Hubbry Logo
KTNV-TVKTNV-TVMain
Open search
KTNV-TV
Community hub
KTNV-TV
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
KTNV-TV
KTNV-TV
KTNV-TV
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

KTNV-TV (channel 13) is a television station in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, affiliated with ABC. It is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company alongside Laughlin-licensed independent station KMCC (channel 34). The two stations share studios on South Valley View Boulevard in the nearby unincorporated community of Paradise (though with a Las Vegas mailing address); KTNV-TV's transmitter is located atop Mount Arden in Henderson.

Key Information

Channel 13 was the third station to be activated in Southern Nevada, beginning broadcasting in May 1956 as KSHO-TV. The station originally operated on a 24-hour basis, unique for the time, with a rotating schedule of movies and minimal news coverage; it remained an independent station until affiliating with ABC in December 1957. Amid financial difficulties, multiple stock sales and ownership transfers occurred from 1957 until 1961, when the licensee, Television Company of America, declared bankruptcy, and a receiver was appointed. In 1963, the Federal Communications Commission opened an investigation into an unauthorized transfer of control of the station, which resulted in a decision to deny renewal of its broadcast license. KSHO-TV continued to operate on an interim basis while seven applicants fought for the permanent license; Talmac, Inc., owned the station from then until 1972, followed by Arthur Powell Williams.

The Journal Company acquired KSHO-TV in 1979 and relaunched it as KTNV-TV in March 1980. Journal made technical investments at the station, and the news department also grew, but KTNV-TV has not been able to substantially rise from third place in the market despite several overhauls and tweaks to the station's newscasts. Scripps acquired Journal, including KTNV, in 2015.

History

[edit]

Channel 13 in Las Vegas was first applied for in 1951 by the Desert Television Company, a consortium of local businessmen associated with local radio station KRAM, which was in turn sold to Huntridge Theaters in 1952.[4] Another application was filed by the Western Television Company,[5] but while Western withdrew its application in February 1954 and left Desert Television unopposed,[6] a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hearing examiner denied the application because the group failed to prove its financial qualifications.[7]

Early years

[edit]

On September 28, 1955, Moritz Zenoff, owner of radio station KBMI in nearby Henderson as well as the Boulder City News and Henderson Home News, was granted a construction permit to build channel 13 in Las Vegas.[8] Zenoff built the station and signed on KSHO-TV on May 4, 1956. It was an independent station with a 24-hour schedule—possibly the only one at that time[9]—consisting of four rotating six-hour movie blocks, interrupted in the evening for brief five-minute news breaks that were the station's only local programming.[10] The studios were located in the Fremont Hotel and Casino, from which the station broadcast with a mere 250 watts of power; low-budget advertisements were a major draw, as was a classified advertising feature aired throughout the day.[9][11][10] KSHO-TV was built for $70,000, a fraction of the cost of most new-build TV stations, and run by just two technical employees per shift, but its low-cost programming made the small operation profitable.[9]

Zenoff sold the station and KBMI radio to the Television Company of America (TCA) in September 1956, four months after putting it on the air. TCA was owned by a number of TV and radio investors in the western United States, including Albert Zugsmith.[12] It was the second attempt to sell the station that year after a previous application to sell the outlet to Wilbur Clark, developer and owner of the Desert Inn, was withdrawn.[13] Stock in Television Company of America changed hands multiple times in the late 1950s. In March 1957, Morton Sidley and Ira Laufer, both radio executives in Los Angeles, bought stock in TCA,[14] as did Nathan and Merv Adelson and Irwin Molasky.[15]

That fall, the station relocated to El Rancho Vegas and applied to increase its power,[16] and on December 15, it became an ABC affiliate, the 81st primary outlet of the network nationally.[17] However, financial trouble and continued ownership turnover remained as hallmarks. In February 1959, the sale of the station to Rube Jolley, the founder of KLAS-TV, was announced.[18] The FCC granted the $137,500 purchase of TCA stock by Jolley's company, the Nevada Broadcasters Fund, in November.[19] Jolley was president but did not own any of the stock; among the notable stockholders was Howard D. Johnson, owner of radio and television interests in Idaho and Utah.[20] The Television Company of America, meanwhile, had to obtain a court order to prevent it from being evicted from El Rancho Vegas.[21]

License revocation and re-award

[edit]

Television Company of America filed for bankruptcy protection in May 1961, and it asked for permission to transfer the license to a court-appointed receiver.[22] However, in March 1963, the FCC instead designated its license renewal as well as a proposed transfer of the license to Arthur Powell Williams, a businessman from Los Angeles, for hearing. The commission ordered the hearings over complications in ownership.[23] The FCC alleged that, over two years of what Variety called "financial gamesmanship", ownership had passed from Television Company of America to Nevada Broadcasters' Fund to a company controlled by Johnson, who advanced funds to keep the station in business; that there was an unauthorized contract for a transfer of control to Johnson; and that Nevada Broadcasters' Fund had disclosed in stock sales that it acquired control of KSHO-TV before even filing the application with the FCC, which must approve all transfers of control of radio and television stations.[15] Hearings were held in Las Vegas before an FCC examiner over the various unauthorized transfers and attempts to solicit public investment.[24] KSHO-TV's weakened position also was revealed by testimony in a concurrent FCC battle over the licensing of channel 4 in Boulder City, wherein applicants for that station—including KSHO-TV's station manager—were found to have discussed how to seek a network affiliation and "what part Channel 13 would play if it became dead".[25]

FCC hearing examiner Millard French handed down an initial decision in November 1964 against the license renewal and proposed transfers of control to Williams, citing Nevada Broadcasters' Fund's "misrepresentations and statements that were calculated to deceive", that stakeholders were selling stock they no longer owned, and that Johnson's company, KBLI Inc., attempted to raise stock only to be told by the securities commissioner in Idaho that it could not invest any of the money it raised outside the state.[26] In July 1965, the FCC ruled against Television Company of America.[27] It represented the first time the commission had denied renewal of a television license at hearing; even though the FCC held that some innocent creditors and others would be punished, it rebuked the "most incredibly lax manner" in which KSHO-TV was operated and noted that concealing the Johnson ownership interest was "outstanding and willful".[28]

Arthur Powell Williams lodged an appeal, noting that the commission found him to be of "blameless character".[29] However, a federal appeals court upheld the commission's action in June 1966,[30] and the Supreme Court refused to take up the case in February 1967.[31]

Talmac and Williams ownership

[edit]

On June 9, 1967, KSHO-TV's operating authority expired; the same day, the FCC granted interim operating authority to a group consisting of five of the seven applicants seeking to operate the station on a permanent basis.[32] Channel 13 of Las Vegas, Inc., consisted of five of the groups: Williams, Desert Broadcasting Corporation, Ettlinger Broadcasting, Clark County Communications, and Talmac, Inc. The other two, not part of the interim operator, were Lotus Television of Las Vegas and Diller Broadcasting Corporation, owned by Phyllis Diller.[33]

The application of Talmac, Inc., attracted the most immediate attention because it had ripple effects in Carson City. Alan Abner, one of Talmac's principals, sat on the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and conflict-of-interest questions prompted him to tender his resignation.[34] Two gamblers—whose business Abner regulated on the Gaming Control Board—were stakeholders in competing applicant Clark County Communications, thus the issue.[35] Even during the interim operation period, KSHO-TV moved into its present Valley View Drive studios in 1968 and simultaneously began high-power broadcasting for the first time in its history.[36]

The seven applicants reached a settlement in April 1969, with Talmac being named the winner of permanent authority to operate KSHO-TV and some of Ettlinger Broadcasting's principals buying stakes in Talmac.[37] Arthur Powell Williams—the same man who was to have bought the station a decade earlier—filed to acquire KSHO-TV from Talmac in April 1971, a transaction approved by the FCC in January 1972.[38]

Journal and Scripps ownership

[edit]

In 1979, The Journal Company purchased KSHO-TV from Williams, adding its first television station outside of its home state of Wisconsin.[39] The move came at a time when The Journal Company wanted to diversify in order to relieve antitrust pressures on its Milwaukee combination of the Milwaukee Journal, WTMJ-TV, AM and FM.[40] A total overhaul was necessary at channel 13, which had become the fourth-rated station locally even though it was affiliated with ABC, then the top network nationally. The general manager of KLAS-TV noted that the syndicated early evening offerings of independent KVVU-TV had provided stiffer competition for their newscasts than KSHO-TV's news offerings.[41] The result was a total image overhaul, including new KTNV-TV call letters on March 2, 1980.[2] Journal also invested in new live mobile reporting equipment and moved the transmitter to Black Mountain;[41] in 1985, KTNV was the first Las Vegas-area station to broadcast in stereo.[42]

On July 30, 2014, it was announced that the E. W. Scripps Company would buy Journal Communications in an all-stock transaction. Scripps would retain the two companies' broadcast properties, including KTNV, and spin off its print properties as part of Journal Media Group.[43] The FCC approved the deal on December 12, 2014. It was approved by shareholders on March 11, 2015. The merger was completed on April 1, 2015.[44][45]

Scripps acquired Ion Media and most of its stations, including KMCC (channel 34) in the Las Vegas market, in 2020.[46] As part of its acquisition of broadcast rights to local Vegas Golden Knights hockey games, Scripps announced on May 4, 2023, that Ion programming would relocate and KMCC would become an independent station featuring the Golden Knights and newscasts from KTNV.[47]

Local programming

[edit]

News operation

[edit]

As KSHO-TV, the station aired local news programming, though it rarely found much ratings success. When Journal took over, the main early evening newscast was moved from 6 to 5:30 p.m. to avoid direct competition with KLAS-TV, which commanded half of all TV viewership at the 6 p.m. hour in February 1980.[48][49] The station was lifted into second place for a time but had sunk back down to third by 1989; in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Ken White described the newsroom as having "more news directors hired and fired the last few years than managers for the New York Yankees".[50] In 1989, the station launched its first morning newscast, Good Morning Las Vegas.[51]

Much of the station's history in news has been spent making attempts to improve the ratings and move the station up from third place. In 1992, the station rebranded its newscasts as News 13: Inside Las Vegas, including an image overhaul.[52] Another shakeup was made in late 2001, two years before the Action News brand was instituted.[53]

In 2014, Journal was fined $115,000 by the FCC for airing so-called "special reports" about liquidations at car dealerships that were actually commercials for the dealerships, failing to disclose that they were paid advertisements.[54] This was the second ethics problem for the KTNV newsroom within five years. In 2009, reporter Nina Radetich was recorded telling the owner of an automotive repair business that her boyfriend's public relations company could help counter the negative press being generated by KTNV's own reporting.[55]

Morning Blend

[edit]

In 2010, following the lead of several other Journal stations, KTNV launched a lifestyle-oriented program, The Morning Blend, on July 6, 2010. The program, produced by KTNV's creative services department, features advertorial segments.[56]

Notable former on-air staff

[edit]

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

KTNV-TV's transmitter is located atop Mount Arden in Henderson.[3] Its signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of KTNV-TV[61]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
13.1 720p 16:9 KTNV-HD ABC
13.2 480i LAFF Laff
13.3 GRIT Grit
13.4 HSN HSN
13.5 ShopLC Shop LC
33.1 1080i 16:9 TheCWLV The CW (KVCW)
  Broadcast on behalf of another station

KTNV-TV is a participating station in Las Vegas's ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) deployment on KVCW and in turn hosts that station's main subchannel in 1.0 format.[62]

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

KTNV-TV shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 13, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition VHF channel 12 to channel 13 for post-transition operations.[63] In 2021, Scripps filed to move KTNV-TV from the VHF band on channel 13 to the UHF band on channel 26.[1][64]

Translators

[edit]

KTNV-TV's signal is additionally rebroadcast over the following translators:[65]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

KTNV-TV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
KTNV-TV, branded on-air as Channel 13, is an ABC-affiliated licensed to , , , serving the Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area. Owned by The , it operates as part of a duopoly with Scripps-owned KMCC (channel 34), with both stations sharing studios on South Valley View Boulevard in the unincorporated Paradise area (an Enterprise mailing address) and a transmitter atop Mount Arden in Henderson. The station broadcasts a mix of ABC network programming, local news, weather forecasts, and community-focused content, including coverage of major events like the . KTNV-TV first signed on the air on May 4, 1956, as KSHO-TV, establishing itself as the market's primary ABC affiliate after the network had previously relied on secondary clearances on other local stations. Originally owned by local newspaper publisher Morris Zenoff, it broadcast from an antenna atop the then-new Fremont Hotel and featured early programming such as the pioneering Black-hosted Bob Bailey Show in 1957. The station's call letters were changed to KTNV-TV on March 2, 1980, during its ownership by the Milwaukee Journal Company, which had acquired it in for $13.5 million following a turbulent early history that included multiple sales, a filing in the early , and an FCC attempt. In 2015, following the merger of The and Journal Communications—announced in July 2014 and completed on April 1, 2015—ownership of KTNV-TV transferred to Scripps, expanding the company's presence in the market. Under Scripps, the station has continued to emphasize local journalism, earning recognition for investigative reporting and , while adapting to digital broadcasting with NextGen TV implementation in 2020 alongside other Las Vegas stations.

History

Launch and early operations

KTNV-TV, originally known as KSHO-TV, was founded by newspaper publisher Morris Zenoff, who also owned the Boulder City News, Henderson Home News, and radio station KBMI in . The station signed on the air on May 4, 1956, as the third commercial television outlet in Southern , broadcasting on VHF channel 13 from an antenna atop the newly opened Fremont Hotel in . Initially operating as an , KSHO-TV provided 24-hour programming to serve the growing market, which at the time had limited broadcast options beyond KLRJ-TV (channel 2) and KLVX (channel 10, educational). Zenoff sold KSHO-TV and KBMI to the Television Company of America (TCA) in September 1956 for approximately $200,000, just four months after launch, as part of efforts to stabilize the station's finances amid the competitive early television landscape. TCA, a group focused on advertising and broadcast opportunities, relocated operations to the El Rancho Vegas hotel. Ownership underwent further changes in March 1957 when Los Angeles radio executives Morton Sidley and Ira Laufer acquired stock in TCA, joined by local investors including brothers Nathan and Mervyn Adelson and developer Irwin Molasky, who became principal owners by late 1957 for around $70,000–$137,500. These transfers reflected the station's turbulent early years, with new leadership aiming to expand reach in the booming entertainment hub of Las Vegas. As an independent, KSHO-TV's early programming emphasized general tailored to audience, including repeated showings of classic movies across multiple daily slots to fill airtime economically. Local content featured variety shows like the "Bob Bailey Show," which debuted in 1957 and blended music, comedy, and Las Vegas flair, helping to build viewership among residents and tourists. This mix of syndicated films and homegrown productions positioned the station as a key provider of accessible in the desert market, operating at 55,000 watts for broad coverage. On , 1957, KSHO-TV affiliated with ABC, becoming its primary outlet in and marking a pivotal shift that enhanced programming options and audience growth. Financial pressures mounted despite these developments, leading TCA to file for protection in May 1961 after ongoing struggles with operating costs and market competition. The filing prompted a request to transfer the license to a court-appointed receiver, underscoring the challenges of sustaining independent broadcasting in a rapidly evolving industry.

License revocation and reallocation

In 1963, the (FCC) initiated an investigation into the operations of KSHO-TV, owned by the Television Company of America (TCA), focusing on financial mismanagement stemming from the station's 1961 and deficiencies in programming that failed to adequately serve the . The probe also examined an unauthorized transfer of control, including the concealment of a 54% ownership interest held by KBLI Inc. since 1960, which raised serious questions about the licensee's character qualifications. The station, acquired by TCA for $200,000 shortly after launch, was sold to a group of investors including Nathan and Mervyn Adelson and for approximately $70,000 in late 1957, indicating early financial pressures that culminated in the 1961 and subsequent under Harry Wallerstein. Following extensive hearings, the FCC revoked KSHO-TV's license and denied renewal in July 1965, marking the first instance in which the commission refused to renew a television license after a contested proceeding. The decision cited TCA's deceptive practices in ownership disclosures, persistent financial irregularities, and inadequate programming efforts that did not meet broadcast standards, despite some acknowledgment of innocent creditors affected by the ruling. TCA and receiver Wallerstein appealed the revocation, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the FCC's determination in 1966, affirming the findings on character and operational shortcomings. During the appeals process from 1967 to 1969, KSHO-TV continued interim operations under federal to maintain service continuity in , as authorized by the FCC amid the legal challenges. With the revocation finalized, the FCC opened competitive proceedings involving seven applicants for the channel 13 construction permit. In April 1969, the commission awarded the permit to Talmac, Inc., after evaluating proposals on technical capability, financial resources, and commitments to local programming, ending the four-year regulatory impasse.

Ownership transitions through the 1970s

Following the settlement of the comparative hearing process for channel 13 in , Talmac, Inc. was designated in April 1969 as the permanent for KSHO-TV, enabling the resumption of full broadcast operations after years of interim and legal uncertainty. Talmac, a group comprising key principals from prior applicants including Ettlinger Broadcasting, assumed control and focused on stabilizing the station's finances, which had been strained by previous and revocation proceedings. During Talmac's ownership from 1969 to 1972, KSHO-TV implemented efforts to enhance programming quality and revenue streams, including expanded local content and advertising initiatives to rebuild audience trust and market position in a competitive media landscape. These measures addressed lingering operational challenges, such as outdated facilities and limited network affiliation benefits, marking a period of gradual recovery amid ongoing industry turbulence. In 1972, Talmac sold KSHO-TV to Arthur Powell Williams for $3.5 million, transitioning the station to individual ownership under a figure who had previously participated in the licensing proceedings as a prospective buyer. Williams, with a background in roles that extended into interests, adopted a hands-on emphasizing cost efficiencies and local engagement to further improve the station's financial health and programming relevance. This era of ownership shifts through the 1970s ultimately positioned KSHO-TV for sustained viability ahead of subsequent changes.

Journal era and rebranding

In 1979, The Journal Company, publisher of the Milwaukee Journal and owner of stations in Wisconsin, acquired KSHO-TV from Arthur P. Williams and his family for $13.5 million, marking the company's first television station purchase outside its home state. This transaction, brokered by Blackburn & Company, ended a period of ownership instability under the Williams family and positioned Journal to invest in the rapidly expanding media market. The station officially relaunched as KTNV-TV in March 1980, adopting new call letters to evoke a more contemporary image aligned with the city's transformation from a hub to a diverse destination. This emphasized its longstanding ABC network affiliation, which had been in place since the station's , and included updated graphics and programming to appeal to a broadening amid Las Vegas's boom. During the 1980s, Journal implemented corporate strategies focused on technical upgrades and content localization to capture in the competitive Las Vegas broadcast landscape, including enhanced studio facilities and syndicated programming acquisitions tailored to regional interests. These efforts supported steady revenue growth, with Journal's broadcast division reporting increases driven by key markets like through targeted advertising and audience expansion initiatives. Local news operations saw significant expansion starting in 1989, with the introduction of morning broadcasts to provide early coverage of community events and breaking stories, building on Journal's commitment to responsive in a growing metro area. In 1992, the news branding shifted to " 13: Inside ," featuring an image overhaul with immersive storytelling and on-location reporting to deepen viewer engagement with local issues. This era under Journal ownership, which lasted until 2015, solidified KTNV's role as a stable ABC affiliate amid the city's economic surge.

Scripps acquisition and recent developments

In 2014, the E.W. Scripps Company announced a merger with Journal Communications, acquiring its broadcast assets including KTNV-TV (channel 13) in a deal valued at approximately $2.24 billion. The transaction, which separated Journal's newspapers into a new entity called Journal Media Group, was approved by shareholders in March 2015 and completed on April 1, 2015, making Scripps the owner of KTNV and expanding its television portfolio to 33 stations across 24 markets. This acquisition positioned KTNV within Scripps' focused broadcast division, emphasizing local journalism and advertising synergies. Following the merger, KTNV integrated into Scripps' national operations, benefiting from shared resources such as centralized news production tools and enhanced digital platforms to improve content distribution and viewer engagement. The station adopted Scripps' standards for investigative reporting and community-focused programming, contributing to operational efficiencies across the company's stations that reached nearly one in five U.S. television households. These enhancements included upgrades to newsroom technology and cross-promotional opportunities, strengthening KTNV's role in media without major structural overhauls. In September 2020, Scripps announced its $2.65 billion acquisition of , completed in January 2021, which brought (channel 34, licensed to Laughlin) into its portfolio as a to KTNV. The two stations began sharing studios on South Valley View Boulevard in , with KTNV simulcasting select programming elements, including portions of local news and special events, to expand reach. This duopoly allowed for coordinated operations, leveraging Ion's capabilities while aligning more closely with KTNV's ABC-affiliated content. By 2023, Scripps repositioned as an branded as Vegas 34, shifting programming to a subchannel to prioritize local sports and news. In May 2023, secured a multi-year deal to broadcast NHL games on , with select games on KTNV to broaden accessibility. This included the launch of the KnightTime+ streaming app in September 2023 for direct-to-consumer access to games and archives. In March 2025, Scripps extended its local sports focus with a multi-year agreement to air WNBA games on , further integrating digital streaming options. In November 2025, purchased a stake in Scripps and indicated interest in a potential merger, marking a notable development in the company's ownership structure.

Programming

Network affiliation and syndication

KTNV-TV has been affiliated with the (ABC) since 1957, establishing itself as the primary outlet for the network in the Las Vegas television market. As the market's exclusive ABC affiliate, the station carries the network's complete lineup of primetime dramas, comedies, and reality series, alongside daytime soaps and game shows. This affiliation allows KTNV to deliver nationally significant ABC sports coverage, including games and matchups from the Big 12 and SEC conferences, which draw substantial viewership in the region. The station's commitment to ABC programming has evolved through long-term affiliation agreements that ensure market exclusivity, preventing competing stations from carrying ABC content. These agreements have remained stable since the late , with KTNV maintaining its role amid ABC's corporate shifts, such as the 1996 Disney acquisition of the network, which influenced programming distribution but did not alter the local partnership. National changes in ABC's schedule, like the expansion of late-night shows and the shift toward unscripted content in primetime, have required KTNV to adjust its local insertions, such as preempting select episodes for extended news blocks while preserving core network feeds. In addition to network content, KTNV incorporates syndicated programming to fill non-prime slots, historically featuring talk shows and off-network sitcoms that complement ABC's offerings. Early examples included local-syndicated varieties like the "Bob Bailey Show" in the late 1950s, transitioning to national syndication such as game shows and reruns in the 1970s and 1980s. Currently, the station airs syndicated staples like the newsmagazine Inside Edition in early evenings and the viral video clip show Right This Minute during mornings, often positioned before or after ABC's national blocks to target daytime audiences. Over the past decade, KTNV has reduced reliance on high-cost syndicated fare, opting instead for cost-effective options like paid programming and religious shows such as Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie in overnight hours, reflecting broader industry trends toward localized content amid rising syndication fees.

News operations

KTNV-TV's news operations began to take shape in the late 1970s under the ownership of the Journal Company, which acquired the station in 1978 and invested in technical upgrades to support local journalism amid Las Vegas's rapid growth and mob-influenced era. The department focused initially on evening newscasts covering community issues, , and , establishing a foundation for investigative reporting during a decade of population boom and social change. A major expansion occurred in 1989 with the launch of the station's first morning newscast, Good Morning , extending coverage to early-day audiences and incorporating weather, traffic, and lifestyle segments alongside hard . This development marked a shift toward comprehensive daily programming, building on the Journal era's efforts that enabled sustained growth. By the early , the station had solidified its role in local , leading to a full of newscasts as "" in 2003, which emphasized fast-paced delivery, investigative pieces, and community-focused stories to differentiate from competitors. As of 2025, KTNV's news team is led by evening anchors including Tricia Kean and Abel Garcia, and morning anchors including Justin Hinton and Anjali Patel, with reporters contributing to daily coverage. The weather team features meteorologists Linh Truong (chief meteorologist) and Geneva Zoltek (climate reporter), providing forecasts integrated across all newscasts. Sports coverage is handled by multimedia journalists Taylor Rocha (Emmy-winning sports reporter) and Alex Eschelman (sports MMJ), focusing on local teams such as the , , and , often with live updates and in-depth features. In terms of performance, KTNV's "Action News" has maintained competitive ratings in the Las Vegas market, particularly in the adults 25-54 demographic; for example, in February 2022, its 11 p.m. newscast drew 4,292 viewers in that demo, placing second behind KVVU but ahead of CBS affiliate (3,437 viewers) and NBC affiliate (2,502 viewers). The station faces stiff competition from , known for investigative depth, and , which emphasizes , but KTNV has carved a niche with and ABC network synergies. KTNV encountered ethical challenges in 2009 when it aired paid advertisements from local car dealerships (for , , , , and Hyundai) disguised as "Special Reports" featuring a news anchor posing as a , without disclosing the sponsorship. This violation of FCC sponsorship identification rules led to a $115,000 fine settled with the FCC in December 2014, highlighting concerns over blurring lines between and commercial content. The incident prompted internal reviews and reinforced station policies on transparency in reporting.

Lifestyle and other local shows

KTNV launched The Morning Blend on July 6, 2010, as a weekday and program filling the 9 a.m. timeslot, hosted initially by Shawn Tempesta and Dao Vu. The show's format consists of a one-hour live talk segment with on-location visits, guest interviews, and promotional features, emphasizing an upbeat, engaging style produced from the station's Valley View studios to connect with viewers. Content highlights local events, health and wellness advice, entertainment previews, and seamless sponsor integrations that spotlight businesses such as restaurants, retailers, and service providers in the Southern Nevada area, fostering community ties in the tourism-driven market. Over its run through 2025, The Morning Blend has seen host transitions to maintain freshness, including JJ Snyder joining as co-host in July 2016 and the current duo of Elliott Bambrough and Jessica Rosado taking over by 2023 following earlier changes like Tempesta's departure after 12 years. In addition to The Morning Blend, KTNV has produced other local lifestyle programming, such as Valley View Live!, a daily that premiered in fall 2014 and focused on similar community and entertainment topics until its final episode on March 3, 2016, hosted by Rikki Cheese, Megan Telles, and Dao Vu. These shows complement the station's morning news block by shifting to softer, promotional content that appeals to local demographics in the Las Vegas Designated Market Area, ranked among the top 40 U.S. media markets.

Notable on-air talent

Tricia Kean has been a cornerstone of KTNV's evening newscasts since joining in 2004, anchoring weekdays at 5, 6, and 11 p.m. as part of the longest-running anchor team in television history. Over her two decades with the station, she has earned multiple for her reporting and community engagement, culminating in her 2025 induction into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame for more than 30 years of journalistic contributions. Abel Garcia serves as a bilingual evening anchor and reporter, having joined KTNV in 2021 after starting his career in Reno. A alumnus raised in northern , Garcia has won two for his coverage of local issues, emphasizing stories relevant to the Latino community in Southern . His work enhances the station's accessibility in a diverse market like . Darcy Spears has led KTNV's investigative reporting as chief since 2007, amassing nearly three decades of on-air experience in . Her exposés have prompted legislative changes, such as reforms in and public safety, and earned regional Emmy nominations for the station's news team. Spears' tenacious style has made her a pivotal figure in holding local institutions accountable. Linh Truong anchors weekday evening weather forecasts, bringing her Certified Broadcast Meteorologist credential to KTNV since her arrival from Sacramento. Known for delivering forecasts in form—a tradition she started in 2013—Truong provides critical updates on Las Vegas's extreme climate, including and monsoons that impact the region's tourism and residents. Geneva Zoltek joined as weekend weather anchor and climate reporter in January 2024, focusing on environmental stories tied to Southern Nevada's arid landscape. Originally from , she covers and science topics, such as amid droughts, contributing to KTNV's emphasis on issues affecting the growing, diverse population of . The on-air team at KTNV reflects the multicultural fabric of Las Vegas, with bilingual anchors like Abel Garcia serving the Latino community, South Asian reporter Anjali Patel covering cultural beats, and African American multimedia journalist Shakeria Hawkins, who returned to her hometown in 2022 to report on local empowerment stories. Women hold key roles across anchoring, reporting, and meteorology, ensuring broad representation in coverage of the city's dynamic events. Historically, during the Journal Broadcast Group era in the 1970s, Roosevelt Toston broke barriers as the first African American to anchor in , joining KTNV in 1972 and advancing diversity in Southern Nevada broadcasting. Hank Thornley, director in the mid-1970s, elevated the station's 6 p.m. newscast to the top ratings through innovative "Over-the-Hill Gang" promotions, marking a milestone in dominance. Chris Chrystal made in 1974 as the first full-time female reporter at a , investigating stories that shaped the station's reputation for in-depth . These figures from the Journal period laid the foundation for KTNV's commitment to inclusive and impactful on-air talent.

Facilities and operations

Studios and production

KTNV-TV's main studios are located at 3355 South Valley View Boulevard in (with a mailing address), a facility that has served as the station's broadcast hub since 1968. The studios encompass a modern newsroom where editorial teams collaborate on story development, including daily morning meetings at 10 a.m. to assign coverage, discuss events, and plan broadcasts involving reporters, anchors, producers, and management. The production layout includes dedicated spaces for on-air presentation, featuring four primary areas: an anchor desk with integrated monitors for a curved, lower workstation; a stand-up presentation zone equipped with a curved video wall using LED tiles; a seated interview section with a curved couch and backdrop video wall; and a larger multipurpose area with an expansive curved video wall for versatile content creation. Adjacent control rooms manage live switching and technical oversight, supporting seamless integration of field feeds into broadcasts. These elements facilitate efficient production, from script approval by editors around 4 p.m. to live reports using backpack transmitters and cell phones for in-field segments during evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Following The E.W. Scripps Company's acquisition of KTNV in 2015, the station underwent significant production enhancements, including a comprehensive studio set redesign in 2019 that incorporated advanced LED video walls and monitor integrations to modernize on-air visuals and workflow efficiency. Scripps' investment also supported digital production tools, enabling post-broadcast editing for online content on KTNV.com and on-demand platforms. In 2021, after Scripps completed its acquisition of assets, KTNV began sharing facilities with co-owned independent station (channel 34), optimizing resources for joint operations while maintaining distinct programming production. Daily workflows typically involve field reporters capturing video and interviews with camera equipment and laptops, followed by rapid editing and approval in the before transmission from the control rooms to ensure timely airing of stories like and reports.

Transmitter and signal

KTNV-TV's transmitter is located atop Mount Arden (also known as Arden Peak) in , at coordinates 35°56′44.7″N 115°2′37.6″W. The station's operates with an (ERP) of 30.5 kW and a (HAAT) of 606 m (1,988 ft). This setup enables a coverage radius of approximately 75 miles, primarily serving Clark County—including the —and extending to portions of Southern , reaching an estimated of 2,117,009. The elevated position on Mount Arden provides strong across the flat basin of the Las Vegas , though the region's surrounding mountain ranges and urban structures can occasionally lead to signal shadowing or multipath interference in lower-lying or obstructed areas. The station's engineering team, part of Scripps Broadcasting Holdings LLC, is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the transmitter facility, including regular inspections, equipment upgrades, and signal issues to ensure reliable over-the-air broadcast. Recent enhancements, such as a new transmitter and antenna installation in 2025, have further optimized performance following the analog-to-digital conversion.

Technical information

Subchannels and multicast

KTNV-TV broadcasts five primary digital subchannels as part of its ATSC 1.0 multiplex on 13, utilizing its assigned RF channel 13. The main channel, 13.1, carries the ABC network affiliation in high definition. Subchannels 13.2 through 13.5 offer additional programming in standard definition , featuring Laff on 13.2, a comedy-focused network owned by ; Grit on 13.3, specializing in Westerns and action films, also from Scripps; HSN on 13.4, a service; and Shop LC on 13.5, another shopping network.
Virtual ChannelResolutionProgrammingNetwork Owner
13.1720pABC
13.2480iLaffScripps
13.3480iGritScripps
13.4480iQurate Retail
13.5480iShop LCiMedia Brands
As part of Las Vegas's (NextGen TV) deployment, which launched in 2020, KTNV-TV hosts a of Sinclair-owned 's affiliation on virtual channel 33.1 in high definition via shared spectrum on KTNV's physical channel 13.7; in exchange, KVCW carries KTNV's ABC programming on its signal. Following the 2009 analog-to-digital conversion, which enabled multicasting capabilities, KTNV-TV expanded its offerings with additional subchannels to better utilize its digital spectrum. Under ownership since the 2015 acquisition from Journal Broadcast Group, the station integrated Scripps-owned multicast networks like Laff (launched 2015) and Grit (launched 2015) on its subchannels, aligning with Scripps' broader strategy to distribute entertainment programming across its stations' digital capacity.

Analog-to-digital conversion

KTNV-TV launched its signal on VHF channel 12 in May 2002, becoming one of the early stations in to offer high-definition and digital programming alongside its analog broadcast on VHF channel 13. This initial digital sign-on allowed the station to test and expand digital services while complying with the Federal Communications Commission's phased rollout of , which required full-power stations to begin digital operations by May 1, 2002, or earlier if possible. As part of the national , KTNV-TV maintained a temporary period, broadcasting identical programming on both its analog channel 13 and digital channel 12 from 2002 until June 12, 2009. On that date, the station ceased analog operations entirely, aligning with the FCC-mandated shutdown for all full-power U.S. television stations to free up for public safety communications and other uses. Following the analog shutdown, KTNV-TV relocated its from VHF channel 12 back to VHF channel 13, preserving the station's long-established number for viewer familiarity. The 2009 transition met all FCC requirements under the Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005, which set the uniform deadline to ensure a smooth nationwide shift to . In , the change had a limited direct impact on over-the-air viewers, as most households already received KTNV-TV via cable or satellite; however, approximately 5-10% of antenna-dependent residents needed digital-to-analog converter boxes or new televisions, supported by the FCC's National DTV Converter Box Coupon Program that distributed over 64,000 coupons in . In response to ongoing reception challenges with VHF signals, such as propagation issues and interference in the Las Vegas terrain, licensee Scripps Broadcasting Holdings LLC petitioned the FCC in 2021 to substitute UHF channel 26 for the physical digital channel while retaining virtual channel 13. This move to UHF aimed to enhance signal efficiency and reliability for digital viewers, addressing complaints about inconsistent VHF performance post-2009 transition. The FCC approved the channel substitution in October 2023, with implementation to follow FCC construction permit guidelines. As part of post-transition optimizations, the station also relocated its transmitter to improve coverage across the market.

Translators and rebroadcasters

To extend its coverage beyond the primary signal transmitted from the Las Vegas area, KTNV-TV operates a network of low-power television (LPTV) translators in rural southern , where mountainous terrain and distance often obstruct direct reception. These translators rebroadcast the station's , enabling residents in isolated communities to access ABC network programming, local news, and weather updates that might otherwise be unavailable. Licensed by the () as secondary facilities, they operate at low levels—typically under 15 kW—to minimize interference while filling coverage gaps in regions like the desert and border areas. The translators are strategically placed to serve specific underserved locales, such as Pahrump, Laughlin, and areas near Mesquite, improving access to essential broadcast content for populations in Nye, Clark, and Lincoln counties. For instance, facilities in Pahrump address signal shadowing from nearby mountain ranges, while those near the border ensure continuity for cross-state viewers. This network has been incrementally expanded post-digital transition to enhance reliability, with all stations integrating seamlessly with KTNV-TV's main over-the-air feed for synchronized programming delivery. Key active translators include the following, all FCC-licensed and operating in digital mode:
Call SignChannelLocationNotes
K20NW-D20Laughlin, NVServes communities; low-power rebroadcast to counter terrain blocks from the Eldorado Mountains.
K30MH-D30Overton, NVCovers areas near Mesquite, extending ABC access to northeastern residents affected by Valley topography.
K31OY-D31Pahrump, NVPrimary translator for Nye ; provides improved signal strength in rural Nye Valley.
K36BQ-D36Pahrump, NVSupplemental low-power facility supporting Pahrump coverage; FCC-authorized for digital operation.
K13LV-D13Caliente, NVTargets Lincoln County; aids reception in high-desert zones with signal attenuation issues.
Additional translators, such as K04HF-D in Panaca and K11IV-D in Pioche, further bolster service to eastern Nevada's remote and ranching districts, ensuring broader equity in broadcast access across the state. These low-power operations, averaging 1-5 kW , are maintained under FCC rules to prioritize non-interfering rebroadcasting, with periodic renewals confirming their role in . Overall, the system significantly enhances KTNV-TV's reach, delivering vital ABC content to approximately 10,000-20,000 additional rural viewers who rely on over-the-air television.

References

  1. https://www.ktnv.com/
  2. https://www.stationindex.com/tv/callsign/KTNV
  3. https://www.ktnv.com/news/golden-knights/vegas-golden-knights-scripps-sports-announce-historic-broadcast-partnership
  4. https://www.ktnv.com/ktnvtvhistory
  5. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/KTNV-TV
  6. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=74100
  7. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1979/BC-1979-02-12.pdf
  8. https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/scripps-acquiring-las-vegas-tv-station-in-merger/
  9. https://scripps.com/press-releases/873-ew-scripps-company-completes-merger-spinoff-transaction-with-journal-communications/
  10. https://www.ktnv.com/news/las-vegas-flips-the-switch-on-next-generation-of-television
  11. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1957/1957-12-16-BC.pdf
  12. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1964/1964-11-16-BC.pdf
  13. https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/fedreg/fr028/fr028192/fr028192.pdf
  14. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1963/1963-07-08-BC.pdf
  15. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1965/1965-08-30-BC.pdf
  16. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1969-03-18/pdf/FR-1969-03-18.pdf
  17. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1967/1967-08-14-BC.pdf
  18. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1969/1969-05-12-BC.pdf
  19. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1969/1969-04-21-BC.pdf
  20. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1969/1969-BC-YB.pdf
  21. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1972/1972-03-27-BC.pdf
  22. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1963-10-26/pdf/FR-1963-10-26.pdf
  23. https://www.ktnv.com/news/a-look-back-at-ktnv-history
  24. https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/j/NYSE_JRN_2010.pdf
  25. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/KTNV-TV/News
  26. https://scripps.com/press-releases/28-scripps-journal-merging-broadcast-operations-spinning-off-newspapers/
  27. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ew-scripps-company-completes-merger-spinoff-transaction-with-journal-communications-300059231.html
  28. https://ir.scripps.com/static-files/50042a50-4c44-49f7-95d6-59c88f672177
  29. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scripps-creates-national-television-networks-business-with-acquisition-of-ion-media-301137357.html
  30. https://ir.scripps.com/news-releases/news-release-details/scripps-completes-acquisition-ion-media-black-diamond-creating
  31. https://cordcuttersnews.com/how-to-watch-the-vegas-golden-knights/
  32. https://scripps.com/press-releases/vegas-golden-knights-and-scripps-partner-on-multi-year-agreement-to-air-nhl-teams-games/
  33. https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vgk-and-scripps-partner-on-multi-year-agreement-to-air-nhl-team-s-game-344154412
  34. https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-and-scripps-sports-announce-launch-of-knighttime-streaming-platform
  35. https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/scripps-sports-to-broadcast-regular-season-wnba-las-vegas-aces-games-on-vegas-34/
  36. https://www.sportspro.com/news/sinclair-scripps-local-station-merger-equity-stake-november-2025/
  37. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/ktnv-las-vegas-news-bias/
  38. https://www.tvpassport.com/tv-listings/stations/abc-ktnv-las-vegas-nv/2383
  39. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69022785/ktnv-hdtv.html
  40. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/KTNV
  41. https://www.ktnv.com/about-us/staff
  42. https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-close-up-what-happens-in-vegas-a-lot
  43. https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/channel-13-fined-over-so-called-special-reports/
  44. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/fcc-fines-journal-for-airing-car-ads-as-special-reports-on-ktnv/
  45. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/oscar-nominees-moms-got-talent/
  46. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/317780/shawn-tempesta-moves-to-kklz-aimee-thomas-shawn-stevens-to-host-mornings-at-kcye/
  47. https://www.ktnv.com/morningblend
  48. https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/news-landscape-in-las-vegas-undergoing-historic-shift/
  49. https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjessicarosado
  50. https://www.ktnv.com/news/jj-snyder-joins-the-morning-blend-as-co-host
  51. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/ktnvs-the-morning-blend-host-leaves-show-2797223/
  52. https://www.ktnv.com/valley-view-live/valley-view-live-says-goodbye
  53. https://www.ktnv.com/news/channel-13s-tricia-kean-inducted-into-nevada-broadcasters-association-hall-of-fame
  54. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/celebrity/news-anchor-tricia-kean-makes-mark-in-las-vegas/
  55. https://www.ktnv.com/abel-garcia
  56. https://www.instagram.com/abelgnews/
  57. https://www.ktnv.com/darcy-spears
  58. https://www.ktnv.com/linh-truong
  59. https://www.instagram.com/im_linh_t/
  60. https://www.ktnv.com/geneva-zoltek
  61. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/geneva-zoltek_some-exciting-career-newsive-joined-ktnv-activity-7155286999019520000-4zSf
  62. https://www.ktnv.com/shakeria-hawkins
  63. https://www.ktnv.com/news/bridging-the-divide/black-history-maker-roosevelt-toston
  64. https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/apr/16/alumni-of-the-airwaves/
  65. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/radetich-returns-to-local-tv-scene/
  66. https://www.ktnv.com/news/behind-the-scenes-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-ktnv-reporter
  67. https://erectorsetsinc.com/portfolio/ktnv/
  68. https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=74100
  69. https://rabbitears.info/tvq.php?request=items&facid=74100
  70. https://support.ktnv.com/support/solutions/articles/5000845049-having-trouble-with-your-broadcast-signal-
  71. https://www.facebook.com/groups/smalltownradiotv/posts/2522469478115615/
  72. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=74100
  73. https://scripps.com/press-releases/scripps-takes-first-steps-to-realize-ion-synergies-with-multicast-networks-move/
  74. https://www.tvtechnology.com/miscellaneous/las-vegas-stations-ready-for-digital
  75. https://broadcasting.fandom.com/wiki/Miscellaneous_unorganized_material/KTNV-TV
  76. https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/analog-tv-signals-become-things-of-the-past-today-with-digital-conversion/
  77. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-990A1.pdf
  78. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/low-power-television-lptv-service
  79. https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/low-power-television-lptv
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.