Salinas, CA – September 11, 2023 - KSBW 8, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in the Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz television market, is marking 70 years of broadcasting to California’s Central Coast.

KSBW 8 first signed on the air September 11, 1953, and was the only television station serving Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz and surrounding communities for 16 years. Airwaves were initially filled with movies, variety shows and local news. Originally, KSBW 8 was affiliated with all four major networks—NBC, ABC, CBS and DuMont. KSBW has begun marking this 70-year milestone with messages, news features, and never-before-seen content from the station’s archives.

“We are truly honored to celebrate this incredible achievement with our Central Coast viewers,” said President and General Manager Laura Williamson. “Local broadcasters are here to serve local communities with credible information and meaningful journalism. Whether we are reporting breaking news, forecasting weather, or uniting to face our collective challenges, KSBW is honored to engage with our audience and to be of value in their lives.”

From the Central Coast’s most tragic stories to covering some of the most beautiful events in the world, KSBW Action News 8 has been there. As the station celebrates 70 years of being part of the community, viewers can expect to see the history of television broadcasting on the Central Coast and the progression of KSBW 8 over the decades.

“The last seven decades have presented constant change and evolution for our viewers, ranging from 15‐minute newscasts to today’s 28‐plus hours of live, local news each week,” said KSBW 8 News Director Cassady Velasco. “KSBW will present specials and series that look back at the big stories of the last 70 years that resonate with our Central Coast communities.”

ABOUT KSBW

KSBW is the California Central Coast’s broadcast/digital media leader, providing news, weather, sports, community service and entertainment on multiple platforms including KSBW 8 NBC, Central Coast ABC, Estrella TV Costa Central, KSBW.com, and the KSBW mobile app. Founded in 1953, KSBW is committed to its mission to serve the Salinas-Monterey-Santa Cruz region with quality local content. The station has been honored with numerous prestigious broadcasting honors including regional RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards for “Best Newscast” and regional Emmy’s, and Associated Press Awards for “Breaking News Coverage.” KSBW is owned by Hearst Television, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst, a leading media company whose global holdings include 35 television stations. Follow us on Facebook (ksbw8), Twitter (@ksbw), and Instagram (ksbw_8).