KTVT Channel 11 Heliport

Sweeping across the Texas sky, the rhythmic whir of helicopter blades announces the arrival of news. Here, at the KTVT Channel 11 Heliport, the stories of Dallas and Fort Worth take flight. KTVT Channel 11, also known as CBS Texas, has a long and storied history. This heliport is a vital part of their newsgathering operation, connecting them to breaking news across the vast Texas landscape. KFJZ-TV, as it was originally known, first took to the airwaves in 1955, becoming the first independent station in Texas. In 1962, under the ownership of Gaylord Broadcasting, KTVT cemented its place as a leading independent station, its signal reaching far beyond the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, becoming a regional superstation. This reach extended KTVT’s influence across several states, bringing its mix of syndicated programming and local productions to a wider audience. The station continued to evolve, securing the broadcast rights to the Texas Rangers in 1985, and even adding a 9 p.m. newscast in 1990, a bold move at the time. A pivotal moment arrived in 1995. KTVT became a CBS affiliate, marking a significant shift in its programming and its role in the community. This transition also meant a move to the familiar “Eye of Texas” branding. The station expanded its news offerings, adding morning and early evening newscasts to its lineup. In 1999, KTVT became a CBS owned-and-operated station, further strengthening its ties to the network. Today, KTVT Channel 11 remains a prominent voice in North Texas. The KTVT Channel 11 Heliport stands as a symbol of that commitment, a launchpad for stories that inform and connect the community, ensuring the pulse of the city is captured from above. From the earliest days of KFJZ-TV to the modern era of CBS Texas, the spirit of innovation and dedication to delivering the news has remained a constant. The next time you hear the distinctive thump of a helicopter overhead, remember the KTVT Channel 11 Heliport, where news takes flight, delivering the stories that shape our understanding of this dynamic region.