KBNZ-LD (channel 7) is a low-power television station in Bend, Oregon, United States, serving Central Oregon as an affiliate of CBS. It is owned by local cable company BendBroadband alongside ABC affiliate KOHD (channel 18). The two stations share studios on Lower Meadow Drive in Bend; KBNZ-LD's transmitter is located in the city on Awbrey Butte west of US 97.
History
KBNZ originated in the mid-1980s as a low-power translator of KOIN in Portland. In October 2008, KOIN owner New Vision Television announced plans to convert KBNZ into a locally-focused CBS affiliate. The station was upgraded to a low-power license under new calls, KBNZ, on June 13, 2008. On October 26, 2008, it relaunched as Central Oregon's first locally-based CBS affiliate. Four of KOIN's translators in Central Oregon were switched from airing KOIN's signal to that of KBNZ. It also received its own section on KOIN's website. Master control and some internal operations remained based at KOIN's studios at the KOIN Tower in Downtown Portland.