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Local station KIKU
will add some
U.S. programming

LOCAL television station KIKU-TV has entered into an affiliate relationship with United Paramount Network, whose American programming used to air on KFVE. Some UPN shows will take to KIKU's air starting Monday.

However, UPN's shows will not be taking over the primarily Japanese programming on KIKU. Japanese-language shows will continue to dominate prime time.

"We have the exclusive right to UPN's programming in Hawaii," said KIKU station manager Jason Hagiwara. "We are still Hawaii's No. 1 independent TV station."

The station will air a two-hour block of UPN programs from 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays, including "America's Next Top Model" at 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

Hagiwara said he believes the addition of UPN programs will provide fresh choices to viewers and advertisers. The UPN shows tend to draw a younger audience than would tune in to the talk and news shows appearing on many of the other channels at that time of day, Hagiwara said.

"Nationally, the UPN network is very strong in adults 18 to 49, the coveted demographic for most advertisers."

The station also will air UPN programming from 10 p.m. to midnight Saturdays, such as "WWE Smackdown," scheduled for Nov. 6.

"We have a long history of providing Japanese programming to our viewers. We have a firm commitment to providing high-quality Japanese entertainment to the islands," Hagiwara said.

Buzzbits

Hawaii Public Radio's twice-a-year pledge drive is forging forward to reach its nearly $497,000 goal. Meanwhile, University of Hawaii radio station KTUH-FM 90.3 raised $33,000 during a seven-day effort earlier this month, but fell $2,000 short of its goal. It can still accept donations ... Longtime public relations man Doug Carlson has launched a new business sideline, called "Comma'aina Commo." The play on spelling and abbreviations is a wink at its mission, to edit and improve communications to help businesses avoid embarrassing errors, such as on Web sites.

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