KTVT
KTVT, virtual channel 11 (UHF digital channel 19), is a CBS owned-and-operated television station licensed to Fort Worth, Texas, United States, serving the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex as part of the CBS News and Stations division.[1][2] The station, branded as CBS Texas (formerly CBS 11), delivers local news, weather, sports, and investigative reporting through its flagship programs like CBS 11 News and First Alert Weather, alongside syndicated and network content from CBS.[3][4] KTVT signed on the air as KFJZ-TV on September 11, 1955, as the fourth commercial television station in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, founded by the Texas State Network with oil magnate Sid Richardson activating its transmitter during the launch ceremony.[5][6] The station's call letters changed to KTVT in 1960 following its acquisition by NAFI Telecasting Company, and it was sold again in 1962 to the Oklahoma Publishing Company (led by Edward L. Gaylord) for approximately $5 million, operating as an independent station known for strong local programming, including evening movies and news briefs.[5][6] Under Gaylord ownership, KTVT built a reputation as a top independent outlet in the nation's seventh-largest media market, with general manager Jim Terrell (1962–1978) playing a key role in its success until his death in 1992.[6] On July 1, 1995, KTVT became a CBS affiliate when the network's programming shifted from KDFW amid a major affiliation realignment, marking a significant expansion of its news operation under the 11 News banner (later rebranded CBS 11 News in 2000).[7][8] CBS Corporation fully acquired the station from Gaylord Entertainment in 1999 for $485 million in stock, integrating it into its owned-and-operated portfolio and solidifying its role as a cornerstone of local broadcasting in North Texas.[8] KTVT's primary studios are located in Fort Worth, with a secondary newsroom in North Dallas, and it maintains a sister station relationship with independent KTXA (channel 21), emphasizing digital streaming via the CBS News App and community-focused journalism.[3][4]History
1955–1994: Independent station origins and growth
Channel 11 signed on the air as KFJZ-TV on September 11, 1955, becoming the first independent television station in Texas. Owned by the Texas State Network and funded by Fort Worth oil magnate Sid Richardson, who activated the transmitter during the launch ceremony, the station broadcast from studios in Fort Worth and focused on general entertainment to fill its schedule in a market dominated by network affiliates. Early programming emphasized movies, syndicated series, and local content aimed at families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, establishing a foundation for regional appeal without reliance on national network feeds.[9] In 1960, following a sale to NAFI Telecasting Corporation—then affiliated with Chris-Craft Industries—the station changed its call letters to KTVT, standing for "Television for Texans," on September 1. This marked a shift toward broader syndication strategies, including early acquisition of popular reruns like I Love Lucy. Two years later, in 1962, NAFI sold KTVT to the Oklahoma Publishing Company's broadcasting arm, Gaylord Broadcasting, for approximately $5 million, expanding the station's resources for independent operations across its growing footprint. Under Gaylord's ownership, KTVT invested in color broadcasting capabilities by 1966 and developed signature local programs, such as the morning variety show Reveille hosted by Bill Camfield and children's programming featuring the Three Stooges hosted by Icky Twerp, which became a top-rated kids' attraction in North Texas during the 1960s.[9][5][10] KTVT solidified its status as a leading independent through the 1970s and 1980s by prioritizing syndicated hits like The Cosby Show, Cheers, and Night Court, alongside sports broadcasts including Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks games, which broadened its audience beyond the Metroplex. The station evolved into a regional superstation, with its signal distributed via satellite and cable systems to viewers in Texas and Oklahoma, enhancing accessibility in rural areas through technological investments like microwave relays and translators. By the mid-1980s, under general manager Charles L. Edwards, KTVT achieved strong ratings amid competition from emerging independents, though operational costs led to the closure of its in-house news department in May 1986, after which it relied on external production for limited newscasts. This period of growth positioned KTVT as a foundational independent voice in the Southwest before its affiliation shift in 1995.[9][5][11]1995–1998: Transition to CBS affiliation
In July 1995, KTVT transitioned from an independent station to CBS affiliate amid the broader 1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment, which was precipitated by Fox's acquisition of National Football Conference broadcast rights from CBS. On July 2, 1995, following KDFW's switch to Fox the previous evening, KTVT assumed the CBS affiliation in the Dallas–Fort Worth market after negotiations with network executives.[7] Owned by Gaylord Entertainment since 1962, KTVT had been airing select CBS daytime programming as early as January 1995 to prepare for the full switch, positioning the VHF station (channel 11) as a viable option over the UHF outlet KDAF (channel 33), which instead became a WB affiliate.[12] The affiliation brought immediate programming integration, with KTVT adopting CBS's full schedule of national news broadcasts, primetime series such as 60 Minutes and Murphy Brown, and daytime dramas including As the World Turns and Guiding Light. While embracing the network's lineup, the station retained elements of its independent heritage, such as feature films and select syndicated content during non-network slots, to maintain viewer familiarity in the evenings and late nights.[13] This hybrid approach helped ease the shift for audiences accustomed to KTVT's 40 years of non-network operations since its 1955 launch. Operationally, the change required substantial adjustments, including the hiring of additional personnel to handle network scheduling, promotion, and compliance standards.[7] In February 1996, KTVT relaunched and expanded its news department with new half-hour newscasts at noon and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, marking a significant ramp-up in local content production to complement CBS's national feeds. These enhancements, produced in-house after a period of limited news output during the independent era, aimed to strengthen the station's competitive edge in a market dominated by established network affiliates. The transition boosted KTVT's visibility and audience share, elevating its standing among Dallas–Fort Worth stations.[12] As an independent in early 1995, KTVT had preempted some KDFW CBS shows to air them itself, providing a preview of network integration that contributed to improved market performance post-switch. During this period, regulatory developments added complexity to the broadcast landscape; in 1997, the FCC proposed relaxing its duopoly rules, which prohibited common ownership of multiple stations in the same market, paving the way for greater consolidation and influencing future ownership structures for affiliates like KTVT.[14]1999–present: CBS ownership and rebranding
In 1999, CBS Corporation acquired KTVT from Gaylord Entertainment Company for $485 million in stock, marking it as the network's 15th owned-and-operated (O&O) television station.[15] The transaction received FCC approval on August 3, 1999, and closed later that year, integrating KTVT into the CBS Television Stations group alongside its sister station, independent outlet KTXA (channel 21), which CBS had acquired in 2000.[16] This ownership shift allowed for operational synergies in the Dallas–Fort Worth market, where both stations began sharing resources under unified corporate oversight. Following the acquisition, CBS invested in infrastructure upgrades during the 2000s, including a transition to high-definition broadcasting. In September 2007, KTVT launched its local newscasts in HD, utilizing a custom-designed set and enhanced production capabilities to improve visual quality and viewer engagement.[17] By the 2010s, the station emphasized digital transformation and newsroom consolidation with KTXA, culminating in a 2013 relocation of its Dallas operations to new shared facilities in North Dallas, which streamlined business functions and fostered collaborative content production while maintaining primary studios in Fort Worth.[18] Key milestones under CBS ownership highlighted the station's evolution. In 2015, KTVT marked its 60th anniversary with a special retrospective program reflecting on its history and contributions to local broadcasting.[9] The station expanded its digital footprint in 2020 by launching CBSN Dallas–Fort Worth, a 24/7 streaming news service featuring live breaking news and anchored programming produced in partnership with CBS Interactive.[19] In February 2023, KTVT rebranded as CBS Texas, adopting a unified identity across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms to emphasize its regional Texas focus while retaining the iconic "11" logo.[4] Recent developments reflected broader corporate changes at Paramount Global, CBS's parent company. Discussions for a merger with Skydance Media began in 2024, leading to the deal's completion on August 7, 2025, which integrated Paramount's assets—including KTVT—into a new standalone media entity aimed at enhancing content distribution and cost efficiencies.[20] In response to industry-wide pressures, the station faced staff reductions in late 2025, including the layoff of evening anchor Nicole Baker as part of Paramount's nationwide cuts affecting approximately 1,000 employees to achieve $2 billion in annual savings.[21] Corporate synergies with KTXA have been central to operations, with shared studio facilities and resources enabling joint coverage of sports and weather. In 2022, CBS established a Local News Innovation Lab at the duopoly's Dallas–Fort Worth facilities, focusing on next-generation digital storytelling that leverages combined teams for enhanced weather forecasting and sports reporting across platforms.[22]Facilities and operations
Studios and technical facilities
KTVT's studios have been based in Fort Worth since the station's launch on September 11, 1955, as KFJZ-TV. Initially operating from facilities in west Fort Worth, the station relocated its studios in the late 1980s to the current site at 5233 Bridge Street, east of downtown, to accommodate freeway expansion projects. This facility is shared with sister station KTXA, which moved there in 2001 following CBS's acquisition of KTVT. In 2013, the duopoly established a secondary newsroom and business operations in Dallas at the CBS Tower on North Central Expressway to enhance coverage across the metroplex.[9][23][18] The station's transmitter originated at a site in west Fort Worth upon signing on but moved approximately 1964 to the Cedar Hill antenna farm south of Dallas, improving signal coverage over the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The current transmitter location is at Cedar Hill South on Tar Road (32°32′35.4″N 96°57′32.9″W), a shared tower constructed in 2000 that supports digital broadcasting needs post-DTV transition. KTVT transmits on physical digital channel 19 with an effective radiated power of 1,000 kW horizontally (322.6 kW vertically) and a height above average terrain of 1,752 feet, enabling robust reception across a 74.8-mile contour serving over 6.9 million viewers.[24][25] Significant upgrades to the studios began with the launch of high-definition newscasts in September 2007, featuring a custom news set designed by FX Group with warm wood tones, faux stonework, sleek curves, contemporary metal finishes, and HD monitors for live video, graphics, and branding. In January 2022, CBS established a local news innovation lab at the Bridge Street facility to integrate streaming and digital platforms, supporting multi-platform content creation. This was followed in June 2025 by the unveiling of an augmented reality/virtual reality immersive studio—the eighth in CBS's network—equipped with LED lighting and AR/VR capabilities for dynamic weather and news presentations, including extended reality elements not available elsewhere in Texas.[26][27][28] The Bridge Street facility supports 24/7 control room operations for continuous broadcasting and monitoring, essential for a CBS owned-and-operated station. Field reporting is facilitated by mobile production units, enabling live coverage from across North Texas, while the setup integrates streaming production for CBS News Texas digital platforms. Ownership transitions to CBS in 1999 enabled substantial investments in these technical infrastructures, bolstering operational efficiency.[23]Ownership and corporate structure
KTVT signed on the air on September 11, 1955, as KFJZ-TV, founded by the Texas State Network, a group led by oil magnate Sid Richardson that also controlled radio stations KFJZ and KFJZ-FM in Fort Worth.[6][29] In 1960, the station was sold to NAFI Telecasting Corporation, a subsidiary linked to Chris-Craft Industries, which changed the call letters to KTVT on September 1 of that year.[30] NAFI held the station until 1962, when it was acquired by Gaylord Broadcasting Company (later Gaylord Entertainment), marking the beginning of a nearly four-decade period of independent operation under that ownership.[9][31] On April 12, 1999, CBS Corporation announced its $485 million acquisition of KTVT from Gaylord Entertainment, a move that established the station as a CBS owned-and-operated (O&O) outlet following its affiliation switch earlier that year.[8] The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the purchase on August 3, 1999, amid broader regulatory relaxations to local television ownership rules that permitted duopolies in the top 50 markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, where total household reach exceeded 35%.[32][33] This approval aligned with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 amendments and subsequent FCC orders that raised the national TV station ownership cap to 12 stations while easing local market restrictions to foster consolidation.[34] Since the December 4, 2019, merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom Inc. to form ViacomCBS (rebranded as Paramount Global in 2022), KTVT has been owned by [Paramount Global](/page/Paramount Global) through its CBS News and Stations division, which oversees 28 O&O stations nationwide.[35] The station operates as part of a duopoly with independent sister station KTXA (channel 21), both licensed to Fort Worth and managed under the same CBS Television Stations subsidiary, sharing studios and operational resources to comply with FCC duopoly guidelines.[36] In terms of corporate integrations, KTVT aligned with Paramount Global's regional branding strategy in February 2023 by rebranding as CBS Texas, emphasizing local identity while retaining its channel 11 logo and integrating with other Texas-based CBS O&Os like KENS in San Antonio.[4] This initiative falls under oversight from the CBS News and Stations headquarters in New York City, which coordinates shared services such as news production standards, digital platform management, and technical upgrades across its portfolio.[37]Programming
CBS network and syndicated content
KTVT carries the complete CBS network lineup, featuring primetime dramas such as NCIS on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. CT and FBI on Mondays at 9:00 p.m. CT.[38] The station also broadcasts CBS daytime soaps, with The Young and the Restless airing at 11:30 a.m. CT weekdays and The Bold and the Beautiful following at 12:30 p.m. CT.[39] Network news programming includes CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell at 5:30 p.m. CT and the investigative magazine 60 Minutes on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. CT. Complementing the CBS schedule, KTVT airs syndicated staples that fill key access and fringe periods, including game shows Wheel of Fortune at 6:30 p.m. CT and Jeopardy! at 7:00 p.m. CT weekdays.[39] Daytime features talk programming like The Drew Barrymore Show at 9:00 a.m. CT.[39] Prior to its end in 2021, Judge Judy was a long-running syndicated courtroom series on the station, while reruns of The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired until the program's conclusion in 2022.[40] Current syndicated hits include The Kelly Clarkson Show and additional episodes of Wheel of Fortune. Unique to the Dallas-Fort Worth market, KTVT incorporates scheduling adjustments such as delaying CBS late-night shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert until after the 10:00 p.m. local newscast. The station prioritizes CBS holiday specials and extended election night coverage as lead-ins to primetime blocks, enhancing viewer engagement during major events.[41] Since affiliating with CBS in 1995, KTVT's evening programming has maintained a consistent top-3 share in the market, reflecting strong performance driven by network and syndicated content.[42]Sports broadcasts
KTVT's sports broadcasting history dates back to its independent station era, when it aired popular local professional wrestling programs. In the 1970s and into the 1980s, the station served as the flagship for "Championship Sports," a Saturday night show hosted by Fritz Von Erich that featured matches involving the Von Erich family and drew top ratings in its time slot as one of KTVT's highest-rated weekend programs.[43] Following CBS's acquisition of KTVT in 1999, the station's sports focus shifted toward professional teams and network-affiliated content amid increasing competition in the Dallas-Fort Worth market from other outlets holding local rights. This transition emphasized CBS national broadcasts and supplementary local coverage rather than extensive independent sports acquisitions.[8] As the CBS affiliate since 1995, KTVT has carried selective national Major League Baseball games featuring the Texas Rangers when selected by the network, providing regional viewers access to key matchups. The station complements these with local pre- and post-game shows through CBS Texas, offering analysis, highlights, and interviews to enhance coverage for Rangers fans.[44] KTVT has broadcast Dallas Cowboys NFL preseason games since the early 2000s under CBS's national rights, serving as the flagship station alongside sister outlet KTXA for these exhibitions. Productions often involve shared resources between KTVT and KTXA, including coordinated commentary booths for seamless coverage. Occasional playoff games air on KTVT when the Cowboys are featured in CBS's NFC selections.[45][46] In addition to pro teams, KTVT airs select Dallas Stars NHL games that align with CBS national scheduling, though most regular-season contests are handled by regional sports networks. The station provides extensive coverage of high school football playoffs in North Texas, including live highlights and select broadcasts of championship rounds to capture the region's passion for the sport. Annual events like the State Fair of Texas rodeo receive dedicated airtime, blending live segments with cultural features.[47][48][49] Production enhancements at KTVT include the integration of augmented reality (AR) graphics, debuting in 2025 for sports programming such as Cowboys Game Day shows. This technology allows immersive visualizations, like virtual football fields for play breakdowns and real-time stats overlays, produced in the station's AR/VR studio to elevate viewer engagement.[50]Local original programming
KTVT's local original programming traces its roots to the station's independent era, where it expanded significantly in the 1980s to include a diverse array of homegrown content aimed at engaging the Dallas-Fort Worth audience. As the market's leading independent station during this period, KTVT produced variety shows, children's programs, and lifestyle features that capitalized on its regional superstation status, broadcasting to a wide suburban and rural viewership across North Texas.[51] A key example from this expansion was the long-running children's program Slam Bang Theater, hosted by Bill Camfield as "Icky Twerp," which aired from 1959 to 1972 and featured comedy skits, cartoons, and audience participation segments, becoming a staple of local family entertainment. Similarly, the horror-themed Nightmare (hosted by Camfield as "Gargon") ran until 1966, showcasing late-night movie broadcasts with humorous interstitials that appealed to younger viewers. These shows exemplified KTVT's early commitment to original, community-oriented content that filled the gaps left by limited network affiliations.[51] In the mid-1990s, following its transition to a CBS affiliate, KTVT launched Positively Texas!, a flagship daily afternoon talk and variety series that debuted in 1995 and served as a cornerstone of the station's local programming for several years. Co-hosted by Jody Dean, the show focused on interviews with local personalities, lifestyle topics including cooking and health advice, and segments highlighting Texas culture and events, often integrating community stories to foster viewer connection. Though it achieved initial success in ratings, Positively Texas! eventually transitioned off-air amid shifts in afternoon scheduling, marking a pivotal effort to blend entertainment with regional identity. Lifestyle programming continued to evolve with features like The Gourmet, a cooking show hosted by David Wade that originated in the independent era and emphasized local recipes and culinary tips. Weekend broadcasts incorporated arts and events coverage, such as music variety programs like Panther Hall, which spotlighted regional talent and live performances from the 1960s onward. These elements provided concise, engaging looks at North Texas life without delving into news or sports.[51] Community initiatives have been a consistent thread, with KTVT producing annual specials that celebrate local achievements and holidays. For instance, the station has aired holiday-themed programming, including veteran-focused homecoming events and seasonal community gatherings, to honor regional traditions and support causes. In the 2020s, following the 2023 rebrand to CBS Texas, KTVT shifted toward hybrid digital-first formats, distributing original lifestyle and community content via streaming platforms and social media to reach broader audiences while maintaining broadcast specials. This evolution reflects a modern emphasis on accessible, multi-platform engagement rooted in the station's independent heritage.[4]News operation
Development and expansion of news department
Following its transition to a CBS affiliate on July 1, 1995, KTVT relaunched and expanded its news department to align with network expectations, introducing evening newscasts that marked the beginning of sustained local news production in the Dallas–Fort Worth market.[7] This shift from its independent station roots, where news efforts were minimal and sporadic prior to 1995, positioned the department for steady growth under CBS ownership starting in 1999.[6] Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the news operation built out additional programming, including the launch of morning newscasts following the 1995 affiliation switch to capture early-audience viewership and the formation of a dedicated investigative unit to focus on in-depth reporting. By 2022, weekly news airtime had significantly expanded, reflecting investments in staff and resources that elevated KTVT to a leading local news provider.[52] A key milestone came in May 2020 with the debut of CBSN Dallas-Fort Worth, a digital streaming channel offering 24/7 anchored news and live event coverage produced by KTVT, signaling a pivot toward multi-platform delivery amid evolving viewer habits.[53] In recent years, the news team has navigated economic pressures, including 2025 budget adjustments at parent company Paramount that resulted in staff reductions across its stations to achieve $2 billion in cost savings.[54] Despite these challenges, the operation continues to prioritize comprehensive local reporting as a cornerstone of KTVT's identity, with the investigative unit (I-Team) contributing to accountability journalism through probes into public safety and consumer issues.[55]Current news formats and schedule
As of 2025, KTVT's news department, branded as CBS News Texas, airs a total of 44 hours of local news programming each week, comprising 7 hours on weekdays and 4.5 hours on weekends.[3] The formats encompass anchor-led evening newscasts delivering breaking stories and analysis, investigative reports from the I-Team unit focusing on in-depth probes into local issues, and dedicated weather segments providing forecasts and alerts via the First Alert Weather team.[55] Key weekday programs include the morning newscast CBS News Texas Mornings, which runs from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m., offering early updates on traffic, weather, and community news. Evening anchor-led shows feature CBS News Texas at 5 p.m., CBS News Texas at 6 p.m., and CBS News Texas at 10 p.m., each lasting 60 minutes and covering regional headlines, sports, and consumer reports. Weekend editions maintain a similar structure with broadcasts at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., providing condensed yet comprehensive coverage tailored to off-peak viewing.[56][39][57] Special features enhance the broadcasts with real-time helicopter traffic reports integrated into morning and evening shows for live aerial views of Dallas-Fort Worth congestion. In 2024, the station added 24/7 streaming newscasts available via the CBS News Texas live stream, extending coverage beyond traditional airtimes. Election night programming includes extended marathons, such as the multi-hour special reports during the 2025 elections, featuring live results and analysis from local races.[58] Since the 2023 rebrand to CBS Texas, multi-platform distribution has expanded to include podcasts recapping daily headlines and investigative segments, alongside app-exclusive content like on-demand clips and extended interviews accessible through the CBS News app.[4][59] This approach, built on historical expansions of the news department, allows for broader audience engagement across digital channels.[3]Notable on-air personalities
Carmen Blackwell serves as the morning co-anchor for CBS News Texas, joining the station in July 2024 after working at WKYC in Cleveland, where she earned three Emmy nominations for her journalism.[60] Her reporting has focused on community issues in North Texas, earning her additional awards for impactful storytelling that highlights local voices and challenges.[61] Karen Borta anchors the evening newscasts and marked her 30th anniversary with CBS News Texas in October 2025, having joined the station in 1995.[62] Throughout her tenure, she has anchored various shifts, including a move to mornings in 2015, and contributed to special segments celebrating her longevity and the station's history.[63] Doug Dunbar co-anchors the 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts, a role he has held since 2004, providing consistent coverage of breaking news and community events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.[64] Among the meteorologists, McKenna King was promoted to chief meteorologist in June 2025, overseeing the First Alert Weather Team after years of forecasting for the station.[65] Investigative reporter Robbie Owens contributes to in-depth stories on public safety and consumer issues, enhancing the newsroom's focus on accountability journalism. Former on-air talent includes Nicole Baker, who co-anchored the evening newscasts with Dunbar from May 2022 until her layoff in late October 2025 amid Paramount Global's cost-cutting measures.[21] Scott Padgett served as chief meteorologist from 2013 to 2025 before departing for the First Alert Weather team at WCBS in New York.[66]Digital and multicast services
Subchannel lineup and content
KTVT's primary digital subchannel, 11.1, has broadcast CBS network programming in high definition at full 1080i resolution since the station affiliated with CBS on July 1, 1995. This main channel serves as the flagship for CBS Texas, delivering national news, primetime series, daytime soaps, and sports events like NFL games from the Dallas Cowboys in HD. The subchannel integrates seamlessly with local programming during news blocks and weather alerts. The station's multicast offerings expand viewing options through additional subchannels, all operating under ATSC 1.0 standards for over-the-air digital television. These subchannels provide niche content complementary to the main CBS feed, targeting diverse audiences with syndicated reruns and movies.| Subchannel | Video Resolution | Network | Launch Year on KTVT | Programming Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.1 | 1080i | CBS | 1995 | CBS network shows, news, and sports in HD. |
| 11.2 | 480i | Start TV | 2018 | Classic TV dramas aimed at women, featuring series like JAG and The Good Wife. |
| 11.3 | 480i | Dabl | 2019 | Lifestyle and comedy programming, including shows such as The Steve Harvey Show. |
| 11.4 | 480i | Fave TV | 2021 | Family-oriented sitcoms, exemplified by titles like The Nanny. |
| 11.5 | 480i | Charge! | 2023 | Action and sci-fi movies alongside series. |