Oklahoma City Television: Market Overview and Broadcast History
Oklahoma City serves as a significant media hub in the central United States. According to Nielsen Media Research, it is the 44th largest Designated Market Area (DMA)—a geographic region where the population can receive the same television and radio station signals—in the country. This DMA encompasses 34 counties across the northern, west-central, and central portions of Oklahoma.
The region is home to 19 television stations, consisting of 12 full-power stations and several low-power analog or digital outlets, providing a diverse array of network affiliations and independent programming.
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Key Facts
- Market Rank: 44th largest DMA in the U.S.
- Coverage: Serves 34 counties in Oklahoma.
- Station Count: 19 total stations (12 full-power, 7 low-power).
- Primary Cable Provider: Cox Communications.
- Primary IPTV Provider: AT&T U-verse.
Broadcast Station Landscape
Full-Power Stations
The full-power stations provide the backbone of the market's broadcast reach, featuring major national networks and specialized programming.
| Channel | Call Sign | Location | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | KFOR-TV | Oklahoma City | NBC |
| 5 | KOCO-TV | Oklahoma City | ABC |
| 9 | KWTV-DT | Oklahoma City | CBS |
| 13 | KETA-TV | Oklahoma City | PBS |
| 14 | KTBO-TV | Oklahoma City | TBN |
| 25 | KOKH-TV | Oklahoma City | Fox |
| 30 | KTUZ-TV | Shawnee | Telemundo |
| 34 | KOCB | Oklahoma City | Independent |
| 35 | KUOK | Woodward | Univision |
| 43 | KAUT-TV | Oklahoma City | The CW |
| 46 | KOCM | Norman | Daystar |
| 52 | KSBI | Oklahoma City | MyNetworkTV |
| 62 | KOPX-TV | Oklahoma City | Ion Television |
Low-Power Stations
Low-power stations offer more niche or community-specific content. These include:
- KUOT-CD (Channel 21): 3ABN
- KTOU-LD (Channel 22): beIN Sports Xtra
- KOMI-CD (Channel 24): YTA TV
- KLHO-LD (Channel 31): Spanish religious independent
- KUOK-CD (Channel 36): Univision
- KOHC-CD (Channel 45): Azteca America
- K35MV-D (Channel 47): FNX
- KUOC-LD (Channel 48): Infomercials
- KOCY-LD (Channel 48): Estrella TV
The Evolution of Subscription Television
Cable and IPTV Services
Cox Communications has been a dominant force in the region since the Oklahoma City Council awarded them franchise rights in February 1979, with service beginning in April 1980. Early cable delivery was split between Cox and Pan Oklahoma Communications (a joint venture) until 1983, after which Cox expanded its reach into northeastern Oklahoma City and Forest Park.
Suburban areas—including Edmond, Norman, and Moore—were initially served by Multimedia Cablevision. Multimedia grew by acquiring American Cablevision systems in 1983. By July 1999, Cox Communications purchased these suburban systems from the Gannett Company, formally taking over operations on February 1, 2000.
In August 2007, AT&T U-verse introduced Internet Protocol television (IPTV)—television delivered via the internet protocol suite—to Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and Norman, later expanding to other suburbs by the summer of 2008.
Wireless and Specialized Services
Before the total dominance of cable, Oklahoma City utilized Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), a wireless cable technology. TV-Q Movie Systems operated from 1978 to 1984, offering HBO, SuperStation WTBS, and later Nickelodeon. In 1990, Multimedia Cablevision launched Antenna Vision from the Liberty Bank Tower, which was later absorbed into American Telecasting's WanTV service in 1994 and ceased operations in 2001.
The city also served as the pilot market for Video Entertainment Unlimited (VEU) in October 1980. Launched by Golden West Broadcasters via KAUT-TV, VEU provided premium content like unedited movies and sporting events during nighttime and weekend hours. VEU ceased operations in September 1984 as cable services expanded in its other markets, such as Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the Oklahoma City television market?
Oklahoma City is ranked as the 44th largest designated market area (DMA) in the United States by Nielsen Media Research, serving 34 counties.
Who are the primary subscription television providers in the area?
The area is primarily served by Cox Communications for cable television and AT&T U-verse for Internet Protocol television (IPTV).
How many television stations operate in the Oklahoma City area?
There are 19 stations in total, comprising 12 full-power stations and several low-power stations.
What was VEU and how did it operate?
Video Entertainment Unlimited (VEU) was a subscription service launched in 1980 as a pilot in Oklahoma City. It broadcast premium movies and sports over KAUT-TV during specific nighttime and weekend hours before closing in 1984.
What was the role of MMDS in Oklahoma City's TV history?
MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service) provided wireless pay television. Services like TV-Q and Antenna Vision used this technology to deliver channels like HBO and Nickelodeon via antennas before being superseded by cable.