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{{Short description|Former American broadcasting company}} |
{{Short description|Former American broadcasting company}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date= |
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name = Kaiser Broadcasting Corp. |
| name = Kaiser Broadcasting Corp. |
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| logo = Kaiser_Broadcasting_logo_1968.jpg |
| logo = Kaiser_Broadcasting_logo_1968.jpg |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| type = |
| type = [[Subsidiary]] |
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| fate = sold to [[Field Communications]] |
| fate = sold to [[Field Communications]] |
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| foundation = {{Start date and age|1957}} |
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1957}} |
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| defunct = {{End date and age|1977}} |
| defunct = {{End date and age|1977}} |
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| location_city = {{ubl|Oakland, California, U.S.|San Francisco, California, U.S.}} |
| location_city = {{ubl|Oakland, California, U.S.|San Francisco, California, U.S.}} |
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| key_people = {{ubl|Richard Block; [[ |
| key_people = {{ubl|Richard Block; [[VP]], [[General manager|GM]]|Don B. Curran, President}} |
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| industry = Television |
| industry = Television |
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| parent = Kaiser Industries |
| parent = Kaiser Industries |
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| divisions = Kaiser Broadcasting Company |
| divisions = Kaiser Broadcasting Company |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Kaiser Broadcasting Corp.''' was an American [[broadcast media]] company that owned and operated [[television station|television]] and [[radio station]]s in the [[United States]] from |
The '''Kaiser Broadcasting Corp.''' was an American [[broadcast media]] company that owned and operated [[television station|television]] and [[radio station]]s in the [[United States]] from 1957 to 1977.{{r|lat20120828a}} |
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==History== |
== History == |
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=== Creating a broadcast chain === |
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Kaiser's involvement in broadcasting began in 1957 when the '''[[Henry J. Kaiser]] Company Ltd.''', a multi-industrial conglomerate led by the eponymous industrialist, signed on [[KIKI (AM)|KHVH]] and [[Independent station (North America)|independent]] KHVH-TV (channel 13) in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]], within two months of each other.<ref name="Honolu19570316p69">{{Cite news |last=Smyser |first=Betty |date=March 16, 1957 |title=Around The Dial |page=5 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaiian Life |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367728/around-the-dial/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367728/around-the-dial/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Honolu19570502p34">{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1957 |title=Kaiser Station to Offer TV 'Movie Theatre' |page=32 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367507/kaiser-station-to-offer-tv-movie/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367507/kaiser-station-to-offer-tv-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Both stations were located in the [[Hawaiian Village Hotel]], which Kaiser also owned and from which the [[call sign]] was derived.<ref name="Honolu19570208p6">{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1957 |title=Kaiser Radio Station Due To Open March 18 |page=6 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361552/kaiser-radio-station-due-to-open-march/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361552/kaiser-radio-station-due-to-open-march/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kaiser purchased KULA-TV (channel 4) on May 8, 1958,<ref name="Honolu19580509p7">{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1958 |title=Kaiser Will Buy KULA-TV |page=A7 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367112/kaiser-will-buy-kula-tv/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367112/kaiser-will-buy-kula-tv/ |url-status=live }}</ref> changed its calls to [[ |
Kaiser's involvement in broadcasting began in 1957 when the '''[[Henry J. Kaiser]] Company Ltd.''', a multi-industrial conglomerate led by the eponymous industrialist, signed on [[KIKI (AM)|KHVH]] and [[Independent station (North America)|independent]] KHVH-TV (channel 13) in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]], within two months of each other.<ref name="Honolu19570316p69">{{Cite news |last=Smyser |first=Betty |date=March 16, 1957 |title=Around The Dial |page=5 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaiian Life |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367728/around-the-dial/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367728/around-the-dial/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Honolu19570502p34">{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1957 |title=Kaiser Station to Offer TV 'Movie Theatre' |page=32 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367507/kaiser-station-to-offer-tv-movie/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367507/kaiser-station-to-offer-tv-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Both stations were located in the [[Hawaiian Village Hotel]], which Kaiser also owned and from which the [[call sign]] was derived.<ref name="Honolu19570208p6">{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1957 |title=Kaiser Radio Station Due To Open March 18 |page=6 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361552/kaiser-radio-station-due-to-open-march/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361552/kaiser-radio-station-due-to-open-march/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kaiser purchased KULA-TV (channel 4) on May 8, 1958,<ref name="Honolu19580509p7">{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1958 |title=Kaiser Will Buy KULA-TV |page=A7 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367112/kaiser-will-buy-kula-tv/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110367112/kaiser-will-buy-kula-tv/ |url-status=live }}</ref> changed its calls to [[KHVH-TV]] on July 16, 1958,<ref name="Honolu19580713p84">{{Cite news |date=July 13, 1958 |title=KULA Vanishing From TV Scene |page=9 |newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser TV Weekly |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110366808/kula-vanishing-from-tv-scene/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110366808/kula-vanishing-from-tv-scene/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and returned the original KHVH-TV license to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC). Kaiser also acquired San Francisco station KBAY-FM in 1960, renaming it [[KFOG-FM]] and implementing a [[beautiful music]] format.<ref name="SanFra19660313p37">{{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}}</ref> |
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Later in the 1960s, Kaiser explored new opportunities to expand its broadcast holdings on the [[ |
Later in the 1960s, Kaiser explored new opportunities to expand its broadcast holdings on the [[U.S. mainland]]: [[Planning permission|construction permits]] were secured for multiple [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) stations, all in large markets, and KHVH-TV was sold off to help fund this expansion.{{r|SanFra19660313p37}} The first two of these stations signed on during 1965: [[WKBD-TV]] in [[Detroit]] went on the air in January,<ref name="Detroi19641214p 38">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=December 14, 1964 |title=Wide Sports Coverage for Detroit: New TV Station to Make History |page=10C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110360706/wide-sports-coverage-for-detroit-new/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110360706/wide-sports-coverage-for-detroit-new/ |url-status=live }}</ref> followed nine months later by [[WKBS-TV (Philadelphia)|WKBS-TV]] in [[Burlington, New Jersey]], a suburb of [[Philadelphia]].<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |accessdate=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80515818/2d-uhf-commercial-station-to-bow/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKBD-TV's debut was auspicious as the station's schedule consisted entirely of live sports [[Sports commentator|play-by-play]], a first in American broadcasting.<ref name="TimesH19640815p 6">{{Cite news |date=August 15, 1964 |title=New Detroit TV Station Aims At Fan |page=6 |newspaper=The Times Herald |agency=United Press International |location=Port Huron, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110368133/new-detroit-tv-station-aims-at-fan/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110368133/new-detroit-tv-station-aims-at-fan/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detroi19641220p 41">{{Cite news |last=Kleene |first=Tom |date=December 20, 1964 |title=Conversion Kits For TV Booming: WKBD to Open Channel 50 In Detroit on Jan. 2 |pages=9C–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361114/conversion-kits-for-tv-booming-wkbd-to/ 10C] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361102/conversion-kits-for-tv-booming-wkbd-to/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110361102/conversion-kits-for-tv-booming-wkbd-to/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[KVEA|KMTW-TV]] took to the air on June 29, 1966.<ref name="debut">{{cite news |date=June 29, 1966 |title=UHF Channel 52 to Debut Today |page=IV:19 |work=Los Angeles Times |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}}</ref> Later renamed KBSC-TV,<ref>{{cite news |date=February 24, 1968 |title=Channel Call Letters Changes |page=III:3 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196312/channel-call-letters-changed/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712043857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196312/channel-call-letters-changed/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> this station proved to a weak point in the chain after failing to attain a local [[Phonevision]] franchise and became uncompetitive against the market's established seven other [[Independent station (North America)|independent]] stations both on VHF and UHF.<ref name="supersales">{{cite news |last=Dutton |first=Walt |date=July 8, 1966 |title=UHF Stations Grow: L.A. TV Market Super Sales Area |page=IV:14 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196254/la-tv-market-super-sales-area/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712043857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196254/la-tv-market-super-sales-area/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Also in June 1966, Kaiser purchased the broadcast assets of Harvey Radio Laboratories, including [[WJIB|WXHR AM]]/[[WBQT (FM)|FM]]/TV.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 17, 1966 |title=Boston UHF Channel Bought by Kaiser Corp. |page=9 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882554/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882554/boston-uhf-channel-bought-by-kaiser/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> The television station had been off the air since 1956<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1956 |title=Mass. Lt. Governor Speaks At Final WTAO-TV Telecast |page=61 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-04-09-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629112909/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-04-09-BC.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2021}}</ref> but the license remained active and was purchased by Harvey Radio in 1959.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Elizabeth |date=September 21, 1962 |title=Archdiocese Gets New Hub UHF Channel |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882359/tv-station/ 7] |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882300/archdiocese-gets-new-hub-uhf-channel/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073039/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882300/archdiocese-gets-new-hub-uhf-channel/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' then purchased a 50 percent stake in the Boston stations,<ref>{{cite news |date=June 29, 1966 |title=Asks UHF Channel: Globe-Kaiser Seeks Hub TV |edition=Evening |page=1 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882586/asks-uhf-channel-globe-kaiser-seeks-hub/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882586/asks-uhf-channel-globe-kaiser-seeks/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> creating a 50–50 [[joint venture]] that took advantage of a [[loophole]] in a proposed FCC rule limiting one ownership group to no more than three television stations in the top 50 markets.<ref name="KaiserWaiver">{{Cite magazine |date=September 25, 1967 |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 |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |pages=60, 62 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> The television station was reactivated as [[ |
[[KVEA|KMTW-TV]] took to the air in the Los Angeles market on June 29, 1966.<ref name="debut">{{cite news |date=June 29, 1966 |title=UHF Channel 52 to Debut Today |page=IV:19 |work=Los Angeles Times |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}}</ref> Later renamed KBSC-TV,<ref>{{cite news |date=February 24, 1968 |title=Channel Call Letters Changes |page=III:3 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196312/channel-call-letters-changed/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712043857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196312/channel-call-letters-changed/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> this station proved to a weak point in the chain after failing to attain a local [[Phonevision]] franchise and became uncompetitive against the market's established seven other [[Independent station (North America)|independent]] stations both on VHF and UHF.<ref name="supersales">{{cite news |last=Dutton |first=Walt |date=July 8, 1966 |title=UHF Stations Grow: L.A. TV Market Super Sales Area |page=IV:14 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196254/la-tv-market-super-sales-area/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712043857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81196254/la-tv-market-super-sales-area/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Also in June 1966, Kaiser purchased the broadcast assets of Harvey Radio Laboratories, including [[WJIB|WXHR AM]]/[[WBQT (FM)|FM]]/TV.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 17, 1966 |title=Boston UHF Channel Bought by Kaiser Corp. |page=9 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882554/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882554/boston-uhf-channel-bought-by-kaiser/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> The television station had been off the air since 1956<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1956 |title=Mass. Lt. Governor Speaks At Final WTAO-TV Telecast |page=61 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-04-09-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629112909/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-04-09-BC.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2021}}</ref> but the license remained active and was purchased by Harvey Radio in 1959.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Elizabeth |date=September 21, 1962 |title=Archdiocese Gets New Hub UHF Channel |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882359/tv-station/ 7] |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882300/archdiocese-gets-new-hub-uhf-channel/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073039/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882300/archdiocese-gets-new-hub-uhf-channel/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' then purchased a 50 percent stake in the Boston stations,<ref>{{cite news |date=June 29, 1966 |title=Asks UHF Channel: Globe-Kaiser Seeks Hub TV |edition=Evening |page=1 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882586/asks-uhf-channel-globe-kaiser-seeks-hub/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86882586/asks-uhf-channel-globe-kaiser-seeks/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> creating a 50–50 [[joint venture]] that took advantage of a [[loophole]] in a proposed FCC rule limiting one ownership group to no more than three television stations in the top 50 markets.<ref name="KaiserWaiver">{{Cite magazine |date=September 25, 1967 |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 |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |pages=60, 62 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> The television station was reactivated as [[WKBG-TV]] on December 21, 1966.<ref name="BosGl19661222p1">{{cite news |date=December 22, 1966 |title=WKBG-TV, Channel 56, On the Air |page=1 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883101/wkbg-tv-channel-56-on-the-air/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074706/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883101/wkbg-tv-channel-56-on-the-air/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> |
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Kaiser started up two more stations, [[ |
Kaiser started up two more stations, [[KBHK-TV]] in [[San Francisco]] and [[WKBF-TV]] in [[Cleveland]], at the start of 1968. The company had intended to have both stations sign on at the same time on January 2, 1968, and arranged for executives to be present at both facilities for the occasion,<ref name="SanFra19671016p19">{{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}}</ref> but repeated construction delays at the transmitter site due to inclement weather prevented WKBF-TV from signing on until January 19.<ref name="CPD19680120p12">{{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/newspaper-clippings//tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |url-status=live |access-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 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Like WKBG-TV, WKBF-TV was jointly owned by Kaiser and Superior Broadcasting Company (which attained the station's construction permit<ref>{{Cite magazine |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 |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=70 |issue=24 |page=92 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151355/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-06-13-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref>) for its first four years of operation,<ref name="WKBFjointventure">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine|date=May 8, 1967 |title=For the Record |page=101 |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}}|{{cite magazine|date=May 8, 1967 |title=Kaiser has option to buy out Superior |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}}}}</ref><ref name="WKBFbuyout">{{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 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> but was formally recognized as "a Kaiser station"<ref name="AkronB19671214p 49">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> equally taking advantage of the FCC's aforementioned "top 50 market" ownership limit.{{r|KaiserWaiver}} ''The Globe'' reduced its ownership stake in the Boston stations to 10 percent, also in 1968.<ref>{{cite news |last=McLean |first=Robert A. |date=March 4, 1977 |title=N.E. papers will wait and see on US order to quit broadcasting |edition=Evening |page=42 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86901780/ne-newspapers-will-wait-and-see-on-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86901780/ne-newspapers-will-wait-and-see-on-us/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> |
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=== Growing financial problems === |
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In September 1967, the Kaiser Broadcasting Corporation announced plans for live [[television network]] operations by 1970.<ref>{{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 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |page=54 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Excluding KBSC-TV, all stations in the Kaiser chain placed a significant emphasis on local programming, with some of the more popular programs syndicated to other Kaiser stations. These included shows hosted by Joe Dolan in San Francisco, Alan Douglas in Cleveland,<ref name="CPD19691108p7D">{{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 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 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 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> [[Hy Lit]] in Philadelphia<ref name="AkronB19680216p 26">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243246/television-tonight-and-tomorrow/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and [[Lou Gordon (journalist)|Lou Gordon]] in Detroit.<ref name="AkronB19680113p 30">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243599/television-todayarea-tv-schedules/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gordon's WKBD-TV show proved to be the most successful, with all the Kaiser stations eventually carrying the program.<ref name="AkronB19711107p 69">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212313/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110241971/ford-sees-tremendous-price-hikes/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This internal networking practice continued into the mid-1970s when "The Ghoul", a WKBF-TV [[horror host]] portrayed by [[Ron Sweed]],<ref name="CPD19840924Fp40">{{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}}</ref> was syndicated to WKBD-TV,<ref name="Detroi19720520p 31">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKBG-TV,<ref name="Boston19740606p53">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216171/ask-the-globe/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> KBHK-TV<ref name="Detroi19730119p 11">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and later [[WFLD-TV]] (the latter after Kaiser purchased majority control).<ref name="Chicag19731202p449">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522103/tv-mailbag-svengoolie-cancelled-for/ |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Chicag19740224p260">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216411/tv-mailbag-ghoul-bumper-sticker/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> |
In September 1967, the Kaiser Broadcasting Corporation announced plans for live [[television network]] operations by 1970.<ref name="Kaiser4thNet">{{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 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |page=54 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Excluding KBSC-TV, all stations in the Kaiser chain placed a significant emphasis on local programming, with some of the more popular programs syndicated to other Kaiser stations. These included shows hosted by Joe Dolan in San Francisco, Alan Douglas in Cleveland,<ref name="CPD19691108p7D">{{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 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 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 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> [[Hy Lit]] in Philadelphia<ref name="AkronB19680216p 26">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243246/television-tonight-and-tomorrow/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and [[Lou Gordon (journalist)|Lou Gordon]] in Detroit.<ref name="AkronB19680113p 30">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243599/television-todayarea-tv-schedules/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gordon's WKBD-TV show proved to be the most successful, with all the Kaiser stations eventually carrying the program.<ref name="AkronB19711107p 69">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212313/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110241971/ford-sees-tremendous-price-hikes/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This internal networking practice continued into the mid-1970s when "The Ghoul", a WKBF-TV [[horror host]] portrayed by [[Ron Sweed]],<ref name="CPD19840924Fp40">{{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}}</ref> was syndicated to WKBD-TV,<ref name="Detroi19720520p 31">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKBG-TV,<ref name="Boston19740606p53">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216171/ask-the-globe/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> KBHK-TV<ref name="Detroi19730119p 11">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and later [[WFLD-TV]] (the latter after Kaiser purchased majority control).<ref name="Chicag19731202p449">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522103/tv-mailbag-svengoolie-cancelled-for/ |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Chicag19740224p260">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216411/tv-mailbag-ghoul-bumper-sticker/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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Beginning in 1968, Kaiser committed to launching news services throughout the chain, many of which boasted late-evening newscasts an hour earlier than network affiliates.<ref name="CPD19680519p7G">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 19, 1968 |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}}</ref> Kaiser invested approximately $6 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|6000000|1970}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) into these news departments, with emphasis given to WKBF-TV, WKBS-TV and WKBD-TV;<ref name="KaiserDownToBone">{{cite magazine |date=November 16, 1970 |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 |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=79 |issue=20 |page=51 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151321/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> WKBG-TV's news operation was the last to launch on December 1, 1969,<ref name="Boston19691130p322">{{Cite news |date=November 30, 1969 |title=The Cover |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110358196/the-cover/ 1]–2 |newspaper=The Boston Globe TV Week |location=Boston, Massachusetts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110358175/the-cover-p2/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> while KBHK-TV's attempt at a 10 p.m. newscast failed earlier in the year.<ref name="year">{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Dwight |date=April 27, 1969 |title=Year of failure for high-number television |page=B5 |work=San Francisco Examiner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86000208/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86000208/year-of-failure-for-high-number/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021}}</ref> The high costs incurred, in addition to a weak economic picture nationally and a marketplace reluctant to embrace UHF, led Kaiser to suspend news operations throughout the entire chain on November 12, 1970.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} Out of the five stations with a news department, only WKBD-TV turned a profit but still had ratings much lower than had been expected.<ref name="Detroi19701113p 1">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKBG-TV's picture was especially dire, having lost nearly $11 million over the course of four years.<ref name="newscuts">{{cite news |last=Shain |first=Percy |date=November 12, 1970 |title=Channel 56 cuts night news show |edition=Evening |page=4 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883438/channel-56-cuts-night-news-show/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074729/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883438/channel-56-cuts-night-news-show/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> The unilateral move to cull local newscasts was met with doubts and concerns in the industry over the profitability of UHF stations given Kaiser's reputation as a well-equipped broadcaster.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} |
Beginning in 1968, Kaiser committed to launching news services throughout the chain, many of which boasted late-evening newscasts an hour earlier than network affiliates.<ref name="CPD19680519p7G">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 19, 1968 |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}}</ref> Kaiser invested approximately $6 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|6000000|1970}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) into these news departments, with emphasis given to WKBF-TV, WKBS-TV and WKBD-TV;<ref name="KaiserDownToBone">{{cite magazine |date=November 16, 1970 |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 |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=79 |issue=20 |page=51 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151321/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> WKBG-TV's news operation was the last to launch on December 1, 1969,<ref name="Boston19691130p322">{{Cite news |date=November 30, 1969 |title=The Cover |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110358196/the-cover/ 1]–2 |newspaper=The Boston Globe TV Week |location=Boston, Massachusetts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110358175/the-cover-p2/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> while KBHK-TV's attempt at a 10 p.m. newscast failed earlier in the year.<ref name="year">{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Dwight |date=April 27, 1969 |title=Year of failure for high-number television |page=B5 |work=San Francisco Examiner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86000208/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86000208/year-of-failure-for-high-number/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021}}</ref> The high costs incurred, in addition to a weak economic picture nationally and a marketplace reluctant to embrace UHF, led Kaiser to suspend news operations throughout the entire chain on November 12, 1970.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} Out of the five stations with a news department, only WKBD-TV turned a profit but still had ratings much lower than had been expected.<ref name="Detroi19701113p 1">{{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/ |url-status=live |access-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/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKBG-TV's picture was especially dire, having lost nearly $11 million over the course of four years.<ref name="newscuts">{{cite news |last=Shain |first=Percy |date=November 12, 1970 |title=Channel 56 cuts night news show |edition=Evening |page=4 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883438/channel-56-cuts-night-news-show/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074729/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883438/channel-56-cuts-night-news-show/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> The unilateral move to cull local newscasts was met with doubts and concerns in the industry over the profitability of UHF stations given Kaiser's reputation as a well-equipped broadcaster.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} |
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=== Field Communications alliance and buyout === |
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Although many of ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]'s'' third season's episodes were of poor quality, it gave ''Star Trek'' enough episodes for [[television syndication]].<ref name="teitelbaum19910505">{{cite news | url=http://articles.latimes.com/print/1991-05-05/magazine/tm-2100_1_star-trek | title=How Gene Roddenberry and his Brain Trust Have Boldly Taken 'Star Trek' Where No TV Series Has Gone Before : Trekking to the Top | work=Los Angeles Times | date=May 5, 1991 | page=16 | access-date=January 24, 2012 | author=Teitelbaum, Sheldon | archive-date=November 6, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106201722/http://articles.latimes.com/print/1991-05-05/magazine/tm-2100_1_star-trek | url-status=live }}</ref> Most shows require at least four seasons for syndication, because otherwise there are not enough episodes for daily [[stripping (television)|stripping]]. Kaiser Broadcasting, however, had already purchased syndication rights for ''Star Trek'' during the first season for its stations in several large cities. The company arranged the unusual deal because it saw the show as effective [[Counterprogramming (television)|counterprogramming]] against the [[Big Three networks]]' 6 pm evening news programs.<ref name="abbott2010">{{cite book| author = Abbott, Stacey| title = The Cult TV Book| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=gA7qK_VhVH0C| date = March 10, 2010| publisher = I.B. Tauris| isbn = 978-1-84885-026-2| access-date = September 24, 2016| archive-date = August 3, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803233403/https://books.google.com/books?id=gA7qK_VhVH0C| url-status = live}}</ref>{{rp|138}} Paramount began advertising the reruns in [[trade press]] in March 1969;<ref name="to20081215">{{cite web | url=http://www.tvobscurities.com/2008/12/star-trek-syndication-advertisements-circa-1969-1970/ | title=Star Trek Syndication Advertisements, Circa 1969-1970 | publisher=Television Obscurities | date=December 15, 2008 | access-date=May 15, 2011 | archive-date=July 17, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717200546/http://www.tvobscurities.com/2008/12/star-trek-syndication-advertisements-circa-1969-1970/ | url-status=live }}</ref> as Kaiser's ratings were good, other stations, such as [[WPIX]] in New York City, also purchased the episodes<ref name="meehan2005">{{cite book| author = Meehan, Eileen R.| title = Why TV is not our fault: television programming, viewers, and who's really in control| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=SEtw4yGRjwUC| year = 2005| publisher = Rowman & Littlefield| isbn = 978-0-7425-2486-6| access-date = September 24, 2016| archive-date = August 4, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200804163954/https://books.google.com/books?id=SEtw4yGRjwUC| url-status = live}}</ref>{{rp|91–92}} for similar counterprogramming. |
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⚫ | On May 26, 1972, Kaiser sold a 22.5 percent minority stake in their broadcasting holdings to [[Chicago]]-based [[Field Communications]] (excluded from this were KBSC-TV and the radio stations) while Kaiser acquired a 77.5 percent majority stake in WFLD-TV, Field's Chicago station.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 29, 1972 |title=Kaiser, Field put their U's together |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}}</ref> Completed in May 1973, the Kaiser/Field partnership was named Kaiser Broadcasting Co. (Kaiser Co.) and included KBHK-TV, WFLD-TV, WKBD-TV, WKBS-TV, WKBF-TV and majority control of WKBG-TV.<ref>{{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 |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}}</ref> The ''Boston Globe'' sold its stake in WKBG-TV to Kaiser in 1974,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 22, 1974 |title=Globe Newspaper agrees to sell Kaiser-Globe interest |page=27 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883670/globe-newspaper-agrees-to-sell-kaiser-gl/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074731/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883670/globe-newspaper-agrees-to-sell/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> with the station renamed WLVI.<ref>{{cite news |last=McLean |first=Robert A. |date=April 30, 1974 |title=Interview with transsexual a coup for Hamlin |edition=Evening |page=47 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883682/interview-with-transsexual-a-coup-for-ha/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074747/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883682/interview-with-transsexual-a-coup-for/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> After a prior attempt to spin off KBSC-TV to a prospective [[subscription television]] operator failed,<ref>{{cite news |date=March 26, 1973 |title=Ownership changes |page=129 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-03-26-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308035332/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-03-26-BC.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 17, 1975 |title=Pay is off |page=10 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-02-17-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308025226/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-02-17-BC.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> Kaiser sold off the station to a joint venture between [[Oak Industries]] and [[Jerry Perenchio]] in December 1975,<ref name="kbscbought">{{Cite news |date=September 20, 1976 |title=Changing Hands |page=43 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-09-20-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101104959/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-09-20-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> becoming the genesis of the [[ON TV (TV network)|ON TV]] pay television service.<ref name="ticket">{{Cite news |last=Margulies |first=Lee |date=March 29, 1977 |title=Just the Ticket for Pay TV |page=View 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61280389/pay-tvs-home-run-ticket/ 7] |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61280429/just-the-ticket-for-pay-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031012959/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61280429/just-the-ticket-for-pay-tv/ |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Faced with mounting financial losses in Cleveland, Kaiser ceased all operations at WKBF-TV on April 25, 1975, selling off the majority of assets to [[United Artists Broadcasting]], owner of [[WUAB]].<ref name="CPD19750409p1A">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |title=Channel 61 to go off air |pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F6143CB44D3B39%402442512-12F59E6863B4B00C%405-12F59E6863B4B00C?clipid=zlonygvdwsuurqambrnrivzdpcuuglvp_wma-gateway013_1662872241580 6A] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12F615020DFDFDCD%402442512-12F6133AEBFB0F73%400-12F6133AEBFB0F73?clipid=ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |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 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> In turn, Kaiser purchased a 36 percent [[equity stake]] in WUAB,<ref name="WUABonlyU">{{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 |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=88 |issue=15 |page=52 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926010710/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> which it held until United Artists sold off that station in 1977.<ref name="CPD19781010p7B">{{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}}</ref> WKBF-TV management and Kaiser executives conceded that, due to WUAB signing on within months of WKBF-TV, the station never turned a profit and could not find consistent viewership or advertiser support in the Cleveland market.{{r|CPD19750409p1A}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Darlene |date=April 25, 1975 |title=WKBF-TV Signs Off Air |work=The Lorain Journal |location=Lorain, Ohio |url=https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnGD4TDjDeQ/WcWUabl0IJI/AAAAAAAAatA/X_diB10P90AN_AXJ1XmHP1bE7DLVgOfIgCLcBGAs/s1600/April-1975-WKBF-final.jpg |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220624/https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnGD4TDjDeQ/WcWUabl0IJI/AAAAAAAAatA/X_diB10P90AN_AXJ1XmHP1bE7DLVgOfIgCLcBGAs/s1600/April-1975-WKBF-final.jpg |archive-date=September 23, 2022}}</ref> |
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⚫ |
On May 26, 1972, Kaiser sold a 22.5 percent minority stake in their broadcasting holdings to [[Chicago]]-based [[Field Communications]] (excluded from this were KBSC-TV and the radio stations) while Kaiser acquired a 77.5 percent majority stake in WFLD-TV, Field's Chicago station.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 29, 1972 |title=Kaiser, Field put their U's together |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}}</ref> Completed in May 1973, the Kaiser/Field partnership was named Kaiser Broadcasting Co. (Kaiser Co.) and included KBHK-TV, WFLD-TV, WKBD-TV, WKBS-TV, WKBF-TV and majority control of WKBG-TV.<ref>{{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 |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}}</ref> The ''Boston Globe'' sold its stake in WKBG-TV to Kaiser in 1974,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 22, 1974 |title=Globe Newspaper agrees to sell Kaiser-Globe interest |page=27 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883670/globe-newspaper-agrees-to-sell-kaiser-gl/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074731/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883670/globe-newspaper-agrees-to-sell/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> with the station renamed WLVI.<ref>{{cite news |last=McLean |first=Robert A. |date=April 30, 1974 |title=Interview with transsexual a coup for Hamlin |edition=Evening |page=47 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883682/interview-with-transsexual-a-coup-for-ha/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074747/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883682/interview-with-transsexual-a-coup-for/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> After a prior attempt to spin off KBSC-TV to a prospective [[ |
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⚫ |
Faced with mounting financial losses in Cleveland, Kaiser ceased all operations at WKBF-TV on April 25, 1975, selling off the majority of assets to [[ |
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In January 1977, Kaiser sold its stake in the station group to Field for a combined $42.625 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|42625000|1977}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1977 |title=Station sales rise with curve of air billings |page=23 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308042607/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> This sale was part of a larger disposition of Kaiser Industries in which 90 percent of the conglomerate's assets were divested in 1977 alone.<ref name="lat20120828a">{{cite news|last=Walters|first=Donna K. H.|title=An Empire Fades Away, but Its Legacy Lingers On : Final Chapter Is Being Written for What Once Was West's Greatest Industrial Power|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-04/business/fi-4512_1_empire/6|access-date=August 28, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 4, 1985|archive-date=December 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223033255/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-04/business/fi-4512_1_empire/6|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In January 1977, Kaiser sold its stake in the station group to Field for a combined $42.625 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|42625000|1977}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1977 |title=Station sales rise with curve of air billings |page=23 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308042607/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> This sale was part of a larger disposition of Kaiser Industries in which 90 percent of the conglomerate's assets were divested in 1977 alone.<ref name="lat20120828a">{{cite news|last=Walters|first=Donna K. H.|title=An Empire Fades Away, but Its Legacy Lingers On : Final Chapter Is Being Written for What Once Was West's Greatest Industrial Power|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-04/business/fi-4512_1_empire/6|access-date=August 28, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 4, 1985|archive-date=December 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223033255/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-04/business/fi-4512_1_empire/6|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Programming== |
== Programming == |
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From 1965 onward, Kaiser Broadcasting consisted of stations of [[independent station (North America)|independent]] outlets that broadcast on the UHF band.{{r|SanFra19660313p37}} In Detroit,{{r|Detroi19641220p 41}} Boston{{r|BosGl19661222p1}} and Cleveland,{{r|AkronB19671214p 49}} Kaiser-owned stations were the first independents in their respective markets. At a time when viewer interest in watching UHF television was still at its infancy, the Kaiser group programmed aggressively with movies, off-network programs, and children's shows.<ref name="BME196802Kaiser">{{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}}</ref> |
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While the initial plan of creating a "[[fourth network]]" backed by this station group{{r|Kaiser4thNet}} never came to fruition, many of these stations boasted successful local programs, several of which found varying degrees of success through syndication. WKBD-TV's early investment in sports programming enabled them to secure broadcast rights for the [[NBA]]'s [[Detroit Pistons]], the [[NHL]]'s [[Detroit Red Wings]] and other area college teams.{{r|TimesH19640815p 6}} Many of the Kaiser stations purchased [[Broadcast syndication|syndication rights]] for ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]''<ref name="teitelbaum19910505">{{cite news | url=http://articles.latimes.com/print/1991-05-05/magazine/tm-2100_1_star-trek | title=How Gene Roddenberry and his Brain Trust Have Boldly Taken 'Star Trek' Where No TV Series Has Gone Before : Trekking to the Top | work=Los Angeles Times | date=May 5, 1991 | page=16 | access-date=January 24, 2012 | author=Teitelbaum, Sheldon | archive-date=November 6, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106201722/http://articles.latimes.com/print/1991-05-05/magazine/tm-2100_1_star-trek | url-status=live }}</ref> before other large market stations<ref name="to20081215">{{cite web | url=http://www.tvobscurities.com/2008/12/star-trek-syndication-advertisements-circa-1969-1970/ | title=Star Trek Syndication Advertisements, Circa 1969-1970 | publisher=Television Obscurities | date=December 15, 2008 | access-date=May 15, 2011 | archive-date=July 17, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717200546/http://www.tvobscurities.com/2008/12/star-trek-syndication-advertisements-circa-1969-1970/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="meehan2005">{{cite book| author = Meehan, Eileen R.| title = Why TV is not our fault: television programming, viewers, and who's really in control| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=SEtw4yGRjwUC| year = 2005| publisher = Rowman & Littlefield| isbn = 978-0-7425-2486-6| access-date = September 24, 2016| archive-date = August 4, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200804163954/https://books.google.com/books?id=SEtw4yGRjwUC| url-status = live}}</ref>{{rp|91–92}} as [[Counterprogramming (television)|counterprogramming]] against evening news programs on the [[Big Three networks]]<ref name="abbott2010">{{cite book| author = Abbott, Stacey| title = The Cult TV Book| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=gA7qK_VhVH0C| date = March 10, 2010| publisher = I.B. Tauris| isbn = 978-1-84885-026-2| access-date = September 24, 2016| archive-date = August 3, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803233403/https://books.google.com/books?id=gA7qK_VhVH0C| url-status = live}}</ref>{{rp|138}} and, in the case of WKBF-TV, were aired in the same episode order as originally broadcast on NBC.<ref name="CPD19730114p7G">{{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 |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 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 |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref><!--Perhaps the most elaborate and pioneering program supported throughout its station group and promoted by Kaiser was ''Della'' (also known as ''[[The Della Reese Show]]''), a 1969-70 talk/variety series, the first long-form national series of the sort to be hosted by an African-American woman, and one of the earliest to be hosted by a woman of any ethnicity.--> |
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== Former stations == |
== Former stations == |
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Line 50: | Line 53: | ||
! scope="col" | [[City of license]] / [[Media market|Market]] |
! scope="col" | [[City of license]] / [[Media market|Market]] |
||
! scope="col" | Station |
! scope="col" | Station |
||
! scope="col" | |
! scope="col" | Channel |
||
! scope="col" | |
! scope="col" | Years owned |
||
! scope="col" | Current |
! scope="col" | Current status |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Corona, California|Corona]]–[[ |
| [[Corona, California|Corona]]–[[Los Angeles, CA]] |
||
! KMTW-TV/KBSC-TV |
! KMTW-TV/KBSC-TV |
||
| 52 |
| 52 || 1966–1977 || [[Telemundo]] owned-and-operated ([[O&O]]) [[KVEA]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[San Francisco]]–[[Oakland]]–[[San Jose, CA]] |
||
! KBHK-TV |
! KBHK-TV |
||
| 44 |
| 44 || 1968–1977 || [[Independent station|Independent]] [[KPYX]], owned by [[Paramount Global]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| rowspan="2" | [[ |
| rowspan="2" | [[Honolulu, HI]] |
||
! KHVH-TV |
! KHVH-TV |
||
| 13 || |
| 13 || 1957–1958 || Defunct, ceased operations in 1958{{efn|Frequency currently occupied by [[NBC]] affiliate [[KHNL]].}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! KHVH-TV |
! KHVH-TV |
||
| 4 |
| 4 || 1958–1965 || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[KITV]], owned by [[Allen Media Broadcasting]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[Chicago, IL]] |
||
! [[ |
! [[WFLD-TV]] |
||
| 32 |
| 32 || 1972–1977 || [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] owned-and-operated (O&O) |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]]–[[ |
| [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]]–[[Boston, MA]] |
||
! [[WLVI|WKBG-TV/WLVI-TV]]{{efn|name=KBG}} |
! [[WLVI|WKBG-TV/WLVI-TV]]{{efn|name=KBG}} |
||
| 56 |
| 56 || 1966–1977 || [[The CW]] affiliate owned by [[Sunbeam Television]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[Detroit, MI]] |
||
! [[WKBD-TV]] |
! [[WKBD-TV]] |
||
| 50 |
| 50 || 1965–1977 || Independent owned by Paramount Global |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[Burlington, NJ]]–[[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, PA]] |
||
! [[WKBS-TV (Philadelphia)|WKBS-TV]] |
! [[WKBS-TV (Philadelphia)|WKBS-TV]] |
||
| 48 || 1965–1977 || |
| 48 || 1965–1977 || Defunct, ceased operations in 1983{{efn|Frequency currently occupied by [[Trinity Broadcasting Network|TBN]]-owned [[WGTW-TV]].}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Cleveland]]–[[ |
| [[Cleveland]]–[[Akron]]–[[Canton, OH]] |
||
! [[WKBF-TV]]{{efn|Jointly owned by Kaiser and Superior Broadcasting Company from 1968 to 1972.{{r|WKBFjointventure}}{{r|WKBFbuyout}}}} |
! [[WKBF-TV]]{{efn|Jointly owned by Kaiser and Superior Broadcasting Company from 1968 to 1972.{{r|WKBFjointventure}}{{r|WKBFbuyout}}}} |
||
| 61 || 1968–1975 || |
| 61 || 1968–1975 || Defunct, ceased operation in 1975{{efn|Frequency currently occupied by [[Univision]]-owned [[WQHS-TV]].}} |
||
|} |
|} |
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=== Radio === |
=== Radio === |
||
{| |
{| |
||
|
! style="border: 1px solid #a3b0bf; cellpadding="2"; margin: auto" bgcolor="#cedff2" | AM Station |
||
|
! style="border: 1px solid #a3b0bf; cellpadding="2"; margin: auto" bgcolor="#ddcef2" | FM Station |
||
|} |
|} |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
! scope="col" | City of license / Market |
! scope="col" | City of license / Market |
||
! scope="col" | Station |
! scope="col" | Station |
||
! scope="col" | Years owned |
! scope="col" | Years owned |
||
! scope="col" | Current |
! scope="col" | Current status |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| San |
| [[San Francisco]]–[[Oakland, CA]] |
||
! style="background: #ddcef2;"| KBAY-FM/KFOG 104.5 |
! style="background: #ddcef2;" | KBAY-FM/KFOG 104.5 |
||
| |
| 1960–1974 || [[KNBR-FM]], owned by [[Cumulus Media]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Honolulu, HI |
| [[Honolulu, HI]] |
||
! style="background: #cedff2"| KHVH 990 |
! style="background: #cedff2" | KHVH 990 |
||
| 1957–1965 || [[KIKI (AM)|KIKI]], owned by [[iHeartMedia]] |
| 1957–1965 || [[KIKI (AM)|KIKI]], owned by [[iHeartMedia]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| rowspan="2" | |
| rowspan="2" | [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]]–[[Boston, MA]] |
||
! style="background: #cedff2"| WCAS 740{{efn|name=KBG}} |
! style="background: #cedff2" | WCAS 740{{efn|name=KBG}} |
||
| 1967–1976 || [[WJIB]], owned by Bob Bittner Broadcasting |
| 1967–1976 || [[WJIB]], owned by Bob Bittner Broadcasting |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! style="background: #ddcef2;"| WXHR/WJIB 96.9{{efn|name=KBG}} |
! style="background: #ddcef2;" | WXHR/WJIB 96.9{{efn|name=KBG}} |
||
| 1967–1972 || [[WBQT (FM)|WBQT]], owned by [[Greater Media]] |
| 1967–1972 || [[WBQT (FM)|WBQT]], owned by [[Greater Media]] |
||
|} |
|} |
||
Line 122: | Line 124: | ||
== See also == |
== See also == |
||
* [[Field Communications]] |
|||
* [[Fourth television network]] |
* [[Fourth television network]] |
||
![]() | |
Company type | Subsidiary |
---|---|
Industry | Television |
Founded | 1957; 67 years ago (1957) |
Founder | Henry J. Kaiser |
Defunct | 1977; 47 years ago (1977) |
Fate | sold to Field Communications |
Headquarters |
|
Key people |
|
Parent | Kaiser Industries |
Divisions | Kaiser Broadcasting Company |
The Kaiser Broadcasting Corp. was an American broadcast media company that owned and operated television and radio stations in the United States from 1957 to 1977.[1]
Kaiser's involvement in broadcasting began in 1957 when the Henry J. Kaiser Company Ltd., a multi-industrial conglomerate led by the eponymous industrialist, signed on KHVH and independent KHVH-TV (channel 13) in Honolulu, Hawaii, within two months of each other.[2][3] Both stations were located in the Hawaiian Village Hotel, which Kaiser also owned and from which the call sign was derived.[4] Kaiser purchased KULA-TV (channel 4) on May 8, 1958,[5] changed its calls to KHVH-TV on July 16, 1958,[6] and returned the original KHVH-TV license to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Kaiser also acquired San Francisco station KBAY-FM in 1960, renaming it KFOG-FM and implementing a beautiful music format.[7]
Later in the 1960s, Kaiser explored new opportunities to expand its broadcast holdings on the U.S. mainland: construction permits were secured for multiple ultra high frequency (UHF) stations, all in large markets, and KHVH-TV was sold off to help fund this expansion.[7] The first two of these stations signed on during 1965: WKBD-TVinDetroit went on the air in January,[8] followed nine months later by WKBS-TVinBurlington, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia.[9] WKBD-TV's debut was auspicious as the station's schedule consisted entirely of live sports play-by-play, a first in American broadcasting.[10][11]
KMTW-TV took to the air in the Los Angeles market on June 29, 1966.[12] Later renamed KBSC-TV,[13] this station proved to a weak point in the chain after failing to attain a local Phonevision franchise and became uncompetitive against the market's established seven other independent stations both on VHF and UHF.[14] Also in June 1966, Kaiser purchased the broadcast assets of Harvey Radio Laboratories, including WXHR AM/FM/TV.[15] The television station had been off the air since 1956[16] but the license remained active and was purchased by Harvey Radio in 1959.[17] The Boston Globe then purchased a 50 percent stake in the Boston stations,[18] creating a 50–50 joint venture that took advantage of a loophole in a proposed FCC rule limiting one ownership group to no more than three television stations in the top 50 markets.[19] The television station was reactivated as WKBG-TV on December 21, 1966.[20]
Kaiser started up two more stations, KBHK-TVinSan Francisco and WKBF-TVinCleveland, at the start of 1968. The company had intended to have both stations sign on at the same time on January 2, 1968, and arranged for executives to be present at both facilities for the occasion,[21] but repeated construction delays at the transmitter site due to inclement weather prevented WKBF-TV from signing on until January 19.[22] Like WKBG-TV, WKBF-TV was jointly owned by Kaiser and Superior Broadcasting Company (which attained the station's construction permit[23]) for its first four years of operation,[24][25] but was formally recognized as "a Kaiser station"[26] equally taking advantage of the FCC's aforementioned "top 50 market" ownership limit.[19] The Globe reduced its ownership stake in the Boston stations to 10 percent, also in 1968.[27]
In September 1967, the Kaiser Broadcasting Corporation announced plans for live television network operations by 1970.[28] Excluding KBSC-TV, all stations in the Kaiser chain placed a significant emphasis on local programming, with some of the more popular programs syndicated to other Kaiser stations. These included shows hosted by Joe Dolan in San Francisco, Alan Douglas in Cleveland,[29] Hy Lit in Philadelphia[30] and Lou Gordon in Detroit.[31] Gordon's WKBD-TV show proved to be the most successful, with all the Kaiser stations eventually carrying the program.[32] This internal networking practice continued into the mid-1970s when "The Ghoul", a WKBF-TV horror host portrayed by Ron Sweed,[33] was syndicated to WKBD-TV,[34] WKBG-TV,[35] KBHK-TV[36] and later WFLD-TV (the latter after Kaiser purchased majority control).[37][38]
Beginning in 1968, Kaiser committed to launching news services throughout the chain, many of which boasted late-evening newscasts an hour earlier than network affiliates.[39] Kaiser invested approximately $6 million (equivalent to $47.1 million in 2023) into these news departments, with emphasis given to WKBF-TV, WKBS-TV and WKBD-TV;[40] WKBG-TV's news operation was the last to launch on December 1, 1969,[41] while KBHK-TV's attempt at a 10 p.m. newscast failed earlier in the year.[42] The high costs incurred, in addition to a weak economic picture nationally and a marketplace reluctant to embrace UHF, led Kaiser to suspend news operations throughout the entire chain on November 12, 1970.[40] Out of the five stations with a news department, only WKBD-TV turned a profit but still had ratings much lower than had been expected.[43] WKBG-TV's picture was especially dire, having lost nearly $11 million over the course of four years.[44] The unilateral move to cull local newscasts was met with doubts and concerns in the industry over the profitability of UHF stations given Kaiser's reputation as a well-equipped broadcaster.[40]
On May 26, 1972, Kaiser sold a 22.5 percent minority stake in their broadcasting holdings to Chicago-based Field Communications (excluded from this were KBSC-TV and the radio stations) while Kaiser acquired a 77.5 percent majority stake in WFLD-TV, Field's Chicago station.[45] Completed in May 1973, the Kaiser/Field partnership was named Kaiser Broadcasting Co. (Kaiser Co.) and included KBHK-TV, WFLD-TV, WKBD-TV, WKBS-TV, WKBF-TV and majority control of WKBG-TV.[46] The Boston Globe sold its stake in WKBG-TV to Kaiser in 1974,[47] with the station renamed WLVI.[48] After a prior attempt to spin off KBSC-TV to a prospective subscription television operator failed,[49][50] Kaiser sold off the station to a joint venture between Oak Industries and Jerry Perenchio in December 1975,[51] becoming the genesis of the ON TV pay television service.[52]
Faced with mounting financial losses in Cleveland, Kaiser ceased all operations at WKBF-TV on April 25, 1975, selling off the majority of assets to United Artists Broadcasting, owner of WUAB.[53] In turn, Kaiser purchased a 36 percent equity stake in WUAB,[54] which it held until United Artists sold off that station in 1977.[55] WKBF-TV management and Kaiser executives conceded that, due to WUAB signing on within months of WKBF-TV, the station never turned a profit and could not find consistent viewership or advertiser support in the Cleveland market.[53][56]
In January 1977, Kaiser sold its stake in the station group to Field for a combined $42.625 million (equivalent to $214 million in 2023).[57] This sale was part of a larger disposition of Kaiser Industries in which 90 percent of the conglomerate's assets were divested in 1977 alone.[1]
From 1965 onward, Kaiser Broadcasting consisted of stations of independent outlets that broadcast on the UHF band.[7] In Detroit,[11] Boston[20] and Cleveland,[26] Kaiser-owned stations were the first independents in their respective markets. At a time when viewer interest in watching UHF television was still at its infancy, the Kaiser group programmed aggressively with movies, off-network programs, and children's shows.[58]
While the initial plan of creating a "fourth network" backed by this station group[28] never came to fruition, many of these stations boasted successful local programs, several of which found varying degrees of success through syndication. WKBD-TV's early investment in sports programming enabled them to secure broadcast rights for the NBA's Detroit Pistons, the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and other area college teams.[10] Many of the Kaiser stations purchased syndication rights for Star Trek[59] before other large market stations[60][61]: 91–92 ascounterprogramming against evening news programs on the Big Three networks[62]: 138 and, in the case of WKBF-TV, were aired in the same episode order as originally broadcast on NBC.[63]
Stations are listed in alphabetical order by state and city of license.[64][65]
City of license / Market | Station | Channel | Years owned | Current status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Corona–Los Angeles, CA | KMTW-TV/KBSC-TV | 52 | 1966–1977 | Telemundo owned-and-operated (O&O) KVEA |
San Francisco–Oakland–San Jose, CA | KBHK-TV | 44 | 1968–1977 | Independent KPYX, owned by Paramount Global |
Honolulu, HI | KHVH-TV | 13 | 1957–1958 | Defunct, ceased operations in 1958[a] |
KHVH-TV | 4 | 1958–1965 | ABC affiliate KITV, owned by Allen Media Broadcasting | |
Chicago, IL | WFLD-TV | 32 | 1972–1977 | Fox owned-and-operated (O&O) |
Cambridge–Boston, MA | WKBG-TV/WLVI-TV[b] | 56 | 1966–1977 | The CW affiliate owned by Sunbeam Television |
Detroit, MI | WKBD-TV | 50 | 1965–1977 | Independent owned by Paramount Global |
Burlington, NJ–Philadelphia, PA | WKBS-TV | 48 | 1965–1977 | Defunct, ceased operations in 1983[c] |
Cleveland–Akron–Canton, OH | WKBF-TV[d] | 61 | 1968–1975 | Defunct, ceased operation in 1975[e] |
AM Station | FM Station |
---|
City of license / Market | Station | Years owned | Current status |
---|---|---|---|
San Francisco–Oakland, CA | KBAY-FM/KFOG 104.5 | 1960–1974 | KNBR-FM, owned by Cumulus Media |
Honolulu, HI | KHVH 990 | 1957–1965 | KIKI, owned by iHeartMedia |
Cambridge–Boston, MA | WCAS 740[b] | 1967–1976 | WJIB, owned by Bob Bittner Broadcasting |
WXHR/WJIB 96.9[b] | 1967–1972 | WBQT, owned by Greater Media |