(April 8, 1997) With the selection for a contractor on the Interstate 15 rebuilding
project complete, and with actual construction just days away,
KSL Television, Channel Five, announces it's comprehensive plan
for traffic coverage - an unprecedented commitment to Utahn's
living along the Wasatch Front. "This construction project
is not just simply a traffic issue, but will effect everyone,"
said Steve Lindsley, Executive Vice President and General Manager
for KSL Television. "This is not just a matter of inconvenience
for the next four years, but effects commerce, transportation,
our economy, work schedules, and even the effectiveness of dispatching
of emergency vehicles. With an issue this critical to our viewers,
the Number One Eyewitness News will mobilize its resources and
cover this important news event like no one else can."
Channel Five's commitment to prepare for I-15 reconstruction was
first made evident by last November's debut of TrafficLink.
This state-of-the-art fiber-optic camera network initially began
with three fixed camera positions strategically placed along the
I-15 corridor. These remote cameras are controlled from KSL studios
inside the Triad Center. TrafficLink has already played
a significant role in alerting commuters to slowdowns and accidents,
and will play an even greater role as the system continues to
expand. KSL's traffic plan includes the installation of 10 TrafficLink
cameras along the I-15 corridor, with future expansion anticipated
on other major routes.
To supplement the TrafficLink system Channel Five will
also deploy another unique feature to the Eyewitness News arsenal
- Chopper Five. "With Channel Five's coverage area,
having the only full-time news helicopter in Utah is a vital asset,"
said Ray Carter, Vice President and Director of News Services
for KSL Television. "As soon as construction to I-15 begins,
we will take that valued resource and use Chopper Five
on a daily basis - not just to monitor the construction, but to
help commuters by offering alternative routes." KSL's aerial
threat goes a step further - Duane Southwick, KSL's long-time
Eye in the Sky, will keep watch over the entire
Wasatch Front, updating traffic flow, monitoring all major routes,
and using his years of experience to offer viewers alternative
ways to avoid gridlock. Duane in the Plane will
work in tandem with Chopper Five and TrafficLink,
giving Utahn's the most comprehensive real-time information possible.
Channel Five will offer viewers this unprecedented traffic coverage
beginning weekdays at 5:30 am on "Eyewitness News Daybreak."
The live-camera looks from TrafficLink and Chopper
Five will be supplemented by commuter-friendly graphics and
maps, helping the viewer to use this information as a tool in
planning their morning commutes. Reports, updates, and cut-ins
will continue in other newscasts throughout the day, and as important
information becomes available. KSL's traffic resources on television
and radio are just a part of this over-all plan. Viewers will
soon have access to TrafficLink information, on demand,
through the Internet. KSL.COM, Utah's Internet information
leader, will soon feature TrafficLink cameras on the world
wide web. This will allow anyone at anytime to monitor the traffic
situation before leaving for their destination.
KSL Television, Channel Five, will be Utah's source of traffic information during I-15 reconstruction and beyond. With Eyewitness News' continuing Eye on 15 special reports, with TrafficLink, Chopper Five, Duane in the Plane, and KSL.COM, The News Specialists have the resources to provide more accurate information, faster, than anyone else can. When it comes to traffic, Channel Five is The Only Show on the Road!