KEYE-TV
{{Short description|Television station in Austin, Texas}}
{{good article}}
{{other uses|KEYE (disambiguation){{!}}KEYE}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = KEYE-TV
| logo = CBS Austin logo 2016.svg
| logo_alt = In blue, the CBS eye and the letters C B S above a line and the word Austin in a sans serif.
| logo_size = 175px
| image = Telemundo_Austin_2018.svg
| image_alt = The Telemundo network logo, two red shapes forming a symmetrical letter T, above the words "Telemundo" and "Austin" in an off-black color on two separate lines.
| image_size = 125px
| branding = {{ubl|CBS Austin|{{lang|es|italic=no|Telemundo Austin}}; {{lang|es|Noticiero Austin}} (DT2)}}
| digital = 34 (UHF)
| virtual = 42
| affiliations = {{ubl|42.1: CBS|42.2: Telemundo}}
| owner = Sinclair Broadcast Group
| licensee = KEYE Licensee, LLC
| location = Austin, Texas
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1983|12|4|p=y}}
| callsign_meaning = The CBS Eye
| former_callsigns = KBVO-TV (1983–1995)
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|Analog: 42 (UHF, 1983–2009)|Digital: 43 (UHF, 2003–2019)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|Independent (1983–1986)|Fox (1986–1995)}}
| erp = 1,000 kW
| haat = {{convert|395|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 33691
| coordinates = {{coord|30|19|19.3|N|97|48|12.6|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = FCC
| website = {{URL|cbsaustin.com/}}
}}
KEYE-TV (channel 42) is a television station in Austin, Texas, United States, affiliated with CBS and Telemundo. Owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, the station maintains studios on Metric Boulevard in North Austin and a transmitter on Waymaker Way on the city's west side.
Channel 42 began broadcasting on December 4, 1983, as KBVO-TV. Owned by Austin Television, a consortium of three groups that sought the license, it was Austin's first new commercial TV station since 1971 and its first local independent station. Originally emphasizing movies in its schedule, the station affiliated with the new Fox network at its launch in October 1986.
In 1994, Fox announced it would move its local affiliation to KTBC, the previous CBS affiliate, in July 1995. Austin Television, by this point owned by Darrell Cannan of Wichita Falls and KBVO-TV general manager Steve Beard, sold the station to Granite Broadcasting; Granite in turn secured an affiliation with CBS. The affiliation switch in Austin took place on July 2, 1995. On that day, channel 42 became KEYE-TV and began broadcasting local newscasts, which typically have been in third- or fourth-place positions in local ratings. After Granite purchased two large-market WB affiliates, it sold KEYE-TV to the CBS network in 1999.
CBS sold four of its smaller-market media properties, including KEYE-TV, to Cerberus Capital Management in 2007; the stations were grouped under the Four Points Media Group name and later run under contract by Nexstar Broadcasting Group. During this time, the station flipped one of its digital subchannels to an affiliate of Telemundo, complete with Spanish-language local newscasts produced by the KEYE-TV newsroom. Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired the Four Points stations in 2012.
History
Channel 42 in Austin had two prior users before KEYE-TV began broadcasting. It was first assigned to KHFI-TV, which began broadcasting as Austin's second television station on February 12, 1965.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-new-tv-will-op/138675189/|date=February 11, 1965|page=A10|title=New TV Will Open On Friday|newspaper=The Austin Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004602/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-new-tv-will-op/138675189/|url-status=live}} The station, renamed KTVV, moved to channel 36 in January 1973.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-american-tv-switch-postponed/138625316/|date=January 23, 1973|page=37|title=TV Switch Postponed|newspaper=The Austin American|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004552/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-american-tv-switch-postponed/138625316/|url-status=live}} The Spanish International Network applied for a translator of KWEX-TV from San Antonio using channel 42 in 1977;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-public-notice/138625372/|date=April 26, 1977|page=C17|title=Public Notice|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-public-notice/138625372/|url-status=live}} this application remained pending by 1979,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-spanish-statio/138625472/|date=August 22, 1979|page=B2|first=Mike|last=Cox|title=Spanish station seeking Austin broadcast right|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004602/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-spanish-statio/138625472/|url-status=live}} but K42AB began broadcasting on January 24, 1982.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-non-cable-user/138625817/|date=January 27, 1982|page=B8|title=Non-cable users get Spanish TV|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-non-cable-user/138625817/|url-status=live}}
=KBVO-TV: The independent and Fox years=
By the time the Spanish International Network sought channel 42 for a translator, interest was beginning to build around the use of the channel for a full-service TV station. A Christian group and an Austin entrepreneur each analyzed filing, but neither did, and the first official application came from Texas Television, Inc.—the broadcasting business of the McKinnon family, which owned stations in Beaumont and Corpus Christi.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-russo-properti/138625407/|date=April 20, 1979|page=E12|first=David|last=Frink|title=Russo Properties picked out as developer of Bickler tract|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004558/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-russo-properti/138625407/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-american-dream/138625434/|date=June 24, 1979|page=B3|first=Mike|last=Cox|title=American dream: Austin man wants to start new TV station, Channel 42|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004559/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-american-dream/138625434/|url-status=live}} Four other applicants filed with the FCC to run the channel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-2nd-sl-seeks/138625510/|date=November 2, 1979|page=B8|first=David|last=Frink|title=2nd S&L seeks Dallas branch|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-2nd-sl-seeks/138625510/|url-status=live}} Austin Telecasting was led by Darrold Cannan Jr., a Wichita Falls businessman and owner of KAMR-TV in Amarillo. Mountain Laurel Broadcasting was owned by Timothy R. Brown. The other two had interests in stations elsewhere: Pappas Telecasting of Visalia, California, and Television Corporation of Central Texas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-october-big-mo/138625684/|date=November 9, 1979|page=B12|first=David|last=Frink|title=October big month for building|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004608/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-october-big-mo/138625684/|url-status=live}}
Pappas dropped out, and the four other applicants reached a settlement agreement—announced in June 1982 but not approved until March 1983 by which Television Corporation of Central Texas would be a consultant to a merger of Austin Telecasting, Mountain Laurel, and Texas Television, known as Austin Television.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-fcc-approves-a/122488348/|date=June 10, 1982|page=A1|first=Kirk|last=Ladendorf|title=FCC approves application for new Austin TV station|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-fcc-approves-a/122488348/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-channel-42-app/135466968/|date=March 10, 1983|page=B1|first=Linda|last=Gortmaker|title=Channel 42 applicants win FCC approval of settlement|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-channel-42-app/135466968/|url-status=live}} Steven Beard was hired as the general manager and led a search for studio space that delayed channel 42's launch.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-local-televisi/77199346/|date=February 14, 1983|page=C6|first=Kim|last=Tyson|title=Local television station plans broadcasting start this fall|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-local-televisi/77199346/|url-status=live}} For the new independent station, he formulated a program schedule highly dependent on movies, with an estimated 25 feature films a week.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-hotel-caters/138627346/|date=July 31, 1983|page=Show World 2|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title='Hotel' caters to success: ABC moves its proven 'Love Boat' formula ashore|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-hotel-caters/138627346/|url-status=live}} Occasional sports telecasts, syndicated shows, and religious and children's programs rounded out its offerings.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-film-cornucopi/138627441/|date=November 4, 1983|page=F9|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=Film cornucopia: New station KBVO-TV will take viewers to the movies|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004558/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-film-cornucopi/138627441/|url-status=live}} The Spanish International Network moved to channel 30.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-independent-ch/138627601/|date=December 4, 1983|page=B3|first=Joe|last=Vargo|title=Independent channel starts tonight: New TV station ready to roll|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004554/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-independent-ch/138627601/|url-status=live}}
From its studios on Metric Boulevard, KBVO-TV (named for Bevo, the live longhorn steer mascot of the University of Texas' sports teams) began broadcasting on December 4, 1983.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71682298/kbvo-tv-debuts-tonight/|title=KBVO-TV debuts tonight: Austin's first independent station joins competition for viewers, advertising|work=Austin American-Statesman|date=December 4, 1983|first=Diane|last=Holloway|page=Show World 2|accessdate=May 6, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507063826/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71682298/kbvo-tv-debuts-tonight/|url-status=live}} It was profitable within five months of starting up.{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|218383831}}|first=Duke|last=Diane|date=November 7, 1988|title=Tuning in TV Profits: KBVO Endures Tough Times for Independents|work=Austin Business Journal}} On October 9, 1986, the station became a charter affiliate of the upstart Fox network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-kbvo-joins-fox/138627640/|date=September 13, 1986|page=B9|first=John|last=Herndon|title=KBVO joins Fox broadcasting network|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004556/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-kbvo-joins-fox/138627640/|url-status=live}} Beard attributed the station's success to good timing and its movie identity, which helped it weather a regional economic downturn later in the 1980s.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-a-decade-of-ch/71682768/|date=December 31, 1989|pages=Show World 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-austin-tv-in-t/71682661/ 47]|title=A decade of choice: Changing '80s bring more channels, strong independent station to Austin|first=Diane|last=Holloway|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115013811/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-a-decade-of-ch/71682768/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-new-tv-station/72688884/|date=January 9, 1995|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-station-owner/72688937/ B4]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=New TV station focuses on 'family entertainment'|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-new-tv-station/72688884/|url-status=live}}
In 1991, KBVO-TV became the first station outside of San Antonio to air a package of San Antonio Spurs basketball games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-austin-station/138680932/|date=September 22, 1991|page=10D|title=Austin station to broadcast Spurs games live this season|newspaper=San Angelo Standard-Times|location=San Angelo, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114004600/https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-austin-station/138680932/|url-status=live}} By 1994, it was one of the ten highest-rated Fox affiliates in the country; the station was now exclusively owned by Cannan and Beard.{{r|shocks}}
=From Fox to CBS=
{{further|1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment}}
In May 1994, New World Communications purchased longtime CBS affiliate KTBC, which was included later that month in a groupwide affiliation deal to switch most of New World's stations to Fox. Despite KBVO's strong ratings among younger demographics, its UHF signal was inferior to KTBC's VHF signal. The move came as a shock to Beard, a member of Fox's board of governors. He told the Austin American-Statesman that he would seriously consider pursuing the soon-to-be vacant CBS affiliation for KBVO.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199508/|accessdate=May 6, 2021|date=May 24, 1994|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199532/ A8]|first=R. Michelle|last=Breyer|title=KTBC might be switching to Fox's stable|work=Austin American-Statesman}} In October 1994, Austin Television reached a deal to sell KBVO-TV for $54 million to Granite Broadcasting Corporation, which would affiliate KBVO-TV with CBS once the network was bumped from KTBC.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199577/|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199593/ A5]|title=KBVO to get new owners, new network: CBS|first=Bruce|last=Hight|date=October 4, 1994|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=May 6, 2021|work=Austin American-Statesman}} For Cannan and Beard, the sale represented an estate planning move.{{Cite news|page=96|first=Julie A.|last=Zier|title=ABC, CBS make market moves|date=October 10, 1994|work=Broadcasting & Cable|id={{ProQuest|1014753144}} }}
On July 2, 1995, KTBC and KBVO swapped affiliations, with Fox moving to KTBC and the CBS affiliation going to KBVO. Simultaneously with the affiliation switch, KBVO changed its call sign to KEYE-TV. Granite wanted to bolster channel 42's ties to its new network, whose main symbol is an eye, and eliminate any confusion about where CBS programming could be found in Austin. Beard's successor as general manager, Dennis Upiah, said that with the new call letters, "CBS is literally our middle name". The new owners also wanted to shed KBVO's image as a station focused on children's programming.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199766/|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=May 6, 2021|date=May 31, 1995|title=In CBS switch, KBVO will be KEYE|first=Diane|last=Holloway|work=Austin American-Statesman|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199802/ B5]|archive-date=April 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429041003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199766/in-cbs-switch-kbvo-will-be-keye/|url-status=live}} The station began producing local newscasts that day and broke ground on a studio expansion to house its newsroom.{{r|Aust950625}}
At the start of 1999, Granite put KEYE up for sale to help debt obligations it incurred in acquiring two larger-market affiliates of The WB, KBWB in San Francisco and WDWB in Detroit.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-on-the-bl/138628606/|date=February 3, 1999|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-granite-lookin/138628619/ D4]|first=Lori|last=Hawkins|title=KEYE On the Block: Money matters behind decision to sell station|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115005216/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-on-the-bl/138628606/|url-status=live}} Several large broadcast companies, including Raycom Media and Hearst-Argyle Television, expressed interest in acquiring KEYE.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-cbs-could-brin/138628697/|date=April 29, 1999|page=D1|title=CBS could bring KEYE into corporate fold|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115013938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-cbs-could-brin/138628697/|url-status=live}} That April, CBS agreed to buy the station for $160 million.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=CBS buys KEYE-TV|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1999/04/29/CBS-buys-KEYE-TV/8631925358400/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054354/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1999/04/29/CBS-buys-KEYE-TV/8631925358400/|archive-date=September 18, 2018|access-date=February 7, 2021|website=UPI|language=en|url-status=live}} The sale closed that August.{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=August 31, 1999|title=CBS takes over KEYE|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1999/08/30/daily7.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213084447/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1999/08/30/daily7.html|archive-date=February 13, 2023|access-date=February 7, 2021|work=Austin Business Journal|url-status=live}} Under CBS, management turned over frequently, with six general managers in five years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-local-tv-stati/138628826/|date=June 14, 2006|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-shift-general/138628802/ D2]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=Local TV stations in midst of season of change|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012816/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-local-tv-stati/138628826/|url-status=live}}
=Four Points and Sinclair ownership=
On February 7, 2007, CBS agreed to sell seven of its smaller-market stations to Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., for $185 million.{{Cite news |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=February 7, 2007 |title=CBS To Sell Four TV Stations |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-sell-four-tv-stations-30107 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115003736/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-sell-four-tv-stations-30107 |url-status=live }} Cerberus formed a new holding company for the stations, Four Points Media Group, which took over the operations of the stations through local marketing agreements in late June 2007; the sale to Four Points was consummated on January 10, 2008.{{Cite news |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=January 10, 2008 |title=CBS Sells Four Stations to Four Points Media Group |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-sells-four-stations-four-points-media-group-31434 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328171342/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-sells-four-stations-four-points-media-group-31434 |url-status=live }} Four Points operated the stations outright until March 20, 2009, when it entered into a three-year management agreement with the Irving, Texas–based Nexstar Broadcasting Group.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=March 23, 2009 |title=Nexstar Managing Four Points Stations |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-managing-four-points-stations-34382 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813174215/https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-managing-four-points-stations-34382 |url-status=live }}
Sinclair Broadcast Group announced the acquisition of the Four Points stations for $200 million in September 2011.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=September 8, 2011 |title=Sinclair Grabs Four Points Stations for $200 Mil |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/sinclair-grabs-four-points-stations-200-mil-43071 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926163754/https://www.nexttv.com/news/sinclair-grabs-four-points-stations-200-mil-43071 |url-status=live }} The deal was completed on January 3, 2012,{{cite news|title=Sinclair Closes Four Points Media Acquisition|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2012/01/03/56431/sinclair-closes-four-points-media-acquisition|access-date=January 3, 2012|newspaper=TVNewsCheck|date=January 3, 2012|archive-date=July 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714035153/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/sinclair-closes-four-points-media-acquisition/|url-status=live}} at which time the Nexstar management agreement was terminated.{{Cite news |date=January 4, 2012 |title=Four Points Sale Brings Nexstar $6.7 Million |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/four-points-sale-brings-nexstar-6-7-million/ |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=TVNewsCheck |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115003737/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/four-points-sale-brings-nexstar-6-7-million/ |url-status=live }} In August 2016, the station began referring to itself as "CBS Austin".{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Michael P. |title=Austin station loses an 'eye' in new branding |url=https://www.newscaststudio.com/2016/08/03/keye-cbs-austin-news-branding/ |access-date=May 18, 2020 |work=NewscastStudio |date=August 3, 2016 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926150550/https://www.newscaststudio.com/2016/08/03/keye-cbs-austin-news-branding/ |url-status=live }}
Telemundo Austin
In June 2008, KEYE began broadcasting a second digital subchannel offering programming from the Retro Television Network as well as a repeat of its morning newscast.{{Cite web |url=http://www.austin360.com/tv/content/tv/stories/2008/10/1021tvcolumn.html |title=In the digital TV age, KEYE goes retro for second channel |access-date=October 29, 2008 |archive-date=October 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024085356/http://www.austin360.com/tv/content/tv/stories/2008/10/1021tvcolumn.html |url-status=dead |work=Austin American-Statesman|first=Diane|last=Holloway|date=October 21, 2008}} This was replaced on October 1, 2009, with the Spanish-language network Telemundo. KEYE also debuted Spanish-language local newscasts at 5 and 10 p.m. weeknights.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-adds-span/138755940/|date=September 1, 2009|page=A2|first=Gary|last=Dinges|title=KEYE adds Spanish with Telemundo|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115003640/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-adds-span/138755940/|url-status=live}}
News operation
Before it switched to CBS, KBVO-TV had no newscasts with the exception of nightly updates aired during Fox prime time programming from a small closet studio.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199612/|accessdate=May 6, 2021|first=Diane|last=Holloway|date=October 4, 1994|page=A5|title=KBVO will add local newscasts with network switch to CBS|work=Austin American-Statesman|via=Newspapers.com}} After the affiliation swap, on July 3, 1995, KEYE immediately launched a full slate of newscasts, under the moniker K-EYEWitness News. Veteran anchorman Neal Spelce, formerly of KTBC, was hired as part of the new operation, and the station's Metric Boulevard studios were expanded to house the news department.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199723/|title=KEYE gearing up to cover Austin|page=Show World 5, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77199748/ 8]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|date=June 25, 1995|work=Austin American-Statesman|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=May 6, 2021|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115155132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-gearing-u/77199723/|url-status=live}}
In launching a news operation, station management hoped that the locally high ratings for CBS network news on KTBC would transfer to channel 42. This was not the case, and technical miscues in the weeks after opening alienated viewers. Early on, the station rated fourth of the four major TV news operations in town, but it soon surpassed KTBC, whose news ratings severely slumped after the switch.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1996/09/02/story7.html|work=Austin Business Journal|first=Rickie|last=Windle|title=KVUE, KXAN hold on in latest ratings|date=September 2, 1996|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113112228/http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/1996/09/02/story7.html|url-status=live}} Its news programs were faster-paced than the competition with a higher-than-average reliance on props and unconventional methods of storytelling.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-to-catch-your/138750883/|date=May 18, 1998|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-the-eyes-have/138750931/ E8]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=To catch your eye: Channel 42 works to grab attention|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012724/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-to-catch-your/138750883/|url-status=live}} Spelce retired in 2002, becoming "anchor emeritus" and a commentator with occasional contributions to KEYE's newscasts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-spelce-set-to/138751314/|date=October 11, 2002|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-longtime-tv-ne/138751280/ A6]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=Spelce set to sign off as anchor at KEYE: Veteran TV newsman will stay at station as commentator|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012710/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-spelce-set-to/138751314/|url-status=live}} By that time, the station was struggling in the ratings, with sitcom reruns occasionally drawing more viewers than channel 42's newscasts; it canceled its noon newscast as a result.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-is-saying/138751539/|date=November 30, 2002|page=B1|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=KEYE is saying goodbye to its noon newscast|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012716/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-is-saying/138751539/|url-status=live}} It fired three anchors—including Cile Spelce, Neal's daughter—at the end of 2002 and hired Judy Maggio from KVUE several months later.{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2003/03/17/daily16.html|title=Maggio jumping from KVUE to KEYE|work=Austin Business Journal|date=March 18, 2003|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=March 6, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306081327/http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2003/03/17/daily16.html|url-status=live}} CBS also made investments in weather forecasting and anchor salaries{{r|Aust060614}} as well as $15 million to make KEYE the city's first TV station with high-definition local newscasts in 2007, with the Four Points sale in progress.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-ready-for-thei/138757590/|date=October 30, 2007|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-holloway-high/138757693/ E3]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=Ready for their close-ups: CBS affiliate will be the city's first station to broadcast local news in high definition|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115013133/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-ready-for-thei/138757590/|url-status=live}}
The station canceled its 5 p.m. newscast in September 2009, replacing it with We Are Austin Live, an hour-long 4 p.m. lifestyle show anchored by Michelle Valles and Jason Wheeler. A few weeks later, the weekday morning newscast was canceled and later replaced with a simulcast of the J. B. and Sandy Morning Show from KAMX (94.7 FM), leaving KEYE with its 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts and a 5:30 p.m. newscast on Sunday evenings.{{Cite news|url=http://austinist.com/2009/09/02/keye-tv_kills_early_morning_news_pr.php|title=KEYE-TV Kills Early Morning News Program, Broadcasting JB and Sandy Show Instead|work=Austinist|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231140349/http://austinist.com/2009/09/02/keye-tv_kills_early_morning_news_pr.php |archive-date=December 31, 2010|date=September 2, 2009}} On June 30, 2011, after the station was unable to renew its agreement with KAMX owner Entercom, KEYE replaced the simulcast of the J. B. and Sandy Morning Show with the in-house newscast We Are Austin Mornings, a morning extension of We Are Austin LIVE similar in format to national network morning newscasts.{{Cite news|url=http://www.austin360.com/television/newscast-will-replace-jb-and-sandy-morning-show-1443908.html|first=Gary|last=Dinges|title=Newscast will replace 'JB and Sandy Morning Show' simulcast on KEYE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503054234/http://www.austin360.com/television/newscast-will-replace-jb-and-sandy-morning-show-1443908.html|archive-date=May 3, 2011|work=Austin American-Statesman|date=April 29, 2011|access-date=May 2, 2010}} We Are Austin Mornings lasted less than a year before being replaced with a more conventional morning newscast.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keyes-morning/138753306/|date=April 4, 2012|pages=B7, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-shuffles/138753265/ B9]|first=Gary|last=Dinges|title=KEYE's morning news show gets makeover|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115002102/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keyes-morning/138753306/|url-status=live}} The 2009 afternoon news changes were reversed in June 2012, when We Are Austin Live was canceled to make way for the reinstatement of a 5 p.m. newscast.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-drops-au/138752844/|date=June 1, 2012|pages=B7, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-more-viewer-ad/138752920/ B8]|title=KEYE drops 'Austin Live,' adds newscast: Local CBS affiliate to alter its afternoon lineup by ditching lifestyle show for harder news format|first=Gary|last=Dinges|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012742/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-drops-au/138752844/|url-status=live}} The We Are Austin name was revived in 2014 when the station reintroduced it for a 9 a.m. lifestyle show; simultaneously, KEYE extended its morning news to start at 4:30 a.m., giving it a weekday news output of five hours.{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2014/06/keye-bringing-back-we-are-austin-morning-show.html|work=Austin Business Journal|first=Chad|last=Swiatecki|title=KEYE bringing back 'We Are Austin' morning show, ditches '700 Club'|date=June 23, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201044413/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2014/06/keye-bringing-back-we-are-austin-morning-show.html|url-status=live}} During this time, the station had a short-lived improvement in its ratings; in the May 2012 sweeps, it had the highest-rated 10 p.m. newscast in the market.{{Cite news|url=https://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/05-25-12-17-36-austin-may-tv-sweeps-results-are-in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727092116/https://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/05-25-12-17-36-austin-may-tv-sweeps-results-are-in/|work=CultureMap|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 27, 2012|first=Jim|last=McNabb|date=May 25, 2012|title=Austin May TV sweeps results are in: KEYE moves to top slot|access-date=January 14, 2024}}
In 2017, the station placed third or fourth in all of the time slots where it aired a newscast.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-nielsen-rating/138752035/|date=November 29, 2017|pages=B7, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-tv-ratings/138752089/ B8]|first=Gary|last=Dinges|title=Nielsen ratings show KXAN is still on top|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115010909/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-nielsen-rating/138752035/|url-status=live}} In March 2021, it tied KVUE for second place at 10 p.m. but had half as many viewers in the target demographic of viewers 25–54.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-texas-capital-still-weird-booming|date=May 17, 2021|title=Local News: Austin Still Weird, Booming|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519170613/https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-texas-capital-still-weird-booming|url-status=live}}
=Notable former on-air staff=
- Robert Flores – sports director, 2000–2004; fired for an expletive in a mistakenly aired recorded segment{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-expletive-cost/138753079/|date=August 24, 2004|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-fired-why-flu/138753157/ B6]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=Expletive costs job of sports anchor|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-expletive-cost/138753079/|url-status=live}}
- Shaun Robinson – 5 p.m. anchor, 1995–1996{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-anchor-le/138752976/|date=October 18, 1996|page=F4|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=KEYE anchor leaving for Miami market|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115012704/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-keye-anchor-le/138752976/|url-status=live}}
Technical information
=Subchannels=
The station's signal is multiplexed:
| class="wikitable"
! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Aspect ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming | |||
| scope = "row" | 42.1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| scope = "row" | 42.2
| T-Mundo || Telemundo | |||
| style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"
! scope = "row" | 14.2 | rowspan="2"|480i | 4:3 | Bounce | Bounce TV (KBVO) |
| style="background-color:#DFEBF6"
! scope = "row" | 14.3 | 16:9 | Antenna | Antenna TV (KBVO) |
{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}
KEYE-TV broadcasts two subchannels of KBVO-CD as part of Austin's ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) deployment plan. KBVO-CD began 3.0 broadcasting in October 2020.{{Cite news|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/four-austin-stations-roll-out-atsc-3-0/|work=TVNewsCheck|date=October 7, 2020|first=Mark K.|last=Miller|title=Four Austin Stations Roll Out ATSC 3.0|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115002346/https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/four-austin-stations-roll-out-atsc-3-0/|url-status=live}}
=Analog-to-digital conversion=
KEYE-TV shut down its analog signal on February 17, 2009; it was the first Austin station to cease analog broadcasting.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-calls-keep-key/138756316/|date=February 19, 2009|pages=B5, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-digital-calle/138756273/ B7]|first=Diane|last=Holloway|title=Calls keep KEYE busy after digital TV switch|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115005217/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-calls-keep-key/138756316/|url-status=live}} The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 43, using virtual channel 42.{{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}} KEYE-TV moved its digital signal from channel 43 to channel 34 on June 21, 2019, as a result of the 2016 United States wireless spectrum auction.{{Cite web|url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table|format=CSV|website=Federal Communications Commission|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|url-status=live}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://cbsaustin.com/}}
- {{Official website|https://telemundoaustin.com/}} – Telemundo Austin
{{Austin TV}}
{{CBS Texas}}
{{Telemundo Texas}}
{{SBGI}}
Category:1983 establishments in Texas
Category:Former CBS Corporation subsidiaries
Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group
Category:Television channels and stations established in 1983