Redwood Television Closes On KIEM Buy

The sale of NBC affiliate KIEM Eureka, Calif. (DMA 195), by Pollack/Belz Broadcasting to Redwood Television Partners for $3.5 million closed on Dec. 1. Pollack/Belz has owned the station since 1996.

The buyer, Redwood Television, will also operate KVIQ-LP (CBS) in conjunction with KIEM on digital ch. 14. Redwood Television said this change will not disrupt viewership, particularly those watching CBS programming on satellite or cable. Some TV’s may need to be re-scanned.

“The past 21 years have brought much accomplishment and innovation to KIEM-TV,” said William Pollack, principal owner of KIEM. “From analog to high definition, we rode the wave of technological change. Our success has been accomplished by the combination of a professional local staff focused on providing outstanding local television service and the overwhelming support of the advertising community. No doubt Redwood Television Partners will provide the same unparalleled level of community involvement which is why News Channel 3 is ‘the Spirit of the Northcoast.’ ”

Redwood Television and its associated entities currently own NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates in Idaho, Arizona, California and Mississippi. The also own radio stations in California and Hawaii.

Pollack owns TV stations in Louisiana, Arkansas, radio stations in Illinois, Nevada and Missouri as wellas nd multi-screen movie theaters in Nebraska, Arkansas and Missouri.

With studios on South Broadway, 64-year-old KIEM was Eureka’s first television station; its coverage area ranges from the southern region of Oregon to the northern fringe of the San Francisco viewing area.

Kalil & Co. brokered the transaction.