WSBK-TV

WSBK-TV is a television station licensed to Boston, Massachusetts, and serving the broader New England region. Owned by CBS News and Stations, it operates as a MyNetworkTV affiliate and shares studios and facilities with its CBS-owned sister station WBZ-TV in the Allston neighborhood. The station has a long and varied history, having been an early pioneer of independent and superstation programming before transitioning through several major network affiliations.

History

The station first signed on the air in the 1960s, originally operating as an independent outlet. It was founded by the Storer Broadcasting company, a prominent media group that also owned several other television and radio properties across the United States. In the 1970s, the station gained national prominence when its signal was distributed via satellite by Eastern Microwave Inc., becoming one of the first superstations available to cable television subscribers nationwide, similar to WTBS and WGN-TV. This period saw it become a key source for Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins games, building a loyal following. Ownership changed in the 1980s when it was acquired by Hubbard Broadcasting, and later by the Fox Broadcasting Company, which briefly made it a Fox owned-and-operated station. After Fox purchased WFXT, the station's affiliation shifted to UPN, and it eventually became part of the CBS Corporation portfolio, aligning with WBZ-TV.

Programming

As a MyNetworkTV affiliate, WSBK-TV carries that network's schedule of dramatic series and reality television. However, the bulk of its schedule consists of syndicated programming, a tradition from its independent and superstation days. This includes a heavy rotation of classic sitcoms such as The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, along with court shows like The People's Court. The station is also renowned for its extensive sports coverage, holding long-term broadcast rights for games of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins, which are produced by its sister station WBZ-TV and the New England Sports Network. Other notable syndicated fare includes talk shows and game shows, filling out a schedule designed for broad appeal.

Technical information

WSBK-TV broadcasts over virtual channel 38 from a transmitter located in Needham, Massachusetts, sharing a tower with other major Boston stations like WCVB-TV and WBZ-TV. Its signal is transmitted using ATSC 3.0 standards, and it is carried on most cable and satellite providers throughout the Boston designated market area. The station's studios are co-located with those of WBZ-TV in a modern broadcast facility in Allston, which houses the news and production operations for both outlets. This technical integration allows for shared resources in master control, production truck facilities, and post-production services.

News operation

WSBK-TV does not produce its own separate local newscasts. Instead, it simulcasts several daily news programs produced by its sister station WBZ-TV, a major news operation in the market. This includes rebroadcasts of WBZ-TV's morning and evening newscasts, allowing for expanded reach of the CBS News-branded content. The station also carries the nationally syndicated morning talk program CBS Mornings. For in-depth weather coverage, it relies on the extensive meteorology team from WBZ-TV, which utilizes advanced Doppler radar technology and data from the National Weather Service. Breaking news and special event coverage, such as elections or major storms, are typically joint efforts with the resources of WBZ-TV.

Notable on-air staff

Throughout its history, many notable personalities have appeared on the station, particularly during its sports broadcasting heyday. Legendary Major League Baseball announcer Sean McDonough called Boston Red Sox games on the station for many years. Veteran sportscaster Bob Lobel was also a mainstay, covering the Boston Celtics and other local teams. In more recent years, personalities from the shared WBZ-TV news operation, such as anchor David Wade and chief meteorologist Eric Fisher, are regularly seen during simulcast newscasts. The station's independent era also featured popular local hosts for horror movie showcases and children's programming, contributing to its iconic status in New England broadcasting.

Category:Television stations in Boston Category:MyNetworkTV affiliates Category:CBS News and Stations