KDTL-LD Station History and Ownership Transitions
The evolution of KDTL-LD reflects the broader shifts in the American broadcast landscape, moving from a low-power religious outlet to a strategic asset for a major media conglomerate. From its humble beginnings in the early 1990s to its current role within the Gray Television portfolio, the station has undergone several identity shifts and technical upgrades.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: September 28, 1992, as K64DT.
- Digital Transition: Converted to digital operations in late 2011.
- Recent Sale: Acquired by Gray Television for $1 million in 2022.
- Current Mapping: Operates on channels 4.6 and 4.7.
Early Years and Religious Broadcasting
The station first entered the airwaves on September 28, 1992, operating under the callsign K64DT. For over a decade, it operated in this capacity until 2004, when it was sold to the Word of God Fellowship. This organization is the parent entity of the Daystar Television Network, a global Christian broadcasting network.
Following this acquisition, the station increased its broadcast power and updated its callsign to KDTL-LP. As the industry shifted toward modern standards, the station completed its conversion to digital operations at the end of 2011, officially changing its callsign to KDTL-LD on January 5, 2012.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Acquisition by Gray Television
A significant turning point occurred on May 9, 2022, when Word of God Fellowship announced the sale of KDTL-LD to Gray Television, a major media company based in Atlanta. The transaction was valued at $1 million and was finalized on July 1, 2022.
This move followed Gray Television's previous acquisition of KMOV, which occurred after Gray purchased the broadcast division of Meredith. By acquiring KDTL-LD, Gray Television strengthened its presence in the St. Louis market.
Programming Shifts and Current Status
Once the sale to Gray Television was completed, KDTL-LD severed its affiliation with Daystar. This transition was seamless for viewers, as Daystar's programming continued to be available via the full-power station WPXS (channel 13) and the in-market repeater KUMO-LD (channel 51).
During a transition period, Gray Television utilized the station's subchannels to fill programming gaps, particularly as their former affiliate network, Circle, wound down at the end of 2023. The station's current distribution includes:
- Channel 4.6 (Main): Carries Corner Store TV, a network dedicated to paid programming.
- Channel 4.7 (Second Subchannel): Provides an automated high-definition feed of current weather conditions, forecasts, and observations sourced from KMOV's weather computers.
Station Summary
| Period/Date | Callsign | Owner | Primary Affiliation/Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 – 2004 | K64DT | Original Owner | Initial Operations |
| 2004 – 2022 | KDTL-LP / KDTL-LD | Word of God Fellowship | Daystar Television Network |
| 2022 – Present | KDTL-LD | Gray Television | Corner Store TV / KMOV Weather |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did KDTL-LD start broadcasting?
The station began operations on September 28, 1992, originally using the callsign K64DT.
Who currently owns KDTL-LD?
The station is owned by Gray Television, which purchased it from Word of God Fellowship for $1 million in 2022.
What happened to Daystar programming on this station?
After the sale to Gray Television, Daystar programming was dropped from KDTL-LD. It remains available in the market via WPXS (channel 13) and KUMO-LD (channel 51).
What is currently broadcast on channel 4.7?
Channel 4.7 broadcasts an automated high-definition feed of weather observations and forecasts provided by KMOV's weather computers.
What is Corner Store TV?
Corner Store TV is an all-paid programming network that currently airs on the station's main channel, mapped to 4.6.