About 49 News

49 ABC News
2121 SW Chelsea Dr.
Topeka, KS 66614
Newsroom: (785) 215-8500
Sports: (785) 215-8503
Main phone: (785) 273-4949
News Fax: (785) 215-8495
Business Fax: (785) 273-7811

Welcome to the 49 News Web site.

About 49 News

On August 29, 2005, Channel 49 was purchased by Free State Communications, a privately owned Kansas-based media and communications company. On February 5, 2006, we launched our first local news broadcast since the local news went off the air in 2002.

This new ownership heralds a new era for 49 News and many exciting changes in the months and years to come. We're renewing our focus on providing local, regional and national news to Topeka and viewers in northeast Kansas. We broadcast news at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. during weekdays and 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We're continuing a vital, action-oriented commitment to contributing to the communities that we serve. We promise to deliver high-quality programming to our viewers both through our ABC affiliation and through our own local production efforts.

Our Mission

49 ABC News strives for fair and accurate reporting. Our mission is to deliver the news that directly affects real people and their lives. Our goal is to provide information that improves and enriches individuals' lives and communities. 49 News' stories are relevant to issues and events that make a difference in the lives of our viewers and readers. We devote our efforts to connecting with you and allowing you to tell your stories. We investigate stories to better provide you a clear understanding of the many issues facing Kansans and Americans today. The 49 News team strives for professionalism, honesty, integrity and accuracy.

About this site

This Web site launched February 5, 2006, in conjunction with the local news programming. KTKA.com is an important part of what makes 49 News successful. Additionally, local residents, readers and viewers help make this Web site successful. This Web site is just as much yours as it is ours; and we hope that you contribute to it. We built this site with plenty of spaces and opportunities where you can publish your own stories, photos and video. We've created an easy registration process that enables you to publish your thoughts on stories and in forums. We've also opened up our pages to area residents' blogs. And you may even find a few from 49 News staff.

The 49 News online staff understand how busy people are with jobs, family and life, so we've diversified the ways in which you can listen to and watch 49 News. Not near a computer or television when news breaks? No problem. Newscasts are available on cell phones, iPods and other mp3 players, as well as on KTKA.com's Flash player. You can even sign up to receive e-mail news alert on your cell phone.

49 News understands that when news happens, you want to hear or read about it as soon as possible. So, if our anchors cannot break into ABC programming, we'll publish the breaking news on this Web site. KTKA.com is dedicated to providing up-to-date information seven days a week. When news happens, the online staff responds by publishing breaking news on this Web site in a timely and accurate manner in order to keep you informed and safe.

Work for Channel 49

You can find current employment opportunities on our jobs page.

KTKA.com is powered by the Ellington online publishing platform.

Advertisement

Keep an eye on Topeka's weather with the 49 ABC News Sky Cam.

On the air

KTKA 49 Contest Rules

Latest storm news, via Twitter

Online chats

49 Sports Challenge

It's time for the 2009 49 Sports Challenge! Click here to see the challenges 49 Sports Anchor Nic Hoch faces, or to challenge him yourself!

Swine Flu

Follow what's happening with the swine flu here.

49 News Kidcasts

Watch future TV stars, 6 to 12 years old, give the day's records on 49 Storm Team Weather here.

Main Street Live

KTKA 49 ABC is coming to your hometown. This Summer, starting June 10th, catch Main Street Live. Every Wednesday, we'll broadcast live from a city in Northeast Kansas, highlighting that community. Visit our Main Street Live homepage to find out when we might be coming to your town. You can send us photos and info about your town as well.

Register to Win

Register to win Worlds of Fun tickets.

A Day Away

Gather up the family and let "A Day Away" be your guide to investigating the nooks and crannies of the Sunflower State.

America's Next Top Model

Click here for eligibility requirements. Click here for the application.


TV Schedule

Voices

Latest blog entries

Severe weather and the 4th of July

From Weather Watch

This holiday weekend, much like Memorial Day weekend, is always filled with outdoor activities, barbeques and storms.
Le Tour

From The Hub

Can Lance win?

Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.

Latest blog comments:

Want to comment on the news?

Now you can - register for a free account and post comments to stories, blogs, podcasts and more, only on 49abcnews.com. Go »

Poll

Should ambulances charge more for people who weigh more than 350 pounds?

See the results without voting »