Tucson TV Station report on local wildfire & TV coverage
On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, a wildfire broke out just south of Oracle, Arizona. Immediate evacuations were ordered for the southeastern part of the community Oracle due to the dangers presented by the Cody Fire. That night the evacuations were expanded to include most of the community as the fire exploded in size to 1000 acres. Firefighters and aerial tankers attacked the fire, but some homes were burned. Thursday, 22 May, there was a lot of smoke in the sky over Oracle. Friday morning, 23 May, the fire was 1218 acres with 5% containment.
Thursday morning, 22 May, I was interviewed by KGUN TV Channel 9 in Tucson for their story "Cody Fire marks first major emergency since Oracle gained Tucson TV coverage". The story aired on their Thursday evening newscasts.
Click image to view story
Much of what I said during the interview about the "TV Market Area Modification" process and challenges was not used for their story. The story made it sound like I did this on my own as my comments and thanks to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, the County staff, the County attorneys, and the residents who supported my efforts were not included. However, the importance to Oracle and surrounding communities of the 11 year effort that culminated in the "TV Market Area Modification" approval on 8 April 2024 by the FCC was masterfully presented in their story. Many thanks to KGUN for providing excellent coverage of the wildfire in Oracle.
Mike Weasner
Satellite TV Reform Advocate
Oracle, Arizona
Main Flawed Satellite TV Regulation page