History of KTLA in Timeline
KTLA is a television station based in Los Angeles, California, functioning as the West Coast flagship station for The CW network. It is a significant property owned by Nexstar Media Group. The station's studios are situated at the Sunset Bronson Studios in Hollywood, with its transmitter located on Mount Wilson. KTLA plays a role in broadcasting content to the Los Angeles area and beyond.
1927: The Jazz Singer filmed at Warner Bros. Sunset Studios
In 1927, the landmark film The Jazz Singer was shot at Warner Bros. Sunset Studios, which later became Paramount Sunset Studios where KTLA is based.
1939: Milton Berle at the Chicago World's Fair
In 1939, Milton Berle threw the ceremonial "Transmit On" switch at the Chicago World's Fair at the birth of analog television broadcasting.
1939: FCC Licenses W6XYZ
In 1939, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed the station as experimental station W6XYZ, broadcasting on VHF channel 4.
September 1942: W6XYZ Signs on the Air
In September 1942, experimental station W6XYZ signed on the air, originally owned by Paramount Pictures subsidiary Television Productions, Inc., and based at the Paramount Studios lot.
January 1947: KTLA Begins Operations
In January 1947, KTLA began operations as the first commercially licensed television station in the western United States.
January 22, 1947: KTLA Licensed for Commercial Broadcasting
On January 22, 1947, KTLA was licensed for commercial broadcasting on channel 5, becoming the first commercial television station in California, Los Angeles, and west of the Mississippi River, and the eighth in the United States. Bob Hope emceed the inaugural broadcast, "The Western Premiere of Commercial Television".
1947: Stan Chambers Hired by KTLA
In 1947, Veteran newsman Stan Chambers was hired by KTLA almost a year after its launch.
1948: KTLA Disaffiliates from DuMont Television Network
In 1948, KTLA disaffiliated from the DuMont Television Network and became an independent station. Paramount launched the Paramount Television Network with KTLA and WBKB-TV as flagships. During KTLA's early years, the station produced over a dozen syndicated series.
1948: Tournament of Roses Parade Broadcast
Since 1948, KTLA has broadcast the annual Tournament of Roses Parade from Pasadena each New Year's Day, remaining the sole English-language outlet in the Los Angeles market to continuously broadcast the event.
1949: Los Angeles Times Owned KTTV
In 1949, the Los Angeles Times became the original owner of Fox owned-and-operated station KTTV under a joint venture with CBS.
1951: CBS Joint Venture with Los Angeles Times Ends
In 1951, the joint venture between CBS and the Los Angeles Times for ownership of KTTV ended.
1956: DuMont Network Demise
In 1956, the DuMont Television Network ceased operations. Its programming was splintered among other Los Angeles stations, including KTSL, KHJ-TV, KTTV, and KCOP-TV.
July 4, 1958: KTLA's First Helicopter News Broadcast
On July 4, 1958, KTLA engineer John D. Silva pioneered the use of a helicopter (Bell 47G-2) outfitted with transmitters to relay live breaking news, making KTLA the first news station to use a helicopter as a news broadcasting platform.
1958: Began Operating Telecopter
In 1958, KTLA began operating a well-equipped helicopter for newsgathering known as the "Telecopter", considered the most advanced airborne television broadcast device of its time.
1958: KTLA Moves to Paramount Sunset Studios
In 1958, KTLA moved its operations into the Paramount Sunset Studios on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
November 1963: Gene Autry Purchases KTLA
In November 1963, actor and singer Gene Autry purchased KTLA for $12 million.
1963: Los Angeles Times Sells KTTV
In 1963, the Los Angeles Times sold KTTV to Metromedia, successor to DuMont's owned and operated stations.
May 1964: Autry Finalizes KTLA Purchase
In May 1964, Gene Autry's purchase of KTLA was finalized, and he merged the station with his other broadcasting properties into Golden West Broadcasters.
1964: Broadcast Television Home of the Los Angeles/California Angels
From 1964 to 1995, KTLA served as the broadcast television home of the Los Angeles/California Angels baseball team.
1965: Launched 10 p.m. Newscast
In 1965, KTLA launched a 10 p.m. newscast, originally titled Newscene, later known as The George Putnam News, NewsWatch, Channel 5/KTLA News at Ten, and KTLA Prime News.
1965: First Regularly Scheduled 11 PM Newscast
In 1965, KTLA produced its first regularly scheduled 11 p.m. newscast.
1967: Carried Los Angeles Lakers Road Games
From 1967 to 1977, KTLA carried selected Los Angeles Lakers road games.
August 1, 1977: Telecopter Crash
On August 1, 1977, KTLA's Telecopter, then owned by NBC-owned KNBC, crashed, killing pilot Francis Gary Powers and cameraman George Spears.
1977: Carried Los Angeles Lakers Road Games
From 1967 to 1977, KTLA carried selected Los Angeles Lakers road games.
1978: Stage 6 History Clarification
In 1978, Mark Evanier clarified that Stage 6 at KTLA, contrary to popular belief, did not exist when The Jazz Singer was produced, and the filming likely occurred at what is now Stage 9.
1979: KTLA Acquires KBSC-TV Programming
In 1979, KTLA acquired programming inventory from KBSC-TV, including The Little Rascals, The Three Stooges, The Munsters, The Addams Family, Gilligan's Island, and Leave It to Beaver. KTLA also acquired Happy Days this year.
1981: KTLA Acquires Laverne & Shirley and Little House on the Prairie
In 1981, KTLA acquired Laverne & Shirley and Little House on the Prairie.
November 1982: Golden West Sells KTLA to KKR
In November 1982, Golden West sold KTLA to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for $245 million.
1982: Las Vegas Raiders Syndicated Broadcasts
From 1982 until the team returned to Oakland in 1994, KTLA carried telecasts of preseason games from the Las Vegas Raiders syndicated by the Las Vegas Silver and Black Network.
1982: KTLA Acquires Taxi and CHiPs
In 1982, KTLA acquired Taxi and CHiPs.
May 1985: KKR Sells KTLA to Tribune Broadcasting
In May 1985, KKR sold KTLA to Tribune Broadcasting for $510 million, a record price at the time.
1985: Carrying Los Angeles Clippers
From 1985 to 1991 and from 2002 to 2009, KTLA carried the Los Angeles Clippers
October 1986: KTLA Becomes Top Independent Station
In October 1986, after KTTV became a Fox charter station, KTLA became the top-rated independent station in Southern California.
1986: Metromedia Merges with News Corporation to Become Fox Television Stations
In 1986, Metromedia merged with News Corporation to become Fox Television Stations.
March 1991: Aired Rodney King Beating Video
In March 1991, KTLA was the first station to air the infamous video of Rodney King's beating by Los Angeles police officers.
July 1991: Debuted KTLA Morning News
In July 1991, KTLA debuted the Los Angeles market's first live, local morning two-hour newscast, the KTLA Morning News.
1991: Carrying Los Angeles Clippers
From 1985 to 1991 and from 2002 to 2009, KTLA carried the Los Angeles Clippers
1991: KTLA Debuts Morning Newscast
In the summer of 1991, KTLA debuted a two-hour weekday morning newscast.
1992: Los Angeles Riots
In 1992, the acquittal of the police officers in the Rodney King beating case sparked rioting within the city.
November 2, 1993: The WB Television Network Formation Announced
On November 2, 1993, Time Warner's Warner Bros. Television and the Tribune Company announced the formation of The WB Television Network.
1993: Over-the-Air Relationship With Dodgers
From 1993 to 2001, KTLA served as the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
1993: Good Day L.A. launched
In 1993, KTTV launched its own morning newscast, Good Day L.A.
January 1994: KTLA Adds Action Pack Programming
In mid-January 1994, KTLA added the syndicated Action Pack programming block to its schedule.
1994: Las Vegas Raiders Syndicated Broadcasts
From 1982 until the team returned to Oakland in 1994, KTLA carried telecasts of preseason games from the Las Vegas Raiders syndicated by the Las Vegas Silver and Black Network.
1994: Gavel to Gavel Coverage of the O. J. Simpson Trial
From 1994 to 1995, KTLA aired gavel to gavel coverage of the O. J. Simpson trial anchored by Marta Waller.
January 11, 1995: KTLA Becomes a WB Affiliate
On January 11, 1995, KTLA became a network affiliate for the first time in 47 years when The WB launched.
September 1995: KTLA Adds Kids' WB Cartoons
In September 1995, KTLA added afternoon and Saturday morning cartoons from the network's newly launched Kids' WB block.
1995: Broadcast Television Home of the Los Angeles/California Angels
From 1964 to 1995, KTLA served as the broadcast television home of the Los Angeles/California Angels baseball team.
1995: Gavel to Gavel Coverage of the O. J. Simpson Trial
From 1994 to 1995, KTLA aired gavel to gavel coverage of the O. J. Simpson trial anchored by Marta Waller.
1995: Midday Newscast Debut
In 1995, KTLA debuted a midday newscast at noon.
1996: Television Rights to Angels Games Moved to KCAL-TV
In 1996, the television rights to Angels games moved to KCAL-TV.
1997: Midday Newscast Cancellation
In 1997, KTLA cancelled its midday newscast after it had lasted less than two years.
1997: KTLA Overhauls On-Air Branding
In 1997, KTLA overhauled its on-air branding to "KTLA 5, L.A.'s WB".
October 28, 1998: KTLA-DT Signs On with High Definition Programming
On October 28, 1998, KTLA-DT signed on with the West Coast's first commercially broadcast high definition programming on UHF channel 31 in 1080i 16:9 format. Milton Berle threw the ceremonial "Transmit On" switch.
September 1999: The WB Expands Prime Time Schedule
By September 1999, The WB carried prime time shows six nights a week (Sunday through Friday).
2000: News studio dedicated to Hal Fishman
In 2000, KTLA dedicated its news studio to Hal Fishman.
2000: Hal Fishman Newsroom
In 2000, KTLA's news department was located inside the former Warner Bros. Cartoons studio, known as the Hal Fishman Newsroom.
2000: Tribune Company Purchases Times Mirror Company
In 2000, the Tribune Company purchased the Times Mirror Company (owners of the Los Angeles Times), bringing the newspaper into common ownership with KTLA.
2001: Over-the-Air Relationship With Dodgers
From 1993 to 2001, KTLA served as the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
2002: Carrying Los Angeles Clippers
From 1985 to 1991 and from 2002 to 2009, KTLA carried the Los Angeles Clippers
2004: "The Audition" Segment Debut
In 2004, KTLA debuted "The Audition", a segment on its morning newscast where actors and actresses competed for a weathercaster role on the 10 p.m. newscast.
January 1, 2005: KTLA Unveils New Branding Campaign
On January 1, 2005, KTLA unveiled a new branding campaign that omitted references to its channel 5 position.
January 24, 2006: The CW Network Formation Announced
On January 24, 2006, Time Warner's Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation announced the creation of The CW, merging The WB and UPN programming.
September 17, 2006: KTLA Becomes a CW Affiliate
On September 17, 2006, KTLA became an affiliate of The CW, branding itself as "KTLA 5, The CW".
January 13, 2007: KTLA broadcasts local newscasts in high definition
On January 13, 2007, KTLA became the second television station in the Los Angeles market to begin broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition.
January 22, 2007: KTLA 60th Anniversary
On January 22, 2007, KTLA celebrated its 60th anniversary of continuous broadcasting.
January 24, 2007: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On January 24, 2007, KTLA was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first television entity to receive this honor. Several individuals associated with KTLA also have stars.
July 30, 2007: Hal Fishman's Final Newscast
On July 30, 2007, Hal Fishman anchored his final newscast for KTLA.
August 7, 2007: Hal Fishman's Death and Dedication
On August 7, 2007, Hal Fishman died. KTLA dedicated its newscasts that day to Fishman, who the station dedicated its news studio to in 2000.
February 14, 2008: Tribune Company Sells Tribune Studios
On February 14, 2008, the Tribune Company sold Tribune Studios and related real estate in Los Angeles to Hudson Capital LLC for $125 million. The studio lot was subsequently renamed Sunset Bronson Studios.
January 2009: Don Corsini Appointed President and Expansion of News Programming
In January 2009, Don Corsini was appointed as KTLA's president and general manager, leading to an expansion of its news programming that year.
April 1, 2009: Expansion of KTLA Morning News and Midday Newscast Debut
On April 1, 2009, the KTLA Morning News was expanded by a half-hour to start at 4:30 a.m., and an hour-long midday newscast at 1 p.m. debuted.
June 12, 2009: KTLA Ends Analog Programming
On June 12, 2009, KTLA ended regular programming on its analog signal as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television.
June 26, 2009: Analog Signal Restored Temporarily
On June 26, 2009, KTLA temporarily restored its analog signal until this day to inform viewers of the digital television transition through a loop of public service announcements.
October 14, 2009: New Logo and Set Unveiled
On October 14, 2009, KTLA unveiled a new logo and redesigned news set, which brought back the stylized number "5" that was used from 1981 to 1997 and eliminated The CW's logo from regular usage.
December 2009: Tribune Combined Newspaper-Broadcast Operations
In December 2009, the Hartford duopoly of WTIC-TV/WTXX moved into new facilities in the Hartford Courant building.
2009: Carrying Los Angeles Clippers
From 1985 to 1991 and from 2002 to 2009, KTLA carried the Los Angeles Clippers
2010: Stan Chambers' Retirement
In 2010, Stan Chambers, a veteran newsman, retired from KTLA.
April 2011: Weekend Morning Newscasts Added
In April 2011, KTLA added weekend morning newscasts, including an hour-long newscast at 6 a.m. on Saturdays.
August 2011: Prime Time Newscast Added
In August 2011, KTLA added a two-hour prime time newscast titled the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition from 8 to 10 p.m. on Sunday evenings.
February 2, 2012: KTLA Morning News Expanded
On February 2, 2012, KTLA expanded the weekday edition of the KTLA Morning News to begin at 4 a.m.
September 2012: Saturday Morning Newscast Expanded
In September 2012, KTLA expanded its Saturday morning newscast to two hours at 5 a.m.
September 2013: Dish Network Halts Superstation Sales
In September 2013, Dish Network halted sales of its a la carte superstation tier to new subscribers, affecting the availability of KTLA as a superstation.
September 2013: KTLA 5 Sunday Edition Dropped
In September 2013, KTLA dropped the 8 p.m. hour of the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition.
May 9, 2014: Saturday Morning Newscast Expanded
On May 9, 2014, the Saturday morning newscast was expanded to three hours and moved to 6–9 a.m.
May 2014: Expansion of Saturday Morning Newscast
In May 2014, KTLA expanded its Saturday morning newscast, leading to a change in the air time of the network's children's block.
August 4, 2014: Tribune Spins Off Publishing Division
On August 4, 2014, Tribune spun off its publishing division into a separate company. KTLA and Tribune's other broadcasting properties remained with the original company, renamed as the Tribune Media Company.
December 2014: Launch of Mid-Afternoon Newscast
In December 2014, KTLA launched its mid-afternoon newscast, leading to changes in scheduling.
December 26, 2014: KTLA Adds Weekday Afternoon Newscasts
On December 26, 2014, KTLA added separate hour-long, weekday afternoon newscasts at 2 and 3 p.m.
December 31, 2014: End of Temporary 2 PM Newscast
On December 31, 2014, KTLA's 2 p.m. newscast was intended as a temporary fill-in and ran until this day.
January 2, 2015: Replacement of the 2 PM Newscast
On January 2, 2015, KTLA's 2 p.m. newscast was replaced by a double-run of Celebrity Name Game.
July 5, 2015: Sunday Morning Newscast Expanded
On July 5, 2015, the Sunday morning newscast was expanded into a four-hour slot.
July 2015: Live Audio Simulcasts on iHeartRadio
In July 2015, KTLA became the first television station in Los Angeles to carry live audio simulcasts of its newscasts on the iHeartRadio app.
2015: KTLA Launches iHeartRadio News Channel
In 2015, KTLA launched an internet-only news radio channel on iHeartRadio.
2015: Resumed Role in Hollywood Christmas Parade
In 2015, KTLA resumed its role as host broadcaster of the Hollywood Christmas Parade when The CW received the national broadcast rights.
August 6, 2016: Saturday Morning Newscast Expanded to Four Hours
On August 6, 2016, the Saturday morning newscast expanded to four hours from 6 to 10 a.m.
September 2, 2016: Agreement with Charter Communications to Simulcast Dodgers Games
On September 2, 2016, KTLA entered into an agreement with Charter Communications to simulcast six Los Angeles Dodgers games to which SportsNet LA already held rights.
March 8, 2017: Agreement with SportsNet LA to Simulcast Dodgers Games
On March 8, 2017, SportsNet LA agreed to simulcast ten Dodgers games on KTLA during the first and last five weeks of the 2017 regular season.
May 8, 2017: Sinclair to Acquire Tribune Media
On May 8, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group entered into an agreement to acquire Tribune Media for $3.9 billion plus the assumption of $2.7 billion in Tribune debt. This acquisition raised concerns among KTLA employees due to Sinclair's conservative perspective on news content.
June 12, 2017: KTLA 5 Morning News Extended
On June 12, 2017, KTLA expanded the weekday edition of the KTLA 5 Morning News to 11 a.m.
September 30, 2017: One Magnificent Morning Block
Until September 30, 2017, KTLA aired the network's children's block—currently known as One Magnificent Morning—three hours later (from 10 a.m. to 3 pm) than the network's other Pacific Time Zone affiliates.
December 30, 2017: One Magnificent Morning Block Air Time
From October 7 to December 30, 2017, KTLA aired the OMM block locally on a two-hour delayed basis from 10 a.m. to 1 pm.
2017: TV Stations Changes Digital Signal
In late 2017, KTLA was one of nearly 1,000 television stations that changed their digital signal allocation in the spectrum auction repack.
January 6, 2018: One Magnificent Morning Block Air Time
On January 6, 2018, KTLA began airing the One Magnificent Morning block again on a three-hour delayed basis, from 11 a.m. to 2 pm, due to the expansion of its weekend morning newscast.
May 1, 2018: KTLA Debuts 11 AM Newscast
On May 1, 2018, KTLA debuted an hour long newscast at 11 a.m.
October 7, 2018: KTLA 5 Sunday Edition Moved to 7 PM
On October 7, 2018, KTLA moved its Sunday Edition up two hours earlier to 7 p.m. due to The CW adding prime time programming on Sundays.
December 3, 2018: Nexstar to Purchase Tribune Media
On December 3, 2018, Nexstar Media Group announced its purchase of Tribune Media for $6.4 billion in cash and debt after the collapse of the Sinclair deal.
December 27, 2018: Death of Chris Burrous
On December 27, 2018, Chris Burrous, KTLA Weekend News anchor and reporter, was found unconscious and later pronounced dead due to a methamphetamine overdose.
2018: TV Stations Changes Digital Signal
In early 2018, KTLA was one of nearly 1,000 television stations that changed their digital signal allocation in the spectrum auction repack.
2018: Simulcasting Arrangement
Since the 2018 season, KTLA continued the simulcasting arrangement with SportsNet LA.
January 12, 2019: KTLA 5 Sports Final Weekend Edition
On January 12, 2019, KTLA began producing a weekend 30-minute edition of KTLA 5 Sports Final at 11:35 p.m. after the 11 p.m. newscast.
February 9, 2019: New Weekend Newscast
On February 9, 2019, KTLA added a new hour-long 5 p.m. weekend newscast.
March 18, 2019: KTLA Spectrum Change
On March 18, 2019, KTLA reallocated to UHF channel 35 as part of the spectrum auction repack.
September 19, 2019: Nexstar Purchase Completed
On September 19, 2019, the sale of Tribune Media to Nexstar Media Group was completed.
September 21, 2020: KTLA Adds New Weekday Newscast and LA Unscripted Debuts
On September 21, 2020, KTLA added a new hour-long 12 p.m. weekday newscast, which had started months earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic and became permanent on that day. Also, the lifestyle show LA Unscripted debuted on this day.
May 3, 2021: KTLA Launches Off the Clock
On May 3, 2021, KTLA launched Off the Clock, a program featuring the Morning News team in a more relaxed environment, on streaming. Subsequently with the ending of Maury, Off the Clock was brought to broadcast airing at 2 p.m.
May 20, 2021: Affiliation Deal Renewal with The CW
On May 20, 2021, Nexstar renewed its affiliation deal with The CW, covering 37 CW-affiliated stations including KTLA.
September 2021: CW Daytime Reruns Airing
Until September 2021, KTLA aired The CW Daytime reruns of The Jerry Springer Show at 2 p.m.
October 4, 2021: KTLA Adds New Weekday Newscast
On October 4, 2021, KTLA added a new hour-long 5 p.m. weekday newscast.
2022: David Lazarus Joins KTLA Full Time
In 2022, Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus switched full time to KTLA.
2022: Los Angeles Clippers Broadcasts
Starting in the 2022–23 season, KTLA serves as the over-the-air home of the Los Angeles Clippers, broadcasting 15 preseason and regular season games.
February 20, 2023: KTLA Adds New Weekday Newscast
On February 20, 2023, KTLA added a new hour-long 4 p.m. weekday newscast.
October 1, 2023: The CW adds prime time programming
On October 1, 2023, The CW began adding prime time programming on Sundays.
October 8, 2023: KTLA Moved Sunday Newscast
On October 8, 2023, KTLA moved its Sunday newscast to 4 p.m. due to The CW adding 7 p.m. primetime programming.
September 16, 2024: KTLA Adds New Weeknight Newscast
On September 16, 2024, KTLA added a new half-hour long 7 p.m. weeknight newscast. Including LA Unscripted, KTLA runs continuous news and information programming from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.
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