KCBS gives '911' to KCAL, adds sitcoms

By JIM BENSON

KCBS-TV is giving up MTM's "Rescue 911" to independent station KCAL-TV, which begins airing the reality series at 6 p.m. today in place of "Empty Nest."

The O&O has decided to blow out its poorly rated 3-4 p.m. block, where "Love Connection" followed "Rescue 911," and will insert two sitcoms today: classic episodes of "WKRP in Cincinnati" (which has aired on KCAL) and "Taxi" (appearing on KTLA in recent years during the summer).

KCBS, which was forced to make the moves after a poor November sweeps, is apparently hoping counterprogramming works against the "Oprah" juggernaut on KABC-TV.

Disney-owned KCAL, meanwhile, is relegating sister division Buena Vista Television's sitcom "Empty Nest" to weekends. The off-net sitcom will air only at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays.