Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump

January 2020. KPVM owner Vern Van Winkle is poised to realize his dream of expanding his small town Pahrump station into Las Vegas. But as the staff discuss the viability of scaling up programming while managing existing deadlines, tensions boil over between news director Deanna O’Donnell, co-anchor Eunette Gentry, and the rest of the news team.

September 2020. With his expansion plans delayed due to COVID-19, Vern focuses on making a commercial to attract local advertisers. Meanwhile, as the station welcomes a new husband-and-wife team, weatherman John and news reporter Missey Kohler, a string of unexpected departures sends Deanna’s stress soaring.

Just as election season takes KPVM by storm, the Trump campaign comes to town. Though Deanna, Eunette, and Missey try their best to maintain neutrality and ensure both sides of the aisle are represented, Vern’s conservative views take centerstage. Meanwhile, weatherman John dons several hats as reporter, technician, and fill-in host of the station’s recurring “Save a Pet” segment.

As the election and Halloween come knocking at Pahrump’s door, Deanna organizes a socially-distanced trick or treat event for the community. Vern and the team prepare for their live election coverage, while Eunette returns to the station after dealing with several personal losses.

On election night, the team gets creative to ensure their live coverage goes off without a hitch, and Deanna winds up hosting with vocal Republican Vern, despite her efforts to strike a neutral tone.

As Vern’s vision to build a KPVM branch in Las Vegas comes to fruition, Eunette and Missey eye opportunities in the new market, while Deanna remains skeptical about shifting her focus from Pahrump. Meanwhile, weatherman John takes on a new role in sales, and Vern’s wife Ronda composes a jingle for an advertiser.