The show promises to pull back the curtain on life at the independent news station, providing “an entertaining glimpse into a scrappy, hardworking local news broadcaster looking to expand into a bigger market during challenging times,” according to HBO. The series also “celebrates the can-do spirit, community pride and political diversity” among the station’s employees. Ready for a real-life story that’s probably too hilarious to seem true? Here is everything you need to know about Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump.
When does Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump premiere?
The docuseries premieres Monday, Aug. 2. at 9 p.m. ET on HBO with two back-to-back episodes. Subsequent episodes will air back-to-back on Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 in the same timeframe.
How to watch Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump
The series, executive produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, will air on HBO and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
How many episodes of Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump will there be?
There will be six half-hour episodes.
Where is Pahrump located?
The small city (population: about 37,000) is located in Nevada, just 62 miles west of Las Vegas and about an hour’s drive east of Death Valley National Park. In 2015, Pahrump was named one of the worst small cities in the U.S. in a WalletHub ranking, but the city’s tourism platform promises such enticing attractions as rock climbing, mountain biking, wineries and distilleries. Pahrump’s slogan? “True Nevada.”
What is KPVM?
KPVM is one of 95 independently owned news stations in the United States, per HBO. The station is owned and operated by Vernon Van Winkle, known as “Vern,” and his singer-songwriter wife, Ronda Van Winkle.
Who is in the Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump cast?
The documentary series is made up of a “colorful cast of characters in front of and behind the cameras,” according to HBO. Besides the Van Winkles, there’s news director Deanna O’Donnell, who describes herself as “24/7” because she does the dishes and the vacuuming in the studio alongside producing and delivering the news. (The studio even has chickens and a dog, all of which she feeds!) EunetteGentry is a co-anchor with self-described “resting smile face.” Darbie O’Donnell (who’s Deanna’s daughter!) and Missey Kohler are reporters at KPVM, while Missey’s husband John Kohler is the “fun-loving” weatherman at the station. Janet Errett and Memarie Aldrid are account executives at KPVM, while Ubaldo Alvarado Jr. is the studio operations manager.
What is Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump about?
The HBO series centers around the local news station KPVM in Pahrump, Nevada. Vern, the owner, wants to expand into the Las Vegas market, so he and his “small team take on daunting challenges—a new tower must be erected to provide a stronger broadcast signal, new ideas are needed to generate advertising revenue, and stories must broaden out beyond local interests. And in the months leading up to the 2020 presidential election, KPVM must navigate the red-hot political environment and their own internal political leanings while striving to remain neutral and boost viewership,” according to HBO. “But in an era of divisive politics, the series reveals a greater respect and camaraderie for those with different opinions than is typically portrayed in the national media. Pahrump and KPVM showcase people across the entire political spectrum and a sense of community, civility, friendship and laughter prevails.”
Is there a trailer for Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump?
Yes! Check out the trailer for the new HBO documentary series below: Next, your guide to HBO Max!
