CBS To Shuffle Market Affiliates

CBS is switching its network affiliations in half a dozen U.S. markets effective Aug. 1, moving programming from Nexstar Media Group stations to outlets owned by Hearst Television and Forum Communications. 

The changes stem from a multi-year affiliation agreement in which Paramount (CBS’s parent) extended deals with Nexstar in 36 markets while shifting six others. Nexstar confirmed it will replace CBS with The CW in several of those markets or promote Fox to primary status, while expanding local news where possible. 

A Paramount spokesperson said the company was “pleased to have entered into several new CBS Television Network affiliation agreements, including extending our long-standing partnership with Nexstar, expanding our relationship with Hearst Television and welcoming Forum Communications Company into the CBS Family.” 

The affected markets and new homes for CBS include:

• Albuquerque, N.M.: CBS moves to Hearst’s KOAT-TV (an ABC station); Nexstar’s longtime affiliate KRQE-TV will elevate Fox programming to its primary channel.
• 
  Birmingham, Ala.: CBS shifts to Hearst’s WVTM-TV (NBC); Nexstar’s WIAT-TV will expand local news.
• Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.: CBS moves to Hearst’s WYFF-TV (NBC); Nexstar’s WSPA-TV will expand local news.
• Jackson, Miss.: CBS goes to Hearst’s WAPT-TV (ABC); Nexstar’s WJTV-TV will become a primary CW affiliate.
• Bismarck/Minot, N.D.: CBS moves to Forum’s KBMY/KMCY; Nexstar’s KXMB and related stations will elevate The CW.
• Rapid City, S.D.: CBS shifts to Forum’s KNBN; Nexstar’s KCLO will become a primary CW station.

In some markets, CBS programming will air on a digital subchannel of the new affiliate (such as WYFF 4.3 or WVTM 13.4) while the station’s primary channel continues its existing network lineup and local newscasts. Viewers may need to rescan antenna channels or check cable/satellite/streaming guides after the switch for updated channel positions. Nexstar noted the transitions will give it greater scheduling flexibility to grow local news in Greenville/Spartanburg, Birmingham, and other affected areas.

The shakeup marks the end of decades-long CBS affiliations for several Nexstar stations, including a 72-year run in Albuquerque. It comes amid broader industry realignments as station groups renegotiate network deals and seek more control over local programming and news expansion.