User:Meteorman7228/KBNZ-LP

KBNZ-LD Channel 7 and K31CR-D Channel 31, are LPTV CBS-affiliated stations in Bend, Oregon (DMA #192) owned by KOIN/New Vision Television.They launched in October of 2008 seperating from KOIN. K31CR's city of license is Prineville. KBNZ and K31CR are now semi-satellites of KOIN although they shows not seen on the latter station.

History
In 2008, New Vision Television announced plans to convert KBNZ into a local CBS affiliate. KBNZ is now a semi-satellite of KOIN, and has seperate studios in Bend. One reason KBNZ is split from KOIN is that the Bend market is growing. This leaves Meredith-owned KUBN (My Network TV via KPDX) as the only Bend station translating another station.

Newscasts
Although the station does not air any local newscasts currently, KBNZ does provide stories on KOIN's newscasts. also KBNZ still airs Portland news however as KBNZ grows they do plan on a local Central Oregon newscast and local programming.

Coverage Area
While KBNZ is the main station, KBNZ's signal is a city-grade signal. In this case KBNZ's signal does not make it that far outside Bend. The only other city it reaches is Deschutes River Woods which is south of Bend and only reaches the Northern tip of the city. KBNZ's signal can be seen in the western portion of Crook County. In contrast, K31CR's signal is not available east of Prineville but it's service area is larger than KBNZ. According to KBNZ's website, K31CR's signal reaches Crook, Jefferson,Deschutes, & Wasco counties. KBNZ's signal, does not exit Deschutes county.

Digital Television
K31CR had its signal flashcut to digital on October 22,2008,KBNZ followed on July 8,2009.Because LPTV stations are not required to turn off their digital signal, Both were not required to do this.

Translators
KBNZ and K31CR-D as low-powered stations, rely on translators to expand their reach.


 * KO4BJ Channel 4, La Pine * K34AI Channel 34 Sunriver
 * K52AK, Channel 52 (City Grade) Prineville (moving to Ch 47)