KENS
KENS, virtual channel 5 (UHF digital channel 29[1]), is a CBS-affiliated television station licensed to San Antonio, Texas, United States, serving the greater San Antonio area as a provider of local news, weather, sports, and entertainment programming.[2][3] Owned by TEGNA Inc., the station has been a cornerstone of community journalism for over 75 years, emphasizing trusted reporting and innovative broadcasting techniques.[4][5] The station first signed on the air as KEYL on February 15, 1950, making it one of the earliest television outlets in South Texas, before being acquired and renamed KENS in 1954 by the Express-News Company, which integrated it into the local media landscape.[4] Under TEGNA's ownership since the 2015 spin-off from Gannett, KENS has continued to expand its digital presence through KENS5.com, a mobile app, and the KENS 5+ streaming service, delivering content across multiple platforms to engage viewers in real time.[4][2] KENS is renowned for pioneering local broadcast advancements, including being the first station in San Antonio to deploy a news helicopter, install Doppler radar for weather tracking, and launch a morning news program, which have solidified its position as the market's most-watched station according to Nielsen ratings.[4] Its programming lineup features original content such as Neighborhood Eats, Texas Outdoors, and Made in SA, alongside CBS network shows, while its news operation, led by a team of Emmy-winning journalists, covers breaking stories, investigative reports, and community initiatives through the KENS Cares program.[4] The station has earned numerous accolades for journalism excellence and community service, reflecting its commitment to serving San Antonians with accurate, impactful information.[4]History
Founding and early operations
KENS, originally known as KEYL-TV, signed on the air on February 15, 1950, as the second commercial television station in San Antonio, Texas, broadcasting on VHF channel 5 from studios in the Tower Life Building (then known as the Smith-Young Tower).[4] The station was founded by a group of three Dallas-based investors who invested $225,000 to launch operations, making KEYL the 99th television station in the United States.[6] It initially operated with a small staff, including news editor Jack Shoemaker and photographer Rex Stanley, who contributed to early broadcasts throughout his career at the station.[6] Upon launch, KEYL secured primary affiliation with CBS, absorbing that network's programming from the market's inaugural station, WOAI-TV (channel 4), which had previously carried CBS alongside NBC; KEYL also held secondary affiliations with ABC and the DuMont Television Network, as well as programming from Paramount.[6] Early programming was limited, typically airing for about four hours daily due to the nascent state of television production, and relied heavily on kinescope recordings—film copies of live shows—shipped from major production centers in Chicago and Los Angeles.[7] A test pattern had been broadcast as early as January 10, 1950, signaling the station's preparations amid growing television adoption, with nearly half of American households owning sets by 1954.[8] In 1951, Storer Broadcasting Company acquired KEYL-TV, leveraging its strong ties to CBS to solidify the affiliation.[9] The station briefly changed its call letters to KGBS-TV on February 1, 1954, before being purchased later that year by the Express-News Corporation, the publisher of the San Antonio Express newspaper.[10] Under new ownership, it was renamed KENS-TV in late 1954, with the callsign denoting "K-Express-News-Station," and relocated its studios to a garage building at Avenue E and Fourth Street to expand local operations.[8] This transition marked a shift toward greater emphasis on local content, aligning the station more closely with the community's newspaper-driven news ecosystem.[10]Ownership changes
KENS-TV signed on the air on February 15, 1950, as KEYL-TV, the second television station in San Antonio, founded by three Dallas-based investors who broadcast from the Tower Life Building.[4] The station operated under this ownership until 1954, when it was acquired by the San Antonio Express-News Company for an undisclosed amount, prompting a change in call letters to KENS-TV to reflect its affiliation with the newspaper (K-Express-News-Station).[4] In early 1962, Harte-Hanks Communications purchased KENS-TV along with the Express-News and the co-owned KENS-AM radio station from the Express-News Company, marking the media conglomerate's expansion into broadcasting; the radio station was divested shortly thereafter to comply with ownership limits. Harte-Hanks retained control of KENS-TV for over three decades, integrating it into a portfolio that included other CBS affiliates while separating it from newspaper operations following the 1973 sale of the Express-News to Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.[10][8] By May 1997, Harte-Hanks sought to refocus on non-media businesses and agreed to sell its newspaper group and KENS-TV to the E.W. Scripps Company for up to $775 million, a deal that received FCC approval later that year. However, Scripps quickly divested KENS-TV in September 1997 to A.H. Belo Corporation for $75 million in cash plus Belo's stake in a joint venture, allowing Belo to expand its Texas holdings; the transaction closed on December 4, 1997, after Belo had managed operations via a time brokerage agreement.[11][12] Belo owned KENS-TV until June 2013, when Gannett Company announced its $1.5 billion all-cash acquisition of Belo and its 20 television stations, including KENS-TV, to bolster Gannett's broadcasting segment amid declining print revenue; the deal, valued at $13.75 per share, cleared antitrust review and closed on December 23, 2013. In June 2015, Gannett completed a corporate restructuring by spinning off its broadcasting and digital operations—including KENS-TV—into the newly formed TEGNA Inc., distributing one share of the new entity for every two Gannett shares held by investors, while retaining its publishing business under the Gannett name.[13][14] TEGNA has owned and operated KENS-TV since the 2015 spin-off, managing it as part of a portfolio of 64 stations across 51 markets. In August 2025, Nexstar Media Group announced a definitive agreement to acquire TEGNA for $6.2 billion ($22 per share), a 31% premium over TEGNA's recent stock price, potentially creating the largest U.S. broadcast station owner with over 200 stations; as of November 2025, the merger remains pending FCC approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory conditions on ownership caps.[15][16]Programming
Network and syndicated content
KENS-TV signed on the air as KEYL on February 15, 1950, and adopted its current call letters in 1954. It has served as the full-time CBS affiliate for the San Antonio market since 1957, when it lost its secondary ABC affiliation to KSAT-TV.[17] The station carries the complete CBS network schedule, encompassing primetime scripted series such as dramas and comedies, daytime programming including game shows like The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal, soap operas, and news programs like CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News. It also broadcasts major CBS sports events, including National Football League (NFL) games, NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments, and PGA Tour coverage.[4][18] In addition to network content, KENS airs syndicated programming during key daytime and early evening slots to complement its schedule. Notable examples include the game show Jeopardy!, which airs weekdays at 3:30 p.m., and Wheel of Fortune at 7:30 p.m., both distributed nationally by Sony Pictures Television and popular for their trivia and puzzle formats. The entertainment news magazine Extra occupies a 3:00 p.m. slot, providing celebrity updates and Hollywood insights. These shows fill the access period before primetime, attracting broad audiences in the market.[19][20] KENS enhances its offerings through digital subchannels, which feature syndicated multicast networks targeting niche viewers. Subchannel 5.2 carries Estrella TV, a Spanish-language network with telenovelas, variety shows, and news. On 5.3, the True Crime Network airs documentary-style series and reality programs focused on criminal investigations. Subchannel 5.4 broadcasts Quest, emphasizing adventure, science, and engineering content such as Alaska Mega Machines and historical reenactments. Subchannel 5.5 carries Confess TV, featuring court shows and talk programs focused on personal stories and truths. Additional subchannels include shopping-focused services like Jewelry TV on 5.6 and Shop LC on 5.7, providing home shopping programming. These subchannels, launched as part of TEGNA's strategy to expand reach, deliver over-the-air content without cable fees.[18][21][5]Local productions
KENS-TV produces a variety of local programming centered on lifestyle, community, and regional interests, distinct from its news and sports offerings. The station's flagship local show is Great Day SA, a weekday morning lifestyle program that airs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CT, highlighting San Antonio's food, fashion, fitness, entertainment, and cultural events. Hosted by Roma Villavicencio, with contributions from the KENS 5 team, the show has been a staple since its debut in 2003, reaching its 20th anniversary in 2023 with a focus on celebrating local stories and personalities.[22][23][24] In addition to Great Day SA, KENS airs Inside Texas Politics, a weekly public affairs program that provides in-depth analysis of state and local political developments. Broadcast Sundays at 9:30 a.m. CT, the show features interviews with lawmakers, experts, and community leaders to cover topics like elections, policy issues, and Texas governance. Hosted by Jason Whitly of WFAA, with contributions from TEGNA Texas stations including KENS political reporters, it emphasizes balanced reporting on South Texas issues, including Bexar County elections and statewide legislative matters.[25][26] KENS also produces Neighborhood Eats, a recurring food-focused segment and occasional special that explores San Antonio's dining scene through visits to local restaurants and eateries. Featuring KENS 5 reporters such as Meredith Haas, the program showcases authentic Tex-Mex, barbecue, Italian, and fusion cuisine from neighborhood gems, with seasonal compilations highlighting spring and fall favorites like Stixs & Stone or Smoke Ring King BBQ. These features air during lifestyle blocks or as standalone episodes on KENS 5+, the station's streaming platform.[27][28][29] Historically, KENS pioneered local children's programming with The Captain Gus Show, which ran from 1953 to 1979 and became a beloved fixture for young viewers in San Antonio. Hosted by Joe Alston as the seafaring "Captain Gus" aboard the fictional ship Amigus, the program introduced cartoons such as Popeye and included live skits, birthday shoutouts, and educational segments on maritime themes. It exemplified early local TV efforts to engage families with homegrown content tailored to the Alamo City audience.[30][31] Through its KENS 5+ streaming service, launched in 2024, the station extends local productions digitally, offering on-demand access to specials like Everyone Has a Story: Writers of South Texas (2025), which profiles regional authors and their works. This initiative allows broader reach for community-driven content beyond traditional broadcasts.[32][33]Sports broadcasts
KENS, as the CBS affiliate serving San Antonio, airs a range of national sports events through CBS Sports, including select NFL regular-season games featuring the Houston Texans, NCAA Division I college football matchups (particularly from the SEC and Big Ten conferences), PGA Tour golf tournaments, and professional tennis events such as the US Open. These broadcasts typically occur during weekends and primetime slots, providing viewers with high-profile games that draw significant local interest due to Texas ties.[19] In addition to network programming, KENS serves as the official television home for the San Antonio Spurs, broadcasting a select number of NBA regular-season games each year. For the 2025-26 season, the station is scheduled to air nine Spurs games, including road contests and select home matchups not carried nationally.[34] This partnership, renewed annually, allows KENS to deliver exclusive local coverage of the NBA team, with games available over-the-air and via the station's streaming service, KENS 5+.[35] Previous seasons have seen up to 14 games aired, emphasizing the station's role in supporting the city's flagship professional sports franchise.[36] KENS also provides extensive local sports content, with a strong emphasis on high school athletics, particularly football in the fall season. While full live over-the-air broadcasts of high school games are limited, the station streams select Friday night contests via the KENS 5+ app on platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, alongside post-game highlights, scores, and rankings in its newscasts and website.[37] This coverage includes weekly roundups, top-5 team rankings, and "Play of the Week" features, focusing on South Texas schools and playoffs to engage the community.[38] The station further reports on University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners games across football, baseball, and other sports, offering highlights and analysis during sports segments, though full game broadcasts are typically handled by other outlets.[39]News Operation
Newscast schedule and format
KENS 5 produces local newscasts under the branding "KENS 5 News," which emphasizes accurate, contextual reporting across broadcast, digital streaming, and online platforms.[4] The format prioritizes community-focused stories, investigative journalism, and solutions-oriented coverage over conventional news clichés, integrating live reports, viewer submissions via the "Call KENS" initiative, and segments on weather, traffic, and sports.[4][40] The station's Defenders investigative unit contributes in-depth features on issues like consumer fraud and public accountability, often featured in evening broadcasts.[41] Weekday newscasts begin with an extended morning block starting at 4:30 a.m., airing on the main channel until 7:00 a.m. before transitioning to CBS Mornings; this segment includes local headlines, traffic updates, and weather forecasts tailored to San Antonio commuters.[42][43] The morning show extends exclusively on the KENS 5+ streaming service until 9:00 a.m., providing additional analysis and community spotlights since its launch in June 2025.[44] A midday newscast airs at noon, focusing on breaking developments and brief weather recaps. Evening programming includes 30-minute shows at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., blending national feeds with local investigations and lifestyle features, followed by the flagship 10:00 p.m. broadcast that leads with top stories and ends with sports highlights.[45][46][47] Weekend schedules are more streamlined, with morning news from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, covering overnight events and weekend previews.[48] The primary evening newscast airs at 10:00 p.m. on both days, maintaining the core format of local reporting, weather, and sports while incorporating extended features on regional events.[49] All newscasts incorporate real-time digital integration, allowing viewers to access live streams via the KENS 5 app and website for on-demand replays.[4]| Time Slot | Weekday Programs | Weekend Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (4:30-9:00 a.m. / 5:00-7:00 a.m.) | KENS 5 News (broadcast 4:30-7:00 a.m., streaming to 9:00 a.m.) | KENS 5 News (5:00-7:00 a.m.) |
| Midday (12:00 p.m.) | KENS 5 News at Noon | None |
| Evening (5:00-6:00 p.m.) | KENS 5 News at 5:00 p.m. / 6:00 p.m. | None |
| Late Evening (10:00 p.m.) | KENS 5 News at 10:00 p.m. | KENS 5 News at 10:00 p.m. |
Notable staff and personalities
KENS 5 has been home to several prominent on-air personalities over its history, known for their longevity and contributions to local journalism in San Antonio. Among current anchors, Isis Romero serves as an evening news anchor, having joined the station in 2022 and earning recognition as the Best News Anchor in San Antonio for four consecutive years through 2025.[50] Sarah Forgany anchors the 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. newscasts, having transitioned from the morning show in late 2024 after 13 years with the station.[51] Audrey Castoreno co-anchors the weekday morning newscast from 5 to 7 a.m. alongside Barry Davis, having returned to mornings in January 2025 after anchoring noon and 4 p.m. editions.[52] In weather reporting, Bill Taylor has been the chief meteorologist since 1999, appearing on weekday newscasts at 4, 5, 6, and 10 p.m., and winning the Best Meteorologist award in San Antonio for the sixth time in seven years as of 2025; he is an Emmy winner noted for his coverage of South Texas weather over 25 years.[53] Jeremy Baker contributes as a meteorologist and multimedia journalist, delivering forecasts on various platforms including cold front updates.[54] Roxy Van Ruiten joined the weather team in November 2024 as a bilingual journalist and meteorologist, focusing on storytelling and weather coverage.[55] Veteran reporter Sue Calberg covers investigative stories and extended her contract in 2024 after decades at the station.[56] Among former staff, Deborah Knapp was a cornerstone anchor for nearly 50 years, co-anchoring evening newscasts until her retirement in May 2025, during which she covered major events like Spurs championships and earned multiple awards for her work.[57] Chris Marrou anchored for 40 years until his 2013 retirement, known for his deep voice and partnership with Knapp on Eyewitness News, later returning briefly in 2017 for special projects.[58] Dan Cook, the longtime sports anchor, became a San Antonio icon from the 1960s to his 2000 retirement, famous for his folksy style and phrases like "Hello, San Antonio!", before his death in 2008.[59] Ainsley Earhardt anchored mornings and noons from 2004 to 2007, gaining local prominence before moving to Fox News Channel.[60] Vicki Buffolino anchored for nearly 20 years through the 1990s and early 2000s, handling weekend and evening shifts before departing for other markets.[61]Innovations and awards
KENS 5 has pioneered several technological and journalistic advancements in its news operations, establishing itself as a leader in local broadcasting. The station introduced the first news helicopter in South Texas, enabling rapid aerial coverage of breaking events and enhancing real-time reporting capabilities.[4] It also became the first in the region to install its own Doppler radar system, which revolutionized weather forecasting by providing localized, precise storm tracking and alerts for San Antonio viewers.[4] Additionally, KENS 5 launched the area's inaugural morning news program, setting a precedent for extended daily coverage that integrated live updates and community-focused segments.[4] In the digital era, KENS 5 has embraced innovative platforms to extend its reach beyond traditional broadcasts. The station was an early adopter of online news delivery through KENS5.com, which delivers breaking stories, investigative reports, and interactive content tailored to mobile users.[4] Complementing this, the KENS 5 app and KENS 5+ streaming service on devices like Roku and Fire TV allow for on-demand access to newscasts and original programming, fostering greater audience engagement.[4] Signature news franchises such as Neighborhood Eats, Texas Outdoors, and Made in SA exemplify these efforts by blending multimedia storytelling with community spotlights, often incorporating user-generated content and virtual tours to deepen viewer immersion.[4] The "KENS Lens" initiative further innovates by prioritizing human-centered narratives on local issues, using advanced video production to capture authentic community voices.[4] The news department's excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards, underscoring its impact on journalism. In 2024, KENS 5 secured five Lone Star Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, including for Morning/Daytime Newscast ("KENS 5 News at 6 a.m. - Quintana Road Migrant Tragedy: One Year Later"), Hard News Report ("Construction Obstruction"), Human Interest - News ("A Ring In Time"), Promotion - News - Image/Campaign ("San Antonio's Own"), and Director ("KENS 5 News At 10: SAPD Standoff").[62] Veteran reporters Sue Calberg and chief photographer Michael Humphries were inducted into the Silver Circle for their decades of contributions to broadcast excellence.[62] KENS 5 has also earned multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association for outstanding reporting. In 2022, it won for Best Newscast, honoring coverage of an active shooter incident at San Antonio International Airport, and Excellence in Video for a feature on cemetery preservation.[63] The station repeated in Excellence in Video in 2019 for "Immigration Ground Zero," a border-embedded report by Oscar Margain and Jose Sanchez that documented migrant crossings in the Rio Grande Valley, highlighting the only Texas station with a dedicated border team.[64] Earlier accolades include six Lone Star Emmy wins in 2011 across categories like news writing and photography, and 13 nominations in 2014, more than any other San Antonio station.[65][66] These honors reflect KENS 5's consistent commitment to rigorous, impactful journalism.[4]Technical Information
Signal and transmitter
KENS-TV broadcasts on virtual channel 5 and operates on physical (RF) channel 29 in the UHF band, with a frequency range of 560–566 MHz.[67] The station's transmitter is located near Elmendorf, Texas, at coordinates 29° 16' 11.50" N, 98° 15' 55.90" W, approximately 18 miles south of downtown San Antonio.[67] This site, shared with other local broadcasters, provides broad coverage across the San Antonio designated market area and surrounding regions.[18] The transmitter employs a non-directional antenna model TFU-26GBH-R 06 manufactured by Dielectric Communications, mounted at a height of 442 meters (1,450 feet) above ground level and 600.2 meters (1,969 feet) above mean sea level.[67] It transmits with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 1,000 kilowatts horizontally and vertically, using elliptical polarization, which enhances signal reliability in varied terrain.[67] This configuration yields an estimated coverage radius of about 69 miles, serving an area of roughly 15,051 square miles and reaching approximately 2.48 million people.[18] The height above average terrain (HAAT) is 441 meters, contributing to the station's strong over-the-air signal in south-central Texas.[67] KENS-TV's digital signal was licensed for full-power operation following the 2009 digital television transition, with a license modification granted on May 3, 2024, under FCC file number 0000238379, authorizing NextGen TV operations.[67][68] Prior to the transition, the analog signal on VHF channel 5 operated from the same tower but at lower power levels; the initial move to UHF improved propagation efficiency for digital broadcasting.[18] The setup supports multiple subchannels, enabling multicast programming while maintaining the primary CBS affiliation on 5.1.[67]Digital subchannels
KENS-TV broadcasts on virtual channel 5 and physical UHF channel 29 from its transmitter in Bexar County, Texas.[21] The station's primary subchannel, 5.1, carries high-definition programming from CBS, airing in 1080i resolution with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.[21] The remaining subchannels (5.2 through 5.7) offer a mix of national multicast networks in standard-definition 480i widescreen format with stereo audio, providing diverse content such as Spanish-language entertainment, true crime series, adventure documentaries, reality shows, shopping, and home shopping.[21] These subchannels have evolved over time; for instance, in early 2023, the lineup included Circle on 5.5 and Twist on 5.6, but as of November 2025, it features Confess on 5.5 and Jewelry TV on 5.6, reflecting network affiliations managed by owner TEGNA.[21] The following table summarizes the current digital subchannels as of November 2025:| Virtual Channel | Programming Network | Content Focus | Resolution/Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | CBS (KENS-HD) | Network news, primetime, sports | 1080i / DD 5.1 |
| 5.2 | Estrella TV | Spanish-language telenovelas, variety | 480i / DD 2.0 |
| 5.3 | True Crime Network | True crime documentaries and series | 480i / DD 2.0 |
| 5.4 | Quest | Real-life adventure and engineering shows | 480i / DD 2.0 |
| 5.5 | Confess | Courtroom reality TV | 480i / DD 2.0 |
| 5.6 | Jewelry TV | Jewelry shopping and lifestyle | 480i / DD 2.0 |
| 5.7 | Shop LC | Fashion and lifestyle shopping | 480i / DD 2.0 |