Hubbard Broadcasting
Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned American media company founded in 1923 by Stanley E. Hubbard and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota.[1] It operates a portfolio of radio and television stations across multiple U.S. markets, along with digital media properties and cable networks such as Reelz and Ovation.[2] The company remains under the control of the Hubbard family, with Stanley S. Hubbard serving as chairman, president, and CEO since 1983.[2] Stanley E. Hubbard established the company's radio operations with the launch of WAMD-AM in Minneapolis in 1925, which merged with KFOY to form KSTP-AM in 1928.[2] Hubbard Broadcasting expanded into television with KSTP-TV in 1948, becoming the first station between Chicago and the West Coast to do so, and introduced innovations like the first television camera sold by RCA in 1938 and the first mobile satellite news uplink truck in 1984.[2] Its stations have received numerous industry awards, including Marconi, Edward R. Murrow, DuPont-Columbia, and Peabody honors.[3] The company has been recognized for pioneering efforts, such as founding the United Satellite Communications (USSB) service in 1981—the first to receive a direct broadcast satellite permit from the FCC—and developing early satellite news sharing through CONUS Communications in 1984.[2] While primarily focused on local broadcasting, Hubbard Broadcasting has faced occasional legal challenges, including defamation lawsuits related to employee disputes and criticism over specific news reporting, such as the 2014 "pointergate" incident involving KSTP-TV coverage of Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.[4][5] These events have not significantly altered its operational trajectory as a stable, independent broadcaster emphasizing community engagement and technological advancement.[1]History
Founding and Early Radio Innovations (1923-1948)
Stanley E. Hubbard, born in 1897 in Red Wing, Minnesota, founded Hubbard Broadcasting in 1923 after returning from World War I service as a pilot and brief involvement in aviation ventures.[2] Motivated by an early interest in radio technology, Hubbard began experimenting with broadcasting in the Twin Cities area that year, establishing his first station, WAMD, as a part-time operation focused on selling advertising to support live programming.[6] The station's call letters stood for "Where All Minneapolis Dances," reflecting its initial emphasis on relaying live dance music from venues like the Marigold Gardens ballroom.[2] WAMD officially launched on February 22, 1925, as a 1,000-watt AM station, initially broadcasting from the Marigold Gardens before relocating to the Radisson Hotel in Minneapolis.[2] Hubbard's commercial approach was pioneering, as he hustled to secure ad sales to fund operations in an era when radio was largely experimental or hobbyist-driven, marking one of the early sustained efforts in for-profit broadcasting in the Upper Midwest.[7] To enhance content beyond music, Hubbard established an in-house news gathering bureau in 1925, predating widespread wire service availability for radio from outlets like the Associated Press or United Press International.[6] In 1928, Hubbard merged WAMD's operations and license with the smaller KFOY station to create KSTP-AM, which went on the air March 29 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has broadcast continuously since its activation, reportedly with involvement from President Calvin Coolidge in its inaugural transmission.[2] KSTP expanded programming to include vaudeville acts via arrangements like one with the Saint Paul Orpheum Theater, local sports coverage, and educational content, broadening radio's appeal as a multifaceted entertainment and information medium.[8] [6] This consolidation strengthened Hubbard's foothold, positioning KSTP as one of the region's most powerful stations through investments in transmission technology.[9] Hubbard's early innovations emphasized practical commercialization and content diversification rather than purely technical breakthroughs, though he pursued experimental transmissions, including "radio picture" signals in August 1928 as an early foray into visual broadcasting precursors.[10] By the late 1930s, amid the Great Depression's economic pressures, KSTP maintained profitability through targeted advertising and local relevance, while Hubbard's acquisition of advanced equipment like RCA's initial television camera in 1938 laid groundwork for post-war expansions, though radio remained the core until 1948.[2] [6] In 1947, Hubbard introduced KSTP-FM as a companion to the AM signal, enhancing audio fidelity and coverage in an era when frequency modulation was emerging as a complement to amplitude modulation standards.[9] These steps underscored a commitment to iterative improvements in signal quality and programming reliability, sustaining listener engagement through the 1940s.[2]Post-War Expansion into Television (1948-1960s)
Following World War II, Hubbard Broadcasting, under founder Stanley E. Hubbard, pivoted to television with the launch of KSTP-TV (channel 5) in Minneapolis-St. Paul on April 27, 1948, marking Minnesota's first commercial television station and the first such outlet between Chicago and the West Coast.[11] As an NBC affiliate, KSTP-TV quickly established itself through local programming innovations, including early adoption of color broadcasting; by January 1, 1961, it became the first station to air its entire schedule in color, following experimental color transmissions in the 1950s that positioned it as one of the nation's pioneering independent outlets for the technology.[12][13] The station's technical advancements, such as equipping news operations with color-capable 16mm film cameras by the early 1960s, underscored Hubbard's emphasis on infrastructure investment amid the medium's rapid commercialization.[14] KSTP-TV also introduced daily newscasts, a format that became a staple for local stations nationwide.[15] Expansion beyond the Twin Cities began in 1957 when Hubbard acquired KOB-TV (channel 4, now KOB) and KOB-AM radio in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from Time-Life; KOB-TV had operated as an independent since 1948, initially carrying affiliations with all four networks before Hubbard's ownership streamlined its programming.[2] This marked the company's first out-of-state television venture, reflecting strategic growth into underserved markets. In 1958, the Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation was incorporated to oversee operations and philanthropy.[2] By the early 1960s, Hubbard entered the Florida market, with Stanley S. Hubbard launching operations in St. Petersburg that culminated in WTOG-TV (channel 44) signing on as an independent station in 1968, though planning and infrastructure dated to 1962 acquisitions and developments in the region.[6][16] These moves diversified Hubbard's portfolio amid rising competition, leveraging family-led decision-making to prioritize technical quality over network dependencies.[17]National Growth and Diversification (1970s-1990s)
During the 1970s, Hubbard Broadcasting underwent a leadership transition as Stanley E. Hubbard gradually ceded control to his son, Stanley S. Hubbard, amid efforts to modernize operations. To address declining ratings at flagship station KSTP-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Stanley S. Hubbard engaged consultant Frank Magid in the early 1970s, implementing personality-driven newscasts and transitioning from film to videotape production, which boosted viewership despite initial resistance from the elder Hubbard.[17] [6] This period laid groundwork for national expansion, with the company owning three television stations and five radio stations by 1981, valued at over $200 million according to Broadcasting magazine estimates.[6] The 1980s marked significant diversification beyond traditional broadcasting, beginning with the formation of United States Satellite Broadcasting (USSB) in 1981 as a subsidiary focused on direct broadcast satellite (DBS) services; USSB received the first-ever DBS permit from the FCC in 1982.[2] In 1983, Stanley S. Hubbard assumed the roles of chairman, president, and CEO, steering further innovations such as the 1984 launch of CONUS Communications, a satellite news-gathering service that developed the first Satellite News Gathering (SNG) mobile vehicle and attracted over 60 member stations for shared content distribution.[2] [17] That year also saw the establishment of F&F Productions in Clearwater, Florida, for mobile live production services, expanding into production capabilities. Station acquisitions included WDIO-TV in Duluth, Minnesota, and WIRT-TV in Hibbing, Minnesota, purchased from Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in 1987, alongside the launch of KRWF-TV in Redwood Falls and KSAX-TV in Alexandria, Minnesota, as semi-satellites of KSTP-TV to extend coverage; the company sold KOB-AM radio in Albuquerque but retained KOB-TV.[2] Into the 1990s, Hubbard emphasized satellite technology and market expansion, investing over $100 million in 1991 to acquire five transponders from Hughes Aircraft for USSB's digital satellite system.[17] USSB commenced operations in June 1994, delivering 175 channels via an 18-inch dish in partnership with Hughes Electronics (later DirecTV), securing over 300,000 subscribers in its first year.[17] In 1996, a station swap with Paramount Stations Group traded independent WTOG-TV in St. Petersburg, Florida, for NBC affiliate WNYT-TV in Albany, New York, and CBS affiliate WHEC-TV in Rochester, New York, broadening national TV footprint to seven stations across Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York by 1997, with estimated annual sales of $400 million.[2] [6] USSB's initial public offering in February 1996 raised $224.1 million, valuing the venture at over $3 billion, though it later incurred losses exceeding $237 million by 1997 amid competitive pressures.[17] These moves reflected a strategic pivot toward technological diversification while consolidating broadcast holdings.[6]Modern Era Acquisitions and Adaptations (2000s-Present)
In the early 2000s, Hubbard Broadcasting continued its expansion in local television by acquiring KVBM-TV, an independent station in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul market, on April 24, 2000, and relaunching it as KSTC-TV to serve as a general entertainment outlet complementary to its flagship KSTP-TV.[2] The following year, on an unspecified date in 2001, the company purchased KAAL-TV, an ABC affiliate serving the Austin–Albert Lea–Rochester market spanning southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, thereby strengthening its regional footprint in the Upper Midwest.[2] These acquisitions aligned with Hubbard's strategy of bolstering duopoly operations in key markets to enhance local news delivery and programming synergies.[18] Shifting focus to radio amid a consolidating industry, Hubbard pursued aggressive growth through multiple large-scale purchases in the 2010s. In 2011, it acquired 17 stations from Bonneville International Corporation in a deal valued at approximately $505 million, significantly expanding its portfolio to 46 stations across markets including Chicago, Cincinnati, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul.[18] This was followed in 2013 by the $85.5 million acquisition of 10 stations from Sandusky Broadcasting, adding assets in Denver, Cincinnati, and other mid-sized markets to diversify revenue from advertising and syndication.[19] In 2014, Hubbard further enlarged its Minnesota presence by purchasing 16 stations from Omni Broadcasting for $8 million, targeting rural and small-market audiences in areas like Brainerd and Wadena.[20] By 2019, the company entered the competitive West Palm Beach, Florida, market with an $88 million deal for six stations from Alpha Media, marking its first major foray into the Southeast and emphasizing high-growth demographic areas.[21] Beyond traditional broadcasting, Hubbard adapted to multichannel and digital landscapes by launching cable and satellite networks. On September 27, 2006, it introduced ReelzChannel, a national entertainment-focused service distributed via cable, satellite, and later streaming platforms, specializing in Hollywood news and original programming.[2] In 2007, Hubbard partnered to relaunch Ovation TV, an arts and culture network secured on DIRECTV and other providers, reflecting a pivot toward niche content to counter broadcast TV's declining linear viewership.[2] In 2012, the company established 2060 Digital, a full-service marketing agency offering SEO, social media, and programmatic advertising across seven U.S. offices, enabling clients to integrate broadcast with online campaigns.[2] In recent years, Hubbard has intensified digital and audio adaptations to address streaming fragmentation. Its stations' content has been integrated into platforms like Zeam, a hyperlocal FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) service, with expansions announced in June 2024 to include local news feeds from Hubbard-owned outlets.[22] The company also developed proprietary streaming apps for radio listeners, enhancing accessibility via mobile and smart devices to boost engagement metrics.[23] On March 31, 2025, Hubbard Radio debuted the Gamut Podcast Network, a dedicated division producing and distributing on-demand audio content, signaling a strategic extension into podcasting amid radio's evolution toward hybrid models.[24] These initiatives underscore Hubbard's emphasis on multi-platform revenue streams while maintaining family-controlled operations amid industry pressures from tech giants and cord-cutting.[25]Ownership and Leadership
Hubbard Family Legacy and Control
Hubbard Broadcasting was established in 1923 by Stanley E. Hubbard, a Minnesota native who launched the company's first radio station, initially broadcasting from a small studio in St. Paul before acquiring and renaming it KSTP in 1928, which became one of the nation's most powerful clear-channel stations.[2][8] Under his leadership, the company pioneered early broadcasting innovations, including the use of aircraft for remote news gathering and live theater broadcasts via deals with local venues like the Saint Paul Orpheum Theater.[8][26] Stanley E. Hubbard maintained tight family control over the privately held enterprise, expanding into television with WABT (later KSTP-TV) in 1948, the state's first commercial TV station, while resisting external investors to preserve independence.[2][17] Control transitioned to the second generation with Stanley S. Hubbard, the founder's eldest son, who joined the company in 1951 at age 17 as a prop boy and rose through departments before assuming the presidency in 1967 and the roles of chairman, president, and CEO by 1983.[2][27] Under his stewardship, Hubbard Broadcasting diversified into satellite technology, founding U.S. Satellite Broadcasting in 1981—a subsidiary that pioneered direct-to-home satellite services and was later sold to Hughes Electronics for $775 million in 1999—while acquiring additional radio and TV stations to build a portfolio emphasizing local content over national consolidation trends.[28][29] Stanley S. Hubbard, who retained the CEO title into his later years, upheld the family's commitment to private ownership, rejecting public stock offerings that could dilute control, as evidenced by the company's valuation exceeding $200 million by 1981 amid controlled growth.[17] The third generation has sustained this legacy of familial stewardship, with Stanley S. Hubbard's children—Stan E. Hubbard, Ginny Hubbard, and Robert W. Hubbard—holding key executive positions as of 2024.[30] Stan E. Hubbard serves as chairman and CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting, overseeing the core TV operations, while Ginny Hubbard (now Ginny Morris) chairs and leads Hubbard Radio, managing over 50 radio stations, and Robert W. Hubbard acts as vice president of the parent company and president of Hubbard Radio.[30][31] This structure ensures continued family dominance in decision-making, with no outside shareholders, fostering a focus on long-term local media presence rather than short-term profits, as the company operates 13 television stations and dozens of radio outlets across multiple states without pursuing aggressive mergers common in the industry.[29][32] The Hubbards' enduring control, spanning over a century, contrasts with the consolidation seen in peers like Sinclair or Nexstar, prioritizing operational autonomy and community ties in holdings centered in markets like the Twin Cities.[33][34]Key Executives and Governance Structure
Hubbard Broadcasting operates as a privately held corporation owned and controlled by the Hubbard family, with governance centered on family leadership rather than a publicly disclosed board of directors or external oversight typical of public companies.[2] This structure reflects its origins as a family enterprise founded in 1923, emphasizing continuity and internal decision-making by descendants of founder Stanley E. Hubbard.[1] Key strategic directions, including acquisitions and operational policies, are determined by top family executives, supported by division-specific management teams for television and radio operations.[35] Stanley S. Hubbard, grandson of the founder, has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1983, overseeing the company's overall strategy and expansion into over 50 radio stations and multiple television affiliates.[29] Robert W. Hubbard, son of Stanley S. Hubbard, holds the position of President, managing day-to-day corporate operations and contributing to the family's multi-generational involvement in broadcasting. Ginny Hubbard, daughter of Stanley S. Hubbard and a third-generation broadcaster, serves as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Hubbard Radio, LLC, directing the radio division's programming, sales, and digital initiatives across major markets.[31] Supporting these family leaders, Dave Bestler acts as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, handling financial planning and compliance for the enterprise.[35] The absence of a formal public governance framework aligns with the company's private status, allowing flexibility in family-driven investments, such as technological innovations and market acquisitions, while maintaining fiscal conservatism evidenced by debt-free operations reported in recent years.[36]Current Media Holdings
Owned Television Stations
Hubbard Broadcasting owns seven primary full-power television stations, supplemented by satellites in select markets, operating primarily ABC and NBC affiliates alongside one independent station. These properties emphasize local news, weather, and community programming, with a focus on markets in Minnesota, New York, and New Mexico. The company maintains direct operational control, distinguishing its stations from those managed by larger conglomerates.[37][38]| Station | Channel | Affiliation | Market | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KSTP-TV | 5 (DT 35) | ABC | Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN (DMA #15) | Upper Midwest's first commercial television station, signed on April 28, 1948; sister independent station KSTC-TV (Channel 45, DT 35) shares facilities and provides general entertainment programming.[39][38] |
| WDIO-TV | 10 (DT 13) | ABC | Duluth–Superior, MN–WI (DMA #134) | Serves Twin Ports and Iron Range regions; satellite WIRT-TV (Channel 13) extends coverage to Hibbing and northern Minnesota. Acquired in 2003, emphasizing regional news since 1953.[40][38] |
| KAAL-TV | 6 (DT 33) | ABC | Rochester–Mason City–Austin, MN–IA (DMA #153) | Leading local news provider for southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa; operational since 1959, with Hubbard ownership since 2003.[41][38] |
| KOB-TV | 4 (DT 9) | NBC | Albuquerque–Santa Fe, NM (DMA #48) | New Mexico's oldest TV station, broadcasting since December 29, 1948; satellites KOBR-TV (Channel 8, Roswell) and KOBF-TV (Channel 12, Farmington) broaden statewide reach; Hubbard family acquired in 1957.[42][38][43] |
| WNYT-TV | 13 (DT 12) | NBC | Albany–Schenectady–Troy, NY (DMA #52) | NewsChannel 13 serves New York's Capital Region; known for investigative journalism and market-leading ratings.[44][38] |
| WHEC-TV | 10 (DT 10) | NBC | Rochester, NY (DMA #75) | Focuses on community-oriented news and education; operational since 1953 under various affiliations before Hubbard ownership.[45][38] |