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KXLY-TV (channel 4) is a television station in Spokane, Washington, United States, affiliated with ABC and owned by Morgan Murphy Media. Its studios are located on West Boone Avenue in Spokane, and its transmitter sits atop Mount Spokane. The station's MeTV-affiliated second digital subchannel is also seen in the Yakima–Tri-Cities market on sister stations and fellow ABC affiliates KAPP (channel 35.2) and KVEW (channel 42.2).

Key Information

KXLY-TV is also carried on cable systems in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, both of which are double the size of the station's American coverage area. One result of this is that stations in Calgary and Edmonton air American shows on Pacific Time, even though Calgary and Edmonton are both on Mountain Time. KXLY-TV is one of five local Spokane area television stations seen in Canada on the Shaw Direct satellite service. It can also be seen on local cable systems in eastern British Columbia.

History

[edit]
KXLY-TV logo (1966)

Although KHQ and KXLY were both granted authorization by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to build television stations on July 11, 1952,[4] KXLY was the second to sign on, going on the air with broadcast tests on January 16, 1953,[5] with regular programming beginning on February 22.[6] KXLY had initially hoped to have its television station on the air by Christmas of 1952,[7] but adverse weather conditions on Mount Spokane delayed the launch.[8] It was owned by northwestern broadcast pioneer Ed Craney along with Spokane's oldest radio station, KXLY (AM 920). Just a few months after signing on, Craney sold KXLY-AM-TV to Northern Pacific Radio and Television Corporation.

KXLY-TV was a primary CBS affiliate owing to its sister radio station's long affiliation with CBS Radio[9] sharing ABC with KHQ-TV. Channel 4 also carried some programming from DuMont[10] until as late as April 1955.[1] ABC programming,[11] along with partial DuMont shows that KXLY-TV did not carry, moved to KREM when it signed on in 1954.

At first, channel 4 enjoyed a good partnership with CBS. The network worked well with early KXLY executives Dick Jones, Bob Struble, and James Agostino to help the station become a dominant player in the Spokane television market in the 1950s and 1960s. Morgan Murphy bought the station in 1961.[12]

However, the station's relationship with CBS faltered in later years when it started airing several network shows out of pattern. On February 19, 1976, CBS sent KXLY-TV a "notice of termination",[13] with CBS spokesman Barry Richardson stating that the network was ending its 23-year association with KXLY-TV "because we made a business judgment that we could get wider exposure for our programs with another station". This would become a rare first in which a major television network would strip a station of its affiliation without first announcing a new affiliate.[14] On August 8, the affiliation switch went into full effect,[15] with CBS programming moving to KREM (KREM wanted to wait until ABC finished airing the network's coverage of the 1976 Summer Olympics to make the switch).[16] KXLY then picked up KREM's old ABC affiliation,[17] although it began the transition in February 1976 when it began airing the then-new Good Morning America while airing CBS shows throughout the day. The affiliation change coincided with ABC's rise to number one in the ratings, where it would remain for the next several years. This meant KXLY ended up broadcasting the highest-rated networks (first CBS, then ABC) throughout the 1970s. Its radio sister remained with CBS for another 22 years until September 1998, at which time it became an ABC Radio Network affiliate, like its TV cousin.

KXLY Broadcast Center on Boone Avenue

KXLY-TV is the only station in the Spokane market to broadcast from Mount Spokane, to the northeast of the city. The site (located in a state park) was originally developed with the expectation that Spokane's other TV stations would want to follow suit. When this did not occur, KXLY built a translator (K09FZ on channel 9, later becoming K11VT channel 11, then KUUP-LP) to serve non-antenna-rotator-equipped households from the mountain ridge south of Spokane used by the other stations. On May 24, 2006, it became KXMN-LP and from September 5, 2006, until the national DTV transition in February 2009, it broadcast MyNetworkTV programming. From the digital transition date forward, the South Hill transmitter rebroadcast KXLY-TV—both in analog on VHF channel 11 and as 4.1 (ABC HD) and 4.2 (MyNetworkTV/MeTV) over a VHF channel 9 digital translator. In June 2017, KXLY-TV added channel 22, a 15,000 watt fill-in transmitter atop Krell Ridge on Spokane's South Hill. This new digital signal adds stronger service for Spokane's Downtown, Northside, South Hill and Spokane River Valley antenna household locations.

Programming from MeTV was added on September 3, 2012.[18] KXLY-DT2 stopped carrying MyNetworkTV on October 1 and has since carried MeTV exclusively.

HD race

[edit]

On March 11, 1999, KXLY-DT signed on the air as Eastern Washington's first digital television signal on VHF channel 13. Much like the first black and white television broadcasters, this initial effort was launched utilizing a low power digital transmitter and antenna co-located at the Boone Avenue studio location in downtown Spokane. The station's first authentic telecasts began with its 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts March 26, 1999.

Later behind the scenes that year, engineers assembled the new ABC High Definition satellite equipment to ready the station for ABC's foray into HD with Monday Night Football. By September 27, 1999, KXLY-DT had permanently moved its digital transmissions to the top of Mount Spokane and increased its power to the FCC maximum of 23,300 watts. That evening marked the region's first broadcast of HD pictures with the airing of Monday Night Football.

On April 20, 2006, the race to HD live local newscasts in the Spokane television market began when KXLY-TV became the first station in Eastern Washington to broadcast a local news segment in HD, an experiment the station continued to explore by showing one pre-taped news segment in HD each Tuesday night during its 6 p.m. broadcast until it switched to showing full HD newscasts on August 3, 2008.

On May 16, 2008, KHQ announced that it would leap ahead of KXLY in becoming the first station to produce HD newscasts beginning August 8, 2008. After months of KHQ marketing this milestone, on August 1, 2008, KXLY shocked KHQ when it made a surprise announcement that starting on August 3, 2008, a mere two days later, it would begin producing all news broadcasts in HD.[19] The date was chosen to beat KHQ to the milestone of being the first station in Eastern Washington to broadcast HD local news.

News operation

[edit]
Logo for "4 News Now"

KXLY broadcasts 33 hours of news a week, with a two-hour morning program, Good Morning Northwest, from 5 to 7 a.m., and its evening newscasts at 5, 6, 6:30 and 11 p.m. Unlike most ABC affiliates in the Pacific time zone, KXLY does not produce an 11 p.m. newscast on Saturdays, leaving the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts as KXLY 4's only news offerings on that day. In 2024, KXLY added midday and 4 p.m newscasts from "KXLY+" on the main channel.

On December 22, 2008, KXLY began producing high-resolution weather segments for sister stations KAPP in Yakima and KVEW in Kennewick. Both stations discontinued their 6 p.m. newscasts, the 11 p.m. newscasts were reduced to five minutes and weekend newscasts are now produced at KXLY. This includes all weather and sports reports for weekdays and weekends. In addition to these moves, 17 employees from KVEW and KAPP were laid off.[20][21]

On July 1, 2019, KXLY rebranded its news operation as 4 News Now, and introduced a new studio replacing the one that had been used for two decades. Both the branding and studio were based off designs introduced by sister station and Morgan Murphy flagship WISC-TV in Madison, Wisconsin, earlier in the year.[22]

Notable former on-air staff

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Technical information

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Subchannels

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The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of KXLY-TV[30][31][32]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
4.1 720p 16:9 KXLY-HD ABC
4.2 KXLY4.2 MeTV
4.3 480i KXLY4.3 Heroes & Icons
4.4 KXLY4.4 Start TV
4.5 KXLY4.5 Dabl
4.6 KXLY4.6 QVC
4.7 KXLY4.7 HSN

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

KXLY-TV ended regular programming on its analog signal, over VHF channel 4, on February 17, 2009, the original target date when full-power television stations in the United States were to transition from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate (which was later pushed back to June 12, 2009). The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition VHF channel 13, using virtual channel 4.[33][34]

Translators

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

KXLY-TV

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from Grokipedia
KXLY-TV, 4 (UHF digital channel 13), is an ABC-affiliated licensed to Spokane, Washington, . The station, owned by Spokane Television, Inc., a subsidiary of Morgan Murphy Media, serves the region, including and North Idaho, with local news, weather, sports, and entertainment programming under the 4 News Now brand. KXLY-TV was acquired by Morgan Murphy Media in 1961 as part of the company's expansion into television broadcasting. It operates as the station of the KXLY Broadcast Group, which includes multiple subchannels such as on 4.2, on 4.3, on 4.4, on 4.5, and on 4.7, alongside seven radio stations and digital platforms. The station pioneered high-definition local newscasts in the in 1999 and established one of the earliest television websites with the launch of KXLY.com in 1996. As a outlet, KXLY-TV emphasizes community-focused through 4 News Now, delivering breaking and investigative reporting across linear TV, streaming, and online video. Its studios are located at 500 West Boone Avenue in Spokane, with a transmitter on Mount Spokane.

History

Launch and Early Years

KXLY-TV, channel 4, signed on the air on February 22, 1953, as the second commercial television station in Spokane, Washington, following KHQ-TV's debut in December 1952. The station was established by radio pioneer Ed Craney, president of Symons Broadcasting Company and owner of KXLY radio (AM 920), in partnership with entertainer , a Spokane native and alumnus who held a principal ownership stake. The (FCC) had granted construction permits to both KHQ and KXLY for VHF channel 4 operations on July 11, 1952, but severe winter weather on Mount Spokane delayed KXLY-TV's transmitter installation and tower erection, pushing back the planned Christmas 1952 launch. Under general manager Craney and TV manager W. Norman Hawkins, the station began broadcasting from studios in downtown Spokane, with its transmitter atop Mount Spokane providing coverage to the region. As a primary affiliate of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), KXLY-TV aired network programming from CBS, while sharing secondary ABC affiliation with rival KHQ-TV and occasionally carrying shows from the DuMont Television Network until its decline around 1955. Weekday broadcasts ran from 4 p.m. to midnight, with Sunday schedules starting at 8 p.m., featuring a mix of national fare like CBS evening news and dramas alongside local live productions to fill the limited programming day. Early local content emphasized variety and community engagement, including live shows hosted by performer Bob Welch (under the on-air name Bob Andrews), such as Antics with Andrews—a mix of singing, jokes, and interviews—Tots 'n' Teens for children's games, and Squirt Matinee, an auction-style program using bottle caps as currency. These innovative, spontaneous live segments capitalized on television's novelty in the region, helping KXLY-TV quickly build a local audience amid the era's technical challenges, including frequent blackouts and ad-libbed fixes during broadcasts. In November 1953, just nine months after launch, Craney and Crosby sold KXLY-AM-TV to the Northern Pacific Radio and Television Corporation for an undisclosed amount, subject to FCC approval, marking an early ownership transition as Craney focused on other ventures. Under Northern Pacific's stewardship through the 1950s and into the early 1960s, KXLY-TV solidified its position as a market leader, dominating ratings in the Spokane television market with strong CBS programming and continued local emphasis. The station's early years reflected the rapid evolution of broadcast TV, transitioning from rudimentary live origination to more polished network feeds, while serving as a key information and entertainment hub for Eastern Washington and North Idaho. By the late 1950s, as color broadcasting emerged, KXLY-TV invested in upgrades, maintaining its role as a community staple before the 1961 sale to Morgan Murphy Media.

Ownership Transitions

KXLY-TV signed on the air on February 22, 1953, as a CBS affiliate owned by a partnership between broadcasting pioneer Ed Craney, president of Symons Broadcasting Company, and entertainer , who had secured construction permits for the station as early as 1948. Just nine months later, in November 1953, Craney announced the sale of KXLY-AM and the newly launched KXLY-TV to Northern Pacific Radio and Television Corporation for an undisclosed amount, pending FCC approval; the transaction was completed shortly thereafter, marking the station's first ownership change. Northern Pacific retained ownership for eight years until August 1961, when it sold KXLY-AM-FM-TV to The Evening Telegram Company, a of Morgan Murphy Media, for $2.6 million for the television station and $650,000 for the radio outlets; this acquisition expanded Morgan Murphy's presence into the . Morgan Murphy Media, a family-owned broadcaster founded in 1890, has held continuous ownership of KXLY-TV since 1961 through its Spokane Television, Inc., with no further sales or major transitions reported.

Affiliation Changes

KXLY-TV signed on the air on February 22, 1953, as Spokane's second television station and a primary affiliate of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), reflecting its radio counterpart's longstanding relationship with the network dating back to the 1920s. Initially, the station shared American Broadcasting Company (ABC) programming with KHQ-TV, the market's NBC affiliate, while also airing select shows from the DuMont Television Network until April 1955. When KREM-TV launched on October 31, 1954, as the market's third station, it assumed primary ABC duties, allowing KXLY-TV to focus exclusively on CBS programming for the next two decades. The station's most significant affiliation shift occurred in 1976 amid tensions with over programming practices. On February 19, 1976, issued a termination notice to KXLY-TV, ending their 23-year partnership effective August 19, 1976, due to the station's frequent pre-emptions and delayed broadcasts of network shows in favor of local content, particularly in the 7:30–8:00 p.m. slot. KXLY-TV management had also voiced dissatisfaction with declining program quality, exacerbating the rift. In response, approached KREM-TV, which declined to renew its ABC contract despite the network's rising ratings, leading to a full swap: KREM-TV became the new affiliate, while KXLY-TV transitioned to ABC. The switch took effect at 3:00 a.m. on August 8, 1976, facilitated by a microwave relay from . KXLY-TV began airing ABC's Issues and Answers at noon that day, while updating its signage, stationery, and promotional materials to reflect the change. KXLY-TV general manager Wayne F. McNulty described the move as aligning with ABC's "exciting and innovative programs," coinciding with the network's ascent to first place in national ratings. KREM-TV general manager Dean Woodring expressed enthusiasm for CBS's offerings, marking the start of its affiliation with the network's first program, U.S. of Archie, at 9:00 a.m. This exchange stabilized affiliations in the Spokane market, with KXLY-TV remaining an ABC outlet to the present day.

Digital and HD Developments

KXLY-TV was an early adopter of in the Spokane market, aligning with broader industry shifts toward standards. In the fall of 1999, the station became the first in the region to air a network program in high definition, broadcasting ABC's in the format. This milestone demonstrated KXLY's commitment to advanced video technology ahead of widespread adoption. Building on this foundation, KXLY expanded its high-definition capabilities to . The station launched its first high-definition newscasts in April 2006, becoming the initial broadcaster in Spokane to produce in HD. By August 2008, KXLY had transitioned to delivering all of its newscasts in full high-definition format, again leading the market and the region in comprehensive HD local content. This full implementation enhanced viewer experience with sharper imagery and improved audio, setting a standard for competitors. The station's digital transition aligned with the national analog-to-digital conversion mandated by the FCC. KXLY ceased analog broadcasts on its original VHF and activated full-power digital operations on UHF channel 13 on , 2009—the original federal deadline before a national delay. The digital signal carried the 4.1 for primary ABC programming in HD, enabling multicasting capabilities for subchannels. To support viewers during the shift, KXLY maintained analog translator signals in select areas, such as channel 11 in Spokane and channel 40 in Whitman County. Post-transition adjustments further streamlined KXLY's over-the-air presence. In April 2012, the station discontinued its temporary Channel 4.3 , which had been used to ease the move from analog to digital viewing, and consolidated all primary content onto Channel 4.1. This change improved signal efficiency while preserving HD delivery. As of 2025, KXLY continues to broadcast in ATSC 1.0 HD on channel 13 (virtual 4.1), with no adoption of (NextGen TV) in the Spokane market.

Programming

Network Affiliations

KXLY-TV serves as the ABC affiliate for the Spokane, Washington, market, broadcasting the network's national programming on its main , 4.1. This affiliation has been in place since 1976, following a swap with rival station KREM-TV, which took over duties. As the local ABC outlet, KXLY airs flagship shows such as , primetime dramas like , and sports events including NBA games and . The station's subchannel lineup expands its offerings with a mix of classic television, lifestyle, and shopping content, all available over-the-air. On 4.2, features vintage series such as MASH*, I Love Lucy, and Gunsmoke, targeting audiences interested in nostalgic entertainment. occupies 4.3, focusing on action-oriented classics like Westerns and police procedurals from the mid-20th century. on 4.4 emphasizes female-led crime dramas, including episodes starring in and in . on 4.5 provides lifestyle programming with cooking shows hosted by figures like and . on 4.6 and on 4.7 carry home shopping networks for direct-response retail broadcasts. These subchannels enhance KXLY's reach by diversifying content beyond ABC's schedule, catering to varied viewer demographics in the region.

Subchannel Lineup

KXLY-TV operates multiple digital subchannels, providing a variety of national network and syndicated programming to viewers in the Spokane–Coeur d'Alene market. The station's primary channel carries ABC network content, while the secondary subchannels feature classic television, , and services. This multicasting setup allows KXLY to deliver diverse content without requiring additional broadcast frequencies. The subchannel lineup as of November 2025 is as follows:
Virtual ChannelAffiliation/ProgrammingDescription
4.1ABCPrimary channel broadcasting ABC network shows, local news under the "4 News Now" branding, and syndicated programming in high definition (720p).
4.2Features classic television series from the through , including dramas, sitcoms, and westerns, aired in 720p.
4.3Focuses on action-packed shows, crime dramas, and superhero series from past decades, broadcast in standard definition ().
4.4Offers female-oriented programming, primarily crime dramas and mysteries featuring strong female leads, in .
4.5A network with , cooking, and shows aimed at modern living, in .
4.6 network presenting live product demonstrations and sales, aired in .
4.7Another service with hosted product showcases and purchasing opportunities, in .
These subchannels are transmitted over KXLY's digital signal on VHF channel 13, with additional low-power translators extending coverage in surrounding areas. The lineup has evolved over time to include more digital multicast networks, enhancing viewer options for over-the-air reception.

Local and Syndicated Content

KXLY-TV's local programming emphasizes community-focused content produced in-house, primarily integrated with its news operations but extending to lifestyle and event coverage. The station's flagship local morning program, Good Morning Northwest, airs weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and features a blend of regional news updates, weather forecasts, traffic reports, and interviews with local figures, such as community leaders and business owners, to highlight Inland Northwest events and issues. This show serves as a key platform for original content tailored to Spokane and surrounding areas, including segments on local holidays, school achievements, and seasonal activities like winter storm preparations. Beyond morning slots, KXLY incorporates elements into midday and evening programming, such as calendars and sponsored features during paid programming blocks, which often promote regional businesses and nonprofits. The station also produces occasional non-news specials, like event recaps from Spokane-area festivals or sports highlights from teams, streamed via KXLY+ for extended reach. These efforts underscore KXLY's role in fostering regional identity, though original non-news productions remain limited compared to its robust news output. In syndicated programming, KXLY fills daytime and late-afternoon gaps with popular off-network and first-run shows to complement its ABC schedule. Morning and early afternoon slots feature talk formats like , which airs multiple times daily and delivers celebrity interviews, lifestyle advice, and entertainment news. Daytime includes court dramas such as in late afternoon, focusing on real-life legal disputes, alongside news magazines like for investigative stories and pop culture updates. Evening late-night programming incorporates , offering music performances and guest chats, while paid programming occupies select hours for infomercials and promotional content. These syndicated selections, typical of ABC affiliates, provide diverse, accessible viewing options for audiences seeking non-network fare.

News Operation

Current Newscasts and Format

KXLY-TV's news operation is branded as 4 News Now, a implemented on July 1, 2019, to unify its multi-platform coverage across broadcast, digital, and streaming services. The department produces over 22 hours of local television news programming each week, emphasizing , weather, sports, and community stories relevant to Spokane, , and Northern Idaho. All newscasts are broadcast in full high-definition format, a milestone achieved as the first station in the to do so across its entire schedule. Weekday morning programming features Good Morning Northwest, airing from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., providing early updates on traffic, , and local headlines before transitioning to ABC's . A midday newscast, 4 News Now on KXLY+, runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on 4.5 and the station's streaming service, focusing on noon-hour developments and extended segments. Evening newscasts include a 5:00 p.m. edition, followed by 4 News Now at 6:00 p.m. and 4 News Now at 6:30 p.m., each delivering 30 minutes of comprehensive coverage including investigative reports and regional impacts. The late-evening 4 News Now Nightside airs at 11:00 p.m., recapping the day's top stories with an emphasis on overnight developments and sports highlights. The format adopts an audience-first approach, incorporating viewer feedback to prioritize community-driven stories and interactive elements like live social media integration during broadcasts. Weekend schedules feature abbreviated versions, typically a 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscast, with special editions for major events. Complementing linear TV, KXLY+ offers a 24/7 streaming channel with continuous live updates, weather forecasts every 10 minutes, and on-demand replays of full newscasts, accessible via the station's app, website, and connected TV platforms. This multi-platform strategy has earned multiple Northwest Regional Emmy nominations for best newscast and reporting.

Notable On-Air Personnel

KXLY-TV has featured several notable on-air personalities known for their long tenures, awards, and contributions to local in the . Among current anchors, Derek Deis has been with the station since June 2009, initially serving as sports director for 2.5 years before anchoring the morning news for 12 years and now co-anchoring the evening newscasts with Kirstin O'Connor and chief Kris Crocker. Deis, a graduate, earned an Emmy Award for sports reporting in 2009 and has contributed to WSU athletics broadcasts since 2013. Kirstin O'Connor joined KXLY in 2022 as an evening news anchor, bringing a decade of experience from markets including , where she covered major events like the 2016 . A Spokane native, O'Connor developed a weekly medical reporting segment during her time at and anchors alongside Deis and Crocker. Mark Peterson, a veteran news and weather anchor, spent over 25 years at KXLY before retiring from daily broadcasting in February 2025. Originally from , Peterson began his career in radio in 1982 and later led the station's Extreme Team, completing more than 100 projects, including support for veterans and children's hospitals. He remains involved in local charities and public speaking. Among former personnel, anchored at KXLY from 2010 until her retirement in February 2019, following nearly 30 years in the Spokane market starting at KREM-TV in 1990. She was named Best TV Anchorperson by Inlander readers and inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Silver Circle in 2013 for her coverage of regional events like the Ice Storm and Freeman High School shooting. In sports broadcasting, Bud Nameck served as KXLY's sports director for 13 years starting in 1982 and was twice named Washington state sportscaster of the year by the National Sports Media Association. A charter member of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Nameck also broadcast Washington State University football and basketball for 22 years before his induction into the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Dennis Patchin holds the distinction as KXLY's longest-serving sports anchor with 31 years at the station, significantly shaping local sports coverage through anchoring, , and play-by-play work. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Cole Bunzel, a reporter and anchor in the late 1970s, gained lasting recognition for his dedication when he died at age 25 in a car accident on January 12, 1978, while covering Walter Mondale's visit to . Bunzel was posthumously honored on the Newseum's Journalists Memorial Wall in ., as one of 2,156 journalists killed in the line of duty.

Technical Information

Broadcast Facilities

KXLY-TV's studios are located at 500 West Boone Avenue in Spokane, Washington, within a multi-story facility shared with its sister radio stations under the KXLY Broadcast Group. The building houses production and news operations for the , including a integrated with the main studio space, which serves as a backdrop for live newscasts. This setup allows for efficient and shared resources among the broadcast outlets, with upstairs areas dedicated to radio air and production studios. The station's primary transmitter is situated atop Mount Spokane, approximately 50 miles northeast of Spokane in Mount Spokane State Park, making KXLY-TV the only full-power in the market to utilize this elevated site for its over-the-air signal. The transmitter operates on 4 (RF channel 13) with an (ERP) of 34.5 kW, using a horizontal polarization Andrew ATW9V8H antenna mounted at a height of 177 feet above ground level (AGL) and 6,035 feet above mean (AMSL). Coordinates for the site are 47° 55' 18" N, 117° 6' 52" W. Additionally, KXLY-TV employs a low-power digital translator on RF channel 22 at Krell Hill, with 15 kW ERP and an ERI AL12W-22-PLE antenna at 495 feet AGL (4,125 feet AMSL), located at 47° 34' 34" N, 117° 18' 2" W, to extend coverage in southern portions of the market.

Subchannels

KXLY-TV broadcasts on 4 using its physical RF channel 13, and it carries multiple digital subchannels offering a variety of national programming networks alongside its primary ABC affiliation (as of November 2025). The station's subchannel lineup includes:
Virtual ChannelProgrammingNetwork Description
4.1ABCPrimary affiliation with ABC network programming, including news from 4 News Now.
4.2Classic television reruns featuring shows like and I Love Lucy.
4.3Action-oriented classic TV series and heroic programming.
4.4Dramas centered on strong female leads, such as procedural series.
4.5Lifestyle and home programming, including content from .
4.6Home shopping network offering products and live demonstrations.
4.7Home Shopping Network, offering shopping and product demonstrations.
This multicasting setup allows KXLY-TV to provide diverse content to over-the-air viewers in the Spokane market without additional spectrum usage.

Analog-to-Digital Conversion

KXLY-TV discontinued regular programming on its analog signal, broadcast over VHF channel 4, at 12:01 a.m. on February 17, 2009, adhering to the original federally mandated deadline for the transition to digital television broadcasting. This date preceded the nationwide extension to June 12, 2009, which Congress approved just days earlier to allow more preparation time for viewers. The station's transmitter, located on Mount Spokane northeast of Spokane, Washington, ceased analog transmissions to free up spectrum for digital services and other uses. Following the analog shutdown, KXLY-TV's digital signal continued operating on its pre-transition VHF channel 13 under facility ID 61978, as approved by the (FCC). Viewers accessing the station over-the-air received its primary ABC-affiliated programming on 4.1 in high definition, with subchannel 4.2 carrying content (later transitioning to other affiliations). The digital broadcast offered improved picture and sound quality, along with the capacity for multiple subchannels, compared to the single previously available. The transition impacted local households relying on analog televisions and antennas, requiring digital converter boxes or new digital-capable sets to continue receiving KXLY-TV's signal without cable or satellite service. KXLY-TV had been simulcasting digital programming for several years prior to the full conversion, allowing gradual adoption, though an estimated 10% of U.S. households remained unprepared nationwide at the time. The station provided resources through its website and local announcements to assist viewers during the switch.

Translators and Repeaters

KXLY-TV, the ABC affiliate serving Spokane, Washington, utilizes a network of low-power digital translators to extend its broadcast signal into rural and mountainous regions across , northern , and , where the primary signal from its transmitter on Mount Spokane may not reach reliably due to terrain obstacles. These translators rebroadcast KXLY-TV's programming, including ABC network content and from 4 News Now, ensuring access for viewers in underserved communities. As of the latest FCC records, the station supports over 20 such facilities, operated either directly or through affiliates, enhancing coverage in areas like the and the Flathead Valley. The translators vary in power output, typically ranging from 15 watts to several kilowatts, and operate on UHF channels to minimize interference. Key examples include KXMN-LD (channel 9) in Spokane, which serves as a fill-in translator for urban gaps; KMNZ-LD (channel 31) in , providing service to the growing North Idaho suburbs; and K26NM-D (channel 26) in , targeting and surrounding agricultural areas. Further afield, facilities like K30PT-D (channel 30) in , and K11HM-D (channel 11) in , support remote viewers near the Canadian border.
Call SignChannelLocation(s)Notes
KXMN-LD9Spokane, WAFill-in translator; 0.2 kW
KMNZ-LD31Coeur d'Alene, IDServes North Idaho; owned by licensee
K26NM-D26Pullman, WACovers region; occasional outage history
K23NQ-D23Lewiston, IDSupports Lewis-Clark Valley
K30PT-D30Kalispell & Lakeside, MTExtends to Flathead Valley
K11HM-D11Bonners Ferry, IDBorder area coverage
This table highlights representative translators; a full list is maintained in FCC licensing databases. Maintenance challenges, such as signal disruptions from weather or equipment failure, have occasionally affected operations, as seen in a 2020 outage for the Pullman translator, which engineers resolved promptly.

References

  1. https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/tv-profile/kxly-tv
  2. https://www.kxly.com/site/about-us.html
  3. https://www.kxly.com/
  4. https://www.kxly.com/station/
  5. https://www.kxly.com/station/contact-us/
  6. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1953/02/17/kxly-tv-planning-telecast-for-sunday/
  7. https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv43438
  8. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/nov/30/history-for-chron/
  9. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/2000/09/11/live-from-spokane-and-was-it-ever-early-television-was-a-spontaneous-experience-for-everyone/
  10. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1952/07/12/television-closer-in-city-khq-and-kxly-get-go-ahead/
  11. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1953/11/
  12. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1961/08/15/firm-buys-kxly-tv/
  13. https://morganmurphymedia.com/history/
  14. https://broadcasting.fandom.com/wiki/Miscellaneous_unorganized_material/KXLY
  15. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1976/08/
  16. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1976/03/03/cbs-plans-to-terminate-kxly-tv-affiliation/
  17. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1976/03/29/krem-tv-to-join-cbs-chain/
  18. https://spokanetvhistory.wordpress.com/1976/08/06/on-sunday-tv-stations-switching/
  19. https://www.kxly.com/news/some-sets-go-dark-as-stations-switch-to-dtv/article_4f52999e-b471-513c-8cb8-6d2fc4c1e13c.html
  20. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=61978
  21. https://www.kxly.com/news/analog-translators-remain-available-after-dtv-switchover/article_8af8d712-7c77-50cd-9ac0-5a0670b2b5d5.html
  22. https://www.kxly.com/news/kxly-channel-4-3-moves-to-4-1/article_ce0fae0d-2b8a-59fa-a509-c835d7eb3b3f.html
  23. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=atsc3
  24. https://www.kxly.com/station/tv-schedule/
  25. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KXLY
  26. https://www.kxly.com/watch/
  27. https://www.kxly.com/news/dry-and-cloudy-for-now-as-we-track-the-next-storm/article_73fb9065-1704-4205-8993-887e15fce0af.html
  28. https://www.kxly.com/video/watch-good-morning-northwest-at-6-november-12-2025/video_e8dea4f6-5b44-5838-b7c8-21d424a0149a.html
  29. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/1690861024/kxly
  30. https://www.kxly.com/news/local-news/4-news-now-enters-new-decade-with-new-look-24-7-watch-now-livestream/article_671e16ad-ce48-54f3-b1fd-efe94051a33a.html
  31. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/SpokaneNight.html
  32. https://www.kxly.com/video/watch-4-news-now-nightside---november-11-2025/video_a5a68bfc-996e-57b8-9f12-aea22ed3b754.html
  33. https://www.p3da.com/spokane-wa
  34. https://www.kxly.com/news/stream-newscasts-and-other-content-24-7-on-kxly/article_8bad6bd5-3aab-54f6-834c-2e767f728691.html
  35. https://morganmurphymedia.com/our-communities/spokane-washington-television/
  36. https://www.kxly.com/users/profile/derek%20deis/
  37. https://www.kxly.com/users/profile/kirstin%20o%27connor/
  38. https://www.kxly.com/news/after-43-years-mark-peterson-stepping-away-from-daily-news-will-still-lead-extreme-team/article_f3f8f06e-cf75-11ef-8c24-4fa98ad83cf8.html
  39. https://www.kxly.com/news/local-news/nadine-woodward-announces-retirement-from-tv-news-next-month/article_af072bf5-ac5b-5c0a-bc0b-1f17446e8ca6.html
  40. https://www.kxly.com/sports/former-kxly-sports-anchor-others-inducted-into-sports-hall-of-fame/article_c4861532-8a60-11ef-bad7-b30d90ed5150.html
  41. https://www.kxly.com/news/local-news/inland-northwest-sports-hall-of-fame-inducts-8-new-members/article_4d841f4d-02ea-5720-858c-6472a00d4c7d.html
  42. https://www.kxly.com/news/local-news/spokane/newseum-honors-kxly-reporter-who-died-covering-the-news/article_7fe0860d-6f50-529a-9652-f82330603365.html
  43. https://www.fybush.com/site-20131113/
  44. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/feb/15/are-you-ready-tv-shift-arrives/
  45. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-08-281A2.pdf
  46. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/mar/11/tv-grid-reflects-digital-conversion/
  47. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=167859
  48. https://www.kxly.com/news/local-news/translator-serving-viewers-in-the-lewis-clark-valley-has-lost-signal-4-news-now-engineers/article_9853950a-2c84-53d4-af6f-822565220a2c.html
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