouraged to tune into KETZ DT 12.

AETN lost its KETS analog transmitter when the KATV 7 tower in Redfield collapsed on Jan. 11 while undergoing maintenance procedures to replace several sets of large guy wires. The transmitter was the first in the AETN system, having been placed in 1966, and still served the network’s largest audience. AETN’s KETS digital service was not affected because its transmitter is housed at Clear Channel Communications.

Little Rock and Conway cable customers and subscribers to Dish Network and Direct TV satellite services did not lose AETN programming because those providers were already using the KETS digital signal in anticipation of the February 2009 analog shutoff. Other cable companies are encouraged to switch to the AETN digital feed as soon as possible.

"We appreciate the patience of our viewers," Weatherly said. "We never realize just how many people are watching and enjoying public television until something like this happens!"

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s digital and analog transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.