Are you suddenly missing your favorite CBS shows in Syracuse? Don't panic! A major change at a local TV station might be the culprit, and a quick fix is all you need to get back to watching your favorite programs. WTVH CBS 5, a staple of Syracuse television, has undergone a significant transformation. As of December 1st, 2025, the station officially changed its call letters to WKOF CBS 5. The change was reported by Geoff Herbert of syracuse.com.
For many viewers, this transition will be completely invisible. If you subscribe to cable, satellite, or streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, or DirecTV Stream, you shouldn't notice any difference. CNY Central, the station's parent company, assures that the change will be "seamless" for these viewers. You'll still receive the same CBS programming, including sports, entertainment, and local CBS 5 News. But here's where it gets controversial... Some viewers may need to take action to continue watching their favorite shows.
The change primarily affects viewers who rely on an antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts. WTVH, formerly found on channel 5.1, has shifted its CBS programming to digital channel 15.1. The original channel 5.1 now airs programming from Roar, a network owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group (the operator of CNY Central, which also includes NBC 3 (WSTM) and CW 6 (WSTQ)). Roar, formerly known as TBD, offers a mix of shows like "America's Funniest Home Videos" and reruns of "Saturday Night Live".
So, what do you need to do? If you use an antenna, you'll need to re-scan your TV channels. This process tells your TV to search for available signals and update its channel list. CNY Central has provided instructions for re-scanning, which generally involves navigating to the settings menu on your TV and selecting the "channel scan" or "auto-program" option. The exact steps may vary depending on your TV model, so consult your owner's manual if you're unsure.
And this is the part most people miss... Why the sudden change? Sinclair Broadcast Group hasn't publicly stated the reason for the call letter switch. WTVH holds a special place in Syracuse broadcasting history, having launched as WHEN-TV on December 1, 1948, making it the city's first television station. The shift could be related to internal restructuring, branding strategies, or even technical considerations.
If you're still having trouble accessing CBS after re-scanning, remember that you can also stream CBS content through services like Fubo TV, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Now, here's where things get interesting... Some speculate that the change might be related to future programming plans or even potential acquisitions. Is Sinclair positioning Roar for a more prominent role in its broadcast lineup? Could this be a precursor to further changes in the Syracuse television landscape? What are your thoughts on this call letter change? Do you think it will ultimately benefit or inconvenience viewers? Share your opinions in the comments below!
