Although considered a separate station in its own right, KCYU-LD is a semi-satelliteofPendleton, Oregon–licensed KFFX-TV (channel 11), which serves the Tri-Cities area. KCYU-LD simulcasts all Fox network and syndicated programming as provided through its parent, and the two stations share a website. However, KCYU-LD airs separate legal identifications and commercial inserts. KFFX-TV serves the eastern half of the Tri-Cities–Yakima market while KCYU-LD serves the western portion. Master control and some internal operations of KCYU-LD are based at KFFX-TV's studios on Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick. On satellite, KCYU-LD is only available on Dish Network, while DirecTV carries KFFX-TV instead.
Fox programming first came to Yakima on October 1, 1989, when K53CY[2] channel 53 (generally referred to as simply "KCY") signed on as a semi-satellite of Spokane's KAYU-TV; it aired most of KAYU's programming (with the exception of programming that KAYU did not hold the rights to show in Yakima), with inserts for local commercials.[3] Prior to K53CY's sign-on, Fox programming was available on Yakima cable from KAYU; subsequently, KAYU was not carried in Ellensburg. A construction permit for a new low-power station on channel 68 in Yakima was issued on April 1, 1993[4] and given the call sign K68EB;[5] this facility signed on a month later.[6] Despite the different call sign, K68EB was still called "KCY" outside of Federal Communications Commission-required station identifications.[7]
Original owner Salmon River Communications sold K68EB, along with KAYU-TV, KBWU-LP in the Tri-Cities, and KMVUinMedford, Oregon, to Northwest Broadcasting in 1995.[8] The call letters were changed to KCYU-LP on November 20, 1995.[5] KCYU-LP remained a semi-satellite of KAYU until January 1999, when it became a semi-satellite of the new KFFX-TV. The station remained on channel 68 until 2003, when KCYU-LP moved to channel 41. On December 15, 2008, KCYU-LP ended analog broadcasting and converted to a high definition digital signal;[9] in reflection of this conversion, the call letters were modified to the current KCYU-LD on July 8, 2009.[5]
In February 2019, Reuters reported that Apollo Global Management had agreed to acquire the entirety of Brian Brady's television portfolio, which it intends to merge with Cox Media Group (which Apollo is acquiring at the same time) and stations spun off from Nexstar Media Group's purchase of Tribune Broadcasting, once the purchases are approved by the FCC.[10] In March 2019 filings with the FCC, Apollo confirmed that its newly-formed broadcasting group, Terrier Media, would acquire Northwest Broadcasting, with Brian Brady holding an unspecified minority interest in Terrier.[11] In June 2019, it was announced that Terrier Media would instead operate as Cox Media Group, as Apollo had reached a deal to also acquire Cox's radio and advertising businesses.[12] The transaction was completed on December 17.[13]
On March 29, 2022, Cox Media Group announced it would sell KCYU-LD, KFFX-TV and 16 other stations to Imagicomm Communications, an affiliate of the parent company of the INSP cable channel, for $488 million;[14] the sale was completed on August 1.[15]
KCYU-LD airs a nightly newscast, Fox First at Ten. The newscast is produced weeknights by NBC affiliate KNDU (channel 25); on weekends, KCYU carries the 10 p.m. newscast from Spokane sister station KAYU-TV (produced by KNDU's sister KHQ-TV). KCYU also airs KAYU's KHQ-produced Good Day on weekday mornings.
