KEYE Rebrands as 'CBS Austin'

[Digidude 3]

I actually like the new proposed logo. Could just be me.

[jero23 105]

Austin is actually a very strong secondary Cowboys market. Plus Fox had owned KTBC longer and was on the VHF band... KEYE was one of two CBS UHF O&Os in their portfolio**, the other one being "No News is Good News" WWJ-TV.

 

If I'm not mistaken, Fox has considered selling off or trading away KTBC but they are still in the fold.

 

**Emphasis on CBS O&Os, not CW O&Os, the majority of which were/are on the UHF dial.

 

In this DT day and age, what does UHF really matter? If I'm not mistaken most stations that broadcast on UHF signals have have larger and better coverage area than VHF. CBS like NBC have made some really stupid decisions when it comes to O&O spin offs because many of their stations they have spun off have been the major moneymakers (have lower overhead costs) or rapidly growing markets.

[Eat News 4738]

In this DT day and age, what does UHF really matter? If I'm not mistaken most stations that broadcast on UHF signals have have larger and better coverage area than VHF. CBS like NBC have made some really stupid decisions when it comes to O&O spin offs because many of their stations they have spun off have been the major moneymakers (have lower overhead costs) or rapidly growing markets.

 

 

It all depends on transmitter location, power, elevation, antenna type,...and receiver location, antenna type, and distance from transmitter.

Terrain is a giant factor also.

 

There is no standard correct answer on the subject as every receiver site is different. A transmission site can be consistent for the most part...receive sites are the giant variable.

[susquvalleywgal 494]

Sinclair must be easing off restrictions on customizing opens/graphics??

 

Man, that was BAD. Even for Sincrap. Reminds me of current mixed with late 90s graphic opens.

 

But hey, at least it wasn't THIS BAD:

 

 

-- Matt

[Eat News 4738]

Man, that was BAD. Even for Sincrap. Reminds me of current mixed with late 90s graphic opens.

 

But hey, at least it wasn't THIS BAD:

 

 

-- Matt

 

Pass the dutchie

[mardek1995 200]

In this DT day and age, what does UHF really matter? If I'm not mistaken most stations that broadcast on UHF signals have have larger and better coverage area than VHF. CBS like NBC have made some really stupid decisions when it comes to O&O spin offs because many of their stations they have spun off have been the major moneymakers (have lower overhead costs) or rapidly growing markets.

It doesnt help that they didnt realize the digital transition, or is there another reason why they sold them off?

[Greggo 340]

It doesnt help that they didnt realize the digital transition, or is there another reason why they sold them off?

 

Like they've done with radio, including the former CBS radio stations in Austin that were sold to Entercom, CBS spun off their smaller-market TV stations to focus on larger, more lucrative markets.

[mardek1995 200]

Like they've done with radio, including the former CBS radio stations in Austin that were sold to Entercom, CBS spun off their smaller-market TV stations to focus on larger, more lucrative markets.

But Austin's more lucrative now than it was 10 years ago because of how large its gotten.

[Big Country News 435]

I spoke with someone on the inside at KEYE who said Sinclair had no involvement in this rebrand. The idea came from KEYE and the logo was designed at KEYE.

[djlynch 54]

It's official as of some time in the last couple hours, at least based on @keyetv becoming @cbsaustin on Twitter.

[TexasTVNews 1366]

It's official as of some time in the last couple hours, at least based on @keyetv becoming @cbsaustin on Twitter.

Same thing for Facebook.

[Rusty Muck 4174]

But Austin's more lucrative now than it was 10 years ago because of how large its gotten.

Doesn't matter. Austin is still not a Top 20 market, nor is it an AFC market. And even then, the Houston Texans are pretty much limited to Houston proper, while the Cowboys have a near-statewide following.

 

Those were the two biggest reasons why KEYE was expendable for CBS, while KDKA-TV and WJZ-TV are in markets similar in size to Austin, yet will never leave the CBS fold (plus those two stations were owned for decades by Group W, so a legacy factor is also in play).

[Rusty Muck 4174]

Same thing for Facebook.

Just have the ubiquitous CBS eye device and Austin in the DIN font. Having 'CBS' written out just looks hokey.

[Greggo 340]

The timing is certainly interesting considering KXAN is expected to debut their new set later this week. Maybe looking to steal some of their buzz?

 

Here's how a station employee described the change on Facebook: "KEYE-TV is now officially CBS Austin! Same great news and programming with new branding that reflects our biggest strengths-our terrific city and our dominate network affiliation."

 

Just watched CBS Austin's 5 pm news and they are using a cold open similar to the one posted above ... with CBS / Austin / CBS logo flashing between elements as a transition. No more KEYE.

[mardek1995 200]

Doesn't matter. Austin is still not a Top 20 market, nor is it an AFC market. And even then, the Houston Texans are pretty much limited to Houston proper, while the Cowboys have a near-statewide following.

 

Those were the two biggest reasons why KEYE was expendable for CBS, while KDKA-TV and WJZ-TV are in markets similar in size to Austin, yet will never leave the CBS fold (plus those two stations were owned for decades by Group W, so a legacy factor is also in play).

You know, by that logic, its the same reason why Fox kept Fox 26 and will still keep them for years to come (same with NBC for NBC 7/39 and NBC Connecticut) as well as why WHBQ was sold to Cox. Still doesnt explain why they sold WFXT to Cox. And will CBS or any other network besides Fox even consider buying another station in Austin even when it does reach the top 20, or even the top 30?

[Rusty Muck 4174]

You know, by that logic, its the same reason why Fox kept Fox 26 and will still keep them for years to come (same with NBC for NBC 7/39 and NBC Connecticut)...

KRIV was rumored to be mentioned as potential trade bait (along with WPWR) when Fox was trying to get KCPQ away from Tribune. Their status as an O&O is not 100% guaranteed.

 

As Fox has shown throughout their entire existence... if it improves their position as a network, they will make the move, even at the expense of shaking up the entire industry. Look at the 1993 New World deal as the epitome of that philosophy.

 

...as well as why WHBQ was sold to Cox. Still doesnt explain why they sold WFXT to Cox.

 

Boston is an AFC market and WFXT was a standalone (MyTV is on CBS-owned WSBK). Obviously WHBQ is in a market not served by an NFL team, a smaller, economically challenged market. Fox wanted to sell WHBQ in 2008 but LocalTV already owned WREG.

 

In engineering the trade with Cox (it was not a sale) Fox tried to give back something of equal value. Otherwise there would be tax issues. So Fox gave up WFXT and WHBQ because they were evaluated to be of similar value to KTVU/KICU.

 

It's that simple.

 

And will CBS or any other network besides Fox even consider buying another station in Austin even when it does reach the top 20, or even the top 30?

Not really. And if Fox wanted to, they would trade KTBC if given the chance. Otherwise it complements KDFW and KRIV, plus, as mentioned earlier, Austin is a strong secondary Cowboys market.

[mardek1995 200]

KRIV was rumored to be mentioned as potential trade bait (along with WPWR) when Fox was trying to get KCPQ away from Tribune. Their status as an O&O is not 100% guaranteed.

 

As Fox has shown throughout their entire existence... if it improves their position as a network, they will make the move, even at the expense of shaking up the entire industry. Look at the 1993 New World deal as the epitome of that philosophy.

 

 

 

Boston is an AFC market and WFXT was a standalone (MyTV is on CBS-owned WSBK). Obviously WHBQ is in a market not served by an NFL team, a smaller, economically challenged market. Fox wanted to sell WHBQ in 2008 but LocalTV already owned WREG.

 

In engineering the trade with Cox (it was not a sale) Fox tried to give back something of equal value. Otherwise there would be tax issues. So Fox gave up WFXT and WHBQ because they were evaluated to be of similar value to KTVU/KICU.

 

It's that simple.

 

 

Not really. And if Fox wanted to, they would trade KTBC if given the chance. Otherwise it complements KDFW and KRIV, plus, as mentioned earlier, Austin is a strong secondary Cowboys market.

It isnt that simple. CBS hasnt gotten an O&O in Houston, even though that's an AFC market in the top 10 markets. And about Fox shaking up the industry to improve their standing as a network, wouldnt CBS or any of the other big 4 networks (besides Fox and CBS) do the exact same thing if given the chance (not that theyre going to get one anytime soon)?

[Rusty Muck 4174]

It isnt that simple. CBS hasnt gotten an O&O in Houston, even though that's an AFC market in the top 10 markets.

CBS is not going to fight Tegna for KHOU. They just aren't. Same with KFMB-TV in San Diego.

[mardek1995 200]

CBS is not going to fight Tegna for KHOU. They just aren't. Same with KFMB-TV in San Diego.

Yeah, theyd have to buy another station in the same market, but thats not likely, at least not now, and definitely not in san diego.

[Rusty Muck 4174]

Yeah, theyd have to buy another station in the same market, but thats not likely, at least not now, and definitely not in san diego.

But CBS has no need or want to do that.

 

NBC is the only network that historically has coveted O&Os in top 20 markets:

• the infamous 1956 KYW debacle
  
• attempting to trade WRCV AM-TV to RKO in 1961 for WNAC AM-FM-TV while under investigation for the KYW swap
  
• buying WTVJ in 1987 and being forced to run it as a CBS affiliate for 18 months
  
• buying WCAU in 1995 when CBS put it up for sale, setting off a multi-market cascade of affiliation, ownership, license and/or intellectual property swaps to satisfy tax regulations
  
• buying KNTV in 2001 because Young Broadcasting bought KRON
  
• the current flame war with Ed Ansin that will result in a non-existant and uncompetitive "NBC Boston" at WNEU next year
  

[mardek1995 200]

But CBS has no need or want to do that.

 

NBC is the only network that historically has coveted O&Os in top 20 markets:

• the infamous 1956 KYW debacle
  
• attempting to trade WRCV AM-TV to RKO in 1961 for WNAC AM-FM-TV while under investigation for the KYW swap
  
• buying WTVJ in 1987 and being forced to run it as a CBS affiliate for 18 months
  
• buying WCAU in 1995 when CBS put it up for sale, setting off a multi-market cascade of affiliation, ownership, license and/or intellectual property swaps to satisfy tax regulations
  
• buying KNTV in 2001 because Young Broadcasting bought KRON
  
• the current flame war with Ed Ansin that will result in a non-existant and uncompetitive "NBC Boston" at WNEU next year
  

I agree with you that one (Fox being the only other network that coveted the top-20 markets, or most of them), and they might buy KPRC and WXIA... except the earliest opportunity I think, is in 4 years. And by the way, have you talked to them at all?

[ABC 7 Denver 1554]

Just have the ubiquitous CBS eye device and Austin in the DIN font. Having 'CBS' written out just looks hokey.

 

Oh. Do you mean hokey like WNCN's and WGCL's logo? Why can't they just use the eye and the city name. They aren't using the powerhouse eye branding play for itself. The 'CBS' lettering is crippling.

[mardek1995 200]

Oh. Do you mean hokey like WNCN's and WGCL's logo? Why can't they just use the eye and the city name. They aren't using the powerhouse eye branding play for itself. The 'CBS' lettering is crippling.

KYTX does the exact same thing now. Before, they just used the eye and the channel #, but since last year however, they use the "CBS" lettering, and now with KEYE using it too, that makes it at least 4 stations (all from different owners mind you) that use that lettering.

[ABC 7 Denver 1554]

KYTX does the exact same thing now. Before, they just used the eye and the channel #, but since last year however, they use the "CBS" lettering, and now with KEYE using it too, that makes it at least 4 stations (all from different owners mind you) that use that lettering.

 

And from a identity and branding standpoint it makes it no less stupid.

[mardek1995 200]

And from a identity and branding standpoint it makes it no less stupid.

I always that that it was stupid myself. Makes them look like theyre network O&Os to a lot of people (not including us of course) even though they're not.