KFDX-TV
This article may be too long to read and navigate comfortably. (May 2022) |
kW | |
HAAT | 269.4 m (884 ft) |
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Transmitter coordinates | 33°53′23″N 98°33′31″W / 33.88972°N 98.55861°W |
Translator(s) | See below |
Links | |
Public license information | |
Website | www |
KFDX-TV (channel 3) is a television station licensed to Wichita Falls, Texas, United States, serving as the NBC affiliate for the western Texoma area. It is owned by Nexstar Media Group alongside low-power MyNetworkTV affiliate KJBO-LD (channel 35); Nexstar also provides certain services to Fox affiliate KJTL (channel 18) under joint sales and shared services agreements (JSA/SSA) with Mission Broadcasting. The three stations share studios near Seymour Highway (US 277) and Turtle Creek Road in Wichita Falls, where KFDX-TV's transmitter is also located.
KFDX was the third station to sign on in just over a month in the Wichita Falls, Texas–Lawton, Oklahoma market and the second in Wichita Falls itself. An affiliate of NBC and ABC at launch, it became a sole NBC station when KSWO-TV in Lawton, also an ABC affiliate, added Wichita Falls to its primary coverage area in 1960.
History
Early history
On May 19, 1951,
KFDX-TV first signed on the air at 6 p.m. on April 12, 1953; the first program ever broadcast on Channel 3 that evening was the local program People from Here and There.[8][9] KFDX was the third television station to sign on in the Wichita Falls–Lawton market, launching one month after the sign-ons of its two principal competitors: CBS affiliate KWFT-TV (channel 6, now KAUZ-TV), which debuted on March 1,[10] and Lawton-based KSWO-TV (channel 7), which had signed on March 8. KFDX-TV was affiliated with NBC and the ABC network at launch;[11] KFDX radio had been an affiliate of the ABC Radio Network since 1947.[a] The station originally employed a staff of 30 people, which, at the time, was the largest staff of any broadcast television and radio station in west Texas; the majority of stock held in Wichtex was owned by members of the station's staff.[8]
In addition to founding channel 3 and serving as the station's original
Nat Fleming, a local country and western bandleader, served as host of the self-titled, half-hour afternoon
Clay, Price, and U.S. Broadcast Group ownership
On July 30, 1970, Wichtex Radio and Television, then managed by Fry and Darrold A. Cannan Jr., sold KFDX to Charleston, West Virginia–based Clay Broadcasting Corporation for $5.05 million; the sale was approved on January 28, 1971.[19][20] Clay owned the Charleston Daily Mail and WWAY, a TV station in Wilmington, North Carolina.[21]
As part of the divestiture of the company's newspaper and television properties, on April 30, 1987, Clay sold its KFDX and its four sister television stations—NBC affiliate KJAC-TV (now Fox affiliate KBTV-TV) in Beaumont–Port Arthur, and ABC affiliates WAPT in Jackson, Mississippi and WWAY in Wilmington, North Carolina—to New York City–based Price Communications Corporation for $60 million; the sale was approved by the FCC on June 23.[22][23][24][25]
In August 1992, KFDX became the first television station in the Wichita Falls–Lawton market to adopt a 24-hour-a-day programming schedule, initially filling overnight time periods following the NBC late night lineup with a mix of syndicated programs, a nightly encore of the station's 10 p.m. newscast, and a feed loop of NBC's now-defunct overnight newscast,
Nexstar ownership
On January 12, 1998,
In January 2006, KFDX launched Texoma's Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather forecast service—with content selected by the on-duty meteorologist—that features loops of
In December 2020, the studio building was evacuated after vandals cut a couple of guy wires to the nearby 942-foot (287 m) tower. The tower did not collapse and was repaired.[32]
News operation
As of September 2016[update], KFDX-TV presently broadcasts 22 hours of locally produced newscasts each week (with four hours each weekday and one hour each on Saturdays and Sundays). Channel 3 also produces the half-hour sports highlight/analysis program KFDX 3 Sports Sunday, which airs after the Sunday edition of the 10 p.m. newscast.
In addition, KFDX produces five hours of locally produced newscasts each week for Fox-affiliated sister station KJTL (with one hour on weekdays). Through the shared services agreement with KJTL, the station may also simulcast long-form severe weather coverage on channel 18 in the event that a tornado warning is issued for any county in its viewing area of southwestern Oklahoma and western north Texas. KFDX primarily competes for the Texas audience with KAUZ, while KSWO has a stronghold on the Oklahoma side of the market; overall, this puts KFDX at second place among the market's local newscasts.
News department history
A staple of channel 3's schedule was RFD-3, a long-running early morning agriculture and
For many years, Warren Silver – who originally joined KFDX as a member of its production staff when it signed on in March 1953 — served as the station's chief weathercaster and
During the late morning of April 3, 1964, a destructive tornado ripped through the City View section of northwestern Wichita Falls and neighboring
During the afternoon and evening of April 10, 1979, about 15 years after the City View twister, KFDX-TV provided complete coverage of an outbreak of tornadic thunderstorms that spawned several strong to violent tornadoes across northwest Texas and southwestern Oklahoma. That evening's coverage culminated with the opening segment of the 6 p.m. edition of Newscenter 3, as chief meteorologist Bill Warren was relaying reports of a multiple-vortex tornado that was beginning its path of destruction across southern sections of Wichita Falls. Four minutes into the newscast, electricity to the KFDX studio and transmitter facilities went down as the storm knocked sections of the city's electrical grid offline. (KAUZ, KSWO and five of the six radio stations operating in the Wichita Falls area at the time also lost power in the storm, although local radio station KTRN [102.3, now KWFS-FM] was able to remain on-air as it had an auxiliary power supply). Along its 45-mile-long (72 km), two-mile-wide (3.2 km) path, the F4 tornado killed 42 and injured more than 1,700 people, and produced damage estimated at around $400 million; among the 20,000 residents estimated to have been left homeless because of the twister, sixteen of them were part of KFDX-TV's 39-person staff at the time. When the station came back on the air at 6:56 p.m. the following evening (April 11), KFDX provided 3+1⁄2 hours of continuous live coverage of the aftermath of the tornado. One week later, Channel 3 broadcast a half-hour documentary about the 1979 tornado, Terrible Tuesday, chronicling the Wichita Falls tornado and its aftermath by way of news footage taken by the station after the storm.[41][42][43][44]
Former KFDX chief meteorologist Skip McBride, a retired airman who joined the station as its weekday evening meteorologist on January 29, 1983, was the area's longest-running local television weathercaster.
In August 1992, KFDX also implemented the "24-Hour News Source" concept (which was enforced in the promotional slogan used by the station until 2005, "Texoma's 24-Hour News Team"). Providing news headlines to viewers at times when the station was not carrying regularly scheduled, long-form newscasts, the concept involved both the production of 30-second news updates that aired at or near the top of each hour and brief weather updates every half-hour during local commercial break inserts within syndicated and NBC network programs – even during prime time network and overnight programming – in addition to the existing half-hourly updates it aired during
Following its sale to Mission Broadcasting and the formation of the SSA between the two stations, on September 20, 1999, KFDX began producing a half-hour newscast at 9 p.m. through a news share agreement with Fox affiliate KJTL; the program, titled Fox 18 News at 9:00, was the first local prime time newscast to debut in the market and originated from a secondary set at the KFDX/KJTL/KJBO studios on Seymour Highway in Wichita Falls. The newscast was eventually canceled after the
In July 2012, KFDX became the second television station in the Wichita Falls-Lawton market (after KSWO) to begin broadcasting its local newscasts in
Notable former on-air staff
- Heidi Collins – anchor/reporter (now at KMSP-TV in Minneapolis)
- Brad Edwards – anchor/reporter/photographer (1971–1973; later at KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, deceased)
- John Hambrick – anchor/reporter (1964; deceased)
- Frances Rivera – news anchor/reporter (now anchor at MSNBC)
Technical information
Subchannels
The station's signal is
Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming |
---|---|---|---|---|
3.1 | 1080i | 16:9 |
KFDX-DT | NBC |
3.2 | KJBO-DT | MyNetworkTV (KJBO-LD) | ||
3.3 | 480i | 4:3 |
Laff | Laff |
3.4 | 16:9 | ANT-TV | Antenna TV |
Analog-to-digital conversion
KFDX-TV signed on a digital signal on UHF channel 28 in 2003; the station began broadcasting NBC network programming in high definition in 2009, when KFDX upgraded its main digital feed to the 1080i resolution format. The station shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 3, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States
Translators
KFDX-TV's signal is additionally rebroadcast over the following translators, operated by translator systems in Texas and Oklahoma:[52]
- Quanah, Texas: K24NU-D, K27HM-D
- Altus, Oklahoma: K29LJ-D
Notes
References
- ^ "Staff of 30 Persons Needed To Produce KFDX-TV Shows". Wichita Daily Times. April 12, 1953. p. 1C. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Facility Technical Data for KFDX-TV". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ a b "FCC History CArds for KFDX-TV". Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ "At Deadline: Additional Applications for TV Stations" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. June 23, 1952. pp. 69, 101. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2018 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Dallas Man Seeks Channel 3 Permit". Wichita Falls Record News. October 9, 1952. p. 21. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dallas Man Withdraws TV Application for Channel 3". Wichita Falls Record News. December 13, 1952. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Moore, Marshall (December 18, 1952). "New TV Permit Given KFDX". Wichita Daily Times. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Nexstar Broadcasting Group. April 12, 2013. Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ Knox, Merrill (April 15, 2013). "KFDX Celebrates 60 Years On the Air". TVSpy. Mediabistro Holdings. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
- ^ "KWFT-TV Begins Telecasting Here". Wichita Daily Times. March 2, 1953. p. 10. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "KFDX-TV Signs NBC Contract". Wichita Falls Record News. March 30, 1953. p. 6. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Three More Tv Outlets Affiliate With ABC-TV" (PDF). Broadcasting. July 4, 1955. p. 76. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ "KSWO-TV Goes On Air Today From New 1,059-Foot Tower". The Lawton Constitution and Morning Press. February 28, 1960. p. 33. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Radio Station Sale Approval Asked". Wichita Daily Times. Associated Press. February 25, 1955. p. 3. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Don Alexander" (PDF). Graham Leader. March 5, 2003. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017 – via University of North Texas.
- ^ "Nat Fleming Ropes the Spirit of Texoma Award". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. April 12, 2013. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ Franklin, Darrell (May 9, 2012). "North Texas Legend Nat Fleming". Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ Floyd, Kathy (May 9, 2012). "Finding the best fit: Nat Fleming helped make Western music a hit". Clay County Pioneer Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "For the Record" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. August 17, 1970. p. 68. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- ^ "For the Record" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. February 22, 1971. p. 72. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- ^ "West Virginia Group Purchases KFDX-TV". Times Record News. July 9, 1970. p. 4. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "For the Record" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. May 4, 1987. p. 78. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- ^ "For the Record" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. July 6, 1987. p. 88. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- The Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma Publishing Company. May 1, 1987. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "COMPANY NEWS; Clay-Price Pact On 4 TV Stations". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 1, 1987. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Changing Hands" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. August 28, 1995. p. 45. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- ^ "Price Communications". The New York Times. August 23, 1995. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- Cahners Business Information. October 9, 1995. Archived from the originalon June 11, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2017. (subscription required)
- ^ "NEXSTAR FINANCE HOLDINGS INC, Form S-4, Filing Date Sep 5, 2001". secdatabase.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
- ^ "Mission Broadcasting of Wichita Falls, Inc. SEC Form S-4 filing". Nexstar Broadcasting Group/U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. December 31, 2001. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Mission Broadcasting of Wichita Falls, Inc. SEC Form S-4 filing". Nexstar Broadcasting Group/U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. March 27, 2002. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ Holter, Rick (December 18, 2020). "2 TV Towers Vandalized In Wichita Falls; KERA's Comes Tumbling Down". KERA News. North Texas Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ Hendren, Mike (September 30, 2013). "Joe Brown Wichita Falls Broadcasting Legend Dead at Age 78". KWFS. Townsquare Media. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Good Ol' Joe Brown Passes Away; Funeral Arrangements Set". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. September 30, 2013. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ Romano, Allison (November 28, 2004). "Brown's World". Broadcasting & Cable. Reed Business Information. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Campbell bringing agricultural, rural news to viewers". Clay County Pioneer Sentinel. April 23, 2012. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Joe Tom White Joins Texoma Country Morning". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. September 30, 2013. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "April 3rd, 1964 Wichita Falls Tornado". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. April 3, 2014. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Wichita Falls Tornadoes". Weathering Texas. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "Live TV shows nature's awesome spectacular" (PDF). Broadcasting-Telecasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. April 20, 1964. p. 58. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2018 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "One station stays on air in Wichita Falls" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. April 16, 1979. p. 30. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2018 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "From the general to the specific: A story-by-story review of the last news year" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. August 6, 1979. p. 46. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2018 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Former Reporter Remembers Terrible Tuesday". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Media Group. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
- ^ Hendren, Mike (April 10, 2013). "Terrible Tuesday Memories Will Never Go Away". KWFS. Townsquare Media. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
- ^ "KFDX - Skip's Final Retirement Farewell". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. November 20, 2014. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ "Skip McBride Announces Retirement". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
- ^ "Skip Introduces KFDX's New Chief Meteorologist". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Archived from the original on August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
- ^ Dixon, Mechell (November 20, 2014). "Skip McBride Receives a Warm Retirement Sendoff". KFDX-TV/KJTL. Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Archived from the original on August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
- ^ "Nexstar Selects JVC GY-HM650 Mobile News Cameras for Digital Newsroom Conversion" (Press release). JVC Professional Products Company. April 2, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2017 – via CreativeCow.
- ^ "RabbitEars TV Query for KFDX". RabbitEars. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 29, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
- ^ "List of TV Translator Input Channels". Federal Communications Commission. July 23, 2021. Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.