History of KTLA in Timeline
KTLA is a television station located in Los Angeles, California, functioning as the West Coast flagship station for The CW network. It is a major property owned by Nexstar Media Group. KTLA's studios are situated at the Sunset Bronson Studios in Hollywood, with its transmitter positioned on Mount Wilson. The station is a significant player in the Los Angeles media market.
1927: The Jazz Singer Filmed
In 1927, The Jazz Singer was filmed at what is now Stage 9 of Sunset Bronson Studios, formerly Warner Bros. Sunset Studios.
1939: Milton Berle throws the ceremonial switch
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 Experimental Station 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 Air
In September 1942, experimental station W6XYZ signed on the air, originally owned by Paramount Pictures subsidiary Television Productions, Inc.
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 and west of the Mississippi River. 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
1948: KTLA Disaffiliates from DuMont Network
In 1948, KTLA disaffiliated from the DuMont Television Network and became an independent station. Paramount launched the Paramount Television Network in 1948 with KTLA and WBKB-TV as flagship stations. During its early years, KTLA produced several syndicated series including Armchair Detective, Bandstand Revue, Dixie Showboat, Frosty Frolics, Hollywood Reel, Hollywood Wrestling, Latin Cruise, Movietown, RSVP, Olympic Wrestling, Sandy Dreams, and Time for Beany.
1948: KTLA Begins Broadcasting Tournament of Roses Parade
Since 1948, KTLA has broadcast the annual Tournament of Roses Parade from Pasadena each New Year's Day.
1949: Los Angeles Times Acquired KTTV
In 1949, the Los Angeles Times acquired KTTV in a joint venture with CBS.
1951: Los Angeles Times Joint Venture with CBS
In 1951, the Los Angeles Times continued joint venture with CBS with KTTV.
1956: DuMont Network Demise
In 1956, the DuMont Television Network ceased operations, impacted by restrictions related to Paramount's influence and programming being splintered among other Los Angeles stations.
July 4, 1958: KTLA's First In-Flight Broadcast
On July 4, 1958, KTLA made its first successful in-flight broadcast using a helicopter as a news broadcasting platform.
1958: KTLA Operated the "Telecopter"
In 1958, KTLA began operating a well-equipped helicopter for newsgathering known as the "Telecopter".
1958: KTLA Moves to Paramount Sunset Studios
In 1958, KTLA moved its operations to the Paramount Sunset Studios on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
November 1963: Gene Autry Purchases KTLA
In November 1963, KTLA was purchased by Gene Autry for $12 million.
1963: Los Angeles Times Sold KTTV
In 1963, the Los Angeles Times sold KTTV to Metromedia.
May 1964: Sale of KTLA Finalized; Merged into Golden West Broadcasters
In May 1964, the sale of KTLA to Gene Autry was finalized, and the station was merged with his other broadcasting properties into Golden West Broadcasters.
1964: KTLA Becomes Broadcast Home of the Los Angeles/California Angels
From 1964, KTLA served as the broadcast television home of the Los Angeles/California Angels baseball team, after then-Angels owner Gene Autry purchased the station through Golden West Broadcasters.
1965: KTLA Launches 10 p.m. Newscast
In 1965, KTLA launched a 10 p.m. newscast, originally titled Newscene.
1967: KTLA Carries Lakers and Kings Road Games
From 1967, KTLA carried selected Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings road games.
August 1, 1977: Telecopter Crash
On August 1, 1977, the Telecopter, previously operated by KTLA and later sold to KNBC, crashed, killing pilot Francis Gary Powers and cameraman George Spears.
1977: KTLA stops carrying Lakers and Kings Road Games
Until 1977, KTLA carried selected Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings road games.
1978: Stage 6 History Clarification
In 1978, Mark Evanier clarifies Stage 6 history, pointing out that Stage 6 at Paramount Sunset Studios did not exist during the filming of The Jazz Singer.
1979: KTLA Acquires Programming from KBSC-TV
In 1979, KTLA acquired much of the programming inventory of KBSC-TV including The Little Rascals, The Three Stooges, The Munsters, The Addams Family, Gilligan's Island, and Leave It to Beaver, among others.
1981: KTLA Acquires Laverne & Shirley, 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: KTLA telecasts preseason games from the Las Vegas Raiders
From 1982, KTLA telecasts preseason games from the Las Vegas Raiders (who were based in Los Angeles).
May 1985: KKR Sells KTLA to Tribune Broadcasting
In May 1985, KKR sold KTLA to Tribune Broadcasting for $510 million.
October 1986: KTTV Becomes a Fox Affiliate
In October 1986, KTTV became a Fox affiliate, allowing KTLA to take the top spot among the market's independent stations.
1986: Metromedia Merged with News Corporation
In 1986, Metromedia merged with News Corporation to become Fox Television Stations.
March 1991: KTLA Airs Rodney King Beating Video
In March 1991, KTLA was the first station to air the video of Rodney King's beating by Los Angeles police officers.
July 1991: KTLA Debuts '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: KTLA Debuts Morning Newscast
In 1991, KTLA debuted a two-hour weekday morning newscast and ran sitcoms from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays.
1992: Rodney King Acquittal Sparks Rioting
In 1992, the acquittal of the Los Angeles police officers who beat Rodney King sparked rioting within the city after KTLA was the first station to air the video of Rodney King's beating by Los Angeles police officers in March 1991.
November 2, 1993: The WB Television Network Formation Announced
On November 2, 1993, Time Warner and the Tribune Company announced the formation of The WB Television Network.
1993: KTLA Served as the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers
From 1993, KTLA served as the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games .
1993: KTTV Launches 'Good Day L.A.'
In 1993, KTTV launched its own morning newscast, 'Good Day L.A.', as a result of the success of KTLA's 'KTLA Morning News'.
January 1994: KTLA Joins MGM/UA Premiere Network & Adds Action Pack
In January 1994, KTLA became an affiliate of the MGM/UA Premiere Network with Clash of the Titans and added the syndicated Action Pack programming block to its schedule.
1994: Las Vegas Raiders Returned to Oakland
From 1982 until 1994, the Las Vegas Raiders were based in Los Angeles and KTLA telecasts preseason games from the Las Vegas Raiders.
1994: KTLA Airs O. J. Simpson Trial Coverage
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, bringing weekday children's programs back to channel 5 for the first time in close to 25 years.
1995: KTLA ends 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, after then-Angels owner Gene Autry purchased the station through Golden West Broadcasters.
1995: KTLA Ends O. J. Simpson Trial Coverage
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 launched a midday newscast which aired at noon.
1996: Television Rights to Angels Games Moved to KCAL-TV
In 1996, the television rights to Angels games moved to KCAL-TV, which KTLA had previously assumed broadcast rights from.
1997: Cancellation of Midday Newscast
In 1997, KTLA cancelled its midday newscast after it 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: West Coast's First HD Broadcast
On October 28, 1998, KTLA-DT signed on with the West Coast's first commercially broadcast high definition programming. 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: KTLA News Studio Dedicated to Hal Fishman
In 2000, KTLA dedicated its news studio to Hal Fishman.
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.
2000: Newsroom named Hal Fishman Newsroom
KTLA's news department is located inside the former Warner Bros. Cartoons studio and is known as the Hal Fishman Newsroom since 2000.
2001: KTLA stops serving as the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers
From 1993 to 2001, KTLA served as the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
2004: "The Audition" Segment Debut
In 2004, KTLA premiered a segment called "The Audition" on its morning newscast, where actors competed for the role of weathercaster on the 10 p.m. news.
January 1, 2005: KTLA Unveils New Branding Campaign
On January 1, 2005, KTLA unveiled a new branding campaign that omitted references to its over-the-air channel 5 position.
January 24, 2006: The CW Network Formation Announced
On January 24, 2006, Time Warner and CBS Corporation announced that they would shut down The WB and UPN and combine the networks' programming to create The CW.
September 17, 2006: KTLA Becomes a CW Affiliate
On September 17, 2006, KTLA became a charter affiliate of The CW and changed its branding to "KTLA 5, The CW".
January 13, 2007: KTLA Newscasts Broadcast in High Definition
On January 13, 2007, KTLA became the second station in Los Angeles to broadcast 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: KTLA Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
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.
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
On August 7, 2007, Hal Fishman passed away after being hospitalized with a liver infection. KTLA's newscasts that day were dedicated to him.
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. Following the sale, the studio lot was renamed Sunset Bronson Studios.
January 2009: Don Corsini Appointed as President and General Manager
In January 2009, Don Corsini was appointed as KTLA's president and general manager and spearheaded an expansion of its news programming that year.
April 1, 2009: Expansion of News Programming
On April 1, 2009, the KTLA Morning News 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: End of Analog Signal
On June 12, 2009, KTLA ended regular programming on its analog signal as part of the transition from analog to digital television.
June 26, 2009: End of Restored Analog Signal
On June 26, 2009, KTLA ended the temporary restoration of its analog signal, which was used to inform viewers about the digital television transition.
October 14, 2009: KTLA Unveils New Logo and Set
On October 14, 2009, KTLA introduced a new logo and redesigned news set. The classic stylized number "5" was brought back, and The CW's logo was removed from regular usage.
December 2009: Hartford Duopoly Move
In December 2009, the Hartford duopoly of WTIC-TV/WTXX moved into new facilities in the Hartford Courant building.
2010: Stan Chambers Retirement
In 2010, veteran newsman Stan Chambers retired from KTLA after being with the station since 1947.
April 2011: Addition of Weekend Morning Newscasts
In April 2011, KTLA launched weekend morning newscasts, including an hour-long newscast on Saturdays and a three-hour Sunday newscast.
August 2011: Addition of Prime Time Newscast
In August 2011, KTLA added a two-hour prime time newscast titled the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition, airing from 8 to 10 p.m. on Sunday evenings.
February 2, 2012: Expansion of Weekday Morning News
On February 2, 2012, KTLA expanded the weekday edition of the KTLA Morning News to begin at 4 a.m.
September 2012: Expansion of Saturday Morning Newscast
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 via Dish Network.
September 2013: Reduction of Prime Time Newscast
In September 2013, KTLA dropped the 8 p.m. hour of the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition.
May 9, 2014: Saturday Morning Newscast Expansion
On May 9, 2014, KTLA expanded the Saturday morning newscast to three hours, airing from 6–9 a.m.
May 2014: KTLA Expanded Saturday Morning Newscast
In May 2014, KTLA expanded its Saturday morning newscast.
August 4, 2014: Tribune Spins Off Publishing Division
On August 4, 2014, Tribune spun off its publishing division (including the Los Angeles Times) into a separate company, with KTLA and other broadcasting properties remaining with the original company, renamed Tribune Media Company.
December 2014: KTLA Launches Mid-Afternoon Newscast
In December 2014, KTLA launched its mid-afternoon newscast and aired The Jerry Springer Show at 2 p.m.
December 26, 2014: Addition of Weekday Afternoon Newscasts
On December 26, 2014, KTLA launched separate hour-long, weekday afternoon newscasts at 2 and 3 p.m.
December 31, 2014: 2 p.m. Newscast Intended as Temporary Fill-In
On December 31, 2014, the 2 p.m. newscast at KTLA was intended as a temporary fill-in.
January 2, 2015: Replacement of the 2 p.m. Newscast
On January 2, 2015, the 2 p.m. newscast at KTLA was replaced by a double-run of Celebrity Name Game.
July 5, 2015: Sunday Morning Newscast Expansion
On July 5, 2015, KTLA expanded the Sunday morning newscast to a four-hour slot, airing from 6 to 10 a.m.
July 2015: Live Audio Simulcasts on iHeartRadio App
In July 2015, KTLA became the first station in Los Angeles to carry live audio simulcasts of its newscasts on the iHeartRadio app.
2015: KTLA Launches Streaming News Radio
In 2015, KTLA launched a streaming-only news radio channel on iHeartRadio.
2015: KTLA Resumes Hosting 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 Further Expansion
On August 6, 2016, KTLA further expanded its Saturday morning newscast to four hours, airing from 6 to 10 a.m.
September 2, 2016: KTLA Returns to Airing Dodgers Games
On September 2, 2016, KTLA entered into an agreement with Charter Communications to simulcast six Los Angeles Dodgers regular season games. These games were already scheduled to be broadcast on SportsNet LA.
March 8, 2017: SportsNet LA Agrees to Simulcast Dodgers Games on KTLA
On March 8, 2017, SportsNet LA agreed to simulcast ten Los Angeles Dodgers games scheduled during the first and last five weeks of the 2017 regular season on KTLA.
May 8, 2017: Sinclair Announces Acquisition of Tribune Media
On May 8, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced an agreement to acquire Tribune Media for $3.9 billion, plus the assumption of $2.7 billion in Tribune debt. The prospect of Sinclair acquiring KTLA raised concerns among station employees regarding the influence on news content.
June 12, 2017: Expansion of KTLA 5 Morning News
On June 12, 2017, KTLA expanded the weekday edition of the KTLA 5 Morning News to 11 a.m.
September 30, 2017: KTLA Airs "One Magnificent Morning" Block
Until September 30, 2017, KTLA aired the network's children's block "One Magnificent Morning" three hours later (from 10 a.m. to 3 pm) than the network's other Pacific Time Zone affiliates, due to expansion of its Saturday morning newscast.
December 30, 2017: KTLA Airs "One Magnificent Morning" Block on Delayed Basis
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.
January 6, 2018: KTLA Airs "One Magnificent Morning" Block Again on Delayed Basis
On January 6, 2018, KTLA began airing the OMM block again on a three-hour delayed basis, this time from 11 a.m. to 2 pm, due to the expansion of its weekend morning newscast to five hours.
May 1, 2018: Debut of 11 a.m. Newscast
On May 1, 2018, KTLA debuted an hour-long newscast at 11 a.m.
October 7, 2018: KTLA Sunday Edition Moved to 7 p.m.
On October 7, 2018, KTLA moved the 9 p.m. hour of its Sunday Edition to 7 p.m. to accommodate the return of The CW's Sunday night two-hour prime time block.
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.
December 27, 2018: Death of Chris Burrous
On December 27, 2018, KTLA Weekend News anchor and reporter, Chris Burrous, passed away due to a methamphetamine overdose.
2018: KTLA Continues Simulcasting Arrangement with SportsNet LA
Since the 2018 season, KTLA has continued its simulcasting arrangement with SportsNet LA to broadcast Los Angeles Dodgers games.
January 12, 2019: Production of KTLA 5 Sports Final
On January 12, 2019, KTLA began producing a weekend 30-minute edition of KTLA 5 Sports Final at 11:35 p.m.
February 9, 2019: Addition of 5 p.m. Weekend Newscast
On February 9, 2019, KTLA added a new hour-long 5 p.m. weekend newscast.
March 18, 2019: Digital Signal Reallocation
On March 18, 2019, KTLA reallocated to UHF channel 35 as part of the spectrum auction repack.
September 19, 2019: Nexstar Completes Acquisition of Tribune Media
On September 19, 2019, the sale of Tribune Media to Nexstar Media Group was completed.
September 21, 2020: Addition of 12 p.m. Weekday Newscast and Debut of LA Unscripted
On September 21, 2020, KTLA launched a new hour-long 12 p.m. weekday newscast, which had started months earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lifestyle show LA Unscripted also debuted.
May 3, 2021: Launch of Off the Clock
On May 3, 2021, KTLA launched Off the Clock, a program featuring the Morning News team, on streaming, and later brought it to broadcast at 2 p.m.
May 20, 2021: Nexstar Renews Affiliation Deal with The CW
On May 20, 2021, Nexstar renewed their affiliation deal with The CW, which covered the company's then-37 CW-affiliated stations, including KTLA.
September 2021: The CW returned weekday hour of programming to its affiliates
In September 2021, The CW returned the weekday hour of programming to its affiliates, and the station also aired The CW Daytime reruns of the syndicated talk show The Jerry Springer Show at 2 p.m.
October 4, 2021: Addition of 5 p.m. Weekday Newscast
On October 4, 2021, KTLA added a new hour-long 5 p.m. weekday newscast.
2022: KTLA Becomes Over-the-Air Home of the Los Angeles Clippers
In 2022, KTLA became the over-the-air home of the Los Angeles Clippers, broadcasting 15 preseason and regular season games starting in the 2022–23 season.
2022: David Lazarus Switches Full Time to KTLA
In 2022, Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus switched full time to KTLA, reporting on consumer stories.
February 20, 2023: Addition of 4 p.m. Weekday Newscast
On February 20, 2023, KTLA added a new hour-long 4 p.m. weekday newscast.
October 1, 2023: CW Adds Prime Time Programming on Sundays
On October 1, 2023, The CW added prime time programming on Sundays.
October 8, 2023: KTLA Moves its 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: Addition of 7 p.m. Weeknight Newscast
On September 16, 2024, KTLA added a new half-hour long 7 p.m. weeknight newscast.
June 16: Soft Launch of 11 p.m. Newscast
On June 16, KTLA quietly "soft launched" a half-hour nightly newscast at 11 p.m., becoming Tribune's first news-producing CW affiliate to carry a newscast in the traditional late news timeslot.
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