"For many years, everyone at KOMU 8 has worked hard to financially support Pepper & Friends," said Marty Siddall,general manager of KOMU 8. "Despite our best efforts, we've had to acknowledge that local television shows like this have become increasingly rare due to the high cost of production."

Pepper & Friends debuted in February 1982 as a 30-minute Saturday evening program and on May 7, 2004, celebrated its 5,000th episode.

"Through our numerous volunteer and sponsorship commitments, KOMU 8 will continue to honor the spirit of service that hosts Paul Pepper and 'Uncle' James Mouser have brought to our community," Siddall added.

Paul Pepper began his career at the station as a commercial announcer in 1969 and served as a weather forecaster for many years, as well as co-host of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for 26 years. James Mouser began his career with KOMU 8 in July 1983.

"Paul and James have a unique way of making people feel special," Siddall said. "The entire KOMU 8 family of viewers and employees has been touched by that gift. We hope to celebrate them and their countless contributions to the community during these last months of the show."

KOMU 8 is a self-funded, auxiliary enterprise of the University of Missouri. The station serves a dual purpose within the community.  KOMU 8 provides the public with news and entertainment programming while also serving as an educational institution for students of the University of Missouri. The KOMU 8 newsroom is the only one of its kind to also serve as a teaching lab.  At KOMU 8, students attending the prestigious University of Missouri School of Journalism are given the unique opportunity to work alongside professional journalists in a real-life newsroom.  This program is set up through the school's department of broadcast Journalism.  KOMU 8 also operates Mid Missouris CW station.

Pepper & Friends Timeline

1969            Sept. 15, Paul Pepper joins KOMU 8 as a commercial announcer.

1982            Pepper & Friends debuts on Saturdays as a 30-minute show with host Paul Pepper. It is taped on Tuesday evenings with a live audience of 100 people.

1983            James Mouser joins KOMU 8 as a weather caster.

1985            Show moves to Monday through Friday.                          

1989            Show expands to one hour.    

1993            KidsCorner segment is added to the show.

2004            May 7, show celebrates 5,000th episode.