KMTR

KMTR is a full-power television station serving Eugene and the surrounding west-central Oregon market. The station broadcasts on virtual channel 16 and carries programming from NBC and The CW Plus. It is associated with satellite stations KMCB in Coos Bay and KTCW in Roseburg, extending the service footprint beyond Eugene. KMTR is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and operates alongside CBS affiliate KVAL-TV, with the two stations sharing facilities in Eugene. KMTR began broadcasting on October 4, 1982, at a significant moment in Eugene television history. Before its launch, the market lacked a full-time outlet dedicated to a major national network. KVAL-TV had previously carried both NBC and CBS programming, while KEZI served primarily as the ABC affiliate and also had a secondary CBS relationship. KMTR's arrival allowed KVAL to concentrate on CBS, which was then performing more strongly in audience ratings, while KMTR assumed the NBC affiliation. The station changed ownership several times during the following decades. Columbia Empire Broadcasting Corporation acquired KMTR in 1984, and the Wicks Broadcast Group purchased it in late 1995. Wicks sold the station to the Ackerley Group in 1999. Ackerley subsequently became part of Clear Channel Communications, now known as iHeartMedia, in 2001. Clear Channel later exited the television business, transferring its television properties to Newport Television, a Providence Equity Partners-backed company, in a transaction completed in 2008. KMTR also played a role in the market's transition from The WB to The CW. In 1998, the station helped launch KZWB, a cable-only WB affiliate created through an arrangement involving The WB 100+ Station Group and a local cable provider. The outlet was not an FCC-recognized broadcast station because it existed only on cable. After The CW replaced The WB and UPN, KMTR signed a long-term affiliation agreement with The CW in 2006 and placed CW programming on a digital subchannel, replacing the earlier cable-only arrangement. The CW service became known as CW Eugene. Ownership and operating arrangements became more complex during the Newport period. In 2012 and 2013, Newport arranged the sale of its stations through several transactions. Because Fisher Communications already owned KVAL-TV, the proposed KMTR license acquisition was structured through KMTR Television, LLC, a company owned by Roberts Media, while Fisher and later Sinclair provided operating services. The Federal Communications Commission approved the KMTR license transaction in April 2013, and the transfer was completed in June. Sinclair's acquisition of Fisher's properties, including KVAL and its relationship with KMTR, closed in August 2013. The station has progressively modernized its technical operations. It ended analog broadcasting in February 2009 and continued using virtual channel 16 on a digital UHF signal. In October 2016, KMTR moved its local news output from pillarboxed 4:3 standard definition to 16:9 widescreen. Beginning in 2019, it relocated operations from its former Springfield facility to KVAL's Eugene building. By summer 2020, studios and master control were consolidated with KVAL, and local news and syndicated programming had been upgraded to high definition. CW programming also moved to high definition on most of the KMTR-associated service area by the end of 2019, with the KTCW service completing its upgrade in 2020. KMTR combines network entertainment, syndicated programming, local news, weather, sports, and community coverage. Its most visible recent event role came in 2022, when it served as the host station for NBC coverage of the World Athletics Championships held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field. In 2021, the station's licensee was fined by the FCC following a retransmission-consent dispute. In 2025, Sinclair announced a plan to acquire full ownership of KMTR and its satellite stations, using a failing-station waiver to create a legal duopoly…

KMTR signed on October 4, 1982, as a television station serving Eugene, Oregon. Its launch filled an important gap in the local market: Eugene had not previously had a full-time station devoted to one of the major national networks. KVAL-TV had carried both NBC and CBS, while KEZI was primarily associated with ABC and also maintained a secondary CBS affiliation. KMTR's arrival enabled KVAL to become a CBS affiliate, while KMTR assumed NBC service. In 1984, Columbia Empire Broadcasting Corporation of Yakima, Washington, acquired the station. Wicks Broadcast Group purchased KMTR in late 1995, and Wicks later sold it to the Ackerley Group in March 1999. Ackerley became part of Clear Channel Communications in 2001. During the Ackerley and Clear Channel years, KMTR continued as the Eugene NBC outlet and developed additional distribution for alternative network programming. In September 1998, KMTR participated in the creation of KZWB, a cable-only affiliate linked to The WB 100+ Station Group. Because KZWB was distributed exclusively through cable, its call sign was not formally recognized by the FCC. KMTR supplied sales and promotional support. When The CW replaced The WB and UPN in 2006, KMTR signed a long-term affiliation agreement and began broadcasting The CW on a digital subchannel. The service later became identified as CW Eugene. Clear Channel announced in 2007 that it would leave the television business. Its television division was sold to Newport Television, a Providence Equity Partners-backed company, with the transaction closing on March 14, 2008. KMTR subsequently passed through a complicated ownership and operating structure. Newport sought to sell most of its stations in 2012, and a proposed transaction involving KMTR was structured so that KMTR Television, LLC, owned by Roberts Media, would hold the license while Fisher Communications entered into a shared-services relationship. Fisher already owned Eugene CBS affiliate KVAL-TV, making the arrangement subject to regulatory scrutiny and approval. The FCC approved the KMTR license transfer on April 24, 2013, and the transaction closed on June 3. Fisher then announced the sale of its television properties, including KVAL, to Sinclair Broadcast Group. That sale closed on August 8, 2013, placing KMTR's operations within a Sinclair-managed environment alongside KVAL. KMTR remained a separate station and brand while sharing certain facilities, resources, and operational functions. The station completed the federally mandated transition from analog to digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009, retaining virtual channel 16 on its digital signal. It was notable for continuing to produce local news in pillarboxed 4:3 standard definition longer than other major network-affiliated stations in western Oregon. On October 22, 2016, it adopted a 16:9 presentation. From 2019 onward, KMTR moved out of its original Springfield building. By summer 2020, the station's studios and master control were located in KVAL's Eugene facility, and its local news and syndicated programming had been upgraded to high definition. CW Eugene reached 720p high definition on KMTR and KMCB by the end of 2019; KTCW completed its corresponding upgrade by the end of March 2020. KMTR has used satellite stations to extend coverage across the region. KMCB serves Coos Bay on channel 23, while KTCW serves Roseburg on channel 46. Translator facilities further extend the signals in communities including Cottage Grove, Florence, London Springs, Powers, Sutherlin, and Tri City. In 2021, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order after AT&T alleged in litigation that Roberts Media had not negotiated retransmission consent for KMTR in good faith. The order imposed a $512,228 forfeiture. In 2022, KMTR served as the host station for NBC's coverage of the World Athletics Championships at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, carrying live weekend prime-time coverage for West Coast viewers. Sinclair announced in August 2025 that it would acquire full ownership of KMTR and its satellite stations through a transaction supported by a failing-station waiver. The reported transaction was completed on February 10, 2026, creating a legal duopoly with KVAL.

1. 2026Sinclair transaction closes

   The reported transaction creating a legal duopoly with KVAL closes on February 10.

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2. 2025Sinclair announces full-ownership transaction

   Sinclair announces an agreement to acquire full ownership of KMTR and its satellite stations.

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3. 2022World Athletics Championships host station

   KMTR hosts NBC's local broadcast operation for the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field.

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4. 2021FCC forfeiture order

   The FCC orders a $512,228 forfeiture against KMTR's licensee in a retransmission-consent matter.

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5. 2020Facilities consolidate with KVAL

   KMTR completes its move to KVAL's Eugene facility and upgrades local operations to high definition.

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6. 2016Local news adopts 16:9 format

   KMTR upgrades its local news presentation from pillarboxed 4:3 standard definition to 16:9.

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7. 2013License and operating transition

   The FCC approves the KMTR Television, LLC license transfer, followed by Sinclair's acquisition of Fisher's television properties.

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8. 2009Analog transmission ends

   KMTR shuts down its analog signal and continues with digital broadcasting.

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9. 2008Newport Television ownership begins

   Clear Channel's television division sale to Newport Television closes on March 14.

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10. 2006The CW launches on a digital subchannel

    KMTR replaces the cable-only WB arrangement with The CW on a digital subchannel.

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11. 2005Oregon Association of Broadcasters recognition

    KMTR is named Station of the Year by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters.

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12. 2001Ackerley joins Clear Channel

    Ackerley becomes part of Clear Channel Communications.

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13. 1999Ackerley Group acquisition

    Ackerley Group purchases KMTR from Wicks Broadcast Group.

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14. 1998Cable-only WB service launches

    KMTR supports the launch of KZWB, a cable-exclusive WB affiliate.

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15. 1995Wicks Broadcast Group purchase

    Wicks Broadcast Group acquires KMTR in late 1995.

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16. 1984Columbia Empire Broadcasting acquires KMTR

    The station is acquired by Columbia Empire Broadcasting Corporation.

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17. 1982KMTR signs on

    KMTR begins broadcasting in Eugene on October 4 and becomes the market's NBC affiliate.

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A local broadcast television outlet combining NBC network service, CW entertainment programming, regional news, weather, sports, and community coverage for Eugene and west-central Oregon.

• KMTR NBC serviceNetwork television affiliation1982

  KMTR's primary service carries NBC network programming, including entertainment, news, sports, and special-event broadcasts. The service is distributed over the station's main digital channel and reaches Eugene and surrounding parts of west-central Oregon.

• CW EugeneDigital multicast television2006

  CW Eugene is KMTR's The CW Plus service. It developed from the market's earlier cable-only WB affiliation and moved to a digital subchannel in 2006. The service provides CW network programming and related syndicated content across KMTR's coverage area and associated satellite facilities.

• KMTR local newsLocal television news1982

  KMTR produces local news, weather, and community coverage for Eugene and nearby communities. Its news operation transitioned from pillarboxed 4:3 standard definition to 16:9 in 2016 and was upgraded to high definition after operations moved into KVAL's Eugene facility.

• KMCB and KTCW satellite servicesBroadcast satellite stations

  KMCB serves Coos Bay on channel 23 and KTCW serves Roseburg on channel 46. These full-power satellite stations extend KMTR-related NBC and CW programming beyond the Eugene core market, with additional translators serving smaller communities.

• 2022World Athletics Championships coverage

  Eugene · West Coast United States

  KMTR served as the host station for NBC's coverage of the World Athletics Championships staged at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field. It was identified as the only West Coast station carrying the weekend prime-time coverage live rather than on tape delay.

  Outcome. KMTR delivered the local host-broadcast role for a major international sporting event held in its coverage area.

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• 2025Sinclair seeks full ownership of KMTRM&A

  KMTR had operated through a license and shared-services structure associated with Roberts Media and Sinclair-managed operations.

  What changed. Sinclair announced an agreement to acquire full ownership of KMTR and its satellite stations and proposed using a failing-station waiver.

  Aftermath. The reported transaction closed on February 10, 2026, creating a legal duopoly with KVAL.

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• 2020Facility consolidation and high-definition upgradeStrategy

  KMTR had maintained separate facilities in Springfield while sharing some master-control and internal functions with KVAL.

  What changed. The station moved its studios and master control to KVAL's Eugene building and upgraded local and syndicated programming to high definition.

  Aftermath. KMTR and KVAL operated from shared Eugene facilities, improving technical integration and production consistency.

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• 2013License and operating restructuringM&A

  Newport Television was selling stations, while Fisher Communications already owned KVAL-TV in Eugene.

  What changed. The KMTR license was transferred to KMTR Television, LLC, followed by a shared-services arrangement with Fisher and the subsequent Sinclair acquisition of Fisher's properties.

  Aftermath. KMTR operated in a shared market structure alongside KVAL under Sinclair's management environment.

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• 2006Move from WB cable service to The CW digital serviceProduct launch

  The WB and UPN were being replaced by the newly formed CW network.

  What changed. KMTR signed a long-term CW affiliation agreement and placed CW programming on a digital subchannel, replacing the cable-only KZWB arrangement.

  Aftermath. The market's CW service continued under the CW Eugene identity.

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• 2021Retransmission-consent negotiation disputeControversy

  AT&T filed litigation alleging that Roberts Media, the licensee associated with KMTR, failed to negotiate retransmission consent in good faith. On July 28, 2021, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order imposing a $512,228 fine. Other Sinclair-managed station owners were also named in related allegations.

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• 2026Full-ownership transaction is completed

  The reported Sinclair transaction involving KMTR and its satellite stations was completed on February 10, 2026.

  M&A
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• 2025Sinclair announces acquisition of full ownership

  Sinclair announced plans to acquire full ownership of KMTR and its satellite stations, using a failing-station waiver to facilitate a legal duopoly with KVAL.

  M&ARegulation
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• 2022KMTR hosts World Athletics Championships coverage

  KMTR served as the host station for NBC coverage of the World Athletics Championships at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, including live weekend prime-time coverage for the West Coast.

  CampaignOther
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• 2020KMTR consolidates operations with KVAL

  The station completed its move from its Springfield facility to KVAL's Eugene building, consolidating studios and master control and upgrading local programming to high definition.

  Product generation
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• 2016KMTR upgrades local news to widescreen

  KMTR switched its local newscasts from pillarboxed 4:3 standard definition to 16:9 widescreen on October 22.

  Product generation
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• 2013FCC approves KMTR license transfer

  The FCC approved the transfer of KMTR's license to KMTR Television, LLC, with operational ties to Fisher Communications and subsequently Sinclair Broadcast Group.

  M&ARegulation
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• 2009KMTR transitions to digital broadcasting

  The station ended its analog transmission on UHF channel 16 and continued digital service using virtual channel 16.

  Product generationRegulation
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• 2006KMTR adds The CW to its digital service

  After signing a long-term agreement with The CW, KMTR replaced the cable-only KZWB arrangement with CW programming on a digital subchannel.

  Product launch
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• 1998KMTR launches a cable-only WB affiliate

  KMTR helped establish KZWB, a cable-exclusive affiliate associated with The WB 100+ Station Group, giving the market access to WB programming before the station later moved the service to a digital broadcast subchannel.

  Product launch
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• 1982KMTR begins broadcasting in Eugene

  KMTR began broadcasting on October 4, bringing full-time NBC service to a Eugene market that had previously relied on another station for shared NBC and CBS programming.

  Other
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1. KMTR
2. KMTR official website