Community hub
KASW (channel 61), branded as The Spot – Arizona 61, is an independent television station in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. It is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company alongside ABC affiliate KNXV-TV (channel 15). The two stations share studios on North 44th Street on the city's east side; KASW's primary transmitter is located on South Mountain. KASW is the high-power ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) station for the Phoenix area and provides the ATSC 3.0 broadcasts of six major Phoenix commercial stations.
Key Information
KASW went on the air in 1995 as the Phoenix affiliate of The WB. Its first owner contracted with KTVK (channel 3) for programming and support services, and KTVK bought the station in 1999. In addition to being an affiliate of The WB and later The CW, the station also broadcast several secondary local sports teams at various times. As a result of KTVK's sale to the Meredith Corporation, KASW was sold to Nexstar Media Group in 2014. In 2019, Scripps acquired KASW from Nexstar as part of the latter's acquisition of Tribune Media.
In 2023, Scripps moved KASW's CW affiliation to a KNXV subchannel, and relaunched KASW as an independent station anchored by broadcasts of Arizona Coyotes NHL hockey. With the team's franchise being deactivated after the 2023–24 season, the Coyotes were replaced with broadcasts of the Utah Mammoth (which acquired the Coyotes' hockey operations) and the Vegas Golden Knights syndicated from Scripps sister stations.
Prior use of channel 61 in Phoenix
[edit]Prior to KASW's sign-on, the UHF channel 61 frequency in the Phoenix market was originally occupied by low-power station K61CA; that station carried a locally programmed music video format known as "Music Channel" and operated from March 15, 1983,[2] until November 12, 1984, closing due to mounting debts and lack of cash to continue operating.[3]
The construction permit for K61CA remained active for several more years; by 1988, it was owned by Channel 61 Development Corporation and was planned as a satellite-fed relay of KSTS, a Telemundo affiliate in San Jose, California.[4]
History
[edit]In November 1987, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated channel 61 for full-power use in Phoenix. KUSK-TV applied alongside four other groups;[5] the field was narrowed to three, and Brooks Broadcasting, owned by Chandler farmer Gregory R. Brooks, was granted the permit in February 1991 by the FCC review board.[6]
WB affiliation
[edit]
Little activity occurred on the permit, with the call sign KAIK; Brooks considered running home shopping on the station, and he was approached by KPHO-TV about potentially splitting rights to a new major league baseball team with the station.[7]
In December 1994, Brooks entered into a local marketing agreement with Media America Corporation, then owners of KTVK (channel 3). KTVK, in the concluding phase of losing its ABC affiliation, had acquired a large inventory of children's programs, including Fox Kids, and the WB affiliation that did not fit with its planned programming as an independent. Brooks, who was wanting to run a station catering to Phoenix's youth audience but had not been able to get the station going, was surprised when KTVK approached him; Delbert Lewis, the owner, owned a farm adjacent to one of Brooks's properties in Florence but had never met him.[8]
KASW signed on September 23, 1995, as the first new full-power Phoenix television station since KUTP started up in December 1985.[7] In addition to WB, Fox Kids and syndicated shows, as well as old movies on the nights when The WB did not air programming,[9] it also aired a 30-minute newscast, known as NewsNight, produced by KTVK;[10] the logo fit the station's youth appeal and was described by Dave Walker of The Arizona Republic as "reminiscent of an amoeba-shaped 1960s coffee table".[9] Brooks, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also aired the twice-yearly LDS General Conference on channel 61.[10] KTVK and KASW also split over-the-air coverage rights to the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team when it moved to Phoenix in 1996, with 20 of the 25 games in the package airing on channel 61.[11]
In July 1999, MAC America (the former Media America) announced it would sell KTVK to the Belo Corporation.[12] Later that year, Belo announced that it would purchase KASW from Gregory Brooks, forming the first television duopoly in the Phoenix market just as they were being legalized.[13]
From The WB to The CW
[edit]On January 24, 2006, the Warner Bros. unit of Time Warner and CBS Corporation (which had been created as a result of the split of Viacom at the start of the year) announced that the two companies would shut down The WB and UPN and combine the networks' respective programming to create a new "fifth" network called The CW.[14][15] The local UPN affiliate was KUTP, owned by Fox Television Stations. None of Fox's UPN stations, some of which were in the same market as charter network outlets owned by CBS and Tribune Broadcasting, were selected for the new network, and in late February, Fox announced it would start MyNetworkTV to serve its ex-UPN portfolio (including KUTP) and other stations that would not join The CW.[16][17] On March 8, Belo signed an affiliation agreement with for KASW to become The CW's affiliate in Phoenix.[18][19]
On June 13, 2013, Belo announced that KTVK and KASW would be acquired by the Gannett Company, owner of local NBC affiliate KPNX and the Arizona Republic. Since this would have given Gannett control of three stations in the Phoenix market, Gannett announced that it would spin off KTVK and KASW to Sander Media, LLC (operated by former Belo executive Jack Sander). While Gannett intended to provide services to the stations through a shared services agreement, KTVK and KASW's operations would have remained largely separate from KPNX and the Republic.[20] On December 23, 2013, shortly after the approval and completion of the Gannett/Belo deal, the Meredith Corporation announced that it would purchase KTVK and the non-license assets of KASW from Sander Media and Gannett in a $407.5 million transaction.[21] As Meredith already owned CBS affiliate KPHO-TV (channel 5), the KASW license was instead sold to SagamoreHill Broadcasting, with Meredith operating the station under a shared services agreement.[22]
Sale to Nexstar and separation from KTVK
[edit]The FCC approved the sale of KASW and KTVK to SagamoreHill and Meredith on June 17, 2014, and the deal closed two days later. The two companies also agreed to voluntarily divest KASW to an independent buyer within 90 days of the deal's closure; on October 23, 2014, Meredith and SagamoreHill announced that it would sell KASW to Nexstar Broadcasting Group for $68 million, giving the company its first station in the Phoenix market. The FCC approved the sale to Nexstar on December 19, and the sale was consummated on January 30, 2015, ending the nearly 20-year partnership between KASW and KTVK.[23][24] The station began migrating out of KTVK's facilities in September 2015.[25]
Sale to Scripps; switch to independent status
[edit]
In March 2019, Nexstar announced it would purchase Tribune Media. This acquisition required divestitures of several overlapping stations; however, in addition to stations in markets where divestiture was necessary, Nexstar opted to also sell KASW to the E. W. Scripps Company, owner of local ABC affiliate KNXV-TV (channel 15), creating Phoenix's third TV duopoly. Although other stations acquired from the Nexstar/Tribune divestitures came from the Tribune portfolio, KASW was the only Nexstar station to be bought out by Scripps.[26][27][28] The sale was approved by the FCC on September 16 and was completed on September 19.[29] Scripps added newscasts from KNXV and also upgraded the station's syndicated programming inventory.[30]
On November 20, 2023, CW programming moved to the second subchannel of KNXV-TV (which otherwise carried Antenna TV programming), and KASW became an independent station, with the branding of Arizona 61; the station aired a mix of local news, sports (including Arizona Coyotes hockey), and entertainment programming, as well as content from Scripps News. The rebranded station moved to channel 95 on Cox Communications cable systems in the Phoenix metro area, as KNXV's second subchannel took over KASW's channel 6 placement.[31][32] This service in turn lost the CW affiliation on February 1, 2024, to KAZT-TV after Nexstar (who had acquired majority ownership of The CW) began programming the station under a multi-year time brokerage agreement with KAZT-TV's owner Londen Media Group.[33] The station adopted The Spot branding on July 27, 2025.[34]
Programming
[edit]Local newscasts
[edit]From 1995 to 1997, KTVK produced a half-hour 9 p.m. newscast for KASW.[9]
After the station was sold to Scripps, KNXV-TV began producing two local newscasts for KASW; both of them debuted in a gradual basis over the course of 2020. The first of these newscasts debuted on March 30, when KASW debuted a two-hour extension of KNXV's morning newscast, anchored by a separate team of anchors from the existing morning newscast; a noon news hour followed as daytime news viewership spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic.[30] It was followed on August 30 by a half-hour long 9 p.m. newscast, anchored by the station's evening team.[35]
Sports programming
[edit]KASW served as the first over-the-air broadcast home of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, airing the team's games from the time that the franchise moved to Phoenix in 1996[36][37] until 2006, when the Coyotes announced the move of their over-the-air telecasts to KAZT-TV.[38] The Coyotes returned to KASW in November 2023 as part of Scripps's broadcast deal with the team, airing all regionally-televised games.[32] Though the franchise was deactivated after the 2023–24 season, Scripps retained the rights to broadcast the new expansion franchise Utah Mammoth (which acquired the hockey-related assets from the Coyotes), which airs on KASW[39] and on Scripps-owned KUPX-TV in Salt Lake City.[40] The station also airs select games from the Vegas Golden Knights,[41] whose TV territory was expanded to include the state of Arizona after the Coyotes deactivated.[42]
From 1997 to 2004, 2019 and again in 2025, KASW broadcast Arizona Rattlers arena football,[43][44] and KASW also aired games of the Phoenix Mercury from 1997 through 1999.[45] Phoenix Rising FC soccer was seen on KASW from 2019 through 2021.[46][47]
Technical information
[edit]
Subchannels
[edit]The station's ATSC 1.0 channels are carried on the multiplexed signals of other Phoenix television stations:
| Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming | ATSC 1.0 host |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61.1 | 1080i | 16:9 | AZ 61 | Main KASW programming | KNXV-TV |
| 61.2 | 480i | Grit | Grit | KPNX | |
| 61.3 | mystery | Ion Mystery | KTVK | ||
| 61.4 | HSN | HSN | KSAZ-TV |
Analog-to-digital conversion
[edit]KASW shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 61, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts. The station's digital signal continued to broadcast on its pre-transition UHF channel 49, using virtual channel 61.[49] The station was then repacked to channel 27 in 2019.[50]
ATSC 3.0
[edit]| Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | 720p | 16:9 | KPHO-NG | CBS (KPHO-TV) 
|
| 10.1 | KSAZ_NG | Fox (KSAZ-TV)
| ||
| 12.1 | 1080p | KPNX-NG | NBC (KPNX)
| |
| 15.1 | ABC15NG | ABC (KNXV-TV)
| ||
| 45.1 | 720p | KUTP-NG | MyNetworkTV (KUTP)
| |
| 61.1 | 1080p | AZ61 NG | Main KASW programming
|
On March 27, 2020, this station was launched as a high-power ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) transmitter for Phoenix, operating alongside KFPH-CD and carrying the main program streams of KASW, KNXV, KSAZ and KUTP. It also is being used in the testing of single-frequency networks, with a second transmitter atop Shaw Butte.[51]
On July 8, 2021, KPHO and KPNX were added to KASW from KFPH-CD, placing all four major network affiliates on the same ATSC 3.0 multiplex.[52]
Translators
[edit]At the time of ATSC 3.0 conversion, KASW had three dedicated translators: K34EF-D in Kingman, K21EA-D in Lake Havasu City, and K34EE-D in Cottonwood.[53]
Since conversion, programming from KASW has been seen through the translators of its ATSC 1.0 hosts. K34EE-D in Cottonwood was switched to rebroadcast KNXV-TV in June 2021.[54] Mohave County also surrendered the licenses of its two translators carrying KASW in July 2022.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Facility Technical Data for KASW". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ Wilkinson, Bud (March 15, 1983). "Low-power music-oriented station to debut in portions of Valley". The Arizona Republic. p. C5. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ Wilkinson, Bud (November 13, 1984). "Debts, lack of cash signal low-power station's demise". The Arizona Republic. p. B15. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "Translators" (PDF). Television Factbook. 1988. p. B-57. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "(4 FCC Rcd 2) Hearing Designation Order". FCC Record. November 30, 1988. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "For the Record" (PDF). Broadcasting. March 25, 1991. p. 99. ProQuest 1014749437. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ a b Walker, Dave (September 24, 1995). "At last! Channel 61 joins the airwaves". The Arizona Republic. pp. B1, B2. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ Walker, Dave (December 6, 1994). "'Power Rangers' to spawn new station for kids' shows". The Arizona Republic. pp. A1, A4. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ a b c Walker, Dave (July 11, 1995). "Channel 61 schedule aimed at kids of all ages". Arizona Republic. p. D1, D5. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Leonard, Susan (June 17, 1996). "Now he can watch favorite programs on his own TV station". The Arizona Republic. p. Tempe Community 3. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "Coyotes, TV stations finalize agreement to broadcast games". The Arizona Republic. September 18, 1996. p. D3. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ Clancy, Michael (July 3, 1999). "Texas firm purchases Channel 3". The Arizona Republic. pp. A1, A25. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Clancy, Michael (October 2, 1999). "Top 50 bigwig list lacking in color". The Arizona Republic. p. D5. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Seid, Jessica (January 24, 2006). "'Gilmore Girls' meet 'Smackdown'; CW Network to combine WB, UPN in CBS-Warner venture beginning in September". CNN Money. CNN. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ Carter, Bill (January 24, 2006). "UPN and WB to Combine, Forming New TV Network". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
- ^ "News Corp. to launch new mini-network for UPN stations". USA Today. February 22, 2006. Archived from the original on September 23, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ "News Corp. Unveils MyNetworkTV". Broadcasting & Cable. February 22, 2006. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
- ^ "Belo Signs With CW in Phoenix". Broadcasting & Cable. March 8, 2006. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
- ^ "New Nets Reeling in Affiliates" (PDF). TelevisionWeek. March 20, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 3, 2014.
- ^ Brown, Lisa (June 13, 2013). "Gannett to buy TV station owner Belo for $1.5 billion". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Archived from the original on September 6, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
- ^ "Gannett Completes Its Acquisition of Belo". TVNewsCheck. December 23, 2013. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
- ^ "Meredith Buying Three Stations From Gannett". TVNewsCheck. December 23, 2013. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
- ^ "Consummation Notice". Consolidated Database System. Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on February 18, 2015. Retrieved February 2, 2015.
- ^ "Nexstar Buying KASW Phoenix For $68M". October 23, 2014. Archived from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
- ^ "Excuse the mess, we're moving". YourPHX.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
- ^ Farrell, Mike (March 20, 2019). "Scripps, Tegna to Buy 19 Nexstar Stations". Multichannel. Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Hayes, Dade (March 20, 2019). "Nexstar Sells Off TV Stations Worth $1.3B, Including New York's WPIX". Deadline. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
- ^ Ahmed, Nabila; Sakoui, Anousha (March 20, 2019). "Nexstar to Sell Stations to Tegna, Scripps for $1.32 Billion". Bloomberg News. Bloomberg, L.P. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ "Scripps Closes Acquisition of Eight TV Stations from Nexstar-Tribune Merger Divestitures". E. W. Scripps Company. September 19, 2019. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
- ^ a b Malone, Michael (February 15, 2021). "Scripps Revamps Phoenix CW Station". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
- ^ Dachman, Jason (November 17, 2023). "Arizona Coyotes Move to New Scripps Sports OTA Station". Sports Video Group. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ a b "Arizona Coyotes Moving to New Home with Scripps Sports". Arizona Coyotes. November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Alex (January 8, 2024). "Nexstar Media Enters Into Time Brokerage Agreement with KAZT-TV in Phoenix, Arizona". Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
- ^ "The Spot 61 AZ (@cw61arizona)". www.instagram.com. July 27, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ "ABC15 News is expanding on CW61". KNXV. August 18, 2020. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Coyotes, TV stations finalize agreement to broadcast games". Arizona Republic. September 18, 1996. p. D3. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Coyotes". Arizona Republic. September 21, 2005. p. C1. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Vest, David (July 14, 2006). "Seidenberg, Sjostrom agree to 2-year deals". Arizona Republic. p. C8. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Ortiz, Jenna (April 19, 2024). "NHL games in Utah to be shown in Arizona; Coyotes fans unimpressed". Retrieved April 20, 2024.
- ^ Tavss, Jeff (April 18, 2024). "Utah NHL games to air free on Utah 16". KSTU. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
- ^ "VGK, Scripps Sports Announce Broadcasts in Phoenix, Tucson". Vegas Golden Knights. September 26, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
- ^ Brown, Brandon (September 27, 2024). "How Vegas and Utah are battling off the ice to attract former Coyotes fans". Phoenix Business Journal.
- ^ "11 Rattlers games will be televised". Arizona Republic. March 20, 1997. p. D2. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rattlers to Partner with KASW-TV (Your Phoenix CW) to Air Home Games". Arizona Rattlers. February 11, 2019. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019.
- ^ Metcalfe, Jeff (May 29, 1997). "Tables turn for Millers in Valley". Arizona Republic. p. D7. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Phoenix Rising matches to be broadcast on Your Phoenix CW in 2019". Arizona Sports. January 29, 2019. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ Mackie, Theo (March 3, 2022). "Phoenix Rising games to air on Bally Sports Arizona as part of new partnership". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "RabbitEars TV Query for KNXV". RabbitEars. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- "RabbitEars TV Query for KPNX". RabbitEars. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- "RabbitEars TV Query for KTVK". RabbitEars. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- "RabbitEars TV Query for KSAZ". RabbitEars. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. May 23, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 29, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- ^ a b "RabbitEars TV Query for KASW". RabbitEars. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ Balderston, Michael (October 28, 2020). "Phoenix Model Market Adds SFN to Improve NextGen TV Reception". TV Technology. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "Scripps KASW 3.0 Request for Modification of Special Temporary Authority (STA)". FCC Licensing and Management System. June 29, 2021. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "List of TV Translator Input Channels". Federal Communications Commission. July 23, 2021. Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
- ^ "Renewal of License (KNXV-TV) (LMS #192762)". FCC Licensing and Management System. June 1, 2022. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
External links
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| ABC | ||
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| MyNetworkTV | ||
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History
Prior uses of channel 61
In November 1987, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a final rule allotting UHF television Channel 61 to Phoenix, Arizona, as its eighth commercial television service, effective December 24, 1987. This allocation was proposed by Edward Walson under MM Docket No. 86-222 and amended Section 73.606(b) of the Commission's rules to include the channel in the Table of Allotments for Phoenix.[13] Prior to the full-power allocation, Channel 61 was used for low-power television (LPTV) broadcasting in the Phoenix area. On March 15, 1983, K61CA signed on as the market's first LPTV station, operating as TV-61 with a locally programmed music video format featuring videos from top musical acts for 18 hours daily, from 6 a.m. to midnight. This made it the ninth over-the-air television station serving the Valley at the time.[14] The station's ownership changed in September 1987 when the FCC approved a voluntary assignment of the construction permit for K61CA from Community Television Network of Phoenix, Inc. to KUSK, Inc., effective September 1, 1987. Under KUSK's ownership, the LPTV station shifted to a mix of programming that included religious content and home shopping services, aligning with KUSK's broader independent format across its holdings.[15][16] The low-power operations on Channel 61 continued until the full-power construction permit process advanced, ultimately overriding the LPTV license to enable the launch of KASW in 1995. By 1997, FCC records listed Brooks Broadcasting, L.L.C. as the permittee for the full-power station on Channel 61 in Phoenix.[17]Launch and WB affiliation
KASW signed on the air on September 22, 1995, as a charter affiliate of The WB Television Network, becoming Phoenix's dedicated outlet for the upstart network aimed at younger audiences with edgier programming.[18] Owned by Brooks Broadcasting LLC, a company led by local farmer Gregory R. Brooks, the station was established under a local marketing agreement (LMA) with KTVK (channel 3), which provided programming, master control, and operational support from its facilities.[19] KASW's studios were located at 5555 North 7th Avenue in Phoenix, while its transmitter was situated on South Mountain approximately eight miles south of the city, delivering a signal at 1,775 feet above average terrain.[19] From its launch, KASW's schedule blended WB network primetime fare—such as comedies like The Wayans Bros. and dramas like 7th Heaven—with syndicated offerings including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and weekend blocks of Fox Kids programming, which the station acquired after KTVK declined to renew its contract in 1996.[18] Local inserts featured community announcements, public service segments, and occasional Arizona-specific content produced under the LMA with KTVK, helping the station build a niche as a youth-oriented alternative to established networks in the market.[19] This mix contributed to steady audience growth, with KASW capturing a significant share of the 18-34 demographic during The WB's expansion in the late 1990s, particularly through hit series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dawson's Creek that drove the network's ratings surge.[18] In June 1999, the Belo Corporation acquired KTVK from Scripps Howard Broadcasting for $215 million and simultaneously entered an LMA to program KASW, paying fees based on its revenues while securing an option to purchase the station's license assets for $28 million.[20] Later that year, Belo exercised the option and completed the acquisition of KASW from Brooks Broadcasting, creating Phoenix's first legal television duopoly and allowing integrated operations between the two stations under common ownership.[21] This move enhanced resource sharing for programming and sales, supporting format adjustments like expanded syndicated talk shows and movie blocks to complement WB content amid rising competition from UPN and other independents.[20]Transition to The CW affiliation
In January 2006, CBS Corporation and Time Warner announced a merger of their respective networks, The WB and UPN, to create a new broadcast network called The CW, set to launch in September 2006 as a 50-50 joint venture targeting young adults.[22][23] The new network would retain the strongest programming from both predecessors, including popular WB series such as Smallville, Supernatural, Gilmore Girls, and 7th Heaven, while incorporating select UPN shows like America's Next Top Model and Veronica Mars.[24] As the Phoenix affiliate of The WB since its 1995 launch, KASW transitioned seamlessly to The CW following the merger. On March 8, 2006, Belo Corporation, KASW's owner, signed a long-term affiliation agreement with The CW, designating KASW as the network's charter affiliate for the Phoenix market and ensuring continuity of its core audience among viewers aged 18-34.[5] The station retained the bulk of its WB programming slate upon The CW's debut on September 18, 2006, with only minor adjustments to branding—such as updating its on-air identity to "CW 61" while preserving the "6" logo tied to its prominent cable slot on Cox Communications systems—to reflect the new affiliation.[25] The transition bolstered KASW's position within its duopoly partnership with independent station KTVK (channel 3), which had provided operational support since KASW's inception. This arrangement, established under Belo Corporation's ownership since 1999, continued uninterrupted through the CW era, allowing shared resources for programming acquisition and technical operations until the duopoly's separation in 2014. During the CW years, KASW benefited from network mandates emphasizing youth-oriented content, including expanded prime-time slots for scripted dramas and reality series, which helped maintain competitive viewership; for instance, in the November 2007 Nielsen sweeps, the station saw a 21% increase in prime-time household ratings compared to the prior year.[26][27]Ownership changes and operational shifts
In December 2013, as part of Gannett's acquisition of Belo Corporation, Meredith Corporation agreed to purchase KTVK and KASW from Gannett for $230 million, with the deal closing on June 19, 2014.[28][6] To comply with Federal Communications Commission ownership limits in the Phoenix market, Meredith divested KASW to SagamoreHill Broadcasting for an undisclosed amount shortly after the acquisition, while retaining operational control through a shared services agreement with KTVK.[6] This brief period under SagamoreHill's nominal ownership lasted less than a year, during which KASW continued its duopoly operations with KTVK, sharing facilities and resources with minimal disruptions to staffing or programming budgets. On October 23, 2014, SagamoreHill and Meredith announced the sale of KASW to Nexstar Media Group for $68 million plus working capital, with the transaction completing on January 30, 2015.[29] This acquisition ended the duopoly partnership with KTVK, as Nexstar operated KASW as a standalone CW affiliate, relocating its studios to East Missouri Avenue in Uptown Phoenix to establish independent facilities.[25] Under Nexstar, the station saw modest operational adjustments, including leadership changes such as the appointment of Denise McManus as vice president and general manager in early 2015, but no major staff reductions or budget reallocations were reported, allowing continuity in its CW affiliation.[30] In March 2019, as part of required divestitures for Nexstar's merger with Tribune Media, The E.W. Scripps Company agreed to acquire KASW along with seven other stations for $580 million, with the deal closing on September 19, 2019.[8] This created a new duopoly with Scripps-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV, integrating KASW's operations into KNXV's facilities on North 44th Street in east Phoenix and shifting to shared news production resources.[31] The integration led to significant operational enhancements, including the expansion of local newscasts produced by KNXV staff—such as new morning (7-9 a.m.), midday (noon-1 p.m.), and evening (9-9:30 p.m.) programs launched progressively in 2020 and 2021—supported by budget reallocations toward increased local content and synergies like shared co-anchors Allison Rodriguez and Justin Pazera.[31] No substantial staff layoffs occurred during the transition, though the focus on collaborative news operations streamlined administrative costs while maintaining the CW affiliation.Switch to independent status and rebranding
On November 16, 2023, E.W. Scripps Company announced that KASW would disaffiliate from The CW network, with the change taking effect on November 20, 2023.[32] The CW programming shifted to a subchannel of Scripps-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV (channel 15.2), rebranded as CWArizona, which combined CW content with Antenna TV offerings.[32] This move allowed KASW to transition fully to independent status, focusing on a mix of local and syndicated programming to better serve the Phoenix market under Scripps ownership.[32] Following the disaffiliation, KASW launched as an independent station with an initial lineup anchored by Arizona Coyotes NHL games, including 64 of the remaining 65 contests for the 2023-24 season, along with pregame and postgame shows.[32] The schedule also incorporated local news, entertainment programming, and national content from Scripps News, emphasizing viewer access to regional sports and community-focused material.[32] To facilitate the viewer transition, the first two Coyotes games on November 20 and 22, 2023, were simulcast on both the new KASW independent feed and the former CW subchannel on KNXV.[32] This multiyear agreement with Scripps Sports ensured over-the-air availability of the games, broadening reach beyond cable subscribers.[32] In conjunction with the independence shift, KASW rebranded to "Arizona 61" in late 2023, adopting a new logo and on-air identity to reflect its standalone operation and commitment to local programming.[32] The station further evolved its branding to "The Spot – Arizona 61," highlighting an emphasis on dynamic, spot-specific content tailored to Arizona audiences.[33] Under continued Scripps oversight, this rebranding integrated enhanced local content alongside syndicated fare and remnants of Scripps News contributions, adapting to market dynamics such as shifting national news landscapes.[33]Programming
News and local content
KASW produces local news programming in partnership with sister station KNXV-TV (ABC15), with all content originating from their shared production facilities on North 44th Street in Phoenix.[34] The primary offering is "ABC15 News at 9 p.m.," a 30-minute weekday newscast that debuted on August 31, 2020, providing Phoenix-area viewers with evening coverage of breaking news, weather, and community stories.[35] This program anchors KASW's news slate, featuring investigative reports and local features tailored to the station's audience. The news team is integrated with ABC15's staff, including lead anchors such as Fay Fredricks, who hosts the 9 p.m. broadcast alongside meteorologists and reporters focused on Valley-specific issues.[36] Production leverages ABC15's resources, including advanced studios equipped for multi-platform delivery, enabling seamless integration of live field reports and graphics-heavy segments on topics like traffic and public safety. Additional blocks include a weekday noon newscast, "ABC15 News Noon on Arizona 61," which delivers midday updates on regional developments.[37] Following KASW's transition to independent status in late 2023, the station expanded its local news offerings to include extended morning and evening blocks, allowing greater flexibility in scheduling original content without network constraints.[32] These expansions incorporate unique segments on community events, such as neighborhood spotlights and local festivals, alongside dedicated weather forecasts emphasizing Arizona's variable climate and investigative pieces probing issues like urban development and consumer protections specific to the Phoenix metro area.[31] KASW's news broadcasts, powered by ABC15's award-winning investigative unit, have contributed to regional recognition, including duPont-Columbia Awards for exposés on police misconduct aired across both stations.[38] Ratings for the 9 p.m. newscast have shown steady growth in the key 25-54 demographic since launch, positioning KASW as a competitive alternative in Phoenix's evening news market, though specific viewership data remains tied to broader Scripps local news performance. No major controversies have been reported specific to KASW's news operations.Sports broadcasts
KASW has maintained a focus on regional sports programming since becoming an independent station in 2023, allowing for flexible acquisitions of live event rights beyond network commitments. This shift enabled the station to secure deals for professional hockey and arena football broadcasts, emphasizing local fan access through over-the-air viewing. As of November 2025, these partnerships continue, with NHL games from the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights airing regularly during the 2025-26 season. The station's most notable recent sports partnership is with the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. On March 26, 2025, the Rattlers announced an agreement to broadcast eight home games during the 2025 season, with six airing on KASW's main channel (DT1) and two on the Antenna TV subchannel (15.2).[10] The games on KASW-DT1 were scheduled for April 26, May 10, May 17, June 14, June 28, and July 12, providing free access to fans in the Phoenix market. Productions were handled locally, featuring standard play-by-play coverage without specified announcers in the announcement, and no dedicated pre-game shows were detailed. This marked a return for the Rattlers on KASW, following earlier broadcasts including select games in the 2001 season.[39] The 2025 season concluded in July with all scheduled broadcasts completed. From the 2023–24 NHL season, KASW served as the local broadcaster for Arizona Coyotes games after the team moved its telecasts from a previous regional sports network amid contract disputes. Starting November 20, 2023, the station aired the majority of the team's regular-season games, produced in conjunction with the Coyotes' broadcast team.[40] This arrangement ended following the franchise's relocation to Utah after the 2023–24 season, when the team was rebranded as the Utah Mammoth. In response to the relocation, KASW quickly pivoted to new hockey deals starting in the 2024–25 season. The station partnered with Scripps Sports to broadcast 50 Utah Mammoth games, primarily on the main channel, continuing into the 2025–26 season with dozens of contests scheduled.[41] Similarly, the agreement includes 50 Vegas Golden Knights games per season, with the majority airing on KASW-DT1 and select matchups on ABC15's subchannel (15.2).[42] These productions utilize the teams' official feeds from Scripps Sports, featuring national-level announcers such as those from the Golden Knights' radio network for audio integration, along with occasional pre-game analysis tied to regional coverage. No unique local announcers or extended pre-game segments specific to KASW were announced for these deals.[43] Earlier in its history as a WB affiliate, KASW carried Phoenix Mercury WNBA games from 1997 to 2004, contributing to local coverage during the league's formative years. The station also broadcast Arizona Rattlers arena football from 1997 to 2004 and select games in 2019, establishing a tradition of supporting Arizona-based teams before shifting to broader regional sports in recent years.Syndicated and network programming
Following its transition to independent status in late 2023, when The CW affiliation shifted to a subchannel of co-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV, KASW reoriented its programming toward a robust lineup of syndicated entertainment to attract a broad audience in the Phoenix market.[32] The station, now branded as The Spot – Arizona 61, emphasizes acquired national content, including longstanding staples such as the daytime court show Judge Mathis, which appeals to viewers seeking reality-based legal drama.[44] Classic TV reruns form a core of the schedule, with off-network sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends providing nostalgic filler in early morning and late-night slots, helping to maintain viewer retention during non-prime hours.[44] Daytime programming on KASW centers on a mix of court shows and talk formats, featuring Judge Mathis alongside similar offerings like Cutlers Court and Justice for the People with Judge Milian, which target working adults during midday breaks (as of November 2025).[44] Evenings transition to family-oriented entertainment, with slots dedicated to off-network sitcoms such as Last Man Standing and Two and a Half Men in early fringe time, followed by dramatic series like Chicago Fire and Suits in primetime.[44] This structure allows for occasional movies and variety blocks, enhancing the station's appeal as a go-to for lighthearted, accessible viewing without network commitments. The post-disaffiliation adjustments expanded KASW's entertainment variety, replacing CW primetime hours with a diversified grid of syndicated acquisitions to better compete in the fragmented Phoenix market, where independent stations often prioritize cost-effective, high-repeat-value content.[32] As part of the E.W. Scripps Company portfolio, KASW integrates the Scripps News national feed on select subchannels, providing 24/7 news coverage complementary to its entertainment focus, though the main channel prioritizes non-news programming.[45] Syndicated blocks, particularly court shows and sitcom reruns, draw strong viewership among adults aged 25-54 in the Phoenix area, contributing to the station's stable ratings in a competitive landscape dominated by network affiliates.[46]Technical information
Subchannels and multicast streams
Due to its role as an ATSC 3.0 lighthouse station, KASW's ATSC 1.0 subchannels are hosted on the facilities of partner stations in the Phoenix market to maintain over-the-air availability while its physical RF channel 27 is dedicated to NextGen TV transmissions. This arrangement complies with FCC guidelines for the ATSC 3.0 transition, ensuring each subchannel reaches at least 95% of KASW's original predicted population coverage.[47] The primary subchannel, 61.1, features independent programming branded as "The Spot – Arizona 61," which includes a mix of locally produced content, syndicated series, movies, and live sports events tailored to Arizona audiences. This channel serves as the station's flagship, emphasizing regional relevance since its rebranding as an independent outlet. It is hosted on sister station KNXV-TV (physical RF channel 15).[1] Subchannel 61.2 carries Grit, a multicast network dedicated to classic television programming, particularly Westerns, action series, and dramas from the mid-20th century, such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza, appealing to nostalgic viewers seeking rerun content. It is hosted on KPNX (physical RF channel 12).[2] On 61.3, KASW airs Ion Mystery, a 24/7 network providing true crime and mystery programming, including investigative reports, dramas, and reality series focused on criminal cases. This replaced Scripps News following its discontinuation of over-the-air broadcasts in November 2024. It is hosted on KTVK (physical RF channel 24).[2] Subchannel 61.4 is affiliated with the Home Shopping Network (HSN), offering live shopping programming, product demonstrations, and lifestyle content aimed at home viewers, including specials and infomercials to fill off-peak hours. It is hosted on KSAZ-TV (physical RF channel 10).[2]| Virtual Channel | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Programming Network | Content Focus | Host Station (RF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61.1 | 1080i | 16:9 | Independent ("The Spot – Arizona 61") | Local/syndicated entertainment and sports | KNXV-TV (15) |
| 61.2 | 480i | 4:3/16:9 | Grit | Classic TV reruns (Westerns/action) | KPNX (12) |
| 61.3 | 480i | 16:9 | Ion Mystery | True crime and mystery programming | KTVK (24) |
| 61.4 | 480i | 16:9 | HSN | Home shopping and lifestyle | KSAZ-TV (10) |