KLBK-TV: A History of West Texas Television Pioneering
The story of KLBK-TV is more than just the history of a single station; it is a chronicle of the birth of regional broadcasting in the United States. From its origins as a pioneer in small-market television to its current role under a major broadcasting group, the station has navigated complex ownership shifts and regulatory challenges to remain a staple of West Texas media.
The Dawn of the West Texas Television Network
The station first entered the airwaves on November 13, 1952, as KDUB-TV. Founded by television pioneer W. D. "Dub" Rogers, Jr., it holds the distinction of being the first commercially licensed television station in a medium to small-sized market. This milestone set the stage for a broader expansion across the region.
Rogers expanded his reach by launching several other stations, including KPAR-TV in Abilene (now KTXS-TV), KEDY-TV in Big Spring (now KCWO-TV), and KVER-TV in Clovis, New Mexico (now KVIH-TV). Together, these stations formed the West Texas Television Network, which was the first regional television network in the United States.
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Early Network Affiliations
In its early years, the station maintained a diverse set of affiliations. During the early 1950s, it carried the DuMont network. It also served as a secondary affiliate for ABC until 1969, when KSEL-TV (now KAMC) became the primary ABC affiliate for the local area.
Ownership Transitions and Regulatory Challenges
In 1961, Grayson Enterprises assumed ownership of KDUB-TV and KPAR-TV. It was during this period that the station's call letters were changed to the current KLBK-TV. Grayson Enterprises continued to grow, acquiring other stations such as KVKM-TV in Monahans (which later became KMOM and eventually KWES-TV).
However, the 1970s brought significant legal hurdles. Between 1968 and 1977, Grayson Enterprises faced license renewal troubles. The company was accused of several serious violations, including fraudulent billing, fabrication of program and transmitter logs, main studio violations, and failure to perform required technical tests. These issues led to deferred renewals and formal hearings.
The "Distress Sale" Precedent
To resolve these legal disputes, the stations were sold in what was termed a distress sale. This process involved breaking up Grayson's holdings and selling them at a reduced price to minority-controlled groups, now referred to as historically-underutilized groups. Under this arrangement, KLBK and KTXS were transferred to Prima, Inc., a group led by African American principals, while KMOM and KWAB went to a Hispanic-controlled group.
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Modern Era and Nexstar Acquisition
The station changed hands several times in the following decades. In 1993, Banam Broadcasting (a subsidiary of BankAmerica) purchased KLBK along with three other stations. By 1995, these were sold to Petracom Broadcasting, and subsequently to Quorum Broadcasting in 1998.
The current era began in late 2003 when Nexstar Broadcasting Group acquired KLBK as part of its purchase of Quorum Broadcasting. On February 1, 2007, the station modernized its image by updating its logo and news set. During this rebranding, the channel number was removed from the branding to avoid confusion, as KLBK is accessed via different channel numbers across various television platforms.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: November 13, 1952.
- Original Call Sign: KDUB-TV.
- Industry First: First commercially licensed TV station in a medium to small-sized market.
- Network Pioneer: Part of the first regional television network in the U.S. (West Texas Television Network).
- Current Owner: Nexstar Broadcasting Group (acquired 2003).
- Unique Operation: One of the few U.S. stations that still signs off overnight.
| Period/Year | Owner/Entity | Key Event/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | W. D. "Dub" Rogers, Jr. | Station launched as KDUB-TV |
| Early 1950s | W. D. "Dub" Rogers, Jr. | DuMont affiliation |
| 1961 | Grayson Enterprises | Call letters changed to KLBK-TV |
| 1969 | Grayson Enterprises | ABC secondary affiliation ends |
| Late 1970s | Prima, Inc. | Acquired via "distress sale" |
| 1993 | Banam Broadcasting | Acquired from Prima, Inc. |
| 1995 | Petracom Broadcasting | Acquired from Banam |
| 1998 | Quorum Broadcasting | Acquired from Petracom |
| 2003 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group | Acquired from Quorum |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did KLBK-TV change its name from KDUB-TV?
The call letters were changed to KLBK-TV in 1961 after Grayson Enterprises assumed ownership of the station.
What was the West Texas Television Network?
It was the first regional television network in the United States, consisting of stations in Lubbock, Abilene, Big Spring, and Clovis, New Mexico.
What is a "distress sale" in the context of KLBK's history?
A distress sale occurred when Grayson Enterprises sold its stations at a reduced price to minority-controlled groups to settle license renewal disputes involving fraudulent billing and log fabrication.
Does KLBK-TV broadcast 24 hours a day?
No, KLBK is one of the few remaining stations that signs off. It goes off the air early Saturday mornings at 2:35 a.m. and Sunday mornings at 1:05 a.m., returning at 5:30 a.m. A weather loop is aired during overnight periods.
Who currently owns KLBK-TV?
The station is owned by Nexstar Broadcasting Group, which acquired it in late 2003.