Ownership Changes Impact Yakima's KIMA Television Station

KIMA, a longstanding television station in Yakima, Washington, is undergoing significant changes as ownership transitions from Rincon Broadcasting Yakima LLC to Community News Media LLC. This transfer application was filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 24, 2026. Rincon had recently acquired KIMA from Sinclair Broadcast Group, marking the second ownership change within two months. As part of this transition, KIMA's nightly broadcasts have reportedly moved from Yakima to the Tri-Cities, with the newscasts now branded as “KIMA KEPR Action News” and produced from the KEPR studio in Pasco.

Tri-City Herald

KIMA has a rich history, having launched its first broadcast on July 19, 1953, as the first television station in Central Washington. Over the years, KIMA has changed hands multiple times, including acquisitions by Retlaw Broadcasting Corp. in 1987 and Fisher Communications in 1999. In 2013, Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired KIMA as part of a larger deal involving multiple stations. Rincon Broadcasting, founded in late 2024 by Todd Parkin, is viewed by some as a “shell” company for Sinclair, designed to navigate federal ownership regulations.

Tri-City Herald

The recent ownership shift raises concerns about the future of local journalism in Yakima. Pawel Popiel, an assistant professor at Washington State University, noted that such mergers typically lead to downsizing and layoffs, despite promises of increased local coverage. He emphasized that these changes often result in fewer journalists covering larger areas, which can adversely affect local reporting quality.

Tri-City Herald

While specific content changes at KIMA and KEPR have not been confirmed, the move to Tri-Cities signifies a strategic shift in operations. The FCC's approval of Rincon's license transfers has been met with scrutiny, particularly from public-interest groups like Frequency Forward, which argue that these acquisitions undermine local media diversity.

Tri-City Herald

Critics of the ownership changes, including Frequency Forward, have expressed concerns that Rincon's structure is a tactic to bypass federal regulations limiting station ownership. They argue that such practices threaten the integrity of local news coverage and diminish the diversity of viewpoints available to viewers.

Tri-City Herald

There is a lack of clarity regarding the long-term plans for KIMA and KEPR following the ownership transition. While some reports indicate a move towards broader regional coverage, others suggest potential downsizing and reduced local content. The absence of a new general manager for KIMA further complicates the situation, as stakeholders await definitive information on the station's future direction.

Tri-City Herald

• “I know the FCC approved license transfers and even raised ownership caps when Rincon bought up stations in the Midwest — an unusual move to say the least,” — Pawel Popiel, Assistant Professor, Washington State University

Tri-City Herald

• “Generally, these mergers translate to fewer journalists at outlets covering larger regions and fewer beats, inevitably hurting local reporting.” — Pawel Popiel, Assistant Professor, Washington State University

Tri-City Herald

The evolving landscape of KIMA's ownership highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local media in maintaining journalistic integrity amid corporate consolidation.

Tri-City Herald