Navigating local television in New Mexico's largest media market requires more than flipping channels. The KRQE TV schedule dictates the daily flow of news, weather alerts, and network programming for Albuquerque and surrounding communities. Whether you're trying to catch morning updates before your commute or planning your evening viewing around CBS prime-time shows, knowing when and where programs air helps you stay connected.
This guide breaks down the standard broadcast programming blocks, digital streaming options, and ways to access local news on your own terms.
Understanding the Daily Broadcast Blocks
KRQE operates as the primary CBS affiliate for Albuquerque, broadcasting on channel 13 while also serving as a dual affiliate carrying Fox programming on channel 2 (KRQE-DT2 / Fox New Mexico) and MyNetworkTV on channel 50. The standard broadcast day follows a structured timeline designed to serve different audiences throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening hours.
Morning News and Weather Updates
The broadcast day begins early with morning news blocks starting as early as 4:30 AM. These segments focus heavily on local developments, breaking overnight news, and detailed meteorological forecasts from the KRQE Weather Center that Albuquerque commuters rely on to plan their morning drives.
Daytime and Syndicated Programming
Mid-morning and afternoon blocks transition from hard news to talk shows, court programs, and syndicated entertainment. This window bridges the gap between early morning wake-up shows and the evening news cycle, catering to viewers at home during daytime hours.
Evening Newscasts and Prime-Time Lineup
The evening hours represent the core of local viewership, starting with local news at 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:00 PM, followed by the national CBS Evening News.
At 8:00 PM Mountain Time, the prime-time block kicks off. This three-hour window features flagship CBS dramas, reality series, and major sports broadcasts, such as NFL games or NCAA basketball matchups. The night concludes with the 10:00 PM local news broadcast, summarizing the day's major local events before late-night syndicated programming takes over.
Digital Streaming and On-Demand Access
If you don't have a traditional cable or antenna setup, you can still follow the KRQE TV schedule through digital platforms. The station provides live streaming feeds of its newscasts directly through its official website and mobile apps.
- Live Streaming: Major newscasts are streamed live online, allowing you to watch local reports without a standard television connection.
- On-Demand Archives: If you miss a specific investigative report or morning segment, the station's video archives host full clips categorized by topic, including politics, crime, and local features.
- Connected TV Apps: KRQE apps are available on major streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, letting you pull up local news and weather clips on demand.
Tips for Managing Your Viewing Habits
To get the most out of your local programming schedule, keep a few practical strategies in mind.
First, check the digital program guide weekly if you follow serialized network dramas, as sports broadcasts often push regular prime-time slots back by an hour or more during football season.
Second, download the station's weather app alongside your viewing schedule if you live in outlying areas like Rio Rancho or Santa Fe, since regional weather patterns frequently prompt special broadcast cut-ins.
Finally, bookmark the KRQE News Channel 13 official site to cross-reference daily schedule shifts caused by breaking news or live sporting events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is KRQE on over-the-air?
KRQE broadcasts on channel 13 as the local CBS affiliate. Fox New Mexico is carried on channel 2.2, and MyNetworkTV broadcasts on channel 50.2.
Can I watch KRQE newscasts online for free?
Yes, the station streams its regular newscasts live on its website and mobile applications. Full segments and weather reports are also uploaded to their digital video library shortly after airing.
Why do scheduled television shows sometimes air at different times?
Live sports events, breaking news coverages, and severe weather reports can cause delays in standard network programming. Checking the live digital schedule helps you track real-time adjustments.
How can I find past investigative reports or local news segments?
The video section of the official KRQE website maintains a searchable archive of recent broadcasts, organized by category so you can locate specific stories easily.
