WEIU-TV live broadcast to end, switching to streaming only

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - WEIU-TV in Charleston is ending it's television on-air News Watch broadcast, switching to a streaming only station next month.

General Manger of WEIU-TV/FM Jeff Owens told WAND the station will switch to streaming only on May 15. News Watch will stream live on the station's website and YouTube channel at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the fall and spring semesters at Eastern Illinois University.

"We will grow our online news and informational presence. The EIU student experience will not change, other than where viewers can find us," Owens said.

Owens added the process has been a learning experience for staff and students alike.

The changes come amidst the PBS funding cut nationally in July that left the station with about 20% of its normal operating budget.

WEIU.net will house most of WEIU's local programming from the past.

"We have a plan to move forward that makes sense to all of us," Owens said. "I would like to thank EIU President Dr. Gatrell, Holly Farley, acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr. Matt Gill Department Chair for the School of Communication and Journalism at EIU. These three have been vital to WEIU this year."

WEIU Hit-Mix 88.9 will continue operations as normal.