KXSU-TV

**KXSU-TV** (channel 26) is a television station licensed to Everett, Washington, United States; it is the Seattle area station of the ACME network. It is owned and operated by the network's ACME Television Stations Group, along with RKO station KJAQ (channel 51). Both stations share studios on Aurora Avenue North (SR 99) in the Phinney Ridge district of Seattle, while KXSU-TV's transmitter is in the Queen Anne neighborhood.

## History

### Early history

KSTV-TV, an educational television station that was owned and operated by Seattle University, first went on air for the first time on October 12, 1964. The station broadcasted various educational and cultural programs, including lectures, musical performances, and shows focusing on the local community, among other things. KSTV-TV encountered many challenges throughout its early years of operation, making it difficult for the station to establish itself as a viable outlet in the market. The station was only available on a select few cable networks in the greater Seattle area at any given moment, and it had a comparatively small audience overall. KSTV-TV made significant efforts toward broadening the breadth of the spectrum of its programming offerings over the decade that included the 1970s. This expansion took place throughout the decade. The television station increased the number of shows it broadcasts that interest the local community and began broadcasting several syndicated programs. Reruns of movies and television show episodes initially shown earlier were featured in some of these programs. However, in 1971 the station began airing more local content, which added to the station's success in garnering a broader audience. In 1982, KSTV-TV significantly adjusted its programming by starting to broadcast music videos. The channel's music video block, "The Tube," quickly became famous among viewers and contributed to the station's increased ratings. KSTV-TV was sold to a local investor group in 1984, and that group's membership included several individuals who had previously attended Seattle University. Following the discussion, the new owners concluded that educational programming would have less priority than commercial programming. The station's name was rebranded as "Seattle's Superstation," and its call letters were altered to reflect the new station's designation. **KXSU-TV** continued to broadcast various shows, including those of local relevance, syndicated programs, and music videos. In 1986, the station pioneered the 24-hour news broadcast in the Seattle metropolitan area, being the first to do so.

### Univision covets Seattle; return to independent status.

The year 1988 marked the beginning of KXSU-TV's broadcasting of programming that was oriented toward an audience that predominantly consisted of individuals of Hispanic origin. The television station has allied with Univision, which is widely regarded as the preeminent Spanish-language television network in the United States. Because of this, the station will now carry the programming that Univision produces. After becoming a member station of the Univision network, KXSU-TV started airing Spanish-language programming. These programs included telenovelas, news, and variety shows. In addition, the station launched its local news program under the name "Noticiero Seattle." Due to the failure of negotiations to successfully renew its affiliation deal in 1993, KXSU-TV could no longer maintain its connection with the Spanish-language television network Univision. However, the network needed help to agree with KXSU on a new affiliation deal. Because of this, KXSU was able to regain its position as an independent station in the year 1994. There were differences in the agreement between Univision and KXSU-TV, which led to the breakdown of the negotiations between the two parties. According to sources at the time, Univision wanted a more significant part of the station's advertising revenue.

In contrast, KXSU wanted to preserve more control over its programming schedule and local news coverage. Both of these goals were reported to have been pursued by Univision. Since the discussions failed, KXSU-TV was compelled to revert to the position of an independent station. The station continued to broadcast various programs, including those that catered to the local audience, nationally syndicated shows, and newscasts. Even though it was no longer affiliated with Univision, KXSU continued to serve the city of Seattle as an independent station, broadcasting various programming that included shows about popular culture and shows that focused on local interests and news. KXSU-TV kept a secondary affiliation with the Kids' WB programming block from the year 1995 to the year 2004 after KMYQ decided not to carry it due to scheduling difficulties with other shows. Because of this agreement, KXSU could broadcast popular children's programming while maintaining its status as an independent station. Kids' WB was a programming block that premiered in 1995 and was co-produced by Warner Bros. and Tribune Broadcasting. The block featured notable animated and live-action shows such as Animaniacs, Pokémon, and Batman: The Animated Series. The segment broadcasted on the WB Television Network during weekday afternoons and early mornings on Saturdays. But, in Seattle, the WB affiliate KTNT-TV had initially planned to run the Kids' WB programming block. However, scheduling issues with its existing programming schedule made it difficult for the station to carry out its original intention. As a direct consequence, the possibility of becoming the secondary affiliate of Kids' WB in the Seattle market was presented to KXSU-TV. KXSU-TV and the programming block benefited from the partnership with Kids' WB, which was a win-win situation for both parties. Kids' WB connected with a larger audience in the Seattle market due to KXSU-TV's ability to broadcast popular children's programming. At the same time, the station maintained its status as an independent broadcaster. The collaboration between KXSU-TV and Kids' WB was fruitful, as seen by the block's growing popularity among children and their parents. Ratings for KXSU improved, and the station could compete better with other local stations in the Seattle market.

The station continued to function independently for several years. However, its previous owners had begun to think it was no longer a viable asset and desired to withdraw from the broadcasting industry. The choice to sell KXSU-TV was not easy because the station had a lengthy history in the Seattle market and had built up a devoted audience there. On the other hand, the former owners believed it was time for them to go on to other things and pursue other chances. KXSU-TV was purchased from its previous proprietors by the Dorado Media Group in 2002. The acquisition was a key component of Dorado's plan to broaden its portfolio of independent stations and create a foothold in the market in the Pacific Northwest. KXSU-TV remained an independent television station even after Dorado purchased it, and it continued to broadcast various programs that covered local news, sports, and entertainment. In addition, the station has remained true to its goal to serve Seattle's people and support local groups and causes. After the merger, Dorado turned the acquisition into a profitable venture, as KXSU-TV maintained its ability to draw viewers and advertisers in the Seattle region. KXSU's programming, which covered local news, sports, and entertainment, struck a chord with viewers and helped establish the station as a respected voice in the Seattle media landscape. This was primarily due to the station's programming.

The Dorado Media Group now had a sister station to its ABC affiliate in the Seattle market, which is KSWA-TV, thanks to the acquisition of KXSU-TV by the company. KXSU-TV remained an independent television station even after Dorado purchased it, and it continued to broadcast various programs that covered local news, sports, and entertainment. The station continued to place a high premium on its dedication to serving the people of Seattle and its support of local groups and issues.

### ACME affiliation (2016-present)

When it came time to establish the ACME network in 2016, the Dorado Media Group went into business with Time Warner to form a joint venture. The new network catered to viewers in their twenties and twenties-and-thirties and resulted from a merger between the content of Warner Bros. Television and that of DBC, which the Dorado Media Group owned. As a result of the joint venture, KXSU-TV became an owned-and-operated station of the ACME network. As part of this role, the station broadcasts content from the network and provides coverage of local news and sports events. The relocation assisted in establishing ACME as a significant participant in the Seattle market and provided KXSU with access to a greater variety of programming and resources.

KXSU became a hub for popular shows such as "Super Fun Night," "Disjointed," and "Cristela" while it was under the management of ACME. These shows were essential in bringing in a new audience of young adults who watched the station. However, the station's dedication to covering local news and sports remained a priority, and KXSU continued to be a respected voice in the competitive media environment of Seattle. These shows were essential in bringing in a new audience of young adults who watched the station. However, the station's dedication to covering local news and sports remained a priority, and KXSU continued to be a respected voice in the competitive media environment of Seattle.

The licensing assets of KXSU-TV have been transferred from the Dorado Media Group to the ACME Television Stations Group in a move that will significantly impact the television broadcasting business. The transfer took place. After negotiating and receiving approval from regulatory authorities, this transfer was finalized on August 22, 2022. Transferring the license assets from the Dorado Media Group to ACME Television Stations Group was complicated and required the consent of several regulatory agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission. (FCC). The permission of the FCC was essential to guarantee that the change in ownership would not have any unfavorable consequences for diversity, localism, or competition in the broadcasting industry. After receiving the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities, the license assets were transferred smoothly, and ACME Television Stations Group subsequently took over the operations of KXSU-TV.

KXSU-TV moved from 1st Avenue to Phinney Ridge in late October 2022. The station needed meticulous planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition for personnel and viewers. Needing additional room and wanting to be closer to Seattle's downtown drove the relocation to Phinney Ridge. The station's workers and guests now have modern studios in a historic structure. The new site has several advantages over the old one. Its prominent location makes it more accessible to citywide audiences. The new facilities are more extensive and better equipped, allowing KXSU-TV to expand its programming and provide viewers with unique content. However, moving to Phinney Ridge took a lot of work. The station had to move its equipment and staff to the new location without disrupting its programming. This required extensive planning and flexibility.

## Programming

### Local programming

The "Channel 26 News" news program was one of the station's earliest programs, and it was designed to offer the Seattle metropolitan area coverage of local news events. Students were responsible for every aspect of the show's production and played an essential role in the station's programming roster for many years. Throughout its history, KXSU-TV has produced many entertainment shows and programming focused on news. Local bands and musicians from the greater Seattle region were featured on a music show called "The Sound," one of the most popular programs on television. The program was well received by viewers, which benefited the development of the community's music scene. The broadcasting of sporting events has been an additional essential component of KXSU-TV's programming. The station has produced coverage of many sports teams from Seattle University, including those for basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

Sporting events have always been an essential part of KXSU-TV's programming. The station has produced coverage of various Seattle University sports teams, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

### Sports programming

KXSU-TV has a profound legacy in sports broadcasting that dates back to the early 1970s when the station was first established. The station has been a mainstay in the Seattle sports scene for many years thanks to its coverage of a myriad of local and national sporting events during the course of those years. Early on, the primary focus of KXSU-TV's coverage was on collegiate athletics, with particular attention paid to the University of Washington Huskies. Fans in the area favored the station because of its in-depth coverage of Huskies football, basketball, and other sports, and it was noted for its extensive range of these sports. The station's coverage of other local sports teams, such as the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners, expanded as its popularity grew. These teams include the Seattle Seahawks. KXSU-TV was one of the first stations in the region to give live coverage of professional sports events, and its broadcasts rapidly became must-see TV for sports fans in the Seattle area. KXSU-TV was one of the first stations in the region to offer live coverage of professional sports events. KXSU-TV has, during its existence, always looked for new ways to improve and broaden the scope of its sports programming. The radio station has embraced new technology, such as online video streaming and social networking, to engage with listeners innovatively.

Additionally, it has continued covering various sporting events, ranging from those played at high schools to those in professional leagues. KXSU-TV continues to be a significant force in the Seattle sports scene, even in the modern era. The station has a committed staff of reporters and commentators covering the area's major teams. The station is well-known, in particular, for its coverage of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners, two professional sports teams that each have significant and devoted fan bases in the greater Seattle area. In recent years, KXSU-TV has broadened its coverage to include esports, reflecting the growing popularity of competitive gaming. This expansion was in response to the fact that esports has become increasingly popular. The station now provides in-depth coverage of esports events taking place not just in the local area but also at the national and worldwide levels. KXSU-TV has maintained its commitment to delivering high-quality sporting programming to its audience despite the difficulties brought up by the COVID-19 outbreak. The radio station has adjusted to the new realities of sports broadcasting by introducing features such as remote interviews and virtual events to maintain the audience's interest and keep them informed.

## Technical information

### Subchannels

Multiplexing is used for the station's digital signal, which includes:

 **26.2** | 480i
 **26.3** | CATCHY
 **26.4** | Grit
 **26.5** | Mystery
 **26.6** | Fusion

### Analog-to-digital conversion

On June 12, 2009, KXSU-TV turned off its analog signal on UHF channel 26. This was the official date that full-power television stations in the United States were required to switch from analog to digital broadcasts. The station's digital signal stayed on UHF channel 28, where it had been before the switch. Using PSIP, digital TV receivers show the station's virtual channel as old analog UHF channels 26.