KKAI

KKAI
CityKailua, Hawaii
Channels
BrandingKKAI 15
Programming
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
KUPU
History
First air date
2004 (20 years ago) (2004)
Former channel number(s)
  • Analog: 50 (UHF, 2004–2009)
  • Digital: 50 (UHF, 2009–2019)
Call sign meaning
Kailua (city of license)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID83180
ERP38.5 kW
HAAT373 m (1,224 ft)
Transmitter coordinates21°25′19.6″N 157°45′21″W / 21.422111°N 157.75583°W / 21.422111; -157.75583
Links
Public license information
Websitewww.kkai50.com

KKAI (channel 50) is an independent television station licensed to Kailua, Hawaii, United States, serving the Hawaiian Islands. It is owned by Bridge Media Networks alongside KUPU (channel 15). KKAI's transmitter is located north of Kailua. Since March 2018, the station is available statewide on Oceanic Spectrum digital channel 50.

History

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The station first hit the air in 2004. Originally intended to sign on as a UPN affiliate, it began airing family programming from Faith TV in addition to local programming. In 2012, the station became a full-time affiliate of the Retro Television Network. In 2017, the station switched to a religious format.[2]

In late 2018, KKAI added Telemundo programming on its second digital subchannel, simulcasting Kailua-Kona–based KFVE.

On October 5, 2023, it was announced that Bridge Media Networks would purchase this station along with KUPU for $3 million ($1.5 million for both stations).[3][4] The sale was completed in early 2024.[citation needed]

Technical information

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Subchannels

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The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of KKAI[5]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
50.1 480i 16:9 KKAI DT Main KKAI programming
50.2 KKAI Telemundo (KFVE)
  Simulcast of subchannels of another station

Analog-to-digital conversion

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Because it was granted an original construction permit after the FCC finalized the DTV allotment plan on April 21, 1997,[6] the station did not receive a second (companion) channel for a digital television station. On January 15, 2009, KKAI flash-cut to a digital signal on the same channel.

On April 13, 2017, the FCC announced that KKAI would relocate to RF channel 29[7] by April 12, 2019[8] as a result of the broadcast incentive auction.[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KKAI". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "Local Programs". KKAI 50. KKAI 50 Hawaii's Catholic TV. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
  3. ^ Jacobson, Adam (October 5, 2023). "NewsNet Parent Strikes Again With Hawaiian Twin Spin". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Staff, TV News Check (October 11, 2023). "Station Trading Roundup: 3 Deals, $4,500,000". TV News Check. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  5. ^ RabbitEars TV Query for KKAI
  6. ^ "Final DTV Channel Plan from FCC97-115".
  7. ^ "Repack Plan". RabbitEars.info. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  8. ^ "Transition Schedule". FCC.gov. Federal Communications Commission. April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  9. ^ Meisch, Charlie. "FCC ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF WORLD'S FIRST BROADCAST INCENTIVE AUCTION" (PDF). FCC.gov. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
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