Heads up, Syracuse viewers! A major change is happening in your local TV landscape, and it might mean you need to take a few quick steps to keep enjoying your favorite CBS programs.
On December 1, 2025, CNY Central's WTVH CBS 5 officially changed its call letters to WKOF CBS 5. Don't worry, CBS programming, including sports and entertainment, along with local news, will continue as usual.
"For most viewers, it’s business as usual, with this simply being a legal call letter change from WTVH CBS 5 to WKOF CBS5," CNY Central stated. Viewers who get their programming through cable, satellite, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, and DirecTV Stream will experience a seamless transition.
But here's where it gets interesting... If you watch TV with an antenna, you'll likely need to re-scan your channels. WTVH was previously on channel 5.1, which now features Roar programming. Local CBS programming has moved to digital channel 15.1. So, grab your remote and follow the instructions for your TV to rescan and keep watching CBS.
CNY Central, which includes Syracuse TV stations NBC 3 (WSTM) and CW 6 (WSTQ), is operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. While the exact reason for the call letter change wasn't disclosed, it's a significant event in local TV history. WTVH, originally WHEN-TV, was Syracuse's first TV station, launching way back on December 1, 1948!
Roar, owned by Sinclair, first launched in 2016 as TBD. This network offers a variety of shows, including re-runs of popular programs.
If you prefer streaming, you can still catch CBS on services like Fubo TV, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV.
What do you think of this change? Do you find re-scanning channels a hassle, or is it a minor inconvenience? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article was originally published on December 1, 2025, at 8:01 a.m. by Geoff Herbert, a Reporter, SEO Lead, and Content Supervisor for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard and Advance Media New York.
