History of KXAN-TV in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2025

KXAN-TV is an NBC-affiliated television station located in Austin, Texas. It is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns KBVO (MyNetworkTV) and provides services to KNVA (The CW). The station's studios are situated on West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near the University of Texas at Austin, and its transmitter is located at the West Austin Antenna Farm. KXAN-TV operates from a main studio and newsroom, along with an auxiliary office building.

1964: Older Tower Built

In 1964, the older tower that would be replaced in 1996 was built.

February 12, 1965: KHFI-TV Signs On Air

On February 12, 1965, KHFI-TV began broadcasting on UHF channel 42. It was owned by the Kingsbury family, along with KHFI radio, becoming the second television station in Austin.

1966: KHFI-TV Joins NBC

In 1966, KHFI-TV joined NBC after operating as an independent station for over a year and a half. KHFI did not take on a secondary ABC affiliation at the time.

1971: KVUE signed on

In 1971, KVUE signed on, taking on the ABC affiliation.

January 15, 1973: FCC Grants Permission to Move KHFI-TV

On January 15, 1973, the FCC granted permission for KHFI-TV to move to channel 36.

1979: LIN Broadcasting Purchases Station

In 1979, LIN Broadcasting purchased the station.

December 1983: Call Sign KBVO formerly used on channel 42

From December 1983 to July 1995, the call sign KBVO was formerly used on the current channel 42.

October 15, 1987: Call Letters Changed to KXAN-TV

On October 15, 1987, the station's call letters were changed to KXAN-TV, referencing KXAS-TV in Fort Worth.

November 1990: News 36 Firstcast Launched

In November 1990, KXAN launched News 36 Firstcast, Austin's first hour-long morning newscast.

September 6, 1991: KLNO Signed On To Improve Reach

On September 6, 1991, LIN signed on KLNO in Llano to improve KXAN's reach in the Hill Country.

February 1993: First Sweeps Victory

In February 1993, Firstcast led KXAN to its first sweeps victory.

July 1995: Call Sign KBVO formerly used on channel 42

From December 1983 to July 1995, the call sign KBVO was formerly used on the current channel 42.

1995: KTBC Switches to Fox

After KTBC switched to its current Fox affiliation in 1995, KXAN's ratings slowly increased in other time periods.

1995: KTBC and KBVO Network Swap

In 1995, KTBC and Fox station KBVO swapped networks due to Fox's affiliation deal with New World Communications.

1996: Current Tower Activated

In 1996, KXAN's current tower was activated, replacing the older structure that had been built in 1964.

September 5, 2006: KNVA Carries MyNetworkTV

On September 5, 2006, KNVA began carrying MyNetworkTV as a secondary affiliation.

Loading Video...

December 31, 2007: Contract Dispute with Suddenlink Communications

On December 31, 2007, the contract between KXAN and Suddenlink Communications expired, leading to a contract dispute and removal of the station from Suddenlink.

January 3, 2008: Suddenlink Transmits KCEN-TV Signal

On January 3, 2008, Suddenlink began transmitting the signal of Temple-based NBC affiliate KCEN-TV to restore the network's programming to the affected areas during the dispute with KXAN.

May 2008: First Place in Weekday Time Slot

In May 2008, KXAN surprised many observers by placing first in the 5–7 a.m. weekday time slot during the sweeps period, despite cable carriage problems.

October 3, 2008: LIN Stations Dropped from Time Warner Cable

On October 3, 2008, LIN dropped its stations, including KXAN, from Time Warner Cable systems nationwide due to a contract dispute.

October 29, 2008: KXAN Returns to Time Warner Cable

KXAN returned to the Time Warner lineup during the early morning hours of October 29, 2008, after a contract dispute.

December 23, 2008: KXAN Begins Broadcasting in High Definition

On December 23, 2008, KXAN became the third television station in the Austin market to begin broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition.

June 12, 2009: Analog Signal Shut Down

On June 12, 2009, KXAN-TV shut down its analog signal as part of the FCC-mandated transition to digital television.

August 3, 2009: KLNO call letters changed to KBVO

On August 3, 2009, KLNO's call letters were changed to KBVO.

August 7, 2009: Mobile TV Service Launched

On August 7, 2009, KXAN began offering Mobile TV service through BlackBerry.

September 2009: KNVA Moves MyNetworkTV Programs Later

In September 2009, KNVA moved MyNetworkTV programs to a later time to make room for a nightly 9 p.m. newscast.

Loading Video...

September 28, 2009: KXAN Produces Nightly 9 p.m. Newscast on KNVA

On September 28, 2009, KXAN began producing a nightly 9 p.m. newscast on KNVA, titled KXAN News at 9, to compete with KTBC's prime time newscast.

October 21, 2009: KBVO Becomes Separate Station

On October 21, 2009, KBVO became a separate station after picking up the MyNetworkTV affiliation from KNVA.

Loading Video...

2011: KWKB Carried Full Schedules of The CW and MyNetworkTV

Until 2011, KWKB in Iowa City, Iowa, was the only station that carried the full schedules of both The CW and MyNetworkTV.

Loading Video...

2012: Nexstar exits Austin

In 2012, Nexstar exited Austin, after Four Points Media Group's stations were sold to Sinclair

September 3, 2013: KXAN News on The CW Austin

On September 3, 2013, KXAN began producing a two-hour extension of its weekday morning newscast for sister station KNVA, known as KXAN News on The CW Austin.

Loading Video...