About Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump (HBO)

'Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump' is a 2021 American documentary television series that debuted on HBO. The series is a six-part, half-hour documentary that illuminates a colorful cast of characters in an expanding local news station located in Pahrump, a small desert town in Nevada.

Making / Production

The series, produced by HBO in conjunction with World of Wonder, provides an insider's view of a independent news station's attempts to stay afloat in the digital age. The documentary has been applauded for its authentic, behind-the-scenes peek into small-town journalism, showing both the heroic and the challenging aspects of running a local news station.

Actors

• Art Bell: Art Bell is well-known in Pahrump for his late-night radio show, Coast to Coast AM. Although he doesn't directly appear in the series, his presence is felt throughout.
• Vern Van Winkle: Van Winkle is the station owner who wears multiple hats within the organization. He brought a relatable, down-to-earth charisma to the role.
• Ronda Van Winkle: The wife of Vern Van Winkle and a player in the station's operations. She's portrayed as a determined woman who plays a significant role in keeping the station up and running.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show is set in Pahrump, Nevada, a small desert town just a few miles from Las Vegas.
• KPVM Pahrump is the only television station in Nye County, providing local news and entertainment to more than 30,000 residents.
• The series offers an in-depth look at the daily operations of a small local news network, giving viewers a glimpse into the challenges faced by small media outlets in today's digital age.

Quotes

• "When you tell people you're the number one rated TV show in Pahrump, it's like saying you're the tallest midget in the room." - Vern Van Winkle
• "You don't make money in small-town radio. You do it because it's a labor of love." - Deanna O'Donnell

Music, Soundtrack

• 'Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump' primarily features local music and sound, allowing the viewers to get a true feel for the community and its culture.
• Music played an essential role in setting the series' tone, reinforcing the small-town theme with a touch of Nevada flavor.