KBAS-TV
| Company type | Television broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 1953-07-19 |
| Headquarters | Yakima , United States |
Area served | Central Washington, including Yakima and Tri-Cities area |
| Owner | Sinclair Broadcast Group |
KIMA-TV (channel 29) is a television broadcaster located in Yakima, Washington, affiliated with both CBS and The CW Plus. It is owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group and operates alongside the low-power, Class A Univision affiliate KUNW-CD (channel 2). Both stations share facilities on Terrace Heights Boulevard in Yakima, while KIMA-TV’s transmitter is positioned on Ahtanum Ridge.
The station oversees two semi-satellite outlets—KEPR-TV (channel 19) in Pasco, serving the Tri-Cities area, and KLEW-TV (channel 3) in Lewiston, Idaho. These affiliates broadcast KIMA’s network and syndicated content but maintain separate commercial breaks, legal identifications, early evening newscasts, and individual websites. Centralized master control and certain operational functions for all four stations are handled at KOMO Plaza in Seattle.
Both KIMA-TV and KEPR-TV are accessible on satellite platforms through Dish Network and DirecTV.
History
KIMA-TV began broadcasting on July 19, 1953, marking it as the 200th television station in the United States and the first to serve central Washington. Initially owned by Cascade Broadcasting Company alongside KIMA radio, it aired programming from CBS, NBC, ABC, and DuMont networks but has maintained a primary affiliation with CBS throughout its history.
The station discontinued DuMont programming in 1955 and lost ABC when KNDO launched in 1959. Following KNDO’s switch to NBC in 1965, KIMA shared ABC content until 1970 when KAPP assumed the ABC affiliation, making KIMA a dedicated CBS station.
To provide coverage across central Washington—including the Tri-Cities—Cascade introduced KEPR-TV in 1954 as America’s first satellite television station. Initially duplicating KIMA’s programming entirely, KEPR later developed local content to meet viewer needs.
From 1957 to 1961, KIMA operated KBAS-TV in Ephrata on channels 43 and later 16; this station was owned by Basin TV Company, a subsidiary of Cascade.
In 1968, Filmways purchased Cascade Broadcasting for $3 million; the acquisition was finalized in 1969. The radio stations remained under Yakima Valley Communications, owned by Cascade’s former proprietors. In 1972, Filmways sold KIMA-TV, KEPR-TV, and KLEW-TV to NWG Broadcasting for $1 million. Retlaw Enterprises acquired these stations for $17 million in 1986 through its Retlaw Broadcasting division. Fisher Communications became the owner in 1999.
On March 31, 2009, KIMA introduced a digital subchannel affiliated with The CW to replace the defunct KCWK (channel 9), taking over its cable channel slot and airing The CW Plus programming.
Fisher announced its intention to sell its stations, including KIMA-TV, to Sinclair Broadcast Group on April 11, 2013; the deal was completed on August 8, 2013.
News operation
KIMA produces the only local newscast focused specifically on Yakima with a fully staffed newsroom during weekdays on KIMA Action News at 5 and 6 p.m. Morning broadcasts, a 10 p.m. newscast on the CW subchannel, an 11 p.m. edition, and weekend news programs are shared with KEPR. Unlike many CBS affiliates, KIMA does not air a noon newscast. Under the KIMA/KEPR Action News brand, coverage spans the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin. Evening weather segments are pre-recorded at KEPR.
Prominent current on-air personnel
- John Kennedy O'Connor – news anchor
Digital subchannels
The multiplexed broadcast of KIMA consists of the following subchannels:
| Channel | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Identifier | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.1 | 1080i | 16:9 | CBS29 | CBS |
| 29.2 | 720p | 16:9 | CW | The CW Plus |
| 29.3 | 1080i | 16:9 | TBD | Roar / Rip City Television Network |
On September 23, 2024, Sinclair collaborated with the Portland Trail Blazers to introduce the Rip City Television Network, which distributes games via over-the-air broadcasts. KIMA's third subchannel carries Yakima-area transmissions.
Translator station
- Template:FCC-LMS-Facility located in Ellensburg
Related topics
- Channel 9 branded TV stations in the United States
- Channel 29 virtual TV stations in the United States
- Channel 33 digital TV stations in the United States
External resources
- 1953 establishments in Washington (state)
- CBS affiliates
- The CW affiliates
- Mass media in Yakima, Washington
- Sinclair Broadcast Group
- Roar (TV network) affiliates
- Television channels and stations established in 1953
- Television stations in Yakima, Washington
- Television channels and stations disestablished in 1961