KTVB — Mediated Wiki

{{Short description|Television station in Boise, Idaho}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2026}} {{Infobox television station dual | name1 = KTVB | city1 = Boise, Idaho | country = United States | logo = KTVB NBC 7 Boise, Idaho Logo.svg | logo_alt = In blue, wide letters KTVB, italicized, with a blue bar below containing the words "Idaho's News Channel" in white. Next to that is a white 7 in a red circle. | logo_size = 220px | branding = ''NewsChannel 7'' | digital1 = 23 (UHF) | virtual1 = 7 | translators = ''see {{Section link||Translators}}'' | affiliations = {{ubl|'''7.1:''' NBC|''for others, see {{section link||Technical information and subchannels}}''}} | airdate1 = {{start date|1953|7|12}} | callsign_meaning1 = Television Boise | former_callsigns1 = KIDO-TV (1953–1959) | former_channel_numbers1 = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 7 (VHF, 1953–2009)|'''Digital:''' 26 (UHF, 2002–2009), 7 (VHF, 2009–2025)}} | owner = Tegna Inc., a subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group | licensee = King Broadcasting Company | former_affiliations1 = {{ubl|'''All secondary:'''|DuMont (1953–1955)|ABC (1953–1974)|PBS (per program, 1970–1971)}} | erp1 = 1,000 kW | haat1 = {{convert|805.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id1 = 34858 | coordinates1 = {{coord|43|45|15.6|N|116|5|59.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = {{url|https://www.ktvb.com/}} | name2 = KTFT-LD | city2 = Twin Falls, Idaho | digital2 = 20 (UHF) | virtual2 = 7 | airdate2 = {{start date|1986|7|1}} | callsign_meaning2 = Twin Falls Television | former_callsigns2 = {{ubl|K38AS (1986–1994)|KTFT-LP (1994–2010)}} | former_channel_numbers2 = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 38 (UHF, 1986–2010)|'''Virtual:''' 7.7 (2010–2022)}} | erp2 = 15 kW | haat2 = {{convert|226.6|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id2 = 167056 | coordinates2 = {{coord|42|43|47.7|N|114|25|9.1|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} }} '''KTVB''' (channel 7) is a television station in Boise, Idaho, United States, affiliated with NBC and owned by the Tegna subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group. The station's studios are located on West Fairview Avenue (off I-184) in Boise, and its transmitter is located on Deer Point in unincorporated Boise County. It is rebroadcast by '''KTFT-LD''' (channel 7) in Twin Falls, a low-power semi-satellite that inserts local advertising for the Magic Valley area into KTVB's schedule. KTFT-LD maintains a local sales office on Nielsen Point Place in Twin Falls, while its transmitter is located on Flat Top Butte near Jerome, Idaho. The two stations are branded as the "KTVB Media Group".

Channel 7 is the oldest continuously operating station in Idaho. It debuted on July 12, 1953, as KIDO-TV, the state's second television station to begin operations and the first to be fully licensed. Though KFXD-TV (channel 6) in Nampa beat KIDO-TV to the air by a month, KIDO-TV was by far the more organized operation with network and local programming, neither of which KFXD-TV featured in its brief two-month tenure on air. It was owned by Georgia Davidson alongside Boise radio station KIDO and a primary affiliate of NBC, though it also held affiliations with other networks in its early history. Davidson sold off the radio station in 1958, and channel 7 changed its call sign to KTVB the next year. Davidson was for years the only woman at NBC affiliate meetings. By the 1970s, KTVB had emerged as the news ratings leader in Boise, a position it has not yielded since.

Davidson sold KTVB to King Broadcasting in 1979. The station continued to lead local news ratings in the market with long-tenured personalities. In 1986, KTVB established K38AS (now KTFT-LD), the first low-power NBC affiliate. KTVB has changed ownership in larger transactions four times since 1990: to the Providence Journal Company, Belo Corporation, Gannett (whose broadcast division split off as Tegna in 2015), and Nexstar.

==History== ===Construction and early years=== Boise radio station KIDO, owned by Georgia Davidson, filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in March 1952 seeking to build a television station on the city's allotted channel 7. The application arrived in anticipation of the end of the FCC's multi-year freeze on TV station applications.<ref name="Idah520326">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-kido-files-televisio/146142342/|date=March 26, 1952|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-tv-application-filed/146142365/ 12]|title=KIDO Files Television Application: Boise Station Seeks to Build On Channel 7|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034708/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-kido-files-televisio/146142342/|url-status=live}}</ref> The construction permit was granted on December 23,<ref name="Idah521224">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-fcc-approves-televis/146142469/|date=December 24, 1952|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boise-television-sta/146142484/ 7]|title=FCC Approves Television Station for Boise: Building Permit Granted to KIDO For TV Facilities|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034707/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-fcc-approves-televis/146142469/|url-status=live}}</ref> KIDO already had some equipment on hand; the month before, it conducted a closed-circuit demonstration of television at its AM transmitter site.<ref name="Idah521123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boiseans-make-initia/146142461/|date=November 23, 1952|page=12|title=Boiseans Make Initial Test Of Television: KIDO's Engineers Produce First Local Screening|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034706/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boiseans-make-initia/146142461/|url-status=live}}</ref> On an elevation behind the city, construction began in February on the transmitter site.<ref name="Idah530205">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ground-broken-for-bo/146142504/|date=February 5, 1953|page=11|title=Ground Broken For Boise Video Studios: KIDO-TV Plans to Go On Air About June 1, Wagstaff Announces|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034711/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ground-broken-for-bo/146142504/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station picked up affiliations with the CBS, NBC, and DuMont networks;<ref name="Idah530404">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-kido-to-offer-progra/146142529/|date=April 4, 1953|page=14|title=KIDO to Offer Programs of 3 TV Networks|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034710/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-kido-to-offer-progra/146142529/|url-status=live}}</ref> KIDO radio had maintained NBC affiliation since 1937.<ref name="Idah371001">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boises-radio-statio/146200317/|date=October 1, 1937|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boises-radio-statio/146200364/ 12]|title=Boise's Radio Station Joins National Broadcast Today|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034705/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boises-radio-statio/146200317/|url-status=live}}</ref>

From studios on 700 Crestline Drive, KIDO-TV began broadcasting on July 12, 1953; Philo Farnsworth, a television pioneer, was one of the guests of honor at the dedication.<ref name="Idah530713">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-television-comes-to/146142421/|date=July 13, 1953|page=11|first=Ernie|last=Hood|title=Television Comes to Boise as KIDO-TV Launches Regular Programming: Dedicatory Ceremony Is Conducted|newspaper=The Idaho Daily Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034740/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-television-comes-to/146142421/|url-status=live}}</ref> A month earlier, on June 18, KFXD-TV (channel 6) in Nampa put out Idaho's first television test pattern,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-19-1953-2296174/|work=Idaho Free Press|page=1|date=June 19, 1953|title=Idaho's First TV Signals Reach as Far as Weiser|accessdate=March 8, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034704/https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-19-1953-2296174/|url-status=live}}</ref> initiating regular programming under special temporary authority 11 days later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-07-06.pdf|access-date=March 8, 2021|work=Broadcasting|date=July 6, 1953|page=62|title=Seven New TV Stations Begin, Bring Commercial Total to 194|id={{ProQuest|1401205920}}}}</ref><ref name="hurt"/> While KIDO-TV was the second television station to sign on in Idaho, it was the first to be fully licensed. It was also effectively the first serious station to begin operations in the state.{{efn|KTVB has called itself "Idaho's first television station" since at least 1978<ref name="Idah780102">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-25-years-ago-we-were/175020980/|date=January 2, 1978|page=5A|type=Advertisement|title=25 years ago we were Idaho's first television station.|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 22, 2025}}</ref> and calls itself such on its website.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |website=KTVB |url=https://www.ktvb.com/about-us |access-date=June 22, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>}} While KIDO-TV had studios and network affiliations, KFXD-TV had neither. Channel 6 subsisted on a schedule of old movies and operated with the bare minimum of personnel, lasting less than two months before leaving the air.<ref name="hurt">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-08-24.pdf#page=71|work=Broadcasting|date=August 24, 1953|accessdate=March 8, 2021|pages=71–72|id={{ProQuest|1401207158}}|title=KFXD-TV Suspends 2-Man Operation|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108154601/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-08-24.pdf#page=71|url-status=live}}</ref> The lone missing national network, ABC, affiliated with KIDO-TV in December.<ref>{{Cite news|page=11|date=December 21, 1953|work=Broadcasting|title=ABC-TV Adds Five|id={{ProQuest|1401214214}} }}</ref> This replaced CBS, which had moved to new station KBOI-TV (channel 2) the previous month.<ref name="Idah780709">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-25-years/146142791/|date=July 9, 1978|pages=TV Weekly 6, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-25th-anniversar/146142807/ 7]|first=Ken|last=Burrows|title=Channel 7: 25 years on the air|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064054/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-25-years/146142791/|url-status=live}}</ref>

National live programming became a reality beginning with the 1955 World Series after a microwave transmission link between Boise and Salt Lake City was set up by KIDO-TV and KBOI-TV.{{r|Idah780709}} KIDO-TV's tower was relocated to Deer Point in 1956, which together with an increased effective radiated power extended the station's coverage to a further 80,000 people.<ref name="Time560927">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-tv-station-will-increase/146142763/|date=September 27, 1956|page=11|title=TV Station Will Increase Range|agency=United Press|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034722/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-tv-station-will-increase/146142763/|url-status=live}}</ref> Davidson agreed to sell KIDO radio to the Mesabi Western Corp. in November 1958; the radio station retained its call sign,<ref name="Idah581123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-radio-station-kido-s/146142751/|date=November 23, 1958|page=4:4|title=Radio Station KIDO Sold To Mesabi Western Corp.|newspaper=The Idaho Sunday Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 28, 2024|archive-date=April 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428034712/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-radio-station-kido-s/146142751/|url-status=live}}</ref> and channel 7 became KTVB on February 1, 1959.<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=85510|title=History Cards for KTVB|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> The sale alleviated cash issues for the television station, which struggled financially in its early years and particularly after Boise became a two-station market;<ref name="Idah900701">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-bringing-tv-to-boise/146142966/|date=July 1, 1990|page=Centennial Edition 102|title=Bringing TV to Boise|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501052702/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-bringing-tv-to-boise/146142966/|url-status=live}}</ref> in a 1978 interview, Davidson noted that she "lived with the spectre of bankruptcy, a very embarrassing bankruptcy, day or night".<ref name="Idah780724">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boises-first-lady-o/146143186/|date=July 24, 1978|page=11A|first=Ken|last=Burrows|title=Boise's first lady of TV talks of her 25 years at KTVB|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-boises-first-lady-o/146143186/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===KTVB in La Grande, Oregon: KTVR=== KTVB received a construction permit on December 18, 1963, to expand its reach with the construction of a satellite station on channel 13 in La Grande, Oregon, northwest of Boise.<ref name="Idah631213">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-fcc-approves-permit/146143054/|date=December 13, 1963|page=19|agency=UPI|title=FCC Approves Permit on TV For La Grande|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-fcc-approves-permit/146143054/|url-status=live}}</ref> KTVR began broadcasting on December 6, 1964.<ref name="Idah650212">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-tv-broadcasters-to-b/135699710/|date=February 12, 1965|page=25|title=TV Broadcasters to Build La Grande Relay Station|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064029/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-tv-broadcasters-to-b/135699710/|url-status=live}}</ref> It initially offered local news and information for Eastern Oregon from studios in La Grande.<ref>{{Cite news|page=TV 3|work=The Sunday Oregonian|title=New Television Station Sets Up Shop In La Grande|date=December 6, 1964|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-television-station-sets-shop-la-grande/sqtjocqgmolfzcyforukdnrycktsxerf_ip-10-166-46-135_1714458072372|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064023/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-television-station-sets-shop-la-grande/sqtjocqgmolfzcyforukdnrycktsxerf_ip-10-166-46-135_1714458072372|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1967, KTVB closed the local operation in La Grande and converted KTVR into a full-time rebroadcaster of the Boise station.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eoulibrary.historyarchives.online/viewer?k=ktvr&i=f&d=01011960-12311979&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_observer_usa_oregon_la_grande_19670612_english_1&df=1&dt=10&cid=3355|page=1|work=La Grande Observer|title=Local television programs to end|date=June 12, 1967}}</ref>

In 1974, KTVB received an offer from the Oregon Educational and Public Broadcasting Service (OEPBS) to acquire KTVR for integration into its statewide public television network and serve large areas of Eastern Oregon.<ref name="Idah741103">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-affiliate-of-ktvb-so/135699726/|date=November 3, 1974|page=14-C|agency=UPI|title=Affiliate of KTVB Sought by Oregon|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064042/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-affiliate-of-ktvb-so/135699726/|url-status=live}}</ref> Citing a lack of local viewership and the availability of NBC stations from Spokane and Portland,<ref>{{Cite news|title=KTVR-TV signs off on Friday|url=https://eoulibrary.historyarchives.online/viewer?k=ktvr&i=f&d=01011960-12311979&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_observer_usa_oregon_la_grande_19750306_english_1&df=1&dt=10&cid=3355|work=The Observer|location=La Grande, Oregon|page=1|date=March 6, 1975}}</ref> KTVB took KTVR out of service on March 7, 1975, while the deal was pending;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/aware-drive-boosts-oepbs-ranks/fmiceitnbnwbxmjzjgqfvaagqsfekivs_ip-10-166-46-112_1714458349021|page=A13|work=Oregon Journal|title='Aware' Drive Boosts OEPBS Ranks|first=Arnold|last=Marks|date=March 12, 1975|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064023/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/aware-drive-boosts-oepbs-ranks/fmiceitnbnwbxmjzjgqfvaagqsfekivs_ip-10-166-46-112_1714458349021|url-status=live}}</ref> it did not return to the air under OEPBS ownership until February 1977.<ref name="Stat770221">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/statesman-journal-problems-solved-ktvr/135693824/|date=February 21, 1977|page=1D|title=Problems solved, KTVR on the air|newspaper=The Oregon Statesman|location=Salem, Oregon|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/statesman-journal-problems-solved-ktvr/135693824/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the second time KTVB had provided facilities to public television; in Boise, KTVB aired ''Sesame Street'' when the show debuted in 1969, as Idaho did not have a public station at the time,<ref name="Idah970408">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-founder-of-boise-rad/146143003/|date=April 8, 1997|page=2B|agency=Associated Press|title=Founder of Boise radio, TV stations dies at age 89|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501052654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-founder-of-boise-rad/146143003/|url-status=live}}</ref> and it provided its transmitter site and engineering resources to launch KAID-TV (channel 4) in 1971.<ref name="Time710722">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-station-agreement-approve/146143143/|date=July 22, 1971|page=13|title=Station agreement approved|newspaper=The Times-News|agency=UPI|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref>

===Growth and new studios=== Ground was broken for new studios at 5400 Fairview Avenue in 1970,<ref name="Idah700418">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-rites-start-new-stud/146143101/|date=April 18, 1970|page=15|title=Rites Start New Studio For KTVB|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064059/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-rites-start-new-stud/146143101/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the facility formally opened the next year. The {{convert|20000|ft2|m2}} facility boasted the largest TV studio in Idaho.<ref>{{Cite news |title=KTVB Official at Grand Opening Calls New Studio "Most Modern" |page=A16|work=The Idaho Statesman|date=May 22, 1971 |url=http://www.history.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/reference-series/0673.pdf#page=19 |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515021321/http://www.history.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/reference-series/0673.pdf |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1974, KTVB lost ABC programming to a new station—KITC-TV, soon renamed KIVI-TV, on channel 6.{{r|Idah780709}}

Davidson—long the only female owner among 125 men at annual NBC affiliate meetings{{r|Idah780724}}—announced the sale of KTVB to King Broadcasting of Seattle in 1979.<ref name="Idah791006">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-sold-to-company/146143157/|date=October 6, 1979|page=B1|title=KTVB sold to company in Seattle|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064038/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-sold-to-company/146143157/|url-status=live}}</ref> While the sale left Boise without any locally owned television stations, Davidson believed she had to sell KTVB in order to keep the station on the air. She feared saddling her family with a large estate tax burden upon her death, diminishing KTVB's profits and ability to invest.<ref name="Time791006">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-boise-tv-station-sold/146143169/|date=October 6, 1979|page=A-9|agency=UPI|title=Boise TV station sold|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-boise-tv-station-sold/146143169/|url-status=live}}</ref> King Broadcasting took over in April 1980. While the new owners retained senior management,<ref name="Idah800418">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-seattle-company-take/146143311/|date=April 18, 1980|page=3B|title=Seattle company takes over KTVB|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-seattle-company-take/146143311/|url-status=live}}</ref> they dropped paid religious programming on Sunday mornings to conform with longstanding company policy.<ref name="Idah800809">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-churches-will-still/146143329/|date=August 9, 1980|page=6B|title=Churches will still get air time: Channel 7 drops Sunday preachers|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref>

===Providence Journal, Belo, Gannett/Tegna, and Nexstar ownership=== King Broadcasting Company put itself up for sale in 1990, citing the age of its majority owners, Patsy Bullitt Collins and Harriet Stimson Bullitt, the daughters of the late company matriarch, Dorothy Bullitt.<ref name="Idah900822">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-sister-station/146143570/|date=August 22, 1990|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7/146143578/ 12A]|first=Jim|last=Bowers|title=KTVB, sister stations go up for sale|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501082140/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-sister-station/146143570/|url-status=live}}</ref> It accepted an offer from the Providence Journal Company in 1991;<ref name="Idah910302">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-owner-of-channel-7-t/146142955/|date=March 2, 1991|page=6B|first=Paul|last=Beebe|title=Owner of Channel 7 to sell TV, cable interests|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501082150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-owner-of-channel-7-t/146142955/|url-status=live}}</ref> the transaction closed in 1992.<ref name="Idah920225">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-other-sta/146143600/|date=February 25, 1992|page=6B|first=Ursula|last=Thomas|title=Channel 7, other stations sold by King|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501082146/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-other-sta/146143600/|url-status=live}}</ref> Under Providence Journal, KTVB became a contributor to the new Northwest Cable News (NWCN) regional cable channel when it launched in 1995, with one reporter dedicated to NWCN based in Boise.<ref name="Idah951211">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-northwest-news-stati/146419404/|date=December 11, 1995|pages=5B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-news/146419444/ 8B]|first=Doug|last=Esser|agency=Associated Press|title=Northwest news station coming: CNN-type channel will cover Oregon, Washington, Idaho|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|NWCN was later offered over-the-air as a subchannel of KTVB.<ref name="KTVB130827">{{cite news|title=Idaho's Very Own 24/7, NWCN make cable channel change|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041951/http://legacy.ktvb.com/story/news/local/2014/07/02/11979447/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url=http://www.ktvb.com/story/news/local/2014/07/02/11979447/|access-date=January 26, 2016|work=ktvb.com |publisher= Tegna |date=August 27, 2013}}</ref> It shut down on January 6, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/Tegna-pulls-the-plug-on-Northwest-Cable-News-10421074.php|title=Tegna pulls the plug on Northwest Cable News|last=Connelly|first=Joel|date=October 28, 2016|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=February 4, 2017|archive-date=February 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212214333/https://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/Tegna-pulls-the-plug-on-Northwest-Cable-News-10421074.php|url-status=live}}</ref>}} The Belo Corporation purchased Providence Journal in 1996.<ref name="Idah960927">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-gets-new-owner/146143652/|date=September 27, 1996|pages=5B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-tv/146143670/ 8B]|first=John|last=Tucker|title=KTVB gets new owner: Dallas firm will buy Boise's Channel 7|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501082151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-ktvb-gets-new-owner/146143652/|url-status=live}}</ref> thumb|right|upright=0.7|Logo for Idaho's Very Own 24/7 At the end of October 2003, KTVB launched 24/7 NewsChannel on its second digital subchannel and local cable, one of the first digital secondary subchannels in the nation. The subchannel's programming initially consisted of time-shifted newscasts and feature programs, though plans called for original news programs and other local programming.<ref>{{cite news|title=KTVB in Boise repurposes analog news content for 24/7 NewsChannel on DTV|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/ktvb-in-boise-repurposes-analog-news-content-for-/-newschannel-on-dtv/248193|access-date=January 26, 2016|work=TV Technology|date=November 21, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206092835/http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/ktvb-in-boise-repurposes-analog-news-content-for-/-newschannel-on-dtv/248193|archive-date=February 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Idah031028">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-new-channel-offers-2/146418676/|date=October 28, 2003|page=Business 1|title=New channel offers 24 hours of news|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> By 2011, the station had rebranded its 24/7 NewsChannel as "Idaho's Very Own 24/7", and it aired a dedicated 6:30 p.m. newscast and 7 a.m. morning news extension.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Day|first1=Don|title=More news, more crews as Boise area TV market continues to evolve|url=http://www.idahopressclub.org/more-news-more-crews-as-boise-area-tv-market-continues-to-evolve/|access-date=January 26, 2016|work=Communicator|issue=Fall 2011|publisher=Idaho Press Club|date=Fall 2011|archive-date=February 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201201948/http://www.idahopressclub.org/more-news-more-crews-as-boise-area-tv-market-continues-to-evolve/|url-status=live}}</ref> The subchannel more recently has served as an outlet for local sports coverage, including for the 2023-24 season a package of Boise State Broncos men's basketball games<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2023 |title=10 Boise State men's basketball home games to air on Idaho's Very Own 24/7, KTVB's digital platforms |url=https://www.ktvb.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/boise-state-basketball/ktvb-boise-state-athletics-agreement-broadcast-10-mens-basketball-home-games-2023-2024-season/277-14d4386d-d5eb-412f-9006-f6d97932d62e |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=KTVB |language=en-US}}</ref> and Idaho Steelheads minor league hockey.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2023 |title=Game on! Watch every Idaho Steelheads home game on Idaho's Very Own 24/7 this season |url=https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-steelheads-ktvb-home-games-on-tv/277-f6bedd52-a772-47b5-b8b8-b51368591602 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=KTVB |language=en-US |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215071047/https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-steelheads-ktvb-home-games-on-tv/277-f6bedd52-a772-47b5-b8b8-b51368591602 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 13, 2013, the Gannett Company announced that it would acquire Belo.<ref name=is-saletogannett>{{cite news|title=Belo, owner of Boise's KTVB-TV, sold to Gannett|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/06/13/2615325/belo-owner-of-boises-ktvb-tv-sold.html|access-date=June 13, 2013|newspaper=Idaho Statesman|date=June 13, 2013}}</ref> The sale was completed on December 23.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72893/gannett-completes-its-acquisition-of-belo|title=Gannett Completes Its Acquisition of Belo|work=TVNewsCheck|access-date=December 23, 2013|date=December 23, 2013|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726162142/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72893/gannett-completes-its-acquisition-of-belo|url-status=live}}</ref> Gannett's TV stations and newspapers split into separate companies in 2015, the former being named Tegna.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yu |first=Roger |title=TEGNA, Gannett go separate ways as print spin off is completed |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2015/06/29/tegna-gannett-split-completed/29455687/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |date=June 29, 2015 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

Nexstar Media Group acquired Tegna in a deal announced in August 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=August 19, 2025 |title=Nexstar Buying Tegna For $6.2 Billion |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-tegna-for-6-2-billion/ |access-date=August 19, 2025 |website=TVNewsCheck |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819205146/https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-tegna-for-6-2-billion/ |archive-date= August 19, 2025}}</ref> and completed in March 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=March 19, 2026 |title=Nexstar Closes Tegna Merger Following FCC And DOJ Approval |url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/fcc-approves-nexstar-tegna-merger-1236760998/ |access-date=March 20, 2026 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

==KTVB in Twin Falls: KTFT-LD== Plans to extend channel 7 to Twin Falls had existed almost as long as the station. In 1955, then-KIDO-TV partnered with Twin Falls radio station KTFI to obtain a construction permit for channel 13 in that city, awarded as KHTV. The station grant was reinstated despite protests by KLIX-TV (channel 11, now KMVT) that it would put the local outlet out of business; it was sold and dropped the proposal.<ref>{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|page=68|title=KLIX-TV Protests Grant To Satellite Competitor|date=December 19, 1955|id={{ProQuest|1014913380}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|title=Twin Falls Ch. 13 Grant Reinstated by Commission|page=54|date=January 30, 1956|id={{ProQuest|1285723515}} }}</ref> In 1974, KTVB considered building a translator in Twin Falls.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1974-11-18 |title=Boise station studies Magic Valley TV outlet |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-boise-station-studies-mag/195590706/ |access-date=2026-04-17 |work=The Times-News |page=1|first=Cricket|last=Bird|via=Newspapers.com|location=Twin Falls, Idaho}}</ref>

Renewed interest in bringing KTVB over-the-air to Twin Falls began in 1981, when King Broadcasting filed for a construction permit for a low-power TV station.<ref name="Time810927">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-king-broadcasting-co-app/146143352/|date=September 27, 1981|page=C1|title=King Broadcasting Co. applies for license to establish low-power TV station here|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064037/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-king-broadcasting-co-app/146143352/|url-status=live}}</ref> This was later abandoned in favor of a channel 38 permit acquired from American Community Broadcasting, Inc., which already had another channel. The station debuted on July 1, 1986,<ref name="Time860717">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-k49az-arrives-on-airwaves/146143422/|date=July 17, 1986|page=B2|title=K49AZ arrives on airwaves in Twin Falls|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064056/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-k49az-arrives-on-airwaves/146143422/|url-status=live}}</ref> as K38AS, the first low-power station to be an NBC affiliate; KMVT ceased offering NBC programs leading up to its launch. K38AS simulcast all of KTVB's programming but inserted Twin Falls–area commercials, sold from an advertising office in town.<ref name="Time860615">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-low-power-stations-plan-t/146143389/|date=June 15, 1986|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-low/146143404/ D2]|first=Bob|last=Freund|title=Low-power stations plan their UHF debuts|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064049/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-low-power-stations-plan-t/146143389/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Time860720">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-office-opened/146143432/|date=July 20, 1986|page=D2|title=Office opened|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064025/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-office-opened/146143432/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1994, the station took a four-letter call sign of KTFT-LP (for "Twin Falls Television").<ref name="Time950109">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-times-news-only-the-name-has-been-ch/49430905/|date=January 9, 1995|page=A-3|type=Advertisement|title=Only The Name Has Been Changed. The Rest Of The Story Remains The Same.|newspaper=The Times-News|location=Twin Falls, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref>

==News operation== News coverage from channel 7 started with its first day on air. Vern Moore, a KIDO announcer, was the first voice heard on the new KIDO-TV and the first TV news anchor in Idaho.<ref name="Idah110313">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-vern-moore-1916201/146400656/|date=March 13, 2011|pages=L1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-vern-moore/146400678/ L6]|title=Vern Moore, 1916–2011 — our Walter Cronkite|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> However, the station was initially not very competitive against KBOI-TV. When Robert Krueger—Georgia Davidson's son-in-law, who would serve in management for 40 years—started at then-KIDO-TV in 1956, he'd joke that "we ranked fifth in a two-station town".<ref name="Idah960823">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-krueger-took-ktvb-fr/118689493/|date=August 23, 1996|page=14A|first=Bill|last=Roberts|title=Krueger took KTVB from bottom to top|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref>

Under Krueger, the station cemented itself as the news ratings leader in Boise, with such public affairs programming as ''Viewpoint''.{{r|Idah960823}} As early as 1978, it was the "undisputed ratings king" in the market, well ahead of KBCI and KIVI.<ref name="Idah780406">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-kbci-kivi-gain-view/146401179/|date=April 6, 1978|page=1B|first=Ken|last=Burrows|title=KBCI, KIVI gain viewers, but KTVB remains king|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> KTVB was the first Boise station to present an hour of local early evening news when it debuted the 5 p.m. newscast ''Idaho at Five'' in 1984<ref name="Idah841119">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-to-expand/146426718/|date=November 19, 1984|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-program/146427038/ 10A]|first=Ken|last=Burrows|title=Channel 7 to expand evening news to 1 hour|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> and first with weekend morning news in 1992.<ref name="Idah920317">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-to-offer-w/146427313/|date=March 17, 1992|page=4D|title=Channel 7 to offer weekend morning newscasts|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> The dominance in news ratings has continued; for instance, in November 2010, each of KTVB's local newscasts had more viewers than their competition combined.<ref name="Idah110114">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7-news-domin/146400853/|date=January 14, 2011|page=Scene 3|first=Michael|last=Deeds|title=Channel 7 news dominates — but Channel 12 goes HD|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> alt=Refer to caption|right|thumb|Larry Gebert conducts an interview in 2010 During this time, the station became known for long-tenured and popular local news personalities. Dee Sarton spent nearly 42 years with KTVB, most of that time anchoring ''Idaho at Five'' and other early evening newscasts;<ref name="Idah770904">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-fair-weather/146427669/|date=September 4, 1977|page=TV Weekly 2|first=Ken|last=Burrows|title=Fair Weather|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Day |first=Don |date=April 10, 2019 |title=KTVB's Sarton to retire from TV |url=https://boisedev.com/news/2019/04/10/dee-sarton-ktvb/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> one of her co-anchors, Carolyn Holly, worked at channel 7 for nearly 34 years.<ref name="Idah151008">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-tv-anchor-carolyn-ho/146400842/|date=October 8, 2015|page=A2|title=TV anchor Carolyn Holly to leave Channel 7 news|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> Anchor Mark Johnson spent 30 years with the station, retiring in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/northwest/idaho/article251138109.html|work=The Idaho Statesman|first=Jacob|last=Scholl|date=May 3, 2021|title=Longtime Boise KTVB-TV anchor, viral-meme star announces end-of-year retirement}}</ref> Larry Gebert was the station's meteorologist for 30 years until his death in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Larry Gebert, long-time KTVB meteorologist and Idaho philanthropist, dies at 65 |url=https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/larry-gebert-ktvb-meteorologist-idaho-philanthropist-dies/277-53cb92f2-7943-4791-9135-22a0f0d61dc4 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=KTVB |language=en-US}}</ref>

KTVB added a 4 p.m. news hour in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/ktvb-set-to-launch-4-p-m-newscast/|title=KTVB Set to Launch 4 p.m. Newscast|work=TVSpy|date=September 30, 2013|url-status=live|first=Merrill|last=Knox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001054628/http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/ktvb-set-to-launch-4-p-m-newscast_b105335|archive-date=October 1, 2013}}</ref> In 2020, the station debuted a local lifestyle program, the midday ''Idaho Today'', and reformatted its weeknight 5 p.m. news as the interactive ''The 208''.<ref>{{Cite news |work=BoiseDev |last=Day |first=Don |date=August 25, 2020 |title=KTVB launches new show focused on 'what makes Idaho great' |url=https://boisedev.com/news/2020/08/25/idaho-today-ktvb/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043425/https://boisedev.com/news/2020/08/25/idaho-today-ktvb/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2024, the station aired 30 hours a week of news and public affairs programming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/6dd21e27-2ef0-32b3-0636-aef6efb64fc8/793f99cd-d975-4eed-8dff-29adf91ab38a.pdf|date=March 2024|title=Quarterly Issues/Programs List|access-date=April 30, 2024|website=Online Public Inspection File|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref>

===Notable former-on air staff=== * Trace Gallagher – reporter and weekend news anchor, 1990–1992<ref name="Idah900307">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-competition-shakes-u/146399259/|date=March 7, 1990|pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-tv/146399244/ 8D]|first=David|last=Proctor|title=Competition shakes up Boise TV news|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043442/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-competition-shakes-u/146399259/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Idah920426">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7s-gallaghe/146399300/|date=April 26, 1992|page=7B|first=John|last=Millman|title=Channel 7's Gallagher combines work, play|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-channel-7s-gallaghe/146399300/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Michael Jenkins – weekend sports anchor, 1998<ref name="Idah980709">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-stampede-team-loses/146399626/|date=July 9, 1998|page=3C|first=Mike|last=Prater|title=Stampede team loses its voice, hopes to find new one soon|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> * Eric Johnson – weekend sports anchor, 1984–1986<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.komonews.com/tv/people/156475335.html|title=Eric Johnson|publisher=KOMOnews.com|access-date=October 11, 2015|archive-date=October 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021132121/http://www.komonews.com/tv/people/156475335.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Idah860723">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-sportscaster-eric-jo/146398990/|date=July 23, 1986|page=1C|title=Sportscaster Eric Johnson goes to KBCI: Weekend anchor switches channels|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> * David Kerley – anchor, early 1980s<ref name="Idah810917">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-peters-leaves-ktvb/146399678/|date=September 17, 1981|page=3B|title=Peters leaves KTVB|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043430/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-peters-leaves-ktvb/146399678/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Christi Paul – weekend morning anchor, 1990s<ref name="Idah961207">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-wake-up-to-more-week/146399367/|date=December 7, 1996|page=4D|type=Advertisement|title=Wake up to more weekend morning news.|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043442/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-wake-up-to-more-week/146399367/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Wayne Walker – host of outdoors show ''Incredible Idaho'', 1994–1999<ref name="Idah940527">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-wayne-walker-takes-o/146399767/|date=May 27, 1994|page=2B|first=Phil|last=Smith|title=Wayne Walker takes over as host of 'Incredible Idaho'|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501043429/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-wayne-walker-takes-o/146399767/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rogers |first=Justin |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Former Pro Bowl Lions linebacker Wayne Walker dies |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/05/19/former-lion-wayne-walker-dies/101887544/ |access-date=September 23, 2022 |work=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928040538/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/05/19/former-lion-wayne-walker-dies/101887544/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Technical information and subchannels== KTVB's transmitter is located on Deer Point in unincorporated Boise County.{{r|FCC-LMS-34858}} KTFT-LD's transmitter is located on Flat Top Butte near Jerome.{{r|FCC-LMS-167056}} The stations' signals are multiplexed:

{| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KTVB<ref>{{cite web|title=Digital TV Market Listing for KTVB|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTVB#station|website=RabbitEars|access-date=August 14, 2022|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915233705/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTVB#station|url-status=live}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Aspect ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 7.1 | 1080i || rowspan=8| 16:9 || KTVB-HD || NBC |- ! scope = "row" | 7.2 | 720p || 24/7 || Independent |- ! scope = "row" | 7.3 | rowspan="6" | 480i || Quest || Quest |- ! scope = "row" | 7.4 | Crime || True Crime Network |- ! scope = "row" | 7.5 | NEST || The Nest |- ! scope = "row" | 7.6 | ShopLC || Shop LC |- ! scope = "row" | 7.7 | NOSEY || Nosey |- ! scope = "row" | 7.8 | Antenna || Antenna TV |}

{| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KTFT-LD<ref>{{cite web|title=Digital TV Market Listing for KTFT|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTFT#station|website=RabbitEars.Info|access-date=August 14, 2022|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105102738/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTFT#station|url-status=live}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Aspect ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 7.1 | 1080i || rowspan=8| 16:9 || KTFT || NBC |- ! scope = "row" | 7.2 | 720p || 24/7 || Independent |- ! scope = "row" | 7.3 | rowspan="6" | 480i || Quest || Quest |- ! scope = "row" | 7.4 | Crime || True Crime Network |- ! scope = "row" | 7.5 | ShopLC || Defy |- ! scope = "row" | 7.6 | NEST || The Nest |- ! scope = "row" | 7.7 | NOSEY || (Blank) |- ! scope = "row" | 7.8 | QVC || QVC |}

=== Analog-to-digital conversion === KTVB began broadcasting a digital signal on UHF channel 26 on November 1, 2002.<ref>{{Cite book|chapter=KTVB-DT|title=Television and Cable Factbook|date=2006|page=A-707}}</ref> The station shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 7, 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 channel 26 to channel 7 for post-transition operations.<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><ref name="Idah090617">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-some-viewers-lose-kt/146421173/|date=June 17, 2009|page=A4|first=Katy|last=Moeller|title=Some viewers lose KTVB in digital switch|newspaper=The Idaho Statesman|location=Boise, Idaho|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> To solve issues some viewers had receiving the station, KTVB was authorized to increase its effective radiated power weeks after the switch.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/307121-Boise_Station_Gets_Power_Boost.php?rssid=20068&q=digital+tv |title=Boise Station Gets Power Boost |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=June 29, 2009 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=July 1, 2009 |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510211347/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/307121-Boise_Station_Gets_Power_Boost.php?rssid=20068&q=digital+tv |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Translators=== {| class="sortable wikitable" |+ {{sronly|Translators of KTVB and KTFT-LD}} ! City of license ! Callsign ! Translating ! Channel ! ERP ! HAAT ! Facility ID ! Transmitter coordinates ! Owner |- || Cambridge ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|188131|3=K17KF-D}}'''||rowspan=5|KTVB|| 17 || 0.51 kW || {{convert|-54|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 188131 || {{coord|44|31|58.5|N|116|39|25.5|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K17KF-D}} || rowspan=3|King Broadcasting Company |- || Cascade ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|34884|3=K29NB-D}}'''|| 29 || 0.49 kW || {{convert|-199|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 34884 || {{coord|44|31|24.6|N|116|2|57.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K29NB-D}} |- || Council ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|11446|3=K23KY-D}}'''||23 || 0.46 kW || {{convert|-127|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 11446 || {{coord|44|39|47.5|N|116|26|27.5|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K23KY-D}} |- || Garden Valley ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|23143|3=K34MG-D}}'''||34 || 0.0099 kW || {{convert|7|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 23143 || {{coord|44|1|47.6|N|115|49|38.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K34MG-D}} || Garden Valley Translator District |- || Glenns Ferry ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|188132|3=K16JE-D}}'''||16 || 0.43 kW || {{convert|1|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 188132 || {{coord|42|55|36.6|N|115|21|13.2|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K16JE-D}} || King Broadcasting Company |- || Hagerman ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|188132|3=K18NF-D}}'''||KTFT-LD|| 18 || 0.252 kW || {{convert|55|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 188132 || {{coord|42|50|55.6|N|114|54|47.2|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K18NF-D}} || Hagerman Translator District |- || McCall<br>New Meadows ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|34869|3=K15IO-D}}'''||rowspan=8|KTVB|| 15 || 0.47 kW || {{convert|558|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 34869 || {{coord|45|0|6.6|N|116|8|6.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K15IO-D}} || King Broadcasting Company |- || Terrace Lakes ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|23148|3=K10OA-D}}'''||10 || 0.047 kW || {{convert|154|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 23148 || {{coord|44|6|59.6|N|116|0|31.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K10OA-D}} || Garden Valley Translator District |- || Golconda, NV ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|28088|3=K35GD-D}}'''||35 || 0.19 kW || {{convert|443|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 28088 || {{coord|41|9|18.6|N|117|20|19.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K32GD-D}} || Humboldt County |- || McDermitt, NV ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|54292|3=K14SE-D}}'''||14 || 0.15 kW || {{convert|88|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 54292 || {{coord|41|37|56.6|N|117|44|30.4|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K14SE-D}} || Quinn River TV Maintenance District |- || Winnemucca, NV ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|28093|3=K19EU-D}}'''||19 || 0.11 kW || {{convert|693|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 28093 || {{coord|41|00|38.5|N|117|46|4.2|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K19EU-D}} || Humboldt County |- || Baker City, OR ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|127789|3=K18KI-D}}'''||18 || rowspan=2|1 kW || {{convert|575|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 127789 || {{coord|44|35|56.5|N|117|47|1.7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K18KI-D}} || rowspan=3|[https://bmtd.org/ Blue Mountain Translator District] |- || Baker Valley, OR ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|5944|3=K30OF-D}}'''||30 || {{convert|579|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 5944 || {{coord|44|35|56.5|N|117|47|1.7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K30OF-D}} |- || La Grande, OR ||'''{{FCC-LMS-Facility|5953|3=K21MS-D}}'''||21 || 0.4 kW || {{convert|768|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || 5953 || {{coord|45|18|34.4|N|117|44|1.7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=K21MS-D}} |}

==Notes== {{notelist}}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == *{{Official website|https://www.ktvb.com/}}

Category:1953 establishments in Idaho Category:Antenna TV affiliates Category:NBC affiliates Category:The Nest (TV network) affiliates Category:Nexstar Media Group Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953 TVB Category:True Crime Network affiliates