Meridian will have a local Fox Network affiliate, available to viewers on Dec. 1, who are cable subscribers or who use the Dish Network.

Here in Meridian it will be seen on Comcast's Channel 10. WTOK-TV's general manager says it will also be available over the air.

"If you have a new high definition television that has a built in digital receiver, you'll be able to receive it over the air," said Walker. "Or you can buy a set-top box digital receiver and put it on any television, analog or digital, and be able to see the Fox feed."

Fans of the New Orleans Saints will be happy to know they will now be able to see their favorites on television.

"In our case on this localized affiliate, we will have the regional ball game. Many times in this area that would be the New Orleans Saints and as you well know that's something that has been in demand in this market for a very long time," Walker said.

A wide variety of programming will be offered, much of it sports that has not been available to area viewers before. That includes NASCAR, the NFC, the NFL, baseball's game of the week and the World Series.

This will not alter WTOK's affiliation with ABC in any way. It will be on entirely different channels and in addition to the programming we now offer.

In fact you'll see some of your favorite locally-produced programs, such as Good Morning Meridian and Newscenter 11 at 10 repeated on the Fox channel.

"This is the first all digital Fox affiliation in the country," said Walker. "This is the first time Fox has done an affiliation like this using a digital only stream and cable and satellite distribution, and it is the model for the other markets that don't have a Fox affiliation and there are plans already to move into other markets and do the same thing."