Tutt Media Group, in operation in Kinston for more than 10 years, is expanding to add the Heartland country music network and other family shows.
Tutt Media Group is broadcasting on WTMH 21 in Kinston, WTMQ 41 in Jacksonville and WTMV 29 in Wilmington. Each station operates three channels, all of which are available over the air to viewers using antennas.
The primary Kinston channel, which features the locally produced “Downeast Today” show and Heartland’s national programming, is also available to Suddenlink cable users on digital channel 122. Heartland is expected to be available to Time-Warner cable users in the Jacksonville and Wilmington markets by year’s end.
In addition to Heartland, WTMH 21 broadcasts My Family TV (21.2), a mix of PG- and G-rated shows from sports to home improvement, and Retro TV (21.3), whose lineup of classic TV programs includes “Hopalong Cassidy” and “Route 66.”
Providing programming suitable for the entire family has been a guiding principle in the Tutt Media Group expansion, said owner Clark Tutt.
“On our stations, every hour is family hour,” Tutt said. “Our aim is to provide quality programming that has a broad appeal, but where violence and overt sexual content is noticeably absent. We think there is a demand for – and an appreciation of – that type of programming in our broadcast area.”
The combined signal of TMG’s three stations covers an area from Greenville south to Wilmington and from Goldsboro east to Havelock, a region with a population of about 1.8 million people.
Tutt Media Group grew out of Tutt’s local television, video production and recording operations, active in Kinston since 1969. TACC9, the television operation Kinston area viewers are most familiar with, continues to provide local interview, public service and entertainment shows via Suddenlink’s channel 9. Adnet, Tutt’s production firm, continues as well.
Tutt says future plans for Tutt Media Group’s stations include the introduction of more local programming, additional national programming in the Wilmington market and expanded airing of local sporting events.