Although Champaign-Urbana is still free of any Clear Channel stations, you might not realize that the nation's largest owner of TV stations has a presence here. In fact, only one local TV station is owned locally: public station WILL-TV.

On the next mediageek we'll explore this issue of ownership and connect it to the quality of our local newscasts, a distinct rightward swing in on-air commentary, and what kind of local TV future that may be in store.

This is part two of a two-part look at local media ownership in Champaign-Urbana on the mediageek radio show, airing at 5:30 PM on Friday, April 9 on community radio WEFT 90.1 FM.

If you missed part one, you can listen to it on-line at the mediageek radioshow website.

The April 9 show will also be our second pledge drive show. If you haven't already called in your financial pledge of support to WEFT, please do so now or on Friday. The number is 359-9338. And if you pledge $65 or more, you can get Prof. Robert McChesney's insighful new book the Problem of the Media as a thank -you gift. It's just the book every mediageek should have on her shelf.