KSFY-TV

KSFY-TV
Callsign	KSFY-TV
Digital	13 (VHF)
Virtual	13
Affiliations	NBC, ABC
Founded	1960
Location	Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Country	United States
Owner	Gray Television
Licensee	Gray Television Licensee, LLC
Sister stations	KDLT-TV, KDLT, KSFY

KSFY-TV is a television station licensed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serving the Sioux Falls–Mitchell market. The station is an affiliate of national networks and operates under ownership connected to regional broadcast groups. It provides local news, syndicated programming, and network content to audiences across eastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa.

History

The station began operations in the early 1960s, entering a market with contemporaries such as KELO-TV, KDLT-TV, and outlets serving cities like Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mankato, Minnesota, and Sioux City, Iowa. Over decades it navigated affiliations and ownership changes involving broadcast groups with ties to companies like Gray Television, Quincy Media, and historic broadcasters from the era of Cowles Media Company and Nexstar Media Group. During its expansion it established relationships with networks represented by entities such as NBC, ABC, and redistributed programming comparable to offerings from CBS, Fox, and The CW. Facility upgrades paralleled national initiatives such as the Digital television transition in the United States and industry-wide moves influenced by regulations from the Federal Communications Commission and standards set by Advanced Television Systems Committee.

Ownership transfers and strategic alliances reflected broader consolidation trends similar to transactions involving Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tribune Media, and Raycom Media. The station adapted to market competition from regional outlets including KDLT-TV and cable providers like Charter Communications and satellite services such as DirecTV and Dish Network. Local controversies and coverage occasions referenced events in the region tied to institutions such as South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, and civic centers like Sioux Falls Arena.

Programming

The station's schedule blends network programming from distributors comparable to NBCUniversal Television Group and Disney–ABC Television Group with syndicated shows distributed by companies like Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, Fox Television Stations, and CBS Media Ventures. Its prime-time lineup has included national franchises and series akin to programs seen on Saturday Night Live, This Old House, and franchise formats comparable to Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Daytime and weekend blocks feature entertainment and lifestyle content paralleling series from PBS-linked producers and specialty distributors associated with names such as Hearst Television and Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Sports rights and regional broadcasts have intersected with collegiate athletics at South Dakota State Jackrabbits, conference events associated with Summit League, and professional sporting narratives akin to coverage of Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings when relevant. Weather programming incorporates data feeds and graphics technology comparable to services from The Weather Channel and meteorological partnerships used by stations across the Midwest.

News Operation

The station maintains a local news department producing morning, afternoon, and evening newscasts with anchors, meteorologists, and reporters drawn from markets that often include talent pathways through universities such as University of South Dakota, Augustana University, and South Dakota State University. Its news coverage has chronicled regional stories involving institutions like Mayo Clinic Health System, state government activities at the South Dakota State Capitol, agricultural developments connected to groups such as the National Farmers Union, and weather events including storms and blizzards impacting the Great Plains.

The newsroom competes with operations at KELO-TV, and coordination with sister stations reflects industry practices similar to news share agreements and joint sales arrangements used by groups like Gray Television and Nexstar Media Group. Investigative reporting and community-focused segments have earned recognition akin to awards presented by organizations such as the Associated Press and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Technical Information

Broadcast operations transitioned from analog to digital in accordance with the Digital television transition in the United States and employ transmission standards established by the Advanced Television Systems Committee including ATSC 1.0 implementations and planning for ATSC 3.0 deployments similar to initiatives undertaken by broadcasters nationwide. Engineering upgrades paralleled equipment suppliers and technology partners comparable to manufacturers like Rohde & Schwarz and JVC used in the industry. The station's transmitter and antenna sit on infrastructure that follows FAA coordination and licensing processes overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.

Signal coverage contours and market mapping consider Nielsen-designated market areas such as the Sioux Falls–Mitchell market and overlap with cable systems operated by companies like Mediacom and Charter Communications.

Subchannels and Digital Transition

The station multiplexes digital subchannels to carry additional networks and multicast services similar to carriers such as MeTV, Heroes & Icons, Bounce TV, True Crime Network, and Court TV. During the nationwide digital conversion, station engineers coordinated channel repacking efforts administered by the Federal Communications Commission and participated in spectrum auctions that affected broadcasters like those owned by Gray Television, Cox Media Group, and Tegna Inc.. The station's virtual channel numbering follows practices standardized by the Advanced Television Systems Committee and PSIP signaling used across U.S. broadcasters.

Community Involvement and Awards

Community outreach involved partnerships with local institutions such as Sanford Health, Sioux Falls School District, and regional nonprofits modeled after organizations like the United Way and Salvation Army. Promotional events and sponsorships included civic festivals in Sioux Falls, charity telethons similar to initiatives by local stations, and collaborations with arts organizations comparable to Washington Pavilion.

Recognition for news coverage, public service, and journalism quality has paralleled honors awarded by entities such as the Associated Press, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and regional press clubs. The station's civic role continues alongside peer broadcasters like KELO-TV and national chains including Gray Television and Nexstar Media Group.

Category:Television stations in South Dakota