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, it is the largest directly owned property of Nexstar Media Group, The CW's majority owner. The station's studios are situated at the Sunset Bronson Studios in Hollywood, and its transmitter is located on Mount Wilson.
1927: Al Jolson's landmark film The Jazz Singer was shot.
In 1927, Al Jolson's landmark film The Jazz Singer was shot at the Warner Bros. Sunset Studios, which is now known as Sunset Bronson Studios.
1939: Milton Berle Transmit on switch
In 1939, Milton Berle threw the ceremonial "Transmit On" switch at the Chicago World's Fair at the birth of analog television broadcasting. He did this again at KTLA's transition to HD broadcasting on October 28, 1998.
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., 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: KTLA Launch
Veteran newsman Stan Chambers was hired by KTLA almost a year after its 1947 launch.
1948: KTLA Disaffiliates from DuMont
In 1948, KTLA disaffiliated from the DuMont Television Network and converted into an independent station. Paramount launched the Paramount Television Network, with KTLA and WBKB-TV as flagship stations.
1948: KTLA Broadcasts Tournament of Roses Parade
Since 1948, KTLA has continuously 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 do so.
1949: Los Angeles Times original owner of KTTV
In 1949, The Los Angeles Times was the original owner of Fox owned-and-operated station KTTV.
1951: Los Angeles Times joint venture with CBS through 1951
Through 1951, Los Angeles Times did a joint venture with CBS for KTTV.
1956: Demise of DuMont Network
In 1956, the DuMont Network ceased operations, partially due to the FCC's restrictions on Paramount's control and acquisition of additional VHF stations, resulting in the splintering of DuMont's programming across other Los Angeles stations.
July 4, 1958: KTLA Makes First Successful In-Flight Broadcast
On July 4, 1958, KTLA made its first successful in-flight broadcast using a Bell 47G-2 helicopter outfitted with transmitters to relay live breaking news. This was pioneered by KTLA engineer John D. Silva.
1958: KTLA Operates Telecopter
In 1958, KTLA began operating a well-equipped helicopter for newsgathering known as the 'Telecopter,' which was 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, where it remains based to this day.
November 1963: Gene Autry Purchases KTLA
In November 1963, actor and singer Gene Autry purchased KTLA for $12 million.
1963: Los Angeles Times sold KTTV to Metromedia
In 1963, Los Angeles Times sold KTTV to Metromedia.
May 1964: Autry Merges KTLA into Golden West Broadcasters
In May 1964, Gene Autry merged KTLA with his other broadcasting properties, including KMPC radio, into an umbrella company known as Golden West Broadcasters.
1964: KTLA Becomes Broadcast Home of Los Angeles/California Angels
From 1964, KTLA served as the broadcast television home of the Los Angeles/California Angels baseball team.
1965: KTLA Launches 10 p.m. Newscast
In 1965, KTLA launched a 10 p.m. newscast, originally titled Newscene.
1965: First regularly-scheduled 11 pm newscast
KTLA had its first regularly-scheduled 11 pm newscast since 1965 on June 16, 2014.
1967: KTLA Carries 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, previously operated by KTLA and later sold to KNBC, crashed, killing pilot Francis Gary Powers and cameraman George Spears.
1977: KTLA Carries Los Angeles Lakers Road Games
Until 1977, KTLA carried selected Los Angeles Lakers road games.
1978: Mark Evanier Clarifies The Jazz Singer Filming Location
In 1978, Mark Evanier clarified that the film The Jazz Singer was probably filmed at what is now Stage 9 instead of Stage 6 at KTLA.
1979: KTLA Acquires KBSC-TV Programming Inventory
In 1979, KTLA acquired much of the programming inventory of struggling independent competitor KBSC-TV, including shows like The Little Rascals, The Three Stooges, The Munsters, The Addams Family, Gilligan's Island, and Leave It to Beaver. KTLA also acquired Happy Days.
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 investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for $245 million.
1982: Las Vegas Raiders Based in Los Angeles
From 1982 the Las Vegas Raiders were based in Los Angeles.
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 Chicago-based Tribune Broadcasting for $510 million, setting a record price at the time.
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 charter station.
1986: Metromedia became Fox Television Stations upon merger with News Corporation
In 1986, Metromedia became Fox Television Stations upon merger with News Corporation.
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 Weekday Morning Newscast
In the summer of 1991, KTLA debuted a two-hour weekday morning newscast.
1992: Rioting Sparked by Rodney King Acquittal
In 1992, rioting was sparked within the city due to the acquittal of the Los Angeles police officers who beat Rodney King.
November 2, 1993: Announcement of The WB Television Network Formation
On November 2, 1993, Time Warner's Warner Bros. Television and the Tribune Company announced the formation of The WB Television Network.
1993: KTLA Broadcasts Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Games
In 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 rival to 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: KTLA Airs O. J. Simpson Trial Coverage
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, ending their time in Los Angeles.
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.
1995: Midday Newscast Debut
In 1995, KTLA debuted a midday newscast at noon. This newscast was later moved to 11 a.m. the following year.
1995: KTLA Ends Broadcast of Los Angeles/California Angels
In 1995, KTLA ended broadcasting the Los Angeles/California Angels baseball team.
1995: KTLA Airs O. J. Simpson Trial Coverage
Until 1995, KTLA aired gavel-to-gavel coverage of the O. J. Simpson trial anchored by Marta Waller.
1996: Television Rights to Angels Games Move to KCAL-TV
In 1996, the television rights to Angels games moved to KCAL-TV, ending KTLA's broadcast of the team.
1997: Midday Newscast Cancellation
In 1997, KTLA cancelled the midday newscast that had debuted in 1995 after it lasted less than two years.
1997: KTLA Rebrands as "KTLA 5, L.A.'s WB"
In 1997, KTLA overhauled its on-air branding to "KTLA 5, L.A.'s WB", changing from the "Channel 5" brand it used prior to its WB affiliation.
October 28, 1998: First Commercial HD Programming 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.
September 1999: The WB Carries Prime Time Shows Six Nights a Week
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, located in the former Warner Bros. Cartoons studio, was renamed 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.
2001: KTLA Ends Broadcasting Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Games
In 2001, KTLA ended broadcasting the local over-the-air television broadcaster rights to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
2002: CBS Purchase of KCAL
In 2002, CBS purchased KCAL. This is mentioned as the purchase happened prior to KTLA's news programming expansion.
2004: "The Audition" segment debut
In 2004, KTLA debuted a segment on its morning newscast titled "The Audition", in which several actors and actresses competed for a role as weathercaster on its 10 p.m. newscast.
January 1, 2005: KTLA Unveils New Branding Campaign
On January 1, 2005, KTLA unveiled a new branding campaign that initially omitted references to its over-the-air channel 5 position.
January 24, 2006: The CW Network Announced
On January 24, 2006, Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation announced that they would shut down The WB and UPN and combine their programming to create The CW network.
September 17, 2006: KTLA Becomes a CW Affiliate
On September 17, 2006, KTLA became a CW affiliate and changed its branding to "KTLA 5, The CW" after The WB's final broadcast.
January 13, 2007: KTLA broadcasts 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 Celebrates 60th Anniversary
On January 22, 2007, KTLA celebrated its 60th anniversary of continuous broadcasting, marking six decades of service to the Los Angeles community.
January 24, 2007: KTLA Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On January 24, 2007, KTLA became the first television entity to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition to the station, former owner Gene Autry, newsmen Hal Fishman, George Putnam, Stan Chambers and Larry McCormick, and founding manager Klaus Landsberg were also honored with stars.
July 30, 2007: Hal Fishman's Final Newscast
On July 30, 2007, Hal Fishman anchored what would be his final newscast for KTLA.
August 7, 2007: Hal Fishman's Death and Dedication
On August 7, 2007, Hal Fishman passed away after several days of hospitalization. KTLA's newscasts that day were dedicated to Fishman.
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. Following the sale, the studio lot was renamed Sunset Bronson Studios.
January 2009: Don Corsini Appointed and News Programming Expansion
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 Debut of Midday Newscast
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: End of Analog Signal
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.
June 26, 2009: End of Analog Signal Restoration
On June 26, 2009, KTLA ended the temporary restoration of its analog signal, which had been used to inform viewers of the digital television transition through public service announcements.
October 14, 2009: KTLA Unveils New Logo and Set
On October 14, 2009, KTLA introduced a new logo and redesigned news set, reviving the classic stylized number '5' previously used from 1981 to 1997. The CW's logo was removed from regular usage. The 'LA' in the KTLA callsign was emphasized to highlight the station's Los Angeles coverage area.
December 2009: WTIC-TV/WTXX Move to Hartford Courant Building
In December 2009, the Hartford duopoly of WTIC-TV and WTXX moved into new facilities located in the Hartford Courant building.
2010: Retirement of Stan Chambers
In 2010, veteran newsman Stan Chambers retired from KTLA, where he had worked since almost a year after its launch in 1947.
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: 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. on Sunday evenings.
February 2, 2012: Expansion of KTLA 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 the Saturday morning newscast to two hours at 5 a.m.
September 2013: Dish Halts Superstation Sales
In September 2013, Dish Network halted sales of its a la carte superstation tier, which included KTLA, to new subscribers.
September 2013: Changes to KTLA 5 Sunday Edition
In September 2013, the 8 p.m. hour of the KTLA 5 Sunday Edition program 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., causing a delay for The CW's children's program block Vortexx.
May 2014: KTLA Expands Saturday Morning Newscast
In May 2014, KTLA expanded its Saturday morning newscast, leading to a three-hour delay in airing the network's children's block, One Magnificent Morning.
June 16, 2014: Soft Launch of 11 PM Newscast
On June 16, 2014, KTLA quietly 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.
August 4, 2014: Tribune Spinoff Separates KTLA and the Los Angeles Times
On August 4, 2014, KTLA and the Los Angeles Times were separated when Tribune spun off its publishing division into a separate company. KTLA remained with the renamed Tribune Media Company.
December 2014: KTLA Launches Mid-Afternoon Newscast
In December 2014, KTLA launched its mid-afternoon newscast and displaced The Bill Cunningham Show from its network-dictated timeslot.
December 26, 2014: Addition of Weekday Afternoon Newscasts
On December 26, 2014, KTLA added separate hour-long, weekday afternoon newscasts at 2 and 3 p.m. in response to KCAL-TV's decision to discontinue its newscasts at those times.
December 31, 2014: Temporary End of 2 PM Newscast
On December 31, 2014, the 2 p.m. newscast on KTLA ended its temporary run.
January 2, 2015: Replacement of 2 PM Newscast
On January 2, 2015, the 2 p.m. newscast was replaced by a double-run of "Celebrity Name Game" on KTLA.
July 5, 2015: Expansion of Sunday Morning Newscast
On July 5, 2015, the Sunday morning newscast expanded into a four-hour slot 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: KTLA Resumes Role as Host Broadcaster of Hollywood Christmas Parade
In 2015, KTLA resumed its role as host broadcaster of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which was later syndicated to all Tribune-owned stations and the Hallmark Channel, when The CW received the national broadcast rights.
August 6, 2016: Further Expansion of Saturday Morning Newscast
On August 6, 2016, the Saturday morning newscast expanded to four hours from 6 to 10 a.m.
September 2, 2016: KTLA Returns to Broadcasting Dodgers Games
On September 2, 2016, KTLA entered an agreement with Charter Communications to simulcast six regular season Los Angeles Dodgers games, marking its return to broadcasting Dodgers games.
March 8, 2017: SportsNet LA Agrees to Simulcast Dodgers Games on KTLA
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 Announces Acquisition of Tribune Media
On May 8, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced an agreement to acquire Tribune Media for $3.9 billion, plus assuming $2.7 billion in debt. This deal raised concerns among KTLA employees due to potential influence on news content, ultimately leading to its termination.
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 OMM Block on Two-Hour Delay
Until September 30, 2017, KTLA aired the One Magnificent Morning block locally on a two-hour delayed basis from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
December 30, 2017: KTLA Airs OMM Block on Two-Hour Delay
Until December 30, 2017, KTLA aired the One Magnificent Morning block locally on a two-hour delayed basis from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2017: Change of Digital Signal Allocation
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: KTLA Airs OMM Block on Three-Hour Delay
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 p.m., due to the expansion of its weekend morning newscast.
May 1, 2018: Debut of 11 AM Newscast
On May 1, 2018, KTLA debuted an hour long newscast at 11 a.m.
October 7, 2018: Sunday Edition move due to The CW
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.
October 7, 2018: KTLA 5 Sunday Edition Time Change
On October 7, 2018, the 9 p.m. hour of KTLA's Sunday Edition moved to 7 p.m. to accommodate The CW's prime time block.
December 3, 2018: Nexstar to Acquire 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, KTLA Weekend News anchor and reporter, Chris Burrous, was found unconscious and later pronounced dead due to a methamphetamine overdose.
2018: Change of Digital Signal Allocation
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.
2018: KTLA Continues Simulcasting Arrangement with SportsNet LA
Since the 2018 season, Channel 5 continued its simulcasting arrangement with SportsNet LA for Los Angeles Dodgers games.
January 12, 2019: Debut of 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.
February 9, 2019: Addition of Weekend Newscast
On February 9, 2019, KTLA added a new hour-long 5 p.m. weekend newscast.
March 18, 2019: Spectrum Change
On March 18, 2019, KTLA reallocated to UHF channel 35 in phase two of the spectrum auction.
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 Weekday Newscast
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. Also on that day, the lifestyle show LA Unscripted 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 in a more relaxed environment, on streaming. Subsequently, Off the Clock was brought to broadcast airing at 2 p.m. with the ending of Maury.
May 20, 2021: Nexstar Renews Affiliation Deal with The CW
On May 20, 2021, Nexstar renewed its affiliation deal with The CW, covering 37 CW-affiliated stations, including KTLA.
September 2021: The CW Returns Weekday Hour of Programming to Affiliates
Until September 2021, KTLA aired The CW Daytime reruns of The Jerry Springer Show at 2 p.m., one hour earlier than the network's recommended timeslot.
October 4, 2021: Addition of 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 Joins KTLA Full-Time
In 2022, Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus switched full-time to KTLA, reporting on consumer stories.
February 20, 2023: Addition of Weekday Newscast
On February 20, 2023, KTLA added a new hour-long 4 p.m. weekday newscast.
October 1, 2023: The CW prime time programming end
KTLA moved its Sunday Edition up two hours earlier to 7 p.m. due to The CW adding prime time programming on Sundays until October 1, 2023.
October 8, 2023: Sunday Newscast move to 4pm
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.
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