After 19 years, Clint Stennett will be out of a job in the private sector. His E-Da-Hoe Inc. filed papers with the Federal Communications Commission to approve the sale of television stations KSVT and KSVX to Plum TV of New York City. E-Da-Hoe Inc. owns the stations, which are located in Hailey. They air locally on channels 13 and 14.
Of course, Stennett has another gig, as an Idaho State senator from District 25. He said that job will remain his priority along with getting other Democrats into office.
The 24-hour television network Plum TV made the initial approach about selling the station.
"It's an opportunity," Stennett said from Arizona, where he and his wife, Michelle, were vacationing. "It's a good operation that is in several other high-end resorts like ours and understands the market."
Founded five years ago by Nantucket Nectars founder Tom Scott, Plum TV also has affiliate stations in Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Martha's Vineyard, the Hamptons and a flagship station in Nantucket, Mass.
The Plum Web site states: "The majority of Plum's programming is made in and about our hometowns, a live daily morning show unique to each area brings your famous and fascinating neighbors into your home."
"I've been excited about Sun Valley since the notion came to mind," Scott said by phone from New York. "I lived in Nantucket a long time. I know what it's like to live in one of those towns, the ebbs and flows, the tourists. Sun Valley and Telluride are virtual islands. The beauty and mountains surround you. The details are different from place to place and we have things to learn."
Scott has been coming to Sun Valley for years, he said. Even the name of the area he always found evocative. A friend, Mila Riggio of Hailey, has been Plum's contact here in the valley. Stennett said he will consult with the new team. There is nothing definitive yet on what shows or talent will remain on the air or with the station.
"The shows will evolve over time," Scott said. "One thing we've learned is that we have plenty to learn. We'll be listening and skiing and watching, adding and improving. It will take time. It won't even be Plum TV for six to eight months. We still need FCC approval, which takes time. We'll slowly try to integrate.
"We want to keep it as local as we can. Sometimes you need to bring someone in, an editor or something. But local knowledge is just key to our success."
Scott, who will be a presence in town, said the station will cover all things local, from weather to school closings, ski conditions, and local history. "The Morning Noon & Night Show" is a staple on the other affiliate stations, as are film festivals, documentaries, kids' and talk shows. Director of Local Programming David Kuhn will head up the transition from KSVT to Plum.
In the deal with E-Da-Hoe Inc., Plum will also acquire K20HW in McCall.
