KDKA-TV, broadcasting as virtual channel 2 and utilizing UHF digital channel 25, stands as a cornerstone of local television in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a CBS owned-and-operated (O&O) station, it is directly managed and funded by its parent company, ensuring a direct link to the national CBS network's programming and journalistic standards.

Station Ownership and Strategic Partnerships

KDKA-TV operates under the esteemed CBS News and Stations subsidiary of Paramount Global, a major diversified global media and entertainment conglomerate. This ownership structure provides significant resources and strategic alignment. Furthermore, KDKA-TV forms a crucial duopoly with WPCW, which broadcasts on channel 19. WPCW is a CW-affiliated station, also owned-and-operated by CBS News and Stations, though it is licensed to Jeannette, Pennsylvania. This duopoly allows both stations to share critical operational resources, including newsgathering, sales, and technical infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and local coverage for viewers across the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

Operational Hubs in Pittsburgh

Both KDKA-TV and its sister station WPCW share state-of-the-art studios located in the iconic Gateway Center, situated in the vibrant heart of downtown Pittsburgh. This central location provides convenient access for news teams and reflects their deep integration into the city's fabric. KDKA-TV's primary transmitter, vital for broadcasting its signal over the air, is strategically positioned in the city's Perry North neighborhood, optimizing its reach to serve a wide audience across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.

A Unique Broadcast Identifier: The "K" Call Sign

KDKA-TV holds a distinctive place in American broadcasting history, partly due to its "K" call sign. Traditionally, stations east of the Mississippi River are assigned call signs beginning with "W," while those to the west typically begin with "K." KDKA-TV, along with its sister station KYW-TV in Philadelphia, are notable exceptions to this convention. They are the sole CBS-affiliated stations located east of the Mississippi River that proudly bear "K" call signs. This uniqueness is a legacy feature, often tied to the very early days of radio broadcasting; KDKA radio (established in 1920), the world's first commercial radio station, famously received its "K" call sign before the geographical rule was firmly established, and the television station later inherited this iconic identifier, connecting it to a rich broadcasting heritage.

Extensive Broadcast Reach and Cable Availability

Beyond its primary over-the-air signal in the Pittsburgh Designated Market Area (DMA), KDKA-TV extends its viewership significantly through wide cable carriage in various adjacent and out-of-market regions. This expansive reach ensures that its local news, CBS network programming, and special broadcasts are accessible to a broader audience across multiple states. KDKA-TV is available on cable systems in:

• Parts of the Johnstown–Altoona market in Pennsylvania.
• Segments of the Wheeling–Steubenville market, spanning parts of West Virginia and Ohio.
• Portions of the Youngstown market in Ohio.
• Several other out-of-market cable systems, including areas in northwestern Pennsylvania, western Maryland, northeastern and east-central Ohio, and north-central West Virginia.

Notably, KDKA-TV's cable footprint extends as far south as Beverly, West Virginia, underscoring its significant regional influence and importance as a primary news and entertainment source for communities far beyond its immediate licensing area.

Frequently Asked Questions About KDKA-TV

What is KDKA-TV's virtual channel and digital channel?

KDKA-TV broadcasts as virtual channel 2 and utilizes UHF digital channel 25 for its transmissions.

Who owns KDKA-TV?

KDKA-TV is owned by the CBS News and Stations subsidiary of Paramount Global.

Does KDKA-TV have a sister station?

Yes, KDKA-TV operates as part of a duopoly with WPCW (channel 19), a CW owned-and-operated station also owned by CBS News and Stations.

Where are KDKA-TV's studios and transmitter located?

Both KDKA-TV and WPCW share studios at the Gateway Center in downtown Pittsburgh. KDKA-TV's transmitter is located in Pittsburgh's Perry North neighborhood.

Why does KDKA-TV have a "K" call sign despite being east of the Mississippi River?

KDKA-TV, along with KYW-TV in Philadelphia, are rare exceptions to the general rule where "W" call signs are typically assigned east of the Mississippi and "K" call signs to the west. This is a historical legacy, often tied to very early radio broadcasting practices (like KDKA radio) before the geographical assignment rule became standardized.