“Viewers have more choices than ever, and we’re meeting that moment by delivering breaking news, credible journalism, and accurate 8-day forecasts at a time that fits their busy lives.”
That’s what Brian Sather, President/GM of the Hearst Television property serving as Central Iowa’s CBS affiliate, has to share about a 9pm newscast one can view in the Des Moines DMA.
Yet, this new offering can’t be seen on a Hearst-owned station. Rather, it will air on a crosstown station owned by Sinclair Inc.
“In an alliance designed to deliver more ways than ever for Central Iowans to consume local news at a time that is convenient for them,” Hearst-owned KCCI-8 will produce the 9pm newscast airing on Sinclair’s KDSM “FOX 17” in Des Moines.
The offering takes the name KCCI 8 News at 9 on FOX 17.
“The launch reflects a shared commitment by KCCI and KDSM to invest in local journalism and serve Central Iowa through strategic partnerships that prioritize viewers,” Hearst’s KCCI said late Friday.
KDSM has offered local news since 2001. However, it has never produced its own newscast. At first, Sinclair-owned KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids brought KDSM viewers a 9pm program. In September 2008, Nexstar Media Group-owned NBC affiliate WHO-TV debuted 13 News at 9 on Fox 17. That relationship concluded on December 31, 2025, with KCCI taking over responsibilities the following day, ending a 17-year partnership with WHO-TV.
“Our collaboration with KCCI enables us to deliver a robust local newscast anchored by journalists our audience knows and trusts, while expanding access to timely and relevant community news,” said Joseph Tracy, General Manager of KDSM. He did not comment on the reasons why WHO-TV was dropped as a partner.
