KARE (TV)
{{Short description|Television station in Minneapolis}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = KARE
| city = Minneapolis, Minnesota
| logo = KARE NBC 11 Minneapolis, Minnesota Logo.svg
| logo_alt = The letters K A R E next to a stylized 11 with the NBC peacock superimposed in the lower right.
| logo_size = 250px
| branding = KARE 11 (pronounced "care")
| digital = 31 (UHF)
| virtual = 11
| translators = see {{section link||Translators}}
| affiliations = {{ubl|11.1: NBC|for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1953|09|01|p=y|br=y}}
| location = Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota
| country = United States
| callsign_meaning = Sounds like "care"
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WTCN-TV (1953–1985)|WMIN-TV (shared operation, 1953–1955)|WUSA (1985–1986)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|Analog: 11 (VHF, 1953–2009)|Digital: 35 (UHF, 1999–2009), 11 (VHF, 2009–2021)}}
| owner = Tegna Inc.
| licensee = Multimedia Holdings Corporation
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|ABC (1953–1961)|Independent (1961–1979)|DuMont (secondary, 1953–1956)}}
| haat = {{convert|455.9|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 23079
| coordinates = {{coord|45|3|45|N|93|8|22|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = FCC
| website = {{URL|www.kare11.com}}
}}
KARE (channel 11) is a television station licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, serving as the NBC affiliate for the Twin Cities area. Owned by Tegna Inc., the station maintains studios on Olson Memorial Highway (MN 55) in Golden Valley and a transmitter at the Telefarm site in Shoreview, Minnesota.
Channel 11 began broadcasting on September 1, 1953. It was originally shared by WMIN-TV in St. Paul and WTCN-TV in Minneapolis; the two stations shared an affiliation with ABC and alternated presenting local programs. In 1955, Consolidated Television and Radio bought both stations and merged them as WTCN-TV from the Minneapolis studios in the Calhoun Beach Hotel. The station presented several regionally and nationally notable children's shows in its early years as well as local cooking, news, and sports programs. Time Inc. purchased the station in 1957. Under its ownership, ABC switched its affiliation to KMSP-TV (channel 9), leaving channel 11 to become an independent station that broadcast games of the Minnesota Twins baseball team, movies, and syndicated programs. This continued under two successive owners: Chris-Craft Industries and Metromedia. By the late 1970s, WTCN was one of the nation's most financially successful independent stations.
In 1978, NBC's Twin Cities affiliate, KSTP-TV, announced it would switch its affiliation to ABC. This forced NBC to select between KMSP and WTCN for its new local outlet. It chose WTCN on the strength of its facilities, ownership, and promise to build a first-class news operation, for which KMSP had never been known as an ABC station. On March 5, 1979, channel 11 became an NBC affiliate and began broadcasting NewsCenter 11 newscasts. In spite of a major promotional campaign, the news product was a high-profile commercial failure, beaten by entertainment shows on KMSP in the ratings, as viewers rejected the new news team and continued to prefer market leaders WCCO-TV and KSTP-TV.
Metromedia agreed to buy Chicago independent station WFLD in 1982 and sold WTCN to Gannett to raise capital and make room in its station group. Gannett engineered a comprehensive overhaul of the station's news programming. Between 1983 and 1987, the station moved from last to first in late news ratings, battling WCCO for two decades. It changed call signs twice in that period, to WUSA in 1985 and KARE in 1986, when Gannett moved the WUSA call sign to its Washington, D.C., station. More recently, as of 2022, the station has been a second-place finisher in local news.
History
=Early years=
==Consolidated consolidation and purchase by Time, Inc.==
In January 1955, Consolidated Television and Radio Broadcasters of Indianapolis, a company owned by the Bitner family, agreed to acquire WTCN radio and television and WMIN-TV for about $3 million. Bitner believed that the channel 11 stations made for an attractive purchase because their values were artificially lowered by confusion stemming from the shared-station setup.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-indianapolis-firm-buys-two/137670054/|date=January 25, 1955|page=13|first=Sterling|last=Soderlind|title=Indianapolis Firm Buys Two TV Stations in Twin Cities|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231034647/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-indianapolis-firm-buys-two/137670054/|url-status=live}} It announced that it would keep the WTCN call letters.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-channel-11-to-be-wt/137670068/|date=January 27, 1955|page=51|title=Channel 11 to Be WTCN|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231034643/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-channel-11-to-be-wt/137670068/|url-status=live}} When Consolidated completed the purchase in April, WMIN left the air and merged into the full-time WTCN. At that time, the new owner consolidated the station's activities at WTCN's Minneapolis studios and closed WMIN's St. Paul facilities, with only a handful of WMIN technical employees not continuing with channel 11.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tv-wink-gets-extra-meaning/137670031/|date=April 22, 1955|page=41|first=Will|last=Jones|title=TV Wink Gets Extra Meaning|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231034644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tv-wink-gets-extra-meaning/137670031/|url-status=live}} During this time, the station affiliated with the NTA Film Network, which began in 1956.{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-09-17-BC.pdf|date=September 17, 1956|work=Broadcasting|pages=56, 58|id={{ProQuest|1285731096}}|title=104 Sign Up For NTA Film Network, Due to Begin Operations on Oct. 15|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=July 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718161056/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-09-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}
The Bitner group had owned the WTCN stations for less than two years when it announced the sale of three of its broadcasting properties—the WTCN stations, WFBM radio and television in Indianapolis, and WLAV radio and television in Grand Rapids, Michigan—to Time, Inc. in December 1956. The $15.75 million deal came after the Crowell-Collier Publishing Company backed out of a transaction for the stations plus WFDF in Flint, Michigan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-time-inc-seeking/137670119/|date=December 22, 1956|page=3A|title=Time, Inc., Seeking to Buy WTCN|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231034642/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-time-inc-seeking/137670119/|url-status=live}} FCC approval followed in April 1957.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-fcc-approves-wtcn-p/137670145/|date=April 18, 1957|page=4D|title=FCC Approves WTCN Purchase by Time, Inc.|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231034646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-fcc-approves-wtcn-p/137670145/|url-status=live}} Time improved station revenues by expanding its movie library and sharpening its promotion of feature films.{{Cite news|page=42|first=Bob|last=Rees|title=The 4-Station Minneapolis Pictures; Some Opposites and Paradoxes|work=Variety|date=July 8, 1959|id={{ProQuest|1017060736}} }} It offered a large schedule of local sports, including select games of Minneapolis Millers minor league baseball, which WTCN radio broadcast all season long; the station cut back its sports broadcasts on radio and TV due to difficulty selling advertising time and intense competition, particularly for the radio broadcasts of Minnesota Golden Gophers football.{{cite news|page=50|work=Variety|title=Sportscasts Tough To Sell in Mpls., So WTCN Is Curtailing Schedule|id={{ProQuest|1032380751}}|date=August 20, 1958}}
=As an independent station=
File:Roger Awsumb as Casey Jones WTCN poster.jpg played Casey Jones on WTCN-TV's Lunch with Casey children's show for nearly two decades.]]
==Loss of ABC affiliation==
By the start of the 1960s, Time's relationship with ABC had become strained. Variety reported in March 1960 that station management was insisting on a protection clause, a guarantee that ABC would not go to KMSP-TV (channel 9), an independent station then owned by 20th Century Fox.{{Cite news|work=Variety|date=March 9, 1960|page=29|title=Time-Life & ABC In Mpls. Hassle|id={{ProQuest|962670007}} }} KMSP was already carrying some ABC shows that were not seen on channel 11's schedule.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-protest-looms-as-abc-picks/137670172/|date=January 28, 1961|page=19|title=Protest Looms as ABC Picks City Affiliate|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-protest-looms-as-abc-picks/137670172/|url-status=live}} Channel 11's fears were well-founded; in January 1961, ABC announced it would move its programs to KMSP effective April 16.{{cite news|page=9|work=Broadcasting|title=KMSP-TV Twin Cities joins ABC-TV, replacing WTCN|date=January 30, 1961|id={{ProQuest|962828405}} }}
The newly independent channel 11 became the market's first station to telecast major league baseball with the newly relocated Minnesota Twins; WCCO-TV had agreed to broadcast the games, but CBS refused to allow the station to preempt prime-time network programs for baseball, forcing channel 4 to back out. The station agreed to telecast 50 night and weekend games, simulcast with WCCO radio, with Bob Wolff and Ray Scott as announcers.{{Cite news|page=43|date=March 8, 1961|title=WTCN-TV Gets Minn. Twin Ballcasts; CBS Wouldn't Preempt WCCO|id={{ProQuest|1032406480}}|work=Variety}} The Twins, movies, and feature programs became the station's top program draws,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-abc-shows-move-to-c/137733713/|date=April 13, 1961|page=17B|first=Forrest|last=Powers|title=ABC Shows Move to Channel 9 Sunday|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045129/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-abc-shows-move-to-c/137733713/|url-status=live}} as well as newscasts timed to air just before the network affiliates, including hourly news breaks and a 9 p.m. newscast.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-next-week-be-the-first-in/137733692/|date=April 10, 1961|type=Advertisement|page=37|title=Next Week, Be the First In Your Neighborhood To See the News!|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045131/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-next-week-be-the-first-in/137733692/|url-status=live}} To support its new local programming, the station expanded its footprint in the Calhoun Beach Hotel to include space on the lower level and acquired new equipment.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-announces-300000-exp/137670198/|date=April 3, 1961|page=24|title=WTCN Announces $300,000 Expansion|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075923/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-announces-300000-exp/137670198/|url-status=live}} Despite this, Time noted in its annual report that losing ABC was "forcing a re-adjustment to the economies of independent television station operations" at channel 11.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-wtcn-owners-note-lo/137670204/|date=March 19, 1962|page=15A|title=WTCN Owners Note Loss of Network Tie|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-wtcn-owners-note-lo/137670204/|url-status=live}}
The Twins proved key to channel 11's survival without a network affiliation. Telecasts reached audience shares averaging 58 percent and as high as 79 percent in 1962. A major advertising contract with Hamm's beer for the baseball games helped the station acquire programming and get on steadier footing—its first profitable footing in its ten-year history. An American Research Bureau report found that the station had the largest relative audience share of any independent in the country, even in months without baseball. Twins games earned channel 11 placement on cable systems far from the Twin Cities, including Mankato and Rochester, Minnesota, and Eau Claire and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Building on the success of the Twins telecasts, the station sought to broaden its image as a sports outlet by adding wrestling (broadcast from the studio) and college sports to its lineup.{{Cite news|date=May 22, 1963|pages=27, 48|work=Variety|id={{ProQuest|964059933}}|title=WTCN's Advice to Indie Stations: Bring Professional Ball Club Into Town, Then Grab Up All TV Rights}}
==Chris-Craft ownership==
In the three years Time owned WTCN-TV as an independent, it negotiated with several groups to sell the television station and WTCN radio. In July 1961, Variety reported that Chicago-based WGN Inc. was considering buying WTCN-TV from Time;{{Cite news|page=23|title=WGN Dickers Buy Of Time's WTCN|date=July 5, 1961|id={{ProQuest|1017069430}} |work=Variety}} other buyers looked at and passed on the station at this time.{{r|Var630522}} A Twin Cities–based consortium agreed to pay $2 million for the WTCN stations in 1963 but failed to come up with the money.{{Cite news|pages=35, 53|work=Variety|title=Time-Life Selling WTCN-TV in Mpls. For $5,000,000|id={{ProQuest|1014825734}}|date=March 4, 1964}} Chris-Craft Industries agreed to purchase WTCN-TV alone for $4 million in a deal announced in May 1964; it was the company's third TV property after two other independents, KCOP in Los Angeles and KPTV in Portland, Oregon.{{Cite news|page=28|title=Time-Life Sells Mpls. TV Station|work=Variety|id={{ProQuest|962672374}}|date=May 6, 1964}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-tv-sold-to-chris-craft/137670237/|date=May 6, 1964|page=41|title=WTCN-TV Sold to Chris-Craft for $4 Million by Time-Life|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075918/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-tv-sold-to-chris-craft/137670237/|url-status=live}} WTCN radio was sold separately to the Buckley-Jaeger Company{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-time-life-sells-wtcn-radio/137670297/|date=June 27, 1964|page=11|title=Time-Life Sells WTCN Radio for $500,000|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075931/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-time-life-sells-wtcn-radio/137670297/|url-status=live}} and became WWTC that October.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-station-to-take-new/137670314/|date=October 1, 1964|page=23B|first=Forrest|last=Powers|title=Station to Take New Call Letters|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075932/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-station-to-take-new/137670314/|url-status=live}}
Chris-Craft fortified the station's children's and movie offerings to complement its strong sports coverage. The children's relaunch included a kids club and {{frac|6|1|2}} hours a day of weekday shows promoted as "Kidville 11".{{Cite news|page=26|id={{ProQuest|962809937}}|title=WTCN-TV Retools; Bid For Smallfry|work=Variety|date=September 2, 1964}} The company stated in its 1965 annual report that WTCN-TV's performance "exceeded expectations".{{Cite news|title=Chris-Craft doing OK on WTCN-TV buy|page=38|work=Variety|date=April 27, 1966|id={{ProQuest|1017128785}} }} By 1966, the Twins games were being fed by WTCN-TV to a network of 15 television stations,{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014840421}}|work=Variety|page=27|title=Hamm to Sponsor Twins Thru 1969|date=August 17, 1966}} which grew to 16 with the inclusion of WVTV in Milwaukee the next year;{{Cite news|page=38|title=Twins' Sked Runs Out on WTCN At Climactic Moment|work=Variety|date=September 13, 1967|id={{ProQuest|1017158265}} }} the Twins were joined on channel 11 in 1967 by the new Minnesota North Stars hockey team.{{Cite news|page=61|title=Hockey radio-TV rights and sponsors|work=Broadcasting|date=October 9, 1967|id={{ProQuest|1014508400}} }}
In June 1971, WTCN-TV joined other local stations in moving its tower to the Telefarm site in Shoreview, Minnesota. The relocation to the newer, taller masts was necessitated because of the construction of the IDS Center, a Minneapolis skyscraper that shaded many viewers from the Foshay Tower site.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-three-local-tv-stat/137734041/|date=June 17, 1971|page=1Y|title=Three local TV stations move from under IDS Center 'shadow'|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045134/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-three-local-tv-stat/137734041/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-a-tall-tale-of-tv/137733962/|date=May 9, 1971|page=TV Week 7|title=A tall tale of TV|first=John|last=Sherman|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045134/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-a-tall-tale-of-tv/137733962/|url-status=live}} The new tower, which was shared by the former Foshay stations—WCCO-TV, KSTP-TV, and WTCN-TV—collapsed on September 7 during further construction work,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-6-die-in-tv-tower-c/137739860/|date=September 7, 1971|page=1A|title=6 die in TV tower crash|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075930/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-6-die-in-tv-tower-c/137739860/|url-status=live}} killing seven workers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-dresser-proposes-to-replace/137739885/|date=October 30, 1971|page=13A|first=Irv|last=Letofsky|title=Dresser proposes to replace TV tower|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075922/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-dresser-proposes-to-replace/137739885/|url-status=live}} In lieu of the collapsed candelabra, Telefarm proposed constructing one tower for WTCN-TV and an FM station and another for WCCO and KSTP.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-planning-unit-favor/137739926/|date=March 29, 1972|page=13A|title=Planning unit favors TV towers proposal|first=Martha|last=Rose|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075916/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-planning-unit-favor/137739926/|url-status=live}} The replacements were erected in late 1972.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-new-tower/137739958/|date=October 18, 1972|page=1B|title=New Tower|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075924/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-new-tower/137739958/|url-status=live}}
==Metromedia ownership==
{{Quote box
| quote = We are in negotiations for a very large station and, frankly, we need the cash. ... We're sorry to sell it. We did a lot for them and it did a lot for us. It was a loser when we bought it.
| author = A Chris-Craft official
| source = on selling WTCN-TV{{r|MTrib710730}}
| align = right
| width = 250px
| salign = right
}}
Chris-Craft announced the sale of WTCN-TV to Metromedia for $18 million on July 29, 1971. Chris-Craft sold the station as part of its pursuit of a large-market VHF television station elsewhere.{{Cite news|page=25|work=Broadcasting|title=Metromedia acquires Minneapolis TV|date=August 2, 1971|id={{ProQuest|1016852233}} }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-metromedia-plans-to-buy-wtc/137670355/|date=July 30, 1971|page=6A|first=Irv|last=Letofsky|title=Metromedia plans to buy WTCN-TV for $19.7 million|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075920/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-metromedia-plans-to-buy-wtc/137670355/|url-status=live}} After taking over, Metromedia made major changes in the station's programming. Citing declining ratings and a company policy against live children's hosts, Lunch with Casey finished its run at the end of 1972. Channel 11 dropped the Twins, also due to falling viewership, with the team moving telecasts to WCCO-TV;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcns-casey-jones-is-derai/137739972/|date=December 21, 1972|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-casey/137739978/ 4A]|first=Irv|last=Letofsky|title=WTCN's Casey Jones is derailed after 19 years as TV performer|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075921/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcns-casey-jones-is-derai/137739972/|url-status=live}} the team returned to channel 11 in 1975.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ray-scott-calton-to-teleca/137758576/|date=January 25, 1975|page=3B|title=Ray Scott, Calton to telecast Twins|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ray-scott-calton-to-teleca/137758576/|url-status=live}} Under Metromedia, WTCN-TV became one of the nation's most financially lucrative independent stations,{{r|MStar780830}} even though it was less profitable than the network affiliates.{{r|MStar750829}}
Metromedia's purchase of WTCN-TV included a parcel of land at the corner of Boone Avenue and Minnesota State Highway 55 in Golden Valley, intended for the construction of new studios.{{r|MTrib710730}} Metromedia broke ground on a $5 million, {{convert|65000|ft2|m2|adj=on}} studio complex on the site in May 1973; it featured two broadcast studios, an outdoor sculpture garden, and space for Metromedia's corporate art collection.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-tv-breaks-ground-for/137697140/|date=May 24, 1973|page=16B|title=WTCN-TV breaks ground for $5-million building|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231075913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-tv-breaks-ground-for/137697140/|url-status=live}}
While the network affiliates intensified their competition for the news audience, WTCN's small news effort—a 9:30 p.m. newscast known as Total News—was not considered much of a factor in the market, although it was just behind KMSP-TV in total viewers.{{r|MTrib780120}} Until moving to Golden Valley, all the station's news film was developed by a company in downtown Minneapolis that closed at dinnertime, preventing the broadcast of late-breaking news items.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-television-stations-promise/137696846/|date=January 20, 1974|page=7D|first=Irv|last=Letofsky|title=Television stations promise bigger and better news|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-television-stations-promise/137696846/|url-status=live}} Gil Amundson doubled as the news director and anchor. WTCN had the only TV news team in the market without a professional meteorologist.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-news-conscientious-ob/137695296/|date=January 20, 1978|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn/137695215/ 4C]|first=Steve|last=Berg|title=WTCN news: Conscientious objectors to ratings war|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-news-conscientious-ob/137695296/|url-status=live}} TV Guide ran a feature calling WTCN the real-life equivalent to WJM-TV, the Minneapolis station depicted on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.{{Cite news|work=St. Paul Dispatch|pages=1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtcn-tucking-its-electronic-shirttail-image/hscnhplclljetvgntmojjaflfbcayzyp_ip-10-166-46-113_1723089852921 15]|first=P. M.|last=Clepper|title=WTCN tucking in shirttail image|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtcn-tucking-shirttail-image/zfebqbjthaxxfagdgmogccpvfcazdkzg_ip-10-166-46-159_1723089951573|via=GenealogyBank|date=February 26, 1979|access-date=August 8, 2024|archive-date=August 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808042721/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtcn-tucking-shirttail-image/zfebqbjthaxxfagdgmogccpvfcazdkzg_ip-10-166-46-159_1723089951573|url-status=live}}
=Affiliating with NBC=
KMSP-TV, the Twin Cities' ABC affiliate, was a distant third in the news ratings race. Channel 9 was traditionally the most profitable station in the market, but under Donald Swartz, it was a lean operation with a reputation for penny-pinching.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-tv-station-may-turn/137735176/|date=August 29, 1975|page=11A|first=Richard|last=Gibson|title=TV station may turn a fancy profit: Audience-rating battle boils down to earning power|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182149/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-tv-station-may-turn/137735176/|url-status=live}} As early as 1974, KMSP was rumored to have made changes to its news operation to appease the network, which threatened to re-affiliate with WTCN,{{r|MTrib740120}} and further rumors of network dissatisfaction with KMSP's news effort surfaced in 1977.{{r|MStar780830}} Channel 9's news budget was reportedly less than half that of WCCO-TV or KSTP-TV. In the late 1970s, as ABC soared to number one in the national ratings, the network began a campaign to upgrade its affiliate base and approached WCCO-TV, KSTP-TV, and WTCN-TV.{{r|MStar780912}} KSTP-TV, the NBC affiliate and the market's news ratings leader, wished to expand its signal beyond the Twin Cities to take advantage of recently relaxed rules relating to the feeding of broadcast translators by microwave transmission,{{r|MStar780912}} and there were fewer ABC affiliates in surrounding areas—notably Alexandria and Eau Claire—than NBC affiliates. On August 29, 1978, KSTP announced it would switch from NBC to ABC in March 1979, ending a 50-year relationship between KSTP and NBC dating to the days of radio.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-marriage-of-abc-to/137697698/|date=August 30, 1978|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-ch-5-marriage-fo/137697749/ 9A]|first=John|last=Carman|title=Marriage of ABC to Ch. 5 follows a long courtship|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182146/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-marriage-of-abc-to/137697698/|url-status=live}} The size of the market and tenure of KSTP with NBC made the switch particularly stunning;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-kstp-switch-was-mat/137698452/|date=September 12, 1978|page=11A|first=John|last=Carman|title=KSTP switch was matter of time: Long loyalties eroded with NBC slump|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182154/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-kstp-switch-was-mat/137698452/|url-status=live}} KSTP's defection was seen as a coup, the largest engineered by the network.{{cite news|title=ABC-TV bags largest game yet in affiliation hunt: KSTP-TV|work=Broadcasting|date=September 4, 1978|pages=19–20|id={{ProQuest|1014697420}} }}{{Cite news|work=The Hollywood Reporter|pages=1, 4|title=ABC steals NBC affiliate in 14th largest TV market|date=August 30, 1978|id={{ProQuest|2598188628}} }}
Even before KSTP's affiliation switch was publicly announced, NBC reached out to Metromedia as it began to evaluate KMSP-TV and WTCN-TV for potential affiliation with the network.{{r|MStar780830}} As part of the process, it reached out to former employees of KMSP-TV, at least one of whom told NBC that its management "didn't care about news" and that it was "a stepchild of their operation".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-video-maze-is-comin/137699561/|date=October 2, 1978|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-three-way-tv-channe/137699513/ 2A]|first1=Dane|last1=Smith|first2=John|last2=Carman|title=Video maze is coming: Three-way TV-channels switch will mix up programs, networks|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101004841/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-video-maze-is-comin/137699561/|url-status=live}} At the end of September, NBC announced its decision: it would affiliate with WTCN-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-nbc-asks-for-hand-o/137696687/|date=September 29, 1978|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-nbc-proposes-and-ch/137696659/ 9A]|title=NBC asks for hand of Ch. 11|first=John|last=Carman|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231182213/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-nbc-asks-for-hand-o/137696687/|url-status=live}} The network picked channel 11 over channel 9 on the strength of its facilities and performance.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-nbc-chooses-wtcn-as-new-aff/137697097/|date=September 30, 1978|page=7C|first=Neal|last=Gendler|title=NBC chooses WTCN as new affiliate|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101004854/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-nbc-chooses-wtcn-as-new-aff/137697097/|url-status=live}}
In reaching a deal, Metromedia promised NBC that it would launch a "first-class news operation" for the station, which was weak in the area of news (though better than many independents{{Cite news|work=Variety|title=WTCN Is New NBC Affil|page=63|date=October 4, 1978|id={{ProQuest|1401338445}} }}) and had a news staff totaling 10 people at the time.{{r|MTrib780930}} Most of the $4 million Metromedia spent ahead of the affiliation switch was invested in the news department, on new reporters, largely coming from TV stations in the South; a new news set; weather radar; and electronic news gathering, replacing film.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-still-confused-jus/137694267/|date=March 2, 1979|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-still-confused-jus/137694246/ 4A]|first=John|last=Carman|title=Still confused? Just turn dial|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045050/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-still-confused-jus/137694267/|url-status=live}} The only member of the news department who did not continue after the switch was weather anchor Toni Hughes, who had presented channel 11's weathercasts for a decade; she was dismissed because she was not a meteorologist. Though she was technically a freelancer, her duties for WTCN prevented her from simultaneously working for another station.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-weathercaster-encoun/137694678/|date=March 18, 1979|page=13G|first=Neal|last=Gendler|title=Ch. 11 weathercaster encounters turbulence|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045006/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-weathercaster-encoun/137694678/|url-status=live}}
WTCN-TV became the Twin Cities' NBC affiliate on March 5, 1979. Ahead of the switch, the station launched a $1 million promotional campaign titled "We've Got It Now", featuring billboards of such NBC stars as Johnny Carson, a visit by network president Fred Silverman and other NBC stars, and the live broadcast of Today from Minneapolis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-switching-stations/137671340/|date=February 16, 1979|pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-switching-stations/137671354/ 10D]|first=John|last=Carman|title=Switching stations roll out stars to reel in viewers|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101004820/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-switching-stations/137671340/|url-status=live}} That same day, NewsCenter 11 launched with weeknight news anchor Jim Dyer, meteorologist Glenn Burns, and sportscaster Bob Kurtz.{{efn|Not Bob Kurtz, who called Minnesota North Stars hockey games.{{r|StPa790226}}}}{{r|MStar790302}}
{{Quote box
| quote = NewsCenter 11 arrived on the air as a strident production that local viewers instantly recognized as foreign to their tastes. From its sickening theme music to its cream puff wrap-up features by Chick McCuen, NewsCenter 11 has been a commercial failure.
| author = John Carman
| source = The Minneapolis Star{{r|MStar790711}}
| align = right
| width = 250px
| salign = right
}}
==''NewsCenter 11'': Lackluster performance==
NewsCenter 11 was a ratings and critical disaster. Neal Gendler in the Minneapolis Tribune was unimpressed and found the program pedestrian, formulaic, overdone, and out of tune with Twin Cities viewers' tastes. He criticized Kurtz for laughing at skiers in bikinis, writing, "Someone also ought to let him in on a fact of Minnesota life: Sexism is out of style."{{Cite news |last=Gendler |first=Neal |date=March 10, 1979 |title=New Ch. 11 news is at best ordinary |page=11C |newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-new-ch-11-news-is-at-best/137695126/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045027/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-new-ch-11-news-is-at-best/137695126/ |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}} John Carman of The Minneapolis Star called it "a near-perfect case history of how not to put together a successful and respected news operation", calling its format too conventional and Gil Amundson (later relieved of news director duties) too weak a leader. Carman and Karl Vick (also of The Minneapolis Star) assigned some blame for the failure to the direction of the station by out-of-town consultants—particularly Ted Kavanau, the former news director of Metromedia's WNEW-TV in New York{{r|MStar800312}}—and executives unfamiliar with the market.{{r|MStar790711}} Kavanau wanted a tabloid-style newscast in the mold of WNEW and hired people for such a program, but general manager Robert Fransen believed a more conventional format was advisable in the market and prevailed in a meeting of Metromedia executives.{{r|MStar800312}}
In its first ratings survey, the station placed fourth out of three newscasts (and KMSP, airing entertainment shows) at 6 p.m.,{{r|MTrib790617}} enough to be described as "about as popular as the measles" by Vick in The Star;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-local-tv-news-still/137598707/|date=June 14, 1979|page=2B|title=Local TV news still a two-horse race|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224437/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-local-tv-news-still/137598707/|url-status=live}} its performance was so poor that the station, having pledged advertisers a certain level of viewership, had to offer costly makegood ads.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-wtcns-news-fiasco/61085931/|date=July 11, 1979|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-wtcns-news-fiasco/61085918/ 2B]|title=WTCN's news fiasco a self-imposed disaster|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101044951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-wtcns-news-fiasco/61085931/|url-status=live}} During NBC prime time, the station had 21 percent of the audience, half of which left for other stations during the 10 p.m. news, but viewers returned to channel 11 to watch The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The station attracted 8 to 10 percent of the evening news audience, far behind KSTP and WCCO, which commanded shares of 30 percent or more. The station's poor performance also sank the NBC network newscasts, which fell to third place.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-sportscaster-substitution/137694324/|date=December 23, 1979|page=6G|first=Neal|last=Gendler|title=Sportscaster substitution: Ryther for Kurtz|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045041/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-sportscaster-substitution/137694324/|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, freed of its network programming and having picked up the North Stars{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-will-end-stars-telec/137758656/|date=November 9, 1978|page=3D|title=Ch. 11 will end Stars telecasts|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045012/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-will-end-stars-telec/137758656/|url-status=live}} and Twins{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-kmsp-hires-twins-vo/137700304/|date=March 16, 1979|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-major-league-announ/137700277/ 11B]|first=John|last=Carman|title=KMSP hires Twins voice|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045008/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-kmsp-hires-twins-vo/137700304/|url-status=live}} rights, KMSP-TV became one of the nation's leading independents, beating NewsCenter 11 in the ratings just as WTCN had done when KMSP was an ABC affiliate.{{r|MTrib791223}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-did-wtcn-go-lame-on/137694139/|date=March 12, 1980|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-did-local-wtcn-go-l/137693966/ 2B]|first=Karl|last=Vick|title=Did WTCN go lame on NBC?|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-did-wtcn-go-lame-on/137694139/|url-status=live}} Kevin O'Brien, WTCN's general manager at the time, later told The Mercury News that switching to NBC "tore that station asunder because we didn't have that much time to plan such a dramatic change".{{Cite news|title=KTVU risks it all as it tightens bonds with Fox|first=Ron|last=Miller|page=1C|date=February 15, 1990|work=The Mercury News}}
While the news product improved under new news director Brink Chipman and as reporters settled into the market,{{r|MStar800312}} turmoil engulfed the troubled newsroom. An investigative reporter was fired in July before her reports even appeared on air due to poor-quality work.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tuning-in/137695628/|date=June 17, 1979|pages=6G, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tuning-in/137695675/ 7G]|first=Neal|last=Gendler|title=Tuning in|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tuning-in/137695628/|url-status=live}} Dyer, unhappy nearly from the start, was switched with weekend anchor Stan Bohrman in August and left in December.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-the-dyer-is-cast-hes-leav/137694940/|date=December 16, 1979|page=8G|first=Neal|last=Gendler|title=The Dyer is cast: He's leaving Ch. 11|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045000/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-the-dyer-is-cast-hes-leav/137694940/|url-status=live}} At year's end, Kurtz was taken off the weeknight newscasts and replaced with Tom Ryther, formerly of KSTP-TV, returning to the Twin Cities from WKYC-TV in Cleveland.{{r|MTrib791223}} Burns was the last of the original three news presenters to leave WTCN; in January 1982, he accepted a position with WSB-TV in Atlanta,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-weatherman-sees-bri/137695853/|date=January 5, 1982|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-burns-sees-sunnier/137695992/ 4B]|first=John|last=Carman|title=Weatherman sees bright future in Sun Belt|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-weatherman-sees-bri/137695853/|url-status=live}} where he would spend 40 years.{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/wsb-tv-chief-meteorologist-glenn-burns-retiring-after-nearly-41-years-at-the-station/EFSJ4RASFFANNBNI5BI655NTDI/|first=Rodney|last=Ho|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|title=WSB-TV chief meteorologist Glenn Burns retiring after nearly 41 years at the station|date=October 27, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=December 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219225152/https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/wsb-tv-chief-meteorologist-glenn-burns-retiring-after-nearly-41-years-at-the-station/EFSJ4RASFFANNBNI5BI655NTDI/|url-status=live}} Ratings improved modestly when channel 11 shifted its early newscast from 6 to 5:30 p.m., moving it out of direct competition with WCCO and KSTP, though it still trailed the national newscasts they offered at that time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-new-news-working-fo/137597591/|date=June 18, 1980|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-new-news-works-for/137597604/ 2B]|first=John|last=Carman|title=New news working for WTCN|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045029/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-new-news-working-fo/137597591/|url-status=live}} This did not stanch turmoil in the newsroom, nor did it forestall Metromedia from shuttering the profitable Metro Productions commercial production unit of WTCN in December 1980.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-tv-scrooges-send-gr/137734905/|date=December 5, 1980|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-stations-send-pink/137734920/ 6C]|first=John|last=Carman|title=TV Scrooges send greetings on pink slips|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101044955/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-tv-scrooges-send-gr/137734905/|url-status=live}} One bright spot for the station was a 1982 series on herpes reported by anchor John Bachman, Herpes Is Forever, which won an Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-prestigious-peabody-award-b/137838220/|date=April 2, 1984|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-bounds-loses-after/137838008/ 9C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Prestigious Peabody Award bestowed on both WCCO sisters|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-prestigious-peabody-award-b/137838220/|url-status=live}}
To increase revenue, which lagged behind other major-market network affiliates, Metromedia ceased airing the network's The Tomorrow Show in favor of sitcoms from which it earned all the advertising, doing the same with the occasional network movie.{{Cite news|work=Boston Herald American|page=A6|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/4-critics-rate-metromedia-control/biihvxiflpokjtkwmfawlphhoogahkex_ip-10-166-46-105_1723088182622|title=4 critics rate Metromedia control: Minneapolis' WTCN called minor league|via=GenealogyBank|date=July 27, 1981|first=M. Howard|last=Gelfand|access-date=August 8, 2024|archive-date=August 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808042751/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/4-critics-rate-metromedia-control/biihvxiflpokjtkwmfawlphhoogahkex_ip-10-166-46-105_1723088182622|url-status=live}} In early 1982, the station temporarily lost the ability to air the Tonight Show; NBC strictly enforced the show airing at 10:30 p.m. and would take the show to another station in the market if it was aired on tape delay, which WTCN did to air syndicated repeats of M*A*S*H. WTCN defended its decision by citing Carson's older demographics at a time when his ratings were slipping nationally.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-nbc-takes-tonight-show-fr/137827332/|date=January 17, 1982|page=12B|first=Margaret|last=Zack|title=NBC takes 'Tonight Show' from WTCN over time change|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224443/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-nbc-takes-tonight-show-fr/137827332/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-carson-but-is-the/155250856/|date=February 8, 1982|pages=VI:1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-johnny-carson/155250868/ 7]|first=Peter J.|last=Boyer|title=Carson: But Is There a Falling Star at NBC?|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 14, 2024}} When KMSP refused to air Tonight for the same reason, NBC was forced to acquiesce to WTCN's delay.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-nbc-eats-crow-lets/155250991/|date=January 20, 1982|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-minneapolis-star-heeeres-johnny-w/155251037/ 4B]|first=John|last=Carman|title=NBC eats crow, lets WTCN put Carson at new time|newspaper=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 14, 2024}} Asked in 1981 by the Boston Herald American to appraise Metromedia's management of WTCN, M. Howard Gelfand of the Minneapolis Tribune noted that "it has taken WTCN-TV ... just a couple of years to turn a silk purse into a sow's ear".{{r|mmcontrol}}
=Gannett purchase and news overhaul=
In August 1982, Metromedia agreed to buy WFLD, an independent station in Chicago. It needed to sell one TV station and a Chicago radio station to stay within ownership limits, but it chose to divest itself of a second TV station to raise the money necessary for the $136 million purchase—the second-highest for a single station{{cite news|pages=25–26|title=Through the roof with Metromedia|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|962736126}}|date=August 30, 1982}}—without incurring debt.{{cite news|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 25, 1982|page=7|title=Metromedia to sell TV, radio stations to buy WFLD-TV|id={{ProQuest|2594784521}} }} First to be sold was WXIX-TV, an independent station in Cincinnati,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-new-granola-trails-may-b/137799992/|date=August 11, 1982|page=3:12|first=George|last=Lazarus|title=New granola trails may be trial for buyers|work=Chicago Tribune |location=Chicago, Illinois|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045745/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-new-granola-trails-may-b/137799992/|url-status=live}} followed by WTCN-TV, acquired by the Gannett Company for $75 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-metromedia-planning-to-jilt/128241086/|date=August 24, 1982|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-carman/128241097/ 3B]|title=Metromedia planning to jilt Channel 11, run off with Chicago station|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045041/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-metromedia-planning-to-jilt/128241086/|url-status=live}}{{r|BC820830}} Gannett, in turn, needed to sell one VHF television station to make room in its portfolio{{Cite news|pages=59, 75|work=Variety|title=M'media To Sell WTCN To Gannett, WXIX To Malrite|date=August 25, 1982|id={{ProQuest|1438337152}} }} and chose KARK-TV in Little Rock, Arkansas, for divestiture.{{cite news|title=Gannett acquires WLVI from Field|page=31|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 16, 1982|id={{ProQuest|2594771161}} }}
{{Quote box
| quote = We're coming in here humbly with the understanding that we have a lot of problems and trying to figure out what we have to do in order to do a good news job. Gannett is in the news business, and that's what we're proud of. We better have the best source of local news and information that we can offer to the public or else we're down the drain.
| author = Jeffrey Davidson
| source = president of broadcasting, Gannett{{r|MTrib830403}}
| align = right
| width = 250px
| salign = right
}}
Gannett took control of WTCN in April 1983 and began implementing a top-to-bottom overhaul of the station's local news programming, promising to raise its quality to match WCCO and KSTP. A new station manager and vice president of news were brought in, both from KBTV, Gannett's market-leading station in Denver, to replace the existing management which remained with Metromedia.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-change-of-ownership-has-cha/137695576/|date=April 1, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-newscasts-likely-t/137695528/ 12C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Change of ownership has Channel 11 employees worried, but optimistic|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101051402/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-change-of-ownership-has-cha/137695576/|url-status=live}} Nearly immediately, the new management moved to distance the news product from its image under Metromedia, changing the name from NewsCenter 11 to 11 News, similar to the 9 News title used by KBTV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/minnesota-show-put-local-talent-screen/pzrmxdeuclcwcypljeploanopwbsypnf_ip-10-166-46-113_1723088449193|pages=7A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/shefchik-11-news-working-dress-its-act/gmbolcobnpgwguoxuvqqcwjlgjueizte_ip-10-166-46-166_1723088317348 17A]|work=St. Paul Dispatch|last=Shefchik|first=Rick|date=June 3, 1983|via=GenealogyBank|title='Minnesota Show' to put local talent on screen|access-date=August 8, 2024|archive-date=August 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808042704/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/minnesota-show-put-local-talent-screen/pzrmxdeuclcwcypljeploanopwbsypnf_ip-10-166-46-113_1723088449193|url-status=live}} Armed with research identifying WCCO and KSTP as having older-skewing viewership and seeing a void for a newscast for a younger audience,{{r|Star880919}} the station added as many as 40 new staff members{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-news-undergoing-reno/137600373/|date=July 26, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-improvements-evide/137600379/ 8C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Ch. 11 news undergoing renovation|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101051402/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-news-undergoing-reno/137600373/|url-status=live}} in addition to the 40 that it had at the time of purchase—compared to 100 apiece for the newsrooms at WCCO-TV and KSTP-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-gannett-plans-to-keep-low-p/137600242/|date=April 3, 1983|pages=1G, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-shoestring-reput/137600266/ 8G]|title=Gannett plans to keep low profile in making Channel 11 the ones to turn to|newspaper=Minneapolis Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101051400/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-gannett-plans-to-keep-low-p/137600242/|url-status=live}} To keep pace with its competitors, the station acquired a news helicopter, as well as new cameras and vehicles.{{r|Star830726}}
Gannett filled the meteorologist position, left unfilled on a permanent basis since Burns's departure in January 1982, by hiring Paul Douglas, who had worked for the Satellite News Channel.{{r|Star830401}} The station cut a hole through the wall of its studio to create an outdoor weather set for Douglas's forecasts. It replaced the existing anchor pairing of John Bachman and Cora-Ann Mihalik{{efn|Mihalik's tenure at WTCN was very short-lived. She arrived at the station in January as a weekend anchor, was promoted to weeknight news in June,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-highbrow-lowbrow-barry-zeva/137804056/|date=June 2, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman/137803958/ 5C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Highbrow-lowbrow Barry ZeVan returns to Twin Cities via WTCN-TV|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101053157/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-highbrow-lowbrow-barry-zeva/137804056/|url-status=live}} was demoted back to weekends with the hiring of Magers and Pierce, then left at the end of November for WLS-TV in Chicago.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-local-stations-side-by-side/137804290/|date=November 1, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-channel-11-was-fir/137804262/ 3C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Local stations side by side in Beirut coverage|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101053210/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-local-stations-side-by-side/137804290/|url-status=live}}}} with Paul Magers and Diana Pierce, both hired in August from California stations.{{r|Star830818}} The station increased its emphasis on news photography; in addition to hiring anchors, it hired new news photographers.{{r|Star020306}}
The revamped newscasts debuted quietly in September 1983.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-anchors-dont-outweigh-flaw/137803833/|date=September 26, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman/137803863/ 2C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Anchors don't outweigh flaws in WTCN's news|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101053157/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-anchors-dont-outweigh-flaw/137803833/|url-status=live}} Along with the new anchor team and set improvements, the newscasts were rebranded News 11, the second change in title in three months.{{r|StPa830603}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-names-paul-magers-d/137600341/|date=August 18, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-salary-may-hoist-o/137600326/ 4C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Ch. 11 names Paul Magers, Diana Pierce as its new coanchors|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101051404/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ch-11-names-paul-magers-d/137600341/|url-status=live}} Ratings did not improve immediately,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-changes-dont-help-wtcns-n/137804088/|date=November 14, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-ratings-victories/137804123/ 8C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Changes don't help WTCN's news ratings|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101053159/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-changes-dont-help-wtcns-n/137804088/|url-status=live}} but they began to rise slowly as early as November 1983.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-santa-filled-tv-stations-s/137804171/|date=December 27, 1983|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-wtcn-rates-a-in-ne/137804193/ 7C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Santa filled TV Stations' stockings with good news|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101053201/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-santa-filled-tv-stations-s/137804171/|url-status=live}} By November 1984, the station had increased its audience share at 10 p.m. to 15 percent, a significant increase from the previous year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-channel-4-tops-channel-5-in/137597572/|date=December 20, 1984|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wtcn-tv-gets-black-eye/137597558/ 12C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=Channel 4 tops Channel 5 in TV news ratings war|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060601/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-channel-4-tops-channel-5-in/137597572/|url-status=live}} The gap with second-place KSTP narrowed as the station increased its audience share to 23 percent by February 1986.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-news-ratings-rebound-at-kst/137597670/|date=March 18, 1986|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman/137597656/ 5C]|first=Nick|last=Coleman|title=News ratings rebound at KSTP-TV|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-news-ratings-rebound-at-kst/137597670/|url-status=live}}
==Two call sign changes in a year==
The FCC liberalized rules around call signs in late 1983.{{Cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-12-05.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=December 5, 1983|access-date=April 30, 2023|via=World Radio History|page=41|title=FCC recalls call sign rules|id={{ProQuest|1014714597}}|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308043843/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-12-05.pdf|url-status=live}} Gannett—the publisher of USA Today—acquired the rights to the call sign KUSA in early 1984 and won approval to use the letters on the former KBTV in Denver after years of being stymied under the old rules.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-radio/137804784/|date=March 9, 1984|page=C6|first=Ron|last=Wolf|agency=Knight-Ridder Newspapers|title=Radio, TV call letters; What isn't in a name?|newspaper=The Central New Jersey Home News|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060553/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-radio/137804784/|url-status=live}} While Gannett initially intended to do the same immediately after acquiring WTCN-TV, it instead focused on rebuilding the news operation and beating back a challenge to the KUSA assignment from the USA Network cable service. After Gannett won that fight, it sought and received permission to change WTCN-TV's call sign to WUSA effective July 4, 1985. The new designation replaced WTCN-TV—a call sign associated with the station's independent days—at a time when the station was finally becoming a local news competitor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wusaits-channel-11-by-ano/137600565/|date=May 13, 1985|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tcns-time-has-finally-come/137600547/ 6C]|title=WUSA—it's Channel 11 by another name|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|first=Nick|last=Coleman|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wusaits-channel-11-by-ano/137600565/|url-status=live}}
The WUSA call letters lasted less than one year in Minneapolis. Gannett acquired the Evening News Association in February 1986; among its holdings was WDVM, the CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., near Gannett's corporate headquarters in nearby Rosslyn, Virginia.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wusa-may-need-new-name/80254281/|date=March 24, 1986|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-wtcn-is-taken/80254298/ 8C]|title=WUSA may need new name|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wusa-may-need-new-name/80254281/|url-status=live}} From the moment Gannett took that station over, it mulled moving the WUSA call letters to Washington to provide a solid co-association with USA Today as well as Washington being the nation's capital.{{Cite news|first=John|last=Carmody|date=February 20, 1986|title=The TV Column|newspaper=The Washington Post|page=B8|id={{ProQuest|138934395}} }} In March, John Carmody of The Washington Post reported that Gannett had instructed the Minneapolis station to come up with a new call sign.{{cite news|title=The TV Column|date=March 21, 1986|page=B6|id={{ProQuest|138856584}}|first=John|last=Carmody|newspaper=The Washington Post}} The station reached a deal with a radio station in Atchison, Kansas, that had used the KARE call sign since 1949 to use "KARE" and switched to it on June 11.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wusa-ch-11-will-switch-t/137600709/|date=June 6, 1986|page=16C|title=WUSA, Ch. 11, will switch to KARE June 11|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060553/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wusa-ch-11-will-switch-t/137600709/|url-status=live}} The new designation was in keeping with the station's heavy community service component since its acquisition by Gannett, including an awards event titled "11 Who Care".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-its-storytime-golden-vall/137600722/|date=June 12, 1986|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-coleman-how-can-a-w-statio/137600703/ 5C]|title=It's storytime: Golden Valley and TV bears|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101060559/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-its-storytime-golden-vall/137600722/|url-status=live}} This freed its new sister station, channel 9 in Washington, to switch from WDVM to WUSA.{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|138999163}}|title=The TV Column|date=June 23, 1986|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=John|last=Carmody|page=D6}}
==Ratings rise==
{{Quote box
| quote = We questioned their news judgment. Was it news, or news entertainment? ... This place said we'd get our news from lots of different places, not just the Capitol, City Hall, the courts and the classic news beats, but from within the community. They got out and talked to people, they found things that were interesting, not necessarily newsworthy. They looked for story ideas by listening to what people were talking about.
| author = Tom Lindner
| source = WCCO-TV news manager and producer in the 1980s, later KARE news director{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-photo-finish/137827077/|date=March 6, 2002|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-stations-and-photographers/137827056/ E2]|title=Photo Finish|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224450/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-photo-finish/137827077/|url-status=live}}
| align = right
| width = 250px
| salign = right
}}
Channel 11's rising news fortunes continued after the call sign change to KARE, coinciding with a turnaround in ratings for the NBC network.{{r|Star870910}} Weeks after becoming KARE came another pivotal moment. On July 18, 1986, helicopter pilot Max Messmer was in the air headed to an assignment when he heard that a funnel cloud was forming in Brooklyn Park, eventually touching down in Fridley. He piloted the helicopter, known as Sky 11, to the scene and ad-libbed commentary as the aircraft flew within a quarter-mile of the tornado.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-when-funnels-hit-pilot-was/137805528/|date=July 19, 1986|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-pilots/137805541/ 6A]|first1=Wendy S.|last1=Tai|first2=Carol|last2=Byrne|title=When funnels hit, pilot was on top of things—literally|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-when-funnels-hit-pilot-was/137805528/|url-status=live}}{{r|MPost110718}} The tornado coverage aired live on KARE's 5 p.m. newscast, providing startling pictures of the storm. It was the first time a tornado had been filmed from creation to dissipation. The newscast was a ratings milestone for the station—in 2011, Douglas recalled that it led many WCCO and KSTP viewers to sample KARE's news—and the raw footage was widely requested by scientists and meteorologists.{{Cite news|first=Tom|last=Oszman|title=25 years ago, a tornado made broadcasting history in the Twin Cities|date=July 18, 2011|id={{ProQuest|963942638}}|work=MinnPost}}
In 1986, the station took the lead among the coveted demographic of adults 25–54, a demographic with which it placed first in all but one ratings survey between 1986 and 2000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-magers-league/137825988/|date=July 2, 2000|pages=F1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-vitality-of-tv-newsroom-p/137825931/ F5]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Magers' League|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224443/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-magers-league/137825988/|url-status=live}} In October 1986, the station notched its first-ever second-place finish in local news ratings, sending KSTP-TV's 10 p.m. news to third. But the station lagged badly in early evening news, contending that its younger viewers were still at work and not able to watch 5 or 6 p.m. newscasts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-ch-11-news-pushes-ch/137597711/|date=November 11, 1986|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-holston/137597716/ 2C]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=KARE-Ch. 11 news pushes Ch. 5 to third|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065517/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-ch-11-news-pushes-ch/137597711/|url-status=live}} The July 1987 sweeps period brought another historic achievement for KARE: it finished first at 10 p.m., with an audience share of 29 percent.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-10-pm-news-takes-1st/137597797/|date=August 20, 1987|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tv-ratings/137597808/ 13A]|first=Colin|last=Covert|title=KARE 10 p.m. news takes 1st; WCCO falls to 3rd|newspaper=Minneapolis Star and Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-10-pm-news-takes-1st/137597797/|url-status=live}} This momentum was sustained through late 1987 and early 1988, even as an expansion to the Twin Cities market gave WCCO an edge in counting viewers in Alexandria.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-news-show-ratings-put-kare/137597913/|date=November 5, 1987|page=2B|title=News show ratings put KARE on top at 10|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-news-show-ratings-put-kare/137597913/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-arbitron-ratings-have-kare/137597960/|date=June 21, 1988|page=6E|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Arbitron ratings have KARE crowing|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065548/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-arbitron-ratings-have-kare/137597960/|url-status=live}} The ratings increase boosted the station's bottom line, as the cost of a 30-second commercial during channel 11's newscasts rose from $200 in 1983 to as much as $2,300 by 1987.{{cite news|pages=6A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ratings/usyxllwiwummxsprggzrnbzsregdcsqt_ip-10-166-46-173_1723088721249 7A]|work=St. Paul Daily Press|via=GenealogyBank|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/2nd-ratings-confirm-top-kare-spot/typdaiguwadrsvnsanyutmxenznywbxr_ip-10-166-46-98_1723088796952|first=Tony|last=Blass|date=August 24, 1987|title=2nd ratings confirm top KARE spot|access-date=August 8, 2024|archive-date=August 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808042705/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/2nd-ratings-confirm-top-kare-spot/typdaiguwadrsvnsanyutmxenznywbxr_ip-10-166-46-98_1723088796952|url-status=live}}
KARE attracted criticism for its newscasts' style: trendy and designed to draw an emotional response. The latter was evident in its photojournalism style, which the Star Tribune later called "highly visual and emotional"; KARE became a regular winner of National Press Photographers Association awards.{{r|Star020306}} This prompted WCCO-TV, a station known for its hard news format, to become more image-conscious,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-sweeter-newscasts-att/137597818/|date=September 10, 1987|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-holston-nbc-blockbusters-l/137597835/ 11C]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=KARE: Sweeter newscasts attract the viewers|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-sweeter-newscasts-att/137597818/|url-status=live}} and the other TV news outlets in the Twin Cities began incorporating longer, photojournalism-driven stories into their newscasts.{{r|Star020306}} KARE became the first Twin Cities station to offer closed captioning of its local news in 1988.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kares-6-pm-newscast-will/137597981/|date=July 16, 1988|pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-holston/137597994/ 2E]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=KARE's 6 p.m. newscast will become close captioned for deaf in October|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kares-6-pm-newscast-will/137597981/|url-status=live}} When the Minnesota Poll in 1988 found KARE's viewership concentrated among young adults, Noel Holston of the Star Tribune predicted that the station could be dominant "for years to come" based on the age of its news watchers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-minnesota-on-tv-kare-news/137598045/|date=September 19, 1988|pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-poll-advertisers-like-kare/137598025/ 7E]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Minnesota on TV: KARE news may stay on top here for some time|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-minnesota-on-tv-kare-news/137598045/|url-status=live}}
In September 1988, Pat Miles left her job at WCCO-TV and signed a five-year agreement to work at KARE, including a year where she could not appear on camera under a non-compete clause. The pact brought Miles, who wanted more personal time, together with channel 11, seeking an anchor to improve the lagging ratings of its early evening newscasts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-pat-miles-quits-wcco-tv-si/137598080/|date=September 28, 1988|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-miles/137598093/ 11A]|title=Pat Miles quits WCCO-TV, signs contract with KARE|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-pat-miles-quits-wcco-tv-si/137598080/|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, WCCO found renewed ratings strength and pushed KARE back to second.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-surprise-channel-4-finds-l/137598152/|date=November 3, 1988|pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-holston/137598126/ 9E]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Surprise! Channel 4 finds life after Miles|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-surprise-channel-4-finds-l/137598152/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wcco-grabs-top-billing-in-f/137598205/|date=March 4, 1989|page=4E|title=WCCO grabs top billing in February Nielsen ratings|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wcco-grabs-top-billing-in-f/137598205/|url-status=live}}
Under the leadership of general manager Linda Rios Brook, from 1989 to 1991, the station tried several unsuccessful initiatives, most notably a morning talk show titled Between Friends that failed to make an impact in the ratings, but its newscasts regained the local news lead for the first time in several years. Rios Brook resigned after mixed programming results and a controversy over her evangelical Christianity{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-tvs-general-manager-l/137824152/|date=August 13, 1991|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-tv/137824177/ 5B]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=KARE-TV's general manager Linda Rios Brook resigns|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-tvs-general-manager-l/137824152/|url-status=live}} and resurfaced in the market as the president and general manager of family-oriented KLGT.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-troubled-ktma-will-be-rebor/82923205/|date=November 22, 1991|page=8E|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Troubled KTMA will be reborn as Sonlight Christian station|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-troubled-ktma-will-be-rebor/82923205/|url-status=live}} At KARE, she was replaced by Hank Price, who had managed WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina.{{r|Star910813}} In 1992, KARE became one of the television homes of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, joining KITN-TV (channel 29, now WFTC) and effectively replacing KSTP-TV with seven to eight games a year of a 25-game broadcast TV package. This was the first time since carrying the Twins as an independent station that channel 11 had broadcast local professional sports.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-u-hockey-facing-tv-proble/160718951/|date=June 26, 1992|page=6C|first=Jon|last=Roe|title='U' hockey facing TV problems|newspaper=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 11, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-stations-walk-prime-time-pr/160719389/|date=July 10, 1992|page=3C|first=Jon|last=Roe|title=Stations walk prime-time preemption wire for Twins|newspaper=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 11, 2024}} Beginning in 1994, KLGT replaced KITN-TV in the arrangement.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-davis-takes-interim-job-wit/160719567/|date=August 4, 1994|page=2C|title=Davis takes interim job with the 'U'|newspaper=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 11, 2024}} By the 2000–01 season, KARE had 15 games and channel 23, by then known as KMWB, had 20. The team moved its broadcast games to WFTC ahead of the 2001–02 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wolves-to-return-to-ch-29/160718911/|date=July 4, 2001|page=C2|first=Judd|last=Zulgad|title=Wolves to return to Ch. 29|newspaper=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 11, 2024}}
In the early 1990s, two of the original team of anchors that made KARE a competitor in the 1980s left. The more acrimonious departure was that of sportscaster Tom Ryther, who was forced out in 1991 after suing the station for age discrimination. Ryther alleged that his job duties had been progressively reduced in order to bring younger faces—such as his replacement, Jeff Passolt—on screen.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-doesnt-plan-to-replac/137598420/|date=July 19, 1991|page=2C|first=Jon|last=Roe|title=KARE doesn't plan to replace Ryther|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-doesnt-plan-to-replac/137598420/|url-status=live}} KARE defended itself by pointing to research from 1990 that it conducted on local TV personalities.{{r|Star960601}} Ryther's lawsuit was successful; a jury issued a $715,000 judgment in his favor in 1993.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ryther-wins-715777-in-age/137824544/|date=September 25, 1993|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ryther-he-says-hes-thri/137824516/ 6A]|first=Kevin|last=Diaz|title=Ryther wins $715,777 in age bias suit|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-ryther-wins-715777-in-age/137824544/|url-status=live}} KARE appealed, but a federal appeals court upheld the verdict in 1996,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-court-affirms-award-to-ryth/137825189/|date=June 1, 1996|page=B4|first=Margaret|last=Zack|title=Court affirms award to Ryther|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223304/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-court-affirms-award-to-ryth/137825189/|url-status=live}} and the Supreme Court rejected KARE's final appeal in 1997.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-former-sportscaster-celebra/137825328/|date=June 30, 1997|page=B2|first=Doug|last=Grow|title=Former sportscaster celebrates amid sadness: Tom Ryther finds comfort in sharing victory over KARE|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-former-sportscaster-celebra/137825328/|url-status=live}} In 1994, Douglas departed KARE in search of a job closer to family in the eastern U.S.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-winds-of-change-mean-that-p/137824580/|date=October 19, 1993|page=3B|first=Cheryl|last=Johnson|title=Winds of change mean that Paul Douglas will leave KARE in May|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-winds-of-change-mean-that-p/137824580/|url-status=live}} He was replaced by weekend meteorologist Ken Barlow on the weeknight newscasts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-forecast-for-kare-partly-c/137824697/|date=May 25, 1994|pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-weather-barlow-is-a-youn/137824733/ 3E]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Forecast for KARE: Partly cloudy or partly sunny?|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223304/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-forecast-for-kare-partly-c/137824697/|url-status=live}}
The 1990s were a decade of strength for KARE news. The station continued its domination of viewers 25–54 while narrowly trailing or narrowly leading WCCO-TV in total ratings in late news, though channel 4 had more total viewers for its early evening newscasts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wcco-tv-edges-out-kare-to-t/137598486/|date=November 30, 1992|page=7E|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=WCCO-TV edges out KARE to top news sweeps|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wcco-tv-edges-out-kare-to-t/137598486/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-tv-wins-sweeps-battle/137831444/|date=March 16, 1996|page=B4|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=KARE-TV wins sweeps battle among Twin Cities' newscasts|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-tv-wins-sweeps-battle/137831444/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|page=3B|first=Brian|last=Lambert|title=WCCO-TV narrows ratings gap with KARE|via=GenealogyBank|date=November 23, 1999|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wcco-tv-narrows-ratings-gap-kare/iupxnlwrbwwitjnctqjelbphqcidnvif_ip-10-166-46-125_1727706231880}} During the decade, KARE added Saturday morning newscasts, in 1992.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-will-have-2-hour-satur/137806591/|date=July 11, 1992|page=3B|title=KARE will have 2-hour Saturday news show|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224454/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-will-have-2-hour-satur/137806591/|url-status=live}}
KARE aired the locally produced game show Let's Bowl for several years in the late 1990s; it ran after Saturday Night Live. The audience support for the program was sufficient to help its creators, Tim Scott and Rick Kronfeld, secure a pickup for their show from the Comedy Central cable channel.{{Cite news|first=Charlie|last=Gillmer|work=City Pages|date=June 26, 2019|title='Let's Bowl': How Minnesota's weirdest TV game show made it to prime time}}
=Post-2000=
File:KARE-TV-MN State Fair 20060826.jpg, 2006|alt=Refer to caption]]
KARE launched a high-definition digital signal on channel 35 on August 31, 2001.{{Cite book|chapter=KARE-DT|page=A-1214|title=Television & Cable Factbook|date=2006|publisher=Warren Communications News}} KARE and WCCO on the Telefarm tower had intended to launch digital service as early as November 1999,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kmsp-encouraged-by-small-ri/137833011/|date=November 6, 1999|page=E10|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=KMSP encouraged by small rise in 'Good Day's' ratings|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=August 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808042700/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kmsp-encouraged-by-small-ri/137833011/|url-status=live}} but bad weather and high demand for tower crews stalled the project.{{cite news|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|date=July 2, 2001|title=Crews ready to install digital TV antenna: Weather has slowed progress at site of broadcast towers in Shoreview|first=Brian|last=Lambert|page=B1}}
Magers—the anchor commonly credited with helping KARE remain number one in late evening news—left the station in 2003 to work for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, ending the Magers–Pierce tandem that had become the longest-running anchor duo in the Twin Cities.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-a-magers-deal-hes-headed/137831996/|date=August 19, 2003|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kares-competitors-see-chan/137831962/ A7]|first1=Deborah|last1=Caulfield Rybak|first2=Neal|last2=Justin|title=A Magers deal: He's headed for L.A.|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-a-magers-deal-hes-headed/137831996/|url-status=live}} Without Magers—and what competitor Don Shelby called his "magical formula"{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-hes-live-in-la/137832639/|date=March 14, 2004|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-with-an-eye-on-rat/137832307/ E28], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-magers/137832550/ E29]|first1=Greg|last1=Braxton|first2=María Elena|last2=Fernández|title=He's live in L.A.|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-hes-live-in-la/137832639/|url-status=live}}—on channel 11, interest heightened in the local stations' ratings performance.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-this-sweeps-period-has-tv-n/130001224/|date=February 5, 2004|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-sweeps/130001198/ B7]|first=Deborah|last=Caulfield Rybak|title=This sweeps period has TV news stations set for a battle royal|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024}} Frank Vascellaro, the man hired to replace Magers on the anchor desk, was the husband of WCCO evening news anchor Amelia Santaniello.{{cite news|title=Vascellaro leaving KARE 11: 10 p.m. news anchor cites pay, time with family|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|page=B1|first=Nancy|last=Ngo|date=November 16, 2005}} Vascellaro's departure in 2005 coincided with that of Barlow, who was hired by WBZ-TV in Boston.{{Cite news|date=November 18, 2005|title=KARE-TV weathers another loss: First anchor, now meteorologist Barlow leaving No. 1 station|page=A1|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|first=Amy|last=Carlson Gustafson}} In the wake of these departures and the replacement of Vascellaro by Mike Pomeranz on the anchor desk,{{r|STPP051118}} WCCO slowly crept closer to KARE and then took the lead in 2006, with a swing of three percent of the audience share to WCCO.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-this-just-in-wcco-ousts/137832849/|date=May 26, 2006|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-wcco-dethrones-kare-in-the/137832822/ B3]|first=Deborah|last=Caulfield Rybak|title=This just in... WCCO ousts KARE in TV news ratings|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-this-just-in-wcco-ousts/137832849/|url-status=live}} When Pomeranz left to take a position with the San Diego Padres in 2006, sports anchor Randy Shaver moved to the news desk.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/flyover-state-minneapolis-nbc-stations-close-comfortable-shave-113365|date=July 15, 2012|title=In a Flyover State: The Minneapolis NBC Station's Close, Comfortable Shave|first=Ben|last=Grossman|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924002932/https://www.nexttv.com/news/flyover-state-minneapolis-nbc-stations-close-comfortable-shave-113365|url-status=live}}
The station experimented with several formats for its mid-morning program. In 2006, it replaced KARE 11 Today with a new program, Showcase Minnesota, that also featured advertiser-paid sponsored segments.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-plans-to-change-show-f/137843739/|date=November 23, 2005|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-to-change-format-of-sh/137843804/ B7]|first=Deborah|last=Caulfield Rybak|title=KARE plans to change show from talk to 'advertainment'|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223828/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-kare-plans-to-change-show-f/137843739/|url-status=live}} It was replaced in 2011 with a revival of KARE 11 Today; Pierce left her evening anchor duties to host the revamped show and KARE's 4 p.m. newscast.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-diana-pierce-confirms-end-t/137843913/|date=January 16, 2011|page=B5|first=Cheryl|last=Johnson|title=Diana Pierce confirms end to marriage|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223957/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-diana-pierce-confirms-end-t/137843913/|url-status=live}}
The loss of ratings momentum continued in the early 2010s, as KARE slumped while WCCO locked up most of the number-one positions by demographic and time slot.{{Cite news|url=https://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2011/03/wcco-news-soars-february-tv-sweeps-while-kare-falls/|date=March 3, 2011|first=David|last=Brauer|work=MinnPost|title=WCCO News soars in February TV sweeps while KARE falls|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=March 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302170128/https://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2011/03/wcco-news-soars-february-tv-sweeps-while-kare-falls/|url-status=live}} A special month of newscasts by WCCO led that station to its first 25–54 win in late news since 1986.{{Cite news|work=MinnPost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131195954/http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2010/11/29/23747/shelbyfest_propels_wcco_to_first_10_pm_demo_win_in_24_years|url=http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2010/11/29/23747/shelbyfest_propels_wcco_to_first_10_pm_demo_win_in_24_years|archive-date=January 31, 2012|date=November 29, 2010|first=David|last=Brauer|title=ShelbyFest propels WCCO to first 10 p.m. demo win in 24 years|url-status=dead}} While, as of 2022, KARE has been competitive—particularly in the 25–54 demographic—WCCO has generally been the market leader in total viewers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-keeping-minnesota-nice-any-kind-weather-44138|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=July 21, 2013|first=Michael|last=Malone|title=Market Eye: Keeping Minnesota 'Nice' in Any Kind of Weather|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323183009/https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-keeping-minnesota-nice-any-kind-weather-44138|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-close-up-twin-cities-stations-play-fair|date=September 19, 2022|title=Local News Close-Up: Twin Cities Stations Play Fair|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103035300/https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-close-up-twin-cities-stations-play-fair|url-status=live}} Pierce retired in 2016 after taking a buyout package offered by Tegna,{{Cite news|title=On TV – Diana Pierce is saying farewell – KARE-TV anchor helped raise ratings in her 30-plus years at the station|page=A15|first=Amy|last=Carlson Gustafson|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|date=April 21, 2016}} which became the new name for the former Gannett broadcast division when its TV stations and newspapers split into separate companies in 2015.{{Cite web|title = Separation of Gannett into two public companies completed|date = June 29, 2015|url = http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|publisher = Tegna|access-date = June 29, 2015|archive-date = July 2, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150702005302/http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|url-status = live}}
The KARE newsroom won multiple national journalism awards in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Three different investigative series together won the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award in 2017,{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2017 |title=KARE 11 investigative team wins Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/kare-11-investigative-team-wins-alfred-i-dupont-columbia-university-award/89-497582526 |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=KARE 11 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808042726/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/kare-11-investigative-team-wins-alfred-i-dupont-columbia-university-award/89-497582526 |url-status=live }} followed by two awards in 2020 for On the Veteran Beat and Love Them First.{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2019 |title=2020 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award Winners Announced: Public Media Garners Top Wins |url=https://journalism.columbia.edu/news/2020-alfred-i-dupont-columbia-award-winners-announced-public-media-garners-top-wins |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Columbia Journalism School |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223831/https://journalism.columbia.edu/news/2020-alfred-i-dupont-columbia-award-winners-announced-public-media-garners-top-wins |url-status=live }} An investigation on prisons, Cruel and Unusual, won the duPont–Columbia in 2022,{{Cite news |first=Michael |last=Malone |date=February 9, 2022 |title=Four TV Stations Get duPont-Columbia Awards |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/four-tv-stations-get-dupont-columbia-awards |access-date=January 1, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320023710/https://www.nexttv.com/news/four-tv-stations-get-dupont-columbia-awards |url-status=live }} The next year, the station won another duPont–Columbia for a series on violent criminals titled The Gap: Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=February 7, 2023 |title=CNN, PBS Win Big At DuPont-Columbia Awards |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cnn-pbs-win-big-at-dupont-columbia-awards |access-date=January 1, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401144200/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cnn-pbs-win-big-at-dupont-columbia-awards |url-status=live }} This series also won a Peabody Award, the second for the station after a joint award to KARE and KUSA in Denver in 2022.{{Cite news |last=Justin |first=Neal |date=May 17, 2023 |title=KARE 11 news team wins prestigious Peabody Award |url=https://www.startribune.com/kare-11-news-team-wins-prestigious-peabody-award/600275535/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |work=Star Tribune |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625035247/https://www.startribune.com/kare-11-news-team-wins-prestigious-peabody-award/600275535/ |url-status=live }}
KARE, which relocated its digital signal from its pre-transition UHF channel 35 to VHF channel 11 upon the digital transition in 2009,{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} was approved in 2020 to relocate to UHF channel 31 to aid reception after the spectrum incentive auction.{{cite web|url=https://www.northpine.com/blog/2020/12/03/fcc-gives-approval-for-kare-move-to-uhf/|title=FCC Gives Approval for KARE Move to UHF|first=Jon|last=Ellis|work=Northpine|date=December 3, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204024723/http://www.northpine.com/blog/2020/12/03/fcc-gives-approval-for-kare-move-to-uhf/|url-status=live}} The station switched to the new UHF signal on October 20, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northpine.com/blog/2021/10/15/work-underway-at-twin-cities-telefarm-site/|website=Northpine|date=October 15, 2021|title=Update: KARE 11 to Move to UHF Frequency on Oct. 20|first=Jon|last=Ellis|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107115323/https://www.northpine.com/blog/2021/10/15/work-underway-at-twin-cities-telefarm-site/|url-status=live}}
On December 11, 2024, KARE announced an agreement with the Timberwolves to simulcast five games with FanDuel Sports Network North during the 2024–25 season. The deal also includes the rights to simulcast pre- and post-game coverage. This marked the first time since 2000–01 that the Timberwolves have aired locally on KARE.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-return-to-free-over-the-air-television-on-kare-11|title=Minnesota Timberwolves Return to Free Over-The-Air Television on KARE 11|first=Matt|last=Stanton|work=NBA|date=December 11, 2024|access-date=December 11, 2024}}
Notable on-air staff
=Current=
- Boyd Huppert{{Snd}} reporter since 1996,{{Cite news|page=8|title=Mykleby recuperating after surgery|first=Tim|last=Cuprisin|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=June 5, 1996}} national storytelling coach for Tegna{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Boyd Huppert to Receive Prestigious John F. Hogan Award at RTDNA23 |url=https://www.rtdna.org/news/boyd-huppert-to-receive-prestigious-john-f-hogan-award-at-rtdna23 |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Radio Television Digital News Association |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922022238/https://www.rtdna.org/news/boyd-huppert-to-receive-prestigious-john-f-hogan-award-at-rtdna23 |url-status=live }}
=Former=
- Andre Bernier{{Snd}} weekday morning meteorologist, 1980s{{Cite news|page=157|title=Fates & Fortunes: News and Public Affairs|work=Broadcasting|date=February 15, 1988|id={{ProQuest|1016914621}} }}
- Asha Blake{{Snd}} reporter and anchor, early 1990s{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-blacks-dont-get-fair-share/137840309/|date=August 18, 1993|page=19A|first=Clinton Jr.|last=Collins|title=Blacks don't get fair share of top jobs in local media|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223835/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-blacks-dont-get-fair-share/137840309/|url-status=live}}
- Dennis Bounds{{Snd}} weekend news anchor, 1980–1982{{r|Star840402}}
- Bernie Grace{{Snd}} crime news reporter, 1979–2006{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tv-reporter-will-miss-cover/137840509/|date=July 13, 2006|page=A2|first=Deborah|last=Caulfield Rybak|title=TV reporter will miss covering the big stories|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-tv-reporter-will-miss-cover/137840509/|url-status=live}}
- Jack Horner{{Snd}} sportscaster{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-sports-horner-gets-top-hon/137837776/|date=October 7, 1994|page=3B|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Sports' Horner gets top honor|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=January 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101224339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-sports-horner-gets-top-hon/137837776/|url-status=live}}
Technical information
=Subchannels=
The station's signal is multiplexed:
| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of KARE{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KARE#station|website=RabbitEars|title=TV Query for KARE|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021213518/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KARE#station|url-status=live}} ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Aspect ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming | |||
| scope = "row" | 11.1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| scope = "row" | 11.2 | |||
| scope = "row" | 11.3
| Crime || True Crime Network | |||
| scope = "row" | 11.4
| Quest || Quest | |||
| scope = "row" | 11.5
| NEST || The Nest | |||
| scope = "row" | 11.7
| CONFESS || Confess | |||
| scope = "row" | 11.8
| HSN || HSN | |||
| style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"
! scope="row" | 23.5 | 480i | 16:9 | Rewind | Rewind TV (WUCW) |
{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}
=Translators=
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=300|frame-align=right|frame-height=400|text={{ubl|Transmitter locations for KARE's translator network. Click on each marker to reveal details.|{{legend-col |{{legend|#990000|Originating station}} |{{legend|#233a7a|Low-power translators}} }}}}|type=point|coord={{coord|45|3|45|N|93|8|22|W}}|title=KARE|description=31 (UHF)
Facility ID: 23079
Minneapolis, MN|marker=communications-tower|marker-color=#990000|marker-size=large|type2=point|coord2={{coord|45|55|59.0|N|95|26|51.0|W}}|title2=K14LZ-D|description2=14 (UHF)
Facility ID: 59636
Alexandria, MN|marker2=communications-tower|marker-color2=#233a7a|type3=point|coord3={{coord|43|35|09.0|N|93|55|47.0|W}}|title3=K31EF-D|description3=31 (UHF)
Facility ID: 61027
Frost, MN|marker3=communications-tower|marker-color3=#233a7a|type4=point|coord4={{coord|43|36|12.0|N|94|59|34.0|W}}|title4=K19HZ-D|description4=19 (UHF)
Facility ID: 21286
Jackson, MN|marker4=communications-tower|marker-color4=#233a7a|type5=point|coord5={{coord|44|45|32.9|N|94|52|24.0|W}}|title5=K20JY-D|description5=20 (UHF)
Facility ID: 55749
Olivia, MN|marker5=communications-tower|marker-color5=#233a7a|type6=point|coord6={{coord|44|32|58.9|N|94|58|01.0|W}}|title6=K22KU-D|description6=22 (UHF)
Facility ID: 55452
Redwood Falls, MN|marker6=communications-tower|marker-color6=#233a7a|type7=point|coord7={{coord|44|06|25.0|N|94|35|45.0|W}}|title7=K32GX-D|description7=32 (UHF)
Facility ID: 125749
St. James, MN|marker7=communications-tower|marker-color7=#233a7a|type8=point|coord8={{coord|47|5|36|N|94|35|48|W}}|title8=K24KT-D|description8=24 (UHF)
Facility ID: 36961
Walker, MN|marker8=communications-tower|marker-color8=#233a7a|type9=point|coord9={{coord|47|5|36|N|94|34|48|W}}|title9=K17FA-D|description9=17 (UHF)
Facility ID: 68697
Willmar, MN|marker9=communications-tower|marker-color9=#233a7a|zoom=6}}
In addition to the main transmitter in Shoreview, KARE's signal is relayed to outlying parts of Minnesota through a network of translators owned by various translator associations.{{Cite web|date=July 23, 2021|title=List of TV Translator Input Channels|url=https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195336/https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|archive-date=December 9, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}
- Alexandria: K14LZ-D
- Frost: K31EF-D (11.1 as 11.4)
- Jackson: K19HZ-D (11.1 as 11.4)
- Olivia: K20JY-D
- Redwood Falls: K22KU-D
- St. James: K32GX-D (11.1 as 11.4)
- Walker: K24KT-D (11.1 as 24.1)
- Willmar: K17FA-D
KARE formerly had a translator serving Breezy Point and Brainerd, KLKS-LP (channel 14), which was owned by the Lakes Broadcasting Group, owner of KLKS radio. The repeater signed on in 1995 and operated until July 16, 2011, when its use as a repeater of KARE was discontinued due to a corporate decision made by Gannett management.{{Cite news|work=KLKS|url=http://klks-news.blogspot.com/2011/07/channel-14-to-lose-kare-11.html|title=Channel 14 to Lose KARE 11|date=July 16, 2011|access-date=July 19, 2011|archive-date=March 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327211910/http://klks-news.blogspot.com/2011/07/channel-14-to-lose-kare-11.html|url-status=live}}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://mnbound.com/ Minnesota Bound]
- [http://tcmedianow.com/kare/ TC Media Now – historical footage and documents from WTCN/WUSA/KARE]
- [http://radiotapes.com/specialpostings.html KARE 1986 Tornado coverage]
- [http://greatriversnetwork.org/index.php?brand=cms&referrer=results&q=wtcn%20&subject=&location= Historical photos of WTCN-TV and WTCN Radio from the Minnesota Historical Society]
{{MSP TV}}
{{Minnesota TV}}
{{NBC Wisconsin}}
{{Other Wisconsin Stations}}
{{Tegna}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kare}}
Category:1953 establishments in Minnesota
Category:Former Gannett subsidiaries
Category:Minnesota Fighting Saints
Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates
Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953
Category:Television stations in Minneapolis–Saint Paul