Question: Ever wondered how Houston’s ABC affiliate, KTRK-TV channel 13, came to be a household name? KTRK-TV has a rich history. It began broadcasting on November 20, 1954. KTRK-TV became Houston’s first full ABC affiliate.
Before KTRK-TV hit the airwaves, several groups vied for channel 13. Six firms initially expressed interest. They included the Houston Television Company and the Houston Chronicle. Roy Hofheinz also bid for the channel. Ultimately, they combined their efforts. In January 1954 they formed Houston Consolidated Television. This collaboration was hailed as a major civic achievement.
The call letters KTRK-TV were chosen carefully. The FCC denied the use of KTRH-TV. This was because the radio station did not have controlling interest. The studios were located in the former KNUZ-TV facilities. KTRK-TV’s transmitter was built in Fort Bend County.
Early on, KTRK-TV faced challenges. It sought to block KGUL-TV from moving into Houston. The present Bissonnet Street studios opened in December 1961. The facility featured a unique dome. It enclosed two studios. It was the first round studio building in the United States.
KTRK-TV also created memorable local programs. Kitirik was a popular children’s show. The mascot was a black cat. This was a play on the station’s channel number. The show aired until 1970.
In late 1966, KTRK-TV was sold to Capital Cities Broadcasting Company. The purchase price was nearly 21.3 million dollars. To acquire KTRK-TV, Capital Cities sold WPRO-TV.
Capital Cities invested heavily in news programming. By 1978, KTRK-TV was very profitable. In February 1985, it captured 47 percent of the network audience.
Capital Cities bought ABC in 1985. KTRK became an ABC owned-and-operated station. The studio facility was expanded in 1993. Capital Cities/ABC was sold to The Walt Disney Company in early 1996.
KTRK increased its focus on local news. In 1969, the station adopted the Eyewitness News name. Dave Ward became a prominent anchor. His 50-year tenure is the longest in American television history.
Marvin Zindler joined KTRK in 1973. He was known for his consumer reports. His reports led to the closing of the Chicken Ranch. He signed a lifetime contract with KTRK in 1988.
Another long-running program was Good Morning Houston. It aired from 1967 until 1993.
KTRK has also been the official home of the Houston Texans. The station telecasts preseason games. It also airs Texans-related programs.
KTRK discontinued its analog signal on June 12, 2009. The station’s digital signal relocated to VHF channel 13.
Today, KTRK-TV continues to serve Houston. Its commitment to news remains strong. It continues to evolve with the times. KTRK is a vital part of Houston’s media landscape.