KSBW — Mediated Wiki

{{Short description|Television station in Salinas, California}} {{Distinguish|KSWB-TV}} {{For|Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey|Straight whiskey}} {{Use American English|date=May 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = KSBW | city = Salinas, California | logo = KSBW NBC 8 Salinas, California Logo.svg | logo_alt = Inside a television screen shape, a serif 8 in silver next to the NBC peacock and the letters K S B W in a white, square sans serif beneath. | logo_upright = 0.7 | image = KSBW-DT2 ABC 8.2 Salinas, California Logo.svg | image_alt = Inside a television screen shape, a stylized bridge in white. The part above the bridge is royal blue and contains the words "central coast" in white in a sans serif. The part beneath the bridge is sky blue in color. The middle arch of the bridge is semicircular, and nestled under it is the ABC network logo, a black disk with the letters a b c in round-bodied lowercase. | image_upright = 0.7 | branding = {{ubl|KSBW 8; ''Action News 8''|Central Coast ABC (8.2)|{{lang|es|italic=no|Estrella TV Costa Central}} (8.3)}} | analog = | digital = 8 (VHF) | virtual = 8 | translators = | subchannels = | affiliations = {{ubl|'''8.1:''' NBC|'''8.2:''' ABC|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} | country = United States | founded = | airdate = {{start date|1953|9|11}} | last_airdate = | location = Salinas–Monterey–Santa Cruz, California | callsign_meaning = "Salad Bowl of the World", nickname for Salinas<ref name="Cali471003">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-is-named-for-salad/136624196/|date=October 3, 1947|pages=8, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw/136687255/ 10]|title=KSBW Is Named For 'Salad Bowl Of World' Here|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> | former_callsigns = {{ubl|KSBW-TV (1953–1987)}} | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 8 (VHF, 1953–2009)|'''Digital:''' 10 (VHF, 2002–2009)}} | owner = Hearst Television | licensee = Hearst Stations Inc. | sister_stations = | former_affiliations = {{ubl|'''All secondary:'''|DuMont (1953–1955)|ABC (1953–1960)|CBS (1953–1969)}} | erp = 20.6 kW | haat = {{convert|760|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | class = | facility_id = 19653 | coordinates = {{Coord|36|45|22.8|N|121|30|8.7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = {{url|https://www.ksbw.com/}} }}

'''KSBW''' (channel 8) is a television station licensed to Salinas, California, United States, serving the Monterey Bay area as an affiliate of NBC and ABC. Owned by Hearst Television, the station has studios on John Street (Highway 68) in downtown Salinas, and its transmitter is located on Fremont Peak in the Gabilan Mountains.

KSBW-TV began broadcasting on September 11, 1953. It was originally a shared-time operation with '''KMBY-TV''', which operated from Monterey; the stations were outgrowths of radio stations KSBW and KMBY and shared programs from all four major television networks. KSBW bought out KMBY in 1955, becoming the sole station on channel 8. In 1957, its owners began operating KSBY in San Luis Obispo as a semi-satellite; the two stations remained commonly owned for more than three decades, and KSBW became the dominant local news outlet in the area. It retained this status despite a series of ownership transfers in the 1980s and 1990s, during which time Elisabeth Murdoch and her husband briefly owned KSBW and KSBY.

Hearst acquired KSBW in 1998 as part of a trade with Sunrise Television Corporation. Under Hearst, KSBW was the first station in the area to broadcast a digital signal. In 2011, it launched Central Coast ABC, a local in-market ABC affiliate, as a digital subchannel.

==History== ===The shared-time years=== When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated television channels in 1952 and ended a multi-year freeze on station applications, it placed two channels—very high frequency (VHF) channel 8 and ultra high frequency (UHF) channel 28—in the Salinas–Monterey area.<ref name="Cali520414">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-salinas-monterey-areas-w/136623966/|date=April 14, 1952|page=3|title=Salinas-Monterey Areas Will Get TV Channels 8 and 28|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> Two applications were received for channel 8, each from a major local radio station: KSBW of Salinas and KMBY of Monterey.<ref name="Cali521128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-tv-application-filed-for/59193922/|date=November 28, 1952|page=2|title=TV Application Filed For Channel 28 Here|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>

To break the logjam that awaited the competing applications, including a possible comparative hearing, KSBW and KMBY set television precedent when they agreed to share use of channel 8. On that basis, the FCC approved both stations on February 19, 1953, as the first shared-time TV operation in the country. Channel 8 would be broadcast from Mount Toro,{{r|Cali530911}} where a defunct FM radio station, KSNI, had already built a tower and transmitter facilities. KSBW-TV and KMBY-TV would provide the programs on an alternating basis from separate studios in Salinas and Monterey, respectively.<ref name="Cali530219">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-new-tv-station-to-open-m/136624035/|date=February 19, 1953|page=1|title=New TV Station to Open May 1 on Baldy—Channel 8 Is To Be 'Shared' In This Area|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> The commission assented in large part because it found KSBW and KMBY were not competing for the same sponsors, each primarily serving their own city.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|title=FCC Okays Time-Sharing for KSBW, KMBY On Ch. 8|date=February 23, 1953|page=42|id={{ProQuest|1285712032}} }}</ref> KSBW–KMBY announced a May 1 start date,{{r|Cali530219}} but this was held up when the grantee for channel 28, Salinas–Monterey Television Company (with the call letters KICU), protested to the FCC, which stayed its authorization of channel 8.<ref name="Sant530408">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-fcc-stays-grant-for/136624254/|date=April 8, 1953|page=1|agency=Associated Press|title=FCC Stays Grant For Channel 8 Salinas-Monterey TV Station; Plans To Hold Hearing On Protest|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> Its contention was that the two radio stations—each with separate network ties—KSBW with NBC and KMBY with CBS—had the intention to air programming from all four major networks (those two plus ABC and DuMont), thus tying up all networks in the area and leaving nothing for channel 28.<ref name="Cali530408">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-kicu-protests-share-tim/136624309/|date=April 8, 1953|page=1|title=KICU Protests 'Share-Time Monopoly'—TV 8 Halted Here Pending FCC Hearing|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> It raised the possibility that the ''San Francisco Chronicle'', which owned San Francisco NBC affiliate KRON-TV and was a minority owner of KSBW, would do everything it could to protect KSBW-TV; likewise, it believed CBS would be highly protective of KMBY-TV, given that KMBY radio was owned by entertainer and CBS personality Bing Crosby.<ref name="Cali530417">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-the-truth-about-the-sali/136624357/|date=April 17, 1953|page=3|title=The Truth about the Salinas-Monterey Television Situation|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> The FCC heard arguments on the matter in late June,<ref name="Sant530622">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-fcc-urged-to-deny-pr/136624570/|date=June 22, 1953|agency=Associated Press|page=1|title=FCC Urged To Deny Protests, Start TV Here Without Delay|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> rejecting KICU's protest and permitting KSBW-TV and KMBY-TV to begin construction.<ref name="Sant530629">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-tv-channel-8-gets-go/136686476/|date=June 29, 1953|page=1|title=TV Channel 8 Gets Go Ahead|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>

KSBW-TV and KMBY-TV began broadcasting on September 11, 1953, as primary affiliates of CBS with additional programs from ABC and DuMont.<ref name="Sant530902">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-september-11-is-tv-d/136624207/|date=September 2, 1953|page=19|title=September 11 Is TV Day For Monterey Bay Area: KSBW-TV And KMBY-TV Will Operate Share-Time Stations|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Cali530911">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-salinas-monterey-channel/136624495/|date=September 11, 1953|page=17|title=Salinas-Monterey Channel 8 TV Programs Start Tonight|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074554/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-salinas-monterey-channel/136624495/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the outset, the only local programming originated from the Salinas studios of KSBW-TV. The two stations sold advertising separately for network programs when they aired on assigned nights and planned to split advertising sales for special events.<ref name="Oakl530908">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-abbe-airs-it-monterey-p/136624603/|date=September 8, 1953|page=37|first=James|last=Abbe|title=Abbe Airs It: Monterey Peninsula Gets Own Shared-Channel TV|newspaper=Oakland Tribune|location=Oakland, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074555/https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-abbe-airs-it-monterey-p/136624603/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|While KSBW–KMBY was the first shared-time channel ''authorized'' and was billed in the local press as the first in the nation when it went on the air, this was not the case by September 11 as other shared-time authorizations were made. On August 2, KMBC-TV and WHB-TV began on channel 9 in Kansas City.<ref name="Kans530803">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-new-tv-station-on/108623346/|date=August 3, 1953|page=1|title=New TV Station on Air: Programming Is Begun by KMBC-TV and WHB-TV.|newspaper=The Kansas City Times|location=Kansas City, Missouri|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074555/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-new-tv-station-on/108623346/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 1, WTCN-TV and WMIN-TV began broadcasting on channel 11 in Minneapolis.<ref name="Star530901">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-channel-11-due-for-debut-to/136686809/|date=September 1, 1953|page=31|first=Will|last=Jones|title=Channel 11 Due for Debut Today|newspaper=Minneapolis Morning Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074555/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-channel-11-due-for-debut-to/136686809/|url-status=live}}</ref> }}

After four months of negotiations, KSBW-TV agreed to buy KMBY-TV in November 1954.<ref name="Cali541117">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-tv-to-purchase-mont/136624719/|date=November 17, 1954|page=1|title=KSBW-TV to Purchase Monterey TV, Ending Channel 8 Sharetime|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-tv-to-purchase-mont/136624719/|url-status=live}}</ref> KMBY radio was marked for divestiture. By then, the station was also airing NBC programs.<ref name="Sant541117">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-ksbw-tv-will-buy-kmb/136624647/|date=November 17, 1954|page=1|title=KSBW-TV Will Buy KMBY-TV|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074555/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-ksbw-tv-will-buy-kmb/136624647/|url-status=live}}</ref> The transaction was approved in February 1955, leaving KSBW-TV as the full-time user of channel 8.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1285716235}}|page=82|date=February 7, 1955|title=Three Station Sales Approved by FCC|work=Broadcasting}}</ref> The DuMont network wound down operations later that year.<ref>{{Cite magazine|id={{ProQuest|1014914488}}|title=DuMont Network To Quit In Telecasting 'Spin-Off'|page=64|magazine=Broadcasting|date=August 15, 1955}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=Broadcasting|page=80|date=August 29, 1955|title=DuMont Turns Its Corporate Back On TV Network, Leaves It To Die|id={{ProQuest|1014916214}} }}</ref>

===Partnership with KSBY=== {{See|KSBY#Ownership with KSBW}} In 1956, John Cohan, the lead stockholder in KSBW radio and television, agreed to acquire KVEC radio and television in San Luis Obispo for $450,000.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1401216261}}|pages=92, 94|title=Cohan Buys KVEC-AM-TV; KITO, KAKC Buys Concluded|date=April 23, 1956}}</ref> In June 1957, the San Luis Obispo station became KSBY and began receiving its programs via a microwave link from Salinas. While the pairing maintained studios in Salinas and San Luis Obispo, the combination was promoted as the Gold Coast Stations, and they began carrying the same mix of CBS, ABC, and NBC network programming.<ref name="Lomp570620">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lompoc-record-channel-6-in-new-tv-co/133574208/|date=June 20, 1957|page=IV:2|title=Channel 6 In New TV Combine|newspaper=The Lompoc Record|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023161253/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lompoc-record-channel-6-in-new-tv-co/133574208/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Salinas Valley Broadcasting Corporation, parent company of both stations as well as KSBW radio in Salinas, agreed to be purchased in 1960 by Paul Harron and Gordon Gray, who together owned radio and television properties in upstate New York.<ref name="Cali600321">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-eastern-group-buys-ksbw/133574279/|date=March 21, 1960|page=2|title=Eastern Group Buys KSBW Television and Radio Stations Here|newspaper=The Californian|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023162234/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-eastern-group-buys-ksbw/133574279/|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal never materialized; instead, president and general manager John Cohan and three associates took control of the station in a transaction announced that October.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Closed Circuit: New deal in Salinas|work=Broadcasting|page=5|date=October 17, 1960|id={{ProQuest|962817297}} }}</ref> KSBW and KSBY were no longer ABC affiliates by 1962; in the Salinas portion of the market, KNTV in San Jose was carrying the CBS and NBC shows that could not be fit on KSBW–KSBY's schedule,<ref name="Cali620502">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-gilliland-says-tv-11-has/133574349/|date=May 2, 1962|page=36|title=Gilliland Says TV-11 Has as Much at Stake As 8 in Cable System|newspaper=The Californian|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023160601/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-gilliland-says-tv-11-has/133574349/|url-status=live}}</ref> while KEYT in Santa Barbara became a full-time ABC affiliate in September 1963.<ref name="Vent631005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-3-color-shows-on-key/133579579/|date=October 5, 1963|page=9|title=3 Color Shows On KEYT TV|newspaper=Ventura County Star-Free Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023160625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-3-color-shows-on-key/133579579/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1964, a second station went on the air in Santa Maria: KCOY-TV (channel 12), which in 1965 sought to force KSBY to become an exclusive CBS affiliate so as to protect its NBC affiliation.<ref name="Trib651105">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-station-pressured-to-program/133574453/|date=November 5, 1965|page=7|title=Station pressured to program only CBS shows: KSBY target in federal action|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155258/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-station-pressured-to-program/133574453/|url-status=live}}</ref> The opposite would take place four years later: on January 12, 1969, KSBY became a primary NBC affiliate and KCOY-TV a primary CBS affiliate.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Media reports: Network changes|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1016853512}}|date=January 13, 1969|page=47}}</ref> CBS found itself an affiliate on the northern Central Coast when it aligned with KMST (channel 46), a new station which began in February 1969.<ref name="Cali681003">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97166946/tv-station-delays-date-for-opening/|date=October 3, 1968|page=26|title=TV Station Delays Date For Opening|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308074502/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97166946/tv-station-delays-date-for-opening/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cali690131">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97167341/channel-46-slated-to-begin-tomorrow-wea/|date=January 31, 1969|page=2|title=Channel 46 Slated To Begin Tomorrow; Weather Curbs Cable|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308074505/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97167341/channel-46-slated-to-begin-tomorrow/|url-status=live}}</ref> During this time, in 1968, KSBW AM was sold to Thomas J. King<ref name="Cali680601">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-detroit-man-purchases-ra/133574564/|date=June 1, 1968|page=3|title=Detroit Man Purchases Radio Station KSBW|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213074555/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-detroit-man-purchases-ra/133574564/|url-status=live}}</ref> and changed its call sign to KTOM.<ref>{{Cite news|page=71|title=For the Record|id={{ProQuest|1014503710}}|work=Broadcasting|date=August 12, 1968}}</ref>

The ownership consortium, later known as Central California Communications Corporation, also owned the cable systems in Salinas and San Luis Obispo.<ref name="Trib780113">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-new-york-firm-buys-ksby-tv/133574755/|date=January 13, 1978|page=1|title=New York firm buys KSBY-TV|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023160134/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-new-york-firm-buys-ksby-tv/133574755/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC ordered Central California Communications Corporation to file for operation of KSBY on a standalone, non-satellite basis in 1975, on account of its financial condition; the order stemmed from a dispute with Gill Industries, owner of KNTV, over the combination of KSBW and KSBY viewership figures for ratings purposes in the Salinas–Monterey market, where the stations' competition—KNTV and KMST in the north and KCOY-TV in the south—did not serve the same area.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014686699}}|title=FCC steps out of market wrangle|work=Broadcasting|page=32|date=December 1, 1975}}</ref>

KSBW and KSBY were acquired in 1979 by John Blair & Co., a New York firm that represented TV and radio stations to national advertisers. The company owned two radio stations but no TV stations.<ref name="Trib790412">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-107-million-sale-of-tv-sta/133574795/|date=April 12, 1979|page=A-3|title=$10.7 million sale of TV stations OK'd|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023162720/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-107-million-sale-of-tv-sta/133574795/|url-status=live}}</ref> During Blair's ownership, the station received approval to build a tower on Mount Madonna, almost on the border between Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties, which it projected would improve its coverage in southern Santa Clara County and add 80,000 homes to its coverage area.<ref name="Sant831201">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-television-tower-get/136626274/|date=December 1, 1983|page=A-4|title=Television tower gets approval|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075101/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-television-tower-get/136626274/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Merc840221">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/merced-sun-star-ksbws-antenna-move-okd/136687306/|date=February 21, 1984|page=TV Star 45|agency=Associated Press|title=KSBW's antenna move OK'd|newspaper=Merced Sun-Star|location=Merced, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075102/https://www.newspapers.com/article/merced-sun-star-ksbws-antenna-move-okd/136687306/|url-status=live}}</ref> The new facility went into service in 1984, but in attempting to make inroads in San Jose, KSBW lost households in southern Monterey County where reception was poorer than previously predicted.<ref name="Gonz850130">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/gonzales-tribune-channel-8-official-expl/136687337/|date=January 30, 1985|page=10|title=Channel 8 official explains poor South County reception|newspaper=Gonzales Tribune|location=Gonzales, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075102/https://www.newspapers.com/article/gonzales-tribune-channel-8-official-expl/136687337/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1986, Blair fended off a hostile takeover attempt by Macfadden Acquisition Corporation<ref name="Trib860515">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksbys-parent-firm-battling/133575029/|date=May 15, 1986|pages=1/A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-takeover-bid/133575044/ 3/A]|first=Tom|last=Fulks|title=KSBY's parent firm battling bid to take over the company|newspaper=The County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155258/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksbys-parent-firm-battling/133575029/|url-status=live}}</ref> by accepting a competing, higher offer from Reliance Capital Group, led by financier Saul Steinberg.<ref name="Trib860605">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksbys-parent-firm-in-corpor/133575064/|date=June 5, 1986|pages=1/A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-sale/133575079/ 3/A]|first=Tom|last=Fulks|title=KSBY's parent firm in corporate tug of war|newspaper=The County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155911/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksbys-parent-firm-in-corpor/133575064/|url-status=live}}</ref> Reliance, however, did not buy Blair intending to keep its three English-language TV stations: KSBW, KSBY, and KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City; rather, it was interested in the Spanish-language stations in Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Reliance Capital Said To Be Mulling a Sale Of John Blair Stations|id={{ProQuest|397969736}}|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 10, 1986}}</ref> which were used to launch the Telemundo network in January 1987.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|title=Telemundo TV Network to Air Nationally Tonight|date=January 12, 1987|id={{ProQuest|398013667}} }}</ref> As a result, Blair sold KSBW, KSBY, and KOKH-TV to Gillett Communications for $86 million in November 1986.<ref name="Trib861112">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-tv-purchased-by-gillet/133575100/|date=November 12, 1986|page=3/A|title=KSBY-TV purchased by Gillet|newspaper=The County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023160626/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-tv-purchased-by-gillet/133575100/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Trib861113">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-sale-was-a-byproduct-of/133575128/|date=November 13, 1986|page=9/A|title=KSBY sale was a byproduct of try for Spanish network|newspaper=The County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023161153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-sale-was-a-byproduct-of/133575128/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Three sales in three years=== Gillett financed its ventures by issuing junk bonds and became burdened by a heavy debt load. The parent company, Gillett Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in 1991; the next year, many of its subsidiaries, including KSBW, filed their own bankruptcy cases to protect the station from possible legal issues in the Gillett case.<ref name="Cali920501">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-local-tv-station-files-f/136687113/|date=May 1, 1992|page=1C|title=Local TV station files for Chapter 11|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-local-tv-station-files-f/136687113/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Trib920505">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-parental-firm-woes-push-ksby/133575276/|date=May 5, 1992|page=A-8|title=Parental firm woes push KSBY toward Chapter 11|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155301/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-parental-firm-woes-push-ksby/133575276/|url-status=live}}</ref> The companies emerged from bankruptcy in October 1992 with ownership having been assumed by Gillett's debtholders. In 1994, KSBW and KSBY went on the market as a package, with Gillett Holdings seeking between $30 and $40 million and receiving multiple offers.<ref name="Trib940131">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-sale-of-ksby-likely-broker/133575323/|date=January 31, 1994|page=B-3|first=David|last=Eddy|title=Sale of KSBY likely, broker says|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023160742/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-sale-of-ksby-likely-broker/133575323/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Nordiske Mediedager 2010 - Thursday - NMD 2010 (4583813556) (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|alt=Headshot of Elisabeth Murdoch|Elisabeth Murdoch ''(pictured in 2010)'' owned KSBW from 1994 to 1995.]] Gillett announced on March 25, 1994, that KSBW and KSBY would be sold to EP Communications, a new company formed by Elisabeth Murdoch—daughter of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Fox network—and her husband, Elkin Pianim. The ''Los Angeles Times'' reported a month before the announcement that Rupert Murdoch was interested in giving his daughter and son-in-law hands-on experience running a business.<ref name="LosA940216">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-murdoch-seeks-to-b/133581107/|date=February 16, 1994|page=D2|first=John|last=Lippman|title=Murdoch Seeks to Buy 2 TV Stations to Be Run by Daughter|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023162720/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-murdoch-seeks-to-b/133581107/|url-status=live}}</ref> Elisabeth Murdoch had previously worked at Australia's Nine Network and Fox, including a stint as the programming manager of Fox's station in Salt Lake City, Utah, KSTU.<ref name="extra">{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/executive-something-extra-85434|date=November 21, 2008|first=Paige|last=Albiniak|title=The Executive With Something 'Extra'|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=October 24, 2022|archive-date=October 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024071456/https://www.nexttv.com/news/executive-something-extra-85434|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cali950211">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-broadcasting-a-family-af/133581153/|date=February 11, 1995|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-murdoch-she-owns-salina/133581170/ 3B]|first=Larry|last=Parsons|title=Broadcasting a family affair: Station owner combines media and motherhood|newspaper=The Californian|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-broadcasting-a-family-af/133581153/|url-status=live}}</ref> There was also speculation that the stations could switch to Fox: at the time, Fox had no affiliate on the southern Central Coast, though Salinas-based KCBA aired the network's programming. However, Elisabeth Murdoch was also reported to be taking pains to separate the running of the Central Coast stations from her father's media empire.<ref>{{cite news|work=Variety|first=Jim|last=Benson|title=Fox family matters to NBC|page=52|date=April 4, 1994|id={{ProQuest|1286117051}} }}</ref> EP Communications paid $35 million for the pair;<ref>{{Cite news|page=39|work=Broadcasting & Cable|title=Changing Hands|id={{ProQuest|1016933872}}|date=April 11, 1994}}</ref> the transaction was primarily financed by Commonwealth Bank of Australia, a longtime banker for Rupert Murdoch's media ventures, and was personally guaranteed by Rupert Murdoch.<ref name="WSJ960704">{{Cite news|date=July 4, 1996|first1=S. Karene|last1=Witcher|first2=John|last2=Lippman|page=10|work=The Wall Street Journal|title=Extra! Media Mogul Grooms Kids for Top!|id={{ProQuest|1000341355}} }}</ref>

After four months, Murdoch—who had been splitting her time between Salinas and San Luis Obispo—hired a manager to run KSBY and devoted her time to running KSBW.{{r|EP960117}} This was much-needed, particularly as KSBY underwent significant turnover during Murdoch ownership, including the firing of its general manager and longtime lead anchor.<ref name="Trib941105">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-general-manager-loses-top-po/133575416/|date=November 5, 1994|page=C-7|title=General manager loses top post at KSBY-TV|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155258/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-general-manager-loses-top-po/133575416/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Trib941207">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-in-transition-with-more/115816656/|date=December 7, 1994|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby/115816684/ B-4]|first=David|last=Eddy|title=KSBY in transition with more changes on horizon|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023161151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby-in-transition-with-more/115816656/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Trib950302">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-he-was-trying-to-hold-me-ho/133575533/|date=March 2, 1995|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-martel/133575574/ A6]|first=David|last=Eddy|title='He was trying to hold me hostage': KSBY owners fire anchor Rick Martel|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-he-was-trying-to-hold-me-ho/133575533/|url-status=live}}</ref> During this time, KSBW won a Peabody Award, given to the station for a program on youth violence known as ''Just Because: Tales of Violence, Dreams of Peace''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1995 |title=Maupin's 'Tales' Wins a Peabody Award |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/31/arts/maupin-s-tales-wins-a-peabody-award.html |access-date=December 13, 2023 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102174632/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/31/arts/maupin-s-tales-wins-a-peabody-award.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In hindsight, observers noted that Murdoch brought to KSBW and KSBY a larger-market style that was at odds with the stations' prior image,{{r|WSJ960704}} but it was more aggressive and professional with fewer on-air errors.{{r|EP960117}} The stations were able to quickly improve their financial positions on account of reduced program costs and a 50-percent{{r|EP960117}} increase in network compensation from NBC. In a year when advertising sales were flat, cash flow increased 42 percent.{{r|WSJ960704}}<ref name="EP960117">{{Cite news|first=Richard Kelly|last=Heft|title=Following in her father's footsteps|work=Evening Post|location=Wellington, New Zealand|id={{ProQuest|314436379}}|page=5|date=January 17, 1996}}</ref>

In September 1995, EP Communications announced the sale of KSBW and KSBY to separate owners. SJL Broadcasting acquired KSBY, while Smith Television—owner of KEYT in Santa Barbara—acquired KSBW. Murdoch and Pianim claimed in a statement that consolidation in the TV station industry forced them to either get bigger or sell, though a station employee claimed they were told a good unsolicited offer resulted in the sale.<ref name="Trib950916">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-murdoch-sells-ksby/133575660/|date=September 16, 1995|pages=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby/133575682/ A-10]|first=Ken|last=McCall|title=Murdoch sells KSBY|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023160137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-murdoch-sells-ksby/133575660/|url-status=live}}</ref> The acquisition and sale of KSBW and KSBY after just 18 months resulted in a net gain of $12.25 million for Murdoch and Pianim.<ref name="Trib950921">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-murdoch-husband-make-1225/133575706/|date=September 21, 1995|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ksby/133575736/ B-2]|title=Murdoch, husband make $12.25 million|newspaper=San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023163736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-murdoch-husband-make-1225/133575706/|url-status=live}}</ref> Months later, Smith Broadcasting negotiated to buy the assets of KCCN—the former KMST—<ref name="Sant951208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-florida-firm-buys-ks/97170670/|date=December 8, 1995|page=18|title=Florida firm buys KSBW|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=October 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007142155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-florida-firm-buys-ks/97170670/|url-status=live}}</ref> but talks broke down.<ref name="Cali960425">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75976508/kccn-operations-shut-down-station-owner/|date=April 25, 1996|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75976526/ 8A]|first=Lynn|last=Christiansen|title=KCCN operations shut down: Station owners lay off 70; news programming canceled|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308074510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75976508/kccn-operations-shut-down-station/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Smith Television put its four television stations on the market in September 1996, citing interest stemming from deregulation in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 signed earlier that year,<ref name="Cali960905">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-tv-channel-8-for-sa/136625856/|date=September 5, 1996|page=1C|first=Lynn|last=Christiansen|title=KSBW-TV Channel 8 for sale again: Telecommunications Act prompts interest|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075104/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-tv-channel-8-for-sa/136625856/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/weyi-sale/wrduqberuiwrjgddxikzgrvpgaadfuig_wma-gateway013_1687748285288|title=WEYI for sale|page=D8|first=Doug|last=Pullen|work=The Flint Journal|date=October 5, 1996|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075109/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/weyi-sale/wrduqberuiwrjgddxikzgrvpgaadfuig_wma-gateway013_1687748285288|url-status=live}}</ref> only to sell itself to a new joint venture of Smith and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, a private equity firm that also held an increased involvement in radio station ownership.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-25-be-sold-new-joint-venture-few-changes-expected/ezdumsszwgxesftlnjmluskobtyecjmu_wma-gateway018_1687748311572|page=D8|first=Doug|last=Pullen|work=The Flint Journal|date=November 8, 1996|title=Channel 25 to be sold to new joint venture; few changes expected|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075107/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-25-be-sold-new-joint-venture-few-changes-expected/ezdumsszwgxesftlnjmluskobtyecjmu_wma-gateway018_1687748311572|url-status=live}}</ref> This company became known as Sunrise Television Corporation.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Eric|last=Deggans|work=St. Petersburg Times|title=Group tries to build TV empire|id={{ProQuest|263235894}}|date=May 9, 1997|page=1E}}</ref>

===Hearst ownership=== Sunrise Television agreed with Hearst-Argyle Television in February 1998 to a trade of stations. Sunrise received WDTN in Dayton, Ohio, and the license for WNAC-TV in Providence, Rhode Island, plus $20 million; in exchange, Hearst acquired KSBW as well as WPTZ in Plattsburgh, New York, and the associated WNNE in White River Junction, Vermont.<ref name="Cali980221">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-tv-to-have-its-four/136625887/|date=February 21, 1998|page=1C|first=Marty|last=Burleson|title=KSBW-TV to have its fourth owner in four years: Hearst-Argyle offers swap and $20 million|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075106/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-tv-to-have-its-four/136625887/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first=Carl|last=DiOrio|title=Sunrise, Hearst in a TV trade|id={{ProQuest|2393628424}}|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 20, 1998|page=74}}</ref> The swap allowed Hearst-Argyle to divest of the Dayton station, which it had to sell as a condition of the previous merger of Hearst and Argyle.<ref>{{Cite news|page=80|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting & Cable|id={{ProQuest|1016949109}}|date=February 23, 1998}}</ref> Hearst-Argyle became Hearst Television in 2009, when the Hearst Corporation acquired Argyle's stake in the venture and took it private.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/hearst-moves-merger-34881|date=June 3, 2009|title=Hearst Moves On Merger|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|access-date=July 16, 2023|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407011414/https://www.nexttv.com/news/hearst-moves-merger-34881|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hearst-Argyle effectively reversed the effect of the Mount Madonna relocation in 2000 by moving KSBW's transmitter to Fremont Peak, restoring the lost coverage in southern Monterey County.<ref name="Cali000602">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-gets-new-transmitte/136626204/|date=June 2, 2000|page=4B|first=Brian|last=Seals|title=KSBW gets new transmitter|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-gets-new-transmitte/136626204/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Mount Madonna mast was later leased to Etheric Networks to provide wireless internet service.<ref name="Sant040405">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-outlying-areas-to-ge/136687175/|date=April 5, 2004|page=B-5|first=Chandler|last=Harris|title=Outlying areas to get wireless Internet boost|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-outlying-areas-to-ge/136687175/|url-status=live}}</ref>

KSBW was the first station on the northern Central Coast to begin digital broadcasting, activating its digital transmitter on October 30, 2002.<ref name="Cali021031">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-is-first-to-go-digi/136626013/|date=October 31, 2002|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-digital-fcc-grants-dead/136625986/ 2A]|first=Brian|last=Gaylord|title=KSBW is first to go digital|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> By 2007, it offered a second subchannel utilizing NBC Weather Plus as well as a local 10 p.m. newscast.<ref name="Cali070319">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-adds-a-newscast-at/136626055/|date=March 19, 2007|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-ksbw-green-and-clark-an/136626041/ 3A]|first=Sunita|last=Vijayan|title=KSBW adds a newscast at 10 p.m.: Broadcast began earlier this month|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> In August 2010, the station debuted "PrimePlus", a prime time block on the subchannel from 7 to 10:30 p.m. featuring encores of its evening news'', Access Hollywood'', ''Dr. Phil'', and ''Oprah'', followed by the 10 p.m. news. Weather Plus programming continued to be carried outside of these hours.<ref name="tnc">{{cite news |date=July 30, 2010 |title=KSBW Launches KSBW PrimePLUS+ |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2010/07/30/44108/ksbw-launches-ksbw-primeplus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075630/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/ksbw-launches-ksbw-primeplus/ |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2018 |work=TVNewsCheck}}</ref>

In December 2010, KSBW announced it would replace the subchannel with a full secondary channel affiliated with ABC, providing an in-market ABC affiliate for the first time in a decade.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/ksbw-to-offer-abc-on-subchannel/|date=December 20, 2010|title=KSBW To Offer ABC On Subchannel|work=TVNewsCheck|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075630/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/ksbw-to-offer-abc-on-subchannel/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|KNTV had been the ABC affiliate of record for the Salinas–Monterey area until 2001, when it dropped the network in preparation to become the San Francisco area's NBC station on January 1, 2002.<ref name="Sant000216">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-kntv-11-switch-from/136629406/|date=February 16, 2000|pages=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-networks/136629420/ A-6]|first=Marina|last=Malikoff|title=KNTV-11 switch from ABC to NBC prompts residents: 'Where will Santa Cruz residents get their ABC?'|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075630/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-kntv-11-switch-from/136629406/|url-status=live}}</ref> KGO-TV, the ABC-owned station in San Francisco, was added to cable systems to continue to provide network service.<ref name="Cali010210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-abc-tv-finds-a-home-agai/136687834/|date=February 10, 2001|page=1C|first=Glenn|last=Cravens|title=ABC-TV finds a home again on cable system|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075630/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-abc-tv-finds-a-home-agai/136687834/|url-status=live}}</ref> }} The channel, with the branding Central Coast ABC, launched on April 18, 2011, displacing San Francisco's KGO-TV on cable systems; Hearst invested $1.4 million to expand the facilities to handle the additional service.<ref>{{cite web| last =McCord| first =Shanna| date=April 7, 2011| url =http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_17796124?IADID| title =Local ABC affiliate coming soon| publisher =Santa Cruz Sentinel| access-date =April 9, 2011| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120402144111/http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_17796124?IADID| archive-date =April 2, 2012}}</ref> In the May 2012 sweeps period, Central Coast ABC trailed only KSBW–NBC in total-day viewership in the market.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The DIY Duopoly, Subchannel-Style|page=4|first=Michael|last=Malone|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=August 13, 2012|id={{EBSCOhost|78550286}} }}</ref> The Spanish-language network Estrella TV was added as a subchannel in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 8, 2016|title=Business Digest, April 9, 2016: KSBW to launch Spanish language channel|language=en|work=Santa Cruz Sentinel|publisher=MediaNews Group|url=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/business/20160408/business-digest-april-9-2016-ksbw-to-launch-spanish-language-channel|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525063349/http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/business/20160408/business-digest-april-9-2016-ksbw-to-launch-spanish-language-channel|archive-date=May 25, 2018}}</ref>

==News operation== KSBW has generally dominated television ratings for news and other programming on the northern Central Coast, far outdistancing its competition in the form of KION and KCBA.<ref name="Cali790709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-media-its-paper-vs-el/136687409/|date=July 9, 1979|pages=2D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-paper-vs-electronicsba/136687411/ 4D]|first=Jim|last=Barrett|title=Media: It's paper vs. electronics—battle to catch your eyes|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 13, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-media-its-paper-vs-el/136687409/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sant900617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-newsroom-exodus-rock/97168963/|date=June 17, 1990|page=D11|first=Steve|last=Perez|title=Newsroom exodus rocks local TV station|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|location=Santa Cruz, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 13, 2023|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008123459/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-newsroom-exodus-rock/97168963/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|Cali070319}} It had tenured on-air personalities, including Jim Vanderzwaan, who spent 32 years as the station's chief weather forecaster,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/tvspy/jim-vanderzwaan-retiring-from-ksbw-replacement-named/140418|title=Jim Vanderzwaan Retiring from KSBW, Replacement Named|work=TVSpy|first=Kevin|last=Eck|date=February 2, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225031532/http://www.adweek.com/tvspy/jim-vanderzwaan-retiring-from-ksbw-replacement-named/140418|archive-date=February 25, 2015}}</ref> and Dennis Lehnen, who retired after 35 years presenting sports.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/longtime-ksbw-sports-anchor-retiring/165550/|title=Longtime KSBW Sports Anchor Retiring|first=Kevin|last=Eck|date=March 8, 2016|website=TVSpy|access-date=December 13, 2023|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203131603/https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/longtime-ksbw-sports-anchor-retiring/165550/|url-status=live}}</ref>

With the closure of the news department at KION-TV, KSBW is now the only television news operation in the Monterey area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Neely |first=Christopher |date=September 24, 2025 |title=After 56 years, KION shutters its local TV news operation |url=https://lookout.co/after-56-years-kion-shutters-its-local-tv-news-operation/story |access-date=September 24, 2025 |website=Lookout Santa Cruz |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Notable former on-air staff=== * Christine Craft – weathercaster, sportscaster and anchor, 1975–1976<ref name="Tamp780419">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-craft-of-cbs-says-it/136739526/|date=April 19, 1978|pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-christine/136739515/ 2D]|first=Ben|last=Brown|title=Craft Of CBS Says 'It's Best Of Both Worlds'|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|location=Tampa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 13, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-craft-of-cbs-says-it/136739526/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Dina Eastwood – reporter and anchor, 1991–1997 (known as Dina Ruiz at KSBW)<ref name="Cali971121">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-co-anchor-dina-ruiz-leav/136739633/|date=November 21, 1997|page=1A|first=M. Cristina|last=Medina|title=Co-anchor Dina Ruiz leaving KSBW to devote more time to family|newspaper=The Californian|location=Salinas, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 13, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213075631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-co-anchor-dina-ruiz-leav/136739633/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Del Rodgers – sports anchor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcra.com/kcranewsteam/293313/detail.html|title=Del Rodgers|work=kcra|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108113609/http://www.kcra.com/kcranewsteam/293313/detail.html|archive-date=January 8, 2007}}</ref> * Ted Rowlands – reporter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/rowlands.ted.html|title=Ted Rowlands bio|publisher=CNN|access-date=March 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315100833/http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/rowlands.ted.html|archive-date=March 15, 2013}}</ref>

==Technical information== ===Subchannels=== KSBW's transmitter is located on Fremont Peak in the Gabilan Mountains.{{r|FCC-LMS-19653}} The station's signal is multiplexed: {| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KSBW<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KSBW#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KSBW|website=RabbitEars|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221233919/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KSBW#station|archive-date=February 21, 2014}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 8.1 | 1080i || KSBW || NBC |- ! scope = "row" | 8.2 | 720p || CC ABC || ABC |- ! scope = "row" | 8.3 | rowspan=3|480i || EST || Estrella TV |- ! scope = "row" | 8.4 | STORY || Story Television |- ! scope = "row" | 8.5 | NOSEY || Nosey |}

===Analog-to-digital conversion=== KSBW shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 8, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition VHF channel 10 to channel 8.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{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}}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== * {{Official website|http://www.ksbw.com/}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ksbw}} Category:1953 establishments in California Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates Category:Estrella TV affiliates Category:Hearst Television Category:NBC affiliates Category:Peabody Award winners Category:Story Television affiliates Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953 SBW