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KIAH Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: History of KIAH Television Station

Cheat Sheet:
History of KIAH Television Station Study Guide

Founding and Early Operations (1967-1995)

The television station, initially known as KHTV, commenced broadcasting operations in 1967. The call sign KHTV was originally intended to signify 'Houston Television.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The station commenced its broadcasting operations on January 6, 1967, under the initial call sign KHTV, which was established to represent 'Houston Television.'

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Prior to the debut of KHTV on channel 39, the broadcast frequency allocation was previously utilized by KNUZ-TV, affiliated with the DuMont Television Network.

Answer: False

Explanation: The allocation was previously used by KNUZ-TV, which operated from October 1953 to June 1954 and was affiliated with the DuMont Television Network, predating KHTV's launch.

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KHTV's original ownership resided with the WKY Television System, a subsidiary entity of the Oklahoma Publishing Company.

Answer: True

Explanation: KHTV's original ownership resided with the WKY Television System, a subsidiary entity of the Oklahoma Publishing Company, renowned for its publication of The Daily Oklahoman newspaper based in Oklahoma City.

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As Houston's inaugural general entertainment independent station, KHTV presented a varied programming schedule that encompassed children's programming, syndicated series, feature films, religious broadcasts, and select sporting events.

Answer: False

Explanation: While KHTV was Houston's first general entertainment independent station, its programming was diverse, including children's shows, syndicated programs, movies, religious programs, and sporting events, not exclusively children's programming and movies.

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A prominent locally produced program featured on KHTV was 'Houston Wrestling,' expertly hosted by promoter Paul Boesch, which was regularly scheduled for Saturday evening broadcasts.

Answer: True

Explanation: A prominent locally produced program featured on KHTV was 'Houston Wrestling,' expertly hosted by promoter Paul Boesch, which was regularly scheduled for Saturday evening broadcasts.

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KHTV was distributed to cable television providers as a regional superstation, facilitating its carriage on systems extending as far east as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, thereby expanding its broadcast reach beyond the immediate Houston metropolitan area.

Answer: False

Explanation: KHTV was distributed as a regional superstation, but its reach extended as far east as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, indicating a broader reach than just the immediate Houston metropolitan area.

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When KIAH commenced broadcasting operations in 1967, what was its original call sign?

Answer: KHTV

Explanation: KIAH commenced its broadcasting operations on January 6, 1967, under the initial call sign KHTV.

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Upon its initial launch, who held ownership of KHTV?

Answer: WKY Television System

Explanation: KHTV's original ownership resided with the WKY Television System, a subsidiary entity of the Oklahoma Publishing Company.

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Identify a notable program that was locally produced and aired on KHTV during its tenure as an independent station.

Answer: Houston Wrestling

Explanation: A prominent locally produced program featured on KHTV was 'Houston Wrestling,' expertly hosted by promoter Paul Boesch.

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To what geographical extent eastward did KHTV's regional superstation signal reach via cable systems?

Answer: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Explanation: KHTV was distributed as a regional superstation, facilitating its carriage on systems extending as far east as Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Network Affiliation Transitions (1995-Present)

The establishment of The WB Television Network, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Television and Tribune Company in November 1993, paved the way for KHTV to become a charter affiliate.

Answer: False

Explanation: While The WB was formed in 1993, KHTV did not become a charter affiliate until September 1995, after complex negotiations and ownership changes.

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For a duration of six months following The WB's network launch in January 1995, Houston stood as the sole top-10 television market within the United States lacking a WB charter affiliate. This delay was attributed to complexities surrounding ownership transitions.

Answer: True

Explanation: For a duration of six months following The WB's network launch in January 1995, Houston stood as the sole top-10 television market within the United States lacking a WB charter affiliate. This delay was attributed to complexities surrounding ownership transitions.

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On September 18, 1995, KHTV officially became affiliated with The WB network and concurrently altered its call sign to KHWB, adopting the on-air branding 'Houston's WB39.'

Answer: True

Explanation: On September 18, 1995, KHTV officially became affiliated with The WB network and concurrently altered its call sign to KHWB, adopting the on-air branding 'Houston's WB39.'

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Given that The WB initially broadcast prime time programming on a limited schedule, KHWB consistently filled the unoccupied evening time slots with feature films and select first-run syndicated programs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Given that The WB initially broadcast prime time programming on a limited schedule, KHWB consistently filled the unoccupied evening time slots with feature films and select first-run syndicated programs.

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CBS Corporation and Time Warner jointly announced the formation of The CW network, a new venture integrating programming from both The WB and UPN. Sixteen television stations owned by Tribune Broadcasting, including KIAH, were designated as charter affiliates of The CW.

Answer: True

Explanation: CBS Corporation and Time Warner jointly announced the formation of The CW network, a new venture integrating programming from both The WB and UPN. Sixteen television stations owned by Tribune Broadcasting, including KIAH, were designated as charter affiliates of The CW.

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KIAH operated as an independent station for a significant portion of its history before affiliating with The WB, and subsequently The CW.

Answer: False

Explanation: KIAH operated as an independent station before affiliating with The WB, and later The CW. Its history includes affiliations beyond just independence and The CW.

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What is the primary network affiliation of KIAH in the Houston, Texas market?

Answer: The CW

Explanation: KIAH, a television station based in Houston, Texas, currently serves as the local affiliate for The CW television network.

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In September 1995, KHTV officially transitioned its network affiliation to which entity?

Answer: The WB

Explanation: On September 18, 1995, KHTV officially became affiliated with The WB network.

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For a period of six months following the inception of The WB network, what unique status did the Houston television market hold within the United States?

Answer: It was the only top-10 market without a WB charter affiliate.

Explanation: For a duration of six months following The WB's network launch in January 1995, Houston stood as the sole top-10 television market within the United States lacking a WB charter affiliate.

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Prior to its affiliation with The WB in 1995, which of the following broadcast categories accurately describes KIAH's status?

Answer: Independent Station

Explanation: Prior to its affiliation with The WB network in September 1995, KIAH, then operating under the call sign KHTV, functioned as an independent television station from its inception in 1967.

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Ownership and Corporate History

Gaylord Broadcasting, which emerged as the successor to the WKY Television System, initially concentrated its acquisition strategy on radio properties prior to expanding its portfolio into television broadcasting.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gaylord Broadcasting, the successor to WKY Television System, was named after the family that owned Oklahoma Publishing and was involved in both radio and television acquisitions.

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Sinclair Broadcast Group initiated an agreement to acquire Tribune Media on May 8, 2017. The proposed transaction was valued at $3.9 billion, exclusive of the assumption of approximately $2.7 billion in Tribune's existing debt.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sinclair Broadcast Group initiated an agreement to acquire Tribune Media on May 8, 2017. The proposed transaction was valued at $3.9 billion, exclusive of the assumption of approximately $2.7 billion in Tribune's existing debt.

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The proposed acquisition encountered substantial regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning Sinclair's applications for the divestiture of certain conflict properties. This scrutiny culminated in the FCC designating the transaction for an evidentiary hearing, which subsequently led Tribune to terminate the agreement and pursue legal action against Sinclair for breach of contract.

Answer: True

Explanation: The proposed acquisition encountered substantial regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning Sinclair's applications for the divestiture of certain conflict properties. This scrutiny culminated in the FCC designating the transaction for an evidentiary hearing, which subsequently led Tribune to terminate the agreement and pursue legal action against Sinclair for breach of contract.

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Nexstar Media Group formally announced its intention to purchase Tribune Media on December 3, 2018. The transaction, valued at $6.4 billion in cash and assumed debt, was successfully concluded on September 19, 2019.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nexstar Media Group formally announced its intention to purchase Tribune Media on December 3, 2018. The transaction, valued at $6.4 billion in cash and assumed debt, was successfully concluded on September 19, 2019.

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The proposed acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast Group was ultimately unsuccessful primarily due to which factor?

Answer: FCC scrutiny regarding Sinclair's proposed divestitures.

Explanation: The proposed acquisition encountered substantial regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning Sinclair's applications for the divestiture of certain conflict properties.

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In what year was the transaction completed through which Nexstar Media Group acquired Tribune Media?

Answer: 2019

Explanation: Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of Tribune Media was successfully concluded on September 19, 2019.

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What was the approximate financial valuation of the transaction through which Nexstar Media Group acquired Tribune Media?

Answer: $6.4 billion

Explanation: Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of Tribune Media was valued at $6.4 billion in cash and assumed debt.

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News Department Evolution

Upon its initial launch as an independent station, KIAH provided hourly news updates disseminated during commercial breaks between scheduled programming.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon its initial launch as an independent station, KIAH provided hourly news updates disseminated during commercial breaks between scheduled programming.

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KIAH inaugurated its inaugural news department in August 1990, commencing the production of half-hour newscasts aired at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Answer: False

Explanation: KIAH established its first news department in August 1990, producing half-hour newscasts at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., not in 1992.

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The station's initial news department, established in 1990, was subsequently discontinued in May 1992, primarily due to the insufficient viewership and lack of success experienced by its 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscasts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The station's initial news department, established in 1990, was discontinued in May 1992 due to the lack of success of its 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts, not because of their success.

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Tribune Broadcasting mandated that its affiliated WB stations, KIAH among them, establish news departments by 1999 if they had not already done so.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tribune Broadcasting mandated that its affiliated WB stations, KIAH among them, establish news departments by 1999 if they had not already done so.

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In the year 2000, KIAH introduced a half-hour newscast at 9:00 p.m., designed to contend with KRIV's established newscast occupying that particular time slot.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2000, KIAH launched a half-hour 9 p.m. newscast to compete with KRIV's established newscast in that timeslot, not KTRK-TV's.

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Meteorologist Keith Monahan garnered a Lone Star Emmy award in 2006 and received a subsequent nomination in 2007 for 'Best Weathercast in Texas,' alongside other accolades for his professional contributions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Meteorologist Keith Monahan garnered a Lone Star Emmy award in 2006 and received a subsequent nomination in 2007 for 'Best Weathercast in Texas,' alongside other accolades for his professional contributions.

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The station extended its late evening newscast to a full hour in duration, commencing on June 30, 2008.

Answer: False

Explanation: The station expanded its late evening newscast to one hour on June 30, 2008, not in May 2010.

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The strategic initiatives planned for KIAH in 2010 included the introduction of a weekday morning newscast, the deployment of a new studio set, and the technological upgrade of its news broadcasts to high definition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The strategic plans for KIAH in 2010 included the launch of a morning newscast, an upgrade to high-definition broadcasting, and the introduction of a new studio set.

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KIAH was, in fact, the last English-language network station in the Houston market to adopt high-definition broadcasting for its newscasts.

Answer: False

Explanation: KIAH was the last English-language network station in the Houston market to adopt high-definition broadcasting for its newscasts, not the first.

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KIAH served as the pilot station for 'NewsFix,' an innovative news format developed by Tribune Broadcasting. This format was characterized as 'a newsreel updated for the 21st century,' notably de-emphasizing the roles of traditional anchors and reporters.

Answer: True

Explanation: KIAH served as the pilot station for 'NewsFix,' an innovative news format developed by Tribune Broadcasting. This format was characterized as 'a newsreel updated for the 21st century,' notably de-emphasizing the roles of traditional anchors and reporters.

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Following KIAH's pioneering implementation, the 'NewsFix' format was subsequently adopted by its Dallas sister station, KDAF, in 2014, and by WSFL-TV in Miami in September 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following KIAH's pioneering implementation, the 'NewsFix' format was subsequently adopted by its Dallas sister station, KDAF, in 2014, and by WSFL-TV in Miami in September 2015.

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'Eye Opener' represented a hybrid morning program, integrating local and national content. It featured segments on news, lifestyle, entertainment, and opinion, interspersed with local news, weather, and traffic updates, all presented by a single anchor.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Eye Opener' represented a hybrid morning program, integrating local and national content. It featured segments on news, lifestyle, entertainment, and opinion, interspersed with local news, weather, and traffic updates, all presented by a single anchor.

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The programs 'NewsFix' and 'Morning Dose' were discontinued effective September 14, 2018. Subsequently, KIAH commenced the production of a local three-hour morning newscast, christened 'Houston Morning Dose,' which premiered on October 22, 2018.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'NewsFix' and 'Morning Dose' were discontinued effective September 14, 2018. Subsequently, KIAH commenced the production of a local three-hour morning newscast, christened 'Houston Morning Dose,' which premiered on October 22, 2018.

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A 9:00 p.m. newscast was reinstated on KIAH on May 11, 2020, under the title 'ABC 13 Eyewitness News at 9 p.m. on CW 39.' This production leverages the news personnel and facilities of KTRK-TV, an ABC-owned station.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 9:00 p.m. newscast was reinstated on KIAH on May 11, 2020, under the title 'ABC 13 Eyewitness News at 9 p.m. on CW 39.' This production leverages the news personnel and facilities of KTRK-TV, an ABC-owned station.

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As of August 20, 2020, KIAH rebranded its morning newscast as 'No Wait Weather + Traffic.' A subsequent return to a traditional morning newscast format, titled 'H-Town Morning News,' is slated for August 18, 2025.

Answer: False

Explanation: KIAH rebranded its morning newscast as 'No Wait Weather + Traffic' on August 20, 2020. A future title, 'H-Town Morning News,' is planned for August 18, 2025.

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In what year did KIAH establish its inaugural dedicated news department?

Answer: 1990

Explanation: KIAH inaugurated its inaugural news department in August 1990.

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What was the primary reason for the cessation of KIAH's initial news department, established in 1990, in May 1992?

Answer: The newscasts failed to achieve success in viewership.

Explanation: The news department was subsequently discontinued in May 1992, primarily due to the insufficient viewership and lack of success experienced by its 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscasts.

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In 1999, what specific mandate did Tribune Broadcasting issue to its WB affiliates, including KIAH?

Answer: They must establish news departments if they didn't already have one.

Explanation: Tribune Broadcasting mandated that its affiliated WB stations, KIAH among them, establish news departments by 1999 if they had not already done so.

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On May 10, 2010, KIAH commenced broadcasting its newscasts in high definition (HD), marking it as the ______ English-language network station in Houston to adopt this technology.

Answer: last

Explanation: KIAH was the last English-language network station in the Houston market to adopt high-definition broadcasting for its newscasts, commencing on May 10, 2010.

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Describe the 'NewsFix' format, which KIAH piloted in March 2011.

Answer: A newsreel format updated for the 21st century, de-emphasizing anchors.

Explanation: KIAH served as the pilot station for 'NewsFix,' an innovative news format developed by Tribune Broadcasting, characterized as 'a newsreel updated for the 21st century,' notably de-emphasizing the roles of traditional anchors and reporters.

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Identify another Tribune-owned station that subsequently adopted the 'NewsFix' format pioneered by KIAH.

Answer: KDAF (Dallas)

Explanation: Following KIAH's pioneering implementation, the 'NewsFix' format was subsequently adopted by its Dallas sister station, KDAF, in 2014.

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What was the disposition of KIAH's 'NewsFix' and 'Morning Dose' programs in September 2018?

Answer: They were canceled and replaced by a local morning newscast.

Explanation: The programs 'NewsFix' and 'Morning Dose' were discontinued effective September 14, 2018. Subsequently, KIAH commenced the production of a local three-hour morning newscast, christened 'Houston Morning Dose.'

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The 9 p.m. newscast, reinstated on KIAH in May 2020, is produced in collaboration with which other Houston television station?

Answer: KTRK-TV

Explanation: A 9:00 p.m. newscast was reinstated on KIAH on May 11, 2020. This production leverages the news personnel and facilities of KTRK-TV, an ABC-owned station.

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As of August 2020, what is the designated branding for KIAH's morning newscast?

Answer: No Wait Weather + Traffic

Explanation: KIAH's morning newscast underwent a rebranding to 'No Wait Weather + Traffic' on August 20, 2020.

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Technical Broadcasting and Digital Transition

KIAH's primary studios are situated near Missouri City, Texas, while its broadcast transmitter is located on the southwest side of Houston.

Answer: False

Explanation: KIAH's primary studio facilities are located adjacent to the Westpark Tollway on the southwest periphery of Houston. The station's broadcast transmitter is positioned near Missouri City, within unincorporated Fort Bend County.

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In accordance with the nationwide digital television transition mandate, KIAH ceased broadcasting its analog signal on June 12, 2009.

Answer: True

Explanation: In accordance with the nationwide digital television transition mandate, KIAH ceased broadcasting its analog signal on June 12, 2009.

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Subsequent to the analog-to-digital conversion process, KIAH's digital broadcast signal was transmitted on UHF channel 38, while retaining its virtual channel designation as 39.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the analog-to-digital transition, KIAH's digital signal was broadcast on UHF channel 38, while maintaining its virtual channel identifier as 39.

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KIAH's primary ATSC 3.0 channel, designated as 39.1, operates at a broadcast resolution of 1080p (Full High Definition).

Answer: False

Explanation: KIAH's primary ATSC 3.0 channel, designated as 39.1, broadcasts in high definition (1080p) resolution, not standard definition (480p).

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The presence of an orange lock icon adjacent to specific ATSC 3.0 subchannels signifies that these channels are protected by digital rights management (DRM) protocols.

Answer: False

Explanation: The orange lock icon indicates that the subchannel is broadcast with digital rights management (DRM), not that it is free from it.

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KIAH's transmitter facility is documented with a height above average terrain (HAAT) of approximately 586 meters, equivalent to 1,923 feet.

Answer: True

Explanation: KIAH's transmitter facility is documented with a height above average terrain (HAAT) of approximately 586 meters, equivalent to 1,923 feet.

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KIAH currently provides carriage for several ATSC 1.0 subchannels, including Antenna TV, The Nest, and Rewind TV, among others.

Answer: True

Explanation: KIAH currently provides carriage for several ATSC 1.0 subchannels, including Antenna TV, The Nest, and Rewind TV, among others.

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What is the geographical location of KIAH's primary studios?

Answer: Adjacent to the Westpark Tollway on the southwest side of Houston

Explanation: KIAH's primary studio facilities are located adjacent to the Westpark Tollway on the southwest periphery of Houston.

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On what specific date did KIAH cease broadcasting its analog signal?

Answer: June 12, 2009

Explanation: KIAH concluded regular programming on its analog signal on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television broadcasting.

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Post the analog-to-digital transition, KIAH's digital broadcast signal was transmitted on UHF channel 38. What virtual channel identifier did it utilize?

Answer: 39

Explanation: Following the analog-to-digital conversion process, KIAH's digital broadcast signal was transmitted on UHF channel 38, while retaining its virtual channel designation as 39.

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What is the broadcast resolution of KIAH's primary ATSC 3.0 channel, identified as 39.1?

Answer: 1080p (Full High Definition)

Explanation: KIAH's primary ATSC 3.0 channel, identified as 39.1, operates at a broadcast resolution of 1080p (Full High Definition).

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What is the meaning conveyed by the orange lock icon appearing next to specific ATSC 3.0 subchannels?

Answer: The channel is broadcast with digital rights management (DRM).

Explanation: The presence of an orange lock icon adjacent to specific ATSC 3.0 subchannels serves as an indicator that these channels are protected by digital rights management (DRM) protocols.

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Of the following options, which is NOT identified as a primary ATSC 1.0 subchannel currently offered by KIAH?

Answer: MeTV

Explanation: KIAH offers ATSC 1.0 subchannels including 39.1 (The CW), 39.2 (Antenna TV), 39.3 (The Nest), 39.4 (HSN2), and 39.5 (Rewind TV). MeTV is not listed among these.

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Station Branding and Identity

The station adopted the on-air branding 'KHTV 39 Gold' during the period from 1983 to 1985.

Answer: False

Explanation: The station was branded on-air as 'KHTV 39 Gold' from 1983 to 1985, not for a period of five years as implied.

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In September 2003, the station discontinued the use of its over-the-air channel number in its on-air branding, electing instead to identify exclusively as 'Houston's WB.'

Answer: True

Explanation: In September 2003, the station discontinued the use of its over-the-air channel number in its on-air branding, electing instead to identify exclusively as 'Houston's WB.'

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The alteration of the station's call sign to KIAH in 2008 was primarily motivated by a strategic initiative to emphasize the station's local identity and connection to the Houston community, rather than solely reflecting its CW network affiliation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The call letters changed to KIAH on July 15, 2008, as part of a strategic branding initiative aimed at underscoring the station's local identity and connection to the Houston community, not solely to reflect its CW network affiliation.

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In August 2008, KIAH strategically shifted its on-air branding to 'Channel 39,' a move precipitated by declining ratings for The CW network and a directive from Tribune Broadcasting.

Answer: True

Explanation: In August 2008, KIAH strategically shifted its on-air branding to 'Channel 39,' a move precipitated by declining ratings for The CW network and a directive from Tribune Broadcasting.

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The call sign KHTV, utilized by the station from 1967 until 1999, originally stood for 'Houston Television.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The call sign KHTV, utilized by the station from 1967 until 1999, originally stood for 'Houston Television,' not 'Key Houston Television.'

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The station's call sign during the period of 1999 to 2006 was KHWB, not KHCW.

Answer: False

Explanation: The station's call sign during the period of 1999 to 2006 was KHWB, not KHCW. KHCW was used later, from 2006 to 2008.

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During the period spanning from 1999 to 2006, what was the designated call sign of the station?

Answer: KHWB

Explanation: The station's call sign during the period of 1999 to 2006 was KHWB.

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What was the principal strategic objective behind the station's call sign alteration to KIAH in 2008?

Answer: To emphasize the station's local orientation.

Explanation: The station's call letters were officially changed to KIAH on July 15, 2008, as part of a strategic branding initiative aimed at underscoring the station's local identity and connection to the Houston community.

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KIAH's branding shifted to 'Channel 39' in August 2008 primarily because:

Answer: Tribune encouraged affiliates to de-emphasize network branding due to sagging ratings.

Explanation: In August 2008, KIAH strategically shifted its on-air branding to 'Channel 39,' a move precipitated by declining ratings for The CW network and a directive from Tribune Broadcasting.

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Beyond its designation as a television station's call sign, what is the significance of the ICAO airport code 'KIAH'?

Answer: It is the call sign for George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Explanation: Beyond its designation as a television station's call sign, KIAH functions as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airport code for George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.

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