With the relaunch of News Now 53 as two individually-branded services, plans originally called for KWTV and KOTV to use the channels to provide additional coverage during severe weather events; however in such cases, the channels instead take on the responsibility of broadcasting CBS network and syndicated programs normally seen on the main channel during extended breaking news and severe weather coverage.
Initially planned for use in severe weather situations, News Now 53's relaunch resulted in KWTV and KOTV taking over the broadcast of CBS network programs and syndicated content instead. This shift occurred when the channels were tasked with providing continuous coverage during extended breaking news and severe weather events.