KTIV

KTIV is a television station serving Sioux City, Iowa, and the wider Siouxland viewing area. Broadcasting on virtual channel 4, it is primarily affiliated with NBC and also carries The CW Plus on a digital subchannel. The station is owned by Gray Media and operates from studios on Signal Hill Drive in Sioux City, while its transmitter is located near Hinton, Iowa. KTIV began broadcasting on October 10, 1954, becoming the second television station established in Sioux City. Its origins lay in a joint effort by local radio interests: the KCOM Broadcasting Company and Perkins Bros. Inc., owners of Sioux City radio station KSCJ and associated with the Sioux City Journal. The station launched with NBC, ABC, and DuMont programming, although its studios were not yet complete and it initially offered no local programming. KTIV became an NBC affiliate from its first day on air and continued to carry selected ABC material until 1967. The station’s early development included a substantial technical upgrade. After Perkins Bros. acquired the remaining ownership interest in 1965, KTIV increased its effective radiated power to the maximum permitted for a channel 4 station. It also moved its transmission facilities to a tower near Hinton, jointly developed with competitor KVTV, later known as KCAU-TV. The Hinton site remains associated with KTIV’s transmission operation. KTIV changed ownership several times. Black Hawk Broadcasting acquired the station in 1974 and opened a purpose-built television facility on Sioux City’s Signal Hill in 1977. Black Hawk subsequently became part of American Family Broadcasting, the broadcasting division of American Family Corporation, in a transaction completed in 1980. Quincy Newspapers acquired KTIV in 1989, beginning a period of more than three decades under Quincy ownership. Gray Television acquired Quincy Media in 2021 for $925 million, bringing KTIV into Gray’s national local-television portfolio. Local news has been central to KTIV’s identity. The station established a news operation during its first year and gradually expanded its reporting, production, and technical capabilities. In the 1980s, improvements to its news department and efforts to reach viewers in outlying communities helped KTIV overtake the previously dominant KCAU-TV in local ratings. The station has retained a leading position in the Sioux City market according to the historical account of its news operation. KTIV has also been connected to several notable broadcasting moments. Tom Brokaw worked at the station in the early 1960s as an announcer, weather presenter, and newscaster before moving through larger NBC markets and eventually anchoring NBC Nightly News. In 1989, KTIV cameras recorded the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City. Footage captured by reporter-photographer Dave Boxum was distributed far more widely than intended after an uplink arrangement made the material available through the Conus Communications network. The station entered digital broadcasting in 2002. It ended analog transmission in 2009, continued digital service using virtual channel 4, and moved its physical digital channel from UHF 41 to channel 14 in 2018 after the United States wireless spectrum auction. KTIV also became involved with the local successor to The WB 100+ Station Group. After The WB and UPN merged to create The CW in 2006, KTIV placed The CW programming on a second digital subchannel. In 2023, KTIV expanded its news operation after Sinclair-owned KPTH closed its newsroom. Several former KPTH employees joined KTIV, and the station added a longer noon newscast as well as weekend morning news programs. KTIV’s present proposition combines network entertainment and sports programming with locally produced news, weather, sports, public-affairs coverage, digital content, and community information for the Siouxland market.

KTIV’s application history began in 1952, when the KCOM Broadcasting Company sought authorization for a Sioux City station on channel 4. Perkins Bros. Inc., the owner of KSCJ radio and associated with the Sioux City Journal, subsequently filed a competing application. The FCC initially scheduled hearings, but the competing applicants combined their efforts in late 1953. The consolidated application received a construction permit on January 20, 1954. Construction began that spring. KTIV intended to launch in time to carry the 1954 World Series, but difficulties establishing the studio-to-transmitter link delayed the station. A microwave antenna had to be raised twice to clear an obstructing tree. KTIV finally signed on October 10, 1954, carrying NBC, ABC, and DuMont programs. Because its studio construction was incomplete, the station initially had no local production. KSCJ later exercised its option to acquire half of KTIV, a change approved in March 1955. The station then increased its effective radiated power to 100,000 watts, improving service beyond Sioux City. DuMont programming ended in 1955, and KTIV briefly carried the NTA Film Network from 1956. Its NBC relationship remained the central affiliation, while ABC programs were shared with KVTV. In 1961, the station hired Tom Brokaw, a Yankton, South Dakota, native who worked as an announcer, weather presenter, and newscaster while attending the University of South Dakota. Brokaw later moved to Omaha and Atlanta, joined KNBC in Los Angeles, and eventually became anchor of NBC Nightly News. Perkins Bros. acquired full control of KTIV in 1965 for $2.2 million. That year the station moved its transmission operation to a new tower near Hinton, developed jointly with KVTV. KTIV donated its former tower to South Dakota Educational Television. In 1967, KVTV became the market’s full-time ABC station under the KCAU-TV call sign, and KMEG took the CBS affiliation, ending KTIV’s regular ABC role. Black Hawk Broadcasting acquired KTIV in 1974 for $2.5 million. The new owner built a television-specific studio at the Stonesthrow Office Complex on Signal Hill. KTIV began broadcasting from that facility in June 1977, using electronic news-gathering equipment and increasing its staff from 32 employees in 1974 to 58 in 1978. Black Hawk’s broadcasting assets were reorganized into American Family Broadcasting, completed in 1980 under the broadcasting division of American Family Corporation. Quincy Newspapers acquired KTIV in 1989. During the late 1960s and 1970s, KCAU-TV had been the market leader, but KTIV strengthened its news department and expanded promotion beyond Sioux City. The loss of KCAU’s former advantage among some South Dakota viewers after ABC changed its Sioux Falls affiliation also helped KTIV. With the hiring of former KCAU anchor Dave Nixon Sr. and other newsroom improvements, KTIV moved into first place in the local ratings. Nixon Sr. left in 1990, while his son, Dave Nixon Jr., returned to Sioux City in 1992 as news director. KTIV received major attention in 1989 when its crew recorded the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City. Reporter-photographer Dave Boxum was positioned to capture the aircraft’s impact. The station intended the images for NBC and its affiliates, but a Conus Communications uplink inadvertently made them accessible to a much broader group of stations. The footage was subsequently used by multiple networks and local broadcasters. The station began digital transmission on September 16, 2002, on UHF channel 41. It ended analog operation on February 17, 2009, and continued using virtual channel 4 in digital broadcasting. Following the 2016 wireless spectrum auction, KTIV moved its physical digital channel to 14 in 2018. It also took over advertising responsibilities for the cable-only KXWB service in 2003. When The WB and UPN formed The CW in 2006, KTIV carried The CW on a second digital subchannel. Gray Television purchased Quincy Media in 2021 for $925 million. In 2023, KTIV expanded its newsroom after Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KPTH closed its local newsroom. Three former KPTH employees, including former KTIV anchor Larry Wentz, joined the station. KTIV responded with an expanded noon newscast and new weekend morning programs. The station remains an active NBC and CW broadcaster serving Sioux City and the surrounding Siouxland region.

1. 2023Newsroom expansion

   KTIV adds former KPTH newsroom staff and expands its weekday and weekend news schedule.

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2. 2021Gray Media ownership

   Gray Television acquires Quincy Media, making KTIV part of Gray’s station portfolio.

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3. 2018Physical channel reassignment

   KTIV changes its physical digital channel to 14 following the federal wireless spectrum auction.

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4. 2009Analog transmission ends

   KTIV shuts down its analog signal during the United States digital television transition.

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5. 2006The CW subchannel launch

   KTIV begins carrying The CW on a second digital subchannel after the formation of the network.

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6. 2002Digital signal launch

   KTIV begins digital broadcasting on UHF channel 41.

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7. 1989Quincy Newspapers acquisition

   Quincy Newspapers acquires KTIV from American Family Broadcasting.

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8. 1980American Family Broadcasting ownership

   Black Hawk Broadcasting becomes part of American Family Broadcasting, which retains KTIV.

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9. 1977Signal Hill studios open

   KTIV begins operating from a purpose-built television facility on Signal Hill in Sioux City.

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10. 1974Black Hawk Broadcasting purchase

    Black Hawk Broadcasting acquires KTIV.

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11. 1965Perkins Bros. takes full ownership

    Perkins Bros. acquires the remaining interest in KTIV and the station develops a new jointly owned Hinton-area tower.

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12. 1961Tom Brokaw joins the station

    Tom Brokaw begins his television career at KTIV as an announcer, weather presenter, and newscaster.

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13. 1955Ownership and power increase

    KSCJ acquires its agreed ownership interest, and KTIV increases effective radiated power to 100,000 watts.

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14. 1954KTIV signs on

    KTIV begins broadcasting on October 10 as Sioux City’s second television station, with NBC, ABC, and DuMont programming.

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15. 1952Initial channel 4 application

    KCOM Broadcasting Company applies for a Sioux City television station on channel 4, with Perkins Bros. later filing a competing application.

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A locally focused Sioux City television broadcaster combining NBC network service, CW programming, regional news, weather, sports, and community coverage.

• KTIV Local NewsLocal television news1954

  KTIV’s locally produced news service covers Sioux City and surrounding communities with scheduled newscasts, breaking news, regional reporting, interviews, and public-affairs content. The operation has been a central part of the station since its first year and was expanded in 2023 with a longer noon program and weekend morning broadcasts.

• KTIV WeatherBroadcast weather service

  The station’s weather coverage provides forecasts and severe-weather information for the Siouxland viewing area through on-air reports and digital channels. Its value proposition is regional immediacy: weather reporting is integrated into local newscasts and breaking-news coverage for viewers in northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and nearby South Dakota communities.

• NBC programmingNetwork television affiliation1954

  KTIV has been an NBC affiliate since its first broadcast in 1954. The main channel combines NBC’s national schedule with KTIV’s locally produced news, weather, sports, and community programming, making the station the primary NBC service for the Sioux City market.

• The CW PlusDigital network subchannel2006

  KTIV carries The CW Plus on a second digital subchannel. The service followed KTIV’s involvement with the cable-only WB 100+ Station Group and became the station’s CW outlet after The WB and UPN combined to form The CW in 2006.

• 2023Expansion of local news programmingStrategy

  Sinclair-owned KPTH closed its newsroom, making experienced local broadcast personnel available in the Sioux City market.

  What changed. KTIV hired three former KPTH news employees and expanded its noon and weekend morning news offerings.

  Aftermath. The station increased its local-news presence and newsroom capacity in the Siouxland market.

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• 2021Quincy Media acquisition by Gray TelevisionM&A

  KTIV had been owned by Quincy Newspapers since 1989, later operating within Quincy Media.

  What changed. Gray Television acquired Quincy Media, including KTIV, in a transaction valued at $925 million.

  Aftermath. KTIV joined Gray’s group of local television stations and continued operating as a Sioux City NBC and CW broadcaster.

  Acquisition value. $925 million (2021 transaction)

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• 2018Digital channel reassignmentGeneration change

  The Federal Communications Commission’s 2016 wireless spectrum auction required frequency changes for some broadcasters.

  What changed. KTIV moved its physical digital transmission channel from 41 to 14 while continuing to use virtual channel 4.

  Aftermath. The station continued digital broadcasting under its established channel 4 identity.

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• 2006Launch of The CW digital subchannelProduct launch

  The WB and UPN merged to form The CW, creating a new network affiliation opportunity in Sioux City.

  What changed. KTIV placed The CW programming on a second digital subchannel.

  Aftermath. KTIV expanded beyond its traditional NBC primary-channel role while retaining its main NBC affiliation.

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• 2003KTIV assumes KXWB advertising responsibilitiesStrategy

  The local WB 100+ service was a cable-only operation whose advertising and marketing had previously been handled by KCAU-TV.

  What changed. KTIV took responsibility for selling advertising and supporting promotion for KXWB.

  Aftermath. When The WB and UPN merged in 2006, KTIV became the local carrier of The CW on a second digital subchannel.

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• 2023KTIV expands its newsroom after KPTH closure

  KTIV adds former KPTH newsroom personnel and expands its noon and weekend morning news schedules.

  Leadership changeCampaign
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• 2021Gray Television acquires Quincy Media

  Gray Television purchases Quincy Media for $925 million, making KTIV part of Gray’s station group.

  M&A
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• 2009KTIV completes its analog shutdown

  KTIV ends analog transmission as part of the United States full-power television digital transition.

  Regulation
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• 2006KTIV adds The CW to its digital subchannel

  After the merger of The WB and UPN, KTIV becomes the local outlet for The CW on a second digital channel.

  Product launch
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• 2002KTIV launches digital broadcasting

  The station begins transmitting a digital signal on UHF channel 41 while continuing analog broadcasting during the transition period.

  Product generation
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• 1989KTIV footage captures the United Airlines Flight 232 crash

  A KTIV crew records the Sioux City crash. An uplink-distribution mistake allows the footage to circulate widely beyond the intended NBC and affiliate audience.

  Other
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• 1989Quincy Newspapers acquires KTIV

  Quincy Newspapers purchases the station from American Family, beginning its long ownership of KTIV.

  M&A
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• 1980American Family Broadcasting takes control of KTIV

  Black Hawk Broadcasting is merged into American Family Broadcasting, which retains KTIV among its broadcast properties.

  M&A
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• 1977KTIV moves into purpose-built Signal Hill studios

  The station begins operating from a new television facility on Signal Hill, supporting a larger staff and expanded news operation.

  Other
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• 1974Black Hawk Broadcasting acquires KTIV

  Black Hawk Broadcasting purchases the station, beginning a new ownership period and later constructing its Signal Hill studios.

  M&A
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• 1965KTIV raises power and develops the Hinton transmission site

  Following Perkins Bros.’ full acquisition, KTIV increases its broadcast power and moves to a jointly developed tower near Hinton, Iowa.

  Other
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• 1954KTIV begins broadcasting in Sioux City

  The station signs on October 10 as a new Sioux City television outlet carrying NBC, ABC, and DuMont programming.

  Other
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1. KTIV
2. KTIV official website