Los Angeles Television Market and Station Guide
Los Angeles serves as a critical hub for American broadcasting. According to Nielsen Media Research, it is currently defined as the second-largest television market in the United States. This massive scale ensures that all major U.S. television networks maintain a strong presence in the region, with affiliates serving the diverse population of Greater Los Angeles.
A distinguishing feature of the Los Angeles market is the high level of direct corporate control. All of the major U.S. television networks operate their local affiliates as network-owned stations, meaning the networks themselves own and operate the facilities rather than relying on third-party owners.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Market Rank: Second-largest television market in the U.S. per Nielsen Media Research.
- Network Ownership: All major U.S. networks have directly owned and operated stations in the region.
- Coverage: Stations serve the Greater Los Angeles area, including surrounding cities like Ontario, Long Beach, and San Bernardino.
- Diversity: The market includes a wide array of English-language, Spanish-language, and multicultural independent stations.
Detailed Overview of Television Stations
As of 2026, the television landscape in Greater Los Angeles consists of a mix of major network affiliates, independent stations, and specialized content providers. These stations are identified by their display channel (the number viewers see on their remote) and their physical channel (the actual frequency used for transmission).
Major Network Affiliates
The primary pillars of the market are the network-owned stations for the biggest U.S. broadcasters. These include KCBS-TV (CBS), KNBC (NBC), KABC-TV (ABC), and KTTV (Fox). These stations provide the bulk of national news and primetime entertainment for the region.
Public and Educational Broadcasting
Public broadcasting is well-represented through several PBS member stations. KCET, KOCE-TV, and KLCS serve as major members, while KVCR-DT also provides PBS programming to the San Bernardino area.
Specialized and Multicultural Programming
The region's diversity is reflected in its specialized stations. Spanish-language broadcasting is led by network-owned stations such as KMEX-DT (Univision), KVEA (Telemundo), and KFTR-DT (UniMás). Additionally, the market hosts niche content, including KSCN-TV for the Scientology Network and various Jewelry TV affiliates like KZNO-LD, KMRZ-LD, and KRVD-LD.
Notably, KZNO-LD utilizes an experimental analog FM radio subcarrier accessible at 87.7 MHz, blending television transmission with radio accessibility.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Los Angeles Station Summary
| Station Name | Display Channel | Physical Channel | Affiliation/Network | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCBS-TV | 2 | 31 | CBS | Network-owned |
| KNBC | 4 | 36 | NBC | Network-owned |
| KABC-TV | 7 | - | ABC | Network-owned |
| KTTV | 11 | - | Fox | Network-owned |
| KMEX-DT | 34 | - | Univision | Network-owned |
| KVEA | 52 | 25 | Telemundo | Network-owned |
| KCET | 28 | - | PBS | Major member |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the Los Angeles television market?
According to Nielsen Media Research, Los Angeles is the second-largest television market in the United States.
Who owns the major network affiliates in Los Angeles?
All of the major U.S. television networks directly own and operate their affiliates serving the Los Angeles region.
Which stations provide PBS programming in the area?
PBS programming is available through KCET, KOCE-TV, KLCS, and KVCR-DT.
Are there Spanish-language stations in the market?
Yes, the market includes several Spanish-language stations, including KMEX-DT (Univision), KVEA (Telemundo), and KFTR-DT (UniMás).
Does any station offer a radio subcarrier?
Yes, KZNO-LD transmits an experimental analog FM radio subcarrier that can be accessed at 87.7 MHz.