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.
The original plan for News Now 53 was to provide additional coverage during severe weather, but this changed as KWTV and KOTV took on the responsibility of broadcasting CBS network programming and syndicated shows instead.