KASW
KASW, branded as The Spot – Arizona 61, is an independent television station licensed to Phoenix, Arizona, United States, serving the Phoenix media market as a provider of syndicated programming, local news, entertainment, and sports content.[1] It operates on virtual channel 61 (UHF digital channel 27) with a transmitter located on South Mountain, broadcasting at an effective radiated power of 531 kilowatts.[2] The station is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company and operates as a sister station to ABC affiliate KNXV-TV (channel 15), with which it shares production facilities and resources for news and operations.[3] Launched on September 22, 1995, as the market's affiliate for The WB network, KASW initially relied on programming agreements with independent station KTVK for operational support.[4] Following the 2006 merger of The WB and UPN into The CW, the station became Phoenix's CW affiliate and maintained that role for nearly two decades, airing a mix of network shows, syndicated fare, and local programming.[5] Ownership changed hands multiple times, including a brief acquisition by Meredith Corporation in 2014 (which divested it for regulatory reasons) and by Nexstar Media Group in late 2014 (completed in 2015), before Scripps purchased it in 2019 as part of regulatory divestitures from Nexstar's merger with Tribune Media.[6][7][8] In late 2023, amid contract disputes between Scripps and The CW, the network affiliation shifted away from KASW, transitioning to other Phoenix stations effective February 1, 2024, solidifying its status as an independent outlet focused on regional content.[9] The station now emphasizes local sports broadcasts, including Arizona Rattlers indoor football games and Utah Hockey Club (formerly Arizona Coyotes) NHL games, alongside national entertainment and news segments produced in partnership with ABC15 (KNXV).[10][11] KASW also supports advanced broadcasting technologies, having implemented ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) capabilities since 2020 to enhance viewer experience with higher-quality video and interactive features.[12]History
Prior uses of channel 61
In November 1987, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a final rule allotting UHF television Channel 61 to Phoenix, Arizona, as its eighth commercial television service, effective December 24, 1987. This allocation was proposed by Edward Walson under MM Docket No. 86-222 and amended Section 73.606(b) of the Commission's rules to include the channel in the Table of Allotments for Phoenix.[13] Prior to the full-power allocation, Channel 61 was used for low-power television (LPTV) broadcasting in the Phoenix area. On March 15, 1983, K61CA signed on as the market's first LPTV station, operating as TV-61 with a locally programmed music video format featuring videos from top musical acts for 18 hours daily, from 6 a.m. to midnight. This made it the ninth over-the-air television station serving the Valley at the time.[14] The station's ownership changed in September 1987 when the FCC approved a voluntary assignment of the construction permit for K61CA from Community Television Network of Phoenix, Inc. to KUSK, Inc., effective September 1, 1987. Under KUSK's ownership, the LPTV station shifted to a mix of programming that included religious content and home shopping services, aligning with KUSK's broader independent format across its holdings.[15][16] The low-power operations on Channel 61 continued until the full-power construction permit process advanced, ultimately overriding the LPTV license to enable the launch of KASW in 1995. By 1997, FCC records listed Brooks Broadcasting, L.L.C. as the permittee for the full-power station on Channel 61 in Phoenix.[17]Launch and WB affiliation
KASW signed on the air on September 22, 1995, as a charter affiliate of The WB Television Network, becoming Phoenix's dedicated outlet for the upstart network aimed at younger audiences with edgier programming.[18] Owned by Brooks Broadcasting LLC, a company led by local farmer Gregory R. Brooks, the station was established under a local marketing agreement (LMA) with KTVK (channel 3), which provided programming, master control, and operational support from its facilities.[19] KASW's studios were located at 5555 North 7th Avenue in Phoenix, while its transmitter was situated on South Mountain approximately eight miles south of the city, delivering a signal at 1,775 feet above average terrain.[19] From its launch, KASW's schedule blended WB network primetime fare—such as comedies like The Wayans Bros. and dramas like 7th Heaven—with syndicated offerings including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and weekend blocks of Fox Kids programming, which the station acquired after KTVK declined to renew its contract in 1996.[18] Local inserts featured community announcements, public service segments, and occasional Arizona-specific content produced under the LMA with KTVK, helping the station build a niche as a youth-oriented alternative to established networks in the market.[19] This mix contributed to steady audience growth, with KASW capturing a significant share of the 18-34 demographic during The WB's expansion in the late 1990s, particularly through hit series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dawson's Creek that drove the network's ratings surge.[18] In June 1999, the Belo Corporation acquired KTVK from Scripps Howard Broadcasting for $215 million and simultaneously entered an LMA to program KASW, paying fees based on its revenues while securing an option to purchase the station's license assets for $28 million.[20] Later that year, Belo exercised the option and completed the acquisition of KASW from Brooks Broadcasting, creating Phoenix's first legal television duopoly and allowing integrated operations between the two stations under common ownership.[21] This move enhanced resource sharing for programming and sales, supporting format adjustments like expanded syndicated talk shows and movie blocks to complement WB content amid rising competition from UPN and other independents.[20]Transition to The CW affiliation
In January 2006, CBS Corporation and Time Warner announced a merger of their respective networks, The WB and UPN, to create a new broadcast network called The CW, set to launch in September 2006 as a 50-50 joint venture targeting young adults.[22][23] The new network would retain the strongest programming from both predecessors, including popular WB series such as Smallville, Supernatural, Gilmore Girls, and 7th Heaven, while incorporating select UPN shows like America's Next Top Model and Veronica Mars.[24] As the Phoenix affiliate of The WB since its 1995 launch, KASW transitioned seamlessly to The CW following the merger. On March 8, 2006, Belo Corporation, KASW's owner, signed a long-term affiliation agreement with The CW, designating KASW as the network's charter affiliate for the Phoenix market and ensuring continuity of its core audience among viewers aged 18-34.[5] The station retained the bulk of its WB programming slate upon The CW's debut on September 18, 2006, with only minor adjustments to branding—such as updating its on-air identity to "CW 61" while preserving the "6" logo tied to its prominent cable slot on Cox Communications systems—to reflect the new affiliation.[25] The transition bolstered KASW's position within its duopoly partnership with independent station KTVK (channel 3), which had provided operational support since KASW's inception. This arrangement, established under Belo Corporation's ownership since 1999, continued uninterrupted through the CW era, allowing shared resources for programming acquisition and technical operations until the duopoly's separation in 2014. During the CW years, KASW benefited from network mandates emphasizing youth-oriented content, including expanded prime-time slots for scripted dramas and reality series, which helped maintain competitive viewership; for instance, in the November 2007 Nielsen sweeps, the station saw a 21% increase in prime-time household ratings compared to the prior year.[26][27]Ownership changes and operational shifts
In December 2013, as part of Gannett's acquisition of Belo Corporation, Meredith Corporation agreed to purchase KTVK and KASW from Gannett for $230 million, with the deal closing on June 19, 2014.[28][6] To comply with Federal Communications Commission ownership limits in the Phoenix market, Meredith divested KASW to SagamoreHill Broadcasting for an undisclosed amount shortly after the acquisition, while retaining operational control through a shared services agreement with KTVK.[6] This brief period under SagamoreHill's nominal ownership lasted less than a year, during which KASW continued its duopoly operations with KTVK, sharing facilities and resources with minimal disruptions to staffing or programming budgets. On October 23, 2014, SagamoreHill and Meredith announced the sale of KASW to Nexstar Media Group for $68 million plus working capital, with the transaction completing on January 30, 2015.[29] This acquisition ended the duopoly partnership with KTVK, as Nexstar operated KASW as a standalone CW affiliate, relocating its studios to East Missouri Avenue in Uptown Phoenix to establish independent facilities.[25] Under Nexstar, the station saw modest operational adjustments, including leadership changes such as the appointment of Denise McManus as vice president and general manager in early 2015, but no major staff reductions or budget reallocations were reported, allowing continuity in its CW affiliation.[30] In March 2019, as part of required divestitures for Nexstar's merger with Tribune Media, The E.W. Scripps Company agreed to acquire KASW along with seven other stations for $580 million, with the deal closing on September 19, 2019.[8] This created a new duopoly with Scripps-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV, integrating KASW's operations into KNXV's facilities on North 44th Street in east Phoenix and shifting to shared news production resources.[31] The integration led to significant operational enhancements, including the expansion of local newscasts produced by KNXV staff—such as new morning (7-9 a.m.), midday (noon-1 p.m.), and evening (9-9:30 p.m.) programs launched progressively in 2020 and 2021—supported by budget reallocations toward increased local content and synergies like shared co-anchors Allison Rodriguez and Justin Pazera.[31] No substantial staff layoffs occurred during the transition, though the focus on collaborative news operations streamlined administrative costs while maintaining the CW affiliation.Switch to independent status and rebranding
On November 16, 2023, E.W. Scripps Company announced that KASW would disaffiliate from The CW network, with the change taking effect on November 20, 2023.[32] The CW programming shifted to a subchannel of Scripps-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV (channel 15.2), rebranded as CWArizona, which combined CW content with Antenna TV offerings.[32] This move allowed KASW to transition fully to independent status, focusing on a mix of local and syndicated programming to better serve the Phoenix market under Scripps ownership.[32] Following the disaffiliation, KASW launched as an independent station with an initial lineup anchored by Arizona Coyotes NHL games, including 64 of the remaining 65 contests for the 2023-24 season, along with pregame and postgame shows.[32] The schedule also incorporated local news, entertainment programming, and national content from Scripps News, emphasizing viewer access to regional sports and community-focused material.[32] To facilitate the viewer transition, the first two Coyotes games on November 20 and 22, 2023, were simulcast on both the new KASW independent feed and the former CW subchannel on KNXV.[32] This multiyear agreement with Scripps Sports ensured over-the-air availability of the games, broadening reach beyond cable subscribers.[32] In conjunction with the independence shift, KASW rebranded to "Arizona 61" in late 2023, adopting a new logo and on-air identity to reflect its standalone operation and commitment to local programming.[32] The station further evolved its branding to "The Spot – Arizona 61," highlighting an emphasis on dynamic, spot-specific content tailored to Arizona audiences.[33] Under continued Scripps oversight, this rebranding integrated enhanced local content alongside syndicated fare and remnants of Scripps News contributions, adapting to market dynamics such as shifting national news landscapes.[33]Programming
News and local content
KASW produces local news programming in partnership with sister station KNXV-TV (ABC15), with all content originating from their shared production facilities on North 44th Street in Phoenix.[34] The primary offering is "ABC15 News at 9 p.m.," a 30-minute weekday newscast that debuted on August 31, 2020, providing Phoenix-area viewers with evening coverage of breaking news, weather, and community stories.[35] This program anchors KASW's news slate, featuring investigative reports and local features tailored to the station's audience. The news team is integrated with ABC15's staff, including lead anchors such as Fay Fredricks, who hosts the 9 p.m. broadcast alongside meteorologists and reporters focused on Valley-specific issues.[36] Production leverages ABC15's resources, including advanced studios equipped for multi-platform delivery, enabling seamless integration of live field reports and graphics-heavy segments on topics like traffic and public safety. Additional blocks include a weekday noon newscast, "ABC15 News Noon on Arizona 61," which delivers midday updates on regional developments.[37] Following KASW's transition to independent status in late 2023, the station expanded its local news offerings to include extended morning and evening blocks, allowing greater flexibility in scheduling original content without network constraints.[32] These expansions incorporate unique segments on community events, such as neighborhood spotlights and local festivals, alongside dedicated weather forecasts emphasizing Arizona's variable climate and investigative pieces probing issues like urban development and consumer protections specific to the Phoenix metro area.[31] KASW's news broadcasts, powered by ABC15's award-winning investigative unit, have contributed to regional recognition, including duPont-Columbia Awards for exposés on police misconduct aired across both stations.[38] Ratings for the 9 p.m. newscast have shown steady growth in the key 25-54 demographic since launch, positioning KASW as a competitive alternative in Phoenix's evening news market, though specific viewership data remains tied to broader Scripps local news performance. No major controversies have been reported specific to KASW's news operations.Sports broadcasts
KASW has maintained a focus on regional sports programming since becoming an independent station in 2023, allowing for flexible acquisitions of live event rights beyond network commitments. This shift enabled the station to secure deals for professional hockey and arena football broadcasts, emphasizing local fan access through over-the-air viewing. As of November 2025, these partnerships continue, with NHL games from the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights airing regularly during the 2025-26 season. The station's most notable recent sports partnership is with the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. On March 26, 2025, the Rattlers announced an agreement to broadcast eight home games during the 2025 season, with six airing on KASW's main channel (DT1) and two on the Antenna TV subchannel (15.2).[10] The games on KASW-DT1 were scheduled for April 26, May 10, May 17, June 14, June 28, and July 12, providing free access to fans in the Phoenix market. Productions were handled locally, featuring standard play-by-play coverage without specified announcers in the announcement, and no dedicated pre-game shows were detailed. This marked a return for the Rattlers on KASW, following earlier broadcasts including select games in the 2001 season.[39] The 2025 season concluded in July with all scheduled broadcasts completed. From the 2023–24 NHL season, KASW served as the local broadcaster for Arizona Coyotes games after the team moved its telecasts from a previous regional sports network amid contract disputes. Starting November 20, 2023, the station aired the majority of the team's regular-season games, produced in conjunction with the Coyotes' broadcast team.[40] This arrangement ended following the franchise's relocation to Utah after the 2023–24 season, when the team was rebranded as the Utah Mammoth. In response to the relocation, KASW quickly pivoted to new hockey deals starting in the 2024–25 season. The station partnered with Scripps Sports to broadcast 50 Utah Mammoth games, primarily on the main channel, continuing into the 2025–26 season with dozens of contests scheduled.[41] Similarly, the agreement includes 50 Vegas Golden Knights games per season, with the majority airing on KASW-DT1 and select matchups on ABC15's subchannel (15.2).[42] These productions utilize the teams' official feeds from Scripps Sports, featuring national-level announcers such as those from the Golden Knights' radio network for audio integration, along with occasional pre-game analysis tied to regional coverage. No unique local announcers or extended pre-game segments specific to KASW were announced for these deals.[43] Earlier in its history as a WB affiliate, KASW carried Phoenix Mercury WNBA games from 1997 to 2004, contributing to local coverage during the league's formative years. The station also broadcast Arizona Rattlers arena football from 1997 to 2004 and select games in 2019, establishing a tradition of supporting Arizona-based teams before shifting to broader regional sports in recent years.Syndicated and network programming
Following its transition to independent status in late 2023, when The CW affiliation shifted to a subchannel of co-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV, KASW reoriented its programming toward a robust lineup of syndicated entertainment to attract a broad audience in the Phoenix market.[32] The station, now branded as The Spot – Arizona 61, emphasizes acquired national content, including longstanding staples such as the daytime court show Judge Mathis, which appeals to viewers seeking reality-based legal drama.[44] Classic TV reruns form a core of the schedule, with off-network sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends providing nostalgic filler in early morning and late-night slots, helping to maintain viewer retention during non-prime hours.[44] Daytime programming on KASW centers on a mix of court shows and talk formats, featuring Judge Mathis alongside similar offerings like Cutlers Court and Justice for the People with Judge Milian, which target working adults during midday breaks (as of November 2025).[44] Evenings transition to family-oriented entertainment, with slots dedicated to off-network sitcoms such as Last Man Standing and Two and a Half Men in early fringe time, followed by dramatic series like Chicago Fire and Suits in primetime.[44] This structure allows for occasional movies and variety blocks, enhancing the station's appeal as a go-to for lighthearted, accessible viewing without network commitments. The post-disaffiliation adjustments expanded KASW's entertainment variety, replacing CW primetime hours with a diversified grid of syndicated acquisitions to better compete in the fragmented Phoenix market, where independent stations often prioritize cost-effective, high-repeat-value content.[32] As part of the E.W. Scripps Company portfolio, KASW integrates the Scripps News national feed on select subchannels, providing 24/7 news coverage complementary to its entertainment focus, though the main channel prioritizes non-news programming.[45] Syndicated blocks, particularly court shows and sitcom reruns, draw strong viewership among adults aged 25-54 in the Phoenix area, contributing to the station's stable ratings in a competitive landscape dominated by network affiliates.[46]Technical information
Subchannels and multicast streams
Due to its role as an ATSC 3.0 lighthouse station, KASW's ATSC 1.0 subchannels are hosted on the facilities of partner stations in the Phoenix market to maintain over-the-air availability while its physical RF channel 27 is dedicated to NextGen TV transmissions. This arrangement complies with FCC guidelines for the ATSC 3.0 transition, ensuring each subchannel reaches at least 95% of KASW's original predicted population coverage.[47] The primary subchannel, 61.1, features independent programming branded as "The Spot – Arizona 61," which includes a mix of locally produced content, syndicated series, movies, and live sports events tailored to Arizona audiences. This channel serves as the station's flagship, emphasizing regional relevance since its rebranding as an independent outlet. It is hosted on sister station KNXV-TV (physical RF channel 15).[1] Subchannel 61.2 carries Grit, a multicast network dedicated to classic television programming, particularly Westerns, action series, and dramas from the mid-20th century, such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza, appealing to nostalgic viewers seeking rerun content. It is hosted on KPNX (physical RF channel 12).[2] On 61.3, KASW airs Ion Mystery, a 24/7 network providing true crime and mystery programming, including investigative reports, dramas, and reality series focused on criminal cases. This replaced Scripps News following its discontinuation of over-the-air broadcasts in November 2024. It is hosted on KTVK (physical RF channel 24).[2] Subchannel 61.4 is affiliated with the Home Shopping Network (HSN), offering live shopping programming, product demonstrations, and lifestyle content aimed at home viewers, including specials and infomercials to fill off-peak hours. It is hosted on KSAZ-TV (physical RF channel 10).[2]| Virtual Channel | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Programming Network | Content Focus | Host Station (RF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61.1 | 1080i | 16:9 | Independent ("The Spot – Arizona 61") | Local/syndicated entertainment and sports | KNXV-TV (15) |
| 61.2 | 480i | 4:3/16:9 | Grit | Classic TV reruns (Westerns/action) | KPNX (12) |
| 61.3 | 480i | 16:9 | Ion Mystery | True crime and mystery programming | KTVK (24) |
| 61.4 | 480i | 16:9 | HSN | Home shopping and lifestyle | KSAZ-TV (10) |