Overview of KOLD News Tucson
KOLD News 13 is the CBS affiliate serving southern Arizona from studios in Tucson. It delivers local news, weather, traffic, and sports for the Tucson metropolitan area and southern Arizona regions. As a long-established station, KOLD has been a primary source of television news for residents, focusing on public safety, education, and regional issues. This overview explains the station’s background, broadcast channels, programming, and how the community connects with it.
Broadcast channels and technical details
KOLD operates on both over-the-air digital broadcast and cable/satellite delivery. Its main channel is 13.1, which carries the CBS network schedule plus local news blocks. The station typically multiplexes one or more subchannels for additional programming. Below is a concise reference to key technical and carriage details.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Channel number (OTA) | 13 | FCC data |
| Call sign meaning | Derived from legacy KOLD identity; not an official backronym | Station records |
| Network | CBS | Network affiliation listings |
| City of license | Tucson, Arizona | FCC License |
| Primary coverage | Tucson metro and southern Arizona | Station coverage maps |
Station history and ownership
KOLD-TV signed on in the 1950s and has remained a consistent CBS affiliate for decades. It has undergone changes in ownership as broadcast groups consolidated. Currently, the station is owned by a major group that operates multiple stations in the region, sharing resources such as newsgathering and technical facilities. Its long tenure provides continuity in local news coverage, particularly for civic events, emergencies, and seasonal stories relevant to Tucson.
Ownership timeline highlights
- 1950s: Sign-on and early years as an independent and CBS affiliate.
- 1990s–2000s: Ownership transitions through regional groups.
- 2010s–present: Part of a multi-station group with centralized news and technical operations.
Local programming and news schedule
KOLD produces multiple daily local newscasts covering morning, midday, evening, and late-night timeslots. Weather segments emphasize Arizona-specific concerns, including dust storms, monsoon patterns, and wildfire smoke when relevant. The station also airs syndicated talk and lifestyle programs in daytime and evenings. Sports coverage features University of Arizona and high school teams, alongside regional professional and amateur athletics.
| Time period | Typical programming | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Local news and weather | Before CBS national morning show |
| Midday | Local news + syndicated shows | Often includes health and education features |
| Evening | 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts | Primary local news windows |
| Overnight | Syndicated/repeats or infomercials | Limited live news coverage |
Digital and online presence
KOLD maintains a web presence through its official site and social platforms, offering video streams, recent stories, weather updates, and community event calendars. The station typically provides a live stream for viewers with over-the-air access, and content is often available through app and cable streaming tiers. For advertisers and community partners, digital placements on the site and social channels can extend reach across southern Arizona.
Community engagement and contact
Residents can reach KOLD News through several channels for news tips, questions, and feedback. The station often participates in local events, sponsorships, and charity initiatives across southern Arizona. Contact methods generally include phone, email, social media, and in-person visits to the Tucson studio. Check the official website for current addresses, phone numbers, and submission guidelines for news tips and feature pitches.
Public affairs and advertising
KOLD airs traditional commercial spots and may offer sponsored content options that follow station and network policies. Local advertisers can typically access standard media kits with audience data and rate information. For public affairs, the station may collaborate with civic organizations and educational institutions on town halls and informational segments that serve the Tucson community.