Key Points
- Sinclair will consolidate newsroom operations in Tulsa, combining KTUL and KOKI under a new centralized content hub.
- KTUL will shift to a reporter-driven format, emphasizing field reporting over traditional anchor-led newscasts.
- The changes aim to expand local coverage and adapt to evolving audience preferences across platforms, Sinclair said in a statement.
Local television broadcaster Sinclair, Inc. says it will consolidate the newsroom operations at two of its stations in the Tulsa market, with one station moving away from the traditional anchor-driven format for newscasts this spring.
The transformation will see the news department at KTUL (Channel 8, ABC) merge with the former news operation of KOKI (Channel 23), which served as the region’s Fox affiliate until programming from that network moved to KTUL in February.
The company said the changes will center on the creation of a new content hub at KOKI, designed to support newsgathering and production for both stations. The facility will include upgrades to weather technology, studio capabilities and master control operations, while serving as the backbone for expanded local coverage across linear and digital platforms.
By consolidating certain operational functions, Sinclair plans to redeploy resources toward hiring and positioning more reporters in the field. The company said this shift will allow both stations to increase enterprise reporting, deliver more in-depth community-focused journalism and produce a broader mix of local and regional news content.
As part of the transition, KTUL will move to a reporter-driven format beginning in late May, accompanied by a full station rebrand. The updated approach will prioritize live reporting and story-driven coverage, with less emphasis on traditional studio presentation. Sinclair said the format is intended to better align with changing audience preferences and the growing demand for on-the-ground reporting.
In the interim, Sinclair will begin simulcasting newscasts from KOKI on KTUL starting in early May. The company described the move as a temporary measure to maintain continuity for viewers while KTUL prepares for its relaunch later in the month.
Scott Livingston, the Senior Vice President of News at Sinclair, said the restructuring of the Tulsa newsrooms is part of an ongoing effort at the broadcaster to evolve its local news model while maintaining its commitment to community-driven coverage.
“Local journalism remains at the core of what we do,” Livingston said in a statement. “This evolution allows us to invest more deeply in our content centers, expanding reporting in the field, strengthening storytelling, and ensuring we are positioned to serve our communities for the long term.”
Sinclair said the revamped structure in Tulsa will ultimately allow KOKI and KTUL to deliver more consistent and comprehensive news coverage, while adapting to shifts in how audiences consume local media across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.
