What might the future hold for KBCB TV?

[fordranger797]

It's been a while since anyone has discussed KBCB-TV in Bellingham. Of course, we went through that period of time where Fox network programming on KBCB wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility. As we have witnessed, Fox O&O was able to pick up KCPQ instead, putting an end to any further discussion about a major network shakeup. Right now KBCB television carries a wide assortment of programming, from religious televangelism on their main channel, to shopping networks on their digital sub channels. For an over-the-air signal that serves a small market, none of this is surprising. In fact, much of the programming that has been on KBCB has been brokered placeholder content. However, when you consider that KBCB still offers a prime channel location on cable systems in the Seattle metropolitan area, I cannot help but wonder if there could be a network that would see value in this prime cable channel.

There are of course a few important things to consider. First and foremost, we are still living through the COVID economy where broadcasters don't have the capability to shell out millions of dollars. Who really has the money right now to sink into this type of investment? Secondly, I'm hard pressed to think of another network off the top of my head that would like to get a footprint in Seattle. With that being said, I would guess that KBCB would still be one of the better "bang for your buck" deals out there in the television landscape. Fox was going to pick it up for a fraction of what they paid for the Nextar properties, with the only drawback being limited over-the-air coverage. In short, the Fox deal didn't work out, but I wonder if someone else might want to follow their example.

 

[Kelly A]

Without the ability to sell advertising North of the border, that station is essentially nothing more than a translator. There was an opportunity to move-it toward Seattle years ago, but that time has long passed. They're lucky to have a cable presence in Seattle. That's the real value.

 

[fordranger797]

Without the ability to sell advertising North of the border, that station is essentially nothing more than a translator. There was an opportunity to move-it toward Seattle years ago, but that time has long passed. They're lucky to have a cable presence in Seattle. That's the real value.

Well said, Kelly. Obviously the KBCB broadcast site holds little to no value. With CRTC regulations, it is at best a translator for Bellingham, Mount Vernon, and perhaps Everett. If we add in the prime cable position, the value does improve. While I am at a loss to think of a network that would be in the market for a property like KBCB, I still think it would be one of the better deals out there for a media company looking to break into a major market. MeTV/H&I did exactly that with KVOS (and later KFFV), and it seems to have worked out fairly well for them. Granted, KFFV is actually in Seattle, but i'm sure that most viewers watch them on cable channel 15.

 

[Kelly A]

While I am at a loss to think of a network that would be in the market for a property like KBCB, I still think it would be one of the better deals out there for a media company looking to break into a major market. MeTV/H&I did exactly that with KVOS (and later KFFV), and it seems to have worked out fairly well for them. Granted, KFFV is actually in Seattle, but i'm sure that most viewers watch them on cable channel 15.

A religious network comes to mind. They get OTA coverage across the border, which the CRTC can't prevent those fine Jesus-loving Canadian donors from sending in their $5.00 a week. Plus they get to ride the must-carry cable train into the Seattle-Tacoma market.

 

[RhettW]

A religious network comes to mind. They get OTA coverage across the border, which the CRTC can't prevent those fine Jesus-loving Canadian donors from sending in their $5.00 a week. Plus they get to ride the must-carry cable train into the Seattle-Tacoma market.

How realistic would it be for a Canadian broadcaster - Rogers or Bell Media - to get CRTC/FCC approval to buy them and put their programming on the station (CityTV for Rogers/CTV for Bell)?

 

[Kelly A]

How realistic would it be for a Canadian broadcaster - Rogers or Bell Media - to get CRTC/FCC approval to buy them and put their programming on the station (CityTV for Rogers/CTV for Bell)?

Zero. There are treaties between the US and Canada that would prevent that sort of thing.

Now, could a US-based licensee have a Canadian organization pay money to buy block programming? Possibly, provided the US owner didn't solicit the Canadian company or agency for the business. Based on what we went through with KVOS, I doubt the approval would make it through their Parliament.

 

[RhettW]

Zero. There are treaties between the US and Canada that would prevent that sort of thing.

Now, could a US-based licensee have a Canadian organization pay money to buy block programming? Possibly, provided the US owner didn't solicit the Canadian company or agency for the business. Based on what we went through with KVOS, I doubt the approval would make it through their Parliament.

Interesting. So right there that limits the potential buyers for the station to essentially the religious folks.

 

[fordranger797]

Coincidentally, KBCB television is currently running a feed from Sonlife (the ministries of Jimmy Swaggart) on their main channel. Comcast cable in the Seattle Metropolitan Area also runs the same exact feed from Sonlife on cable channel 81. I'm not entirely sure if that feed comes from a different terrestrial broadcast channel in Seattle, but either way you can get the same programming on cable channels 14 or 81. Considering that there would be no point for Sonlife to run their programming on KBCB just to gain access to the Seattle cable market, I can only assume that they receive enough donations from terrestrial viewers to justify the cost of their lease.

 

[Kelly A]

Considering that there would be no point for Sonlife to run their programming on KBCB just to gain access to the Seattle cable market, I can only assume that they receive enough donations from terrestrial viewers to justify the cost of their lease.

Religious broadcasters don't see it that way. They're all about reach. If you can get a cable surfing grandma to stop on Channel 14, or catch her down the line at Channel 81, you've got a 50% greater chance of her watching. This is particularly true if you can split your channels on a lower and higher number.

 

[formeraa]

And, of course, they are hoping that one-in-five grandma's send in just $20 per month to become a "partner".

 

[swhyde1980]

Bates Technical College could buy the station and discontinue the lower power translator station for KBTC...

 

[Kelly A]

Bates Technical College could buy the station and discontinue the lower power translator station for KBTC...

Since Bates has pretty well gotten out of the radio and TV business, why do you think they would spend millions of dollars to buy a TV station?

 

[valvashon]

KBCB's coverage isn't dramatically better than the translator, even with the extra 190 or so Kw ERP. Yes, it makes a certain amount of sense to own your license rather than renting it but the upfront cost is probably prohibitive.

 

[valvashon]

What's next is being sold to Radiant Life Ministries for $5,700,00 in cash and $2,000,000 "donation" from World Television of Washington. Radiant Life Ministries is also simultaneously closing on K18NJ-D (Bellingham) (formerly K24IC-D) from Venture Technologies which is/was carrying KBTC. Not sure why RLM needs a "full power" Bellingham station and a translator, both located on Orcas Island. Part of the contract calls for documented proof that some third party programming providers have been served notice of termination. Wonder who goes and who stays?
Anybody up north? What's on channel 18 today?

 

[Kelly A]

See my explanation above. Unlike a commercially-funded station, there is nothing preventing them from appealing to potential donors North of the border. They also get a Seattle must-carry on cable.