KTLA

KTLA. It is a television station licensed to Los Angeles, California, and serves the Greater Los Angeles area on VHF channel 5. Owned by the Nexstar Media Group, it is one of the oldest continuously operating television stations in the United States, having first signed on in 1947. The station's programming includes a mix of local news, syndicated shows, and prime-time entertainment, maintaining a significant presence in the Southern California media landscape.

History

The station was founded by Paramount Pictures executive Klaus Landsberg and began experimental broadcasts from the Paramount lot in Hollywood. It officially signed on the air on January 22, 1947, as the first commercially licensed station west of the Mississippi River. Initially affiliated with the DuMont Television Network, it became an independent station after DuMont's decline, pioneering early color television broadcasts and local programming. The station was purchased by Golden West Broadcasters in 1964, owned by Gene Autry, and later became a founding charter of the The WB in 1995. Following the merger of The WB and UPN into The CW, it became a primary affiliate of that network in 2006, a relationship managed under successive owners Tribune Broadcasting and later Nexstar Media Group.

Programming

As a CW affiliate, the station carries the network's lineup of scripted series and reality television. Its schedule is heavily supplemented by syndicated programming, including popular talk shows, court shows, and game shows. A cornerstone of its broadcast day is its extensive local news operation, producing over 60 hours of news each week, including the long-running KTLA Morning News. The station also produces special event coverage for major local occurrences like the Tournament of Roses Parade and has a history of broadcasting Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers games. Notable former syndicated programming includes the People's Court and the Andy Griffith Show.

Operations

The station's studios and newsroom are located at the Sunset Bronson Studios facility on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Its transmitter is situated atop Mount Wilson, sharing the site with other major Los Angeles broadcasters like KABC-TV, KCBS-TV, and KNBC. The news department operates multiple satellite trucks and electronic news gathering vehicles for live coverage across its vast viewing area. As part of Nexstar Media Group, it shares resources with other stations in the region and contributes to the group's Washington, D.C. bureau for national political coverage.

Notable personalities

Throughout its history, the station has been home to many iconic Los Angeles broadcasters. Legendary weatherman George Putnam was a defining presence for decades. Stan Chambers, a revered reporter, spent an astonishing 63 years at the station, covering events from the 1949 station fire to the O.J. Simpson trial. Other notable figures include entertainment reporter Sam Rubin, anchor Hal Fishman, and sportscaster Stu Nahan. Current on-air talent includes anchors Frank Buckley and Liberte Chan, and meteorologist Mark Kriski.

Technical information

The station broadcasts a high-definition signal on its virtual channel 5.1 from its Mount Wilson transmitter facility. It is carried on most cable and satellite providers throughout Southern California, including Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network. The station also streams its newscasts and some programming live on its website and mobile apps. In 2009, it completed its transition to digital television broadcasting following the nationwide mandate by the Federal Communications Commission.

Category:Television stations in Los Angeles Category:The CW affiliates Category:Nexstar Media Group