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KUSA first began broadcasting under the call sign KUSA-TV on October 12, 1952.
Answer: False
Explanation: While KUSA first began broadcasting on October 12, 1952, its original call sign was KBTV, not KUSA-TV.
Upon its launch in 1952, KBTV (KUSA) was exclusively a primary CBS affiliate.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its launch in 1952, KBTV (KUSA) was primarily a CBS affiliate but also carried secondary affiliations with ABC and NBC, rather than being exclusively affiliated.
KBTV changed its primary affiliation from CBS to KLZ-TV in November 1953.
Answer: False
Explanation: In November 1953, KBTV lost its primary CBS affiliation to KLZ-TV, but it did not change its primary affiliation *to* KLZ-TV; rather, KLZ-TV became the primary CBS affiliate.
By 1956, following the cessation of the DuMont Television Network, KBTV became a full-time ABC affiliate.
Answer: True
Explanation: When the DuMont Television Network ceased operations in 1956, KBTV transitioned to become a full-time ABC affiliate, having previously held secondary affiliations with ABC and DuMont.
When did KUSA first sign on the air, and what were its original call letters?
Answer: October 12, 1952, as KBTV
Explanation: KUSA first signed on the air on October 12, 1952, under its original call sign, KBTV.
Which network did KBTV primarily affiliate with upon its launch in 1952?
Answer: CBS
Explanation: Upon its launch in 1952, KBTV primarily affiliated with the CBS network.
Mullins Broadcasting, the original founder of KBTV, later merged with Gannett Company in 1978.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mullins Broadcasting founded KBTV but later sold it to Combined Communications Corporation. It was Combined Communications Corporation that merged with Gannett Company in 1978, not Mullins Broadcasting directly.
The merger between Combined Communications and Gannett in 1978 was the largest media merger in U.S. history at that time.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1978 merger of Combined Communications Corporation with Gannett Company was indeed the largest media merger in the United States at that time, significantly expanding Gannett's portfolio.
In 1984, the station changed its call letters from KBTV to KUSA-TV to align with Gannett's newspaper, USA Today.
Answer: True
Explanation: The station's call letters were changed from KBTV to KUSA-TV in 1984 as part of a strategic rebranding effort by Gannett to align with its national newspaper, USA Today.
The formation of Tegna in 2015 resulted in KUSA being retained by the new broadcast and digital media company.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following Gannett Company's split in 2015, KUSA was retained by the newly formed broadcast and digital media company, Tegna Inc.
Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of Tegna, including KUSA, was completed in August 2025.
Answer: False
Explanation: The acquisition of Tegna by Nexstar Media Group, which includes KUSA, is pending regulatory approval as of the provided information and has not yet been completed.
Who is the current owner of KUSA as of the information provided before the pending acquisition?
Answer: Tegna Inc.
Explanation: Prior to the pending acquisition by Nexstar Media Group, Tegna Inc. was the owner of KUSA.
What significant event occurred in May 1978 involving the ownership of KBTV?
Answer: Combined Communications Corporation merged with Gannett Company.
Explanation: In May 1978, Combined Communications Corporation, which owned KBTV, merged with Gannett Company, marking a significant shift in the station's corporate ownership.
Why did the station change its call letters from KBTV to KUSA-TV in 1984?
Answer: As part of a rebranding effort to align with Gannett's newspaper, USA Today.
Explanation: The change from KBTV to KUSA-TV in 1984 was part of Gannett's strategy to create a unified brand identity, aligning the station with its newspaper, USA Today.
What was the significance of the 1978 merger between Combined Communications and Gannett?
Answer: It was the largest media merger in U.S. history at that time.
Explanation: The 1978 merger between Combined Communications and Gannett was significant as it represented the largest media merger in the United States at that point in history.
KUSA became an NBC affiliate in September 1995 after a complex series of affiliation shifts involving Fox, CBS, and Westinghouse.
Answer: True
Explanation: The transition to NBC affiliation for KUSA occurred in September 1995, following a significant period of network affiliation realignments involving major broadcasting entities such as Fox, CBS, and Westinghouse.
KUSA served as the default NBC affiliate for the Black Hills region of South Dakota until 1995.
Answer: False
Explanation: KUSA served as the default NBC affiliate for the Black Hills region from July 1996 until 1998, not until 1995.
KUSA became the home station for the Denver Broncos when it affiliated with CBS in 1995.
Answer: False
Explanation: KUSA became the home station for the Denver Broncos upon its affiliation with NBC in 1995, not CBS.
What is the primary network affiliation for KUSA?
Answer: NBC
Explanation: KUSA's primary network affiliation is with the NBC network.
Which network affiliation did KUSA switch TO in September 1995?
Answer: NBC
Explanation: In September 1995, KUSA switched its primary network affiliation to NBC.
For how long did KUSA serve as the default NBC affiliate for the Black Hills region of South Dakota?
Answer: From 1996 to 1998
Explanation: KUSA served as the default NBC affiliate for the Black Hills region from July 1996 until 1998.
When KUSA became the home station for the Denver Broncos in 1995, which network held the broadcast rights for the AFC?
Answer: NBC
Explanation: When KUSA affiliated with NBC in 1995, NBC held the broadcast rights for the AFC, making KUSA the home station for the Denver Broncos.
KUSA is a television station located in Denver, Colorado, and is affiliated with the NBC network.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source identifies KUSA as a television station situated in Denver, Colorado, and confirms its primary affiliation with the NBC network.
KUSA's main studios are situated on Lookout Mountain, while its transmitter is located in Denver's Speer neighborhood.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, KUSA's main studios are located on East Speer Boulevard in Denver's Speer neighborhood, while its transmitter is situated atop Lookout Mountain near Golden, Colorado.
The station KUSA is branded as '9 News' and is owned by Tegna Inc.
Answer: True
Explanation: KUSA operates under the branding '9 News' and is indeed owned by Tegna Inc., as confirmed by the provided information.
Gannett and Dish Network had a carriage dispute in 2012 concerning compensation fees and Dish's AutoHop feature.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2012, Gannett engaged in a carriage dispute with Dish Network, primarily concerning compensation fees and the implementation of Dish's AutoHop feature, which impacted the carriage of Gannett-owned stations, including KUSA.
KUSA operates a network of translators primarily to relay its signal within the city of Denver.
Answer: False
Explanation: KUSA's network of translators is utilized to relay its signal to areas within and adjacent to the Denver market, extending its reach beyond the city limits.
The 'Northern Newsroom' is a KUSA news bureau located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Northern Newsroom' serves as a KUSA news bureau situated in Fort Collins, Colorado, extending the station's news gathering capabilities into northern Colorado.
KUSA's sister station, KTVD, is primarily affiliated with the CBS network.
Answer: False
Explanation: KUSA's sister station, KTVD, is primarily affiliated with the MyNetworkTV network, not CBS.
The '9NEWS Networks' branding was part of the '9NEWS Networks' umbrella branding.
Answer: True
Explanation: The '9NEWS Networks' branding was indeed utilized as an umbrella term to encompass KUSA's various digital platforms and related media properties.
What is the 'Northern Newsroom'?
Answer: A regional news hub for KUSA in Fort Collins.
Explanation: The 'Northern Newsroom' is a news bureau operated by KUSA, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, serving as a regional hub for news gathering.
What is the '9NEWS Networks' branding used by KUSA to encompass?
Answer: Its websites, KTVD, digital subchannels, and related media properties.
Explanation: The '9NEWS Networks' branding was employed by KUSA to encompass its integrated media presence, including its websites, sister station KTVD, digital subchannels, and other related properties.
What is the '9 Back Yard' used for at KUSA?
Answer: Presenting weather segments with integrated graphics.
Explanation: The '9 Back Yard' is utilized by KUSA for presenting weather segments, incorporating integrated graphics and visual effects.
The '9NEWS High School Hotshots Program' recognized student athletes for athletic achievements only.
Answer: False
Explanation: The '9NEWS High School Hotshots Program' recognized student athletes for academic excellence, not solely for athletic achievements.
KUSA airs the entire national NBC schedule, including the fourth hour of 'Today' at 11 a.m.
Answer: True
Explanation: KUSA clears the full national NBC schedule, notably airing the fourth hour of the 'Today' program at 11 a.m., which is later than many other NBC affiliates.
KUSA refused to air the ABC sketch comedy series 'Turn-On' in 1969 due to its controversial content.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1969, KUSA, along with other ABC affiliates, declined to broadcast the sketch comedy series 'Turn-On' because of its perceived controversial content.
"Colorado & Company" is a daily lifestyle program produced by KUSA featuring paid segments from local companies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The program 'Colorado & Company' is a daily lifestyle show produced by KUSA that incorporates paid segments from local businesses.
Ed Sardella anchored weeknight editions of KUSA's newscasts from 1974 to 2000.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ed Sardella served as a prominent anchor for KUSA's weeknight newscasts during the extended period from 1974 to 2000.
KUSA aired 'Days of Our Lives' at 1 p.m. consistently since joining NBC in 1995.
Answer: False
Explanation: KUSA aired 'Days of Our Lives' at 2 p.m. for much of its run after joining NBC in 1995, which was a secondary timeslot to NBC's recommended 1 p.m. slot, and not consistently at 1 p.m.
What was the primary focus of the '9NEWS High School Hotshots Program' launched in 2007?
Answer: Celebrating academic excellence in student athletes.
Explanation: The '9NEWS High School Hotshots Program' primarily focused on recognizing student athletes for their academic excellence.
Which of the following is a notable deviation in KUSA's programming schedule compared to the standard NBC network?
Answer: Airing the fourth hour of 'Today' at 11 a.m.
Explanation: A notable deviation is KUSA's airing of the fourth hour of the 'Today' show at 11 a.m., which is later than the standard 10 a.m. slot for most NBC affiliates.
KUSA's refusal to air which ABC sketch comedy series in 1969 highlighted its stance on content suitability?
Answer: Turn-On
Explanation: KUSA's refusal to air the ABC sketch comedy series 'Turn-On' in 1969 demonstrated its position on content suitability.
What is the purpose of the program 'Colorado & Company'?
Answer: To feature paid segments from local companies and provide lifestyle content.
Explanation: 'Colorado & Company' serves as a daily lifestyle program featuring paid segments from local businesses and providing content relevant to the Denver area.
Who is cited as a key figure who anchored KUSA's weeknight newscasts for a significant period from 1974 to 2000?
Answer: Ed Sardella
Explanation: Ed Sardella is identified as a key figure who anchored KUSA's weeknight newscasts for an extensive tenure from 1974 to 2000.
How did KUSA's programming of 'Days of Our Lives' differ from NBC's recommendation for much of its run?
Answer: KUSA aired it at 2 p.m., a secondary timeslot to NBC's recommended 1 p.m. slot.
Explanation: KUSA aired 'Days of Our Lives' at 2 p.m., a secondary timeslot, while NBC recommended the 1 p.m. slot for much of the program's run on the network.
Which professional sports teams' games has KUSA aired through its NBC affiliation?
Answer: Denver Broncos (NFL) and Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Explanation: Through its NBC affiliation, KUSA has aired games involving the Denver Broncos (NFL) and the Colorado Avalanche (NHL).
KUSA was the first station in the Denver market to broadcast in high definition.
Answer: True
Explanation: KUSA achieved the distinction of being the first station in the Denver market to broadcast its local newscasts in high definition.
What technical transition did KUSA complete on April 16, 2009?
Answer: Ceased analog signal transmission and moved its digital signal to VHF channel 9.
Explanation: On April 16, 2009, KUSA completed its transition from analog to digital broadcasting, ceasing its analog signal and moving its digital signal to VHF channel 9.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a digital subchannel programming service offered by KUSA?
Answer: ESPN
Explanation: ESPN is not listed among the digital subchannel programming services offered by KUSA; Cozi TV, True Crime Network, and Quest are among those provided.
Which of the following is true about KUSA's transition to digital broadcasting?
Answer: Its digital signal was relocated to VHF channel 9 after analog ceased.
Explanation: Following the cessation of its analog signal, KUSA relocated its digital signal to VHF channel 9, a significant step in the station's transition to digital broadcasting.
KUSA's newscasts have consistently led Denver's local news ratings for the past four decades.
Answer: True
Explanation: For a significant duration over the last forty years, KUSA's newscasts have maintained a leading position in Denver's local news ratings.
KUSA's original call sign, KBTV, was featured in Stanley Kubrick's film 'The Shining'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original call sign of KUSA, KBTV, was indeed featured in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film 'The Shining,' integrating local Denver television into the narrative.
Ward Lucas received an award in 1986 for his reporting on paranormal claims.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1986, Ward Lucas was recognized with the 'Responsibility in Journalism' award from CSICOP for his reporting, particularly concerning paranormal claims.
Which of the following factors has contributed to KUSA's historical dominance in Denver local news ratings?
Answer: Strong anchor teams and investigative reporting.
Explanation: KUSA's sustained leadership in Denver local news ratings is attributed to factors such as robust anchor teams and a commitment to investigative reporting.
What recognition did Ward Lucas receive in 1986 related to his journalism?
Answer: Responsibility in Journalism award from CSICOP.
Explanation: In 1986, Ward Lucas received the 'Responsibility in Journalism' award from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSICOP).