KRNV-DT

{{Short description|Television station in Reno, Nevada}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2025}} {{For multi|current information on "News 4" in Reno|KRXI-TV|the unrelated radio station in Reno|KRNV-FM}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = KRNV-DT | city = | logo = | logo_size = | logo_alt = | location = Reno, Nevada | country = United States | branding = | digital = 12 (VHF) | virtual = 4 | subchannels = | translators = ''see {{section link||Translators}}'' | affiliations = {{ubl|'''4.1:''' Roar|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} | owner = Cunningham Broadcasting | licensee = Reno (KRNV-TV) Licensee, Inc. | operator = Sinclair Broadcast Group | founded = | airdate = {{Start date|1962|9|30}} | callsign_meaning = Reno, Nevada | sister_stations = KNSN-TV, KRXI-TV | former_callsigns = {{ubl|KCRL (1962–1969)|KCRL-TV (1969–1982)|KCRL (1982–1990)|KRNV (1990–2009)}} | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 4 (VHF, 1962–2009)|'''Digital:''' 7 (VHF, until 2019)}} | former_affiliations = {{ubl|NBC (1962–2025)|ABC (secondary, 1962–1967)}} | erp = 19 kW | haat = {{convert|891.4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id = 60307 | coordinates = {{coord|39|18|56.2|N|119|53|6|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = }}

'''KRNV-DT''' (channel 4) is a television station in Reno, Nevada, United States, airing programming from the digital multicast network Roar. It is owned by Cunningham Broadcasting, which maintains joint sales and shared services agreements (JSA/SSA) with Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of Fox/NBC affiliate KRXI-TV (channel 11) and sports-focused independent station KNSN-TV (channel 21). The three outlets share studios on Vassar Street in Reno; KRNV-DT's transmitter is located on Slide Mountain.

Channel 4 in Reno began broadcasting in 1962 as KCRL, the city's second TV station. Founded by E. L. Cord and owned after his 1974 death by his estate and charitable foundation, it was an NBC affiliate from the moment it began broadcasting. The station was purchased by Sunbelt Communications Company in 1989 and relaunched the next year as KRNV, including an overhaul of the station's local newscasts. This was successful at moving KRNV from third to second place locally. Sunbelt also embarked on several extensions of the KRNV brand, including rebroadcasters in Northern Nevada and a news/talk radio station in the Reno area.

In 2013, Sinclair acquired KRNV's non-license assets and began operating the station; Cunningham eventually acquired the license. On December 1, 2025, Sinclair moved the NBC affiliation and programming to a subchannel of KRXI-TV.

==History== thumb|right|alt=A one-story complex with a KRNV logo sign|KRNV studios in Reno ===KCRL: Circle L years=== The first application for channel 4 in Reno was made by Western Television Company in January 1953.<ref name="Reno530116">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517062/seek-tv-permit/|date=January 16, 1953|page=9|agency=Associated Press|title=Seek TV Permit|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517062/seek-tv-permit/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted an application made by Nevada Telecasting Corporation in April 1955.<ref name="Reno550420">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517262/new-tv-station-is-authorized/|date=April 20, 1955|page=24|title=New TV Station Is authorized|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517262/new-tv-station-is-authorized/|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after, it emerged that Nevada Telecasting had misrepresented its ownership to the commission and there were additional undisclosed parties in interest.{{r|BC560806}} A Zephyr Cove man, Charles E. Halstead, filed for the channel in 1956;<ref name="Reno560807">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517306/seeks-tv-permit/|date=August 7, 1956|page=12|title=Seeks TV Permit|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517306/seeks-tv-permit/|url-status=live}}</ref> Halstead had been the owner of radio station KDIA in Auburn, California, whose broadcast license had been canceled in 1953.<ref name="BC560806">{{Cite news|page=82|title=Halstead Application Seeks Reno Channel Now Occupied|work=Broadcasting|date=August 6, 1956|id={{pq|1401218146}} }}</ref> In March 1958, an FCC examiner recommended revoking the Nevada Telecasting permit,<ref>{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|title=Examiner Would Revoke Permit Of KAKJ (TV), Canceling Sale|date=March 17, 1958|id={{pq|1285745756}}|pages=64, 66}}</ref> which the commission did in June 1959.<ref>{{cite news|title=KAKJ (TV) revoked|work=Broadcasting|page=82|date=June 8, 1959|id={{pq|963306904}} }}</ref>

E. L. Cord—a businessman, Nevada state senator, and owner of KFAC in Los Angeles—asked the FCC to insert channel 11 at Reno in July 1958, while channel 4 was mired in litigation.<ref name="Reno580728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518669/cord-to-seek-tv-channel/|date=July 28, 1958|page=11|title=Cord to Seek TV Channel|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203420/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518669/cord-to-seek-tv-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the revocation of Nevada Telecasting's permit, Cord applied for channel 4 on June 25, 1959,<ref name="hc">{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/52ef9183-eec3-795e-ff8f-83194b214a4c|title=FCC History Cards for KRNV-DT|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> with Halstead and the Electron Corporation of Dallas also seeking the permit.<ref name="Reno590702">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518792/tv-channel-4-permit-sought/|agency=Associated Press|date=July 2, 1959|page=1|title=TV Channel 4 Permit Sought|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408205427/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518792/tv-channel-4-permit-sought/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reno590709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518617/permit-sought-for-channel-4/|date=July 9, 1959|page=1|title=Permit Sought For Channel 4|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408205429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518617/permit-sought-for-channel-4/|url-status=live}}</ref> Six applicants sought the channel, but all except Cord's Circle L, Inc., had withdrawn by 1961, when an FCC hearing examiner recommended Cord's application;<ref name="Reno610426">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518847/cord-station-application-is-approved/|date=April 26, 1961|page=15|agency=Associated Press|title=Cord Station Application Is Approved|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203424/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122518847/cord-station-application-is-approved/|url-status=live}}</ref> the FCC awarded the construction permit on June 15, 1961.{{r|hc}}

In 1962, Circle L began constructing a studio and offices at Vassar Street and Harvard Way, and approval was received to erect an antenna in rural Washoe County.<ref name="Reno620620">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519119/special-permit-issued-by-board/|date=June 20, 1962|page=23|title=Special Permit Issued by Board|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203421/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519119/special-permit-issued-by-board/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station began broadcasting on September 30, 1962, as KCRL.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1966-TV-Factbook/Television-Factbook-36-1966.pdf|via=World Radio History|page=410-b|date=1966|chapter=KCRL|publisher=Television Digest, Inc.|title=Television Factbook|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131092727/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1966-TV-Factbook/Television-Factbook-36-1966.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to NBC, the station split ABC programming with Reno's first station, KOLO-TV (channel 8), until 1967, when KTVN (channel 2) debuted.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Variety|page=33|title=Legal Maneuver Delaying 3d Reno TVer; Maybe Jan|date=September 28, 1966|id={{ProQuest|1017139417}} }}</ref>

Under a separate corporation, the Cord family started a radio station, KCRL (780 AM), in October 1970.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KCRL(AM)|page=B-124|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1973/1973-BC-YB.pdf#page=300|date=1973|work=Broadcasting Yearbook|via=World Radio History|access-date=April 16, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220191908/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1973/1973-BC-YB.pdf#page=300|url-status=live}}</ref> The station was sold in 1981 and became KROW.<ref name="Reno811224">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122921938/program-change-for-radio-station/|date=December 24, 1981|page=19|first=Susan|last=Voyles|title=Program change for radio station|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 16, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122921938/program-change-for-radio-station/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cord died in 1974, setting off a years-long court dispute for control of his estate.{{r|Reno851014}} A preliminary sale agreement was reached with 20th Century Fox for a $17.5 million acquisition of KCRL in 1980.<ref name="Reno800114">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519623/kcrl-television-station-reportedly-sold/|date=January 14, 1980|page=19|first=Tim|last=Anderson|title=KCRL television station reportedly sold|newspaper=Reno Evening Gazette|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408203422/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519623/kcrl-television-station-reportedly-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, Chris-Craft Industries owned a 19-percent stake in 20th Century Fox. Between them, they already owned the limit of five very high frequency (VHF) stations, creating possible legal issues for any attempt by Fox to purchase stations.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|962744533}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1980/BC%201980%2001%2028.pdf|page=90|date=January 28, 1980|work=Broadcasting|title=Fox is hunting KCRL-TV; Chris-Craft interest will be in question|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=September 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906080014/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1980/BC%201980%2001%2028.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===KRNV: Sunbelt ownership=== Beginning in 1983, Washoe Broadcasting Company—a company partly owned by James Rogers which also owned KVBC in Las Vegas—made a concerted effort to take control of channel 4. On September 1, it filed an application for a new station to broadcast on channel 4 at Reno.<ref>{{Cite news|page=108|work=Broadcasting|title=For the Record|id={{pq|1285759883}}|date=October 10, 1983}}</ref> Washoe Broadcasting urged the FCC to hold hearings pitting it against Circle L for the right to use channel 4. It also sought to force the Cord Foundation to sell its 90-percent stake in Circle L, Inc. It contended that the Cord Foundation's management of the station was so poor and underperforming as to not fulfill its fiduciary duty to the estate.<ref name="Reno851014">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519874/foundation-not-complying-with-state-law/|date=October 14, 1985|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-cord-foundation/122519844/ 2C]|first=Ken|last=Miller|title=Foundation not complying with state law|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519874/foundation-not-complying-with-state-law/|url-status=live}}</ref> The owner of the other 10 percent, estate co-executor Charles Cord, died in 1986 at the age of 70.<ref name="Reno860501">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519904/reno-television-station-owner-dies-after/|date=May 1, 1986|page=2C|title=Reno television station owner dies after lengthy illness|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122519904/reno-television-station-owner-dies/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Cord Foundation put KCRL on the market in February 1989.<ref name="Reno890416">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122920580/reno-author-offers-heartfelt-message/|date=April 16, 1989|page=1C|first=Rollan|last=Melton|title=Reno author offers heartfelt message|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122920580/reno-author-offers-heartfelt-message/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1989, after two months of negotiations, the Cord Foundation signed a deal with Sunbelt to sell the station for $27 million. Sunbelt was attracted to KCRL because it was an NBC affiliate with obvious possible efficiencies and synergy with its Las Vegas station, also an NBC affiliate.<ref name="Reno890712">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122308833/las-vegas-firm-buys-renos-kcrl-channel/|date=July 12, 1989|page=1D|first=Joe|last=DeChick|title=Las Vegas firm buys Reno's KCRL Channel 4|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122308833/las-vegas-firm-buys-renos-kcrl-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> The move promised major changes for KCRL, long Reno's third-rated local TV station. Over the course of the 1980s, Sunbelt had turned KVBC from a distant second place to fighting for the market lead.<ref name="Reno890713">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122918313/channel-4-sale-adds-new-force-in-battle/|date=July 13, 1989|page=1D|first=Joe|last=DeChick|title=Channel 4 sale adds new force in battle for news ratings|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122918313/channel-4-sale-adds-new-force-in-battle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/arbitron-ratings-show-channel-8-news-leader/wgrneqmycohgchcfrovoefbfdmxkklsg_wma-gateway002_1671951190044|first=Tim|last=Dahlberg|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|title=Arbitron ratings show Channel 8 news leader|page=8B|date=March 24, 1980|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004943/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/arbitron-ratings-show-channel-8-news-leader/wgrneqmycohgchcfrovoefbfdmxkklsg_wma-gateway002_1671951190044|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/nielsen-ratings-put-kvbc-news-top/cszazrleihwewruoedwglybpkxyrpbaz_wma-gateway012_1671951817307|page=1D|title=Nielsen ratings put KVBC news on top|date=December 29, 1987|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416005021/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/nielsen-ratings-put-kvbc-news-top/cszazrleihwewruoedwglybpkxyrpbaz_wma-gateway012_1671951817307|url-status=live}}</ref>

Upon taking control in October, Sunbelt replaced the station's management and several on-air staffers.<ref name="Reno890929">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122919009/kcrl-tvs-new-owner-making-staff-changes/|date=September 29, 1989|pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122919073/kcrl-staff-told-of-changes/ 3D]|first=Joe|last=DeChick|title=KCRL-TV's new owner making staff changes|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004954/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122919009/kcrl-tvs-new-owner-making-staff-changes/|url-status=live}}</ref> Among those dismissed was John Firpo, who had been news director and 6:30 p.m. news anchor for 26 years.<ref name="Reno891101">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122919137/kcrl-tvs-new-owners-fire-anchor-firpo/|date=November 1, 1989|page=1B|first=Darcy|last=De Leon|title=KCRL-TV's new owners fire anchor Firpo, 2 others|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004941/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122919137/kcrl-tvs-new-owners-fire-anchor-firpo/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sunbelt also applied for new KRNV call letters for channel 4.<ref name="Reno891130">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122829165/kcrl-tv-to-change-call-letters-in-januar/|date=November 30, 1989|page=1E|first=Lenita|last=Powers|title=KCRL-TV to change call letters in January|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004934/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122829165/kcrl-tv-to-change-call-letters-in/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 22, 1990, the station officially relaunched as KRNV and overhauled its newscasts. Only three news anchors were held over from the pre-Sunbelt operation.<ref name="Reno900121">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122829229/news-is-new-at-channel-4/|date=January 21, 1990|page=TV Week 4|title=News is new at Channel 4|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122829229/news-is-new-at-channel-4/|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1994, KRNV's newscasts had placed second overall in several ratings surveys; the addition of the market's only 5 p.m. newscast proved to be successful, leading the local ratings in its time slot.<ref name="Reno940311">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122829667/kolo-news-joins-krnv-at-5-pm-slot/|date=March 11, 1994|page=1D|first=Wayne R.|last=Melton|title=KOLO News joins KRNV at 5 p.m. slot|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004944/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122829667/kolo-news-joins-krnv-at-5-pm-slot/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1994, Sunbelt purchased Reno radio station KTHX (101.7 FM).<ref name="Reno940329">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103581941/plug-again-may-be-pulled-on-kthx/|date=March 29, 1994|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103581987/kthx/ 6A]|first=Wayne R.|last=Melton|title=Plug again may be pulled on KTHX|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, Nevada|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617015040/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103581941/plug-again-may-be-pulled-on-kthx/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 11, KRNV-FM debuted, mixing local morning and daytime rolling news coverage with audio simulcasts of the television station's 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts.<ref name="Reno940709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103584133/24-hour-all-news-radio-station-hits-the/|date=July 9, 1994|page=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103584157/ 4E]|first=Wayne R.|last=Melton|title=24-hour all-news radio station hits the airwaves Monday: All news, all day|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, Nevada|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612065730/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103584133/24-hour-all-news-radio-station-hits-the/|url-status=live}}</ref> The concept was replicated in Las Vegas, where Sunbelt's KVBC provided news to and leased the time of KRBO beginning in 1995.<ref name="LVRJ951204">{{cite news |title=News radio |page=1C |id={{ProQuest|260014696}} |date=December 4, 1995|first=Ken|last=White |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|199303968}} |page=1|title=FM battling AM in news radio wars |work=Las Vegas Business Press|date=June 19, 1995|first=Thomas|last=Moore}}</ref> That station later changed its call sign to KVBC-FM. Sunbelt exited radio in December 1999, and EXCL Communications began programming the stations with Spanish-language formats.<ref name="Reno991201">{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41479680/first-spanish-fm-radio-station-to-begin/ |date=December 1, 1999 |page=1E |first=Wayne |last=Melton |title=First Spanish FM radio station to begin broadcast |newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal |location=Reno, Nevada |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521193705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41479680/first-spanish-fm-radio-station-to-begin/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-12-31.pdf|title=Transactions|date=December 31, 1999|work=Radio & Records|page=9|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001130338/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-12-31.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another way Sunbelt sought to expand KRNV was building semi-satellite stations in rural Northern Nevada. From studios at Great Basin College in Elko, KENV (channel 10) began broadcasting in March 1997; it broadcast KRNV's programming with morning news inserts for the Elko area.<ref name="Elko970329">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30870228/elko-gets-new-tv-station/|date=March 29, 1997|page=16|first=Adella|last=Harding|title=Elko gets new TV station|newspaper=Elko Daily Free Press|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004935/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30870228/elko-gets-new-tv-station/|url-status=live}}</ref> KENV continued to air NBC programming until December 31, 2017, when NBC refused to renew its affiliation because Elko is assigned to the Salt Lake City TV market, in which the NBC affiliate is KSL-TV.<ref name="edfp-kenvnonbc">{{cite news|last1=Featherston|first1=Suzanne|title=NBC to pull KENV affiliation|url=http://elkodaily.com/news/local/nbc-to-pull-kenv-affiliation/article_db64225d-d9c7-5119-bc93-d55dae621890.html|access-date=December 17, 2017|work=Elko Daily Free Press|date=December 14, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214071636/http://elkodaily.com/news/local/nbc-to-pull-kenv-affiliation/article_db64225d-d9c7-5119-bc93-d55dae621890.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another such station, KWNV (channel 7) in Winnemucca, operated from 1998<ref>{{Cite web|title=KWNV|date=2002|work=Television Factbook|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2002-TV-Factbook/Television-Factbook-2002-IA-NC.pdf|page=A-852|via=World Radio History|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131093208/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2002-TV-Factbook/Television-Factbook-2002-IA-NC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> to 2008, when it was closed down for economic reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101252353&formid=910&fac_num=63846|title=Notification of Suspension of Operations|website=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=June 26, 2008|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004935/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101252353&formid=910&fac_num=63846|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 19, 2006, KRNV began broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition, making it the first station in the market to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/krnv-launches-news-4-in-hd|title=KRNV launches News 4 in HD|publisher=TVTechnology|date=December 28, 2006|access-date=May 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Dickson|first=Glen|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/technology/krnv-beats-kren-hd-punch/44820|title=KRNV Beats KREN to the HD Punch|magazine=Broadcasting & Cable|date=December 20, 2006|access-date=May 19, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012613/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/technology/krnv-beats-kren-hd-punch/44820|url-status=live}}</ref> Sunbelt eventually changed its name to Intermountain West Communications Company.{{r|cancer}}

===Sinclair ownership=== On November 22, 2013, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced the acquisition of KRNV's non-license assets for $26 million. Sinclair already owned KRXI-TV and operated KAME-TV in Reno.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2013 |title=Sinclair Buys KRNV Reno For Triple Play |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/sinclair-buys-krnv-reno-for-triple-play/ |access-date=August 6, 2025 |website=TVNewsCheck |language=en-US}}</ref> The station licensee entered at that time into joint sales and shared services agreements with Sinclair.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/44e543b9-71fe-5b27-c048-24d2c9d8f3bf/ee77b9ca-7fc0-41ee-9969-4b9cd2c99a7b.pdf|title=Amended and Restated Shared Services Agreement|date=January 9, 2018|website=Public Inspection File|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> Cunningham Broadcasting then filed on December 19, 2013, to purchase the license assets of KRNV and KENV for $6.5 million—a transaction the FCC did not approve until September 22, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl?Arn=20131218CHO|title=Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License|date=December 18, 2013|website=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004941/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl?Arn=20131218CHO|url-status=live}}</ref> While the sale remained pending, Rogers announced that his bladder cancer had recurred;<ref name="cancer">{{cite news|date=January 5, 2014|title=TV owner Jim Rogers has second battle with cancer|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/tv-owner-jim-rogers-has-second-battle-cancer|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=January 8, 2014|archive-date=January 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108092801/http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/tv-owner-jim-rogers-has-second-battle-cancer|url-status=dead|first=Norm|last=Clarke}}</ref> he died in June.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nevada leaders remember media titan, education leader Jim Rogers, dead at 75|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/nevada-leaders-remember-media-titan-education-leader-jim-rogers-dead-75|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=June 15, 2014|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028044549/http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/nevada-leaders-remember-media-titan-education-leader-jim-rogers-dead-75|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On December 1, 2025, the NBC affiliation was moved to KRXI-TV's second subchannel, while KRNV's main channel flipped to Roar with reasons cited including the continued rollout of ATSC 3.0 in the Reno area.<ref>{{cite news |title=NBC News 4 is moving its over-the-air channel - here's what viewers need to know |url=https://mynews4.com/news/local/nbc-news-4-is-moving-its-over-the-air-channel-heres-what-viewers-need-to-know |access-date=November 28, 2025 |work=News 4 Reno |publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group |date=November 21, 2025}}</ref> On January 18, 2026, the KRXI-TV antenna experienced a transmission line failure; KRNV-DT is temporarily broadcasting KRXI-Fox and KRXI-NBC from its transmitter. Sinclair estimated it would take two months to put KRXI-TV back into service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f919bdbd0ea019beb7d03812bad&id=25076f919bdbd0ea019beb7d03812bad&goBack=N|title=#287745 Request for Silent Authority of a DTV Station Application|date=January 23, 2026|website=Licensing and Management System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref><ref name="KRXI260123">{{Cite web |last=Margiott |first=Kenzie |date=2026-01-23 |title=News 4-Fox 11 over-the-air signal moved to Slide Mountain amid ongoing transmitter issues |url=https://mynews4.com/news/local/news-4-fox-11-over-the-air-signal-moved-to-slide-mountain-amid-ongoing-transmitter-issues |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=KRXI2 |language=en}}</ref>

===Notable former on-air staff=== * Bonnie Bernstein – sports anchor<ref>{{cite news|work=Asbury Park Press|first=Sandra|last=Otto Cummings|page=G2|title=Bonnie Bernstein: she got game|date=October 16, 1999|id={{ProQuest|437265104}} }}</ref> * Contessa Brewer – general assignment reporter<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3131291|title=Contessa Brewer|website=NBC News|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416004935/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3131291|url-status=live}}</ref> * Troy Hayden – reporter and anchor, 1991–1994<ref name="Sacr910709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90703614/father-son-make-moves-keep-in-step/|date=July 9, 1991|page=F5|first=Dan|last=Vierria|title=Father, son make moves, keep in step|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217070338/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90703614/father-son-make-moves-keep-in-step/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title='Daybreak' adds Nevada anchor to a.m. lineup|page=E7|date=May 4, 1994|work=Phoenix Gazette|first=Barbara|last=Holsopple|id={{ProQuest|245955533}} }}</ref>

==Technical information== ===Subchannels=== KRNV-DT's transmitter is located on Slide Mountain.{{r|FCC-LMS-60307}} The station's signal is multiplexed:

{| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KRNV-DT with KRXI-TV off air<ref name="KRNV">{{cite web |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KRNV#station |title=RabbitEars TV Query for KRNV |website=RabbitEars |access-date=February 15, 2014 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222000518/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KRNV#station |url-status=live }}</ref>{{r|KRXI260123}} ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 4.1 | rowspan=3| 480i || ROAR || Roar |- ! scope = "row" | 4.3 | Antenna || Antenna TV |- ! scope = "row" | 4.4 | Rewind || Rewind TV |- style="background-color:#ffff90" ! scope = "row" | 11.1 | 720p || FOX || KRXI–Fox |- style="background-color:#ffff90" ! scope = "row" | 11.2 | 1080i || NBC || KRXI–NBC |}

In normal service, {{as of|January 2026|lc=y}}, the station carried the following channels: {| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KRNV-DT<ref name="KRNV"/> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 4.1 | rowspan=4| 480i || ROAR || Roar |- ! scope = "row" | 4.2 | Comet || Comet |- ! scope = "row" | 4.3 | Antenna || Antenna TV |- ! scope = "row" | 4.4 | Rewind || Rewind TV |- style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;" ! scope = "row" | 21.1 | 720p || KNSN-TV || Sports programming / MyNetworkTV (KNSN-TV) |} {{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}

===Analog-to-digital conversion=== KRNV shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 4, 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 remained on its pre-transition VHF channel 7, using virtual channel 4.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref>

KRNV-DT relocated its signal from channel 7 to channel 12 on July 3, 2020, as a result of the 2016 United States wireless spectrum auction.<ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web|url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table|format=CSV|website=Federal Communications Commission|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Translators=== KRNV-DT's signal is additionally rebroadcast over the following translators:<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 23, 2021|title=List of TV Translator Input Channels|url=https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195336/https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|archive-date=December 9, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> {{div col}} * Beowawe: K24JL-D * Beowawe: K28LH-D * Ely: K36LU-D * Eureka: K23LF-D * Eureka: K25PP-D * Fallon: K34QL-D * Hawthorne: K20FR-D * Lovelock: K30DS-D * Lund, Preston: K16LG-D * Manhattan: K10LQ-D * Mina, Luning: K30DS-D * Ruth: K21OJ-D * Schurz: K28PP-D * Silver Springs: K33IB-D * Susanville, etc., CA: K31IE-D * Valmy: K29EV-D * Verdi, Mogul: K27OD-D * Walker Lake: K28GX-D * Winnemucca: K21FO-D, K32NR-D {{div col end}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

{{Reno TV}} {{Nevada TV}} {{California English TV}}  {{SBGI}}

Category:1962 establishments in Nevada Category:Antenna TV affiliates Category:Comet (TV network) affiliates Category:Rewind TV affiliates Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group Category:Television channels and stations established in 1962 RNV-DT