KAKE

KAKE VHF channel 10 is an American Broadcasting Company (ABC)-affiliate television station based in Wichita, Kansas. It's owned by Gray Television. Its transmitter is located near Colwich, Kansas. Its distinctive call sign is pronounced cake.

History
The station signed on the air on 19 October 1954. During its first year on the air, it was Wichita'sNBC affiliate with a secondary ABC affiliation. It became a sole ABC affiliate in 1955 after KARD-TV (now KSNW) signed on.

In 1979, the station was sold to the Chronicle Publishing Company of San Francisco, California, run by the de Young family, who also owned KRON-TV in San Francisco and WOWT-TV inOmaha, Nebraska - KRON, a KRON translator, WOWT, and KAKE and its translators all have Facility IDs in the same range (assigned by the FCC circa 1980). Chronicle then bought KLBY in 1987. KLBY had been a separate, independent station with its own programming inventory, but with Chronicle's purchase it was made a satellite of KAKE.

In 1988, KAKE moved all of its translators on channels 70 to 83 (which were being phased out) down to other channel positions; in addition, a select few of the affected translators were simply closed. Chronicle owned the stations until 1999, when KAKE, its satellites, and WOWT were sold to LIN TV in the midst of the de Young family's liquidation of its media holdings. Almost as soon as the sale was finalized, LIN turned around and traded KAKE and WOWT toBenedek Broadcasting for that company's WWLP in Springfield, Massachusetts and cash. The acquisition of KAKE and WOWT could be seen as the ultimate undoing for the financially challenged Benedek, which in 2002 declared bankruptcy and sold most of its stations, including KAKE and WOWT, to Gray Television (their current owner). In 2003, another translator shuffle occurred, and many translator channels in service moved on 15 August of that year.

For 30 years, KAKE was the highest-rated station in Wichita, even though it didn't build an extensive translator/satellite network in central and western Kansas until the 1990s. For most of the last quarter-century, it has been runner-up to KWCH-TV which has been the dominant station in the market. KSNW is in third place, just behind KAKE.

KAKE and the BTK case

 * For a more thorough history on the BTK case, see Dennis Rader.

In the 1970s, KAKE received letters, poems and packages from the BTK serial killer. One claimed responsibility for several of the BTK murders; another contained clues about an intended victim (who was not murdered). During an interview with Wichita's police chief in the late 1970s, subliminal messages were broadcast on KAKE to convince BTK to turn himself in. The effort was unsuccessful.

In 2004 and 2005, BTK again sent letters to KAKE. One included a word puzzle—another expressed concern about the colds anchors Susan Peters and Jeff Herndon had at the time. Park City, Kansas resident Dennis Rader was eventually arrested and convicted of the murders.

Digital television
On February 17, 2009, KAKE turned off its analog signal on channel 10 and moved its digital service from channel 21 to channel 10.

KAKEland Television Network
To reach the 69-county audience of the Wichita/Hutchinson-Plus DMA, KAKE extends its over-the-air coverage area through a network of eight full-power, low-power, and translator stations encompassing the majority of Kansas, the KAKEland Television Network.

KUPK, in Garden City, houses the Western Kansas newsroom and studio, originating one segment of the nightly newscasts seen on KUPK and KLBY. The rest of the broadcast is live from the Wichita studio.

The KAKEland WeatherPlex, inside KAKE's Wichita studio, can provide live continuous severe weather coverage to any combination of its five broadcast zones.


 * 1) KAKE and its DTV Replacement translator - South Central Kansas, including Wichita
 * 2) KUPK - Southwest Kansas, including Dodge City and Garden City
 * 3) KLBY - Northwest Kansas, including Goodland and Colby
 * 4) KHDS - North Central Kansas, including Salina
 * 5) KGBD and its K25CV/K38GH translators - North Central Kansas, including Great Bend, Hays, and Russell

For example: If a tornado is in progress near Colby, live continuous coverage will be seen only on KLBY, while normal programming will appear on the rest of the network.[1]

Full-power stations
These stations mostly rebroadcast KAKE. However, their full-power license allows them to broadcast different programming and commercial content, when desired. Notes:


 * 1. The call sign changed from KUPK-TV to KUPK on 13 July 2010.
 * 2. KUPK-DT operated on channel 18 before 17 February 2009.
 * 3. KLBY was an independent station from its 1984 sign-on until it was acquired by KAKE in 1987.
 * 4. KLBY formerly operated analog channel 4 until 19 August 2008, becoming the first digital-only station in the KAKEland Television Network.
 * 5. KLBY had the call letters KBOM in 1983.[2]

"DTV Replacement" digital translator station
<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The FCC determined that after the digital transition some full-service stations would not be able to cover their pre-transition analog service areas. It created the “Replacement Digital Television Translator Service” to assist qualifying full-service stations. These are associated with, given the same call letters, cannot be transferred, and are renewed/assigned along with the station’s main license.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[3]

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">On February 9, 2010, KAKE filed an application to the FCC for a digital fill-in translator on its pre-transition digital allotment, UHF Channel 21.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[4] The translator serves the city of Wichita and the surrounding areas north and west of the city. Some viewers using indoor "set-top antennas", which by the nature of their compact design perform better with UHF signals, had difficulty receiving the station's digital signal after it "moved" to VHF channel 10. It started broadcasting March 4, 2010.

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">This station can ONLY rebroadcast KAKE, due to its translator classification.

Analog low-power & translator stations
<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The following stations will perform a flash-cut when converting to digital. The translators on channels 70 to 83 moved in 1988 and many moved again on 15 August 2003.

Low-power stations
<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">These stations mostly rebroadcast KAKE. However, their low-power license allows them to broadcast different programming and commercial content, when desired. <p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Notes:


 * 6. Call sign changed from K51GC to KHDS-LP on 13 July 2010.
 * 7. Originally on channel 34 (K34AA), then 22 (K22CP); moved to channel 51 (K51GC) on 15 August 2003.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fccq1_1-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[2]
 * 8. Call sign changed from K30GD to KGBD-LP on 13 July 2010.
 * 9. Originally on channel 71 (K71BP); moved to channel 69 (K69DQ) in 1988, then to channel 30 (K30GD) on 15 August 2003.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fccq1_1-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[2]

KGBD-LP translator stations
<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">These stations can only rebroadcast KGBD-LP, due to their translator classification.
 * 10. The Hays translator was K70FE channel 70 from the 1970s to 1988.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-w9wi_4-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[5]
 * 11. K38GH was K75CB<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-w9wi_4-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[5] from the 1970s to 1988, then K20BU channel 20 until 15 August 2003.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fccq1_1-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[2]

Channel 70+ translators no longer in service

 * K70EN channel 70 Manhattan <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fccq1_1-4" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[2]
 * K71BO channel 71 Herington <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fccq1_1-5" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[2]
 * K75CH channel 75 Junction City<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fccq1_1-6" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[2]

Newscast titles

 * The General Motors Newscast (1954–1964)
 * The National News (1964–1967)
 * TV-10 News (1967–1990)
 * KAKE News 10 (1990–1998; continues in use as alternate newscast title)
 * KAKE News (1998–present)

Station slogans

 * The News People (1970s)
 * Come Home To KAKE (early 1980s; not related to the similarly named NBC campaign)
 * Keep Your Eye on KAKE (mid 1980s)
 * Dedicated, Determined, Dependable (early 1990s)
 * Coverage You Count On (early-mid 1990s)
 * On Your Side (1998–2007)
 * The Breaking News and Weather Authority (2009–present)

Newscasts and local programming
<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Monday-Friday


 * Good Morning Kansas - 4:30-7 a.m.
 * KAKE News at 11:00 - 11 a.m.-noon
 * KAKE News at 4:00 - 4-4:30 p.m.
 * KAKE News at 5:00 - 5-5:30 p.m.
 * KAKE News at 6:00 - 6-6:30 p.m.
 * KAKE News at 10:00 - 10-10:35 p.m.

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Saturday


 * Good Morning Kansas Saturday - 6-7 a.m.
 * Good Morning Kansas Saturday - 8-9 a.m.
 * KAKE News at 6:00 - 6-6:30 p.m.
 * KAKE News at 6:30 - 6:30-7 p.m.
 * KAKE News at 10:00 - 10-10:35 p.m.

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Sunday


 * KAKE News at 5:30 - 5:30-6 p.m.
 * KAKE News at 10:00 - 10-10:35 p.m.
 * KAKE Sports Overtime Live - 10:35-11:05 p.m.
 * Lawyer on the Line - 11:05-11:35 p.m.

News staff
====Current on-air staff<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-InsideKAKE_5-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[6] ==== <p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Current Anchors


 * Deb Farris - weekdays at 4 p.m.
 * Larry Hatteberg - weeknights at 5 p.m.
 * Jeff Herndon - weeknights at 4, 6 and 10 p.m.
 * Jemelle Holopirek - weekday mornings Good Morning Kansas and 11:30 a.m.
 * Mike Iuen - weekday mornings Good Morning Kansas
 * Susan Peters - weeknights at 5, 6 and 10 p.m.

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">KAKEland WeatherPlex Meteorologists


 * Jay Prater (AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and NWA Seal of Approval) - managing meteorologist; weekdays at 4, weeknights at 5, 6 and 10 p.m.
 * Ben Pringle (AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and NWA Seal of Approval) - meteorologist; weekday mornings Good Morning Kansas and 11 a.m.
 * Hallie Shulman - meteorologist; Saturdays at 6, Sundays at 5:30 and weekends at 10 p.m.
 * Tanner Swift - meteorologist; Saturday morning Good Morning Kansas, also fill-in
 * Aaron Blaser - meteorologist; Sunday morning Good Morning America local weather updates, and fill-in
 * Blake Smith (AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) - meteorologist; fill-in

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Sports team


 * Chris Frye - sports anchor; weeknights at 6 and 10 p.m., also host of KAKE Sports Overtime Live
 * Mike Curkov - sports anchor; Saturdays at 6, Sundays at 5:30 and weekends at 10 p.m., also sports reporter
 * Jason Duda - KAKE Sports Overtime Live co-host
 * Abby Lippold - part-time sports anchor and KAKE Sports Overtime Live producer

<p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Reporters


 * Rye Addis - KUPK's Western Kansas general assignment reporter
 * Tim Brown - host of "This Week in Kansas"
 * Jared Cerullo - general assignment and "Crimestoppers" reporter; also KAKEland StormChaser
 * Stephanie Diffin - general assignment reporter; also producer
 * Chris Frank - general assignment reporter
 * Alicia Myers - general assignment reporter
 * Enrique Ramirez - "Ricky's Review" entertainment critic
 * Lilly Wu - general assignment reporter

Former staff

 * Mark Allan - anchor (now at WDTN in Dayton, OH)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WDTN_6-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[7]
 * Johnathan Coachman - on-air personality/former commentator, World Wrestling Entertainment (SmackDown! Brand) (now with ESPN)
 * Steve Doocy - host of "PM Magazine" (now co-host of Fox and Friends on Fox News Channel)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FNC_7-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[8]
 * Denise Franklin - anchor/reporter (now at WFDD in Winston-Salem, NC)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WFDD_8-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">[9]
 * Jeanene Kiesling - reporter (now at KCTV in Kansas City)
 * Phil LeBeau - reporter (now at CNBC)
 * Phillip Palmer - sports anchor (now at KABC-TV in Los Angeles)
 * Don Paul - meteorologist (now at WIVB-TV in Buffalo)
 * Rick Price - anchor/reporter (now at KIRO-TV in Seattle, WA)
 * Dawn Tongish - anchor (now at KDAF in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX)
 * Roger Wallace - sports anchor (now at KXAN in Austin, Texas)