KBLR From 3J would be much harder for us if they weren’t here.” Still, it’s difficult for any inde pendent to take on an established power like KVVU TV-5, but Groesbeck says Channel 33 doesn’t consider Channel 5 its mein competitor because “they’re also a Fox network affiliate. We’re more competitive with Channel 21.” Channel 33 has gone after a “family orientation” format says Groesbeck, who began at the sta tion as sales manager. "We’ve been consistent with that.” But he believes Channel 39’s incon sistency in programming was one reason for its downfall. “It was part-religious and part- entertainment, which raises the question in viewers’ minds, ‘What am I watching here?* ” Groesbeck said. “A few years ago a religious station would’ve been supported. Now, with the problems televan gelists have been having, it would be difficult.” Channel 33, which has 26 full time and three part-time employ ees, does broadcast a live, local religious program each weekday morning, but that’s part of the station’s programming strategy, not a swing toward putting on more programs 'with religious content. Local programs have been a part of the station’s format al most from the start. “We thought we could differen tiate ourselves from other sta tions with local programs,” Groesbeck said. That’s the role of an independent, he added. “There’s almost a stigma at tached toward ‘local’ programs in Las Vegas. But quality local pro gramming can be done. Our show, ‘Flashforward,’ was well done. Unfortunately we had time constraints and had to take the show off the air. But it will return in the next three to four months.” Without the yoke of being a network affiliate, independents can do different things, he be lieves. “What the affiliates air is dic tated by the network. You lose some creativity when you’re an affiliate.” Some local stations in other markets also produce local news programs, and Channel 5 is slat ed to begin a news broadcast within two years. But, “It’s high ly unlikely we’ll do that,” Groes beck said. “The local affiliates do a good job. I don’t think we’d have anything to gain, and we’d incur great costs.” In addition to local programs, the station has brought back “Bo nanza,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Get Smart,” "Green Acres,” “Batman” quired movie packages starring and “Gilligan’s Island,” among Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, others. Part of the station’s strat- and will air "The Blues Broth- egy has been to acquire “pro- era,” “Deer Hunter,” “American grams we watched when we were Graffiti” and “Jaws.” kids,” said Groesbeck. “A lot of — them still have a great deal of audience appeal.” On the other hand, Channel 33 is also looking for more first-run syndicated programs, and has put on new versions of "Adam 12” and “Dragnet,” while also adding the new hour dramas “Shades of L.A.," "They Came From Outer Space,” and “Love and Curses.” "New programming will help us, but it’s a matter of time for viewers to develop station loyal ty,” Groesbeck said. Sports is another audience draw, and Channel 33 is airing Atlantic Coast Conference foot ball games and San Francisco Gi ants baseball games, plus the oc casional motoreports event. The station also is expanding its airing of movies, having ac- ST. VINCENT STORES Where Not for Profit MEANS Not (or Profit. Proceeds are used to help over 2000people each day! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT. Call 382-978124 hour pick-up line for your tax deductible donations. • 808 S. Main St. • 1501 Las Vegas Bfvd. N. • 4921 Vegas Dr. • 200 S. Boulder Hwy. - Henderson Sgoraoed by Ctoidc Commgre* Sana* cl lewd* NO OOOR TO DOOR S0UCSWKM