History of KTLA in Timeline
KTLA is a television station based in Los Angeles, California, serving as the West Coast flagship station for The CW network. It is the largest directly owned property of Nexstar Media Group, The CW's majority owner. KTLA's studios are located at the Sunset Bronson Studios in Hollywood, while its transmitter is situated on Mount Wilson. The station plays a significant role in the Los Angeles media market as a key CW affiliate.
1927: The Jazz Singer Filmed at Warner Bros. Sunset Studios
In 1927, the landmark film "The Jazz Singer" was shot at the Warner Bros. Sunset Studios, which later became Paramount Sunset Studios, home to KTLA.
1939: Milton Berle Transmit On Switch
In 1939, VIP 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. The station was originally owned by Paramount Pictures subsidiary Television Productions, Inc., and was based at the Paramount Studios lot. Klaus Landsberg was the original station manager and engineer.
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, the first in Los Angeles, the first to broadcast west of the Mississippi River, and the eighth in the United States. Bob Hope emceed the inaugural broadcast, titled "The Western Premiere of Commercial Television", broadcast live from Paramount Studios.
1947: Stan Chambers Hired
Veteran newsman Stan Chambers was hired by KTLA almost a year after its 1947 launch.
1948: KTLA Disaffiliates from DuMont Television Network
In 1948, KTLA disaffiliated from the DuMont Television Network and became an independent station. Paramount also launched the Paramount Television Network with KTLA and WBKB-TV as flagship stations.
1948: First Tournament of Roses Parade Broadcast
Since 1948, KTLA has broadcast the annual Tournament of Roses Parade from Pasadena each New Year's Day.
1949: Los Angeles Times Ownership of KTTV
Starting in 1949, the Los Angeles Times was the original owner of KTTV (channel 11) under a joint venture with CBS until 1951.
1951: Los Angeles Times Joint Venture with CBS Ends
In 1951, the joint venture between the Los Angeles Times and CBS for the ownership of KTTV ended.
1956: Demise of the DuMont Television Network
In 1956, the DuMont Television Network ultimately ceased operations, in part because the FCC considered Paramount to be the controlling manager of DuMont, and as a result, the agency did not allow DuMont to buy additional VHF stations.
July 4, 1958: KTLA Pioneers Helicopter News Broadcasting
On July 4, 1958, KTLA engineer John D. Silva pioneered the use of a Bell 47G-2 helicopter equipped with transmitters for live news broadcasting, relaying news back to the KTLA transmitter receiver on Mount Wilson.
1958: KTLA Operated "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 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 to Metromedia
In 1963, the Los Angeles Times sold KTTV to Metromedia, successor to DuMont's owned and operated stations.
May 1964: Autry Finalizes KTLA Purchase, Merges with Golden West Broadcasters
In May 1964, Gene Autry finalized the purchase of KTLA and merged it with other broadcasting properties under Golden West Broadcasters.
1964: KTLA Becomes Broadcast Home of Los Angeles Angels
In 1964, KTLA became the broadcast television home of the Los Angeles/California Angels baseball team.
1965: Launched 10 PM Newscast
In 1965, KTLA launched a 10 p.m. newscast, originally titled Newscene.
1965: Last Regularly Scheduled 11 PM Newscast
KTLA's half-hour nightly newscast at 11 PM in June 2016, was its first regularly-scheduled 11 pm newscast since 1965.
1967: KTLA Carried Los Angeles Lakers Road Games
From 1967, KTLA carried selected Los Angeles Lakers road games.
August 1, 1977: Telecopter Crash
On August 1, 1977, the Telecopter, formerly operated by KTLA and later sold to KNBC, crashed, killing pilot Francis Gary Powers and cameraman George Spears.
1977: KTLA Ended Broadcast of Los Angeles Lakers Games
In 1977, KTLA ended the broadcast of selected Los Angeles Lakers road games.
1978: Stage 6 History Clarification
In 1978, Mark Evanier clarified that Stage 6 at KTLA, where Al Jolson's film "The Jazz Singer" was supposedly shot in 1927, did not exist at that time. It was actually probably filmed at Stage 9.
1979: KTLA Acquires Programming Inventory from KBSC-TV
In 1979, KTLA acquired much of the programming inventory of struggling independent competitor KBSC-TV (channel 52), 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 and Little House on the Prairie
In 1981, KTLA acquired Laverne & Shirley and Little House on the Prairie, adding to its programming lineup.
November 1982: Golden West Sells KTLA to KKR
In November 1982, Golden West sold KTLA to investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for $245 million.
1982: Syndication of Las Vegas Raiders Games
From 1982, KTLA carried telecasts of preseason games from the Las Vegas Raiders
1982: KTLA Acquires Taxi and CHiPs
In 1982, KTLA acquired Taxi and CHiPs, further expanding its programming offerings.
May 1985: KKR Sells KTLA to Tribune Broadcasting
In May 1985, KKR sold KTLA to Chicago-based Tribune Broadcasting for $510 million, a record price at the time.
1985: KTLA Carries the Los Angeles Clippers
In 1985, KTLA began carrying the Los Angeles Clippers.
October 1986: KTLA Becomes Top Independent Station
In October 1986, KTLA became the top-rated independent station in Southern California after KTTV became a Fox affiliate.
1986: Metromedia Merges with News Corporation, Becomes Fox Television Stations
In 1986, Metromedia merged with News Corporation and became Fox Television Stations.
March 1991: First to Air 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 Morning News Debut
In July 1991, KTLA debuted the Los Angeles market's first live, local morning two-hour newscast, the KTLA Morning News.
1991: KTLA Ends Broadcast of Los Angeles Clippers
In 1991, KTLA ended broadcast of the Los Angeles Clippers.
1991: KTLA Debuts Morning Newscast
In the summer of 1991, KTLA debuted a two-hour weekday morning newscast.
1992: Rioting After Acquittal of Officers
In 1992, rioting broke out in Los Angeles after the acquittal of the officers involved in the Rodney King beating.
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: KTLA became the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games
In 1993, KTLA became the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
1993: Good Day L.A. Launch
In 1993, KTTV launched its own morning newscast, Good Day L.A., spurred by the success of KTLA Morning News.
January 1994: KTLA Adds Action Pack Programming Block
In mid-January 1994, KTLA added the syndicated Action Pack programming block to its schedule.
1994: Coverage of O.J. Simpson Trial
From 1994, KTLA aired gavel to gavel coverage of the O. J. Simpson trial anchored by Marta Waller.
1994: Las Vegas Raiders return to Oakland
In 1994, the Las Vegas Raiders returned to Oakland.
January 11, 1995: KTLA Becomes a WB Affiliate
On January 11, 1995, KTLA became a network affiliate for the first time in 47 years, joining The WB upon its launch.
September 1995: KTLA Adds Kids' WB Cartoons
In September 1995, KTLA added afternoon and Saturday morning cartoons from the newly launched Kids' WB block, marking a return to children's programming after nearly 25 years.
1995: Midday Newscast Debut
In 1995, KTLA debuted a midday newscast at noon.
1995: KTLA Ends Broadcast of Los Angeles Angels
In 1995, KTLA ended broadcast of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.
1995: Coverage of O.J. Simpson Trial
Until 1995, KTLA aired gavel to gavel coverage of the O. J. Simpson trial anchored by Marta Waller.
1996: Television Rights to Angels Games Moved to KCAL-TV
In 1996, the television rights to Angels games moved to KCAL-TV.
1997: KTLA Rebrands as "KTLA 5, L.A.'s WB"
In 1997, KTLA rebranded its on-air identity to "KTLA 5, L.A.'s WB", overhauling its branding from its previous "Channel 5" identity.
1997: Cancellation of Midday Newscast
In 1997, KTLA's midday newscast, which had moved to 11 a.m. the previous year, was canceled after less than two years on the air.
October 28, 1998: First West Coast HD Broadcast
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, during KTLA's morning news broadcast, KTLA HD programming began transmitting simultaneously with its analog channel.
September 1999: WB Expands Prime Time Schedule
By September 1999, The WB expanded its prime time schedule to 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, named the Hal Fishman Newsroom.
2000: Tribune Company Purchases Times Mirror Company
In 2000, the Tribune Company purchased the Times Mirror Company, bringing the Los Angeles Times into common ownership with KTLA. The FCC granted a waiver allowing the acquisition.
2001: KTLA Ended the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games
In 2001, KTLA ended the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
2002: KTLA Carries the Los Angeles Clippers
In 2002, 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 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 over-the-air channel 5 position, including a modernized logo with a halo emblem and a change in branding to "KTLA, The WB."
January 24, 2006: The CW Network Formation Announced
On January 24, 2006, Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation announced the shutdown of The WB and UPN, and the creation of a new network called 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: HD Newscast Broadcast
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: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On January 24, 2007, KTLA became the first television entity to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Several individuals associated with KTLA have also received 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
Hal Fishman passed away on August 7, 2007, following hospitalization for a liver infection, and KTLA dedicated its newscasts to him that day.
February 14, 2008: Tribune Company Sells Tribune Studios
On February 14, 2008, the Tribune Company sold Tribune Studios to Hudson Capital LLC for $125 million, and the studio lot was renamed Sunset Bronson Studios.
January 2009: Don Corsini Appointed, News Programming Expansion
In January 2009, Don Corsini was appointed as KTLA's president and general manager, spearheading an expansion of the station's news programming.
April 1, 2009: KTLA Morning News Expansion
On April 1, 2009, the KTLA Morning News expanded to start at 4:30 a.m., and a new hour-long midday newscast debuted at 1 p.m.
June 12, 2009: Analog Signal Shutdown
On June 12, 2009, KTLA ended regular programming on its analog signal, over VHF channel 5, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 31, using virtual channel 5.
June 26, 2009: Analog Signal Restoration Ended
On June 26, 2009, KTLA's temporary restoration of its analog signal, which was used to inform viewers of the digital television transition through public service announcements, ended.
October 14, 2009: KTLA Unveils New Logo and Set
On October 14, 2009, KTLA unveiled a new logo and redesigned news set, bringing back the classic stylized number "5" and emphasizing the "LA" in the callsign.
December 2009: Hartford Duopoly Move
In December 2009, the Hartford duopoly of WTIC-TV/WTXX moved into new facilities in the Hartford Courant building.
2009: KTLA Ends Broadcast of Los Angeles Clippers
In 2009, KTLA ended broadcast of the Los Angeles Clippers.
2010: Stan Chambers Retirement
Veteran newsman Stan Chambers, who was hired by KTLA almost a year after its 1947 launch, retired from the station in 2010.
April 2011: Weekend Morning Newscasts Added
In April 2011, KTLA added weekend morning newscasts, with an hour-long newscast on Saturdays.
August 2011: KTLA 5 Sunday Edition Premiere
In August 2011, KTLA added a two-hour prime time newscast titled the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition from 8 to 10 p.m.
February 2, 2012: KTLA Morning News Weekday Expansion
On February 2, 2012, KTLA expanded the weekday edition of the KTLA Morning News to begin at 4 a.m.
September 2012: Saturday Newscast Expansion
In September 2012, the Saturday morning newscast expanded to two hours at 5 a.m.
September 2013: Dish Network Halts Superstation Package Sales
In September 2013, Dish Network halted sales of its a la carte superstation tier to new subscribers, affecting KTLA's availability as a superstation on the service.
September 2013: KTLA 5 Sunday Edition Adjustment
In September 2013, the 8 p.m. hour of the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition was dropped.
May 9, 2014: Saturday Morning Newscast Expansion
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 airing schedule 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, separating the Los Angeles Times from KTLA. KTLA and Tribune's other broadcasting properties remained with the original company, renamed Tribune Media Company.
December 2014: Launch of Mid-Afternoon Newscast
In December 2014, KTLA launched its mid-afternoon newscast, leading to changes in the scheduling of syndicated programming.
December 26, 2014: Afternoon Newscasts Added
On December 26, 2014, KTLA added separate hour-long weekday afternoon newscasts at 2 and 3 p.m.
December 31, 2014: Temporary 2 PM Newscast Ended
On December 31, 2014, KTLA's temporary fill-in 2 p.m. newscast ended.
January 2, 2015: Celebrity Name Game Double-Run
On January 2, 2015, KTLA replaced the 2 p.m. newscast with a double-run of Celebrity Name Game.
July 5, 2015: Sunday Morning Newscast Expansion
On July 5, 2015, the Sunday morning newscast expanded into the same four-hour slot as the Saturday morning newscast, running from 6 to 10 a.m.
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 Internet Radio Channel
In 2015, KTLA launched an internet-only news radio channel on iHeartRadio.
2015: Resumption of Hollywood Christmas Parade Hosting
In 2015, KTLA resumed its role as host broadcaster of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which was syndicated to Tribune-owned stations and the Hallmark Channel.
August 6, 2016: Saturday Morning Newscast Expansion
On August 6, 2016, the Saturday morning newscast expanded to four hours from 6 to 10 a.m.
September 2, 2016: KTLA Simulcasts Dodgers Games with SportsNet LA
On September 2, 2016, KTLA entered into an agreement with Charter Communications to simulcast six regular season Los Angeles Dodgers games with 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 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 debt assumption, raising concerns about the influence on KTLA's news content due to Sinclair's conservative perspective.
June 12, 2017: KTLA 5 Morning News Weekday Edition Expansion
On June 12, 2017, KTLA expanded the weekday edition of the KTLA 5 Morning News to 11 a.m.
September 30, 2017: Change in Airing of One Magnificent Morning
Until September 30, 2017, KTLA aired the One Magnificent Morning children's block three hours later than other Pacific Time Zone affiliates due to the expansion of its Saturday morning newscast.
December 30, 2017: Change in Airing of One Magnificent Morning
From October 7 to December 30, 2017, KTLA aired the One Magnificent Morning block locally on a two-hour delayed basis.
2017: Digital Signal Allocation Change
KTLA was one of nearly 1,000 television stations that changed their digital signal allocation in the spectrum auction repack of late 2017 or early 2018.
January 6, 2018: Change in Airing of One Magnificent Morning
On January 6, 2018, KTLA began airing the One Magnificent Morning block again on a three-hour delayed basis.
May 1, 2018: Newscast Debut at 11 AM
On May 1, 2018, KTLA debuted an hour-long newscast at 11 a.m.
October 7, 2018: KTLA 5 Sunday Edition Move
On October 7, 2018, the 9 p.m. hour of the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition moved to 7 p.m.
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, following the collapse of the Sinclair deal.
December 27, 2018: Chris Burrous Death
On December 27, 2018, Chris Burrous, KTLA Weekend News anchor and reporter, was found unconscious from a methamphetamine overdose in a Days Inn hotel room in Glendale, California, and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
2018: Continuation of Simulcasting Arrangement with SportsNet LA
KTLA has continued the simulcasting arrangement with SportsNet LA since the 2018 season.
2018: Digital Signal Allocation Change
KTLA was one of nearly 1,000 television stations that changed their digital signal allocation in the spectrum auction repack of late 2017 or early 2018.
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 pm 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: Digital Signal Reallocation
On March 18, 2019, KTLA reallocated to UHF channel 35 in phase two of the spectrum auction.
September 19, 2019: Nexstar Completes Purchase of Tribune Media
On September 19, 2019, the sale of Tribune Media to Nexstar Media Group was completed.
September 21, 2020: New Weekday Newscast and Lifestyle Show
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 on that day, the lifestyle show LA Unscripted debuted.
May 3, 2021: Off the Clock Launch
On May 3, 2021, KTLA launched Off the Clock, a program featuring the Morning News team in a more relaxed environment, on streaming. It was later brought to broadcast airing 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, covering KTLA and other CW-affiliated stations.
September 2021: CW Daytime Changes
Until September 2021, when The CW returned the weekday hour of programming to its affiliates, KTLA aired The Jerry Springer Show at 2 p.m.
October 4, 2021: New 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: New Weekday Newscast
On February 20, 2023, KTLA added a new hour-long 4 p.m. weekday newscast.
October 1, 2023: The CW Ends Sunday Primetime Programming
On October 1, 2023, The CW ended primetime programming on Sundays.
October 8, 2023: Sunday Newscast Moved to 4 PM
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: New Weeknight Newscast
On September 16, 2024, KTLA added a new half-hour long 7 p.m. weeknight newscast. KTLA now runs continuous news and information programming from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, including LA Unscripted.
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