WKBF-TV

{{Short description|Television station in Cleveland (1968–1975)}}

{{Infobox television station

| callsign = WKBF-TV

| logo = WKBF-TV logo.png

| logo_upright = .75

| logo_alt = An italicized white 61 in a squared-off style inside a rounded black rectangle frame designed to imitate a television screen

| analog = 61 (UHF)

| owner = {{ubl|Kaiser Broadcasting|(1968–1975)|Superior Broadcasting|(co-owner, 1968–1972)|Field Communications|(co-owner, 1973–1975)}}

| location = Cleveland, Ohio

| country = United States

| airdate = {{Start date|1968|01|19}}

| last_airdate = {{ubl|{{End date|1975|04|25}}|({{Age in years and days|1968|01|19|1975|04|25}})}}

| callsign_meaning = "Kaiser Broadcasting"

| power = 3,020 kW{{cite news|date=1972|work=Television Factbook|title=WKBF-TV|via=World Radio History|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1972-73-TV-Factbook/Television-Factbook-1972-73.pdf#page=611|page=610-b|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130073458/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1972-73-TV-Factbook/Television-Factbook-1972-73.pdf#page=611|url-status=live}}

| haat = {{convert|1070|ft|m|sp=us}}

| coordinates = {{Coord|41|22|45.3|N|81|43|11.7|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC}}

| affiliations = Independent

}}

WKBF-TV (channel 61) was a television station in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, which broadcast from January 1968 to April 1975. Owned by Kaiser Broadcasting as one of an eventual group of six stations, it was the first ultra high frequency (UHF) independent station to serve northeast Ohio and the last outlet constructed by the Kaiser chain during the 1960s to begin operations. Despite airing several high-profile local programs, Kaiser's efforts to establish itself in Cleveland never took root because of the establishment of a second independent outlet, WUAB, later that same year, as well as general stagnation in the Cleveland market. In April 1975, Kaiser shut WKBF-TV down and sold its programming inventory to WUAB in exchange for a minority stake in that station.

WKBF-TV maintained studios in the Cleveland suburb of Euclid, Ohio, while the transmitter was located in nearby Parma.

Application and construction

Following the end of a self-imposed 1948 freeze on issuing television station licenses by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1952, a realignment of future channel allocations took place, including the creation of ultra high frequency (UHF) allotments. In the combined Cleveland–Akron–Canton market, this resulted in multiple newly available UHF frequencies to complement the market's existing very high frequency (VHF) stations: WNBK, WEWS-TV and WXEL.{{Cite news |date=December 4, 1953 |title=WHK To Have TV Station |page=36 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153692/whk-to-have-tv-station/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014210/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153692/whk-to-have-tv-station/ |url-status=live }} Radio station WERE was the first in Cleveland to receive a construction permit for a UHF station on channel 65 on June 18, 1953,{{Cite news |date=June 19, 1953 |title=Cleveland's WERE Gets TV Permit |page=38 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153651/clevelands-were-gets-tv-permit/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014210/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153651/clevelands-were-gets-tv-permit/ |url-status=live }} followed by WHK with a permit for a station on channel 19 that December.{{r|AkronB19531204p 2}} Neither were built, and the permits were revoked by the FCC on February 19, 1960.{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1960 |title=FCC Acting To Cancel Permits To TV Stations |page=25 |newspaper=The Newark Advocate |agency=Associated Press |location=Newark, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110183125/fcc-acting-to-cancel-permits-to-tv/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110183125/fcc-acting-to-cancel-permits-to-tv/ |url-status=live }}

United Artists Broadcasting, a subsidiary of the United Artists film studio, filed paperwork for a new channel 65 permit on March 22, 1963.{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=86979 |title= History Cards for WUAB|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards) Cleveland Telecasting Co., headed by WDBN owner Ted Niarhos, filed a competing application on May 3, 1963, having secured a lease to KYW AM/TV's former transmitter facilities in Brecksville and promising a program lineup not constrained to a set schedule.{{cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=May 8, 1963 |title=Bidder for Channel 65: Cleveland Telecasting Gets Up 'Steam' |page=29 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//svjpntcnugomzpbngcfdvwfdgxojjczz_wma-gateway010_1664142740356 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014214/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-127C1D094398F1F1%402438158-127BE5882F396AF5%4028-127BE5882F396AF5?clipid=svjpntcnugomzpbngcfdvwfdgxojjczz_wma-gateway010_1664142740356 |url-status=live }} Superior Broadcasting Corp. was next to file on September 17, 1963,{{cite news |date=September 23, 1963 |title=Draft Notice of Publication (Superior Broadcasting Corporation) |page=21 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12B18D58B49D880C%402438296-12B18A7DB9D74595%4022-12B18A7DB9D74595?clipid=pevokmeonamgdyfbjaxuamulosaklkqy_wma-gateway008_1663035763520 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014256/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12B18D58B49D880C%402438296-12B18A7DB9D74595%4022-12B18A7DB9D74595?clipid=pevokmeonamgdyfbjaxuamulosaklkqy_wma-gateway008_1663035763520 |url-status=live }} led by Cleveland insurance executive and developer Frank V. Mavec,{{Cite news |date=May 18, 1964 |title=Willo Plaza Sale Price: 'Approximately $2 Million' |page=1 |newspaper=The News-Herald |location=Willoughby, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110184892/willo-plaza-sale-price-approximately/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014244/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110184892/willo-plaza-sale-price-approximately/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1960 |title=Plan 2 Big Industrial Parks |page=14 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110184959/plan-2-big-industrial-parks/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014236/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110184959/plan-2-big-industrial-parks/ |url-status=live }} Leigh H. Perkins,{{cite news |last=Gallagher |first=Brian |date=May 15, 2021 |title=Leigh Perkins, Who Built Orvis Into a Lifestyle Brand, Dies at 93 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/15/business/leigh-h-perkins-dead.html |accessdate=May 16, 2021 |newspaper=New York Times |location=New York, New York |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516004406/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/15/business/leigh-h-perkins-dead.html |url-status=live }} and George Oliva, Jr.{{Cite magazine |date=September 30, 1963 |title=New TV stations: Applications |id={{ProQuest|1014467249}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-09-30-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=65 |issue=14 |page=82 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151538/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-09-30-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} Mavec was additionally involved with Telerama Inc., an effort to have cable television franchises established in Cleveland, Akron,{{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=Philip |date=August 9, 1965 |title=FCC May Settle Akron CATV Tiff |page=B1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110185135/fcc-may-settle-akron-catv-tiff/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014245/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110185135/fcc-may-settle-akron-catv-tiff/ |url-status=live }} and other area suburbs.{{Cite magazine |date=November 16, 1964 |title=Cleveland may get CATV: Proposed system would bring in programs from Detroit and Canada |id={{ProQuest|1014494104}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-11-16-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=67 |issue=20 |page=114 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151358/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-11-16-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} United Artists also applied for stations in Boston and Houston, but it had previously been subject to a civil antitrust lawsuit related to United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc.,{{Cite web |title=Michael Rose Productions v. Loew's Incorporated, 141 F. Supp. 257 (S.D.N.Y. 1956) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/141/257/1480614/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |website=Justia Law |language=en |archive-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716191037/http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/141/257/1480614/ |url-status=live }} which the FCC stated would reflect on "requisite qualifications" over the studio's fitness to own a television station.{{Cite magazine |date=December 30, 1963 |title=UA TV application set for hearing |id={{ProQuest|1014463410}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-12-30-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=85 |issue=27 |page=39 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151243/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-12-30-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}

During the comparative hearing, which began in late December 1963,{{r|UA-FCC-hearing}} a three-commissioner panel requested each of the three applicants demonstrate an ability to survive against established VHF competition over the first three years, in addition to providing detailed revenue estimates; this request was also made in similar hearings for competing applications in Buffalo and Boston.{{Cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1014476829}} |date=September 28, 1964 |title=To change or not to change? Three commissioners hear oral argument on whether financial-qualification standards, applied to UHF's, should be amended |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-09-28-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=67 |issue=13 |page=103 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151356/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-09-28-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=April 5, 1965 |id={{ProQuest|1014498445}} |title=The UHF application go-round: Ultravision, Superior ask application of new order; UA agreement would leave it in Lorain, remove it in Boston |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-04-05-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=68 |issue=14 |pages=95–96 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151503/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-04-05-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} The FCC later enacted this as a revision to their financial qualification policy, a move to which Superior objected.{{Cite magazine |date=July 5, 1965 |id={{ProQuest|1014485544}} |title=3 months become a year for applicants: FCC sets new financial qualification policy and extends it to include AM, FM, VHF and UHF |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-07-05-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=69 |issue=1 |pages=30–31 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708125735/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-07-05-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} United Artists removed itself from the hearing process on March 30, 1964, by amending their application to request channel 31 in Lorain, Ohio,{{r|wuab-hc}} which—like channel 65—was unused after WEOL failed to build out a prior permit for WEOL-TV.{{r|Newark19600220p25}} Concurrent with United Artists's request, Cleveland Telecasting withdrew their bid.{{r|UHFapp-go-round}} Another revision to the table of UHF allocations by the FCC on June 4, 1965,{{Cite book |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-308698A1.pdf |title=Federal Communications Commission 31st Annual Report For the Fiscal Year 1965: With summary and notation of subsequent important developments |publisher=United States Government Printing Office |year=1965 |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=111–112 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308044806/https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-308698A1.pdf |url-status=live }} had the channel 65 allocation moved to 61{{r|AkronB19650809p 17}} (a frequency originally proposed for Akron{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1952 |title=Asks Same TV Channel As Simmons |page=35 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110197690/asks-same-tv-channel-as-simmons/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014248/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110197690/asks-same-tv-channel-as-simmons/ |url-status=live }}), while channel 31 was moved to 43.{{r|wuab-hc}} With both companies being awarded permits in the spring of 1966,{{Cite magazine |date=March 7, 1966 |title=United Artists gets ch. 43 Lorain, Ohio |id={{ProQuest|1505598213}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-03-07-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=70 |issue=10 |page=61 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151533/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-03-07-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} Superior requested the WAFT-TV call sign by early June.{{Cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1014499615}} |date=June 13, 1966 |title=For the Record: New call letters requested |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-06-13-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=70 |issue=24 |page=92 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151355/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-06-13-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}

On April 19, 1967, Superior announced a partnership with Oakland, California–based Kaiser Broadcasting, which would operate the new station under a new jointly owned company.{{Cite news |date=April 19, 1967 |title=New UHF Station Planned |page=6 |newspaper=Telegraph-Forum |location=Bucyrus, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521402/new-uhf-station-planned/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914052137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521402/new-uhf-station-planned/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Paperwork filed the following month had Superior transferring WAFT-TV's permit to WKBF Inc. for up to $200,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|200000|1967}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) with Kaiser holding an option to become the full owner.{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine|date=May 8, 1967 |title=For the Record |page=101 |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=72 |issue=19 |id={{ProQuest|1014496340}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151231/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}|{{cite magazine|date=May 8, 1967 |title=Kaiser has option to buy out Superior |id={{ProQuest|1014521414}} |page=66 |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=72 |issue=19 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151231/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}}} Kaiser also provided $1 million to Superior and pledged an additional $1.5 million in financing.{{Cite magazine |date=April 24, 1967 |title=Changing hands... Announced |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-04-24-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=72 |issue=17 |page=69 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |id={{ProQuest|1014523575}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151350/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-04-24-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} While Kaiser Broadcasting had been established a decade earlier with KHVH-TV in Honolulu, company founder and industrialist Henry J. Kaiser divested KHVH-TV, a VHF network affiliate, in favor of multiple UHF stations in large markets that could function as independents.{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Dwight |date=March 13, 1966 |title=Kaiser TV On the Way |page=II:5 |work=San Francisco Examiner |location=San Francisco, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72559354/kaiser-tv-on-the-way/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72559354/kaiser-tv-on-the-way/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} By 1966, the Kaiser chain consisted of WKBD-TV in Detroit,{{r|SanFra19660313p37}} WKBG-TV in Boston,{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1966 |title=Globe-Kaiser's WKBG Begins Broadcasting |page=30 |work=The Boston Globe |location=Boston, Massachusetts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882844/globe-kaisers-wkbg-begins-broadcasting/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074706/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882844/globe-kaisers-wkbg-begins-broadcasting/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} KMTW-TV in Los Angeles (later renamed KBSC-TV),{{cite news |date=June 29, 1966 |title=UHF Channel 52 to Debut Today |page=IV:19 |work=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196202/uhf-channel-52-to-debut-today/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712043857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196202/uhf-channel-52-to-debut-today/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} and WKBS-TV in Philadelphia,{{cite news |date=September 1, 1965 |title=2d UHF Commercial Station to Bow |page=28 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80515818/ |accessdate=June 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80515818/2d-uhf-commercial-station-to-bow/ |url-status=live }} with KBHK-TV{{r|SanFra19671016p19}} in San Francisco in the planning stages.{{r|SanFra19660313p37}} The Superior-Kaiser alliance took advantage of a loophole in FCC regulations intended to limit one company from owning more than three television stations in the top 50 markets; WKBG-TV was also a 50–50 joint venture between Kaiser and The Boston Globe.{{Cite magazine |date=September 25, 1967 |id={{ProQuest|1014507264}} |title=Another waiver for a group: FCC bypasses its proposed limit of three TV's in top-50 markets for fifth time in Kaiser case |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |pages=60, 62 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}

Granting a waiver to Kaiser,{{Cite magazine |date=August 21, 1967 |title=Closed Circuit: Waivering Policy |id={{ProQuest|1014529133}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-08-21-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=8 |page=5 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151443/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-08-21-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} the FCC approved the 50 percent purchase of WAFT-TV in September 1967, with a call sign change to WKBF-TV; Kaiser also announced plans to launch a network among their station group by late 1970, with programs produced by stations within the Kaiser chain as the backbone.{{Cite magazine |date=September 25, 1967 |title=Kaiser's plans move forward: Group's dream of network by late 1970 is supported by approval of Cleveland UHF purchase and other moves |id={{ProQuest|1014507147}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |page=54 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} WKBF-TV was the first full-fledged independent station in Cleveland proper but the fourth full-power UHF station in the entire market, joining Akron's WAKR-TV, Canton's WJAN-TV, and NET member station WVIZ.{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=December 14, 1967 |title=UHF Entry: Channel 61, Jan. 1 Air Date For Cleveland's WKBF |page=B23 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521724/uhf-entry-channel-61-jan-1-air-date/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521724/uhf-entry-channel-61-jan-1-air-date/ |url-status=live }} Kaiser intended to have January 2, 1968, as WKBF-TV's launch date.{{Cite news |date=December 31, 1967 |title=Channel 61 Debut Delayed |page=11 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Preview |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/16134518/ch-61-delay/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914071628/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/16134518/ch-61-delay/ |url-status=live }} This was the same date that KBHK-TV would sign on, and it was planned that senior Kaiser executives attend opening events in San Francisco and Cleveland on the same day.{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Dwight |date=October 16, 1967 |title=New KBHK Warms Up |page=19 |work=San Francisco Examiner |location=San Francisco, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72559639/new-kbhk-warms-up/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72559639/new-kbhk-warms-up/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} As late as December 29, WKBF ran newspaper advertisements proclaiming, "it happens this week on channel 61".{{Cite news |date=December 29, 1967 |title=It happens this week on Channel 61 (advertisement) |page=B8 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15846550/ch-61-12-29-67/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914081743/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15846550/ch-61-12-29-67/ |url-status=live }} While KBHK-TV signed on as scheduled,{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Dwight |date=January 2, 1968 |title=Channel 44 Opens Today |page=55 |work=San Francisco Examiner |location=San Francisco, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85999910/channel-44-opens-today/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203800/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85999910/channel-44-opens-today/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} WKBF's launch would be repeatedly delayed due to inclement weather, in particular wind and extreme cold{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1968 |title=2nd Cage Exclusive For WAKR |page=A23 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560810/2nd-cage-exclusive-for-wakr/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220629/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560810/2nd-cage-exclusive-for-wakr/ |url-status=live }} that prevented the completion of the transmitter tower and hookup to the electrical grid.{{Cite news |date=January 11, 1968 |title=Saturday Start For WKBF-TV? |page=A25 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560702/saturday-start-for-wkbf-tv/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220616/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560702/saturday-start-for-wkbf-tv/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1968 |title=WKBF On Air Saturday |page=A12 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560664/wkbf-on-air-saturday/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220628/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560664/wkbf-on-air-saturday/ |url-status=live }} A combination wind and sleet storm the weekend of January 13–14, 1968,{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1968 |title=Channel 61 Still Not On Air |page=A34 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72560607/channel-61-still-not-on-air/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} pushed back the sign-on date by another week, as the tower was covered in ice.{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=January 16, 1968 |title=Color From WAKR Studios |page=B6 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67250323/color-from-wakr-studios/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220617/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67250323/color-from-wakr-studios/ |url-status=live }} Channel 61 finally signed on with a test pattern on the evening of January 19, 1968, commencing regular telecasting the following day.{{cite news |date=January 20, 1968 |title=Channel 61 Is on Air Today |page=12 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BC18122831657C%402439876-12B97A61D70F399D%4011-12B97A61D70F399D?clipid=tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220626/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BC18122831657C%402439876-12B97A61D70F399D%4011-12B97A61D70F399D?clipid=tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |url-status=live }}

Local programming

Kaiser committed to a substantial investment into local productions, not just at WKBF-TV, but throughout the entire chain, a practice largely appropriated from Metromedia's station group. The company invested over $36 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|36000000|1968}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) into UHF broadcasting by 1968; a credo attributed to Henry J. Kaiser, "find a need and fill it", became the company slogan.{{r|BME196802Kaiser}} General manager Jay Q. Berkson described this commitment as "...Kaiser (intending) to add a new dimension to local television ... TV should entertain, inform and enlighten its viewers".{{r|CPD19690119p6G}} Kaiser's plans to network the most successfully locally-produced shows from their station group distinguished their efforts from the United Network, which failed after one month of operation.{{r|BME196802Kaiser}} Likewise, WKBF-TV carried weekly programs hosted by Hy Lit from Philadelphia{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1968 |title=Television Tonight... And Tomorrow |page=B6 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243246/television-tonight-and-tomorrow/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243246/television-tonight-and-tomorrow/ |url-status=live }} and Lou Gordon from Detroit.{{Cite news |date=January 13, 1968 |title=Television Today/Area TV Schedules |page=B18 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243599/television-todayarea-tv-schedules/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243599/television-todayarea-tv-schedules/ |url-status=live }} Gordon's show, in particular, would be carried over the entire Kaiser group.{{Cite news |date=November 7, 1971 |title=Ford Sees 'Tremendous Price Hikes' |page=C3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110241971/ford-sees-tremendous-price-hikes/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212313/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110241971/ford-sees-tremendous-price-hikes/ |url-status=live }}

File:Alan_Douglas.jpg

WKBF-TV's first local program began along with the station: a Saturday night panel discussion/talk show hosted by veteran radio host Alan Douglas,{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110203159/dick-shippys-mailbag/|date=February 18, 1968|page=8|title=Dick Shippy's Mailbag|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Preview|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 26, 2022}} which was immediately picked up by KBHK-TV (and had originally been intended for that station's inaugural lineup).{{r|SanFra19671016p19}} Titled The Alan Douglas Show‽, it served as an extension of his talk radio shows in both Cleveland and Pittsburgh.{{Cite news|last=Leonard|first=Vincent|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110203048/douglas-takes-his-radio-show-on-the-road/|date=July 15, 1969|page=54|title=Douglas Takes His Radio Show On The Road|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014149/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110203048/douglas-takes-his-radio-show-on-the-road/|url-status=live}} The program was best known for controversial topics and stances taken by Douglas meant to invoke passionate responses; a reviewer in The Plain Dealer regarded the show as "...the most stimulating discussion I have ever seen on TV".{{r|CPD19690119p6G}} The debut episode alone elicited multiple complaints when guest Josiah Thompson discussed conspiracy theories related to the John F. Kennedy assassination.{{Cite book |last1=Olszewski |first1=Mike |title=Cleveland TV Tales: Stories from the Golden Age of Local Television |last2=Olszewski |first2=Janice |publisher=Gray & Company, Publishers |year=2014 |isbn=9781938441578 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}{{rp|p=155}} One 1969 installment, featuring a biker gang as guests, resulted in an on-air altercation with Douglas after he calling them "criminals"; this continued after the program ended.{{r|CLETVmemories1|p=156}} In addition to KBHK-TV, the program was later syndicated to WKBS-TV and KBSC-TV{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=November 8, 1969 |title=Switches to Channel 43: Hey Kids, 'Barnaby' Is Returning Dec. 1 |page=7-D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12CE398439B8D7D2%402440534-12CE378D6D7D4058%4050-12CE378D6D7D4058?clipid=wjzvyltrglppsguzmhpvrcfstyqmdtyj_wma-gateway014_1664161162996 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042453/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12CE398439B8D7D2%402440534-12CE378D6D7D4058%4050-12CE378D6D7D4058?clipid=wjzvyltrglppsguzmhpvrcfstyqmdtyj_wma-gateway014_1664161162996 |url-status=live }} but was cancelled in mid-April 1970.{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110206034/the-censors-have-their-vanity-too/|date=April 14, 1970|page=B3|title=The Censors Have Their Vanity, Too|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110206034/the-censors-have-their-vanity-too/|url-status=live}}

Complementing an existing early-afternoon children's programming block (including the Hanna-Barbera catalogue, Astro Boy, The Three Stooges and Little Rascals, typical among the Kaiser chain{{r|BME196802Kaiser}}) was Captain Cleveland,{{r|AkronB19671214p 49}} starring ventriloquist John Slowey and puppet sidekick "Private Clem".{{r|TimeCapCleveland}} Captain Cleveland merited national attention when Cleveland mayor Carl Stokes began making regular appearances after rejecting prior offers by local media to host a program aimed at adults.{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=January 19, 1969 |title=Channel 61: The Impact of the First Year |page=6-G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12C35DE38493BF73%402440241-12BC6389696003C3%40151-12BC6389696003C3?clipid=bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042454/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12C35DE38493BF73%402440241-12BC6389696003C3%40151-12BC6389696003C3?clipid=bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |url-status=live }} Stokes's first appearance, talking to "Private Clem" about his mayoral duties while also responding to good-natured questions by the puppet, was so well-received that it became a regular segment, drawing comparisons to New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia reading comic strips over the radio.{{Cite magazine |date=May 3, 1968 |title=Programming: Private Clem & Mr. Mayor |language=en-US |volume=91 |page=51 |magazine=Time |issue=18 |url=https://time.com/vault/issue/1968-05-03/page/51/ |access-date=September 27, 2022 |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223332/https://time.com/vault/issue/1968-05-03/page/51/ |url-status=live }} In one installment, then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey appeared as a guest alongside Stokes.{{r|CPD19690119p6G}} Berkson viewed the segment as "...(reaching) the kids before their ideas and prejudices develop".{{r|TimeCapCleveland}} Stokes' telegenic style also found an unlikely supporter in comedian Bob Hope.{{Cite news |last=Kotzbauer |first=Robert |date=January 5, 1969 |title=Behind The Front Page: Pack For Cuban Climate |page=G3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217725/behind-the-front-page-pack-for-cuban/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217725/behind-the-front-page-pack-for-cuban/ |url-status=live }} Captain Cleveland aired on WKBF-TV through 1971, while John Slowey continued to make personal appearances for the station as late as 1973.{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1971 |title=Hospital 'Baby Day' is three-ring circus |page=15 |work=Euclid News-Journal |location=Euclid, Ohio |url=https://cdn.euclidlibrary.org/cdn/esj/1971/19710610/19710610.pdf |access-date=September 27, 2022 }}|{{Cite news |date=June 21, 1973 |title=Big day for 4 year olds |page=8 |work=Euclid News-Journal |location=Euclid, Ohio |url=https://cdn.euclidlibrary.org/cdn/esj/1973/19730621/19730621.pdf |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223331/https://cdn.euclidlibrary.org/cdn/esj/1973/19730621/19730621.pdf |url-status=live }}}}

{{Quote box

| quote = We will be able to write the rules as we go since we won't be saddled with stereotyped ways. We'll just tell the stories the way they are. We will be able to spend any amount of time on a story that it deserves.

| author = Matt Quinn

| source = WKBF-TV news director{{r|CPD19680519p7G}}

| align = left

| width = 250px

| qalign = left

| salign = left

}}

Kaiser announced the establishment of a news department for WKBF-TV in early May 1968, with the hiring of Matt Quinn from Pittsburgh's KDKA as news director,{{r|CPD19680519p7G}} as part of a commitment Kaiser planned to execute at all their stations.{{r|BME196802Kaiser}} WKBF-TV's news service would be centered around a nightly 10 p.m. newscast with a magazine-like format.{{cite news|date=May 19, 1968|last=Hart|first=Raymond P.|title=Channel 61 Aims at Aug. 12 for Debut of 10 p.m. News|page=7-G|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BE1E21E7CE9A49%402439996-12BE1BC161285BDD%40174-12BE1BC161285BDD?clipid=jobblmpzgtbzlebifxuxrasjdvowiumh_wma-gateway009_1662872154062|access-date=September 25, 2022|via=GenealogyBank}} The Ten O'Clock News debuted on August 12, 1968, anchored by former Kansas City newscaster John Herrington.{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110202132/breslin-assesses-the-ghetto-battle/|date=July 30, 1968|page=A8|title=Breslin Assesses The Ghetto Battle|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014251/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110202132/breslin-assesses-the-ghetto-battle/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Tom |date=July 30, 2007 |title=Tribute to John Herrington |url=http://207.170.133.18/wmv_news/JHerrington.htm |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=WMV - Web News Cleveland |location=Cleveland, Ohio |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042451/http://207.170.133.18/wmv_news/JHerrington.htm |url-status=live }} Quinn expressed optimism that the Cleveland audience would be sophisticated enough to watch a late-evening newscast at an earlier hour.{{r|CPD19680519p7G}} Prior to launching, WKBF-TV and WHK entered into a content-sharing partnership "combining" their respective news departments, with reporters from both stations, including WHK's John O'Day and Tim Taylor, exchanging stories and reports.{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=July 21, 1968 |title=Channel 61 and WHK News Staffs Will Combine Efforts |page=27-E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BCD135A68EE39D%402440059-12BCC4F9AA2BE6ED%40131-12BCC4F9AA2BE6ED?clipid=seljuizuvdginfsyowhryklvzqtnjbja_wma-gateway009_1664159780360 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042453/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BCD135A68EE39D%402440059-12BCC4F9AA2BE6ED%40131-12BCC4F9AA2BE6ED?clipid=seljuizuvdginfsyowhryklvzqtnjbja_wma-gateway009_1664159780360 |url-status=live }} Herrington began anchoring three news bulletins over WHK on weekday afternoons, while WHK news director Ken Hildebrand anchored WKBF-TV's weekend newscasts.{{r|CPD19680721p27E}} Future Cleveland sportscaster Nev Chandler joined WKBF-TV in 1968 as an assignment editor after graduating from Northwestern University.{{Cite news |last=Glasier |first=David S. |date=June 22, 1990 |title=Nev chandler worked his way up to a sportscaster |page=2 |newspaper=News-Journal TV Week |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110209719/nev-chandler-worked-his-way-up-to-a-spor/%7C |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042452/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110209719/nev-chandler-worked-his-way-up-to-a/ |url-status=live }}

File:WKBF-TV_Kaiser_for_Cleveland_ad.jpg

Two other veteran broadcasters soon emerged at WKBF-TV during its first year. Bill Gordon, best known for co-hosting The One O'Clock Club at WEWS-TV with Dorothy Fuldheim, joined WKBF-TV in July 1968{{cite news |date=July 25, 1968 |title=Gordon Wooed 'Home' by WHK |page=37 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BCD151E88244D4%402440063-12BCCB370664DC63%4036-12BCCB370664DC63?clipid=kvsaesxhavtdpxgyyfbkpirnrlfwdgcp_wma-gateway007_1664160815339 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042454/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12BCD151E88244D4%402440063-12BCCB370664DC63%4036-12BCCB370664DC63?clipid=kvsaesxhavtdpxgyyfbkpirnrlfwdgcp_wma-gateway007_1664160815339 |url-status=live }} to host the weekly variety show Dear Bill,{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110206187/programming-truth-if-its-a-bum-movie/|date=February 18, 1969|page=B6|title=Programming Truth: If It's A Bum Movie, Then Say So!|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110206187/programming-truth-if-its-a-bum-movie/|url-status=live}} which—like Douglas's show—had a studio audience, unique to Cleveland television.{{r|CPD19690119p6G}} Linn Sheldon, who found fame as children's television host "Barnaby" for 13 years at KYW-TV/WKYC-TV, became an early-afternoon movie host at WKBF-TV the following month,{{Cite news |date=August 1, 1968 |title=Heavy On Sports At WAKR-TV |page=B12 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110213975/heavy-on-sports-at-wakr-tv/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042453/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110213975/heavy-on-sports-at-wakr-tv/ |url-status=live }} dropping the characterization and used his real name.{{r|CPD19691108p7D}} Sheldon also hosted local segments for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, which WKBF-TV began carrying in 1969.{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=August 5, 1969 |title=MGM Loves That Television Coin |page=A12 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110277422/mgm-loves-that-television-coin/ |access-date=September 27, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927051922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110277422/mgm-loves-that-television-coin/ |url-status=live }} Neither program lasted long: Gordon's program ended in April 1969,{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=October 18, 1969 |title=Dialing Around |page=7-D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12CE305EC55EF2A7%402440513-12CC9EE225700967%4058-12CC9EE225700967?clipid=sqzcwzizfsvrhgjjfmtwrgyojecvugwg_wma-gateway020_1664160906151 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042456/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12CE305EC55EF2A7%402440513-12CC9EE225700967%4058-12CC9EE225700967?clipid=sqzcwzizfsvrhgjjfmtwrgyojecvugwg_wma-gateway020_1664160906151 |url-status=live }} and Sheldon left that November to join WUAB, reprising the "Barnaby" persona.{{r|CPD19691108p7D}}

Despite such lofty efforts, Kaiser Broadcasting faced mounting financial losses—compounded by a weak national economy and a marketplace slow to UHF acceptance{{cite magazine |date=November 16, 1970 |id={{ProQuest|1016859451}} |title=Down to the bone in Kaiser's news: UHF group gives notice to 50 air journalists in sharp economy move |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=79 |issue=20 |page=51 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151321/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}—which threatened the company at large.{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettylou |date=November 13, 1970 |title=Staff of 17 Fired: Channel 50 Cancels News |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243775/staff-of-17-fired-channel-50-cancels/ 4A] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243740/staff-of-17-fired-channel-50-cancels/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212336/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243740/staff-of-17-fired-channel-50-cancels/ |url-status=live }} From 1968 through 1970, a total of $6 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|6000000|1970}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) was spent on the chain's news services, with WKBF-TV, WKBS-TV and WKBD-TV receiving the bulk of this investment, but WKBD-TV was the only Kaiser station to turn a profit.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} With declines in both advertisers and viewership in Cleveland and elsewhere,{{r|AkronB19701113p 8}} Kaiser eliminated news operations across the board on November 12, 1970.{{r|Detroi19701113p 1}}{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1970 |title=Kaiser to Cut News Service; 60 to Lose Jobs |page=17 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110244468/kaiser-to-cut-news-service-60-to-lose/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110244468/kaiser-to-cut-news-service-60-to-lose/ |url-status=live }} Defining this as "a period of hiatus" for newscast production,{{r|Philad19701113p 17}} one staffer was retained at every station to be "...the nucleus for a larger staff when the hiatus has come to an end".{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} Accordingly, WKBF-TV cancelled their 10 p.m. newscast and several public affairs programs that same day,{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1970 |title=TV 61 Cuts Programs |page=A8 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110135176/tv-61-cuts-programs/ |access-date=September 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014151/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110135176/tv-61-cuts-programs/ |url-status=live }} saving $400,000 in expenses.{{r|CLETVmemories1|p=33}}

Kaiser's cutbacks promptly raised doubts in the industry over UHF's profitability, as Kaiser had been regarded as one of the better-equipped UHF station operators.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} WKBF-TV never reinstated its news department, with reporter Alan DePetro reassigned as public affairs manager, a role he held for the rest of the station's existence.{{r|CPD19750420p8Gb}} John Herrington joined WKYC-TV the following January as a reporter and anchor, remaining at that station until retiring in 1993.{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 19, 1993 |title=Show's sex, violence not selling at WEWS, many ABC affiliates |page=7E |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807550C63589CA |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927013626/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807550C63589CA&f=basic |url-status=live }} Newsroom, an attempt at a replacement local newscast, began in 1971 but consisted of "rip-and-read" news wire stories and light discussion at 10:30 a.m.; Roldo Bartimole's newsletter Point of View noted, "even considering this program as news is rather stretching the definition of the word",{{Cite magazine |last=Mann |first=Bob |date=July 26, 1971 |title=Short-weighting at Ch. 61 |url=https://clevelandmemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/roldo/id/49/rec/2 |magazine=Point of View |location=Cleveland, Ohio |publisher=Roldo Bartimole |volume=4 |issue=2 |page=4 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |via=Cleveland Memory Project |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002045302/https://clevelandmemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/roldo/id/49/rec/2 |url-status=live }} while Cleveland Press critic Bill Barrett criticized the station for failing to employ an announcer at all times after an untrained engineer struggled to read a severe weather bulletin.{{Cite news |last=Barrett |first=Bill |date=June 8, 1971 |title=Juan Milan's big moments reveals UHF shortcoming |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cleveland-press-juan-milans-big-mom/165485637/ |access-date=February 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Cleveland Press |page=B7 |via=Newspapers.com}}

UHF competition

File:WKBF_TV_studios.jpg.|alt=An architectural rendering of a light brick building depicting the former studios, with a series of seven windows underneath an awning surrounded by shrubbery and landscaping. To the right reads two lines of text, the top line "WKBF TV" and the bottom, in small lettering, "KAISER BROADCASTING"; next to this text, a small rectangular box shaped like a television set with "61" inside it.]]

WKBF-TV's success securing $700,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|700000|1968}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) in advertising sales over the station's first few weeks of operation offered initial hope for long-time viability in the market,{{Cite magazine |date=February 1968 |title=How the Independents Program: Kaiser's Us and WOR-TV are doing counter programming. It all started with Metromedia. |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BME/60s/BM-E-1968-02.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcast Management/Engineering |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=29–31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925042232/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BME/60s/BM-E-1968-02.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}} but the station was placed at a distinct disadvantage almost from the beginning. United Artists signed on WUAB on September 14, 1968, using WKBF-TV's transmitter tower in Parma, featuring a similar lineup of off-network reruns, cartoons, movies and sports.{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=September 13, 1968 |title=WUAB (43) Joins The TV Family |page=D3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110317467/wuab-43-joins-the-tv-family/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223333/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110317467/wuab-43-joins-the-tv-family/ |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} While WKBF-TV immediately launched with an array of local programming, WUAB's output was severely limited due to being temporarily housed at WVIZ's facilities in Brook Park{{r|AkronB19680913p 43}} and a semi-trailer next to a Parma bowling alley while their permanent studios were being built.{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=April 13, 1969 |title=Channels 43 and 61: Local UHF Stations Fight for Viewers |page=16-E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12C604CC138A3A67%402440325-12C1599905DFD8E1%40129-12C1599905DFD8E1?clipid=vznqvlwqhmmttxjaatfcmwrnnomnkdsv_wma-gateway011_1664310895124 |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223336/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12C604CC138A3A67%402440325-12C1599905DFD8E1%40129-12C1599905DFD8E1?clipid=vznqvlwqhmmttxjaatfcmwrnnomnkdsv_wma-gateway011_1664310895124 |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}} In 1968, the combined Cleveland–Akron–Canton television market was ranked as the eighth-largest market in the United States,{{r|BME196802Kaiser}} further attracting industry attention over competing UHF stations with substantial investment by their respective ownership.{{r|CPD19690413p16E}}

By the spring of 1969, WUAB claimed a portion of WKBF-TV's viewership, taking advantage of poorly-rated syndicated variety shows at WKBF-TV hosted by Donald O'Connor and Les Crane, but both stations had taken significant audience from the VHF competition.{{r|CPD19690413p16E}} While WKBF-TV boasted coverage of the Cincinnati Royals{{r|AkronB19671214p 49}} and harness racing from Thistledown,{{Cite news |last=Yannucci |first=Ray |date=May 26, 1970 |title=Thistle Races On TV |page=B9 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110329504/thistle-races-on-tv/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928023926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110329504/thistle-races-on-tv/ |url-status=live }} WUAB-TV featured Ohio State Buckeyes football and men's basketball{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1968 |title=TV, Radio Coverage Of Prep Finale |page=B4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110329187/tv-radio-coverage-of-prep-finale/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928023926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110329187/tv-radio-coverage-of-prep-finale/ |url-status=live }} and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.{{r|AkronB19680913p 43}} The arrival of "Barnaby" and Superhost (Marty Sullivan) at WUAB in late 1969,{{r|CPD19691108p7D}} coupled with WKBF-TV culling much of their local offerings the following year, resulted in WUAB becoming by 1971 not only the leading UHF station in Cleveland but the second-highest rated UHF station in the country behind Boston's WSBK-TV.{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=January 31, 1971 |title=WUAB-TV Now One of Nation's Top UHF Stations |page=11-F |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12DA6591CB03B296%402440983-12D684FFD5B277DA%40114-12D684FFD5B277DA?clipid=gkxubeblmndixbqdoqtuznpvkidphafh_wma-gateway020_1664311077677 |access-date=September 27, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223335/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12DA6591CB03B296%402440983-12D684FFD5B277DA%40114-12D684FFD5B277DA?clipid=gkxubeblmndixbqdoqtuznpvkidphafh_wma-gateway020_1664311077677 |url-status=live }} The differences between Cleveland's two UHF outlets soon became pronounced: William Hickey, a television columnist for The Plain Dealer, remarked that WKBF-TV "in no time ... was reduced to audience shares of 4%, and that was on good days."{{r|CPD19750420p8Ga}} One bright spot for WKBF-TV occurred with reruns of the original Star Trek, which were broadcast in the same episode order as had been originally shown on NBC. Added to the station's schedule in September 1971 at 6:30 p.m. nightly, Star Trek quickly became channel 61's highest-rated program, so much so that a private celebration marking WKBF-TV's fifth birthday was headlined by DeForest Kelley.{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=January 14, 1973 |title=He Will Help Ch. 61 Celebrate 5th Birthday: 'Star Trek' Popularity Puzzles Show's Dr. McCoy |page=7-G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12EC95765935EB49%402441697-12EC945F8B431797%40159-12EC945F8B431797?clipid=stclqtebraigbjtokdgbjqwpvqcdhfim_wma-gateway014_1664321242271 |access-date=September 27, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928023930/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12EC95765935EB49%402441697-12EC945F8B431797%40159-12EC945F8B431797?clipid=stclqtebraigbjtokdgbjqwpvqcdhfim_wma-gateway014_1664321242271 |url-status=live }}

On May 26, 1972, Kaiser Broadcasting and Field Communications, owner of WFLD-TV in Chicago, announced a transaction that had Field purchasing a 22.5 percent minority stake in the entire Kaiser station group (excluding KBSC-TV, which was to be divested); in turn, Kaiser purchased a 77.5 percent majority stake in WFLD-TV.{{cite magazine |date=May 29, 1972 |title=Kaiser, Field put their U's together |id={{ProQuest|1016872697}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-05-29-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=82 |issue=22 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104001405/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-05-29-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}} Kaiser then executed the option to purchase the remainder of WKBF-TV from Superior Broadcasting, which the FCC approved on August 14, 1972.{{cite magazine |date=September 4, 1972 |title=For the Record: Ownership Changes–Actions |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-09-04-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=83 |issue=10 |page=44 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151458/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-09-04-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |id={{ProQuest|1016884501}} |via=World Radio History}} The Kaiser–Field deal was completed in early May 1973.{{cite magazine |date=May 14, 1973 |title=Kaiser-Field merger passes FCC muster |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-05-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=84 |issue=20 |id={{ProQuest|1285747126}} |page=34 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108161112/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-05-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}

''The Ghoul''

{{Quote box

| quote = Of course the program director had to go back to his management and say that a guy in a lab coat full of buttons with a pair of glasses with one eye out and a wild wig was telling him he could double his ratings.

| author = Ron Sweed

| source = on The Ghoul's debut{{r|CPD19840924Fp40}}

| width = 260px

}}

Even with the station's heavy emphasis on local programming in its first two years, WKBF-TV's most popular program debuted in 1971, after the majority of local output had been curtailed: Creature Features with The Ghoul.{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Jane |date=September 24, 1982 |title=Ghoul is going after local bands |page=Friday 40 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-130CE7BB5D44827D%402445237-130CE146C4E5D5C6%40116-130CE146C4E5D5C6?clipid=junkbbzaztmxpvnvvoyrmdjaumyppere_wma-gateway015_1663302892615 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-130CE7BB5D44827D%402445237-130CE146C4E5D5C6%40116-130CE146C4E5D5C6?clipid=junkbbzaztmxpvnvvoyrmdjaumyppere_wma-gateway015_1663302892615 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}} Ron Sweed originated the character as a spiritual successor to Ghoulardi, a horror host character created by Ernie Anderson at WJW-TV.{{Cite news |last=Galloway |first=Barbara |date=December 11, 1987 |title='Ghoul' lawsuit against 'Son' no scare tactic |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522050/ghoul-lawsuit-against-son-no-scare/ D4] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522048/ghoul-lawsuit-against-son-no-scare/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522048/ghoul-lawsuit-against-son-no-scare/ |url-status=live }} At the age of 13, Sweed wore a gorilla suit to a promotional appearance for Ghoulardi, a stunt that led Sweed to be invited on stage by Anderson,{{r|Detroi19770320p 39}} eventually becoming his gofer.{{r|Detroi20190404pA4}} After Anderson left WJW-TV for work in Los Angeles, Sweed helped with succeeding show Hoolihan and Big Chuck{{r|CPD19840924Fp40}} then was granted permission by Anderson to portray the Ghoulardi character, but only under a different name.{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=April 4, 2019 |title=The Ghoul, crazed '70s TV horror host, dies |pages=A4, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217355/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ A16] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217343/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217343/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ |url-status=live }} Only 21 years old when WKBF-TV debuted Creature Features, Sweed oriented The Ghoul to focus on explosions, slapstick and lowbrow humor,{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=November 12, 1998 |title=Braaaap! The Ghoul's back, on TV and in print |pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217448/braaaap-the-ghouls-back-on-tv-and-in/ 5E] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217442/braaaap-the-ghouls-back-on-tv-and-in/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217442/braaaap-the-ghouls-back-on-tv-and-in/ |url-status=live }} a marked departure from Ghoulardi's cerebral-driven beatnik persona.{{r|Detroi20190404pA4}} Sweed was occasionally criticized for being a poor imitation of horror hosts that preceded him,{{Cite news |date=January 26, 1973 |title=Action Line: Dial 222-6464 |page=1A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216103/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216103/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |url-status=live }} while one newspaper review called the show "one long Polish joke interrupted by a boring monster movie".{{r|Detroi19770320p 39}}

The Ghoul generated enough of a cult following to the point Kaiser syndicated the show to WKBD-TV in 1972,{{Cite news |last=Hanna |first=Charlie |date=May 20, 1972 |title=The Ghoul and Cavett: What Were They Trying To Say? |page=11C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216027/the-ghoul-and-cavett-what-were-they/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216027/the-ghoul-and-cavett-what-were-they/ |url-status=live }} then KBHK-TV and WKBG-TV.{{Cite news |last=Talbert |first=Bob |date=January 19, 1973 |title=Lunch With The Ghoul a Zesty Affair |page=11A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216064/lunch-with-the-ghoul-a-zesty-affair/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216064/lunch-with-the-ghoul-a-zesty-affair/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=June 6, 1974 |title=Ask The Globe |page=53 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |location=Boston, Massachusetts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216171/ask-the-globe/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216171/ask-the-globe/ |url-status=live }} While the program proved very popular in Cleveland and Detroit, it met with mixed results in San Francisco and Boston.{{r|Detroi19730126p 1}} WFLD-TV also picked up the program in late 1973, but it came at the expense of that station's existing horror host, Svengoolie (Jerry G. Bishop).{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1973 |title=TV mailbag |page=2 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune TV Week |location=Chicago, Illinois |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522103/tv-mailbag-svengoolie-cancelled-for/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522103/tv-mailbag-svengoolie-cancelled-for/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1974 |title=TV mailbag |page=2 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune TV Week |location=Chicago, Illinois |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216411/tv-mailbag-ghoul-bumper-sticker/ |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216411/tv-mailbag-ghoul-bumper-sticker/ |url-status=live }} Kaiser cancelled The Ghoul in the spring of 1975 due to being "economically unfeasible"; WKBF-TV and WKBD-TV were the only two remaining Kaiser stations carrying the show.{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1975 |title=Action Line: Dial 222-6464 |page=1A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063740/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220624/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063740/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |url-status=live }} WKBD-TV revived the program in August 1975,{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1975 |title=Tipoff: The Ghoul Returns |page=3A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063865/tipoff-the-ghoul-returns/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063865/tipoff-the-ghoul-returns/ |url-status=live }} while Ron Sweed sued Kaiser for the intellectual property rights to the Ghoul character, to which Kaiser claimed it held the trademark.{{r|Detroi19750313p 1}} After prevailing in court, Sweed re-established the show at WXON in Detroit.{{Cite news |last=Bifoss |first=Fawn |date=March 20, 1977 |title=Ghoulish Success Mixes Kitsch with Kiszka |page=7C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104517850/the-ghoul-detroit-free-press-03-20-77/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143855/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104517850/the-ghoul-detroit-free-press-03-20-77/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Closure

{{Quote box

| quote = A demand for any profit must be conceived by consumer demand. Then a second independent facility arrived in less than a year after our operation. We realized the serious jeopardy and knew that only one successful one must merge. We are now terminating broadcasting operations. On behalf of Kaiser Broadcasting and myself, thank you.

| author = Alan Bennett

| source = WKBF-TV general manager{{r|LorJo19750425p43}}

| align = right

| width = 275px

}}

Kaiser Broadcasting, which operated WKBF-TV at a loss throughout its entire existence, announced the station's shutdown on April 8, 1975, after reaching a tentative agreement to sell WKBF's assets to United Artists in exchange for cash{{Efn|The cash value of WKBF-TV's assets were $350,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|350000|1975}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) if the transmitter was included and $200,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|200000|1975}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) if it was not.{{r|WUABonlyU}} WUAB continued to operate from the transmitter tower it had shared with WKBF-TV until 2017, when the station sold off its broadcast spectrum back to the FCC.{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=February 16, 2017 |title=Channel 43 will remain on the air; only its transmitter was sold |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2017/02/channel_43_will_remain_on_the_air_only_its_transmitter_was_sold.html |access-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021190259/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2017/02/channel_43_will_remain_on_the_air_only_its_transmitter_was_sold.html |url-status=live }}}} or a 36 percent equity stake in WUAB{{Cite magazine |date=April 14, 1975 |title=Kaiser to quit Cleveland, leaving UA with only U |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=88 |issue=15 |page=52 |access-date=October 1, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926010710/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=October 10, 1978 |title=Channel 61 plans a return |page=7-B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-1302549A1AC11239%402443792-1301F1C9938C3DA6%4026-1301F1C9938C3DA6?clipid=qkdvcsbogqsnvxjebeframipsxoxymmb_wma-gateway016_1662873097908 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-1302549A1AC11239%402443792-1301F1C9938C3DA6%4026-1301F1C9938C3DA6?clipid=qkdvcsbogqsnvxjebeframipsxoxymmb_wma-gateway016_1662873097908 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}} while turning in WKBF-TV's license to the FCC for cancellation.{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=April 9, 1975 |title=Channel 61 to go off air |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F615020DFDFDCD%402442512-12F6133AEBFB0F73%400-12F6133AEBFB0F73?clipid=ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220632/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F615020DFDFDCD%402442512-12F6133AEBFB0F73%400-12F6133AEBFB0F73?clipid=ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |access-date=September 23, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F6143CB44D3B39%402442512-12F59E6863B4B00C%405-12F59E6863B4B00C?clipid=zlonygvdwsuurqambrnrivzdpcuuglvp_wma-gateway013_1662872241580 6A] |via=GenealogyBank}}{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1975 |title=Ch. 61 is quitting—Ch. 43 to absorb it |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cleveland-press-ch-61-is-quittingc/165484630/ |access-date=February 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Cleveland Press |page=A13 |via=Newspapers.com}} Kaiser accepted the WUAB equity stake offer by mid-May.{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1975 |title=Kaiser Takes WUAB Stock |page=B27 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438678/kaiser-takes-wuab-stock/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002045257/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438678/kaiser-takes-wuab-stock/ |url-status=live }} Rumors of such a transaction (reported on as a "merger") circulated several days earlier,{{Cite news |date=April 2, 1975 |title=TV Channels 61 and 43 Will Merge Tomorrow |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AMNEWS&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Aimage%252Fv2%253A17C7A73A72EFB355%2540EANX-NB-1883EE83449E3370%25402442505-1883B0E4E1FA94FE%25402/hlterms%3A |url-access=subscription |access-date=November 16, 2022 |work=The Lorain Journal |location=Lorain, Ohio |page=3 |via=NewsBank}}{{Cite news |date=April 3, 1975 |title=Channels 43, 61 talk of merger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cleveland-press-channels-43-61-talk/165484811/ |access-date=February 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Cleveland Press |page=F2 |via=Newspapers.com}} with WUAB general manager Jack Moffitt and WKBF-TV general manager Alan B. Bennett acknowledging negotiations had been ongoing for "a couple of years".{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1975 |title=Hint Link Of Chs. 61, 43 |page=D13 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438431/hint-link-of-chs-61-43/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002045258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438431/hint-link-of-chs-61-43/ |url-status=live }} WKBF's final day of operations on April 25, 1975, ended after a Perry Mason rerun with a five-minute long tribute and a brief on-air statement by Bennett.{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |title=Stars take mike to aid St. Jude's |page=3B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F61ABC5390D60A%402442522-12F614065EE3B3CC%4015-12F614065EE3B3CC?clipid=jcsebasylgqcqvopacwmyympftrcyxgm_wma-gateway001_1662872299118 |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220620/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F61ABC5390D60A%402442522-12F614065EE3B3CC%4015-12F614065EE3B3CC?clipid=jcsebasylgqcqvopacwmyympftrcyxgm_wma-gateway001_1662872299118 |url-status=live }} Kaiser president Don B. Curran conceded the market could not support five commercial television stations and the shutdown was necessary to stabilize Kaiser's financial position,{{r|CPD19750409p1A}} a statement echoed by Bennett.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Darlene |date=April 25, 1975 |title=WKBF-TV Signs Off Air |work=The Lorain Journal |location=Lorain, Ohio |page=43 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AMNEWS&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Aimage%252Fv2%253A17C7A73A72EFB355%2540EANX-NB-1883EEEBB42072C9%25402442528-1883ED614ADCAF44%254043-1883ED614ADCAF44%2540/hlterms%3A |access-date=September 23, 2022 |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank}}

The Press{{'}}s editorial on WKBF's demise read, "[it] comes as a shock to those who have been led to believe that a television license is the equivalent of a license to print money. The sad truth is that, outside of the low number stations with their network affiliations, TV broadcasting is a tough business ... Channel 61 could not make ends meet."{{Cite news |date=April 10, 1975 |title=WKBF (1968-1975) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cleveland-press-wkbf-1968-1975-ed/165483666/ |access-date=February 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Cleveland Press |page=C4 |type=Editorial |via=Newspapers.com}} William Hickey noted in his Plain Dealer column that WUAB had nearly immediately entered the market with better programming, further dividing the audience for non-network fare; citing market conditions, he doubted that a new channel 61 would be constructed at any time in the near future, stating, "A child born today will have the proverbial gray beard before another commercial channel begins operating here."{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F61AC0541DAE2D%402442523-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3%40147-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3?clipid=ekqobnnbqqwbznfjgkixgrsvgaqamxrn_wma-gateway008_1662872336037|page=8-G|first=William|last=Hickey|date=April 20, 1975|title=Channel 61's seven-year UHF effort hit only fool's gold...|work=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|via=GenealogyBank|access-date=September 13, 2022|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220619/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F61AC0541DAE2D%402442523-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3%40147-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3?clipid=ekqobnnbqqwbznfjgkixgrsvgaqamxrn_wma-gateway008_1662872336037|url-status=live}} Press columnist Don Robertson criticized Kaiser vice president Richard Block's management of the station from Oakland, saying, "this Block knew about as much about the Cleveland TV market as I know about the sex habits of the Bulgarian wart hog."{{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Don |date=April 14, 1975 |title=Channel 61 is dead |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cleveland-press-channel-61-is-dead/165484323/ |access-date=February 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Cleveland Press |page=A12 |via=Newspapers.com}}

WUAB replaced WKBF on cable systems in Zanesville{{Cite news |date=April 25, 1975 |title=WKBF Ceases Broadcasts, WUAB Substitutes Locally |page=1B |newspaper=The Times Recorder |location=Zanesville, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109488198/wkbf-ceases-broadcasts-wuab/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914071639/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109488198/wkbf-ceases-broadcasts-wuab/ |url-status=live}} and Dover/New Philadelphia,{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1975 |title=Cable TV gets okay to add 43 |page=B1 |newspaper=The Daily Reporter |location=Dover, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521991/cable-tv-gets-okay-to-add-43/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521991/cable-tv-gets-okay-to-add-43/ |url-status=live }} and the system in Fremont/Sandusky petitioned the FCC to replace WKBF with WKBD.{{Cite news |last=Hine |first=M.J. |date=April 18, 1975 |title=North Central Cable asks FCC for station replacement |page=13 |newspaper=The News-Messenger |location=Fremont, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521615/north-central-cable-asks-fcc-for/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521615/north-central-cable-asks-fcc-for/ |url-status=live }} One system in Circleville did not initially replace WKBF but noted the possibility of doing so at a future date.{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1975 |title=Cablevision Loses One Station |page=15 |newspaper=The Circleville Herald |location=Circleville, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72557396/cablevision-loses-one-station-wkbf-tv/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153259/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72557396/cablevision-loses-one-station-wkbf-tv/ |url-status=live }} WKBF's studio building, which WUAB also purchased in the asset sale, was sold off and repurposed as an office building.{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1976 |title=Some buildings have life of chamelon [sic] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cleveland-press-some-buildings-have/165483771/ |access-date=February 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Cleveland Press |page=11:Home |via=Newspapers.com}} Kaiser's equity stake in WUAB was divested in 1977 when Gaylord Broadcasting purchased WUAB from United Artists.{{r|CPD19781010p7B}}

Several of the 65 staffers at WKBF-TV were reassigned throughout the Kaiser chain.{{r|CPD19750409p1A}} Lucie Salhany, who had been a station employee at the start and end of WKBF-TV's on-air existence, continued with Kaiser as program manager for WLVI (the former WKBG-TV).{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=April 20, 1975 |title=...but employes go out with touch of class |page=8-G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F61AC0541DAE2D%402442523-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3%40147-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3?clipid=nrusxawxqtrmgvhmotbjojdeghdmdtfj_wma-gateway003_1663043715775 |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220619/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F61AC0541DAE2D%402442523-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3%40147-12F5BEA7DC3CF9E3?clipid=nrusxawxqtrmgvhmotbjojdeghdmdtfj_wma-gateway003_1663043715775 |url-status=live }} Prior to being named the chairwoman of Fox in January 1992, Salhany explained that she joined that network "because I wanted to try and build something one more time ... The most fun I ever had was putting Channel 61 on the air. I was there when we signed on and there when we signed off. We worked hard and played hard, and those days were the best for me. I like 'build' situations and thought I'd try it here."{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 27, 1992 |title=Fox loss may be ex-Clevelander's gain: Division head's profile to get higher |page=11G |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F803901E20A6BA3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927013627/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F803901E20A6BA3&f=basic |url-status=live }}

Reuse of channel 61

Hickey's prediction of a lack of interest in channel 61 proved unfounded, in large part because of the impending maturation of subscription television technology. In 1977, Cleveland Associates Company, a group of four Chicago companies, applied for the channel to run as a hybrid of ad-supported and subscription programming.{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 1, 1977 |title=61 may be pay TV |page=5-B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12FCB96AAF56572D%402443176-12FC559C417ED4DD%4018-12FC559C417ED4DD?clipid=ghnjavcxczfnnkguzhnfarfxnmbnkikg_wma-gateway005_1662873028557 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12FCB96AAF56572D%402443176-12FC559C417ED4DD%4018-12FC559C417ED4DD?clipid=ghnjavcxczfnnkguzhnfarfxnmbnkikg_wma-gateway005_1662873028557 |url-status=live }} The station went on the air on March 3, 1981, as WCLQ-TV;{{cite news|date=February 27, 1981|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=September 15, 2022|via=GenealogyBank|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-130A3649B8BDDE0B%402444663-1308F7676B44D2F2%40104-1308F7676B44D2F2?clipid=goawreqehvddtemiwcfbdlvpccilwvnc_wma-gateway011_1662873337083|page=TV Week 2|first=James|last=Ewinger|title=WCLQ Channel 61 debuts Tuesday|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-130A3649B8BDDE0B%402444663-1308F7676B44D2F2%40104-1308F7676B44D2F2?clipid=goawreqehvddtemiwcfbdlvpccilwvnc_wma-gateway011_1662873337083|url-status=live}} after the subscription programming proved a market failure and later owners were pushed into bankruptcy spending large sums on programming with little results, the Home Shopping Network purchased the station in 1986 and ran home shopping programming for 15 years as WQHS. As part of its purchase of the entire USA Broadcasting group, Univision converted the station to Spanish-language programming on January 14, 2002.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=January 5, 2002 |title=Channel 61 says 'Hola' to Hispanic audiences |page=A1 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F2B29DDC4FA4E9D |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050356/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F2B29DDC4FA4E9D&f=basic |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}

Notes

References

Category:Defunct television stations in the United States

Category:Kaiser Broadcasting

Category:Field Communications

Category:Television channels and stations established in 1968

Category:Television channels and stations disestablished in 1975

KBF-TV

Category:1968 establishments in Ohio

Category:1975 disestablishments in Ohio

KBF