View source for WKBD-TV

{{Short description|Television station in Detroit}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WKBD-TV
| logo = WKBD-TV 2024.svg
| logo_upright = 1
| logo_alt = The current CW logo with the words "Detroit 50" in a bold sans serif font. The CW logo and "50" are in orange and "Detroit" is in black.
| branding = CW Detroit 50
| digital = 34 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 50
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''50.1:''' [[The CW]]<ref name="cwreturn"/>|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[CBS News and Stations]]
| licensee = Detroit Television Station WKBD Inc.
| location = [[Detroit]], Michigan
| country = United States
| airdate = {{Start date and age|1965|1|10|p=y|br=y}}
| callsign_meaning = "[[Kaiser Broadcasting]] Detroit"
| sister_stations = [[WWJ-TV]]
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WKBD (1965–1966,|1984–2009)|WKBD-TV (1966–1984)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 50 (UHF, 1965–2009)|'''Digital:''' 14 (UHF, 2000–2019)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|Independent (1965–1986, 1994–1995, 2023–2024)|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] (1986–1994)|[[UPN]] (1995–2006)|The CW (2006–2023)}}
| erp = 285 kW
| haat = {{convert|290.6|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 51570
| coordinates = {{Coord|42|29|1|N|83|18|44|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/detroit-50/}}
}}

'''WKBD-TV''' (channel 50), branded as '''CW Detroit 50''', is a [[television station]] in [[Detroit]], Michigan, United States, affiliated with [[The CW]]. It is owned by the [[CBS News and Stations]] group alongside [[WWJ-TV]] (channel 62), a [[CBS]] [[owned-and-operated station]]. The two stations share studios on Eleven Mile Road in the Detroit suburb of [[Southfield, Michigan|Southfield]], where WKBD-TV's transmitter is also located.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=http://cwdetroit.cbslocal.com/contact-us/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010061119/http://cwdetroit.cbslocal.com/contact-us/ |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=December 8, 2012 |publisher=WKBD-TV |quote=26905 W. 11 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48033}}</ref>

WKBD began broadcasting on January 10, 1965. It was the first [[UHF]] station built by [[Kaiser Broadcasting]] as part of what eventually became a chain of seven stations in major U.S. markets. Channel 50 started as an all-sports station with telecasts of the [[Detroit Red Wings]] and [[Detroit Pistons]] as features, but it soon grew into an active independent station producing an array of local programs alongside sports and syndicated reruns. Between 1966 and 1977, [[Lou Gordon (journalist)|Lou Gordon]] hosted a nationally syndicated program based in Detroit and syndicated to the other Kaiser stations; Gordon's 1967 interview with [[George W. Romney]], in which he decried "brainwashing" on a trip to Vietnam, made national news and was credited with dashing his presidential aspirations and ending his political career. In addition, Gordon raised the station's profile among Detroit-area viewers. Among its local programming efforts, WKBD produced a local newscast from 1968 to 1970. Kaiser sold its entire broadcasting operation to [[Field Communications]] in 1977.

As part of the dissolution of Field Communications, [[Cox Enterprises]] acquired WKBD in 1984. The Red Wings moved their games that year to [[WMYD|WXON]] (channel 20), while channel 50 kept the Pistons. Under Cox, WKBD started a 10 p.m. local newscast in 1985, affiliated with [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] in 1986, and moved into its present studio building in 1988. During this time, WKBD was one of the nation's strongest independents and grew further as the Fox network matured in the early 1990s. In 1993, Cox sold WKBD to [[Paramount Stations Group]]; when Fox [[1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment|moved its affiliation]] to [[WJBK-TV]], previously the CBS affiliate, Paramount withheld channel 50 from picking up CBS so that it could join its own network, [[UPN]], at launch in January 1995. The effect of the switch was to put WJBK in competition for the 10 p.m. news audience with WKBD, a fight channel 50 lost.

Paramount's parent company, [[Viacom (1952–2005)|Viacom]], merged with CBS in 2000, bringing WKBD-TV and CBS-owned WWJ-TV under one roof. WKBD's news operation was briefly extended to serve the previously newsless WWJ-TV, but this failed to attract viewers, and it was shut down in 2002. After having the Red Wings, Pistons, and [[Detroit Tigers]] rights at the same time, all three professional teams abandoned WKBD between 2003 and 2005. When UPN and [[The WB]] merged to form The CW in 2006, WKBD-TV and twelve other CBS-owned UPN stations were among its first affiliates. CBS sold its stake in The CW in 2022 and withdrew its eight remaining affiliates from the network the next year, only to have WKBD return to the network effective September 2024. The station airs local newscasts as part of CBS News Detroit, the news operation and streaming service for WWJ-TV established in 2023.

==Channel 50 prior to WKBD-TV==
Channel 50 was first assigned to Detroit in April 1952, when the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) lifted a three-and-a-half-year freeze on new TV station grants and opened up the [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) band for TV use.<ref name="BC520415">{{Cite news|date=April 15, 1952|title=Thaw July 1: 617 VHFs, 1436 UHFs in 1291 Markets; Educators Win|work=Broadcasting|pages=23, 67–68|id={{ProQuest|1285696665}} }}</ref> Within weeks, Goodwill Stations, owner of [[WJR (AM)|WJR radio]] in Detroit, announced the intent of applying for four station licenses which would operate as a regional network—UHF channel 50 in Detroit, VHF channel 11 in [[Toledo, Ohio]], VHF channel 12 in [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]] and VHF channel 5 in [[Bay City, Michigan|Bay City]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Goodwill Plans |id={{ProQuest|1401199491}} |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1952/BC-1952-05-05.pdf |access-date=March 16, 2020 |work=Broadcasting |date=May 5, 1952 |pages=66 |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018173804/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1952/BC-1952-05-05.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Goodwill hoped to affiliate the Detroit channel 50 station with [[CBS]].<ref>{{Cite news|work=Variety|title=Patt's 4-Station TV Aspirations|id={{ProQuest|962790782}}|page=24|date=April 30, 1952}}</ref> The Flint application was the only one to make it to the air as [[WJRT-TV]] in 1958.<ref name="hc2">{{Cite web |title=FCC History Cards for WJRT-TV |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/4656627a-b65c-3693-eea3-6a75a0daaf1b |access-date=November 20, 2023 |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155623/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/4656627a-b65c-3693-eea3-6a75a0daaf1b |url-status=live }}</ref>

Woodward Broadcasting, which applied later, withdrew its bid when it purchased the channel 62 construction permit belonging to the [[United Auto Workers]].<ref name="Detr540709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-osnos-drops-tv-bid-b/135445028/|date=July 9, 1954|page=6|title=Osnos Drops TV Bid; Buys UAW Station|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120053637/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-osnos-drops-tv-bid-b/135445028/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> That cleared the way for the other applicant, Booth Radio and Television Stations (owner of [[WDTK|WJLB]] and [[WJLB|WBRI]] radio), to be granted the permit.<ref name="Detr540805">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-booth-gets-detroit-tv/135445062/|date=August 5, 1954|page=31|agency=Associated Press|title=Booth Gets Detroit TV Channel|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120053641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-booth-gets-detroit-tv/135445062/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> By this time, however, it was becoming clear that UHF telecasting was experiencing economic issues stemming from inequalities with VHF stations. Booth returned the permit at the end of 1954 and also surrendered a permit for another UHF station in [[Saginaw]].<ref>{{Cite news|page=70|id={{ProQuest|1401209759}}|date=December 27, 1954|title=Booth Turns Back Permits For Detroit, Saginaw Uhfs|work=Broadcasting}}</ref> Woodward then filed for and received permission to move its proposed station, WBID-TV, to channel 50.<ref>{{Cite news|page=102|work=Broadcasting|title=For the Record|date=March 7, 1955|id={{ProQuest|1285727537}} }}</ref> It sought to remedy the VHF-UHF issue by asking the FCC to make a channel exchange between Detroit and Toledo, where it owned a construction permit for WTOH-TV on channel 79, so that Detroit would be all-VHF (with WBID-TV on channel 11 instead of 50) and Toledo all-UHF.<ref name="Detr550427">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-ask-shift-in-detroit/135445099/|date=April 27, 1955|page=23|agency=Associated Press|title=Ask Shift In Detroit TV Channel|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120053642/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-ask-shift-in-detroit/135445099/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> WBID-TV remained on the books despite a lack of action on the petition. In November 1956, it and 82 other UHF stations not in operation received letters from the FCC asking for additional information in support of their request for more time to build.<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1285737801}}|title=UHF Permittees Get Ultimatum to Justify Extension Requests|work=Broadcasting|date=November 26, 1956|page=74}}</ref> The permit survived, but in February 1960, the FCC circulated another round of such letters to WBID-TV and 53 other unbuilt stations.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=9–10|title=Build or quit, 54 uhf permittees are told|work=Broadcasting|date=February 22, 1960|id={{ProQuest|962842128}} }}</ref> That November, the WBID-TV permit and 25 others in similar situations were deleted by the commission.<ref>{{cite news|page=62|title=FCC deletes 26 uhf construction permits|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|962868984}}|date=November 28, 1960 }}</ref>

== History ==
=== Kaiser and Field ownership (1965–1983) ===
==== Signing on with sports ====
On August 31, 1962,<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/df091cb7-7100-d6e4-b7ff-f7397412610f|title=History Cards for WKBD-TV|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref> Kaiser Industries, the conglomerate owned by California industrialist [[Henry J. Kaiser]], applied to the FCC for three new UHF TV stations: channel 38 in Chicago; channel 41 in [[Burlington, New Jersey]] (to serve [[Philadelphia]]); and channel 50 in Detroit.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kaiser Broadcasting Asks For 3 U.H.F. TV Stations|agency=United Press International|page=62|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 6, 1962|id={{ProQuest|116202166}}}}</ref> This was the second application by [[Kaiser Broadcasting]] for TV stations on the U.S. mainland: it already owned stations in Hawaii and had requested UHF channels in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Richard C. Block, the president of Kaiser Broadcasting, told ''[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]'' magazine that the company had "an abiding faith that there is right now a need for additional TV service&nbsp;... and UHF obviously provided the opportunity". The applications called for a general-appeal program lineup, local and live talent, and local news.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kaiser Wants Seven TV's|page=40|date=September 10, 1962|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1014459266}} }}</ref> The FCC granted the construction permit for the Detroit station on January 3, 1963; it was the third permit granted, after the two California stations.{{r|hc}}<ref>{{Cite news|pages=62, 64|id={{ProQuest|1014465265}}|work=Broadcasting|date=January 7, 1963|title=Kaiser gets cp for Detroit uhf}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = We felt that someone should go out and build a UHF station to keep the [[All-Channel Receiver Act|all-channel bill]] going—and do it right&nbsp;... manufacturers were saying: "Nobody is putting any money into this thing, so why do it?"
| author = Richard C. Block
| source = Kaiser Broadcasting executive, on why WKBD was chosen as its first UHF station{{r|BCSRKaiser}}
| width = 275px
}}

With the permit granted, Kaiser sent John Serrao, manager of its [[KHVH-TV]] in [[Honolulu]], to Detroit to ascertain plans for WKBD ("Kaiser Broadcasting, Detroit"). Serrao had previously been an advertising sales representative for [[WDIV-TV|WWJ-TV (channel 4)]] in the 1950s.<ref name="Detr630813">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-what-kind-of-tv-for-n/45294708/|date=August 13, 1963|page=2-B|first=Bettelou|last=Peterson|title=What Kind of TV for New Station?|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120061958/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-what-kind-of-tv-for-n/45294708/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The station's programming plan was unveiled in September: a six-hour-a-day lineup consisting almost entirely of local and other sports. The idea originated from Honolulu, where KHVH-TV aired a nine-hour-long sports cavalcade, ''Kaiser Sports Central'', on weekends. The proposed programming was a decided break with convention. In ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', the proposed WKBD lineup was called "one of the first—if not the first aside from ethnic—attempts at truly specialized programming". Channel 50 would launch with games of the [[Detroit Red Wings]] pro hockey team and [[Detroit Pistons]] pro basketball plus sporting events from the [[Michigan Wolverines|University of Michigan]], [[Michigan State Spartans|Michigan State University]], and [[Detroit Mercy Titans|University of Detroit]].<ref>{{Cite news|work=Variety|date=September 30, 1964|title=Kaiser's All-Sports UHFer: Industry Eyes Detroit Test|id={{ProQuest|1032433759}}|pages=33, 49}}</ref> In October, officials in [[Southfield, Michigan|Southfield]] approved construction of the station's facilities, including a {{convert|1000|ft|m|adj=on}} candelabra tower designed to eventually support other TV stations.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=62, 63|title=WKBD sets new target date; all-sports format|id={{ProQuest|1014492443}}|date=October 19, 1964|work=Broadcasting}}</ref> The forthcoming station led to forecasts of a surge in interest in converting VHF-only sets to tune the UHF band and a shortage of television servicemen to install a projected 200,000 UHF converters.<ref>{{Cite news|page=152|work=Variety|date=January 6, 1965|title=200,000 'U' Conversion Kits: Detroit Forecast|id={{ProQuest|1505825459}}}}</ref> The station would also have three [[outside broadcasting|remote]] units for telecasting events beyond its studios.<ref>{{cite news|last=Oviatt|first=Ray|title=New Detroit UHF Station to Open|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XghPAAAAIBAJ&dq=%22Detroit+UHF+Station%22&pg=PA30&article_id=7495,6483043|access-date=September 6, 2012|newspaper=The Toledo Blade|date=December 21, 1964|page=Peach 4|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120061959/https://books.google.com/books?id=XghPAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA30&dq=%22Detroit+UHF+Station%22&article_id=7495,6483043&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiarNqe99GCAxUoKkQIHec2BHEQ6AF6BAgIEAI#v=onepage&q=%22Detroit%20UHF%20Station%22&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

WKBD first signed on the air on January 10, 1965.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|date=January 18, 1965|id={{ProQuest|1014481573}}|title=WKBD(TV) goes on, hears praise for UHF|pages=65–66}}</ref> WKBD began broadcasting at 5&nbsp;p.m. on that date, with its first programs being two [[college basketball]] games (taped the day before): [[Michigan State Spartans men's basketball|Michigan State University]] vs. the [[Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball|University of Iowa]] and the [[Detroit Titans men's basketball|University of Detroit]] against the [[Dayton Flyers men's basketball|University of Dayton]], followed by a live [[NHL]] game between the [[1964–65 Detroit Red Wings season|Detroit Red Wings]] and the [[1964–65 Chicago Blackhawks season|Chicago Blackhawks]].<ref name="Wind650107">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-sports-tv-premieres-ch/135480796/|date=January 7, 1965|page=6|title=Sports TV Premieres: Channel 50 New Venture|newspaper=The Windsor Star|location=Windsor, Ontario, Canada|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120062114/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-sports-tv-premieres-ch/135480796/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Detroi19850106p25">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=January 6, 1985 |title=After 20 years, Channel 50 is riding high |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-after-20-years-chann/135456929/ 6C] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-after-20-years-chann/135456874/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119221346/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-after-20-years-chann/135456874/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sports was, Serrao admitted, a strategy to cement WKBD in Detroit homes before broadening the station's mix of programming. He also believed that sports would be an important way for independent stations to establish themselves in their markets.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|date=June 21, 1965|page=48|title=Kaiser's Serrao offers UHF formula|id={{ProQuest|1014508150}}}}</ref> Despite that, channel 50 remained sports-heavy in its first fall television season, with heavy doses of college and professional sports as well as some reruns including ''[[The Joey Bishop Show (TV series)|The Joey Bishop Show]]'' and ''[[My Friend Flicka (TV series)|My Friend Flicka]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|964060929}}|work=Variety|title=Kaiser's Design For All-Sports UHF Chain Looks Good by WKBD|page=29|date=July 7, 1965}}</ref> and a daily syndicated show hosted by former [[WXYZ-TV]] personality [[Soupy Sales]].<ref name="Detroi19651105p27">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=November 5, 1965 |title=Memo to Jack Benny: Watch Kaye Go |page=7B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-memo-to-jack-benny-w/135546653/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122045439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-memo-to-jack-benny-w/135546653/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Local shows and Lou Gordon ====
[[Image:Lou and Jackie Gordon.jpg|thumb|alt=Refer to caption|Jackie and Lou Gordon|260x260px]]
On February 6, 1966, WKBD began a talk show featuring journalist [[Lou Gordon (journalist)|Lou Gordon]].<ref name="Detr660124">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-the-return-of-mr-ed/135529384/|date=January 24, 1966|page=8-D|first=Bettelou|last=Peterson|title=The Return of Mr. Ed|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-the-return-of-mr-ed/135529384/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> ''The Lou Gordon Show'' formed part of a surge in local programming at channel 50. By July 1966, WKBD was live and local for 30 hours a week, with such programs as ''The Shirley Eder Show'', featuring entertainment interviews; ''The Paul Winters Show'', a call-in program; a country and western music hour; and ''Sports Dial'', a sports interview program hosted by [[Joe Falls]] and [[George Puscas (sports writer)|George Puscas]] of the ''Detroit Free Press''.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Variety|first=Fred|last=Tew|title=Plenty of Local-Live Playing Detroit Outlets|pages=58, 62|id={{ProQuest|963000708}}|date=July 27, 1966}}</ref> An afternoon children's show, ''Captain Detroit'', debuted in the fall of 1965 and hosted by Dick Zappe;<ref name="Detroi19650814p15">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=August 14, 1965 |title=Deejays Avery And Lundy Switch Spots |page=5B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-deejays-avery-and-lun/135547169/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121174332/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-deejays-avery-and-lun/135547169/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the program was also hosted by comedian [[Johnny Ginger]]<ref name="Detroi19670502p26">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=May 2, 1967 |title=Viewers on Bishop Show: 'None on a Par with Paar' |page=6C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viewers-on-bishop-sho/135546829/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121174221/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viewers-on-bishop-sho/135546829/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Tom Ryan under the "Sgt. Sacto" persona.<ref name="Detroi19861026p60a">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=October 26, 1986 |title=On-camera personalities first drew viewers to 50 |pages=1F, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-camera-personaliti/135479309/ 7F] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-camera-personaliti/135479293/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121174235/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-camera-personaliti/135479293/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detroi19700517p21">{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1970 |title=Tipoff: Sgt. Sacto Cut |page=B1 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tipoff-sgt-sacto-cu/135547327/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121174334/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tipoff-sgt-sacto-cu/135547327/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|The ''Captain [City]'' children's show format was used on the other Kaiser stations<ref name="Phil650901">{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Harry |date=September 1, 1965 |title=2d UHF Commercial Station to Bow |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-2d-uhf-commerc/80515818/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119061839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-2d-uhf-commerc/80515818/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |page=28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="year">{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=Dwight |date=April 27, 1969 |title=Year of failure for high-number television |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86000208/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86000208/year-of-failure-for-high-number/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |work=San Francisco Examiner |page=B5}}</ref><ref name="CPD19690119p6G">{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=January 19, 1969 |title=Channel 61: The Impact of the First Year |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042454/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12C35DE38493BF73%402440241-12BC6389696003C3%40151-12BC6389696003C3?clipid=bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6-G |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> and originated at KHVH-TV as ''Captain Honolulu'', which also had a host nicknamed "Sgt. Sacto".<ref name="Hono981007">{{Cite news |last=Kua |first=Crystal |date=October 7, 1998 |title='Captain Honolulu' was kids' favorite |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-captain-honolulu/139473633/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126090143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-captain-honolulu/139473633/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |page=A-3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>}} [[Bill Kennedy (actor)|Bill Kennedy]] joined WKBD in 1969 from [[CKLW-TV]] in [[Windsor, Ontario]], to host a daily afternoon movie.{{r|Detroi19861026p60a}} He helmed another popular feature, ''Sunday Afternoon Movies'', which often outdrew the network affiliates in the ratings. In addition, Kennedy conducted interviews syndicated to the other Kaiser stations.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=5–7|title=There's No Business Like... An Interview With Bill Kennedy|first=Lowell|last=Cauffiel|work=Creem|id={{ProQuest|2578117867}}|date=February 2, 1976}}</ref> By 1969, WKBD-TV was the first UHF station to overtake a VHF outlet in the ratings; it had surpassed CKLW-TV, originally owned by [[RKO General]] which as a Canadian station was hindered by its commitments to [[Canadian content]] and ultimately a forced sale to Canadian interests.{{r|Var690820}}

{{Quote box
| quote = But, almost from the beginning, it was sharp-tongued Lou Gordon who made viewers—important and ordinary—aware of WKBD... For 12 years, until his death at 60 in 1977, Gordon baited guests and railed against big corporations on his Channel 50 show. Utilities were particular targets if he thought they were gouging the "little people". Monday mornings in Detroit's workplaces, Gordon's latest escapade was frequently the subject of coffee break conversations.
| author = Bettelou Peterson
| source = ''Detroit Free Press'' television critic{{r|Detroi19861026p60a}}
| width = 350px
}}

Gordon went national in 1967, under the title ''Lou Gordon's Hot Seat'', and began to be distributed to the other Kaiser stations. The first program featured a 35-minute interview with [[George W. Romney]], the governor of Michigan, in which he mentioned being "brainwashed" by military officials on a trip to Vietnam and stated that he did not want to be a vice presidential candidate in 1968.<ref>{{cite news|page=73|title=News windfall for Detroit UHF|work=Broadcasting|date=September 18, 1967|id={{ProQuest|1014512780}} }}</ref> Romney's claim of brainwashing—which made the front page of ''The New York Times'' in addition to national media coverage—was later attributed to presidential historian [[Theodore H. White]] with ending his hopes of [[George Romney 1968 presidential campaign|running for president]]<ref>{{cite book|last=White|first=Theodore H.|author-link=Theodore H. White|title=The Making of the President, 1968|url=https://archive.org/details/makingofpresiden0000unse_p0u2|url-access=registration|location=New York|publisher=Atheneum Publishers|pages=65–70|year=1969|oclc=19350}}</ref>{{Efn|White's appraisal has also been cited in contemporary media coverage on WKBD and Lou Gordon.{{r|Detroi19850106p25}}{{r|Detroi19861026p60a}}{{r|Detr770525}}}}<ref name="Var710826">{{Cite news|work=Variety|page=32|title=Reporter Gordon Of WKBD-TV In Pentagon Scoop|date=August 25, 1971|id={{ProQuest|962923692}} }}</ref> and his political career.<ref name="Var850116">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1438424079}}|date=January 16, 1985|title=Detroit's Ch. 50, At 20, Is A 10|first=John|last=Hurley|work=Variety|pages=158, 187}}</ref> In 1973, Romney, then the [[Secretary of Housing and Urban Development]], appeared on Gordon's show again, only to walk off the set when Gordon replayed his comments of six years earlier.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Variety|id={{ProQuest|1014873915}}|title=Romney Walks Off Lou Gordon's Show Over 'Brainwash'|page=34|date=February 28, 1973}}</ref>

Gordon's program regularly generated scoops. A 1971 front-page story in the ''Free Press'' was generated based on an advance interview conducted by Gordon which revealed an attempt by Pentagon press officials to encourage the introduction of favorable resolutions at the [[Disabled American Veterans]] convention in Detroit.<ref name="Detroi19710814p1">{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=David |date=August 14, 1971 |title=Judge Says Pentagon Aide Tried to Sway Vets' Parley: Punching Threat Bared |pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-judge-says-pentagon-a/135907271/ 2A] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-judge-says-pentagon-a/135907234/ |access-date=November 28, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204051027/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-judge-says-pentagon-a/135907234/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{r|Var710826}} In 1974, his interview with [[Henry Ford II]] led to Ford announcing [[Lee Iacocca]] as the next president of the [[Ford Motor Company]];<ref name="Lansin19740526p4">{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1974 |title=Ford Feels 'Let Down' |page=4 |newspaper=Lansing State Journal |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-ford-feels-let-do/135907699/ |access-date=November 28, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204051028/https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-ford-feels-let-do/135907699/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a federal judge pronounced himself in favor of the impeachment of [[Richard Nixon]]; and another appearance led to an investigation of fraud in television repair. These stories made their way into local and national newspapers. His talk show had higher ratings in Detroit than the national programs of [[Mike Douglas]] or [[Johnny Carson]], or local travel host George Pierrot.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1017189894}}|page=39|title=Lou Gordon 'Raps' Up Detroit's TV Talk Show Lead Via Scoops|work=Variety|date=July 24, 1974}}</ref> In 1975, when he signed a new deal with Kaiser, it was airing on six of the company's stations plus three others.<ref>{{Cite news|page=41|title=Gordon's WKBD-TV Pact|work=Variety|date=November 12, 1975|id={{ProQuest|1286010114}} }}</ref> The program continued until Gordon died in his sleep on May 25, 1977.<ref name="Detr770525">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-heart-failure-apparen/135530186/|date=May 25, 1977|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-commentator-lou-gordo/135530217/ 16A]|first=Billy|last=Bowles|title=Heart Failure Apparent Cause: Commentator Lou Gordon Dies at 60|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-heart-failure-apparen/135530186/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> WKBD attempted to replace Gordon with a show hosted by [[Barry Farber]] in his former timeslot, running from November 1977 to June 1978.<ref name="Detroi19771106p39">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=November 6, 1977 |title=The Man Who's Replacing Lou Gordon Won't Demand Any Confrontations |page=7C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-the-man-whos-replaci/135908698/ |access-date=November 28, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204051030/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-the-man-whos-replaci/135908698/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detroi19780509p3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tipoff-splitsville/135908656/|date=May 9, 1978|page=3A|title=Tipoff: Splitsville; Farber wants New York more than show on Ch. 50|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 28, 2023|archive-date=December 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204051028/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tipoff-splitsville/135908656/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Network aspirations, local news and financial issues ====
WKBD briefly gained a [[network affiliation]] in May 1967, when it became the Detroit affiliate of the short-lived [[United Network]]; the network only ever distributed one program, ''[[The Las Vegas Show]]''.<ref name="Detr670602">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-network-shuts-dow/135530438/|date=June 2, 1967|page=4-C|title=New Network Shuts Down After a Month|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-network-shuts-dow/135530438/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> At the same time, Kaiser had similar aspirations. After helping a third party secure a [[construction permit]] for [[WKBF-TV]] in [[Cleveland, Ohio]], of which it acquired operational control,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 21, 1967 |title=Closed Circuit: Waivering Policy |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-08-21-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=8 |page=5 |id={{ProQuest|1014529133}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151443/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-08-21-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Kaiser announced plans in September 1967 to launch a network of their own by 1970, programmed by the individual stations' most successful local efforts.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 25, 1967 |title=Kaiser's plans move forward: Group's dream of network by late 1970 is supported by approval of Cleveland UHF purchase and other moves |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=73 |issue=13 |page=54 |id={{ProQuest|1014507147}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108152001/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-09-25-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> By 1968, Kaiser had invested over $36&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|36000000|1968}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) into UHF broadcasting groupwide.<ref name="BME196802Kaiser">{{Cite magazine |date=February 1968 |title=How the Independents Program: Kaiser's Us and WOR-TV are doing counter programming. It all started with Metromedia. |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BME/60s/BM-E-1968-02.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcast Management/Engineering |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=29–31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925042232/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BME/60s/BM-E-1968-02.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref>

Under Kaiser Broadcasting ownership, in 1968, WKBD began producing a nightly newscast at 10&nbsp;pm; this was part of a large investment by Kaiser into forming news departments for most of their stations. Kaiser's commitment to news programming groupwide wavered, sometimes in the span of months. In April, half the news department at WKBD was fired, and the news director was dismissed;<ref>{{Cite news|work=Variety|page=54|title=Shakeup Hits News at Kaiser U's; Report Firing of 40, Cutback On Slots; Group Ups Syndie Product|id={{ProQuest|962955736}}|date=April 11, 1969}}</ref> the group then began expanding programming again, encouraged by ratings success in Cleveland and Detroit.<ref>{{Cite news|page=46|work=Variety|title=Kaiser's UHF Group Reverses Cutback In News Shows Under Sherman Bazell|date=July 16, 1969|id={{ProQuest|964075950}} }}</ref> Ultimately, the entire news operation was closed after only two years, due to a weak economy and reluctance to embrace UHF stations; WKBD's news operation was the only one of Kaiser's news departments to turn a profit, though ratings were still much lower than expected.<ref name="KaiserDownToBone">{{cite magazine |date=November 16, 1970 |id={{ProQuest|1016859451}} |title=Down to the bone in Kaiser's news: UHF group gives notice to 50 air journalists in sharp economy move |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=79 |issue=20 |page=51 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151321/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref><ref name="Detroi19701113p 1">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettylou |date=November 13, 1970 |title=Staff of 17 Fired: Channel 50 Cancels News |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243775/staff-of-17-fired-channel-50-cancels/ 4A] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243740/staff-of-17-fired-channel-50-cancels/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212336/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110243740/staff-of-17-fired-channel-50-cancels/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The 10&nbsp;p.m. news had 50,000 viewers per an American Research Bureau survey, capturing just 10 percent of the audience at that hour. Seventeen employees lost their jobs in Detroit.<ref>{{Cite news|title=News A Casualty Of Economic Austerity In Kaiser UHF Group; Staff Cuts, Etc., Save 2G A Telecast|work=Variety|pages=49, 64|id={{ProQuest|1014863165}}|date=November 18, 1970}}</ref>

By 1970, WKBD had become the dominant UHF station in the group and the only profitable one. Losses accelerated throughout the company in 1968 after the sign-on of WKBF and [[KBHK-TV]] in San Francisco, and the Los Angeles station [[KBSC-TV]] only operated with a barebones schedule, but both KBHK and KBSC continued to broadcast with hopes of a television network still in mind.<ref name="BCSRKaiser">{{Cite magazine |last=Gelman |first=Morris |date=March 16, 1970 |title=Special Report: Breaking the UHF profit barrier |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=78 |issue=11 |pages=64–66 |id={{ProQuest|1014517010}}}}</ref> [[WKBG-TV]] in Boston itself lost a total of $11&nbsp;million from the time it had signed on in 1966 until November 1970.<ref name="newscuts">{{cite news |last=Shain |first=Percy |date=November 12, 1970 |title=Channel 56 cuts night news show |edition=Evening |page=4 |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883438/channel-56-cuts-night-news-show/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074729/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86883438/channel-56-cuts-night-news-show/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> The rest of the stations were not expected to turn a profit until 1973, and all operated off of bank accounts funded by revenue from Kaiser Industries. WKBD was not immune to issues: much of the station's initial news-gathering equipment, purchased in 1964, was in [[black-and-white]], and Kaiser had to upgrade facilities after underestimating the original transmitter's 30 kW output.{{r|BCSRKaiser}} Sixteen additional WKBD employees were downsized earlier in 1970, including "Sgt. Sacto" Tom Ryan, resulting in ''Captain Detroit''{{'}}s cancellation.{{r|Detroi19700517p21}} Kaiser Industries' status as an industrial conglomerate was seen as a reason for the company's ability to absorb such onerous financial losses in UHF broadcasting.{{r|BCSRKaiser}}

A minority 22.5&nbsp;percent stake in Kaiser Broadcasting's holdings (excluding KBSC and Kaiser's radio stations) was sold to [[Field Communications]] on May 26, 1972, concurrent with Kaiser purchasing a majority 77.5&nbsp;percent stake in Field's Chicago station, [[WFLD-TV]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 29, 1972 |id={{ProQuest|1016872697}} |title=Kaiser, Field put their U's together |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-05-29-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=82 |issue=22 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104001405/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-05-29-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref>

==== The Ghoul ====
{{Quote box
| quote = To say that ''The Ghoul Show'' is one long [[Polish joke]] interrupted by a boring monster movie&nbsp;... is not far from the truth. But it is also—in a spontaneous, crazy way—a very funny show.
| author = Fawn Bifoss
| source = ''Detroit Free Press'' reporter{{r|Detroi19770320p 39}}
| width = 250px
}}

One of Kaiser's final syndicated efforts was ''Creature Features with The Ghoul'', which originated from Kaiser's Cleveland station, WKBF, starting in 1971.<ref name="CPD19840924Fp40">{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Jane |date=September 24, 1982 |title=Ghoul is going after local bands |page=Friday 40 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-130CE7BB5D44827D%402445237-130CE146C4E5D5C6%40116-130CE146C4E5D5C6?clipid=junkbbzaztmxpvnvvoyrmdjaumyppere_wma-gateway015_1663302892615 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-130CE7BB5D44827D%402445237-130CE146C4E5D5C6%40116-130CE146C4E5D5C6?clipid=junkbbzaztmxpvnvvoyrmdjaumyppere_wma-gateway015_1663302892615 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Portrayed by [[Ron Sweed]], The Ghoul was conceived as a [[spiritual successor]] to [[Ghoulardi]], a Cleveland [[horror host]] character created by [[Ernie Anderson]] whom Sweed idolized.<ref name="Detroi20190404pA4">{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=April 4, 2019 |title=The Ghoul, crazed '70s TV horror host, dies |pages=A4, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217355/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ A16] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217343/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217343/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Focusing The Ghoul's act towards [[lowbrow humor]], explosions, [[kitsch]]iness and [[slapstick]],<ref name="Detroi19981112p 52">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=November 12, 1998 |title=Braaaap! The Ghoul's back, on TV and in print |pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217448/braaaap-the-ghouls-back-on-tv-and-in/ 5E] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217442/braaaap-the-ghouls-back-on-tv-and-in/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217442/braaaap-the-ghouls-back-on-tv-and-in/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Sweed's program found a [[cult following]], prompting Kaiser to syndicate the show to WKBD in 1972,<ref name="Detroi19720520p 31">{{Cite news |last=Hanna |first=Charlie |date=May 20, 1972 |title=The Ghoul and Cavett: What Were They Trying To Say? |page=11C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216027/the-ghoul-and-cavett-what-were-they/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216027/the-ghoul-and-cavett-what-were-they/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> then to KBHK and WKBG.<ref name="Detroi19730119p 11">{{Cite news |last=Talbert |first=Bob |date=January 19, 1973 |title=Lunch With The Ghoul a Zesty Affair |page=11A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216064/lunch-with-the-ghoul-a-zesty-affair/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216064/lunch-with-the-ghoul-a-zesty-affair/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Boston19740606p53">{{Cite news |date=June 6, 1974 |title=Ask The Globe |page=53 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |location=Boston, Massachusetts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216171/ask-the-globe/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216171/ask-the-globe/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> While the show had mixed results in San Francisco and Boston (and failed in Chicago, when it replaced [[Jerry G. Bishop]]'s [[Svengoolie]] at WFLD<ref name="Chicag19731202p449">{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1973 |title=TV mailbag |page=2 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune TV Week |location=Chicago, Illinois |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522103/tv-mailbag-svengoolie-cancelled-for/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522103/tv-mailbag-svengoolie-cancelled-for/ |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Chicag19740224p260">{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1974 |title=TV mailbag |page=2 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune TV Week |location=Chicago, Illinois |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216411/tv-mailbag-ghoul-bumper-sticker/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216411/tv-mailbag-ghoul-bumper-sticker/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>) it proved very popular in Detroit.<ref name="Detroi19730126p 12">{{Cite news |date=January 26, 1973 |title=Action Line: Dial 222-6464 |page=1A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216103/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110216103/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

The Ghoul was cancelled in the spring of 1975,<ref name="Detroi19750313p 1">{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1975 |title=Action Line: Dial 222-6464 |page=1A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063740/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220624/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063740/action-line-dial-222-6464/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> a precursor to WKBF's own shutdown later that April.<ref name="WUABonlyU">{{Cite magazine |date=April 14, 1975 |title=Kaiser to quit Cleveland, leaving UA with only U |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=88 |issue=15 |page=52 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926010710/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref><!--ProQuest is missing this story and associated page--> While Sweed sued Kaiser for the intellectual property rights to the Ghoul character, WKBD-TV briefly revived the program in August 1975.<ref name="Detroi19750814p 3">{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1975 |title=Tipoff: The Ghoul Returns |page=3A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063865/tipoff-the-ghoul-returns/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110063865/tipoff-the-ghoul-returns/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Sweed moved the show to [[WMYD|WXON]] (channel 20) in September 1976 after prevailing in court<ref name="Detroi19770320p 39">{{Cite news |last=Bifoss |first=Fawn |date=March 20, 1977 |title=Ghoulish Success Mixes Kitsch with Kiszka |page=7C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104517850/the-ghoul-detroit-free-press-03-20-77/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143855/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104517850/the-ghoul-detroit-free-press-03-20-77/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and continued to portray the character on various Cleveland and Detroit stations over the next four decades.{{r|Detroi20190404pA4}}

==== Field takes over ====
Kaiser sold the group to Field outright in January 1977 for a combined $42.625&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|42625000|1977}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}})<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1977 |id={{ProQuest|1014674421}} |title=Station sales rise with curve of air billings |page=23 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308042607/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> as part of a larger disposition of Kaiser Industries's assets.<ref name="lat20120828a">{{cite news |last=Walters |first=Donna K. H. |date=August 4, 1985 |title=An Empire Fades Away, but Its Legacy Lingers On : Final Chapter Is Being Written for What Once Was West's Greatest Industrial Power |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-08-04-fi-4512-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223033255/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-04/business/fi-4512_1_empire/6 |archive-date=December 23, 2014}}</ref> Under Field, the station had news updates with [[WWJ (AM)|WWJ radio]] host [[Byron MacGregor]]<ref name="Detroi19830612p25">{{Cite news |last=Lienert |first=Paul |date=June 12, 1983 |title=Auto Insider: Vette driver is in the doghouse |page=1C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-auto-insider-vette-d/135542180/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-auto-insider-vette-d/135542180/ |url-status=live }}</ref> that it aired alongside the syndicated ''[[Independent Network News (TV program)|Independent Network News]]''<ref name="Detroi19800809p11">{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1980 |title=WKBD plans prime-time news |page=10A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-plans-prime-time/135542137/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-plans-prime-time/135542137/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and later a simulcast of the new [[CNN Headline News]] service.<ref name="Detr820716">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-news-wars-cable-head/135531239/|date=July 16, 1982|page=13C|first=Mike|last=Duffy|title=News wars: Cable headline service is set for Channel 50|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121155634/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-news-wars-cable-head/135531239/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> [[Counterprogramming (television)|Counterprogramming]] became a hallmark of channel 50, in particular when the station programmed a tribute to ''[[M*A*S*H (TV series)|M*A*S*H]]'', which it held the rerun rights for, on the night of [[Goodbye, Farewell and Amen|the final first-run episode]] airing over CBS and WJBK on February 28, 1983.<ref name="Detroi19830203p53">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=February 3, 1983 |title=Channel 50 cashing in on 'M*A*S*H' finale |page=9D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-cashing-in/135532161/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-cashing-in/135532161/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKBD's airing of [[Pilot (M*A*S*H)|the pilot episode]] at 8&nbsp;p.m. that evening yielded a 31 rating and 43 share, both all-time records for the station.<ref name="Detroi19830302p41">{{Cite news |last=Talbert |first=Bob |date=March 2, 1983 |title=Station 'M*A*S*H' built is a hot story |page=15C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-station-mash-bui/135531720/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160536/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-station-mash-bui/135531720/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bill Kennedy continued to host the daily ''One O' Clock Movie'' until retiring in January 1983,<ref name="Detroi19830203p54">{{Cite news |last=McKay |first=David |date=February 3, 1983 |title=Names & Faces: Groucho's pal belts bailiff |page=12D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-grouch/135531359/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160536/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-grouch/135531359/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with former WXYZ-TV personality [[Sonny Eliot]] replacing him as host.<ref name="Detroi19830120p53">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=January 20, 1983 |title=Sonny to have a permanent seat at the movies |page=7D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-sonny-to-have-a-perma/135531332/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160547/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-sonny-to-have-a-perma/135531332/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detroi19830729p50">{{Cite news |last=Collison |first=Cathy |date=July 29, 1983 |title=Names & Faces: Sonny Eliot is looking for answers |page=12D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-sonny/135531587/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-sonny/135531587/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The final installment of the Sunday ''Bill Kennedy at the Movies'' aired on December 4, 1983.<ref name="Detroi19831204p69">{{Cite news |last1=Peterson |first1=Bettelou |last2=Smyntek |first2=John |date=December 4, 1983 |title=Names & Faces: Bill Kennedy says goodby |page=1F |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-bill-k/135532183/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-bill-k/135532183/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

WKBD also occasionally aired programs that the Detroit network affiliates opted not to [[Glossary of broadcasting terms#clearance|clear]]. When ''[[The Merv Griffin Show]]'' moved to CBS in 1969, CBS affiliate [[WJBK-TV]] declined to air the program, which appeared in Detroit on channel 50.<ref name="Var690820">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014853786}}|work=Variety|date=August 20, 1969|page=38|title=Breaks Go WKBD's Way in Detroit}}</ref> In the mid-1970s, NBC debuted two programs on Saturday nights that its affiliate, WWJ-TV, did not carry; it had already scheduled local films that made more money and did not air ''[[Weekend (1974 TV program)|Weekend]]'' or ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', which NBC offered to channel 50 for air in the market.<ref name="Detr770925">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-its-public-interest/135530799/|date=September 25, 1977|page=11-C|first=Bettelou|last=Peterson|title=It's Public Interest—And Money: Why TV Stations Drop Network Shows|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-its-public-interest/135530799/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> For part of 1978, it aired ''[[The Tomorrow Show]]'' after the station—now WDIV—dropped it due to low ratings.<ref name="Detr780106">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-will-detroit-have-a/135548475/|date=January 6, 1978|page=8-D|first=Bettelou|last=Peterson|title=Will Detroit Have a 'Tomorrow'? Not Channel 4—But Maybe on 50|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121200035/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-will-detroit-have-a/135548475/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --><ref name="Wind780117">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-some-good-news-for-hock/135548498/|date=January 17, 1978|page=15|first=Tom|last=McMahon|title=Some good news for hockey fans|newspaper=The Windsor Star|location=Windsor, Ontario, Canada|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121200200/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-some-good-news-for-hock/135548498/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --><ref name="Detr781016">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-nightime-programs/135548653/|date=October 16, 1978|page=10B|title=Nightime Programs|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121200036/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-nightime-programs/135548653/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> When WDIV ceased airing ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]'' in early September 1983 to carry the syndicated ''[[Thicke of the Night]]'', WKBD agreed to clear both it and ''[[Friday Night Videos]]''.<ref name="Detroi19831004p17">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=October 4, 1983 |title=Today's numbers |page=5B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-todays-numbers/135529562/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121160551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-todays-numbers/135529562/ |url-status=live }}</ref> (WDIV had previously tape-delayed ''Late Night'' to carry ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'', which was easier to sell local advertising.<ref name="Detroi19830801p39">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=August 1, 1983 |title=TV50 may be preening like a peacock |page=8D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tv50-may-be-preening/135529429/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161039/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tv50-may-be-preening/135529429/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) ''Late Night'' failed to catch on in the ratings on WKBD, which dropped the show in mid-January 1984;<ref name="Detroi19840113p33">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=January 13, 1984 |title='New Show' offers hope of lively humor |page=9C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-show-offers-hop/135529128/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-show-offers-hop/135529128/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WDIV picked it back up by August.<ref name="Detroi19840806p51">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=August 6, 1984 |title=News stations battle for best in TV graphics |page=4E |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-news-stations-battle/135529718/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161042/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-news-stations-battle/135529718/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1981, the station's coverage of the Red Wings diminished from 25 to 15 games a year, with some telecasts migrating to the pay service [[ON TV (TV network)|ON TV]], which aired over WXON in Detroit.<ref name="Wind811006">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-shinny-showtime-on-satu/135531070/|date=October 6, 1981|page=11|first=Tom|last=McMahon|title=Shinny showtime on Saturday|newspaper=The Windsor Star|location=Windsor, Ontario, Canada|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161130/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-shinny-showtime-on-satu/135531070/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> ON TV in 1982–83, its final season, aired 15 home games of each of the Red Wings and Pistons.<ref name="Detr821217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-tv-wants-to-offer/135480337/|date=December 17, 1982|pages=1F, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-tv-wants-to-offer/135480354/ 6F]|title=ON-TV wants to offer more Tiger games|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161048/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-tv-wants-to-offer/135480337/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> WKBD carried select [[Michigan Panthers]] games during the team's two years of existence in 1983 and 1984;<ref name="Detroi19830304p43">{{Cite news |last=Sylvester |first=Curt |date=March 4, 1983 |title=Fans invited to meet the Panthers at Silverdome |page=3D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-fans-invited-to-meet/135632819/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123162910/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-fans-invited-to-meet/135632819/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detroi19840403p39">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=April 3, 1984 |title=Gather 'round the TV for a sports feast |page=1D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-gather-round-the-tv/135646606/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123163010/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-gather-round-the-tv/135646606/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detroi19840601p40">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=June 1, 1984 |title=Good moments save 'Fun Zone' |page=10C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-good-moments-save-fu/135646717/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123162858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-good-moments-save-fu/135646717/ |url-status=live }}</ref> when the [[USFL]] pressured the Panthers to nullify the contract prior to coverage of their first game, the station sued the league and quickly [[Settlement (litigation)|settled]], allowing WKBD to carry the game.<ref name="TimesH19830309p10">{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1983 |title=WKBD sues Panthers, league for rights to Saturday's game |page=4B |newspaper=The Times Herald |agency=Associated Press |location=Port Huron, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-wkbd-sues-panthers-lea/135632554/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123163010/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-wkbd-sues-panthers-lea/135632554/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TimesH19830311p11">{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1983 |title=Friday Briefing: Football ... |page=3B |newspaper=The Times Herald |location=Port Huron, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-friday-briefing-footba/135632707/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123162918/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-friday-briefing-footba/135632707/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Cox ownership, news expansion and Fox affiliation (1983–1993) ===
Following a family dispute over the company's future,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kleban Mills |first1=Barbara |last2=Deutsch |first2=Susan |date=December 12, 1983 |title=It Sounded Like Dallas, Not Chicago, as Two Half Brothers Broke Up the Field Family Empire |volume=20 |work=People |issue=24 |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20086550,00.html |url-status=dead |accessdate=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808043818/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20086550,00.html |archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref> Field Communications placed their entire station group up for sale in July 1982.<ref name="Detroi19820724p28">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=July 24, 1982 |title=WKBD-TV sale offer way to 'explore market' |page=8C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-tv-sale-offer-wa/135451184/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119212210/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-tv-sale-offer-wa/135451184/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[liquidation]] process took place on a per-station level, with Field's Chicago, Boston and San Francisco outlets sold to separate owners at the end of 1982.<ref name="promise">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine |date=August 30, 1982 |id={{ProQuest|962736126}} |title=Through the roof with Metromedia |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-08-30.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=103 |issue=9 |pages=25–26 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203103131/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-08-30.pdf |url-status=live }}|{{cite news |last=McLean |first=Robert A. |date=November 16, 1982 |title=Gannett agrees to buy Ch. 56 for $47 million |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86944791/ 14] |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86944722/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016074732/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86944722/gannett-agrees-to-buy-ch-56-for-47/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021 }}|{{Cite news |last=Mann |first=Bill |date=July 26, 1983 |title=Sales of KDIA and KBHK hold promise for Bay Area |page=C-6 |work=Oakland Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86001289/sales-of-kdia-and-kbhk-hold-promise-for/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927203749/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86001289/sales-of-kdia-and-kbhk-hold-promise-for/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}}}</ref> [[Cox Media Group|Cox Communications]] purchased WKBD for $70&nbsp;million on May 18, 1983 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|70000000|1983}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}), contingent on Cox divesting their existing cable systems in the market. For Cox, WKBD represented the chain's seventh television station and one of the most successful: [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen ratings]] in 1982 ranked WKBD as the highest-rated UHF independent in the country.<ref name="Detroi19830519p46">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=May 19, 1983 |title=Channel 50 is sold for $70 million |page=15C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-is-sold-fo/135451369/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119212218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-is-sold-fo/135451369/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Windso19830520p19">{{Cite news |date=May 20, 1983 |title=Cox to buy WKBD |page=B7 |newspaper=The Windsor Star |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-cox-to-buy-wkbd/135451695/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161154/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-cox-to-buy-wkbd/135451695/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|The final Field station, [[WKBS-TV (Philadelphia)|WKBS-TV]] in Philadelphia, [[Dark (broadcasting)|signed off permanently]] after failing to secure a buyer by the liquidation deadline.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wolf |first=Ron |date=July 16, 1983 |title=Channel 48 to go off air by Sept. 1 |pages=1-A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67763452/ 7-A] |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67763519/ |access-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812003312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/67763519/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} The sale closed in March 1984.<ref name="Detroi19840316p31">{{Cite news |last=DeVine |first=Lawrence |date=March 16, 1984 |title=On Top Of It: It's Official |page=C1 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-top-of-it-its-of/135451891/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119212212/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-top-of-it-its-of/135451891/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

One of the station's first decisions under Cox was to decide it could no longer devote time to carry both of the Red Wings and Pistons. It chose the Pistons, who had higher ratings; beginning in the [[1984–85 Detroit Red Wings season|1984–85 season]], the Red Wings moved their games to WXON.<ref name="Detr840605">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-change-channels/135531102/|date=June 5, 1984|page=2D|title=Wings change channels—from 50 to 20|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161044/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-change-channels/135531102/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The Red Wings' tenure at WXON lasted only two years; the team returned to WKBD for the [[1986–87 Detroit Red Wings season|1986–87 season]].<ref name="Detroi19860718p40">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=July 18, 1986 |title=NBC listens: 'Steele' rescued from grave |page=14C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-nbc-listens-steele/135633489/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123162858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-nbc-listens-steele/135633489/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the changeover, Sonny Eliot relinquished hosting duties for the ''One O' Clock Movie'' but was retained with a one-year contract extension.<ref name="Detroi19840113p482">{{Cite news |last=Collison |first=Cathy |date=January 13, 1984 |title=Names & Faces: Sonny will still talk about the movies |page=8D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-sonny/135454632/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119212221/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-names-faces-sonny/135454632/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As Eliot previously worked in the market as a weatherman, this spurred speculation of a full-fledged newscast possibly replacing the station's simulcast of Headline News in the 10&nbsp;p.m. hour.<ref name="Detroi19840118p23">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=January 18, 1984 |title='Smithsonian' promises to be real video treat |page=5B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-smithsonian-promise/135454078/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161131/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-smithsonian-promise/135454078/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the start of 1985, WKBD announced the debut of a 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast later in the year, helmed by existing update anchor Glenn Ray and [[Amyre Makupson]].<ref name="Detroi19850106p30">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=January 6, 1985 |title=WKBD to expand news coverage |page=6C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-to-expand-news-c/135453633/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119212209/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-to-expand-news-c/135453633/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The station's public affair director, lead [[editorial board]] writer and host of the mid-morning program ''Morning Break'', Makupson joined WKBD in 1977 from [[WGPR-TV]] (channel 62), the first Black-owned television station in the mainland United States.<ref name="Detroi19840715p25">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=July 15, 1984 |title=TV editorials take a stand: And it's no longer just for apple pie, Mom and stop signs |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tv-editorials-take-a/135454883/ 7C] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tv-editorials-take-a/135454835/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119212226/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-tv-editorials-take-a/135454835/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Detr850930">{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Luther |date=September 30, 1985 |title=After 10 years at Ch. 62, she still can't walk away |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93384208/after-10-years-at-ch-62-she-still/ 8C] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93384170/after-10-years-at-ch-62-she-still/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128050345/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93384170/after-10-years-at-ch-62-she-still/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Debuting in August 1985, the newscast also featured weathercaster Randy Bhirdo and former WJBK sportscaster [[Ray Lane (sportscaster)|Ray Lane]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1985 |title=Cover Story: WKBD takes giant step with '10 O'Clock News' |page=Television 3 |work=The Detroit News}}</ref>

WKBD, along with Cox-owned [[KTVU]] in [[Oakland, California]], and [[KDNL-TV]] in [[St. Louis, Missouri]], became [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] charter affiliates on October 9, 1986, with the debut of ''[[The Late Show (1986 talk show)|The Late Show with Joan Rivers]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 4, 1986 |title=Fox network begins to take shape |volume=111 |pages=44–45 |work=Broadcasting |issue=5 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-04.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127014659/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-04.pdf |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |id={{ProQuest|963254490}}}}</ref> While Fox's initial affiliate base consisted largely of UHF independents in comparison to traditional "Big Three" affiliates on the VHF dial,<ref name="Detroi19861008p17">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=October 8, 1986 |title=New network takes on tough, established competition |page=1B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-network-takes-on/135480256/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193851/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-network-takes-on/135480256/ |url-status=live }}</ref> network executive [[Garth Ancier]] was enthusiastic about WKBD, calling the station "fully competitive" in a market with "incredible" ratings.<ref name="Detroi19861008p20">{{Cite news |last=Haithman |first=Diane |date=October 8, 1986 |title=Can he out-Fox the networks? New talk show airs tomorrow |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-can-he-out-fox-the-ne/135480224/ 1B], 4B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-can-he-out-fox-the-ne/135480238/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120211941/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-can-he-out-fox-the-ne/135480238/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKBD program director Paul Prange considered Fox to be "the best shot of literally putting together a [[fourth network]]&nbsp;... it's about time the networks got some competition".<ref name="Detroi19860512p20">{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1986 |title=Channel 50 may go with the Rivers show |page=20 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-may-go-wit/135480196/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161616/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-may-go-wit/135480196/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the May 1988 Nielsen ratings, WKBD tied with [[WGN-TV]] as the highest-rated independent in the country in early evenings, with Fox's Saturday night lineup competitive against Tigers baseball on WDIV and ABC fare on WXYZ-TV.<ref name="Detroi19870721p22">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=July 21, 1987 |title=Ch. 50 sets pace among independents |page=5B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-ch-50-sets-pace-amon/135480302/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120201745/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-ch-50-sets-pace-amon/135480302/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Still, WKBD opted to drop Fox's late-night offerings in early 1988 after the failure of ''[[The Wilton North Report]]''.<ref name="Detroi19880113p27">{{Cite news |date=January 13, 1988 |title=Airwaves: 'Faerie' godmother signs pact |page=27 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-faerie-godmother-si/135502499/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-faerie-godmother-si/135502499/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The station was buoyed by success in 1988 with Red Wings and Pistons coverage, first-run syndication hits and Fox's weekend lineup stabilizing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFarlin |first=Jim |date=October 6, 1988 |title=Channel 50 Gets Set For A Ratings Race: Station Build On Last Year's Success |page=3D |work=The Detroit News |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-50-gets-set-ratings-race-station-build-last-years-success/jqgeegydgebwccmcqkpkdicvfwrcalox_ip-10-166-46-188_1700376083893 |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193853/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-50-gets-set-ratings-race-station-build-last-years-success/jqgeegydgebwccmcqkpkdicvfwrcalox_ip-10-166-46-188_1700376083893 |url-status=live }}</ref> Prange credited Fox with giving the station "a certain energy" independent stations could not generate themselves; in particular, ''[[The Simpsons]]'' emerged as a breakout hit for Fox in 1990, with the show winning the time slot in the Detroit market in consecutive weeks by that March.<ref name="Windso19900323p21">{{Cite news |last=Shaw |first=Ted |date=March 23, 1990 |title=WKBD 25th anniversary: Channel 50 goes from sports station to TV contender |pages=C1–[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-channel-50/135507699/ C2] |newspaper=The Windsor Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-wkbd-25th-anniversary/135507672/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120220041/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-wkbd-25th-anniversary/135507672/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A recurring call-in talk show with [[Michigan governor]] [[James J. Blanchard]] launched over WKBD in September 1988 and carried statewide via the station's large cable footprint.<ref name="Detroi19880608p22">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1988 |title=Airwaves: Blanchard plans call-in show |page=6B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-blanchard-plans-call/135502231/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193854/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-blanchard-plans-call/135502231/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, [[Detroit Lions]] preseason football was broadcast on channel 50 from 1990 to 1994.{{r|Windso20040221p56}}

Cox continued to invest in WKBD. A larger physical plant was inaugurated on May 24, 1988, adjacent to the original facilities in Southfield, which were originally intended as temporary and likened to a [[Quonset hut]] and "a [[Cracker Jack]] box"; this building was later repurposed for storage.<ref name="Detroi19880523p32">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=May 23, 1988 |title=Channel 50 gets down-home in its nouvelle digs |page=13B |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-gets-down/117187482/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-gets-down/117187482/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fybush |first=Scott |date=February 10, 2017 |title=Site of the Week 2/10/17: More Detroit, 2016 |url=https://www.fybush.com/site-20170210/ |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=Fybush.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222141010/https://www.fybush.com/site-20170210/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The new facility allowed for further news expansion with an on-air set incorporating the newsroom,<ref name="Detroi19880411p26">{{Cite news |last=Gunther |first=Marc |date=April 11, 1988 |title=Channel 50 sets up a new look |page=7C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-sets-up-a/111955602/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193915/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-sets-up-a/111955602/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and by April 10, 1989, an extension of ''The Ten O'Clock News'' to an hour-long broadcast, even as WKBD's efforts in February 1989—a 5 rating and 7 share—trailed third-place WJBK's 11&nbsp;p.m. news with a 9 rating and 17 share.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFarlin |first=Jim |date=April 11, 1989 |title=Channel 50 Takes The Plunge Into An Hour Of Nightly News |page=5E |work=The Detroit News |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-50-takes-plunge-hour-nightly-news/bmyqwykfcdarluizckqvgvyozlptcwzj_ip-10-166-46-78_1700376151091 |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120193854/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-50-takes-plunge-hour-nightly-news/bmyqwykfcdarluizckqvgvyozlptcwzj_ip-10-166-46-78_1700376151091 |url-status=live }}</ref> The expanded news hour was modeled on KTVU's successful 10&nbsp;p.m. news program.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Crain's Detroit Business|title=WKBD Plans Hour-Long News at 10|page=3|first=Bradford|last=Wernle|date=April 3, 1989|id={{ProQuest|212311858}} }}</ref> By July 1991, WKBD claimed to have Detroit's third-highest late evening news, drawing larger numbers than WJBK at 11&nbsp;pm, a claim WJBK disputed. General manager Duane Kell told the ''Detroit News'', "our goal is to be the No. 1 late news program in the market by 1995."<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFarlin |first=Jim |date=September 5, 1991 |title=Gerald Ford Will Discuss Nixon With Geraldo |page=4C |work=The Detroit News |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/gerald-ford-will-discuss-nixon-geraldo/kxrjlntqhaimdcbuizfasvdixhiazfso_ip-10-166-46-133_1700376558611 |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120203123/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/gerald-ford-will-discuss-nixon-geraldo/kxrjlntqhaimdcbuizfasvdixhiazfso_ip-10-166-46-133_1700376558611 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Sale to Paramount and UPN affiliation (1993–1999) ===
Cox put both of its Fox affiliates—KTVU and WKBD—on the market in November 1992.<ref name="KTVUWKBDSale">{{Cite news|last=Flint|first=Joe|date=November 16, 1992|work=Broadcasting|title=Cox puts KTVU, WKBD up for sale|page=88|id={{ProQuest|1014751686}} }}</ref> This announcement drew industry surprise as Cox's financial position was regarded as strong; in a statement, Cox CEO [[James C. Kennedy]] said the company was proud of both stations, had "no overwhelming desire to sell them", and considered them "extremely successful".<ref name="SanF921113">{{Cite news |last1=Flinn |first1=John |last2=Abate |first2=Tom |date=November 13, 1992 |title=KTVU-TV put up for sale: Reported price of $600–$700 million for Ch. 2 includes Giants investment |pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-ktvu-tv-put-u/135507024/ B-2] |newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner |location=San Francisco, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-ktvu-tv-put-u/135507052/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120220044/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-ktvu-tv-put-u/135507052/ |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- Fri --> Rumored as one of several potential suitors,{{r|KTVUWKBDSale}} [[Paramount Stations Group]] purchased WKBD in June 1993.<ref name="Detroi19930617p52">{{Cite news |date=June 17, 1993 |title=Briefly: Detroit station sold |page=E1 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-briefly-detroit-stat/135376300/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118051827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-briefly-detroit-stat/135376300/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Terms were not disclosed, but the purchase price was estimated to be between $100&nbsp;million and $125&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |date=June 21, 1993 |title=Paramount buys WKBD-TV |volume=123 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |issue=25 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-06-21.pdf |accessdate=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926031302/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-06-21.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> or as high as $200&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 17, 1993 |title=The Media Business; Detroit Station To Paramount |page=20:D |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/17/business/the-media-business-detroit-station-to-paramount.html |access-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228234629/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/17/business/the-media-business-detroit-station-to-paramount.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the sale closed in October 1993, Paramount announced the formation of a new broadcast network in a joint venture with [[BHC Communications|United Television]],<ref name="Detroi19931230p24">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Ron |date=December 30, 1993 |title=Warner Bros., Paramount compete for network status |page=5C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |agency=Knight-Ridder Newspapers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-warner-bros-paramou/135376363/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118051828/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-warner-bros-paramou/135376363/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but management said WKBD would continue to honor their existing Fox affiliation agreement.<ref name="Detroi19931103p33">{{Cite news |last=Elber |first=Lynn |date=November 3, 1993 |title=Time Warner wants a sixth TV network |page=5D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-time-warner-wants-a-s/135376541/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118051830/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-time-warner-wants-a-s/135376541/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When Paramount purchased WKBD, it was among the five highest-rated Fox affiliates in the country.{{r|Detroi19930617p52}}

{{Quote box
| quote = We had no idea it was coming. But we believe it's going to be an easy transition for us... Remember that Fox only broadcasts two hours a day. It's a very small part of our schedule... I think we're going to do at least as well as we have before, and possibly better.
| author = Paul Prange
| source = WKBD program director{{r|Detroi19941206p19}}
| width = 250px
}}

On May 23, 1994, WJBK-TV owner [[New World Communications]] announced [[1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment|a groupwide affiliation deal]] with Fox, displacing CBS from that station after a span of 45 years.<ref name="Detr940524">{{Cite news |last1=Duffy |first1=Mike |last2=Gunther |first2=Marc |date=May 24, 1994 |title=Channel 2 dumps CBS, joins with Fox |page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93279283/ 2A] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31849514/channel-2-dumps-cbs-joins-with-fox/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123190302/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31849514/channel-2-dumps-cbs-joins-with-fox/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Detr941211">{{Cite news |last1=McFarlin |first1=Jim |last2=Kiska |first2=Tim |date=December 11, 1994 |title=Get with the program! We've got TV guide to help clear up network static |pages=1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93406004/get-with-the-program-weve-got-tv/ 2] |newspaper=The Detroit News and Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93405979/get-with-the-program-weve-got-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125051323/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93405979/get-with-the-program-weve-got-tv/ |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> When CBS failed to lure either WDIV or WXYZ-TV as a replacement affiliate,<ref name="chaotic">{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=September 20, 1994 |title=Most chaotic season ever has begun for network TV |page=12E |work=The Plain Dealer }}</ref> the network approached Paramount about a purchase of WKBD due to the station having an existing news department, but Paramount reportedly turned down an offer of between $120&nbsp;million and $130&nbsp;million.<ref name="jag">{{cite news |last=Roush |first=Matt |date=September 26, 1994 |title=WGPR sale means CBS spending jag: Network may spend millions on expansion, hiring |page=3 |work=Crain's Detroit Business}}</ref> Unable to secure a higher-profile station, CBS purchased WGPR-TV from the [[International Free and Accepted Modern Masons]],<ref name="Detr940917">{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1994 |title=CBS turns to WGPR for Detroit TV outlet: Channel 62 is seen as last resort for network |page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93097497/ 2A], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93280554/ correction] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93097489/cbs-turns-to-wgpr-for-detroit-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123190305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93097489/cbs-turns-to-wgpr-for-detroit-tv/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> later renaming it WWJ-TV.<ref name="Detr950921">{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1995 |title=CBS makes its moves; Tammy troubled |page=8F |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93294537/cbs-makes-its-moves-tammy-troubled/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123210947/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93294537/cbs-makes-its-moves-tammy-troubled/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Fox programming moved from WKBD to WJBK on December 12, 1994,{{r|Detr941211}} but [[Fox Kids]] remained on channel 50 as WJBK declined to pick it up.<ref name="Detroi19941206p19">{{Cite news |last=Gunther |first=Marc |date=December 6, 1994 |title=WKBD bets on sports to replace Fox |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-bets-on-sports-t/135325911/ 4C] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-bets-on-sports-t/135325893/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117043445/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wkbd-bets-on-sports-t/135325893/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{r|DetN19941206p1C}} WKBD continued to carry Fox Kids in early afternoons until the fall of 1998, when the program block moved to [[WADL (TV)|WADL]] (channel 38).<ref name="Detroi19980418p33">{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=April 18, 1998 |title=Channel 50 will lose kids programming to Channel 38 in fall |page=C1 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-will-lose/135581077/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122045341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-channel-50-will-lose/135581077/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Under Paramount, WKBD committed to become an affiliate of [[UPN]] in late August 1994. UPN only programmed for two nights at launch, enabling the station to continue carrying Pistons and Red Wings games with minimal preemptions, which was not possible in WKBD's last year with Fox.<ref name="Detroi19940824p24">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=August 24, 1994 |title=Sly fox WKBD welcomes Paramount programming |page=6C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-sly-fox-wkbd-welcomes/135322060/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117030514/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-sly-fox-wkbd-welcomes/135322060/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The station also acquired the over-the-air rights to [[Detroit Tigers]] baseball from WDIV beginning with [[1995 Detroit Tigers season|the 1995 season]] via a five-year, $25&nbsp;million contract.<ref name="TimesH19941011p13">{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1994 |title=WKBD to broadcast Tigers games |page=3B |newspaper=The Times Herald |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-wkbd-to-broadcast-tiger/135325964/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117043446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-wkbd-to-broadcast-tiger/135325964/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A primetime movie showcase was reinstated on nights UPN did not program, with off-network reruns airing on Thursday nights, including reruns of ''The Simpsons'' in the same time slot it had previously held on Fox.{{r|Detroi19941206p19}} This placement of ''Simpsons'' reruns came after the station received substantial complaints when Fox moved the show from Thursday to Sunday nights.<ref name="DetN19941206p1C">{{Cite news |last=McFarlin |first=Jim |date=December 6, 1994 |title=The Next Generation: Channel 50 Will Try To Score With Sports And The New Paramount Network |pages=1C, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-50/safubbqqjhflypazblafdbxwubwqnyph_ip-10-166-46-181_1700377172123 5C] |work=The Detroit News |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/next-generation-channel-50-will-try-score-sports-and-new-paramount-network/xahqeksqjehbgbzrrdxchxnskznpthnt_ip-10-166-46-189_1700377046829 |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161618/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/next-generation-channel-50-will-try-score-sports-and-new-paramount-network/xahqeksqjehbgbzrrdxchxnskznpthnt_ip-10-166-46-189_1700377046829 |url-status=live }}</ref>

WJBK's switch to Fox also resulted in their late-evening newscast moving to 10&nbsp;pm, directly opposite WKBD. The first week after the switch saw channel 50 fall to fifth place in prime time ratings without Fox programming, and WJBK besting WKBD at 10&nbsp;pm, a pattern that never changed.<ref name="Detr941213">{{Cite news |last=Gunther |first=Marc |date=December 13, 1994 |title=CBS losses were big, but not unexpected |page=5D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82635328/cbs-losses-were-big-but-not-unexpected/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123190306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82635328/cbs-losses-were-big-but-not-unexpected/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Detr941219">{{Cite news |last=Gunther |first=Marc |date=December 19, 1994 |title=CBS fans follow soaps but go fickle on Rather |page=4E |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93446773/cbs-fans-follow-soaps-but-go-fickle-on/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125213430/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93446773/cbs-fans-follow-soaps-but-go-fickle-on/ |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKBD's problems were exacerbated by their sports coverage: in the May 1995 sweeps, the 10&nbsp;p.m. news start time was delayed 10 times due to overruns in game coverage. The newscasts were revamped to have a more updated on-air look, eschewing their "no-frills" presentation.<ref name="Detroi19950528p58">{{Cite news |date=May 28, 1995 |title=New to the 10 p.m. news slot, Channel 2 team beats Channel 50 |page=58 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-to-the-10-pm-ne/135428298/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119073657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-new-to-the-10-pm-ne/135428298/ |url-status=live }}</ref> UPN proved a poor lead-in for WKBD's news: when the network suffered a year-over-year decline of 50&nbsp;percent in the fall of 1998, WJBK-TV's 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast outdrew WKBD's news by a 2–1 margin. Attempting to draw on WKBD's local sports coverage, the 10&nbsp;p.m. news was reduced to 30 minutes, with the second half devoted to an ensemble sportscast hosted by Lane, Tim Swor, [[Mickey Redmond]] and [[Karen Newman]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=January 22, 1999 |title=Television: Channel 50 adds sports and cuts back on its news at 10 p.m. |page=1E |work=The Detroit News}}</ref> While ratings improved modestly in late 1999, co-anchor Dave Scott was replaced with market veteran [[Rich Fisher (news anchor)|Rich Fisher]], a choice made owing to Fisher's reputation in the market.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=December 5, 1999 |title=Newsmakers: Channel 50 fires Scott, hires Fisher |page=2A |work=The Detroit News}}</ref>

=== Merger into WWJ-TV (1999–2006) ===
Paramount's parent company, [[Viacom (1952–2005)|Viacom]], purchased half ownership of UPN from United Television in 1996<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=McClellan |first1=Steve |last2=Rice |first2=Lynette |date=December 9, 1996 |id={{ProQuest|225358211}} |title=Viacom to buy half of UPN: is investing $160 million in fledgling network |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-12-09.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |pages=17–18 |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118051827/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-12-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and the remainder in 1999.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hofmeister |first=Sallie |date=August 12, 2000 |title=News Corp. to Buy Chris-Craft Parent for $5.5 Billion, Outbidding Viacom |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-12-fi-3272-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004232639/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/aug/12/business/fi-3272 |archive-date=October 4, 2013}}</ref> Viacom purchased [[Westinghouse Electric Corporation|CBS Corporation]] on September 7, 1999, creating a duopoly with WWJ-TV.<ref name="Detroi19990908p56">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=September 8, 1999 |title=Viacom to buy CBS in record media deal: It might have impact on 2 stations in metro area |pages=1F–[https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viacom-to-buy-cbs-in/134138291/ 2F] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viacom-to-buy-cbs-in/134138272/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027021424/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viacom-to-buy-cbs-in/134138272/ |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Unlike other Viacom CBS-UPN duopolies created by the merger where the CBS-owned station had a long-established dominant news department,<ref name="AttackOfTheClones">{{cite news |last=Long |first=Tom |date=June 4, 2002 |title=Can these newscasts be saved? - News director Ken Jobe strives to lift Channels 50 and 62 out of the ratings cellar with fresh faces and stories |page=1E |work=The Detroit News}}</ref> WKBD was regarded as the larger, higher-rated station, and had a local news presence as opposed to WWJ.<ref name="Detroi19990908p56"/> WKBD general manager Mike Dunlop was retained to head both stations,<ref name="Detr0009132">{{Cite news |date=September 13, 2000 |title=Viacom chooses new chief to run Channels 50 and 62 |page=8D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93301179/viacom-chooses-new-chief-to-run-channels/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128050402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93301179/viacom-chooses-new-chief-to-run/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> with operations consolidated at WKBD's Southfield facilities; seven technical employees lost their jobs in the transition.<ref name="Detr010323">{{Cite news |date=March 23, 2001 |title=Viacom-owned station to cut jobs |page=2C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viacom-owned-station/133528393/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017033239/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-viacom-owned-station/133528393/ |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

By April 2001, WKBD's newscast now ranked as the least-watched in the market<ref name="Detr0104022">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=April 2, 2001 |title=WWJ-TV to use sister station's night news crew |page=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93302407/ 6C] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93301727/wwj-tv-to-use-sister-stations-night-new/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128050402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93301727/wwj-tv-to-use-sister-stations-night/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and continued to see audience declines against WJBK.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=April 2, 2001 |title=Channel 50 anchors do double duty for 62 news |page=1E |work=The Detroit News}}</ref> Despite this, the station began producing an 11&nbsp;p.m. weeknight newscast for WWJ-TV, using WKBD's air talent and reporters.<ref name="Detr010215">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=February 15, 2001 |title=Detroit CBS station to launch newscast |page=6E |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93301274/detroit-cbs-station-to-launch-newscast/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123223349/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93301274/detroit-cbs-station-to-launch-newscast/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Discussions of WKBD's news department producing news for WWJ had been underway prior to the CBS-Viacom merger; at least one dress rehearsal of a channel&nbsp;62 newscast had been conducted.<ref name="Detr9909152">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=September 15, 1999 |title=Viacom can have 2 area stations |page=1E |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93300634/viacom-can-have-2-area-stations/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129191113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93300634/viacom-can-have-2-area-stations/ |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> General manager Mike Dunlop was dismissed in August 2001, due to the continued ratings challenges: from sign-on to sign-off, both stations each drew half the audience of third-place WJBK.<ref name="Detr0108302">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=August 30, 2001 |title=Channels 50, 62 VP out |page=2C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93303016/channels-50-62-vp-out/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123223349/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93303016/channels-50-62-vp-out/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> By February 2002, WKBD's newscast was repositioned to attract a younger audience with newly appointed lead anchors Pallas Hupe<ref name="Detr021204">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=December 4, 2002 |title=Channel 50's exodus aids Channel 7's news |page=6F |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304684/channel-50s-exodus-aids-channel-7s-new/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128050402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304684/channel-50s-exodus-aids-channel-7s/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and Donna Terrell, while Fisher and Makupson were reassigned to anchor for WWJ exclusively.<ref name="Detr0202012">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=February 1, 2002 |title=Fisher, Makupson will drop one of their 2 news shows |page=2H |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93303229/fisher-makupson-will-drop-one-of-their/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123224645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93303229/fisher-makupson-will-drop-one-of-their/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Fisher left WWJ in late May, prompting Terrell and WKBD reporter Harry Hariston to alternate as Makupson's co-anchor on the WWJ newscast, resulting in Tom Long of ''The Detroit News'' to suggest the purportedly different newscasts were the "attack of the clones".{{r|AttackOfTheClones}}

{{Quote box
| quote = I'm sorry, very sorry, that [the newscast] is canceled, but it's strictly business. When I'm thinking with my head but not my heart, there's plenty of eyeballs out on the street. Detroit news viewers are going to know what's going on, the viewers are going to get their news.
| author = Amyre Makupson
| source = former WKBD–WWJ news anchor{{r|DetN20021206}}
| width = 300px
}}

Rumors emerged that Viacom executive [[Dennis Swanson]]<ref name="Detr021119">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=November 19, 2002 |title=TV news poised for change |page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304452/ 2A] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304143/tv-news-poised-for-change/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123224646/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304143/tv-news-poised-for-change/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> planned to close the WKBD–WWJ news operation, the last newsroom Viacom inherited from Paramount that was still in operation.<ref name="drops2">{{Cite news |last=Trigoboff |first=Dan |date=November 25, 2002 |title=CBS Drops News in Detroit |language=en |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-drops-news-detroit-94621 |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111804/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/cbs-drops-news-detroit/94621 |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> When contacted by a ''Free Press'' reporter, these rumors were met with lukewarm responses from station executives.<ref name="Detr0209192">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=September 19, 2002 |title=Late newscasts in doubt on 50, 62 |page=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93097787/tv-channels-62-and-50-may-lose-news/ 3E] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93097794/late-newscasts-in-doubt-on-50-62/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123224648/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93097794/late-newscasts-in-doubt-on-50-62/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Viacom ultimately signed a five-year contract with WXYZ-TV to produce a 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast for WKBD, cancelling WWJ's 11&nbsp;p.m. news outright. In November 2002, WKBD's 10&nbsp;p.m. news posted a 2.8 rating, far behind WJBK's 7.8 rating.<ref name="DetN20021206">{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Tom |date=December 6, 2002 |title=Channel 50 takes 'Action': Channel 7 news team unabashedly moves into rival station's nightly broadcast |page=1C |work=The Detroit News}}</ref> Fifty of the combined newsroom's 70 employees were not retained when the newscasts ended on December 4, 2002.{{r|Detr021204}}<ref name="DetNews041104p1C">{{Cite news |last=Whitall |first=Susan |date=November 4, 2004 |title=Newscast between Channels 50 and 7 to end in December |page=1C |work=The Detroit News}}</ref> Titled ''UPN Detroit Action News'', the replacement WXYZ-TV newscast on WKBD was estimated to save Viacom approximately $10&nbsp;million annually in expenses, while also providing WXYZ an opportunity to showcase their higher-rated newscasts to UPN's younger demographics.<ref name="Detr021120">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=November 20, 2002 |title=Viacom-WXYZ deal made to cut costs |page=3D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304583/viacom-wxyz-deal-made-to-cut-costs/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123224645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93304583/viacom-wxyz-deal-made-to-cut-costs/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Failing to compete against WJBK, the WXYZ-produced 10&nbsp;p.m. broadcast was canceled on December 3, 2004, with WKBD filling the timeslot with off-network sitcom reruns.{{r|DetNews041104p1C}}<ref name="Detroi20041126p42">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=November 26, 2004 |title=UPN's new late-night schedule has big laughs |page=2D |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-upns-new-late-night/135373979/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118041829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-upns-new-late-night/135373979/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Through the early 2000s, WKBD's local sports coverage came at the expense of UPN programming, which was frequently preempted and moved to the weekends.<ref name="Detroi20030212p60">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=February 12, 2003 |title='Abby' star is smart about ratings pitfalls |page=6F |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-abby-star-is-smart/135325819/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117043448/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-abby-star-is-smart/135325819/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All three teams left the station in a span of two years: the Red Wings moved exclusively to [[Fox Sports Detroit]] for the [[2003–04 Detroit Red Wings season|2003–04 season]],<ref name="Detroi20030510p2">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=May 10, 2003 |title=WJBK-TV seems a shoo-in for Emmys |page=2A |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wjbk-tv-seems-a-shoo/135326634/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117045928/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wjbk-tv-seems-a-shoo/135326634/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="threepointer">{{cite news |author=Mike Reynolds |date=March 19, 2008 |title=FSN Detroit Nets Pro Sports 3 pointer |periodical=[[Multichannel News]] |url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/90755-FSN_Detroit_Nets_Pro_Sports_Three_Pointer.php |access-date=January 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616195741/http://www.multichannel.com/article/90755-FSN_Detroit_Nets_Pro_Sports_Three_Pointer.php |archive-date=June 16, 2011}}</ref> the Pistons moved to WDWB for the [[2004–05 Detroit Pistons season|2004–05 season]] after that station offered additional airtime for games,<ref name="Detroi20041012p1">{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Tom |date=October 12, 2004 |title=No Wings? Pistons fill spotlight |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-no-wings-pistons-fil/135326408/ 10A] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-no-wings-pistons-fil/135326379/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117043444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-no-wings-pistons-fil/135326379/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Tigers moved to Fox Sports Detroit outright for [[2005 Detroit Tigers season|the 2005 season]] when CBS management failed to reach an agreement with the team.<ref name="Detroi20050330p26">{{Cite news |last=Guest |first=Greta |date=March 30, 2005 |title=Dingell goes to bat for fans |page=1C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dingell-goes-to-bat-f/135326051/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117043447/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dingell-goes-to-bat-f/135326051/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lions preseason games returned to WKBD in 2004 as part of a deal that saw the team's weekly pregame show move to WWJ;<ref name="Windso20040221p56">{{Cite news |date=February 21, 2004 |title=Redskins put trust in veteran Burnell: Lions on the move |page=E4 |newspaper=The Windsor Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-redskins-put-trust-in-v/135327025/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117045929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-redskins-put-trust-in-v/135327025/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WWJ took over the preseason rights in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Hara |first=Mike |date=April 15, 2008 |title=Exhibition games move to Channel 62 |page=3D |work=The Detroit News}}</ref>

=== First CW affiliation (2006–2023) ===
On January 24, 2006, [[CBS Corporation]] (created after the split of Viacom in December 2005<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Phil|title=Moonves ready to play hardball in Viacom split|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/09/16/moonves-ready-to-play-hardball-in-viacom-split/|access-date=July 13, 2012|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=September 16, 2005|archive-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815051557/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-09-16/business/0509160202_1_leslie-moonves-cbs-and-upn-radio-division-infinity-broadcasting|url-status=live}}</ref>) and the Warner Bros. unit of [[WarnerMedia|Time Warner]] announced that the two companies would shut down UPN and [[The WB]] and combine the networks' respective programming to create a new "fifth" network called [[The CW]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seid |first=Jessica |date=January 24, 2006 |title='Gilmore Girls' meet 'Smackdown'; CW Network to combine WB, UPN in CBS-Warner venture beginning in September |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316043531/http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |access-date=August 3, 2020 |website=[[CNN Money]] |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=January 24, 2006 |title=UPN and WB to Combine, Forming New TV Network |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017035638/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html?bl |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |access-date=February 22, 2017 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The day of the announcement, it was revealed that 11 of CBS Corporation's 15 UPN affiliates, including WKBD-TV, signed 10-year affiliation contracts with The CW.<ref name="Detroi20060125p43">{{Cite news |last=Smyntek |first=John |date=January 25, 2006 |title=Secondary TV networks to merge: UPN and WB will combine this fall |pages=1F, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-secondary-tv-networks/135321705/ 7F] |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-secondary-tv-networks/135321683/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117030519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-secondary-tv-networks/135321683/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The former WB affiliate, WDWB, signed up with [[MyNetworkTV]] under the WMYD call sign.<ref name="Detroi20060909p33">{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=September 9, 2006 |title=Reader votes against Couric |page=7C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-reader-votes-against/135321933/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117030516/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-reader-votes-against/135321933/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The station resumed having a local news presence with the debut of ''First Forecast Mornings'', an extension of WWJ's existing morning newscast, on February 7, 2011,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Trigoboff |first1=Dan |date=November 1, 2008 |title=Station Break: WWJ-TV launches newscast |language=en-us |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/station-break-96875 |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121161655/https://www.nexttv.com/news/station-break-96875 |url-status=live }}</ref> co-anchored by [[Syma Chowdhry]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2011 |title=WWJ Adds Syma Chowdhry To Morning News |language=en |work=TVNewsCheck |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/wwj-adds-syma-chowdhry-to-morning-news/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129191114/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/wwj-adds-syma-chowdhry-to-morning-news/ |archive-date=January 29, 2022}}</ref> ''First Forecast Mornings'' was canceled on December 28, 2012, due to low viewership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=December 12, 2012 |title=Exclusive: WWJ Detroit Scrapping Morning News |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/490826-Exclusive_WWJ_Detroit_Scrapping_Morning_News.php |url-status=dead |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214013033/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/490826-Exclusive_WWJ_Detroit_Scrapping_Morning_News.php?rssid=20068 |archive-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Eck |first=Kevin |date=December 12, 2012 |title=No More Local Morning News on Detroit's WWJ |work=TVSpy |url=https://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/no-more-local-morning-news-on-detroits-wwj_b73140 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214164100/https://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/no-more-local-morning-news-on-detroits-wwj_b73140 |archive-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref>

WKBD-TV began broadcasting a [[Digital terrestrial television|digital]] signal on December 4, 2000.<ref>{{Cite book|chapter=WKBD-DT|title=Television Factbook|page=A-1145|date=2006}}</ref> The station shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 50, on June 12, 2009, as part of the [[Digital television transition in the United States|federally mandated transition from analog to digital broadcasts]]. The station's digital signal continued to broadcast on its pre-transition UHF channel 14, using [[virtual channel]] 50.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> In 2019, the station was repacked from channel 14 to channel 34 as a result of the [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction]].<ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table |url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |website=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |format=CSV}}</ref>

On December 4, 2019, [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] and CBS Corporation [[2019 merger of CBS and Viacom|re-merged]] to form ViacomCBS, now [[Paramount Global]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Bob Bakish's Memo to ViacomCBS Staff: Merger "a Historic Moment" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bob-bakishs-memo-viacomcbs-staff-merger-a-historic-moment-1259584 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406033606/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bob-bakishs-memo-viacomcbs-staff-merger-a-historic-moment-1259584 |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=December 10, 2019 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> WKBD restored a 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast on January 22, 2020, produced by [[KTVT]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]], and the [[CBS News (streaming service)#CBS News Local|CBSN Local]] streaming service as part of an expansion of news programming on CBS-owned CW and independent stations; these included reports from [[Multimedia journalism|multimedia journalists]] based in Detroit.<ref>{{cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=January 17, 2020 |title=Three CBS-Owned CW Stations Add Nightly News |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/three-cbs-owned-cw-stations-add-nightly-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129191123/https://www.nexttv.com/news/three-cbs-owned-cw-stations-add-nightly-news |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |access-date=January 17, 2020 |work=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> On December 14, 2021, ViacomCBS announced the creation of [[WWJ-TV#CBS News Detroit|CBS News Detroit]], a full-scale news department for the rebranded "CBS News Local", with newscasts simulcast over WWJ and WKBD.<ref name="return">{{Cite news |last=Hinds |first=Julie |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Detroit CBS station announces return to local TV newscasts, with 24/7 streaming |language=en-US |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2021/12/14/cbs-news-detroit-streaming-tv-newscasts/6506166001/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128050402/https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2021/12/14/cbs-news-detroit-streaming-tv-newscasts/6506166001/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> Paul Pytlowany, with WKBD since 1988 and the station's director of local production and community affairs since 2017, was named the founding news director.<ref name="pytlowany">{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Paul Pytlowany Named WWJ-WKBD News Director |work=TVNewsCheck |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/top-news/journalism/article/paul-pytlowany-named-wwj-wkbd-news-director/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129191115/https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/paul-pytlowany-named-wwj-wkbd-news-director/ |archive-date=January 29, 2022}} (This article incorrectly states that the two stations became a duopoly in 1995.)</ref> Prior to CBS News Detroit's launch on January 23, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=January 23, 2023 |title=CBS News Detroit Launches January 23 |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-news-detroit-launches-january-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123165814/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-news-detroit-launches-january-23 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinds |first=Julie |date=January 23, 2023 |title=CBS News Detroit to debut 2 local weeknight newscasts, with plans for more |language=en-US |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/01/23/detroits-cbs-affiliate-wwj-tv-news-broadcasts/69830403007/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123165325/https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/01/23/detroits-cbs-affiliate-wwj-tv-news-broadcasts/69830403007/ |archive-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> WKBD's KTVT-produced 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast was relaunched as ''[[CBS News Now|Detroit Now News]]'' in July 2022, a hybrid national/local newscast also produced from KTVT with content reported by CBS News Detroit staff.<ref name="bc-now-launch2">{{cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=July 21, 2022 |title=CBS-Owned Stations Debut Primetime News in Ten Markets |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-owned-stations-debut-primetime-news-in-ten-markets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721165831/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cbs-owned-stations-debut-primetime-news-in-ten-markets |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref>

=== Dropping, then reinstating, The CW (2023–present) ===
[[File:WKBD_Detroit_50_logo.svg|thumb|245x245px|WKBD logo from 2023 to 2024, when the station operated as an independent|alt=The words "Detroit 50" in a bold sans-serif font. "Detroit" is in black and "50" is in light blue.]]
On October 3, 2022, [[Nexstar Media Group]] acquired majority ownership of The CW.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=October 3, 2022 |title=New Day Dawns For Broadcast TV As Nexstar Closes Deal For Control Of The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/nexstar-closes-deal-for-control-of-the-cw-mark-pedowitz-exits-top-job-1235133428/ |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014023432/https://deadline.com/2022/10/nexstar-closes-deal-for-control-of-the-cw-mark-pedowitz-exits-top-job-1235133428/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the agreement, CBS was given the right to pull its affiliations from WKBD and its seven other CW stations; CBS formally exercised that right on May 5, 2023, with WKBD becoming an independent station at the end of August.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/cbs-stations-eight-drop-cw-go-independent-this-fall-1235357388/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|date=May 5, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|title=Eight CBS Stations To Ditch CW And Go Independent This Fall|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505155410/https://deadline.com/2023/05/cbs-stations-eight-drop-cw-go-independent-this-fall-1235357388/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the changes, WKBD-TV rebranded as "Detroit 50" and ''Detroit Now News'' was dropped from the schedule.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=CBS to transition eight company-owned stations from affiliates of The CW to independents on Friday, Sept. 1 |url=https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/shows/stations/releases/?view=108406-cbs-to-transition-eight-company-owned-stations-from-affiliates-of-the-cw-to-independents-on-friday-sept-1 |first1=Mike |last1=Nelson |date=August 30, 2023 |publisher=CBS News and Stations |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902042845/https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/shows/stations/releases/?view=108406-cbs-to-transition-eight-company-owned-stations-from-affiliates-of-the-cw-to-independents-on-friday-sept-1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As part of a larger agreement reached between CBS and Nexstar on July 30, 2024, WKBD agreed to again carry CW programming on September 1.<ref name="cwreturn">{{Cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=July 30, 2024 |title=Paramount Stations in Detroit, Miami To Return as CW Affiliates |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/paramount-stations-in-detroit-miami-to-return-as-cw-affiliates |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730141002/https://www.nexttv.com/news/paramount-stations-in-detroit-miami-to-return-as-cw-affiliates |url-status=live }}</ref> This came after [[Mission Broadcasting]], a Nexstar affiliate company, failed to purchase [[WADL (TV)|WADL]]—which Nexstar intended to be the permanent replacement CW affiliate in Detroit—and WADL owner Kevin Adell terminated the station's CW contract after two months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinds |first=Julie |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Detroit's WADL-TV drops CW's prime-time programming: Here's why |url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/11/01/detroit-wadl-tv-cw-programming/71407772007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106202817/https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/11/01/detroit-wadl-tv-cw-programming/71407772007/ |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |access-date=November 6, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> WMYD served as the Detroit CW affiliate for the interregnum between November 2023 and September 2024.<ref name="b&c-cwwkbdtowadltowmyd">{{cite news |last1=Malone |first1=Michael |date=November 6, 2023 |title=WMYD Detroit Will Become Market's The CW Station |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/wmyd-detroit-will-become-markets-cw-station |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108070200/https://www.nexttv.com/news/wmyd-detroit-will-become-markets-cw-station |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=November 8, 2023 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="b&c-scrippscwend">{{cite news |last1=Lafayette |first1=Jon |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Nexstar Dropping Scripps-Owned The CW Affiliates in 7 Markets |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-dropping-scripps-owned-cw-affiliates-in-seven-markets |access-date=April 19, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422221135/https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-dropping-scripps-owned-cw-affiliates-in-seven-markets |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Subchannels==
The station's signal is [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WKBD-TV<ref>{{Cite web |title=RabbitEars TV Query for WKBD |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WKBD |access-date=April 2, 2020 |website=[[RabbitEars]] |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115182021/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WKBD |url-status=live }}</ref>
! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.1
| [[1080i]] || rowspan="7" | [[16:9]] || WKBD-HD || [[The CW]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.2
| rowspan="3" | [[480i]] || Comet || [[Comet TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.3
| Charge || [[Charge! (TV network)|Charge!]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.4
| TBD || [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.5
| 1080i || Nosey || Nosey
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.6
| rowspan="2" | 480i || QVC || [[QVC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 50.7
| MeTVToo || [[MeTV Toons]]
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Michigan|Television|United States}}
* [[Media in Detroit]]
{{clear}}
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/detroit-50/}}
* [http://www.gordomarketing.com/Lou_Gordon_Program_Video.html The Lou Gordon Program]
{{clear}}
{{Detroit TV}}
{{CW Michigan}}
{{CBSTVS}}
{{Field Communications}}
{{Superstations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wkbd-Tv}}
[[Category:1965 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:CBS News and Stations]]
[[Category:Charge! (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Comet (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Companies based in Southfield, Michigan]]
[[Category:The CW affiliates]]
[[Category:Field Communications]]
[[Category:Kaiser Broadcasting]]
[[Category:MeTV Toons affiliates]]
[[Category:Paramount Stations Group]]
[[Category:Superstations in the United States]]
[[Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1965]]
[[Category:Television stations in Detroit|KBD-TV]]