News Photo by Mike Gonzalez Kevin Hodge, WBKB news director, works at his desk on Tuesday in the newsroom. WBKB is expanding its newscast after striking a partnership with UpNorthLive News in Traverse City.

ALPENA — WBKB, a local television news station in Alpena purchased by Morgan Murphy Media on Sept. 15, expands its newscast after striking a partnership with UpNorthLive News in Traverse City on Thursday.

Through the partnership, UpNorthLive newscasts will come to Alpena televisions with short segments from WBKB.

Kevin Hodge, WBKB news director, confirmed news production from the local station will decrease, but said that coverage amounts are still being worked out.

“This partnership is going to increase news coverage for people, but I am slightly disappointed because this is not the show and news people are used to,” Hodge said. “I’m hoping it’s for the best and we hope to continue providing people the news they want.”

Hodge’s two-year contract with Morgan Murphy Media will end on Thursday. Hodge said he and higher-up officials are currently working out a new contract for himself with hopes of seeing a finished product to sign by Thursday.

Hodge had no comment about other WBKB staff’s job security.

“I want to thank the community for tuning in to our past shows,” Hodge said. “We’re not going off the air, but it will be a different show.”

The updated newscast schedule is outlined here:

* Monday – Friday: 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.

* Monday – Friday: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

* Monday – Friday: 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

* Monday – Friday: 11 p.m to 11:35 p.m.

* Saturday – Sunday: 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

* Saturday – Sunday: 11 p.m. to 11:35 p.m.

The program schedule is expected to be available by the end of April.

“Local news is the lifeblood of any TV station and we take our commitment to serving the community seriously,” Morgan Murphy Media vice president and chief operating officer Brian Burns said in a press release. “This partnership instantly gives our local news viewers much greater access to high-quality news and weather covering all parts of northern Michigan while providing a greater spotlight on what’s happening in Alpena and the surrounding communities.”