KCOY-TV

KCOY-TV is a full-power television station licensed to Santa Maria, California, and serving the southern Central Coast, including the Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo areas. The station broadcasts on virtual channel 12 and transmits from Tepusquet Peak east of Santa Maria. Its current programming includes Telemundo on the main signal and The CW through the station's contemporary affiliation arrangement. KCOY-TV is owned by VistaWest Media, LLC and operated by the News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG) under a shared services agreement. Through that arrangement it is associated with Santa Barbara–licensed KEYT-TV, an ABC and CBS outlet, and KKFX-CD, a Fox station serving the San Luis Obispo area. KCOY-TV and KKFX-CD share facilities on West McCoy Lane in Santa Maria, while KEYT-TV operates from a separate site in Santa Barbara. The station originated from a Federal Communications Commission effort to reorganize television allocations in Fresno. In 1960, the FCC ordered Fresno's KFRE-TV to move from VHF channel 12 to UHF channel 30 as part of a deintermixture policy. The vacated channel was subsequently considered for communities on the southern Central Coast, including Lompoc, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria. After a comparative proceeding involving several applicants, the FCC selected Central Coast Television Corporation, a consortium with local ownership and civic ties, to construct the station. The call sign KCOY-TV reflected the connection of two of the consortium's partners to KCOY radio. KCOY-TV began broadcasting on March 16, 1964. It initially carried NBC programming while also showing selected CBS programs, becoming a regular NBC affiliate in 1965. Ownership and operating control changed during the station's early years, and a proposed transmitter move toward the Santa Barbara area was opposed by KEYT, which argued that the change would weaken KCOY-TV's commitment to Santa Maria and intrude on its coverage area. The FCC ultimately rejected the proposed move. KCOY-TV became a primary CBS affiliate on January 12, 1969, while continuing to carry some NBC programming during the transition in the regional affiliation pattern. Stauffer Communications purchased the station in 1980 for $7 million. During the Stauffer period, KCOY-TV remained an important local news outlet and was generally described as the second-rated local news operation on the southern Central Coast in the 1980s and 1990s. Stauffer developed a larger Santa Maria facility, completed in 1988, to accommodate expanded staffing and technical operations. The station also carried National Football League games through CBS and, after CBS lost NFL rights, temporarily carried NFL on Fox programming until a dedicated low-power Fox outlet launched in the market in 1997. The station passed through several owners after Stauffer was acquired by Morris Communications in 1995. Morris spun most of the television properties to Benedek Broadcasting; KCOY-TV then moved to the Ackerley Group in a 1998 station swap. Ackerley was acquired by Clear Channel Communications in 2002. Clear Channel later sold its television group to Newport Television, and KCOY-TV was acquired by The Cowles Company in 2008. Cowles introduced cost reductions in 2012 that affected sports coverage, morning programming, local staffing, and the presentation of evening newscasts. The Santa Maria newsroom had nevertheless been upgraded to high-definition the previous year. NPG began assuming operational responsibilities in 2013, including control of the news operation, and acquired other Central Coast media assets directly. The KCOY-TV license was transferred to VistaWest Media, a company associated with NPG's management, while NPG continued to operate the station. The station's programming identity changed substantially in the 2020s. On January 1, 2021, CBS programming moved to a subchannel of KEYT-TV, and KCOY-TV's main signal carried the Dabl digital network. On February 1, 2023, Telemundo…

KCOY-TV was created after the FCC reassigned VHF channel 12 away from Fresno. The agency's 1960 deintermixture order moved KFRE-TV from channel 12 to channel 30 and opened the channel for consideration in several southern Central Coast communities. Four applicants initially sought the construction permit. After withdrawals reduced the contest, the FCC favored Central Coast Television Corporation, citing its local ownership and civic involvement. The permit was granted in 1963, and the group selected the KCOY-TV call sign, partly reflecting the owners' connection to KCOY radio. The station signed on March 16, 1964, from Santa Maria, initially carrying NBC programming along with selected CBS shows. It became a regular NBC affiliate in 1965. Early ownership was unsettled, with partners entering and leaving the operating company. A proposed move of the transmitter from Tepusquet Peak to Broadcast Peak near Goleta generated opposition from KEYT, which argued that the proposal would extend KCOY-TV toward Santa Barbara at the expense of its intended Santa Maria service. FCC proceedings ultimately rejected the relocation request. The station also faced financial pressure during its early years. In 1968, the local owners sold half of the company to a group associated with Dale G. Moore of Missoula, Montana. On January 12, 1969, KCOY-TV became a primary CBS affiliate, although some NBC shows continued to air during the regional transition. Stauffer Communications acquired KCOY-TV in 1980 for $7 million. The station's local news operation performed strongly relative to other southern Central Coast outlets and was commonly regarded as the market's second-rated local news service during the 1980s and 1990s. Stauffer completed a larger Santa Maria studio in 1988. KCOY-TV carried CBS programming, including NFL broadcasts, and temporarily carried NFL on Fox after CBS lost the league's football package, until a new low-power Fox station began operating in the region in 1997. A succession of corporate owners followed. Morris Communications acquired Stauffer in 1995 and separated the television assets from the newspaper business, selling most of the stations to Benedek Broadcasting. Benedek exchanged KCOY-TV with the Ackerley Group in 1998. Ackerley was acquired by Clear Channel Communications in 2002. Clear Channel subsequently transferred its television portfolio to Newport Television, while KCOY-TV was sold to The Cowles Company in 2008 because of ownership considerations related to Newport's interests in California broadcasting. Cowles cut costs at its California stations in 2012. At KCOY-TV and related station KKFX, the changes included ending sports coverage, shortening the morning program, moving evening-news presentation to Salinas, and laying off thirteen employees. The station had converted its Santa Maria newsroom to high definition in 2011. Chief meteorologist Jim Byrne later sued Cowles, alleging breach of contract; the case was settled outside court. In 2013, News-Press & Gazette Company began taking over portions of KCOY-TV's operations under a shared services agreement and merged its newsroom with the operation serving NPG's Santa Barbara station, KEYT-TV. NPG acquired several related Central Coast and Monterey–Salinas assets directly, while the KCOY-TV license was sold to VistaWest Media, an entity associated with NPG management. The license sale closed in January 2015, with NPG continuing to operate the station. KCOY-TV's network role changed again in the 2020s. On January 1, 2021, CBS moved to KEYT-TV's second digital subchannel and KCOY-TV's primary signal began carrying Dabl. On February 1, 2023, NPG replaced Dabl with Telemundo after transferring the affiliation from KTAS. The station also began carrying regional Spanish-language newscasts produced or shared with KMUV-LD in the Monterey–Salinas market. On July 31, 2024, The CW announced a move to KCOY-TV from KSBY. KCOY-TV now combines network entertainment programming, Spanish-language service, regional news, and digital broadcasting within NPG's shared-services structure.

1. 2024The CW affiliation moves to KCOY-TV

   The CW moved from KSBY to KCOY-TV, expanding the station's current network portfolio.

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2. 2023Telemundo affiliation begins

   KCOY-TV replaced Dabl with Telemundo after NPG transferred the network affiliation from KTAS.

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3. 2021CBS leaves the main KCOY-TV signal

   CBS moved to a KEYT-TV subchannel and Dabl took over KCOY-TV's principal digital channel.

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4. 2015VistaWest license acquisition closes

   VistaWest Media completed its acquisition of the KCOY-TV license, while NPG retained operational responsibility.

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5. 2013Shared-services consolidation begins

   NPG assumed portions of KCOY-TV's operations and merged the station's news operation with its broader Central Coast structure.

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6. 2009Analog transmission ends

   KCOY-TV ended its analog VHF transmission and continued digitally using virtual channel 12.

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7. 1988New Santa Maria studio completed

   Stauffer completed a larger studio facility on the site that became the station's principal Santa Maria base.

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8. 1980Stauffer acquisition

   Stauffer Communications purchased KCOY-TV.

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9. 1969Primary affiliation changes to CBS

   The station changed its primary network relationship from NBC to CBS.

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10. 1964KCOY-TV signs on

    KCOY-TV began broadcasting on March 16 as a new Santa Maria television station.

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11. 1963Construction permit awarded to Central Coast Television

    After a comparative hearing, the FCC selected the locally backed Central Coast Television Corporation to build the Santa Maria station.

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12. 1960FCC reallocates channel 12

    The FCC ordered Fresno's KFRE-TV to move from VHF channel 12 to UHF channel 30, creating the opportunity to assign channel 12 elsewhere on the Central Coast.

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A local broadcast outlet serving Santa Maria and the southern Central Coast through network television, regional news, and shared facilities operated by NPG.

• Local newsBroadcast news1964

  KCOY-TV has historically produced local news for Santa Maria and the southern Central Coast. Its newsroom was consolidated with NPG's wider Central Coast operation in the 2010s. Current regional programming also includes Spanish-language newscasts shared with NPG's Monterey–Salinas Telemundo operation.

• Telemundo programmingSpanish-language network television2023

  Telemundo programming occupies KCOY-TV's principal signal following NPG's transfer of the affiliation from KTAS in 2023. The service combines national Spanish-language network content with regional news intended for the Central Coast audience.

• The CW programmingEnglish-language network television2024

  The CW became part of KCOY-TV's network offering in 2024 after the affiliation moved from KSBY. The affiliation adds English-language scripted, entertainment, and sports-related network programming to the station's schedule.

• DablDigital multicast network2021

  Dabl temporarily occupied KCOY-TV's main digital signal after CBS moved to a KEYT-TV subchannel in 2021. It was replaced by Telemundo in 2023.

• 2024The CW affiliation moves from KSBYProduct launch

  KSBY's owner opted not to renew several CW affiliations.

  What changed. The CW selected KCOY-TV as its new Central Coast affiliate.

  Aftermath. KCOY-TV added an English-language network offering alongside its Telemundo service.

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• 2023Telemundo replaces DablProduct launch

  NPG moved its Telemundo affiliation from KTAS to a station it operated in Santa Maria.

  What changed. KCOY-TV's principal signal began carrying Telemundo programming and regional Spanish-language newscasts.

  Aftermath. The station gained a stronger Spanish-language identity while remaining part of NPG's shared regional news operation.

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• 2021CBS affiliation transferred to KEYT-TVStrategy

  NPG reorganized its network distribution across the Central Coast.

  What changed. CBS moved to a KEYT-TV digital subchannel, while KCOY-TV's main signal switched to Dabl.

  Aftermath. KCOY-TV ceased to be the market's primary CBS station.

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• 2013Shared-services agreement with NPGM&A

  NPG already owned KEYT-TV and was expanding its Central Coast media operation.

  What changed. NPG assumed selected KCOY-TV operations, including the news operation, and later operated the station for VistaWest Media.

  Aftermath. KCOY-TV's newsroom and operations became integrated into NPG's regional structure.

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• 2012Local-news cost reductionStrategy

  The Cowles Company introduced cost reductions across its California television stations.

  What changed. KCOY-TV and KKFX reduced sports coverage, shortened the morning show, shifted evening-news presentation toward Salinas, and eliminated thirteen positions.

  Aftermath. The changes reduced the scope of locally produced programming. Former chief meteorologist Jim Byrne brought a contract dispute that was settled out of court.

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• 1969Primary affiliation switch from NBC to CBSStrategy

  The southern Central Coast market was undergoing a realignment of network affiliations.

  What changed. KCOY-TV became a primary CBS affiliate while continuing to carry selected NBC programming.

  Aftermath. CBS remained the station's principal network affiliation until it moved to KEYT-TV in 2021.

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• 1965Proposed transmitter relocation to Broadcast PeakStrategy

  KCOY-TV sought to move its transmitter northwest toward the Goleta area, a proposal opposed by KEYT because of possible overlap and reduced emphasis on Santa Maria service.

  What changed. The station pursued FCC approval, but the relocation was ultimately denied.

  Aftermath. KCOY-TV retained its transmitter at Tepusquet Peak east of Santa Maria.

  • KEYT-TV — KEYT objected to the proposed move, citing coverage-area encroachment and the station's original local-service commitment.
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• 2024The CW moves to KCOY-TV

  KCOY-TV became a CW affiliate after the network affiliation moved from KSBY.

  Product launch
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• 2023Telemundo launches on KCOY-TV

  NPG moved its Telemundo affiliation from KTAS to KCOY-TV and added regional newscasts shared with KMUV-LD.

  Product launch
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• 2021CBS programming moves to KEYT-TV

  The CBS affiliation left KCOY-TV's main signal and moved to a KEYT-TV subchannel; KCOY-TV then carried Dabl.

  Product generation
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• 2013NPG assumes KCOY-TV operating responsibilities

  News-Press & Gazette Company began operating portions of KCOY-TV, including its news operation, under a shared services agreement.

  M&A
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• 2012Cowles reduces KCOY-TV and KKFX operations

  Cost reductions eliminated sports coverage, shortened the morning show, shifted evening newscast presentation, and resulted in thirteen layoffs.

  Leadership change
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• 2008Clear Channel sells KCOY-TV to Newport Television

  After Clear Channel's television group was transferred to Newport Television, KCOY-TV was sold to The Cowles Company to address ownership restrictions involving California stations.

  M&ARegulation
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• 1998KCOY-TV moves from Benedek to Ackerley

  Benedek and the Ackerley Group exchanged stations, with Ackerley receiving KCOY-TV.

  M&A
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• 1995KCOY-TV transfers among broadcasting groups

  Morris Communications acquired Stauffer and spun off most of the television holdings, including KCOY-TV, to Benedek Broadcasting.

  M&A
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• 1988KCOY-TV opens expanded Santa Maria facilities

  A new studio facility was completed in Santa Maria to provide more room for personnel and technical equipment.

  Other
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• 1980Stauffer Communications acquires KCOY-TV

  Stauffer Communications purchased the station, beginning a fifteen-year ownership period.

  M&A
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• 1969KCOY-TV becomes a primary CBS affiliate

  The station changed its primary network affiliation from NBC to CBS while continuing to carry some NBC programming for a period.

  Other
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• 1964KCOY-TV begins broadcasting

  The new Santa Maria station signed on as an NBC outlet after Central Coast Television received the construction permit for channel 12.

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1. KCOY-TV
2. KCOY-TV official website