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King of the hill is dethroned in desert
Changes in ownership are shaking up the broadcast scene in Albuquerque, N.M. LIN TV acquired CBS affiliate KRQE from Emmis Communications in December as part of a five-station, $260 million deal. Now, Raycom Media is selling Fox affiliate KASA as the company sheds several of its stations.
Both KRQE and KASA are jockeying for ratings with NBC affiliate KOB and ABC outlet KOAT. KOB was the longtime leader, but, in the past 18 months, the balance has shifted. After years as a middling station, KRQE won late news in November sweeps, capping off a five-year overhaul. The station replaced its key anchors and stocked up on top syndication, including Dr. Phil , Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! . KRQE also bested KOB with its noon and 4 p.m. news.
KRQE General Manager Bill Anderson says that, with the newscasts thriving and syndication...