What is KMEG and where is it located?

KMEG is a television station located in Sioux City, Iowa. It operates on channel 14 and currently serves as an owned-and-operated station for the digital multicast network Roar.

What is KMEG's current affiliation and ownership?

As of August 2025, KMEG is affiliated with the digital multicast network Roar. It is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Which other television station in Sioux City is KMEG owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group?

KMEG is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group alongside KPTH (channel 44), which serves as the Fox and CBS affiliate in Sioux City.

What was KMEG's primary network affiliation for most of its history?

From its launch in 1967 until 2021, KMEG was primarily affiliated with the CBS network, providing full three-network service to the Sioux City area for the first time.

When did KMEG begin broadcasting?

KMEG began broadcasting on September 5, 1967.

What was the primary objective when KMEG first went on the air?

KMEG was established to provide the Sioux City area with full three-network television service, filling a gap that existed prior to its launch.

How did KMEG typically perform in the Sioux City market during its early years?

The station largely operated in third place in the ratings for much of its history, facing established competitors from its inception.

For how long did KMEG not produce traditional local newscasts?

KMEG ceased producing traditional local newscasts from 1976 until 1999, a period of 23 years. During this time, a small staff produced public affairs programming and documentaries instead.

What notable programming decision did KMEG make regarding 'Late Show with David Letterman' in 1993?

In August 1993, KMEG announced it would not air the newly launched 'Late Show with David Letterman.' This decision was made because the station had a strong lineup of syndicated programming in the late-night slot and Letterman's previous show had not performed well locally.

What unique status did Sioux City hold regarding the 'Late Show with David Letterman' due to KMEG's decision?

Because KMEG did not air the show, Sioux City became the only market nationwide where 'The Late Show with David Letterman' was not broadcast, leading Letterman to designate the city as the program's 'home office'.

When did Waitt Broadcasting acquire KMEG, and who was its founder?

Waitt Broadcasting acquired KMEG in 1998. The company was owned by Norm Waitt Jr., who had previously co-founded the computing company Gateway, Inc.

What significant improvements did Waitt Broadcasting make to KMEG shortly after acquiring it?

Waitt Broadcasting invested in KMEG by moving its antenna to a new tower shared with KPTH to improve signal quality and began construction on new studios in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota.

With which station did KMEG enter into a shared services agreement in 2005, and who owned that station?

In May 2005, Waitt Broadcasting entered into a shared services agreement with Pappas Telecasting, the owner of KPTH. Pappas then assumed the operations of KMEG.

How did the bankruptcy of Pappas Telecasting affect the planned sale of KMEG in 2008-2009?

Pappas Telecasting filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2008. As a result, the planned sale of KMEG to Siouxland Television, LLC, fell through.

When did Sinclair Broadcast Group acquire KMEG's license, and what did this create for the station?

Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired KMEG's license outright in 2025. This acquisition created a legal duopoly with its sister station, KPTH.

In what year did KMEG lose its CBS affiliation, and where did the CBS programming move?

KMEG lost its CBS affiliation in 2021. The CBS programming, along with local news, moved to a subchannel of Sinclair-owned KPTH, branded as 'CBS 14'.

What network did KMEG's 14.1 subchannel begin broadcasting after the CBS affiliation moved?

Following the move of the CBS affiliation to KPTH, KMEG's 14.1 subchannel began broadcasting programming from the Dabl network.

What was the reason for the FCC issuing a forfeiture order against KMEG's owner in 2021, and what was the fine amount?

The FCC issued a forfeiture order against KMEG owner Waitt Broadcasting for allegedly failing to negotiate retransmission consent in good faith with AT&T. Waitt Broadcasting was ordered to pay a fine of $512,228.

What is the meaning behind the call sign KMEG?

The call sign KMEG was chosen to reflect that the station was designed to broadcast with one megawatt of power, a significant output for a regional station at the time of its launch.

What was the name of KMEG's initial news program upon signing on?

Upon signing on in 1967, KMEG broadcast its newscasts under the name 'Newsbeat 14'.

When did KMEG reintroduce a local news operation, and under which ownership?

KMEG reintroduced a local news operation in 1999, shortly after being acquired by Waitt Broadcasting. This marked the return of traditional local newscasts after a 23-year hiatus.

What significant cutbacks did KMEG's news operation experience in 2004 and 2009?

In 2004, KMEG fired most of its news anchors and canceled its weekend newscasts. Further cutbacks occurred in March 2009 when weekend newscasts were eliminated on both KMEG and KPTH following Titan Broadcast Management's assumption of control.

List the current programming carried on KMEG's subchannels.

KMEG's current subchannels broadcast the following networks: 14.1 airs Roar, 14.2 airs Charge!, 14.3 airs Comet, 14.4 airs TheNest, and 14.5 airs Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).

When did KMEG cease its analog signal, and what was its digital channel number?

KMEG shut down its analog signal on UHF channel 14 on February 17, 2009. Its digital signal continued on UHF channel 39, using virtual channel 14.

What change occurred in KMEG's digital channel assignment in 2018, and why?

In 2018, KMEG switched its digital broadcast channel from UHF 39 to UHF 32. This change was a result of the 2016 United States wireless spectrum auction, which reallocated broadcast frequencies.

What are the call signs and locations of KMEG's translators?

KMEG's signal is repeated by two translators: K18KG-D in Spencer, Iowa, and K23PU-D in Norfolk, Nebraska.

What was the initial network affiliation sought by Medallion Broadcasters, Inc. for channel 14 in Sioux City?

Medallion Broadcasters, Inc. initially applied to the FCC in November 1966 to build a television station on channel 14 in Sioux City, seeking to bring the ABC network affiliation to the area.

Who was the founding station manager of KMEG and how long did they serve?

Robert Donovan, who also headed Medallion Broadcasters, Inc., served as the founding station manager of KMEG until 1983. He was previously the sales manager for one of Sioux City's existing stations.

Who was the owner of KMEG after John Fetzer purchased it, and what was the financial situation of the station at that time?

John Fetzer purchased KMEG in 1969. However, the FCC noted that Medallion Broadcasters had sustained heavy losses in starting up the station, and by 1976, KMEG had still not turned a profit.

What was the name of the company that purchased KMEG in 1986, and what was their rationale for expanding into Sioux City?

In 1986, KMEG was sold to the Maine Radio and Television Company. The company's president, Fred Thompson, stated they chose KMEG for their first expansion outside New England because it was 'small, controllable and affordable'.

What was KMEG's relationship with the United Paramount Network (UPN) in the mid-1990s?

KMEG served as a secondary affiliate of the United Paramount Network (UPN) for the first eight months of 1995. It dropped the affiliation when UPN refused to carry programming beyond 'Star Trek: Voyager'.

Why did KMEG drop its coverage of the 'NFL on Fox' in 1998?

KMEG dropped its secondary affiliation with the 'NFL on Fox' in 1998 because CBS regained the rights to broadcast NFL games, and KMEG, as a CBS affiliate, prioritized carrying CBS programming.

How did Sioux City become known as the 'home office' for David Letterman's show?

Sioux City became known as the 'home office' for 'The Late Show with David Letterman' because KMEG initially refused to air the program in 1993, making it the only market nationwide without the show. Local officials embraced the designation, even naming Letterman an honorary citizen.

Besides KMEG, what other media properties did Norm Waitt Jr. acquire around the same time?

Around the time of acquiring KMEG in 1998, Norm Waitt Jr. also purchased KOTD-FM, which served Omaha, making these his first broadcasting properties. His company subsequently acquired more stations in Iowa, Alabama, and Florida.

When did construction begin on KMEG's new studios in Dakota Dunes, and what other Waitt-owned station would share the facility?

Ground was broken in September 1999 for new studios in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, which were intended to house KMEG and Waitt-owned radio station KZSR (102.3 FM).

What specific operations did Pappas Telecasting assume for KMEG starting in 2005?

Starting in May 2005, Pappas Telecasting assumed most of KMEG's station operations under a shared services agreement. Pappas also moved KPTH's operations into the Dakota Dunes studios.

Which company took over operations of KMEG and KPTH after the Pappas bankruptcy?

After Pappas Telecasting filed for bankruptcy, New World TV Group (also known as Titan Broadcast Management) took over the operations of several Pappas stations, including KPTH, while awaiting bankruptcy court approval for the sale.

What was the significance of Sinclair Broadcast Group's acquisition of Titan stations in 2013 for KMEG?

Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired most of Titan Broadcast Management's stations, including KPTH, in 2013. This acquisition laid the groundwork for Sinclair's eventual direct ownership of KMEG.

When did Sinclair renew its CBS affiliation, and how did this affect KMEG's status?

Sinclair renewed its CBS affiliation agreement in January 2021, but KPTH, rather than KMEG, was listed as the Sioux City affiliate. This led to the CBS programming moving to a KPTH subchannel in February 2021.

What did over-the-air viewers need to do when the CBS 14 subchannel moved to KPTH 44.3?

When the 'CBS 14' subchannel moved from KMEG to KPTH 44.3, over-the-air viewers were required to perform a rescan of their televisions to continue receiving the channel.

What was KMEG's last logo as a CBS affiliate?

KMEG's last logo used as a CBS affiliate, until 2021, featured the letters KMEG alongside the CBS eye logo and the number 14.

What did Sinclair's outright acquisition of the KMEG license in 2025 create for the station in relation to KPTH?

Sinclair's 2025 acquisition of the KMEG license created a legal duopoly, meaning Sinclair now legally owns and operates both KMEG and its sister station KPTH in the same market.

When did KMEG become a Roar affiliate?

KMEG became a Roar affiliate in August 2025.

Why did KMEG's initial news program, 'Newsbeat 14', struggle to gain viewership?

'Newsbeat 14' struggled because Sioux City viewers had already established viewing habits with the long-standing news operations of KTIV and KCAU-TV by the time KMEG launched its newscasts.

What did Gillett Holdings consider doing regarding KMEG's news department after purchasing the station?

After purchasing KMEG in 1985, Gillett Holdings briefly evaluated the possibility of restoring a full-size news operation for the station, although advertising revenues were depressed at the time.

What specific enhancement to its weather reporting did KMEG implement in 1993?

In 1993, KMEG began airing regular weather updates and hired two meteorologists to produce custom forecasts, enhancing its weather reporting capabilities.

What was Waitt Broadcasting's stated intention regarding local news upon acquiring KMEG?

Upon acquiring KMEG in 1998, Waitt Broadcasting declared that one of its first priorities would be to 'take a good hard look at what it would take to develop a first-rate local news operation'.

Where did KMEG's news operation migrate after the 2021 affiliation change?

Following the move of the CBS affiliation to KPTH in 2021, KMEG's local news operation migrated exclusively to subchannels of KPTH.

When did Sinclair discontinue local newscasts in Sioux City for KMEG?

Sinclair Broadcast Group discontinued local newscasts in Sioux City for KMEG in May 2023.

Kmeg Wiki: KMEG: Sioux City's Evolving Broadcast Beacon

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A Legacy of Broadcast Evolution

Launch and Early Years

KMEG signed on September 5, 1967, marking a significant milestone by bringing full three-network service to Sioux City, Iowa. Established by Medallion Broadcasters, Inc., the station aimed to provide the region with comprehensive television programming. Despite initial efforts, KMEG faced considerable market challenges, often finding itself in third place among local stations and struggling to achieve profitability for many years.

Shifting Ownership and Operations

Over its history, KMEG has seen numerous ownership changes, including transitions from Medallion to John Fetzer, then to Gillett Holdings, followed by Maine Radio and Television Company, and later Waitt Broadcasting. In 2005, Waitt entered into a shared services agreement with Pappas Telecasting, which managed KMEG's operations alongside its sister station, KPTH. This period saw KMEG move its facilities to Dakota Dunes, South Dakota.

News Operation and Market Presence

KMEG's local news endeavors experienced a complex trajectory. Initially broadcasting newscasts under the name "Newsbeat 14," the station ceased traditional local news production in 1976 due to ratings challenges. A significant attempt to revive local news occurred in 1999 under Waitt Broadcasting, but the station continued to face difficulties, leading to the cancellation of weekend newscasts and eventual discontinuation of local news production by Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2023.

The "Letterman Incident"

In 1993, KMEG gained national notoriety when it declined to air the premiere of CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman." This decision left Sioux City as the only market nationwide without the program, prompting Letterman to dub the city his show's "home office." The station eventually began airing the program in 1994, and the "home office" designation concluded shortly thereafter.

Network Affiliations Through Time

The CBS Era

From its inception in 1967 until 2021, KMEG served as the primary CBS affiliate for the Sioux City market. This long-standing relationship provided viewers with consistent access to CBS network programming, including major sporting events and popular series. The affiliation represented a core part of KMEG's identity for over five decades.

Transition and Digital Networks

In 2021, CBS programming transitioned to a subchannel of KPTH (channel 44). Following this shift, KMEG began broadcasting national digital multicast television networks. As of August 2025, KMEG is an owned-and-operated station of the digital network "Roar," marking a new chapter in its broadcast history.

Secondary Affiliations

Beyond its primary CBS affiliation, KMEG also held secondary affiliations with other networks during specific periods. It served as a secondary affiliate for Fox from 1989 to 1998 and for UPN from 1995 and again from 2004 to 2006. These affiliations broadened the station's programming offerings during those times.

Ownership and Management

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Currently owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, KMEG operates alongside its sister station KPTH. Sinclair acquired the KMEG license in a 2025 deal, establishing a legal duopoly with KPTH. This consolidation reflects broader industry trends in media ownership and operational consolidation.

Regulatory and Financial Aspects

The station's operational history includes a notable FCC forfeiture order in July 2021. AT&T filed a lawsuit alleging that KMEG's owner, Waitt Broadcasting, failed to negotiate retransmission consent in good faith. Consequently, Waitt was ordered to pay a significant fine, highlighting the complex regulatory landscape of broadcast retransmission.

Studio and Transmitter Locations

KMEG shares studio facilities with KPTH located along I-29 in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. The station's transmitter is situated northeast of Sioux City in Plymouth County, Iowa, ensuring its broadcast signal reaches the primary service area.

Technical Specifications and Subchannels

Channel Information

KMEG broadcasts on digital channel 32 and utilizes virtual channel 14. The station's signal is also repeated via translators K18KG-D in Spencer, Iowa, and K23PU-D in Norfolk, Nebraska, extending its reach.

KMEG's multiplexed signal carries a variety of digital multicast networks:

Channel	Res.	Aspect	Short Name	Programming
14.1	480i	16:9	ROAR	Roar
14.2	480i	16:9	Charge!	Charge!
14.3	480i	16:9	Comet	Comet
14.4	480i	16:9	TheNest	The Nest
14.5	480i	16:9	CHSN	Chicago Sports Network

Broadcast Infrastructure

The station's transmitter is located in Plymouth County, Iowa, northeast of Sioux City. KMEG transitioned from analog to digital television on February 17, 2009, and later moved its digital signal to channel 32 as a result of the 2016 wireless spectrum auction.

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References

Robert Donovan, the president of Medallion, also had a daughter named Meg.[3]

A full list of references for this article are available at the KMEG Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data, which may not be entirely current or comprehensive. The information provided is not a substitute for professional consultation, and users should verify critical details independently.

This is not professional broadcast industry advice. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific operational, legal, or technical requirements.

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KMEG: Sioux City's Evolving Broadcast Beacon

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Legacy of Broadcast Evolution ⏳

🚀 Launch and Early Years

🔄 Shifting Ownership and Operations

📰 News Operation and Market Presence

🗣️ The "Letterman Incident"

Network Affiliations Through Time 🔗

📺 The CBS Era

➡️ Transition and Digital Networks

➕ Secondary Affiliations

Ownership and Management 🏢

🤝 Sinclair Broadcast Group

⚖️ Regulatory and Financial Aspects

📍 Studio and Transmitter Locations

Technical Specifications and Subchannels 📡

🔢 Channel Information

📡 Broadcast Infrastructure

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Legacy of Broadcast Evolution

Launch and Early Years

Shifting Ownership and Operations

News Operation and Market Presence

The "Letterman Incident"

Network Affiliations Through Time

The CBS Era

Transition and Digital Networks

Secondary Affiliations

Ownership and Management

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Regulatory and Financial Aspects

Studio and Transmitter Locations

Technical Specifications and Subchannels

Channel Information

Broadcast Infrastructure

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice