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KUSI-TV (channel 51) is an independent television station in San Diego, California, United States. It is owned by Nexstar Media Group alongside Fox affiliate KSWB-TV (channel 69). The two stations share studios on Viewridge Avenue (near I-15) in the Kearny Mesa section of San Diego; KUSI-TV's transmitter is located southeast of Spring Valley.

Key Information

After a 15-year dispute over permit ownership that almost derailed the launch of the station on multiple occasions, KUSI began broadcasting in 1982 as a partnership between United States International University and McKinnon Broadcasting Company. It was the first independent station built in San Diego proper. Financial and accreditation problems at USIU led to the sale of its stake to McKinnon in 1990, with McKinnon exercising veto power to block any sale to another entity. McKinnon then started KUSI's news department, which has since grown to produce newscasts throughout the day. In 2023, McKinnon sold KUSI to Nexstar. The station's transmitter broadcasts KUSI and KSWB-TV in ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) format.

History

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15 years of fighting

[edit]

The construction permit for a channel 51 television station in San Diego was first issued on June 23, 1965, to Jack O. Gross, who had previously founded KFMB-TV channel 8, as KJOG-TV.[2] The permit was issued after applications by Gross and California Western University of San Diego were filed the year before; Gross proposed a conventional independent station, while the private university planned a station with a "high educational and cultural content".[3] In October 1967, with the station still unbuilt, California Western filed to have the station transferred to it, stating that Gross was refusing to abide by an agreement reached that April to sell the station to CWU for $16,000 in expenses. However, a complication arose when Gross informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that he had reached another deal to sell the station to the Broadmoor Broadcasting Corporation, owned by Michael and Dan McKinnon alongside local radio stations KSON (1240 AM) and KSEA (97.3 FM) and television station KIII of Corpus Christi, Texas, for $15,000. Under that agreement, Broadmoor would honor a deal brokered with the university, which had also applied for the channel, to acquire 50 percent. The situation, in which Gross reached sale agreements with two different buyers, prompted the FCC to designate an application to extend the life of the construction permit for hearing in late 1968, by which time the university had changed its name to United States International University (USIU).[4]

FCC administrative law judge Basil P. Cooper in 1970 ruled that Gross had trafficked in the permit, by retaining an interest without the obligation to make further funds available,[4] but granted the time extension. However, the FCC's review board, later joined by the full commission, reversed the initial decision in 1972 and denied the application for more time to build the station.[5] A year later, however, the commission granted authority to extend the permit in order to consider the 1967 application to sell it to USIU, finding that Gross's actions did not merit immediate disqualification and would unfairly harm USIU.[6]

Broadmoor continued to challenge any authority by USIU to build KJOG-TV, and in 1975, the FCC designated the university's acquisition of the construction permit for hearing, this time over concerns about whether USIU was financially qualified to construct the station and whether financial issues at the university itself, spurred by a long-delayed and complicated land sale in the early 1970s and the collapse of one of the university's major lenders, weighed on its capacity.[7] A religious group, Christian Communications Network, intervened in the proceeding in a bid to seek the use of the channel; it provided Christian television programming on local cable.[8] On June 7, 1977, administrative law judge David I. Kraushaar ruled against the proposed transfer to USIU and its affiliate University Television, Inc., concerned over the financial issues and by cost estimates that were extremely low during a period of major inflation.[9]

Early years and sale to McKinnon

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In October 1980, administrative law judge James F. Tierney finally adjudicated the matter for good and granted the transfer application to University Television, dismissing Christian Communications's complaints as unfounded.[10] Even though the university was still showing signs of financial stress, two private financiers—USIU trustee Predrag Mitrovich and St. Louis businessman Allen Portnoy—stepped in to provide the necessary funding. A year later, USIU hired the McKinnons to provide financial and management support to USIU, with an option to buy a minority stake.[11][12] On September 13, 1982—more than 17 years after the permit was granted—the station finally began broadcasting as KUSI-TV.[11] It operated as a general entertainment independent station, airing a mix of children's programs, sitcoms, older movies, and sporting events. Beginning in 1985, the San Diego Padres moved their games to KUSI from KCST-TV channel 39 due to problems with network preemptions and to sell their own advertising.[13]

By the end of the decade, however, the university's financial condition had worsened again; further, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges was threatening to revoke its accreditation. USIU was anxious to sell the station and receive a much-needed cash infusion to pay down debt, but McKinnon's ownership of 26 percent of University Television gave him veto power over any proposed transaction, and he had made several offers to buy out USIU.[14] The dispute between the two parties escalated in December 1989, when Michael McKinnon sued the university for $7 million, alleging that the university was still using his leased equipment despite not renewing the lease.[15] USIU negotiated with ABRY Partners—owners of stations in Boston, Cincinnati and elsewhere—to potentially purchase channel 51, but McKinnon did not want to sell out, stalling any efforts.[16] An effort by McKinnon to purchase the university's shares failed in late January 1990, after the station filed for bankruptcy protection.[17] When the agreement to sell to McKinnon collapsed, USIU asked some of its highest-paid employees to delay picking up their paychecks.[17]

Just weeks later, however, McKinnon entered into a deal to purchase the remainder of KUSI for $26.2 million;[18] his offer was preferable to a higher-priced bid by ABRY because it would allow USIU access to money faster at a time when it needed cash to make payroll.[19] Immediately, McKinnon announced plans to add a 10 p.m. local newscast and use KUSI as a "test market" for new local and national programs.[19]

UPN affiliation, Fox push and return to independence

[edit]

McKinnon's ownership provided much-needed stability and revitalization to KUSI. The 10 p.m. newscast was followed by the introduction of a morning newscast in January 1994. By 1995, the station was worth an estimated $75 million. Taking inspiration from KTLA in Los Angeles, KUSI built up its news service and affiliated with UPN.[20] At the same time, KFMB-TV lured the Padres from KUSI under a new radio and television contract.[21]

In November 1995, in an attempt to take the Fox affiliation away from Tijuana-based XETV (channel 6), KUSI filed an appeal against the FCC's decision to grant Fox a permit that was necessary to provide XETV, a Mexican station, with live sports (including NFL games and other programming. This was the second time McKinnon had protested the Fox-XETV tie-up; he had made an earlier unsuccessful attempt to pull the Fox affiliation from XETV in April 1991.[22] The permit was granted to Fox on behalf of XETV, and the case was settled on March 26, 1996.[23][24]

KUSI dropped UPN when its affiliation agreement with the network expired on January 16, 1998, citing low ratings for the network's programming locally.[25][26] UPN programming remained available in the market on local cable providers via the network's Los Angeles affiliate, KCOP-TV, whose continued presence in the market also played a factor in KUSI dropping the UPN affiliation.[27] No over-the-air affiliate for UPN existed in the market until late 1999, when new station XHUPN-TV (now XHDTV-TDT) began broadcasting from Tecate, Baja California.[28]

In 1998, KUSI started to plan a new state-of-the-art streetside studio facility along with 194 apartments in downtown San Diego near the convention center.[29] However, in the fall of 2007, the site that was intended to house its new studio facilities was eventually sold to a development company for residential and mixed-use construction.[30] KUSI has continued to operate from its Kearny Mesa studios. After McKinnon Broadcasting sold its two Texas stations, KBMT in Beaumont and KIII in Corpus Christi, to the London Broadcasting Company in separate transactions in 2009 and 2010, KUSI became the company's only remaining television station property.[31][32]

Sandra Maas lawsuit

[edit]

In 2019, KUSI anchor Sandra Maas left the station and sued McKinnon for $10 million in an age and gender discrimination lawsuit. She alleged that she had begun seeking a raise in 2017 after learning that men with less seniority at the station made more money than her, and when she sought the same salary that her recently departed co-anchor, Allen Denton, was working—$70,000 more than her own—her contract was not renewed.[33] Documents in the case also contained the allegation that, in the wake of the dispute, KUSI refused to cover an equal pay dispute involving the United States women's national soccer team.[34] The case was then scheduled to go to trial in December 2022,[35] later pushed to February 2023.[36] At trial, a jury awarded Maas $1.5 million on her whistleblower claim and found KUSI to have violated California's Equal Pay Act, but it rejected the discrimination claims and the contention that the station had acted with malice; McKinnon Broadcasting's lawyer announced an intention to appeal the verdict.[37]

Sale to Nexstar Media Group

[edit]

On May 8, 2023, Nexstar Media Group announced its intent to purchase KUSI-TV for $35 million, pending FCC approval; this would create a duopoly with Fox affiliate KSWB-TV (channel 69). In a news release, Nexstar noted that it expected the transaction would "be accretive to Nexstar's operating results when The CW Network affiliation becomes available in the market". The current CW affiliate in San Diego is a subchannel of KFMB-TV.[38] The sale to Nexstar was completed on August 31.[39]

Local programming

[edit]

Newscasts

[edit]
A cameraman at a distance is filming a man interviewing a military officer in fatigues on a beach
Rod Luck reports from Naval Amphibious Base Coronado on KUSI's morning news in 2005.

After considering the possibility in 1984 when it advertised positions for a news director and anchors,[40] KUSI became active in the local television news race with the introduction of an hour-long 10 p.m. newscast on September 26, 1990; it launched without fanfare, deemed ready for air after days of rehearsals.[41] Originally anchored by veteran television anchors Roger Grimsby and George Reading,[42] it was the first television station in San Diego to begin producing local newscasts since XETV canceled an independently produced 10 p.m. newscast in 1980.[43] Grimsby resigned in 1991 after he felt the station's news format was becoming too typical.[44] On January 5, 1994, the station debuted a three-hour weekday morning newscast from 6 to 9 a.m. Originally anchored by Laura Buxton and Tom Blair (who was later replaced by Stan Miller), it gradually became a competitor to the national morning newscasts.[45] In 1995, McKinnon contemplated giving the station an extended prime time newscast, not unlike KCAL-TV in Los Angeles.[20]

Three people at a news desk with a "KUSI 9 News" logo positioned with a waterfront backdrop
A KUSI remote broadcast from the Port of San Diego in 2013

The station is known for its series of civic and consumer watchdog reports during its evening newscasts called The Turko Files, helmed by investigative reporter Michael Turko (who regularly utters the line "It Ain't Right" during the segments).[46] From 1994 to 2014, John Coleman, a longtime Chicago weatherman and co-founder of The Weather Channel, served as KUSI's chief meteorologist, appearing on its evening newscasts. During his tenure at the station, Coleman was known for his trademark drawn-out pronunciation of the station's call letters ("K-uuuuuuuuuuu-S-I") and providing his own lively presentation during the forecast segments. He also was criticized in his later years for his vocal stance as a denier of climate change, which had led to two TV specials on the topic and presentations across the United States.[47] Coleman retired from broadcasting in April 2014 after a 61-year career.[48][49]

In January 2000, KUSI expanded its news programming into early evenings with the debut of a half-hour newscast at 7 p.m.;[50] within a few months, however, the program was moved to 6:30 p.m. Subsequently, in July 2001, an additional half-hour newscast at 6 p.m. was launched,[51] followed by a half-hour of news at 11 p.m. in January 2005.[52] On April 1, 2010, beginning with the station's 6 p.m. newscast, KUSI became the fourth television station in the San Diego market to begin broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition.[53]

In filings for the Maas trial, McKinnon attorneys acknowledged that the station is "widely viewed in San Diego as a right-of-center news organization".[36] KUSI's newscast drew criticism in December 2019 for an interview with Congressman Duncan D. Hunter in which the only questions asked were those suggested by his staff.[54][55] In 2021, KUSI ceased airing content from local iHeartMedia radio stations on its morning show after a segment about "Famous Baby Daddies" was criticized as racist by the San Diego chapter of the NAACP, which noted that it overrepresented Black men and perpetuated stereotypes.[56]

Notable former on-air staff

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Sports programming

[edit]

From 1987 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2003, KUSI held the over-the-air television rights to San Diego Padres Major League Baseball games; during the second tenure, the station had only broadcast the team's Sunday games, which were produced by 4SD until becoming exclusive to the cable channel in 2004.[60] Since 2023, KUSI has aired The CW's coverage of LIV Golf instead of local CW affiliate KFMB-DT2.[61]

Technical information

[edit]

KUSI-TV's subchannels are broadcast by KSWB-TV in ATSC 1.0 format,[62] while KUSI-TV offers the subchannels of both stations in ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) format.[63] It transmits from San Miguel Mountain.[1]

Subchannels provided by KUSI-TV on the KSWB-TV multiplex (ATSC 1.0)[62]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
51.1 720p 16:9 KUSI HD Main KUSI-TV programming
51.2 480i Rewind Rewind TV
Subchannels of KUSI-TV (ATSC 3.0)[63]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
51.1 720p 16:9 KUSI Independent
69.1 KSWB Fox (KSWB-TV)

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

KUSI-TV shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 51, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 18, using virtual channel 51.[64][65]

Translator

[edit]

KUSI owns one dependent translator, K03JB-D in Temecula.[66] Originally K12PO, this station was out of service for several years due to repacking-related reasons. It went silent on March 15, 2019, as its former channel 12 was reassigned to KDOC-TV in the Los Angeles area. A filing for channel 15 was objected to by public safety users in the Los Angeles area, which use channel 15 frequencies for communications purposes; a series of legal hurdles and engineering challenges delayed the construction of a channel 3 facility.[67] The station was licensed for digital operation as K03JB-D effective August 15, 2023.[68]

ATSC 3.0 conversion

[edit]

On January 16, 2024, KUSI-TV switched to ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) broadcasting of KUSI and KSWB's main channels. The KSWB transmitter began broadcasting KUSI's lone subchannel; Rewind TV, which had been channel 69.5 prior to the switch, became 51.2.[69][70]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

KUSI-TV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

KUSI-TV is an independent commercial television station licensed to , , , serving as a primary source of , weather, and for the San Diego metropolitan area via UHF digital channel 51 ( 51).
Established in 1982 following a protracted dispute over construction permits dating back to 1965, the station was founded as San Diego's first independent TV outlet built within the , initially offering a mix of general programming including sitcoms, movies, and alongside its burgeoning operation.
Under long-term ownership by the locally based McKinnon Broadcasting Company, KUSI developed a reputation for robust, community-oriented emphasizing hyper-local stories, investigative segments like consumer advocacy under the "It Ain't Right" banner, and coverage skeptical of prevailing institutional narratives on topics such as climate policy and mandates—contrasting with the more uniform perspectives often seen in network-affiliated outlets.
In 2023, acquired KUSI for $35 million, integrating it with sister station ( affiliate) while preserving its independent status and studios in Kearny Mesa, thereby expanding Nexstar's footprint in the market.
A defining controversy involved a 2019 lawsuit by former anchor alleging gender-based pay disparities and age discrimination, culminating in a 2023 verdict awarding her over $1.5 million for equal pay violations, lost wages, and emotional distress, with additional legal fees pushing total payouts to approximately $4.6 million—a case highlighting tensions in media practices amid broader industry scrutiny of compensation equity.

History

Founding and permit disputes

The construction permit for UHF Channel 51 in San Diego was initially granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to Jack O. Gross Broadcasting Company on June 23, 1965, after an application submitted in July 1964. Gross, who had founded San Diego's pioneering VHF station KFMB-TV in 1949, did not commence construction within the required timeframe, resulting in the permit's lapse and triggering extended FCC proceedings, including competing applications and ownership challenges that spanned nearly two decades. These delays reflected broader difficulties in developing UHF stations in markets dominated by established VHF outlets, where economic viability and regulatory hurdles often stalled independent ventures. United States International University (USIU) ultimately obtained the permit following resolution of the protracted disputes in the late 1970s. In 1981, USIU partnered with Michael McKinnon, a broadcaster who supplied critical financing and operational management through his company, to construct and launch the station as an independent outlet. KUSI-TV signed on September 13, 1982, marking San Diego's first UHF station built within city limits and operated initially under a joint structure with USIU holding majority control. Ownership frictions emerged soon after launch, as USIU's financial strains—exacerbated by enrollment declines and operational deficits—clashed with McKinnon's push for greater . By 1989, USIU sought to divest its stake amid lawsuits from the minority shareholder, nearly jeopardizing station stability. The conflicts resolved in February 1990 when USIU sold its 74% interest to McKinnon for an undisclosed sum, allowing Channel 51 of , Inc.—McKinnon's entity—to assume full ownership.

Early operations under McKinnon Broadcasting

KUSI-TV launched broadcasting on September 13, 1982, as an serving the market with general entertainment programming, including syndicated shows and feature films. Under a between (USIU), which held a 74% stake, and McKinnon Broadcasting, possessing 26% ownership alongside substantial management influence through loans, equipment leases, and veto rights on key decisions, the station prioritized operational stability amid financial pressures from its academic partner. McKinnon Broadcasting provided critical and expertise from , enabling the station to navigate early challenges without immediate expansion into resource-intensive formats. Initial programming ambitions, such as developing a dedicated news department, were curtailed by USIU's , which deemed such ventures too costly for the nascent operation. Instead, KUSI focused on cost-effective content acquisition and local market positioning as San Diego's first purpose-built , avoiding network affiliations to offer flexible scheduling tailored to regional audiences. This approach emphasized syndicated fare and occasional elements, reflecting McKinnon's strategic emphasis on sustainable growth over aggressive content production in the station's formative phase. By the mid-1980s, KUSI had stabilized operations, leveraging McKinnon's agreements—which included annual fees exceeding $100,000—to maintain control despite minority equity. The station's programming remained entertainment-oriented, with no local newscasts until later consolidation, underscoring a deliberate restraint driven by dynamics and market realities rather than broader industry trends toward news-heavy independents. This period laid the groundwork for KUSI's reputation for community-oriented broadcasting, though verifiable expansions into or specials were limited by the era's constraints.

Affiliation experiments and independence reaffirmation

In April 1991, KUSI-TV petitioned the to compel to terminate its affiliation with Tijuana-based XETV-TV, arguing that KUSI could better serve the market as a domestic U.S. licensee. The effort failed, as the FCC upheld Fox's arrangement with XETV, which continued as the network's San Diego affiliate until 2008. KUSI affiliated with the (UPN) upon the network's launch in January 1995, becoming a affiliate and airing its programming alongside the station's existing mix of syndicated content and . This marked KUSI's first formal network affiliation, aimed at bolstering primetime viewership in a competitive market dominated by established Big Three affiliates. By late 1997, station management under McKinnon Broadcasting notified of intent not to renew the affiliation agreement, set to expire on January 16, 1998, unless the network offered more favorable financial terms and reverse compensation. Michael D. McKinnon cited persistently low local ratings for UPN's lineup, which failed to attract sufficient audience share despite national hits like . The station ultimately dropped the affiliation as scheduled, leaving without a local UPN outlet until XHUPN-TV signed on later in 1999. The decision to revert to full independent status reaffirmed KUSI's emphasis on locally oriented programming, including expanded news blocks and syndicated fare that better aligned with San Diego viewer preferences over underperforming network content. This shift allowed greater scheduling flexibility, contributing to the station's reputation for during the McKinnon , free from network-imposed primetime mandates.

Transition to Nexstar ownership

On May 8, 2023, announced its agreement to acquire the assets of KUSI-TV from McKinnon Broadcasting Company and Channel 51 of for $35 million in cash, plus customary working capital adjustments. The deal aimed to strengthen Nexstar's local news footprint in by integrating KUSI's operations with its existing affiliate (channel 69), forming a duopoly in the market. The transaction required (FCC) approval due to concerns over media concentration in the market, where Nexstar would control two of the major commercial stations. The FCC granted preliminary approval on August 3, 2023, following standard reviews, with no reported conditions or divestitures imposed. Nexstar anticipated a smooth regulatory path, citing KUSI's independent status and complementary programming to mitigate competition issues. The acquisition closed on , 2023, marking the end of McKinnon Broadcasting's 41-year ownership of the station, which had maintained it as an independent outlet since its 1982 launch. Immediately following the close, Nexstar appointed Brent Heath, previously VP of digital strategy for its San Diego cluster, as KUSI's vice president and general manager to oversee operations. No significant disruptions to KUSI's news, sports, or local programming were reported during the handover, with Nexstar emphasizing continuity in its commitment to hyper-local content.

Ownership and corporate structure

McKinnon Broadcasting era

McKinnon Broadcasting Company, a privately held firm based in , , owned KUSI-TV from the station's inception and launch in 1982 until divesting its assets in 2023. The company, led by Michael "Mike" McKinnon as president, , and majority owner, maintained a family-controlled structure with no public shareholder disclosures, emphasizing operational independence for its flagship property. Initially, McKinnon Broadcasting held a minority ownership stake in KUSI-TV alongside (USIU), providing technical support while USIU contributed to construction amid permit disputes resolved in the late 1970s. Financial challenges at USIU prompted McKinnon to acquire the university's interest in 1990, securing full control of the station and solidifying McKinnon Broadcasting's singular focus on media operations thereafter. Under McKinnon's leadership, the company operated KUSI-TV as an , prioritizing local content production without network affiliations, which allowed flexible programming decisions unbound by corporate syndication mandates. Mike McKinnon, drawing from prior broadcasting experience including roles with ABC affiliates, served dually as station , overseeing day-to-day management from studios in Kearny Mesa. This hands-on structure persisted through economic shifts in local TV, culminating in the 2023 asset sale to for $35 million amid rising operational costs and digital competition.

Acquisition by Nexstar Media Group

On May 8, 2023, , Inc. announced an agreement to purchase the assets of KUSI-TV (channel 51) in from McKinnon Broadcasting Company and Channel 51 of San Diego, Inc. for $35 million, subject to a customary adjustment. The transaction aimed to bolster Nexstar's local news operations in the market, where it already owned affiliate KSWB-TV (channel 39, known as Fox 5 ), potentially creating a duopoly that would allow for expanded programming and resource sharing between the stations. The deal required regulatory approval from the (FCC), which granted consent on August 7, 2023, following review of ownership concentration in the designated market area. Nexstar, the largest U.S. owner of local television stations by revenue, emphasized the acquisition's role in enhancing its "leading local news presence" amid competitive pressures from . KUSI-TV, an since its 1982 launch, had remained under family-controlled McKinnon ownership, known for its focus on local content rather than network affiliations. The acquisition closed on , 2023, marking Nexstar's entry into full control of KUSI's operations and facilities. Following the closure, Nexstar appointed Michael Heath, previously general manager of its stations in other markets, to oversee KUSI, signaling continuity in local management while integrating it into the company's broader portfolio of over 200 stations. The sale concluded 41 years of McKinnon stewardship, during which KUSI had built a reputation for independent news and sports coverage in .

Programming and content

News operations

KUSI-TV's news operations, branded as KUSI News, center on extensive local coverage of County, prioritizing community events, public safety, weather, and traffic updates. The department produces more than nine hours of live local news each weekday, encompassing morning shows from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., a midday newscast at noon, evening broadcasts at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m., alongside weekend programming totaling nearly 60 hours weekly. This hyper-local format relies on a staff of reporters, anchors, and production crews operating from studios in , with field units covering live events across the region. Established concurrently with the station's launch on June 1, 1982, as an independent outlet, the news team initially focused on building viewership through unaffiliated, community-oriented reporting, avoiding national network influences. Under McKinnon Broadcasting ownership until 2023, operations emphasized investigative pieces and in-depth local stories, fostering a reputation for independence that propelled KUSI to become San Diego's most-watched station by household ratings in key time slots. Following Nexstar Media Group's acquisition in August 2023 for $35 million, the news department integrated with sister station (Fox 5) for shared resources while retaining its standalone identity and production autonomy. Viewership metrics highlight operational strengths, including a 6.1 household rating for the 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscasts in 2014, surpassing combined network affiliates during intensive rainstorm coverage. The team has earned accolades, such as first-place awards from the Press Club in 2021 for categories including spot news and investigative reporting, underscoring quality in local . News operations continue to employ digital extensions via kusi.com and for real-time updates, adapting to multi-platform delivery without diluting broadcast focus.

Sports and entertainment programming

KUSI-TV's sports programming centers on local high school athletics, with the Prep Pigskin Report (PPR) delivering weekly previews, rankings, and analysis of San Diego-area football teams during the fall season, including a "Game of the Week" streamed live on the 5 KUSI Now app every night. The station extends coverage to other prep sports such as , , and , often featuring live streams of select matches via the app and on-air highlights. Professional sports receive attention through news segments on teams like the Padres, including game recaps and playoff updates, though full broadcasts are limited due to the station's independent status. A staple of KUSI's sports lineup is the All Sports Report, a 15-minute nightly segment airing at 10:45 p.m. immediately after the 10 p.m. news, offering scores, interviews, and commentary on regional events from high school to pro levels. This program underscores KUSI's emphasis on grassroots sports, with dedicated social media channels amplifying prep coverage year-round. In entertainment programming, KUSI airs syndicated fare typical of independent stations, including sitcom reruns such as in late-night slots and family-oriented shows like Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown during daytime hours. Local lifestyle segments, including Good Business San Diego and The LocalistSD, blend entertainment with community spotlights on businesses, events, and cultural features. Special events and movies occasionally fill , subject to shifts for sports overruns.

Public affairs and special features

KUSI-TV produces special reports that delve into local San Diego issues, emphasizing public safety, community challenges, and regional institutions. These features often involve on-the-ground investigations and interviews to inform viewers on matters affecting daily life, such as urban crime and enforcement efforts. For example, a 2022 special report examined prostitution's encroachment on residential neighborhoods, highlighting resident complaints about inadequate city responses. The station's specials also cover law enforcement operations and regulatory gaps, including a report on San Diego's Harbor Police Dive Team's underwater recovery missions and another on illegal dispensaries proliferating in Chula Vista despite local bans. In addition, KUSI has featured scientific and conservation topics, such as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's cryogenic preservation program and Scripps Research's HYBRiD method for protein analysis. Public affairs content includes community-focused segments and tributes, like a 2016 special remembering fallen San Diego Police Officer Jonathan "J.D." De Guzman and coverage of local heritage observances, such as reports. KUSI has historically aired dedicated public affairs programming, including the weekly half-hour San Diego People, which spotlights individuals and issues impacting the community. These specials align with KUSI's emphasis on localism, often highlighting partnerships with organizations like of for reports on social metrics and events such as inaugural galas. By prioritizing verifiable local stories over national narratives, the station fulfills aspects of public service broadcasting through in-depth, issue-specific features.

Editorial approach and market position

Commitment to localism and independence

KUSI-TV, launched on June 12, 1980, as San Diego's first purpose-built , prioritized local content from its inception under founder Michael McKinnon. McKinnon, who acquired full control by 1990 after initial partnerships, emphasized community-oriented programming to distinguish the station from network affiliates reliant on national feeds. This approach involved heavy investment in original productions, including extended blocks that exceeded typical outputs. The station's dedication to localism manifested in broadcasting over nine hours of local news daily on weekdays and nearly 60 hours weekly by the early 2020s, covering San Diego-specific events, issues, and personalities with minimal syndication. This focus earned KUSI recognition as one of the top three fully local independent stations nationwide during the McKinnon era, fostering viewer loyalty through hyper-local reporting on coastal communities, activities, and regional . Independence from major networks allowed scheduling flexibility, enabling prime-time slots for San Diego-centric shows like sports coverage and public affairs without obligatory national programming. Post-acquisition by in September 2023 for $35 million, KUSI retained its autonomous newsroom and local programming mandate, as assured to staff to preserve its distinct identity separate from Nexstar's FOX affiliate . McKinnon's philosophy, crediting "commitment to the local" for the station's 40-year legacy, continued to guide operations, prioritizing empirical community coverage over homogenized national narratives. This structure supported causal emphasis on verifiable regional impacts, such as waterfront developments and neighborhood initiatives, enhancing its role as a truth-oriented local voice.

Contrasts with network-affiliated competitors

Unlike network-affiliated stations in the market—such as (ABC affiliate, channel 10), KFMB (CBS affiliate, channel 8), and ( affiliate, channels 7 and 39)—which must adhere to affiliation contracts requiring the carriage of national network primetime programming, KUSI-TV operates without such obligations, enabling greater scheduling flexibility and a heavier emphasis on syndicated fare, classic films, and extended local productions. This structural independence allows KUSI to air nearly 60 hours of local programming weekly, including over nine hours of news each weekday, exceeding the local content allotments typical for affiliates constrained by network feeds that dominate evenings and mornings. In news delivery, KUSI positions itself as "San Diego's More Local News Station," prioritizing hyper-local investigations, community events, and consumer advocacy segments like "It Ain't Right," which expose deceptive local business practices through empirical reporting and viewer-submitted evidence—contrasting with affiliates' blends of national network stories, shorter local blocks, and standardized formats influenced by corporate syndication deals. Affiliates, by contrast, often allocate 22-30 hours weekly to news but integrate network-supplied footage and national correspondents, diluting pure local focus amid requirements to simulcast events like political conventions or sports. KUSI's editorial autonomy further distinguishes it, fostering a newsroom less tethered to national network directives that can impose uniform framing on issues like or ; instead, it has drawn recognition for straightforward, community-centric coverage rooted in on-the-ground sourcing. Media analysts have noted KUSI's slightly conservative tilt in story selection and commentary, diverging from the more centrist-to-left-leaning tendencies observed in many Big Three affiliates, where advertiser pressures and network alignment may favor broader appeal over contrarian local scrutiny. This , preserved even post-2023 Nexstar acquisition, underscores KUSI's role as a rare non-affiliate challenger in a market dominated by nine network-linked outlets, including Spanish-language and stations.

Viewer reception and ratings performance

KUSI-TV has developed a dedicated viewer base through its emphasis on upbeat, locally oriented news programming, with commissioned research indicating that more San Diego residents regularly tune in to its newscasts than those of competitors, primarily attributing this to the station's positive on-air attitude and as a leader and problem solver. This perception aligns with descriptions of KUSI as one of the nation's most-watched independent stations, as noted in a 2017 agreement for local TV measurement services. In terms of measurable audience metrics, a 2023 Nielsen Scarborough report recorded KUSI reaching 259,172 adults over a seven-day period, positioning it below network-affiliated competitors such as ABC affiliate (798,529 adults), affiliate KFMB (792,253 adults), affiliate (770,723 adults), and affiliate KSWB (714,840 adults). These figures reflect total unduplicated reach rather than average ratings or household shares, where KUSI's independent status and focus on extended content—62.5 hours weekly—may contribute to niche loyalty amid broader market fragmentation. Following Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of KUSI in September 2023, operational integrations with sister station KSWB led to programming adjustments and staff reductions, which some observers linked to shifts in viewer perceptions, though specific post-acquisition ratings data remains limited in public reporting. The station's right-center editorial stance has drawn praise from audiences valuing independence but criticism from others for perceived bias, underscoring polarized reception in a competitive market dominated by affiliates.

Sandra Maas equal pay and discrimination lawsuit

In June 2019, , a longtime news anchor at KUSI-TV who had worked there since , filed a civil in against McKinnon Broadcasting Company, the station's owner at the time. The complaint alleged violations of California's Equal Pay Act, as well as gender discrimination, age discrimination (Maas was 57 at filing), and retaliation for raising pay disparity concerns; Maas sought up to $10 million in damages, claiming she earned about $80,000 less per year than male co-anchor Michael Tucker for substantially similar work on the evening newscast. She was terminated in July 2018 after inquiring about the pay gap and receiving positive performance reviews prior. The case reached trial in February 2023 after pretrial motions, including KUSI's unsuccessful attempts to dismiss or limit claims. Following a four-week proceeding with testimony from Maas, station executives, and colleagues—where Maas described stalled raises despite strong feedback and KUSI defended pay based on experience and revenue generation—the jury deliberated less than two days. On March 9, 2023, the jury found in Maas's favor on the equal pay violation and retaliation claims (by 10-2 votes) but rejected age and gender discrimination as causes for her firing; it awarded $200,000 for the pay violation (doubled to $400,000 under state law), $1.295 million for past and future lost wages, and $80,000 for emotional distress, totaling $1.775 million. McKinnon Broadcasting stated it would , arguing the verdict contradicted evidence of Maas's pay reflecting seniority and market factors rather than . In August 2023, the court granted Maas's motion for attorney fees, ordering KUSI to pay $2.38 million to her legal team under fee-shifting provisions for prevailing on equal pay and retaliation. Appeals delayed enforcement until May 2024, when Maas received the $1.775 million judgment and her attorneys the fees, totaling $4.6 million paid out from the case. No further appeals or settlements have been publicly resolved as of that date.

Regulatory and operational disputes

In the years preceding its on-air debut, KUSI-TV encountered protracted regulatory challenges over its construction permit for UHF channel 51, initially awarded in the mid-1960s but contested through ownership disputes and FCC hearings that extended delays for over 15 years until broadcasting commenced on September 13, 1982. In April 1991, KUSI-TV petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require Fox Broadcasting Company to sever its programming agreement with XETV, a Tijuana, Mexico-licensed station operating as the market's Fox affiliate under FCC Section 325 special authority, contending that the arrangement circumvented U.S. broadcast regulations and disadvantaged domestic stations like KUSI. Similar efforts persisted into November 1995, when KUSI appealed an FCC renewal of XETV's Section 325 authorization, aiming to redirect the Fox affiliation to a U.S.-based outlet. During coverage of the October 2003 wildfires, which devastated the region, the FCC determined that KUSI-TV willfully violated Section 713 of the and 47 C.F.R. § 79.2(b)(1)(i) by delaying or omitting visual representations of aural details—such as evacuation orders and road closures—in at least 22 instances, thereby hindering for hearing-impaired viewers. The Enforcement Bureau proposed a $25,000 forfeiture in February 2005, which KUSI contested, citing understaffing amid the crisis (with personnel attending to personal properties), partial captioning of 80-90% of three days' coverage, and the absence of mandatory full until 2006. The FCC upheld the penalty on September 17, 2008, rejecting claims of journalistic discretion in verifying information before visual display and affirming the rule's applicability to live broadcasts despite extenuating circumstances. This marked one of the FCC's initial enforcement actions under the accessibility provisions, with station owner Michael McKinnon publicly denouncing the agency as "fine-crazy."

Technical specifications

Broadcast facilities and signal coverage

KUSI-TV maintains its broadcast studios and offices at 4575 Viewridge Avenue in the Kearny Mesa section of , , a facility shared with following Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of both properties. The studios house news production, programming operations, and administrative functions for the independent station's local content output. The station's transmitter is situated on San Miguel Mountain, southeast of Spring Valley, at coordinates 32°41′50″N 116°56′00″W, elevating the antenna to approximately 1,890 feet (576 meters) above average terrain. KUSI-TV transmits its primary digital signal on UHF channel 18 (virtual channel 9) with a directional antenna and an effective radiated power (ERP) of 355 kW horizontally, enabling over-the-air reception across the San Diego Designated Market Area (DMA). Signal coverage encompasses County and extends into portions of southwestern Riverside County, northern (including ), and adjacent areas, with a predicted noise-limited contour spanning roughly 13,951 square miles and reaching an estimated of 3.57 million households. The station operates without repeater translators, relying on its primary tower for full-power broadcast distribution, though cable and satellite carriage broadens accessibility beyond the core OTA footprint. Viewers in fringe areas may require enhanced antennas for reliable reception due to UHF characteristics and variations.

Digital transition and advancements

KUSI-TV completed its transition from analog to digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009, as part of the nationwide full-power television digital transition mandated by the U.S. Congress. The station's analog signal on UHF channel 51 was discontinued, with digital operations commencing on physical RF channel 18 while mapping to virtual channel 51.1 for continuity in channel numbering. Post-transition, KUSI reverted its virtual channel mapping to 51.1 in July 2009 to align with viewer expectations. Following the initial switch, KUSI advanced its digital capabilities by enhancing high-definition () production infrastructure. In April 2016, the station upgraded its news production with Z-HD5000 cameras, enabling 60 hours of weekly live HD newscasts and improving overall broadcast quality for viewers. This supported the station's independent format, emphasizing local content in HD without reliance on network feeds. In January 2024, KUSI implemented (NextGen TV) broadcasting in partnership with sister station , launching on January 16 via host channel 18. This upgrade provides enhanced signal robustness, potential for higher resolutions including 4K, and interactive features, requiring over-the-air viewers to rescan antennas for continued reception. Complementing over-the-air digital advancements, KUSI expanded into online streaming, offering live newscasts and a 24/7 channel via the FOX 5 KUSI Now app, available on platforms including , Apple TV, Fire TV, and since its integration post-Nexstar acquisition in September 2023. This enables multi-device access to local programming, broadening reach beyond traditional broadcast.

Translator stations and ATSC implementations

KUSI-TV operates one digital translator station, K03JB-D, broadcasting on VHF low-band channel 3 from , to extend its primary signal into portions of southwestern Riverside County where the main transmitter's coverage is marginal due to obstructions. This low-power facility, licensed to Channel 51 of , Inc., rebroadcasts KUSI's ATSC 1.0 originating from the parent station's UHF channel 18, providing 51.1 programming without local insertions. The translator's implementation adheres to ATSC 1.0 standards, delivering standard-definition and high-definition content at effective radiated powers compliant with FCC low-power television regulations, typically under 15 kW depending on antenna height and pattern. No capability is reported for K03JB-D, as low-power translators generally lack the infrastructure for NextGen TV deployment, which requires advanced modulation and higher bandwidth not suited to VHF low-band operations or limited-power setups. On the main transmission side, KUSI-TV's primary facility on transitioned to full-power digital operations post-2009 DTV cutoff, utilizing ATSC 1.0 on RF channel 18 for 51.1, with a maximum of 200 kW and to optimize coverage over County and adjacent areas. In January 2024, KUSI partnered with sister station (Fox affiliate, virtual 69) to launch (NextGen TV) broadcasting on the shared RF channel 18 from KUSI's transmitter site, marking the first such implementation in the San Diego market. This rollout enables advanced features including higher-resolution video up to 4K, (HDR) imaging, immersive audio via , and IP-based data services for interactivity and targeted advertising, while ensuring by hosting KSWB's ATSC 1.0 signal on KUSI's 3.0 host and vice versa under FCC marketplace arrangements. Viewers require ATSC 3.0-compatible tuners or gateways for new features, with over-the-air ATSC 1.0 reception preserved via the partnership's signal hosting. As of October 2025, the station continues to operate this dual-standard setup without reported expansions to additional translators or standalone ATSC 3.0 low-power facilities.

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