KTXS-TV

{{Short description|Television station in Sweetwater, Texas}} {{Distinguish|KXTS-LD}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox television station dual | name1 = KTXS-TV | logo = KTXS 2021.svg | logo_alt = A black rounded box with the letters K T X S, the K larger than the T X S, in a Didone serif. Beneath is a half-blue, half-red box containing a numeral 12 in the same typeface. The ABC network logo overlaps this box on the lower-right side. | logo_size = 200px | image = KTXS-DT2 2024.svg | image_size = 150px | image_alt = The CW network logo with Abilene above it, right-aligned | city1 = Sweetwater–Abilene, Texas | country = United States | branding1 = {{ubl|KTXS (pronounced "K-Texas")|The CW Abilene (12.2)}} | digital1 = 20 (UHF) | virtual1 = 12 | affiliations = {{ubl|'''12.1/38.1:''' ABC|'''12.2/38.2:''' CW+|'''12.3:''' Roar (KTES-LD)}} | owner = Sinclair Broadcast Group | licensee = Sinclair Media Licensee, LLC | airdate1 = {{start date|1956|01|30}} | callsign_meaning1 = Texas | sister_stations = KTES-LD | former_callsigns1 = KPAR-TV (1956–1966) | former_channel_numbers1 = '''Analog:''' 12 (VHF, 1956–2009) | former_affiliations1 = {{ubl|CBS (1956–1979)|ABC (secondary, 1956–1979)}} | erp1 = 710 kW | haat1 = {{convert|439.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id1 = 308 | coordinates1 = {{Coord|32|24|48.4|N|100|6|26.3|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = {{URL|https://ktxs.com/}} | name2 = KTXE-LD | city2 = San Angelo, Texas | branding2 = {{ubl|ABC 38|The CW San Angelo (38.2)}} | digital2 = 22 (UHF) | virtual2 = 38 | airdate2 = {{start date|1971|07|19}} | callsign_meaning2 = Disambiguation of KTXS | former_callsigns2 = {{ubl|K55AA (1971–1997)|KTXE-LP (1997–2014)}} | former_channel_numbers2 = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 55 (UHF, 1971–1997), 38 (UHF, 1997–2014)|'''Digital:''' 38 (UHF, 2014–2021)}} | erp2 = 15 kW | haat2 = {{convert|108.2|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | class2 = LD | facility_id2 = 309 | coordinates2 = {{Coord|31|29|6|N|100|27|27|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} }} '''KTXS-TV''' (channel 12) is a television station licensed to Sweetwater, Texas, United States, serving the Abilene area as an affiliate of ABC and The CW Plus. It is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group alongside '''KTES-LD''' (channel 40), broadcasting the diginet Roar, and '''KTXE-LD''' (channel 38), which rebroadcasts KTXS-TV in the San Angelo area. The stations share studios on North Clack Street in Abilene; KTXS-TV's transmitter is located near Trent, Texas, and KTXE-LD is broadcast from a site on West 26th Street in San Angelo.

Channel 12 began broadcasting on January 30, 1956, as KPAR-TV, which was owned by and rebroadcast most of the programming of KDUB-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lubbock. Texas Key Broadcasting assumed operational control in 1960; the station added ABC affiliation and broke away from the Lubbock station, and the station moved its transmitter to Trent to increase coverage.

Grayson Enterprises bought KPAR-TV in 1966 and immediately changed the call sign to KTXS-TV. It built the present Abilene-area studios, which replaced facilities in Sweetwater and led to fines and a hearing by the Federal Communications Commission; the station also built the San Angelo translator at this time. As a result of multiple indiscretions, Grayson divested itself of KTXS-TV and other stations in "distress sales" to minority-controlled broadcasters in 1980. KTXS had four owners in a six-year period, all of whom tried to raise the station from a distant last place in news ratings.

Lamco Communications purchased KTXS in 1986 and raised its news department to a more competitive second place in the Abilene market. KTXS provided the local outlet of Telemundo from 2000 to 2010 and added The CW in 2006. It was purchased by Sinclair as part of its 2017 acquisition of Bonten Media Group.

==History== ===KPAR-TV: Early years=== Texas Telecasting, Inc., the owner of KDUB-TV in Lubbock, filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on June 29, 1953, to build a new TV station on channel 12 in Sweetwater<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/25076ff381403dd40181431296610040|title=History Cards for KTXS-TV|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209054454/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/25076ff381403dd40181431296610040|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a station at Big Spring.<ref name="Fort530708">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-2-texas-tv-requ/141404531/|date=July 8, 1953|page=11|agency=Associated Press|title=2 Texas TV Requests|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|location=Fort Worth, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195521/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-2-texas-tv-requ/141404531/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC approved the Sweetwater application on August 26,{{r|hc}} and Texas Telecasting revealed its plans for the station, which would mostly rebroadcast KDUB-TV and its CBS programs.<ref name="Abil530829">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-sweetwater-gets-re/141404669/|date=August 29, 1953|page=1B|title=Sweetwater Gets Relay TV Station|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195453/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-sweetwater-gets-re/141404669/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Construction on KPAR-TV began in September 1955, after KDUB-TV received new equipment; items previously used in Lubbock would be transferred to the new Sweetwater station.<ref name="Abil550902">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-swater-due-tv-sta/141404957/|date=September 2, 1955|page=1B|title=S'water Due TV Station|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-swater-due-tv-sta/141404957/|url-status=live}}</ref> The tower was erected in January 1956,<ref name="Abil560109">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-sweetwater-tv-towe/141405172/|date=January 9, 1956|page=3-B|title=Sweetwater TV Tower Going Up|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-sweetwater-tv-towe/141405172/|url-status=live}}</ref> and KPAR-TV began broadcasting on January 30, 1956, with a three-hour dedication broadcast from its studio in Sweetwater.<ref name="Abil560131">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-sweetwater-tv-stat/141405349/|date=January 31, 1956|page=1A|first=Martha|last=Hobgood|title=Sweetwater TV Station Takes Air|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-sweetwater-tv-stat/141405349/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station also briefly affiliated with the NTA Film Network, which began in September 1956.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-09-17-BC.pdf|date=September 17, 1956|work=Broadcasting|pages=56, 58|id={{ProQuest|1285731096}}|title=104 Sign Up For NTA Film Network, Due to Begin Operations on Oct. 15|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=July 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718161056/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-09-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1958, the station opened a second studio in downtown Abilene.<ref name="Abil810419">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv-a-28-year-west/136465612/|date=April 19, 1981|page=Centennial 59|first=Jerry|last=Reed|title=TV: a 28-Year West Texas Marvel|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209060332/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv-a-28-year-west/136465612/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1960, Texas Telecasting filed to lease KPAR-TV to Texas Key Broadcasting in a 10-year, nearly $800,000 agreement. Texas Key was owned by residents of Abilene including the station's general manager, James M. Isaacs.<ref name="Abil601012">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-abilenians-seeks-k/141406438/|date=October 12, 1960|pages=1-A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-abilenians/141406539/ 4-A]|first=Leslie|last=Carpenter|title=Abilenians Seeks KPAR-TV Lease|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091738/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-abilenians-seek-kp/141406438/|url-status=live}}</ref> The new operators filed to move the station's transmitter to a site south of Trent in 1961; the higher elevation would improve coverage in the Abilene market.<ref name="Abil610411">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-kpar-wants-tower-m/141406684/|date=April 11, 1961|page=1-A|title=KPAR Wants Tower Moved Near Trent|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195503/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-kpar-wants-tower-m/141406684/|url-status=live}}</ref> Texas Key bought the physical assets of KPAR-TV, as well as KDUB radio and television in Lubbock and KEDY-TV in Big Spring, in 1961.<ref name="Abil610630">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-for-tv-interests/141406343/|date=June 30, 1961|page=9-B|first=Leslie|last=Carpenter|title=For TV Interests: $4-Million-Plus Paid Dub Rogers|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091740/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-for-tv-interests/141406343/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The new transmitter and {{convert|568|ft|m|adj=on}} tower at Trent were activated on February 1, 1962, by which time the station had added ABC programs to its schedule.<ref name="Abil620201">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-kpar-goes-to-full/141407021/|date=February 1, 1962|page=1-B|title=KPAR Goes to 'Full Power' With New Tower at Trent|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-kpar-goes-to-full/141407021/|url-status=live}}</ref> Texas Key sued the Lubbock TV station, which had become KLBK-TV, and its new corporate parent Grayson Enterprises in 1964 for failing to maintain the microwave transmission system that brought CBS programs from Lubbock to KPAR-TV, forcing channel 12 to contract for its own network feed from CBS.<ref name="Abil640905">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-transfer-of-trial/141406873/|date=September 5, 1964|page=14-A|title=Transfer of Trial Between TV Firms Rejected by Judge|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195448/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-transfer-of-trial/141406873/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===KTXS-TV: Grayson Enterprises ownership=== Grayson Enterprises agreed to buy KPAR-TV from Texas Key Telecasting in January 1966; part of the sale agreement stipulated the abandonment of the microwave system lawsuit.<ref name="Abil660111">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-lubbock-station-bu/141407209/|date=January 11, 1966|page=1-A|title=Lubbock Station Buys KPAR-TV|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195616/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-lubbock-station-bu/141407209/|url-status=live}}</ref> The $625,000 sale was completed on June 23, and on July 1, the station changed its call sign to KTXS-TV ("K-Texas TV"). Grayson promised to reactivate the Sweetwater studio, which had been previously shuttered, and add new video tape and color equipment.<ref name="Abil660624">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-625000-turns-kpa/141407547/|date=June 24, 1966|page=3-A|title=$625,000 Turns KPAR Into KTXS|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-625000-turns-kpa/141407547/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil660701">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-call-letters-chang/141407649/|date=July 1, 1966|page=12-C|title=Call Letters Change Today: 'K-Texas TV' New Sound For Channel 12 Station|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195459/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-call-letters-chang/141407649/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Grayson invested in two translators to expand KTXS-TV's reach. In 1969, it received approval to build a rebroadcaster at Brownwood.<ref name="Aust691123">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-austin-american-brownwood-applicatio/141407858/|date=November 23, 1969|page=B2|agency=Associated Press|title=Brownwood Application Passes FCC|newspaper=The Austin American|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091808/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-american-brownwood-applicatio/141407858/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, on July 19, 1971, KTXS-TV installed translator K55AA in San Angelo, bringing that city the previously unseen ABC network; CBS programs were blacked out to protect KCTV there.<ref name="SanA710716">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-uhf-television/141345154/|date=July 16, 1971|page=12A|title=UHF Television Slated For Angelo|newspaper=San Angelo Standard-Times|location=San Angelo, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218195510/https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-uhf-television/141345154/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to providing ABC to San Angelo, the move derailed plans by SRC, Inc., to construct a new local station affiliated with the network.<ref name="SanA710421">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-for-san-angelo/141329017/|date=April 21, 1971|page=13A|title=For San Angelo School System: Educational TV a possibility|newspaper=San Angelo Standard-Times|location=San Angelo, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-for-san-angelo/141329017/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The operation of Grayson's Texas stations came into question by the FCC as early as 1971, when the commission fined KTXS-TV $5,000 for moving its studio from Sweetwater to Abilene. It defended the move as necessary to compete with KRBC-TV, the only Abilene station at the time, which told the FCC that much of the operation had been relocated anyway.<ref>{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|page=9|title=Fines befall two|date=June 7, 1971|id={{ProQuest|1016854446}} }}</ref> In 1977, the FCC designated the licenses of all four Grayson stations, including KTXS-TV, for hearing. Two of the charges specifically concerned channel 12: the commission sought to ascertain whether Grayson lacked candor in its communications about the Abilene studio move, and the FCC cited the station as having engaged in the practice of "clipping", or running local commercials over network material.<ref name="Abil770811">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fcc-hearing-set-in/141408425/|date=August 11, 1977|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-4-stations-involve/141408628/ 8A]|first=Loretta|last=Fulton|title=FCC Hearing Set Involving KTXS|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091741/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fcc-hearing-set-in/141408425/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SanA780516">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-west-texas-tv/141408799/|date=May 16, 1978|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-licenses/141408745/ 12A]|first=Jeannie|last=Kever|title=West Texas TV Hearings Slated|newspaper=San Angelo Standard-Times|location=San Angelo, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218210143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-west-texas-tv/141408799/|url-status=live}}</ref> Grayson got a new way out of the hearings after the commission introduced the "distress sale" policy, which permitted a station facing possible revocation of its broadcast license to be sold a group that was minority-controlled. The sale had to be made at a price substantially below the station's market value.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|2471833446}}|work=The Hollywood Reporter|page=8|date=April 25, 1979|title='Distress sale' of WAEO-TV first approved by FCC}}</ref> Grayson was given time to find qualified buyers for its four TV stations.<ref name="Odes781101">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-odessa-american-hearing-deferred-on/113461387/|date=November 1, 1978|page=5D|title=Hearing deferred on challenge to cable television|newspaper=The Odessa American|location=Odessa, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219091809/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-odessa-american-hearing-deferred-on/113461387/|url-status=live}}</ref>

While Grayson searched for a buyer, an ice storm collapsed the KTXS-TV tower at Trent, by this point {{Convert|1000|ft|m}} high, on January 1, 1979. The top {{convert|650|ft|m}} separated and landed on the adjacent transmitter building, damaging the roof.<ref name="Abil790102">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-transmitting/139761683/|date=January 2, 1979|page=1A|title=KTXS transmitting tower falls|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218210151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-transmitting/139761683/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil790105">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-repair-of-towers-m/139761813/|date=January 5, 1979|pages=1A, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-reason-for-tower-s/139761839/ 8A]|first=Bill|last=Minutaglio|title=Repair of Towers Makes KTXS Play Wait-See|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218210203/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-repair-of-towers-m/139761813/|url-status=live}}</ref> In time to air the 1978 NFC Championship Game, KTXS-TV returned to the air on January 12, broadcasting from an antenna attached to the remaining {{convert|300|ft|m}} of the mast.<ref name="Abil790108">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-returned-to-a/139761751/|date=January 8, 1979|page=10-A|title=KTXS returned to air for NFC title clash|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218204634/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-returned-to-a/139761751/|url-status=live}}</ref> The replacement tower was completed in January 1980.<ref name="Abil800113">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-tv-says-tha/139761978/|date=January 13, 1980|page=13-A|type=Advertisement|title=KTXS-TV Says, "Thank You! Big Country For Your Patience And Understanding!"|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218210143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-tv-says-tha/139761978/|url-status=live}}</ref> Also during this time, a third Abilene station, KTAB-TV (channel 32), was authorized and took the CBS affiliation, leaving KTXS-TV a sole ABC affiliate.<ref name="Abil790328">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv-station-to-star/136465373/|date=March 28, 1979|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-cbs-shows-to-start/136465384/ 10A]|title=TV station to start in fall|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 9, 2023|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209031749/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv-station-to-star/136465373/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the time before KTAB-TV went on the air, KTXS-TV had carried little CBS programming, with the notable exception of Dallas Cowboys football, and the full CBS lineup was only available locally on cable by way of KDFW in Dallas.<ref name="Abil790923">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-federal-murphys/136465466/|date=September 23, 1979|page=7-B|first=Chris|last=Wienandt|title=Federal, Murphy's Laws Slow New TV Station|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 9, 2023|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209031751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-federal-murphys/136465466/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil790331">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-terry-carries-some/136465399/|date=March 31, 1979|page=1C|first=Robert|last=Vernon|title=Terry Carries Some Kick With His Sidekick|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 9, 2023}}</ref>

===Carousel of owners=== In April 1979, Grayson agreed to sell KTXS-TV and KLBK-TV to Silver Star Communications, a majority-Black partnership soon renamed Prima Inc., for $15 million.<ref name="Abil790502">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-3-of-ktxs-owners-i/113461672/|date=May 2, 1979|page=8A|first=William|last=Whitaker|title=3 of KTXS Owners In Town to Discuss Ideas|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218204635/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-3-of-ktxs-owners-i/113461672/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil790711">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-may-be-in-pri/141409263/|date=July 11, 1979|page=10A|first=William|last=Whitaker|title=KTXS May Be in Prima Hands|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218210137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-may-be-in-pri/141409263/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Black owners in Prima were Wayne Embry, a former professional basketball player; John Robert Lee, assistant athletic director at the University of Wisconsin; and Larry Reed, a basketball coach at the same university.{{r|Abil790502}} Charles Woods later became an investor in the company.{{r|Abil830308}} The sale process dragged out due to protests by another group, led by former congresswoman Barbara Jordan, that sought to purchase the stations and wanted clarity as to the then-new distress sale policy.<ref name="Abil790713">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-austin-group-tryin/113461711/|date=July 13, 1979|page=9-D|first=Michael|last=DuPont|title=Austin Group Trying to Halt KTXS Sale|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092304/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-austin-group-tryin/113461711/|url-status=live}}</ref> During this time, Grayson's principal creditor, the Mercantile National Bank of Dallas, threatened foreclosure.<ref name="Abil800227">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-other-statio/113461784/|date=February 27, 1980|pages=1A, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-barbara-jordan-ask/113461842/ 14A]|title=KTXS, Other Stations May Face Foreclosure|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092304/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-other-statio/113461784/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC rebuffed the objections in March and April 1980, upholding the distress sale to Prima.<ref name="Odes800329">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-odessa-american-monahans-tv-station/113461856/|date=March 29, 1980|page=3C|agency=Associated Press|title=Monahans TV station included in distress sale of 12 others|newspaper=The Odessa American|location=Odessa, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-odessa-american-monahans-tv-station/113461856/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil800411">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fcc-upholds-ktxs/141409914/|date=April 11, 1980|page=8A|agency=Associated Press|title=FCC Upholds KTXS 'Distress Sale' to Prima|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fcc-upholds-ktxs/141409914/|url-status=live}}</ref> Final closure of the deal came three months later after several delays.<ref name="Abil800718">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-owners-get-ok/141410216/|date=July 18, 1980|page=2-D|title=KTXS Owners Get OK|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-owners-get-ok/141410216/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prima set up its corporate office in Abilene and announced plans to expand the news staff and purchase new equipment.<ref name="Abil800417">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-firm-moving-h/141409955/|date=April 17, 1980|pages=1A, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-no-change-seen-in/141410068/ 14A]|first=William|last=Whitaker|title=KTXS firm moving HQ to Abilene|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-firm-moving-h/141409955/|url-status=live}}</ref> The firm showed signs of financial weakness in 1982. Former shareholders in Grayson Enterprises sued the company for $1.18 million, alleging non-payment on the note that financed the transactions,<ref name="Abil820708">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-former-ktxs-tv-own/141410410/|date=July 8, 1982|page=7-A|title=Former KTXS-TV owners file $1.18 million lawsuit|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092232/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-former-ktxs-tv-own/141410410/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in March 1983, syndicator Lorimar Productions sued for breach of contract.<ref name="Abil830312">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-suit-filed-against/141410593/|date=March 12, 1983|page=3-A|first=Roy A. II|last=Jones|title=Suit Filed Against KTXS Owner|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092308/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-suit-filed-against/141410593/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Catclaw Communications, an Abilene-based company led by S. M. Moore, purchased KTXS-TV in 1983 from Prima.<ref name="Abil830308">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-being-bought/141410535/|date=March 8, 1983|page=1A|title=KTXS being bought by Abilenians|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092820/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-being-bought/141410535/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fort830826">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-sale-of-tv-stat/141410775/|date=August 26, 1983|page=13A|title=Sale of TV station approved|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|location=Fort Worth, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-sale-of-tv-stat/141410775/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, SouthWest MultiMedia of Houston purchased the station from Catclaw.<ref name="Abil850913">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-houston-firm-to-bu/141411609/|date=September 13, 1985|pages=1A, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs/141411537/ 18A]|title=Houston firm to buy KTXS|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092726/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-houston-firm-to-bu/141411609/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Lamco, Bluestone, Bonten and Sinclair ownership=== SouthWest MultiMedia, just over a year after agreeing to purchase KTXS-TV, sold it to Lamco Communications of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1986.<ref name="Abil861014">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-sold-to-penns/141411993/|date=October 14, 1986|page=5A|first=Judy|last=Bargainer|title=KTXS sold to Pennsylvania firm|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092700/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-sold-to-penns/141411993/|url-status=live}}</ref> KTXS briefly aired Fox programs in late-night hours on Saturdays from September 1990 to February 1991, when a translator of San Angelo Fox affiliate KIDY opened in Abilene.<ref name="Abil900913">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fox-gains-foothold/141511601/|date=September 13, 1990|pages=1D, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-lapham/141511724/ 3D]|first=Bob|last=Lapham|title=Fox gains foothold; no Emmy show|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092737/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fox-gains-foothold/141511601/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil910214">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fox-finally-shows/134646699/|date=February 14, 1991|page=3D|first=Bob|last=Lapham|title=Fox finally shows up|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218083052/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-fox-finally-shows/134646699/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2000, Lamco acquired the former K40DX, a low-power Telemundo station started by the network in 1995,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Freedom rings for ABC|work=Mediaweek|id={{ProQuest|213632575}}|first=Laureen|last=Miles|date=May 8, 1995|page=28}}</ref> and renamed it KTES-LP, with Spanish-language local news briefs produced by the KTXS news department.<ref name="Abil000816">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktes-to-broadcast/141412797/|date=August 16, 2000|pages=1AA, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktes/141412870/ 2AA]|title=KTES to broadcast local news in Spanish|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219092841/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktes-to-broadcast/141412797/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lamco put its stations on the market in 2003. After a deal with Larry Wilson, a former Citadel Broadcasting executive, fell through,<ref name="Abil030717">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv-stations-ktxs/141413093/|date=July 17, 2003|page=1E|first=Thaddeus|last=DeJesus|title=TV stations KTXS, KTES to be sold|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093310/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv-stations-ktxs/141413093/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil030906">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-ktes-sale-of/141413131/|date=September 6, 2003|page=1B|first=Brien|last=Murphy|title=KTXS, KTES sale off|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-ktes-sale-of/141413131/|url-status=live}}</ref> the Lamco portfolio was sold to BlueStone Television, a company led by Sandy DiPasquale, in 2004.<ref name="Abil040116">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-bluestone-buys-are/141413239/|date=January 16, 2004|page=1D|first=Brien|last=Murphy|title=BlueStone buys area TV stations|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093332/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-bluestone-buys-are/141413239/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Abil040617">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-bluestone-televisi/141413416/|date=June 17, 2004|page=1E|first=Brien|last=Murphy|title=BlueStone Television cleared to buy KTXS|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093222/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-bluestone-televisi/141413416/|url-status=live}}</ref> The CW was added on a subchannel in 2006.<ref name="arn-ktesthistv">{{cite news|last=Adame|first=Jaime|title=Telemundo giving way to This TV in Abilene|url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2010/aug/27/telemundo-giving-way-to-this-tv/|access-date=September 5, 2010|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|date=August 27, 2010|archive-date=August 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829222737/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2010/aug/27/telemundo-giving-way-to-this-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The BlueStone stations were sold in 2007 to Bonten Media Group, led by former Emmis Communications station group president Randy Bongarten, for $230 million.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Mediaweek|page=18|date=November 20, 2006|first=Will|last=Levith|title=Bongarten, Diamond Buy Bluestone TV}}</ref> Bonten discontinued the Telemundo feed and replaced it with This TV in 2010 in response to low ratings, especially compared to The CW.{{r|arn-ktesthistv}} Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired the Bonten portfolio in 2017 for $240 million.<ref name="tvnc-sinclairbonten">{{cite web|title=Sinclair Buying Bonten Stations For $240M|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/103465/sinclair-buying-bonten-stations-for-240m|website=TVNewsCheck|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=April 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809144039/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/103465/sinclair-buying-bonten-stations-for-240m/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=June 30, 2017 |title=FCC Approves Sinclair-Bonten Deal |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/fcc-approves-sinclair-bonten-deal-166927 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102113119/https://www.nexttv.com/news/fcc-approves-sinclair-bonten-deal-166927 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 8, 2025, straight-line winds tore the roof off part of the studios on Clack Street and toppled a studio-transmitter link tower onto the building. Master control functions for the station had been moved to sister station WTVC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which allowed Sinclair to send a feed through KVII-TV in Amarillo for the local cable system and to uplink KTXS for reception by a company satellite truck at the transmitter site. The news department is utilizing temporary facilities at Abilene Christian University.<ref name="TVT250623">{{Cite news |last=Winslow |first=George |date=June 23, 2025 |title=Cloud-Based Workflow Speeds KTXS's Recovery From Downed Tower, Storm Damage |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cloud-based-workflows-speeds-ktxss-recovery-from-downed-tower |access-date=June 24, 2025 |website=TV Tech |language=en}}</ref>

==News operation== KTXS-TV was traditionally the last-place news outlet in Abilene, even when the market only had two local stations. KRBC-TV commanded viewer loyalty with ratings shares as high as 80 percent. After KTAB-TV signed on in 1979, it supplanted KRBC as the number-one station, but KTXS remained a distant third, with its evening newscasts drawing 12 to 15% of the Abilene-market audience.<ref name="Abil840221">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-the-ratings-game/136512219/|date=February 21, 1984|page=1B|first=Connie|last=Rux|title=The Ratings Game: Stations Rely on Programming While Courting Advertisers|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209060337/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-the-ratings-game/136512219/|url-status=live}}</ref> Successive owners of channel 12 attempted with little success to improve the ratings by making changes to the newscasts.<ref name="Abil850602">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-vying-for-viewers/136465853/|date=June 2, 1985|pages=1D, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ratings/136465842/ 4D]|first=Andrew|last=Pratt|title=Vying for Viewers: Ratings game is played for keeps|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209084244/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-vying-for-viewers/136465853/|url-status=live}}</ref> When Prima acquired KTXS, its vice president assessed that "KTXS has not been doing what it should have been doing in news", and the new news director called the existing news product "a joke".<ref name="Abil801210">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-corpus-newsman-to/141410291/|date=December 10, 1980|page=14-A|first=Preston|last=Lerner|title=Corpus Newsman To Replace Izzard|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093158/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-corpus-newsman-to/141410291/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A short upturn in ratings began in 1985, during Catclaw Communications ownership, with increases of 20 to 40% in news audience and a growing viewership among adults 18–49 even as ABC's prime time ratings slumped.<ref name="Abil850914">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-proposed-sale-of-k/141411732/|date=September 14, 1985|page=3-A|first=Doug|last=Williamson|title=Proposed sale of KTXS-TV comes as ratings climbing|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093159/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-proposed-sale-of-k/141411732/|url-status=live}}</ref> Catclaw had hired Len Johnson, a longtime radio newsman for KRBC, because owner S. M. Moore wanted to remedy the news image of having inexperienced reporters and anchor and bring in someone with "gray around the temples".<ref name="Abil830826">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-names-new-anc/141410860/|date=August 26, 1983|page=2-A|title=KTXS Names New Anchorman|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093200/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-names-new-anc/141410860/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was replaced as main anchor in early 1985 with Pat Brown, under whom the ratings increases began.<ref name="Abil850125">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-johnson-to-become/141410914/|date=January 25, 1985|page=3-A|title=Johnson to become managing editor of KTXS|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-johnson-to-become/141410914/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|Abil850914}} The momentum was soon lost, and KTXS fell further back of KRBC.<ref name="Abil880406">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-the-sweeps-ktab/136466024/|date=April 6, 1988|pages=1B, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-tv/136466029/ 2B]|first=Bob|last=Lapham|title=The 'sweeps': KTAB still is No. 1 but KRBC moves up|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093817/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-the-sweeps-ktab/136466024/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 1990s and 2000s, the station's ratings for news increased. By 1995, KTXS had pulled ahead of KRBC at 6 and 10 p.m.,<ref name="Abil950402">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktab-does-well-in/136466145/|date=April 2, 1995|page=2C|first=Bob|last=Lapham|title=KTAB does well in ratings; KTXS reaps media awards|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209060339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktab-does-well-in/136466145/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in February 1999 it swept the ratings, knocking KTAB-TV out of first place.<ref name="Abil990401">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-leads-way-as/136466187/|date=April 1, 1999|page=2B|first=Bob|last=Lapham|title=KTXS leads way as local news viewership increases|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093721/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-leads-way-as/136466187/|url-status=live}}</ref> KTAB quickly retook first place in those time periods, but KTXS had increased its margin on KRBC;<ref name="Abil030108">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ratings-race-abc/136466288/|date=January 8, 2003|pages=1E, [https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-nielson-sic/136466302/ 4E]|first=Brien|last=Murphy|title=Ratings race: ABC, KTXS edge KTAB in Nielsens|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209051645/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ratings-race-abc/136466288/|url-status=live}}</ref> its newscasts continued to reach a younger audience desired by advertisers; and it led in the 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. slots.<ref name="Abil030504">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-what-we-watched-on/136466333/|date=May 4, 2003|page=2E|first=Dub|last=Wellborn|title=What we watched on TV|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209060835/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-what-we-watched-on/136466333/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2023}}, the station produces {{frac|19|1|2}} hours a week of local news and a weekly sports show, ''KTXS Sports Sunday''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/8e3b6321-8d36-6a76-eca5-d512210a75d2/9675125f-4181-445a-87fc-48276cb68ed7.pdf|date=January 8, 2024|title=Fourth Quarter 2023 Public Issues and Programs Lists|website=Public Inspection File|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093704/https://files.fcc.gov/download/9675125f-4181-445a-87fc-48276cb68ed7.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> KTXS newscasts utilize an anchorless format.{{r|TVT250623}}

==Technical information== ===Subchannels=== thumb|125px|right|KTXE-LD logo|alt=The ABC logo lower left, overlapping a red rounded box with white trim containing a white numeral 38 thumb|125px|right|San Angelo CW logo|alt=The CW network logo with San Angelo above it, right-aligned KTXS-TV's transmitter is located near Trent, Texas,{{r|FCC-LMS-308}} and KTXE-LD is broadcast from a site on West 26th Street in San Angelo.{{r|FCC-LMS-309}} The stations' signals are multiplexed: {| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of KTXS-TV<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTXS#station|website=RabbitEars|title=TV Query for KTXS|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109111923/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTXS#station|url-status=live}}</ref> and KTXE-LD<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTXE-LD#station|website=RabbitEars|title=TV Query for KTXE-LD|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109153057/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTXE-LD#station|url-status=live}}</ref> ! scope = "col" colspan="2"|Channel ! scope = "col" rowspan="2"|Res. ! scope = "col" colspan="2"|Short name ! scope = "col" rowspan="2"|Programming |- ! scope = "col" | {{small|KTXS-TV}}||{{small|KTXE-LD}} || scope = "col" | {{small|KTXS-TV}}||{{small|KTXE-LD}} |- ! scope = "row" | 12.1 || 38.1 | rowspan="2" | 720p || KTXS || KTXE || ABC |- ! scope = "row" | 12.2 || 38.2 | colspan="2" align="center" | CW || The CW Plus |- ! scope = "row" | 12.3 || N/A | 480i || style="background-color: #E6FFF7;"|ROAR || N/A || style="background-color: #E6FFF7;"|Roar (KTES-LD) |} {{legend|#E6FFF7|Simulcast of subchannels of another station}}

===Analog-to-digital conversion=== KTXS-TV began providing a digital signal in September 2002, making it the first Big Country television station to broadcast in digital.<ref name="Abil020928">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-tv-first-area/141521823/|date=September 28, 2002|page=1D|first=Brien|last=Murphy|title=KTXS-TV first area station to go digital|newspaper=Abilene Reporter-News|location=Abilene, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219093732/https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-ktxs-tv-first-area/141521823/|url-status=live}}</ref> It shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 12, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 20, using virtual channel 12.<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>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Official website|https://ktxs.com/}} * {{FCC-LMS-Facility|64972|KTES-LD}}

Category:1956 establishments in Texas Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates Category:The CW affiliates Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group Category:Television channels and stations established in 1956 TXS-TV Category:Sweetwater, Texas