Michael Hibblen

I’m sorry.

Interesting developments! I’m excited for both Byron and Benji in their new roles.

Arkansas judge blocks state law increasing signature requirement for ballot measures  | Arkansas Advocate An Arkansas judge on Thursday blocked implementation of a 2023 state  law that increased the signature requirements for measures to qualify for the ballot.

Arkansas judge blocks state law increasing signature requirement for ballot measures  #ARLeg #ARpx arkansasadvocate.com/2026/02/13/a...

I’ve lost track of what crap is on the broadcast HD signals from them, but rescan regularly when I’m at my mom’s. So little is worth watching, though I’m happy when I can find Beverly Hillbillies rather than ‘80s junk.

So, Nexstar has 4, 16, 42, 38 and all their subs in addition to the NWA stations. If they merge 11 in there I cannot imagine how they can support all that hardware and payroll.

I can't imagine any reason to watch Sinclair.

You got clear of AETN just in time.

Using Mr. Rogers in a Super Bowl commercial for mortgages should result in prison time

Trump pushes for Nexstar-Tegna merger The president’s call could disappoint key conservative media operatives opposed to the deal.

Approval would violate current limits on how many television stations a single company can operate. It would drastically reduce local news coverage in Arkansas.

The Little Rock market would likely end up only having two TV newsrooms if a proposed merger of Nexstar and Tegna — which President Trump today called for the FCC to approve — goes through. The two corporations operate KARK-4, KLRT-Fox 16 and THV11. That leaves KATV-7, owned by Sinclair.

Washington Post cuts a third of its staff in a blow to a legendary news brand The Washington Post has laid off one-third of its staff, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage.

This stings.

Arkansas public television viewers, parents disillusioned with network's plan to cut ties with PBS | Arkansas Advocate Some viewers are threatening to not just tune out, but no longer give money to the network, according to emails obtained via a records request.

A great read from @tessmvrbin.bsky.social taking a look at Arkansas’ decision to cut ties with PBS

arkansasadvocate.com/2026/01/26/a...

New restoration work planned for Rock Island Perry Depot A new phase of restoration work is to begin soon on the Rock Island Railroad Depot in Perry, Arkansas. A retired architect known for his expertise in historic preservation is planning to restore the…

A new phase of work will begin soon to preserve the 108-year-old Rock Island Railroad Depot in Perry, Arkansas. I've been part of what initially seemed like a long-shot effort to save the historic structure for nine years now and wrote this update. hibblenradio.com/new-restorat...

Why Amtrak-Accessible Parks Could Become The National Park System’s Future As we move toward more sustainable travel options, having more Amtrak-accessible National Parks might be a crucial move.

"One proposed solution to the gridlock and parking problems at many of the country’s major national parks is expanding access via Amtrak trains" HELL YES www.thetravel.com/why-amtrak-a...

Agreed. I enjoyed having the option of reliable rail travel when I’ve lived elsewhere in the country and it’s so much more relaxing than driving. We’re past due in having a real national rail infrastructure in the US.

Terri Womack, wife of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, dies at 68 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette WASHINGTON — Terri Womack, the wife of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, died Sunday, the Rogers congressman announced Tuesday. She was 68 years old.

More on Terri Womack and the condolences for the Womack family.

•ll AT&T - 11:26 AM Incognito mode is on v 26% 0 Clarence Wilson, a member of the Rock Island Colored Booster Quartet made the earliest known written transcription of "Rock Island Line" in 1929. The singing group was made up of employees of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad at the Biddle Shops freight yard in Little Rock, Arkansas. The lyrics to this version are largely different from the version that later became famous, as explained below. The first audio recording of the song was made by folklorist and musicologist John A. Lomax at the Tucker, Arkansas prison farm on September 29, 1934 (sometimes identified as "Kelly Pace and Prisoners"). (2] Lead Belly accompanied Lomax to the prison. Lomax had discovered Lead Belly in a prison in Louisiana and helped win his release, but the relationship between them was trying. John Lomax's son, Alan Lomax, holmadland Doll, handma datahlichad an a

Leadbelly’s birthday.
He popularized the now-classic “Rock Island Line,” a song with Arkansas origins that’s been recorded & performed by many artists, including Lonnie Donegan & Johnny Cash.

youtu.be/Bwc5wMNidSk?...

UPDATED: University of Arkansas withdraws incoming law dean’s offer in wake of Republican complaints | Arkansas Advocate The University of Arkansas abruptly revoked its offer to the incoming dean of its law school after key Republicans complained about her background and legal position on protections for transgender ath...

UPDATED: University of Arkansas withdraws incoming law dean’s offer in wake of Republican complaints arkansasadvocate.com/2026/01/15/u...

11 years ago today, Little Rock’s Cinema 150 was torn down. I was there taking photos and interviewing people as it took two excavators less than an hour to demolish the unique dome-shaped movie theater at the corner of Asher and University. It opened in 1968 and featured a 150-degree angle screen.

Alex Thomas and Steve Barnes, left to right, in a still from the newest episode of "Arkansas Week."

Guess what? I'm back on "Arkansas Week" this evening!

Tune in at 7:30 p.m. Central as we navigate a new year on Capitol Hill.

The beat goes on: A Q&A with journalist Andrew DeMillo, new editor at the Arkansas Advocate - Arkansas Times Trusted straight man of Arkansas news, journalist Andrew DeMillo aims to preserve that reputation for truth and objectivity as he levels up to his new role as editor of the nonprofit Arkansas Advocate...

Trusted straight man of Arkansas news, journalist Andrew DeMillo aims to preserve that reputation for truth and objectivity as he levels up to his new role as editor of the nonprofit Arkansas Advocate.

Facing a New Year where traditional journalism outlets face gigantic challenges, there is a bit of good news: Consumers have never had more power to choose where and how they get information. Here's an essay w/some ideas on how to pick trustworthy sources. https://loom.ly/dSUyk5c

Arkansas Educational Television commissioner criticizes vote to sever ties with PBS | Arkansas Democrat Gazette An Arkansas Educational Television commissioner is taking issue with the commission's decision to sever ties with the Public Broadcasting Service.

Herrington was one of two commissioners who voted against disaffiliation with PBS, which came down to a 6-2 vote. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette story is behind a paywall. www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/de...

“After 14 years… on the Commission I know better than most the financial challenges we face,” Harrington wrote CEO Carlton Wing. “I cannot understand how the only option presented after your first 70 days was to deny PBS content to all Arkansans.” There had been no discussions with PBS, she said.

A commissioner is taking issue with the decision to sever ties with PBS, the Ark. Democrat-Gazette reports. “I believe there were many considerations not disclosed at the Commission meeting on Dec. 11 in the push to move with undue speed in disaffiliating,” Annette Herrington wrote in an email.

PBS says there was no effort by the Arkansas commission to negotiate before voting to end being a PBS member. The national network hopes Arkansas will reconsider.

Overcrowded: Arkansas' prison system costs inmates, taxpayers | Arkansas Advocate Expenses that accumulate inside and outside prison can keep formerly incarcerated Arkansans who may struggle to find employment stuck in the carceral system for years.

Be sure to check out Overcrowded, @arkansasadvocate.com’s series on prisons. Today’s installment by @grajeda.bsky.social looks at fines and fees formerly incarcerated people are levied. #arpx #arleg

arkansasadvocate.com/2025/12/17/o...

Amid the turmoil that is Arkansas PBS or Arkansas TV or whatever, Steve Barnes remains calm and delivers an “Arkansas Week.” The ultimate pro, who next month marks 58 continuous years on Little Rock television doing news or public affairs.

Willie Nelson Interview Very rarely in life, if we get the chance to meet people we admire, do they live up to our expectations. Willie Nelson couldn’t have been cooler. My opportunity to interview him came when he was in…

The chapter of "Willie Nelson on Willie Nelson" featuring my interview comes from a page on my website, where the audio can be heard. Thanks to Paul Maher Jr. for featuring my brief moment talking with a hero in his book. Photos from 2005: Cadace West/Miami Herald hibblenradio.com/radio-backgr...

Excitted to have an interview I recorded with Willie Nelson 20 years ago be featured in a new book which is a compilation of 31 interviews. I was working for the Miami Herald in 2005 I talked with him about biodiesel fuel and his tour with Bob Dylan playing in old ballparks around the country.

Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84 Prolific musician was known for work on songs like Green Onions and Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist whose work as an instrumentalist, producer and songwriter at Stax Records left an indelible impression on Memphis soul music, has died at the age of 84. Hs son Cameron confirmed his death to Variety. Continue reading...

Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84

Andrew DeMillo named top editor of Arkansas Advocate by States Newsroom • States Newsroom States Newsroom today announces the hiring of veteran political journalist Andrew DeMillo as editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Advocate, Arkansas’ leading state government-focused nonprofit news outlet....

The Arkansas Advocate has big news! Andrew DeMillo, a veteran reporter who has covered Arkansas politics and policy for 23 years, will take the reins from retiring founding editor Sonny Albarado next month. Read more here: