History of KBTX-TV in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2025

KBTX-TV is a CBS and CW dual-affiliated television station located in Bryan, Texas, serving the Brazos Valley area. It is owned by Gray Media and operates from studios in Bryan, with its transmitter situated northwest of Anderson, Texas. The station provides news and entertainment programming to the local community.

September 1977: KBTX becomes primary ABC affiliate

In September 1977, KBTX became a primary affiliate of ABC, along with its parent station.

September 1983: KBTX reverts to CBS

In September 1983, KBTX and its parent station reverted to CBS affiliation.

October 14, 1983: KBTX opens new transmitter in Carlos

On October 14, 1983, KBTX opened a new transmitter in Carlos, Grimes County, significantly expanding its broadcast range.

November 18, 1999: Aggie Bonfire collapse coverage

On November 18, 1999, KBTX provided extensive coverage of the Aggie Bonfire collapse, serving as a crucial source of information both locally and nationally.

1999: KBTX wins AP award for Bonfire coverage

In 1999, KBTX won an AP award for "Best Spot News Reporting" for its coverage of the Aggie Bonfire collapse.

May 2007: KBTX 50th Anniversary

In May 2007, KBTX celebrated its 50th anniversary, with many former staff members returning for the celebration.

January 20, 2009: KBTX shuts down analog signal

On January 20, 2009, KBTX permanently shut down its analog signal as part of the transition to digital television.

February 28, 2009: KBTX begins broadcasting digitally at full power

On February 28, 2009, KBTX began broadcasting digitally at full power from the Carlos tower, expanding its signal dramatically.

March 2009: KBTX ends jointly-run noon newscast

In late March 2009, KBTX and KWTX ceased their jointly-run noon newscast, reverting to separate broadcasts due to viewer demand for local content.

May 2009: DirecTV announces it would be dropping KBTX

In May 2009, after years of carrying KBTX to the market, DirecTV announced it would be dropping KBTX from its service.

June 2009: Agreement reached to keep KBTX available to DirecTV customers

In June 2009, an agreement was reached to keep KBTX available to DirecTV customers.

2009: KBTX signal reaches multiple counties

As of early 2009, KBTX's digital signal reached several counties outside of its primary viewing area due to transmitting at the maximum power allowed by law.

2009: Failed attempt to produce a single noon newscast

In 2009, the brief attempt to produce a single noon newscast for the vast market failed in part because of overwhelming viewer demand.

September 12, 2011: KBTX launches First News at Four

On September 12, 2011, KBTX launched a 4 p.m. newscast, titled First News at Four, replacing The Oprah Winfrey Show.

October 10, 2011: KBTX begins broadcasting newscasts in HD

On October 10, 2011, KBTX began broadcasting its newscasts in high definition, becoming the first live and local broadcaster in the Brazos Valley with HD news.