{{Short description|Television station in Las Vegas}} {{Distinguish|KNTV|KTVN}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = KTNV-TV | city = | logo = KTNV 2023.svg | logo_alt = Inside a blue rounded rectangle with white and black trim, a white numeral 13. Slightly overlapping to the left of the 1 is the ABC network logo, a white disk with the blue lowercase letters "a b c". | logo_size = 200px | branding = Channel 13 | digital = 13 (VHF), to move to 26 (UHF){{r|ktnvtouhf}} | virtual = 13 | subchannels = | affiliations = {{ubl|'''13.1:''' ABC|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} | airdate = {{Start date|1956|05|04}} | location = Las Vegas, Nevada | country = United States | callsign_meaning = "Television Nevada"{{r|LVRJ800302}} | former_callsigns = {{ubl|KSHO-TV (1956–1980)|KTNV-TV (1980–1988)|KTNV (1988–2009)}} | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 13 (VHF, 1956–2009)|'''Digital:''' 12 (VHF, 2002–2009)}} | former_affiliations = Independent (1956–1957) | owner = E. W. Scripps Company | licensee = Scripps Broadcasting Holdings LLC | sister_stations = KMCC | erp = {{ubl|30.5 kW|1,000 kW (CP){{r|ktnvtouhf}}}} | haat = {{ubl|{{convert|606|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (license and CP){{r|ktnvtouhf}}}} | facility_id = 74100 | coordinates = {{coord|35|56|44.7|N|115|2|37.6|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = {{URL|www.ktnv.com}} }}
'''KTNV-TV''' (channel 13) is a television station in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, affiliated with ABC. It is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company alongside Laughlin-licensed KMCC (channel 34), an independent station. The two stations share studios on South Valley View Boulevard in the nearby unincorporated community of Paradise (though with a Las Vegas mailing address); KTNV-TV's transmitter is located atop Mount Arden in Henderson.
Channel 13 was the third station to be activated in Southern Nevada, beginning broadcasting in May 1956 as KSHO-TV. The station originally operated on a 24-hour basis, unique for the time, with a rotating schedule of movies and minimal news coverage; it remained an independent station until affiliating with ABC in December 1957. Amid financial difficulties, multiple stock sales and ownership transfers occurred from 1957 until 1961, when the licensee, Television Company of America, declared bankruptcy, and a receiver was appointed. In 1963, the Federal Communications Commission opened an investigation into an unauthorized transfer of control of the station, which resulted in a decision to deny renewal of its broadcast license. KSHO-TV continued to operate on an interim basis while seven applicants fought for the permanent license; Talmac, Inc., owned the station from then until 1972, followed by Arthur Powell Williams.
The Journal Company acquired KSHO-TV in 1979 and relaunched it as KTNV-TV in March 1980. Journal made technical investments at the station, and the news department also grew, but KTNV-TV has not been able to substantially rise from third place in the market despite several overhauls and tweaks to the station's newscasts. Scripps acquired Journal, including KTNV, in 2015.
==History== Channel 13 in Las Vegas was first applied for in 1951 by the Desert Television Company, a consortium of local businessmen associated with local radio station KRAM, which was in turn sold to Huntridge Theaters in 1952.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nzteklwscunlzitsnddwkjwhocnkuvjv_wma-gateway012_1671913612486|page=1|title=Buys KRAM, TV Firm Control: Theatre Owners Enter New Field|work=Las Vegas Morning Review-Journal|date=February 29, 1952|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110050508/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nzteklwscunlzitsnddwkjwhocnkuvjv_wma-gateway012_1671913612486|url-status=live}}</ref> Another application was filed by the Western Television Company,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cohqteptsjujzoghbxtefnemdoqvlxtr_wma-gateway020_1671913837007|pages=1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//lvhnoinucjoxhzovsozpdlrspgqqujhz_wma-gateway015_1671913764992 3]|date=March 8, 1953|title=Clear Status Of Television For Las Vegas|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225083044/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cohqteptsjujzoghbxtefnemdoqvlxtr_wma-gateway020_1671913837007|url-status=live}}</ref> but while Western withdrew its application in February 1954 and left Desert Television unopposed,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//whvetuimidjukusymglufidpfcgfaxdl_wma-gateway005_1671913880357|agency=United Press|title=Dismiss Western TV Application|work=Las Vegas Morning Review-Journal|date=March 3, 1954|page=1|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110050510/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//whvetuimidjukusymglufidpfcgfaxdl_wma-gateway005_1671913880357|url-status=live}}</ref> a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hearing examiner denied the application because the group failed to prove its financial qualifications.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//aewguuultopulitnsoryaojibtiralye_wma-gateway001_1671913900752|title=Desert TV Plea For Channel 13 May Be Denied|agency=United Press|page=2|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225071530/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//aewguuultopulitnsoryaojibtiralye_wma-gateway001_1671913900752|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Early years=== On September 28, 1955, Moritz Zenoff, owner of radio station KBMI in nearby Henderson as well as the ''Boulder City News'' and ''Henderson Home News'', was granted a construction permit to build channel 13 in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1955/1955-10-03-BC.pdf|date=October 3, 1955|title=Philadelphia, Las Vegas Tv Permits Granted by FCC|id={{ProQuest|1285733033}}|page=78|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206095738/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1955/1955-10-03-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Zenoff built the station and signed on KSHO-TV on May 4, 1956. It was an independent station with a 24-hour schedule—possibly the only one at that time{{r|BB560721}}—consisting of four rotating six-hour movie blocks, interrupted in the evening for brief five-minute news breaks that were the station's only local programming.<ref name="Var560516">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|963032941}}|title=Hottest Buy in Vegas: TV Spot|work=Variety|page=27|date=May 16, 1956}}</ref> The studios were located in the Fremont Hotel and Casino, from which the station broadcast with a mere 250 watts of power; low-budget advertisements were a major draw, as was a classified advertising feature aired throughout the day.{{r|BB560721}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pwjkftkyupihlurksssvgocvceudrhfp_wma-gateway009_1671914174183|date=May 3, 1956|title=Channel 13 Begins Friday Night|page=3|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225022942/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pwjkftkyupihlurksssvgocvceudrhfp_wma-gateway009_1671914174183|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|Var560516}} KSHO-TV was built for $70,000, a fraction of the cost of most new-build TV stations, and run by just two technical employees per shift, but its low-cost programming made the small operation profitable.<ref name="BB560721">{{cite magazine|title=Station Programming: Unique Program Set-Up Puts Low-Budget Outlet in Black|page=4|magazine=The Billboard|date=July 21, 1956|id={{ProQuest|1040113490}}}}</ref>
Zenoff sold the station and KBMI radio to the Television Company of America (TCA) in September 1956, four months after putting it on the air. TCA was owned by a number of TV and radio investors in the western United States, including Albert Zugsmith.<ref>{{cite news|title=TV Co. of America Buys Two Stations|page=12|date=September 21, 1956|work=The Hollywood Reporter|id={{ProQuest|2338316028}}}}</ref> It was the second attempt to sell the station that year after a previous application to sell the outlet to Wilbur Clark, developer and owner of the Desert Inn, was withdrawn.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-09-24-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=September 24, 1956|page=104|title=Tv Corp. of America Adds Two More Buys|id={{ProQuest|1285733163}}|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151312/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-09-24-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Stock in Television Company of America changed hands multiple times in the late 1950s. In March 1957, Morton Sidley and Ira Laufer, both radio executives in Los Angeles, bought stock in TCA,<ref>{{cite news|page=14|date=March 20, 1957|title=Sidley, Laufer Get Stock in 2 Las Vegas Stations|work=The Hollywood Reporter|id={{ProQuest|2338219749}} }}</ref> as did Nathan and Merv Adelson and Irwin Molasky.{{r|Var630320}}
That fall, the station relocated to El Rancho Vegas and applied to increase its power,<ref>{{cite news|page=3|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jqjonqzrvycldsadhzcsnsvpebciruuw_wma-gateway019_1671914948972|title=KSHO Applies For Change of Location, Power|date=September 10, 1957|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226054917/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jqjonqzrvycldsadhzcsnsvpebciruuw_wma-gateway019_1671914948972|url-status=live}}</ref> and on December 15, it became an ABC affiliate, the 81st primary outlet of the network nationally.<ref>{{cite news|title=KSHO-TV Joins ABC-TV|id={{ProQuest|1285737914}}|date=December 16, 1957|page=10|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-12-16-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207132617/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-12-16-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> However, financial trouble and continued ownership turnover remained as hallmarks. In February 1959, the sale of the station to Rube Jolley, the founder of KLAS-TV, was announced.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ecxuownsmbiqikkottwguujjankgsthy_wma-gateway003_1671914992662|title=Rube Jolley Purchases KSHO-TV For Half Million|page=1|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=February 10, 1959|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110050510/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ecxuownsmbiqikkottwguujjankgsthy_wma-gateway003_1671914992662|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC granted the $137,500 purchase of TCA stock by Jolley's company, the Nevada Broadcasters Fund, in November.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-11-16-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=November 16, 1959|id={{ProQuest|1014445834}}|page=112|title=For the Record|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206114344/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-11-16-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Jolley was president but did not own any of the stock; among the notable stockholders was Howard D. Johnson, owner of radio and television interests in Idaho and Utah.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-10-26-BC.pdf|date=October 26, 1959|id={{ProQuest|963312131}}|page=76|work=Broadcasting|title=Changing hands|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206084031/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-10-26-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Television Company of America, meanwhile, had to obtain a court order to prevent it from being evicted from El Rancho Vegas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//srpgrfxhjjogwawzsjbkwosgrkaxjpex_wma-gateway002_1671914131498|title=TV Station in Court Order at Katleman|page=1|date=September 28, 1959|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110050510/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//srpgrfxhjjogwawzsjbkwosgrkaxjpex_wma-gateway002_1671914131498|url-status=live}}</ref>
===License revocation and re-award=== Television Company of America filed for bankruptcy protection in May 1961, and it asked for permission to transfer the license to a court-appointed receiver.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//hqsnpzxajllgcrpislpedmdfiyvqtlxw_wma-gateway016_1671915191361|page=9|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=July 28, 1962|title=Legal Notice|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225141649/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//hqsnpzxajllgcrpislpedmdfiyvqtlxw_wma-gateway016_1671915191361|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in March 1963, the FCC instead designated its license renewal as well as a proposed transfer of the license to Arthur Powell Williams, a businessman from Los Angeles, for hearing. The commission ordered the hearings over complications in ownership.<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014485740}}|title=Who owns KSHO-TV? FCC wants to find out|date=March 18, 1963|page=66|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-03-18-BC.pdf|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206105526/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-03-18-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC alleged that, over two years of what ''Variety'' called "financial gamesmanship", ownership had passed from Television Company of America to Nevada Broadcasters' Fund to a company controlled by Johnson, who advanced funds to keep the station in business; that there was an unauthorized contract for a transfer of control to Johnson; and that Nevada Broadcasters' Fund had disclosed in stock sales that it acquired control of KSHO-TV before even filing the application with the FCC, which must approve all transfers of control of radio and television stations.<ref name="Var630320">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1017097945}}|pages=35, 56|title=Vegas TV License: A Crap Game|date=March 20, 1963|work=Variety}}</ref> Hearings were held in Las Vegas before an FCC examiner over the various unauthorized transfers and attempts to solicit public investment.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qwckfasrpketigtxuwtzpcyuzhnyxucy_wma-gateway020_1671915401263|first=Gordon|last=Kent|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|page=11|title=FCC Investigates KSHO-TV Operations at LV Hearing: Broadcast License Is At Stake|date=January 16, 1964|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225174725/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qwckfasrpketigtxuwtzpcyuzhnyxucy_wma-gateway020_1671915401263|url-status=live}}</ref> KSHO-TV's weakened position also was revealed by testimony in a concurrent FCC battle over the licensing of channel 4 in Boulder City, wherein applicants for that station—including KSHO-TV's station manager—were found to have discussed how to seek a network affiliation and "what part Channel 13 would play if it became dead".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//soajqehpxyoemmjmzqxamzsojrccmmlc_wma-gateway006_1671915559638|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|page=13|title=Local Video Cut Up Scheme Bared During FCC Session: KSHO-TV Manager Involved|date=April 9, 1965|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225100105/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//soajqehpxyoemmjmzqxamzsojrccmmlc_wma-gateway006_1671915559638|url-status=live}}</ref>
FCC hearing examiner Millard French handed down an initial decision in November 1964 against the license renewal and proposed transfers of control to Williams, citing Nevada Broadcasters' Fund's "misrepresentations and statements that were calculated to deceive", that stakeholders were selling stock they no longer owned, and that Johnson's company, KBLI Inc., attempted to raise stock only to be told by the securities commissioner in Idaho that it could not invest any of the money it raised outside the state.<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014476331}}|title=Examiner against KSHO-TV bids|pages=120–121|work=Broadcasting|date=November 16, 1964|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-11-16-BC.pdf|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151358/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-11-16-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1965, the FCC ruled against Television Company of America.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//faitkqiddajwcnxgbbfimklhlgiqwrad_wma-gateway009_1671915917722|page=1|date=July 30, 1965|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|title=FCC Refuses to License Vegas Television Station|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225094600/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//faitkqiddajwcnxgbbfimklhlgiqwrad_wma-gateway009_1671915917722|url-status=live}}</ref> It represented the first time the commission had denied renewal of a television license at hearing; even though the FCC held that some innocent creditors and others would be punished, it rebuked the "most incredibly lax manner" in which KSHO-TV was operated and noted that concealing the Johnson ownership interest was "outstanding and willful".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-08-02-BC.pdf|title=FCC says no to KSHO-TV renewal|id={{ProQuest|1014512180}}|page=60|work=Broadcasting|date=August 2, 1965|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225040556/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-08-02-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
Arthur Powell Williams lodged an appeal, noting that the commission found him to be of "blameless character".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Williams appeals KSHO-TV denial|id={{ProQuest|1014485977}}|date=September 6, 1965|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-09-06-BC.pdf|pages=60–61|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151949/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-09-06-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> However, a federal appeals court upheld the commission's action in June 1966,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-06-27-BC.pdf|date=June 27, 1966|work=Broadcasting|title=Court upholds denial of KSHO-TV renewal|id={{ProQuest|1014511879}}|page=71|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225040553/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-06-27-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Supreme Court refused to take up the case in February 1967.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 27, 1967|page=92|work=Broadcasting|title=KSHO-TV denial stands|id={{ProQuest|1014502333}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-02-27-BC.pdf|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206063309/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-02-27-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Talmac and Williams ownership=== On June 9, 1967, KSHO-TV's operating authority expired; the same day, the FCC granted interim operating authority to a group consisting of five of the seven applicants seeking to operate the station on a permanent basis.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vegas KSHO-TV Gets Interim 'Go'|work=Variety|page=33|date=June 14, 1967|id={{ProQuest|963104534}} }}</ref> Channel 13 of Las Vegas, Inc., consisted of five of the groups: Williams, Desert Broadcasting Corporation, Ettlinger Broadcasting, Clark County Communications, and Talmac, Inc. The other two, not part of the interim operator, were Lotus Television of Las Vegas and Diller Broadcasting Corporation, owned by Phyllis Diller.<ref>{{cite news|title=Joint interim permit given for KSHO-TV|id={{ProQuest|1014505082}}|page=53|date=August 14, 1967|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-08-14-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225040551/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-08-14-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The application of Talmac, Inc., attracted the most immediate attention because it had ripple effects in Carson City. Alan Abner, one of Talmac's principals, sat on the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and conflict-of-interest questions prompted him to tender his resignation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ogtnisfqjavipzjapgpydwftkssqndhk_wma-gateway017_1671916355939|page=13|title=List of Candidates Grows For Gaming Board Position: Replacement For Abner Under Study|agency=Associated Press|date=June 14, 1967|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225190250/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ogtnisfqjavipzjapgpydwftkssqndhk_wma-gateway017_1671916355939|url-status=live}}</ref> Two gamblers—whose business Abner regulated on the Gaming Control Board—were stakeholders in competing applicant Clark County Communications, thus the issue.<ref name="Reno670526">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115144933/no-comment-in-carson-cityabner-gaming/|date=May 26, 1967|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115144945/state-official-gamblers-vie-for-busines/ 6]|first=Warren|last=LeRude|title='No Comment' in Carson City—Abner-Gaming Competition: State Official, Gamblers Vie for Business|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110050514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115144933/no-comment-in-carson/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Even during the interim operation period, KSHO-TV moved into its present Valley View Drive studios in 1968 and simultaneously began high-power broadcasting for the first time in its history.<ref>{{cite news|title=KSHO-TV Begins Power Operation With All-new Color Transmitter|page=8|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=June 17, 1968|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ihoiryxusdruboqfxecztrlrmsknaxlc_wma-gateway014_1671949307278|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226125033/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ihoiryxusdruboqfxecztrlrmsknaxlc_wma-gateway014_1671949307278|url-status=live}}</ref>
The seven applicants reached a settlement in April 1969, with Talmac being named the winner of permanent authority to operate KSHO-TV and some of Ettlinger Broadcasting's principals buying stakes in Talmac.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1969/1969-04-21-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=April 21, 1969|title=Las Vegas channel goes to Talmac Inc.|page=48|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206011959/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1969/1969-04-21-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Arthur Powell Williams—the same man who was to have bought the station a decade earlier—filed to acquire KSHO-TV from Talmac in April 1971, a transaction approved by the FCC in January 1972.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//opkcazxzbepsiurlslykgxkwonxfbrtx_wma-gateway002_1671916495107|title=FCC Gives Nod: Californian Gets Approval To Purchase KSHO-TV|page=3|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=January 29, 1972|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226132041/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//opkcazxzbepsiurlslykgxkwonxfbrtx_wma-gateway002_1671916495107|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Journal and Scripps ownership=== In 1979, The Journal Company purchased KSHO-TV from Williams, adding its first television station outside of its home state of Wisconsin.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-07-16.pdf|date=July 16, 1979|work=Broadcasting|title=Changing Hands|pages=44–45|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203848/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-07-16.pdf|url-status=live|id={{ProQuest|1014699306}}}}</ref> The move came at a time when The Journal Company wanted to diversify in order to relieve antitrust pressures on its Milwaukee combination of the ''Milwaukee Journal'', WTMJ-TV, AM and FM.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//gotjsrvgbddzgpyakjszkgwhwdcnzqew_wma-gateway002_1671921185696|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=February 9, 1979|page=1B|title=KSHO-TV sale offer confirmed|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225190246/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//gotjsrvgbddzgpyakjszkgwhwdcnzqew_wma-gateway002_1671921185696|url-status=live}}</ref> A total overhaul was necessary at channel 13, which had become the fourth-rated station locally even though it was affiliated with ABC, then the top network nationally. The general manager of KLAS-TV noted that the syndicated early evening offerings of independent KVVU-TV had provided stiffer competition for their newscasts than KSHO-TV's news offerings.<ref name="LVRJ800218">{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qzgmoqibyzvfvwahlyqbptjpwadxqlin_wma-gateway019_1671917043594|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=February 18, 1980|first=Tim|last=Dahlberg|title=TV stations fight to steal the show|page=1B|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225180231/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qzgmoqibyzvfvwahlyqbptjpwadxqlin_wma-gateway019_1671917043594|url-status=live}}</ref> The result was a total image overhaul, including new KTNV-TV call letters on March 2, 1980.<ref name="LVRJ800302">{{cite news|title=Good Morning (advertisement)|page=6E|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//viyaaweygfqmcztjeayucixosduzobbm_wma-gateway018_1671917768446|date=March 2, 1980|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225180234/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//viyaaweygfqmcztjeayucixosduzobbm_wma-gateway018_1671917768446|url-status=live}}</ref> Journal also invested in new live mobile reporting equipment and moved the transmitter to Black Mountain;{{r|LVRJ800218}} in 1985, KTNV was the first Las Vegas-area station to broadcast in stereo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sound judgment: Las Vegas TV station opts to go stereo|page=1C|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=January 8, 1985|first=Patricia|last=Morgan|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//rzjdaofowqflnlphuluposjnnyovhbzs_wma-gateway009_1671955078374|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225203311/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//rzjdaofowqflnlphuluposjnnyovhbzs_wma-gateway009_1671955078374|url-status=live}}</ref>
On July 30, 2014, it was announced that the E. W. Scripps Company would buy Journal Communications in an all-stock transaction. Scripps would retain the two companies' broadcast properties, including KTNV, and spin off its print properties as part of Journal Media Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/business/news31-b99321641z1-269303021.html|title=Journal, Scripps deal announced|last=Glauber|first=Bill|date=July 30, 2014|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|access-date=July 30, 2014|archive-date=July 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731160230/http://www.jsonline.com/business/news31-b99321641z1-269303021.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC approved the deal on December 12, 2014. It was approved by shareholders on March 11, 2015. The merger was completed on April 1, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/scripps-journal-merger-complete/139332|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704085656/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/scripps-journal-merger-complete/139332|archive-date=July 4, 2015|title=Scripps, Journal Merger Complete|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=April 1, 2015|first=Michael|last=Malone|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.netnewscheck.com/article/39934/scripps-journal-communications-complete-merger-and-spinoff |title=Scripps, Journal Communications Complete Merger And Spinoff|work=NetNewsCheck|access-date=April 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718174819/http://www.netnewscheck.com/article/39934/scripps-journal-communications-complete-merger-and-spinoff |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Scripps acquired Ion Media and most of its stations, including KMCC (channel 34) in the Las Vegas market, in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cimilluca |first1=Dana |title=E.W. Scripps Agrees to Buy ION Media for $2.65 billion in Berkshire-Backed Deal |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/e-w-scripps-nears-2-65-billion-takeover-of-ion-media-in-berkshire-backed-deal-11600937323?mod=hp_lead_pos4 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412110502/https://www.wsj.com/articles/e-w-scripps-nears-2-65-billion-takeover-of-ion-media-in-berkshire-backed-deal-11600937323?mod=hp_lead_pos4 |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of its acquisition of broadcast rights to local Vegas Golden Knights hockey games, Scripps announced on May 4, 2023, that Ion programming would relocate and KMCC would become an independent station featuring the Golden Knights and newscasts from KTNV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2023/05/04/scripps-las-vegas-golden-knights-broadcast-deal.aspx|first=John|last=Ourand|work=Sports Business Journal|date=May 4, 2023|title=Scripps gets Golden Knights local broadcast rights}}</ref>
==Local programming== ===News operation=== As KSHO-TV, the station aired local news programming, though it rarely found much ratings success. When Journal took over, the main early evening newscast was moved from 6 to 5:30 p.m. to avoid direct competition with KLAS-TV, which commanded half of all TV viewership at the 6 p.m. hour in February 1980.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wgrneqmycohgchcfrovoefbfdmxkklsg_wma-gateway002_1671951190044|first=Tim|last=Dahlberg|page=8B|title=Arbitron ratings show Channel 8 news leader|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=March 24, 1980|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226135049/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wgrneqmycohgchcfrovoefbfdmxkklsg_wma-gateway002_1671951190044|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pvjnssrjzqazowfgrvmwyincsgiijqvw_wma-gateway019_1671951239685|page=2D|title=TV-8 widens ratings lead|first=Tim|last=Dahlberg|date=June 19, 1980|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225190253/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pvjnssrjzqazowfgrvmwyincsgiijqvw_wma-gateway019_1671951239685|url-status=live}}</ref> The station was lifted into second place for a time but had sunk back down to third by 1989; in the ''Las Vegas Review-Journal'', Ken White described the newsroom as having "more news directors hired and fired the last few years than managers for the New York Yankees".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//silckxdtxkeqpqbrjkpgbbldcaakwfjo_wma-gateway009_1671951742766|page=8D|first=Ken|last=White|title=KLAS newscast gets best grade for presentation, content|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=March 19, 1989|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225104228/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//silckxdtxkeqpqbrjkpgbbldcaakwfjo_wma-gateway009_1671951742766|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1989, the station launched its first morning newscast, ''Good Morning Las Vegas''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//maweqtlfxbzsekzcdzidpxeqetxjfhph_wma-gateway003_1671952027232|title=KTNV's Kyle Meenan to divide time between anchoring, reporting|page=3D|first=Ken|last=White|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=September 10, 1989|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225101221/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//maweqtlfxbzsekzcdzidpxeqetxjfhph_wma-gateway003_1671952027232|url-status=live}}</ref>
Much of the station's history in news has been spent making attempts to improve the ratings and move the station up from third place. In 1992, the station rebranded its newscasts as ''News 13: Inside Las Vegas'', including an image overhaul.<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|260019336}}|first=Ken|last=White|page=1J|date=February 16, 1992|title=KTNV tries to close the gap in television news ratings|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> Another shakeup was made in late 2001, two years before the ''Action News'' brand was instituted.<ref>{{cite news|pages=12–18|title=Las Vegas|work=Mediaweek|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|date=April 7, 2003|id={{ProQuest|213657354}} }}</ref>
In 2014, Journal was fined $115,000 by the FCC for airing so-called "special reports" about liquidations at car dealerships that were actually commercials for the dealerships, failing to disclose that they were paid advertisements.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/ktnv-settles-fcc-fake-news-report-investigation-136158|first=John|last=Eggerton|title=KTNV Settles FCC Fake News Report Investigation|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=December 5, 2014|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225075954/https://www.nexttv.com/news/ktnv-settles-fcc-fake-news-report-investigation-136158|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the second ethics problem for the KTNV newsroom within five years. In 2009, reporter Nina Radetich was recorded telling the owner of an automotive repair business that her boyfriend's public relations company could help counter the negative press being generated by KTNV's own reporting.<ref>{{cite news|first=Steve|last=Bornfeld|title=Radetich scandal compounds KTNV's credibility problem|page=E3|id={{ProQuest|260275506}}|date=September 17, 2009|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>
===''Morning Blend''=== In 2010, following the lead of several other Journal stations, KTNV launched a lifestyle-oriented program, ''The Morning Blend'', on July 6, 2010. The program, produced by KTNV's creative services department, features advertorial segments.<ref>{{cite news|page=E3|title=Advertisers gain traction on Channel 13 shows|first=Steve|last=Bornfeld|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=August 16, 2010|id={{ProQuest|747901792}}}}</ref>
===Notable former on-air staff=== * Ross Becker – anchor, 2002–2004<ref>{{cite news|first=Norm|last=Clarke|title=Barry Manilow set to hit town?|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|page=3A|date=December 3, 2004|id={{ProQuest|260166163}}}}</ref> * Paula Francis – anchor (known as Paula Dilworth at KTNV)<ref name="Capi850826">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115101622/wmtvs-paula-dilworth-takes-vegas-job/|date=August 26, 1985|pages=21, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115101659/dilworth/ 23]|first=Brooks|last=Egerton|title=WMTV's Paula Dilworth takes Vegas job|newspaper=The Capital Times|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224051954/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115101622/wmtvs-paula-dilworth-takes-vegas-job/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> * Dave Malkoff – reporter<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/team/dave-malkoff/|title=Dave Malkoff|website=CBS News|access-date=April 1, 2025}}</ref> * Cecily Tynan – meteorologist<ref name="Phil970430">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115146528/jay-leno-is-philosophical-about-not-bein/|date=April 30, 1997|page=D8|first=Gail|last=Shister|title=Jay Leno is philosophical about not being on list of the 50 funniest|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110050509/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115146528/jay-leno-is-philosophical-about-not/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
==Technical information== ===Subchannels=== KTNV-TV's transmitter is located atop Mount Arden in Henderson.{{r|FCC-LMS-74100}} Its signal is multiplexed: {| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KTNV-TV<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTNV#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KTNV|website=RabbitEars|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225081319/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTNV#station|url-status=live}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Aspect ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 13.1 | 720p || rowspan=5|16:9 || KTNV-HD || ABC |- ! scope = "row" | 13.2 | rowspan=4|480i || LAFF || Laff |- ! scope = "row" | 13.3 | GRIT || Grit |- ! scope = "row" | 13.4 | HSN || HSN |- ! scope = "row" | 13.5 | ShopLC || Shop LC |- style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;" ! scope="row" | 33.1 | 1080i || 16:9 || TheCWLV || The CW (KVCW) |} {{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}
KTNV-TV is a participating station in Las Vegas's ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) deployment on KVCW and in turn hosts that station's main subchannel in 1.0 format.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/top-local-tv-groups-upgrade-to-next-generation-tv-technology-in-las-vegas-1202943529/|work=Deadline|first=Dade|last=Hayes|date=May 26, 2020|title=Top Local TV Groups Upgrade To "Next-Generation" TV Technology In Las Vegas|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225083228/https://deadline.com/2020/05/top-local-tv-groups-upgrade-to-next-generation-tv-technology-in-las-vegas-1202943529/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Analog-to-digital conversion=== KTNV-TV shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 13, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition VHF channel 12 to channel 13 for post-transition operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds |access-date=March 24, 2012 |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 }}</ref> In 2021, Scripps filed to move KTNV-TV from the VHF band on channel 13 to the UHF band on channel 26.<ref name="ktnvtouhf">{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff3793b58bf01793e074eea0815&id=25076ff3793b58bf01793e074eea0815|title=Channel Substitution/Community of License Change|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512205643/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff3793b58bf01793e074eea0815&id=25076ff3793b58bf01793e074eea0815|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-990A1.pdf|title=Report & Order|publisher= Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission|date=October 18, 2023|access-date=October 19, 2023}}</ref>
===Translators=== KTNV-TV'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|colwidth=40em}} * Caliente: K13NV-D * Laughlin: K20NW-D * Overton: K30MH-D * Pahrump: K31OY-D, K36BQ-D * Panaca: K04HF-D * Pioche: K11IV-D * Ursine: K13LU-D {{div col end}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} *{{Official website|https://www.ktnv.com}}
{{Las Vegas TV}} {{TV Stations Nevada}} {{EWS CORP}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ktnv-Tv}} Category:1956 establishments in Nevada Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates Category:E. W. Scripps Company television stations Category:Grit (TV network) affiliates Category:Laff (TV network) affiliates Category:Television channels and stations established in 1956 TNV-TV