TV Pioneer Hernreich Dies at Age 97
by February 21, 2000 12:00 am 336 views
George Hernreich, who founded two of the television stations that now serve Northwest Arkansas, died Feb. 13 at his home in Fort Smith.
During World War II, Hernreich raised money to buy a radio station, KFPW, by selling wristwatches to soldiers at Fort Chaffee.
In 1953, he started Fort Smith’s first television, which later became KFSM, Channel 5, with offices in Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Hernreich also founded the two stations that became KHBS/KHOG, Channels 40/29, which also serves Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas. He started KHBS in 1971 and and KTVP in 1977. KTVP became KHOG in 1990.
Hernreich also started KAIT, the first television station in Jonesboro, and owned radio stations in Hot Springs.
KFSM is now owned by The New York Times Co., and KHBS/KHOG is owned by Hearst-Argyle Corp.