While many new subchannel networks in recent years have been promoted with much fanfare for months before their launch, a new subchannel airing on CBS owned-and-operated stations launched so quietly it almost seems like it’s a secret.
“Fave TV” began airing on Dec. 14 on WCCO-TV/4.4 (Minneapolis), KCCW/12.4 (Walker), and the DT4 signals of other CBS O&O stations around the country, according to viewer reports on AVS Forum.
CBS has not put out any news releases about the new service and the network does not appear to have any online presence, with search results instead turning up an unrelated streaming TV platform that folded seven years ago. Further adding to the mystery, no program data for WCCO-DT4 is being sent over the air.
The channel appears to draw on content from the ViacomCBS library along with frequent promos for ViacomCBS cable channels such as MTV, CMT, and VH-1, as well as the Pluto TV streaming service. Programming over the weekend included Run’s House, Real World/Road Rules Challenge, The Jamie Foxx Show, and The Wayans Bros. Infomercials also run in the early-morning hours.
The CBS O&O’s also carry Weigel Broadcasting’s StartTV on DT2 and CBS-owned DABL on DT3.
Also on the Twin Cities TV dial, channel 9.5 of KMSP will carry TheGrio.TV when the new network targeted to African Americans launches on Jan. 15. Allen Media Group bought the This TV and Light TV networks in October and announced earlier this month that Light TV would switch to TheGrio. A still graphic announcing the change is currently airing on 9.5.
