Consider this. You are standing before the KABC-TV studios in Glendale, California. This is the West Coast flagship station of the ABC network. It is a hub of news, information, and entertainment for Southern California.
KABC-TV first signed on the airwaves on September 16, 1949. Back then, it was known as KECA-TV. The call sign honored Los Angeles broadcasting pioneer Earle C. Anthony. In 1954, KECA-TV became KABC-TV.
Originally, KABC-TV was located at the ABC Television Center. This is now The Prospect Studios in Los Feliz. In 2000, KABC-TV relocated to its current Glendale facility. The new building was designed by Cesar Pelli. It is part of the Disney Grand Central Creative Campus.
Since 1962, KABC-TV has used the iconic Circle 7 logo. In 1997, they added the ABC network logo. KABC-TV’s news anchors often wear Circle 7 lapel pins.
KABC-TV made history in 2006. It became the first California station to broadcast local news in high definition. This commitment to innovation continues today.
KABC-TV shut down its analog signal on June 12, 2009. This was part of the national transition to digital television. The station’s digital signal now broadcasts on VHF channel 7.
KABC-TV is known for its extensive news programming. It broadcasts over 51 hours of local newscasts each week. The station once had a news bureau in Sacramento. It shared resources with KGO-TV in San Francisco and KFSN-TV in Fresno. KABC-TV also has local bureaus in Riverside and Orange.
In February 1969, KABC-TV adopted the Eyewitness News format. This format quickly gained popularity in New York City. Over the years, many notable journalists have worked at KABC-TV. This includes Jerry Dunphy, Christine Lund, and Paul Moyer.
KABC-TV has always strived to connect with its viewers. In 1972, the station broadcast a newscast from a family’s home. The Jensen family of Sepulveda won a contest. Anchors John Schubeck and Joseph Benti broadcast from their dining room.
KABC-TV has a strong presence on social media. In May 2014, it was the first local TV station in the U.S. to reach one million Facebook likes. Today, KABC-TV continues to be a leader in local news.
KABC-TV also broadcasts sports programming. As the broadcast home of Los Angeles Rams games, KABC-TV also provides access to preseason telecasts and weekly magazines of the Los Angeles Chargers. KABC-TV will serve as the host station for Super Bowl LXI in 2027.
KABC-TV produces local shows. Vista L.A. profiles Latino life. Eye on L.A. has been on the air since the early 1980s. These shows reflect KABC-TV’s commitment to its community.
From Maila Nurmi as Vampira to Pinky Lee, KABC-TV featured various locally produced shows.
As you leave KABC-TV, remember its rich history. It is a station dedicated to serving Southern California. KABC-TV remains a trusted source of information and entertainment.