Mike Shannon's
DALLAS-FORT WORTH AREA
TV STATION HISTORY
1948 - 2024+

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HELPFUL NOTES
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The terms "Station established <date>" and "Call letters established <date>" are sometimes derived from multiple resources, and
may not always reflect the exact date a station began broadcasting, or when a reformatting or call letter change actually started

Some fringe, rimshot and low-power stations are shown, depending upon signal strength and location, and/or if there is a direct, historical
connection to a DFW station.  But this is not meant to be a comprehensive list.  If a station is deemed worthy of inclusion by most
cable outlets, it will appear here...but with its complete history based strictly on its over-the-air vitae

Designations for low-power (LPTV) and stations utilizing repeaters or translators to simulcast elsewhere are usually not mentioned
within a station's details, unless there is some historical relevance.  Same for digital subchannels.  Also, digital channel designations
(enacted in 2009) will likely differ from stations' original analog designations, but for clarity's sake, channels will be identified
and organized here by their common (former) analog number.  Local and national streaming-only channels have been deleted
or are not provided here, due to their typically constant and untrackable/undocumented changes and insignificant viewership.
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ABBREVIATIONS GUIDE

SM: Station Manager (the similar "Sales Manager" will always be spelled out to eliminate confusion.)  GM: General Manager.
PD: Program Director.  ND: News Director.  PM: Program Manager.  MD: Music Director. CE: Chief Engineer. VP: Vice-President.
AKA: "Also Known As."  LMA: Local Marketing Agreement, where a third party leases most or all of a station's airtime to
broadcast its own format or simulcast.  LPTV: Low-power TV station, meant to serve a limited segment of a community.
Roman numerals in parentheses ["(I)" or "(II)" etc] next to a name denote another person (not related or directly connected)
using the same moniker (or coincidentally sharing the same name) within the north Texas market

FIRST...A BRIEF, GENERAL HISTORY OF
TELEVISION IN DALLAS-FT WORTH:

September 29, 1948 brought regular television broadcasting to the airwaves of the Metroplex when Fort Worth's WBAP-TV signed on.  The very next day, the FCC froze all TV applications until they could sort out standards and procedures for the quickly-evolving medium.  Applicants who had already received construction permits (CPs) could go ahead and build, however, or one could purchase an existing station to get into the TV business (as did the Belo Corporation with Channel 8.)  Although the freeze was lifted on 4/14/1952, the DFW area did not see a new station established until KFJZ-Channel 11 in 1955.

During the past 75 years, North Texas viewers have seen television evolve from humble beginnings, with four channels filled with mostly local programming in the 1950s, to 'colorcasting' and six local channels in the 1960s, to the news sensationalism and ratings battles of the 1970s, to the introduction of cable TV to the masses in the 1980s, to a major reshuffling of network affiliations in the 1990s, to watching the advent of HDTV and digital unfold and gain traction in the 21st century.

KDNT, Denton.  Station applied for in 1958 by Harwell V. Shepard, owner of KDNT-AM/FM, but others insisted to the FCC that Channel 2 remain designated as a future educational station instead.  Shepard's application was denied.

KIXL, Dallas.  Station applied for in 1948 but never went on the air.  Owner:  Lee Segall.  To have been sister to KIXL-AM/FM.  By the time the television license freeze was lifted in 1952, Channel 2 had been reassigned to Denton and as an educational station.

"Showbiz" subscription/pay TV service.  Established 1981.  Owner:  Digital Paging Systems of Texas d/b/a MovieVision; later owned by Graphic Scanning Inc.  Notable:  Dick Morrison.  Like ONTV and VUE, Showbiz offered first-run movies and soft-porn features on a subscription basis, broadcasting directly by microwave to "yagi" antennas mounted on the roof of subscribers’ homes.  But, unlike ONTV and VEU, the company did not lease evening and nighttime hours on a local, over-the-air UHF station.  Parent company MovieVision offered cable TV-style programming in select markets, catering mainly to multi-family complexes, but not delivered with a conventional cable setup (i. e. Warner-Amex "QUBE," who held the sole rights as the dedicated franchise to provide cable TV in the city of Dallas.)
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Local programs:  "Eyewitness to History," "Insights," "News and Interviews," "The Gourmet" (hosted by David Wade; defected to KDTV-39 in 10/1971,) "Good Day Dallas," "Tuning In," “Channel 4 Sportscene,” “The Don Meredith Show,” “Police Report,” “Just A Minute,” "Crossroads of the 70s," "4 Country Reporter" (originally hosted by John McLean, then Jeff Rosser, then Bob Phillips, and continues today as the syndicated “Texas Country Reporter,”) and the annual "TACA Auction."  News nicknames:  “4 News Report” (early 1970s,) “In-4-mation Central” (9/13/1971-?,) "Eyewitness News" (1975-12/1/1978,) “THE 6 O’Clock/10 O’Clock Report” (12/4/1978-1980,) "News 4 Texas," "Fox 4 News."

Notables:  Clarice Tinsley (12/4/1978-date,) Barry Judge (12/4/1978-1980; Tinsley and Judge were brought in from competing stations in Milwaukee,) Ray Walker (1973-2/1978,) and Judy Jordan (Greene) (1966-1980;) Walker and Jordan were the powerhouse local anchor team throughout most of the 1970s; Jordan's brother is lawyer and former Dallas city councilman Darrell Jordan; Walker and Jordan were paired as co-anchors on 1/22/1973, and awarded the 6 & 10PM newscasts on 7/30/1973; when Walker left, ex-KXAS’s Ward Andrews and WFAA’s John Criswell were each interviewed as replacements; an earlier note on this site about Ron Chapman interviewing for this position is false; the information was found in an old "D Magazine" article, but was retracted by the magazine later at Chapman's behest,) Richard Ray, Walter Evans (1964-12/31/1993; newscaster and host of "News and Interviews,") Dick Risenhoover (10/12/1970-1973,) Warren Culbertson (1967-1982; formerly with WFAA-TV,) Kevin McCarthy (formerly of KNUS-FM; began 8/1983; fired on 6/6/1986 for helping to throw a co-anchor into a swimming pool at a KDFW party,) Dick Hitt (began 4/17/1978; concurrently a Dallas Times Herald columnist and newscaster for KNUS-FM,) Gary Bazner (weathercaster; began 12/4/1978,) Dick Johnson (1976-9/15/1982; later was the morning show anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ in Chicago,) Daniel Plante (son of CBS reporter Bill Plante,) Cheri Pressley.

Also, Clyde Rembert, Steve Dawson (began 8/1984,) Kimberly Kennedy, Dale Schornack (8/1991-9/1995,) Ted Dawson (began 9/7/1987; came to KDFW from Los Angeles TV and returned there later,) Dale Hansen (1979-3/21/1983; fired, then defected to WFAA-TV; a memorable commercial aired on WFAA showed a taxi picking up Hansen at KDFW's front door and delivering him to WFAA!), Chip Moody (longtime KXAS anchor, wooed to KDFW on 4/28/1980; left Channel 4 for Belo-owned KHOU-Houston on 5/28/1984 (Belo, owner of WFAA-TV, decided to eliminate the local competition and gave Moody an offer he couldn't refuse to move to Houston; read more about Chip's career on Russ Bloxom's page here,) Chris Huston, Marlene McClinton, Buster McGregor (killed in a helicopter crash during a KDFW cross-state tour for the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986,) Barbara Schwarz (later with KRLD-AM,) Brad Sham, John McKay (station manager who left in 1984 to purchase and operate KDFI-Channel 27,) Dennis Monson (reporter and host of news feature "Eyewitness Newsreel,") Jay Ruffin (former newscaster on KKDA-FM,) Steve Eagar (began 8/1995,) Tom Wilson, Bret Lewis (4/19/1983-10/1983,) John Criswell (longtime WFAA-TV anchor, wooed to KDFW and began there on 6/4/1990; ‘no compete’ clause in his WFAA contract caused Criswell to sit out six months after leaving WFAA; KDFW responded with billboards around town showing Criswell with his mouth taped shut, with the message, “Until we can bring you John Criswell live, we’ll bring you John Criswell taped!”)

Also, Allen Stone (sports director; later the voice of Dallas Mavericks basketball,) Ashleigh Banfield (later with CourtTV,) Julia Somers, Susie Robbins, Wayne Shattuck (weathercaster; 1/1981-10/14/1984,) Elisa Robin, Jeff Rosser (second host of “4 Country Reporter;” later program director for station,) Jim Ruddy, Tim Ryan (began 1990; left and returned in late 1990s,) Cameron “Ron” Sanders (9/1983-8/7/1988; young reporter who later organized a union at station, and was alledgedly fired for doing so!), Glenn Moray, Mike Burger, Tim Heller, Steve Bosh (10/1984-1990; actor and former longtime anchor for syndicated INN/Independent Network News,) Craig Maurer, Sid Allen, Eddie Barker, Cheryl Belknap, Kenny Bowles, Rochelle Brown (host of “Insights,”) Philip Bruce, Blake Byrne (at KXAS 1974-1981; was part of Argyle Television [1991-1994] when Argyle bought KDFW in 1994,) Caryn Carlson, Gary DeLaune, Norm Hitzges (to 2/1974,) Michele Holden (began 1/30/1984,) Holt Holyfield, James Jackson, Baron James (began 1/18/1999,) Hosea Sanders (later in Chicago TV,) Butch Johnson (former Dallas Cowboys player,) Don Johnson, Bill Ceverha, Eddie Clinton, Steve Cope, Chester “Chet” Creech Jr, Ken Capps (later was VP of DFW Airport.)

Also, Jack Brown (1980-1998; longtime WBAP/KXAS reporter; as reporter and host of rural news feature "Jack Brown's Texas,") Carol Thomas (began 12/1988,) Wayne Thomas, Denise Tickner, Dave Tracy, Nancy Valenta, Carmen Velez, Chris Peddie (considered a 'big catch' when hired as news anchor; quit the station after one day!), Suzanne Moss (began 8/20/1984,) James Spann (began 8/6/1984,) Greg LeFevre (1976-1981; later a reporter for CNN and CBS,)  Charlie Wilson (1968-1991,) Jim Hale, Tony Garrett, Mark Oristano (his first job in the DFW market; started 7/26/1975, and moved on to higher-profile positions in local radio later,) Warren Fulks, Brett Shipp (1991-9/8/1994; son of former WFAA-TV assignments editor Bert Shipp; Brett was later with WFAA-TV,) Paula McClure (host of "Tuning In,") Eddie Hallack, Tom Hedrick (later with the University of Kansas,) Patricia Fanning, Cindy Kuykendall, Craig James (former New England Patriots football player; flunked physical in 1989 and took sportscasting job with KDFW thereafter; later with ABC Sports,) Judd Hambrick (10/9/1972-7/1973; dapper anchor wooed to the networks thereafter; brother of Mike Hambrick [KTVT],) David Wade (host of "The Gourmet,") Wes Wise (former Dallas mayor,) Glen Loyd, Stephanie Lucero (began 1984.)

Also, Mark Lewis (1984-1987,) Randy Sparage, John Sparks (former ND for WFAA-TV,) Gary Stokes, Steve Stolar, Bill Swanbeck (left 5/1/1987,) Jack Dubberley, David Walker, Jack Harrison (began 1957,) Bob Phillips (third and best known host of "4 Country Reporter,” 1975-9/13/1986; moved program to WFAA-TV, then syndicated thereafter,) Max Morgan, Tracey Smith, Rosalind Soliz, Ron Jackson (1982-2014,) Linda Edwards, Larry Dingmore, John McCrory, Jocelyn White, Barbara White, Bud Gillett (1976-2000,) Tom Steyer, Scott Sayres, Scott Wapner, Rochelle Brown, Baron James, Rebecca Aguilar, Fil Alvarado, Phil Johnson, Michael Jones, Tom Jordan, Lorel Kane, Kim Keelor, Kelly Lane, Allen Levy, Dave Sheehan (8/1976-2/1977,) Steve Crocker (formerly with CNN; began 7/1/1995,) Lucrezia Cuen, Bob Dahlgren, John McLean (original host of “4 Country Reporter,”) Laura Meyers, Vicki Monks, Nancy Montoya, Glen Moyer, Bill Bragg (1968-1994; known later for his annual voicing of animated giant "Big Tex" at the State Fair of Texas,) Bill Brown (later with WFAA-TV,) John Neal, Wayne Nelson, Roy Nichols, Knox Nunnally, Lisa Parisot, Ed Dalheim, Evan Andrews, Robert Elliott, David Fanning, Carolyn Fessler, Mary Fitzgibbon, Tony Garcia, Janice Glynn, Jerry Gonzales, Nann Goplerud, Jim Hale, Barbara Harrison (partner in KDIA-Channel 58 in 1985,) Tim Healey, Bob Henry, John Discepolo, Mike Doocy, Lari Barager, John Hammarly, Mark Lewis (began 1/1984,) Nevin Lyerly, Lee Martin, Quin Mathews, Stan Matthews, Mae Watts, Fred Mays, Becky Oliver, Shaun Rabb, Steve Stolar, Phyllis Watson (began 7/1/1995; hired away from WFAA-TV,) Jocelyn White, Dr. Ann Wildemann, Bill Wilson, David Woods, Pat Wormsley, Walt Zwirko (later with WFAA-TV,) Shirley Washington (began 1/4/1999,) Gayle Joya.  Studios located at 400 N. Griffin St in downtown Dallas.

Local programs:  "Spotlight on Homes," "Builder's Show Place," "Sunday Showroom," "Magic in Fashions," "The Gourmet," "Studio Wrestling," "KRLD Playhouse," "So This is Opera," "Pastor Calls," "Big D Jamboree," "Point of View," "Crossroads of the 70s," "Party Time" (featuring Dean Allen as "Officer Friendly" and Ralph Matthiessen as "Uncle Tiny;" "Tiny" ended when host Matthiessen died unexpectedly on 11/20/1959; "Friendly" was eventually spun off 2/11/1963 as its own show to replace "Party Time,") "Songs of Inspiration."

Notables:  Walter Evans (1964-1993,) Eddie Barker (who was the first reporter worldwide to report JFK's confirmed death in 1963,) Sam Donaldson (mainly a voiceover announcer; later an ABC news reporter/anchor,) Hugh Lampman, Bill Mercer, Mark Wilson (host of "Time for Magic;" moved from WFAA-TV, later a nationally-featured magician,) Wes Wise, Bill Cerverha, James "Jim" Underwood, Mel Allen, Gary DeLaune, Roy Nichols (Gary and Roy defected from KLIF's newsroom to KRLD-AM/TV on the same day,) Warren Fulks, Vance Newsom, Bob Shaw, Dan Foster, Ves Box, Steve Pieringer (photographer killed while filming an explosion for the station in 1968,) Cowboy Weaver (host of the "Cowboy Weaver Show" [later moved to KTVT,]) Ralph Matthiessen, Jr aka "Uncle Tiny Grant" (host of "Party Time" and "Uncle Tiny,") Warren Culberton (1967-1982,) Eddie Hallack (1949-1978; hosted "Studio Wrestling," "Pastor Calls" and "So This is Opera,") Reid Collins (later a CNN and CBS correspondent,) Jack Harrison (began 1957,) David Wade (host of "The Gourmet,") Johnny Hicks and Al Jones (hosts of "Big D Jamboree," filmed at Dallas' Sportatorium,) Bill Bragg (1968-1994,) Frank Glieber, Mary Ann Epps, Lee Brumm (Glieber, Epps and Brumm hosted "Spotlight on Homes.")  Located with the Dallas Times Herald at 1101 Patterson in Downtown Dallas; moved to 400 N. Griffin in ca. 1964.

Local programs:  "The Children's Hour," “Special Treat,” "Museum of Horrors" (formerly at KTVT,) "Inside Area 5" (newsmagazine; hosted by Roy Eaton and later with duo Chip Moody and Bobbie Wygant [1975-1977,]) "Extension," "The Charlie Rose Show," "Sunup," "Newsworthy," "Insight," "Counterpoint," "Entertainment and the Arts," "Encounter," "Access 5," "Good Morning Show," "Crossroads."

Notables: Chip Moody (5/29/1971-4/21/1980; read more about Chip's career on Russ Bloxom's page here,) Bill Anderson, Harold Taft (1949-1991; developed first TV weathercast in US in 1949; nicknamed “World’s Greatest Weatherman” by WBAP-AM’s Bill Mack; concurrently WBAP-AM overnight weathercaster; co-authored book "Texas Weather" in 1975; known for hand-drawn weather maps, which were replaced by computerized ones in 11/1982,) Jayne Jayroe (1980-5/30/1984; former Miss America in 1967,) Brad Wright, Jack Van Roy (formerly with WFAA-TV; began 11/1977,) Ward Andrews (12/28/1969-9/1977,) Russ Bloxom (1967-3/1979,) Roberta Connolly "Bobbie" Wygant (1948-2024; reporter and host of "Entertainment and the Arts,") Boyd Matson (longtime host of "National Geographic Explorer;") Mary Ruth Carleton, Frank Mills (1948-1977; was with sister station WBAP-AM starting in 1936,) Angela Cain, Bernie Tamayo, Sabrina Smith (began 1993; Smith, Mike Androvett and Marty Griffin comprised the "Public Defenders," a group of reporters who attempted to 'right 'various wrongs for viewers, as an ongoing segment of the 10PM newscasts in th 1990s,) Ramona Logan (began 1985,) Brian Jensen, Frank Perkins (1961-1979,) David Finfrock (began 12/1975,) Doug Vair (left 7/29/1977,) Ron Trumbla, Ed Eubanks (newscaster and host of "Encounter.")

Also, Frank Glieber, Alyce Caron (began 8/6/1984,) Doug Adams (reporter and later station GM,) Charlie Rose (later with PBS; his "Charlie Rose Show" began as a local KXAS program, 4/1979-11/1980; also hosted the local portion of the half-syndicated, half-local audience participation show "The Baxters" in 1979,) Nann Goplerud, James A. Byron (retired 9/30/1974,) Jim Douglas (later with WFAA-TV,) Rebecca Miller (began 1991,) Phil Wygant (1948-12/31/1974; fired after takeover by LIN; husband of Bobbie Wygant,) Randy Wiles, Jeff Eliasoph (began 1989,) Al Fasol (1969-75; news reporter and evening assignments editor,) Marty Griffin, Brian Mylar, Deborah Ferguson (1991-date; married to WBAP-AM's Steve Lamb,) Cynthia Tinsley, Bill Jones, Ed Pewitt (host of "Good Morning Show,") Bob Sirkin (1992-93; earlier was a reporter for WFAA-TV; later a CBS Radio newscaster,) Russ Thornton, Barry Simms, Clennon King, Sherry Woodard, Kathleen McDonald, Gary Cuzzens, Tom Cummings, Earl Mabey, Johnnie Smith, Warren Richie, Art Girouard, Ruth Allen-Ollison, Jack Brown (1958-1980; defected to KDFW thereafter,) Tim Smith, Terese Arena (later news director for KLIF-AM,) Thomas Bedford, Randall Carlisle, Kevin Cokely, Linda Frederick, Jack Helsel (longtime reporter in Philadelphia and Cincinnati,) Tammy Dombeck, Scott Gordon, Brendan Higgins, Rhonda Hughes, Doyle Vinson (1948-1975; last served as editor for "Inside Area 5,") Chuck Bolan (as host of "Access 5,") Bob Siegel, Ken Kalthoff, Kristi Nelson, Susan Risdon, Michael Scott (I) (once spooked during a 2000 studio interview when a lizard lunged at him during a reptile feature!)

Also, Kristin Sorenson, Denise Valdez, Carol Wang, Derek Castillo, Mike Androvett, Shelley Kofler, Bill Hix, Scott Murray (1982-2002,) Scott Chesner (weather, 1981-2004; later with KETK-TV/Tyler TX and KTEN-TV/Ardmore OK,) Scott Pelley (later was an anchor for the "CBS Evening News,") Jimmy Darnell (photographer; 1/1961-2000,) Charles Ely, Gifford “Skip” Ely (concurrently with National Weather Service,) John Rhadigan (sportscaster; later with Fox Sports,) Bill Vance (ND, 1979-83,) Ron Godbey (weather, 1966-77,) George Riba (later with WFAA-TV,) Gretchen Carlson, Larry Estepa, David Fanning, Jay Gray (later with NBC,) Carl Cherkin, Mike Snyder (began 1980; former news anchor for KLIF-1190 in Dallas,) Bill Johnson (host of "Counterpoint,") Ron Harris (host of "Newsworthy,") Bill Kelley (co-host of "The Children's Hour,") Dave Layman, Tom Whelan, Ron Spain (1974-7/1977,) Noah Nelson, Steve Moffett (began 9/1976,) Joyce Morgan, Frank Healer (left 3/1979,) Dennis Holly (left in 1985 due to health issues,) Vernell Jessie, Jim Brinson (sports; ad campaign featured Jim at various places around town, with viewers constantly shouting, "Hey Brinson!" at him,) Jebbie Phillips, Pat Couch, Noah Nelson (formerly with KERA-TV,) Jack Rogers, Doc Ruhmann, Barbara Schwarz, Debbie Kintana, Larry Cole (1961-75; not the longtime Dallas Cowboys player,) Cindy Kuykendall, Bob Leder, Dan Medina, Willie Monroe, Pam Moore, Jody Dean (who appeared on "Museum of Horrors;" was later a radio personality at KLUV-FM and talk show host at KTVT,) Larry Mullins, Karen Parfitt (later known as Karen Hughes, presidential confidant,) Cary Simms (first known as Wade Simms at KBUY-AM,) Stan Radford, Carolyn Raiser, Mark Schumacher, Mark Shepard, Emil Guillermo, Joe Stroop, Margaret Megard, Ann McGarry aka Jane Ann McGarry aka Jane McGarry (1982-2011; station made her use the name "Ann" initially to avoid confusion with higher-profile anchor Jane Jayroe; politically-conservative McGarry endured an unplanned severe tongue-lashing live on the air from presidential candidate Ross Perot on election night in 1992!)  Station located at 3900 Barnett on "Broadcast Hill" in Fort Worth.

MISC TIDBITS:

When area cable provider Telecable threatened to drop KXAS from its channel lineup in 1993, Channel 5 fought back by airing commercials urging subscribers to fight back with calls and letters.  Telecable finally relented.  This attempt to 'bully back' cable providers over proposed licensing rate increases was the first to be seen in the market.

KXAS was the original contender for switching to a CBS affiliate when KDFW first announced their defection to Fox in 1994.

Channel 5 was notorious in the 1970s and 80s for rearranging their NBC daytime schedule to fit their wants.  One day's programming would be taped from the NBC feed, then individual shows would be shown in a different order the following day.  This wreaked havoc on soap watchers, who would get the typical Friday climax show on Monday instead.  KXAS also shortened "The Tonight Show" by 30 minutes, much to Johnny Carson's chagrin.  He verbally blasted the station on his program in early 1978 for doing so, as the only NBC affiliate in the nation who trimmed back his show.

Local programs:  "This Week in Texas" (a compilation of stories from "The Texas News;" shown on 5 and three other Texas stations,) "Texas Living," "Good Morning Show," "Planning for Tomorrow," “News Final” (late-night news wrap-up, consisting of anchor Alex Burton, sitting and reading ver batim from AP copy on camera,) "Dollar Derby" (later moved to WFAA,) "Good Morning, Pastor," "Kitty's Playhouse," "Inside Area 5," "Telephone Spotlight on Texas," "Televiews," "Facts Forum," "The Johnny Hay Show," "The Children's Hour" (which aired within it the Lutheran Church-produced "Davey and Goliath" and the Southern Baptist Radio/TV Commission's cartoon "Jot,") "Texas '70" (and subsequent years,) "The Jones Place," "The Flying X Ranchboys," "Skillern's Sports Preview," "William Barclay Presents" (Barclay was the station's organist,) "Vesper Hour," "Fashion Reflection," "Gardening Can Be Fun," "Dream Kitchen Time," "Melody Shop," "What is It?", "Your Song and Mine," "Rhythm and Romance," "Hoffman Hayloft," "Playtime," "What's New, Ladies?", "See-Saw Zoo," “Good Morning Show,” "Dateline" (1961-1977,) "TCU in Review," "Barn Dance," “Bobby Peters Jamboree,” "Here's to your Health," "Stump Us" (an early rendition of "Name That Tune,") "The Bobby Peters Show," "Forum 5," "Cartoon Time."

Notables:  Roberta Connolly "Bobbie" Wygant (1948-2024; host of "Dateline" 1961-1977,) Harold Taft (10/31/1949-1991; developed first weathercast in US for WBAP-TV,) Bill Kelley (as host of "The Children's Hour,") Chip Moody (5/1971-4/21/1980; reporter then anchor beginning 5/29/1972; read more about Chip's career on Russ Bloxom's page here,) Ward Andrews (12/28/1969-9/1977,) Doyle Vinson (longtime news editor and producer of "The Texas News" and "Inside Area 5," 1948-1975,) Doug Vair, Ron Godbey (weather, 1966-1977,) Russ Bloxom (1967-3/1979,) Boyd Matson (sports anchor; began 1970; later was host of "National Geographic Explorer,") Marv Sparks (1969-1971; booth announcer, voiceover artist and regular co-host of "The Children's Hour;" currently GM of the 14-station CDR Radio Network in the Ohio Valley,) Jack Brown (1958-1980,) John S. Smith (director and producer,) Al Fasol (news reporter and evening assignments editor, 1969-1975,) Charles Murphy (first WBAP anchor to announce JFK's death, and became a national anchor when NBC ran WBAP's COLOR signal live to the nation after the assassination,) Bob Schieffer (TCU graduate whose broadcast career began in radio for KXOL-AM/Fort Worth; left WBAP-TV (and the area) in 1969 to accept a position as CBS News' Washington DC correspondent; Schieffer hosted "Face the Nation" and the "CBS Evening News" in later years; while at WBAP-TV, Bob appeared before and after the station's nightly newsreels as anchor, beginning in 1967; offered the WBAP job after a guest appearance on Bobbie Wygant's “Dateline” program; authored “This Just In” in 2002,) Roy Eaton (former longtime owner of newspaper "The Wise County Messenger," northwest of Fort Worth,) Frank Perkins (1961-1979,) Margaret McDonald (co-host of "Texas Living,") Alex Burton (1962-1967; left for new UHF station KDTV.)

Also, Frank Mills (spent a total of 41 years with the station; co-host of "Texas Living;" was the very first person in Texas to appear on television on a regular program [but President Harry S Truman was the first to ever be seen on Texas TV, while visiting Fort Worth on 9/27/1948, as 5 used the appearance for video testing purposes,]) Lillard Hill (first news anchor in Texas, and original voice of the "Texas Newsreel,") Johnny Hay (engineer, personality and caricature artist; host of "Good Morning Show," "Cartoon Time" and "The Johnny Hay Show," which was the predecessor to "The Children's Hour;" he also co-hosted "See-Saw Zoo,") Lee Elsesser, Bruce Neal, Russ Thornton, Bill Hix (host of "Forum 5,") Sharon Noble, John Gross (to 4/1979,) Reggie Harris (began 12/9/1985,) Jerry Desmond, Larry DuPont, Thaine Engle, Bill Enis (sports director, 1965-1969; left for NBC football,) Robert Gould, Bob Grammer, Martha Grammer, Marty Haag (later the longtime, revered ND at WFAA-TV,) Tom McDonald (began 1957; longtime newsreel narrator,) Lowell Duncan, Breck Harris, Ron Spain, Dan Smoot (as host of "Facts Forum,") Doug Adams (originally a reporter, then later the station's GM; the North Texas State University graduate and KNTU-FM alumni is CEO of the National Reperatory Orchestra at last check.)

Also, James A. "Jim" Byron (longtime news director; began as an unpaid reporter at the Carter-owned Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper in the 1930s, and moved to news director of WBAP-AM in 1944; retired 9/30/1974,) Sam Bogart, Mary Parker (host of "Playtime,") Wilma Rutherford (host of "What's New, Ladies?"), Nora Lou Greene (as host of "Fashion Reflections,") Bobby Peters (host of “Bobby Peters Show” and “Bobby Peters Jamboree,”) William Barclay (staff organist and host of "Stump Us" and "William Barclay Presents,") Alice Walter (as host of "Dream Kitchen Time,") Dean Raymond (co-host of "See-Saw Zoo,") Mickey Murphy, Jimmy Kerr (1948-1971,) Jimmy Mundell, Gary Cuzzens, Earl Mabey, Art Girouard, Warren Ritchie, Johnnie Smith, Bill Larinson, Jimmy Livingston, Pat Boone (yes, the singer/actor and former North Texas State student; hosted "Barn Dance,") Ken McCool, Tom Grimes, Wayne Brown, Floyd Bright, Jim Calloway, Gene Reynolds, Jim Vinson, Ben Harrover, Sam Johnson, Bob and Agnes Stanford (hosts of "Dollar Derby;” Bob was better known for his work at WFAA-TV years later,) Grace New, Bud Sherman (host of post-newsreel program "Sports with Sherman,") Gordon Fitzgerald, Tom Mullarkey.

Also, Chem Terry (host of “Good Morning Show;” later a DFW disc jockey,) Layne Beaty, Larry Cole (1961-75,) Phil Hopkins, Ted Gouldy, George Cranston, Jimmy Darnell (photographer, 1/1961-2000,) Bob Denny (early weathercaster who helped develop television weathercasts with Harold Taft in 1949,) Gene Baugh, Lee Woodward (brother of actor Morgan Woodward ["Dallas," "Gunsmoke,"]) Neal Jones (as host of "The Jones Place,") Ted Graves, Frank Dinkins, Phil Wygant (husband of entertainment reporter Roberta "Bobbie" Wygant,) Kitty Atkins (as host of "Kitty's Playhouse,") Seymour Andrews, Roy Bacus, Pat Barnett, Tom Bedford, Rupert Bogan, Frank O’Neal, Clint Bourland, Johnny Smith, R. C. Stinson, Tommy Thompson, Lynn Trammell, Jim Turner, Guy Woodward, John Starr, Austin Schneider, Ray Bankston, Bud Miller, Luther Atkins (as host of "Good Morning, Pastor" and "Televiews.")  Station long located at 3900 Barnett on "Broadcast Hill" in Fort Worth, then to the Centerport development (just south of DFW Airport) in 2013.

MISC TIDBITS:
On WBAP's first night of broadcasting, owner Amon Carter nearly fell to his death through an unmarked hole in the studio floor that lead to the basement...cartoonist Johnny Hay grabbed hold of him just in time!  The studios were still under construction at the time, and Channel 5 endured a 17-minute power outage in the middle of their inaugural programming (not the station's fault, but angry viewers blamed them nonetheless!)

Also, in WBAP's early days, viewers didn't fully understand the concept of television...one viewer called WBAP on the first night of telecasting, complaining that she was not receiving any picture.  The receptionist asked, "What kind of set are you using?"  The viewer responded, "Why, my RADIO set, of course!"  Others thought that TV was a utility, like electricity or water, and that you called the TV station to come fix it if it broke!

The late Frank Mills, the first broadcaster to ever appear on WBAP-TV, was hired at sister stations WBAP-AM/KGKO-AM in 1936.  He and friend Ronald Reagan were en route to Hollywood to try their hand at acting.  Passing through Fort Worth, Mills found out that WBAP was hiring, and opted to stay for the sure thing and not risk finding no work on the coast (it didn’t hurt that Mills’ girlfriend lived in nearby Wichita Falls!)  Reagan went on to California alone, and the rest is history!  (Contributed by Ward Andrews)

KCPN, Fort Worth.  Initial call letters requested for Channel 5 when application was submitted on 6/21/1946 by Carter Publications, and station intended on using these calls to within three months of sign-on.  Although Channel 5 signed on first, an early applicant for Channel 8 submitted the first TV application in the south, beating Amon Carter by just days.  Call letters to have stood for "Carter Publications News."
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Local programs:  "La Vida," "8 Country Reporter" (hosted by Bob Phillips; moved from KDFW in 1986,) "People" (AKA "Michael Brown's People," "Que Pasa?" (hosted by Rene Castilla; political activist who later taught journalism at Northlake College in Irving, TX,) "Issues and Answers," "Teen Time," "Sports Figures," "Face to Face" (hosted by news anchor and former ABC anchor Murphy Martin,) "Ask the Manager" (1961)/"Let Me Speak to the Manager"(1961-1/1975)/"Inside Television"(1/75-1979) (hosted by Belo VP Myron "Mike" Shapiro; assisted by Jim Pratt (1970-79) and later Casey Cohlmia,) "Dallas Bandstand" (late 1950s; hosted by news anchor and later "Mr Peppermint" host Jerry Haynes,) "Computer Corner," "Mr. Peppermint" (3/6/1961-1970; returned in 1975 as "Peppermint Place" at WFAA-TV, then moved to KERA-13; to syndication in 1989; hosted by news anchor Jerry Haynes; after a long absence, a final episode aired on WFAA 7/5/1996, hosted by Haynes with longtime "Peppermint" sidekick, Vern Dailey; Haynes also hosted "Guestbook," "Haynes Almanac" and "Dallas Bandstand" and once subbed for Dick Clark on "American Bandstand,") "Junior Auction" (hosted by Bob White; sponsored by Neuhoff and Foremost,) "Time for Magic" (hosted by Mark Wilson and assisted by his wife Nani Darnell; began 1954; moved later to KRLD-TV and to NBC,) "News 8 etc..." (hosted by Suzie Humphreys, Don Harris, Gene Thomas, and later John Criswell, Jerry Park and Rosser McDonald; early-morning talk/news program that predated "AM America"/"Good Morning America,") "PM Magazine" (9/1978-86; nationally-franchised lifestyle program intertwined with local features by Leeza Gibbons [1980-83] and at various times (locally as well) by Candy Hasey, Bill Ratliff, Stan Miller, Karin Kelly, and future national game show host David Sparks,) "The Bob Stanford Show" (featuring characters "Agnes" and "Easy,") "The Julie Benell Show" (mid-day cooking and lifestyle program co-hosted by Jerry Haynes, then Ed Hogan,) "Away We Go," "Group and Harrigan"/"Group and Chapman," "Sump'n Else" (each show was hosted by radio personality Ralph "Ron" Chapman, known as "Irving Harrigan" in the earliest programs, which was his on-air moniker as concurrent host of a popular morning radio program on local KLIF-1190 AM; all were videotaped at WFAA's remote studios at the new Northpark Mall, called "Studio 3 at Northpark Center," in Dallas; while "Away We Go" was a local game show and "Group" was a local Saturday night lip-synch program consisting of mostly SMU drama/music students, "Sump'n Else" (9/7/1965-3/1968) was originally a 45-minute weekday afternoon 'bandstand' show featuring area high school students dancing live to the music of the day; later expanded to an hour,) "Dollar Derby," "Al's Pals" (later renamed "Frontier Playhouse," featuring 'Horriss the Horse;' hosted by Ben January,) "Dialing for Dollars" (live program to introduce the morning and afternoon movies; first hosted by Ed Hogan, then Ross Cass, Bob Bruton and Don Norman,) "GED-Operation Lift," "Country Day Break," "Bowling for Dollars" (1975-78, hosted by WFAA-TV sports anchor Verne Lundquist and taped at Forum Bowl in Grand Prairie TX,) "6:30 on 8" (hosted by Scott Sams,) "Black Forum" (hosted by Ken Smith,) “Young America Speaks” (college debating show; local jurist Sarah T. Hughes was a regular judge; known best for swearing in President Lyndon Johnson soon after President Kennedy's assassination in 1963,) “Anything Goes” (hosted by Ed Hogan,) “Science of the Mind,” "Early Birds Night Out" (TV companion to long-running "Early Birds" morning program on sister WFAA-AM,) “Ninja Box Office,” "Gunnysack," "The Frito Kid" (featuring Ben January as 'Alvarado;' also included character 'Snakepit Sam,') “Weekend Journal,” "Guestbook," "Haynes Almanac" ("Guestbook" and "Almanac" were hosted by Jerry Haynes,) "Good Morning Texas" (began 9/1994; hosted at various times by Scott Sams, Todd Whitthorne, Debra Duncan, Debbie Denmon, Brenda Teele, Gary Cogill, Janette Smith, Amy Venderof, Paula McClure and Michael Rey, with KVIL's Valier Smith as fill-in,) "Webster Webfoot" (1949-9/1952; hosted by "Uncle" Jimmy Weldon, who left for Hollywood in 1952; he hosted NBC's "Funny Boners" in 1954,) "Daybreak" (name of early-morning newscast.)  Features:  "Wednesday's Child" (initially hosted by news anchor John Criswell; idea was developed at an Oklahoma TV station in 1979, but Criswell was the first to bring the feature to national prominence, beginning in 9/1980; after Criswell's departure for KDFW-TV in 1990, hosting duties were awarded to anchor Gloria Campos, and much later was reassigned to anchor Cynthia Izaguirre after Campos's 2014 retirement,) "Contact 8."

Notables: Tracy Rowlett (4/1974-4/1999; later with KTVT,) Iola Johnson (1973-3/1/1985,) Dale Milford (known as the airborne “Flying Weatherman;” later a congressman,) Blaine Smith, Myron "Mike" Shapiro (1952-1982; later SM; Gloria Campos (1984-2014; wife of former KRLD-33 news anchor Lance Brown,) Lisa McRee (1989-1991; later with ABC News,) Neal Browne, Roy Humphrey aka Don Harris (II) (1969-1973; died while covering the 1978 Jonestown, Guyana, massacre for NBC News; was news anchor and co-host of "News 8 Etc.,” 1970-1972,) Bob Gooding (1961-1979; replaced Murphy Martin at the anchor desk when Martin left WFAA the first time in 1963; did radio newscasts for WFAA-AM 1960-61,) Jack Van Roy (to 11/1977; was concurrently employed in sales with Lowrey Organs at Town East Mall in Mesquite, TX,) Murphy Martin (1961-63, joined ABC News thereafter; returned 1967-70 but left to work for Ross Perot; returned 9/4/1972-1975; news anchor, head of documentary production and special projects; closed each newscast with "That's my time, thank you for yours,") Stan Miller, Travis Linn (ND, anchor; later news director for CBS News-Southwest,) Suzie Humphreys (was later the longtime sidekick of Ron Chapman at KVIL-FM, 1976-95,) Thomas Eugene Alred aka Gene Thomas (died in a freak race car accident while doing a feature for "News 8 Etc.,") Wes Wise (former mayor of Dallas; sports anchor in mid-1950s who defected to KRLD-TV,) Bob Sirkin (1973-1977; next with KXAS-TV and was later a newscaster with CBS Radio.)

Also, Troy Dungan (2/1976-7/18/2007,) Chip Moody (9/6/1987-4/1999; only area anchor to work at all three network-affiliated stations; read more about Chip's career on Russ Bloxom's page here,) Jerry Haynes (as newscaster and "Mr. Peppermint;"  George Riba (began 9/1977,) Brian Jensen, Cynthia “Cinny” Kennard (left WFAA for a teaching position at USC; later headed NPR-West,) Lloyd Morrow (1951-1986,) Steve Newman, Howard Greenblatt, Justin Farmer (2005-7/2008,) Jackie Hyland (2005-11/2007,) Dan Bell, Don Meredith (Dallas Cowboys quarterback who did sports reports in 1966,) Bob Brown (later a reporter for ABC's "20/20",) Michael Brown (news anchor and host of "Michael Brown's People,") Sandra Brown (author and wife of Michael; co-anchored weekend news with Michael on weekends in 1978; the first case of a husband-wife news team in DFW,) Bill Evans (weather; was concurrently a DJ for KHYI-FM; was later with WABC-TV New York;) Gerald "Jerry" Park (reporter, weekend anchor and co-host of "News 8 etc..."; left for sports director position at KOCO-TV/Oklahoma City in 1974, and retired from there in 1999,) Rosser McDonald (as co-host of "News 8 etc...")

Also, Ted Cassidy (left WFAA in 1964 to portray "Lurch" on "The Addams Family,") William "Waid" Blair (1999-9/2006,) Earl Jack "Jay" Watson (first to bring news of JFK's assassination; hiked from Dealey Plaza back to the station immediately thereafter to give the breaking details,) Jerry Taff, Jim Mitchell, Jim Littleton (1980-3/1987,) Maureen Tighe (began 5/2/1987,) Sonya Van Sickle (1986-1999,) Kay Vinson, Vern Dailey (as co-host of "Mr. Peppermint,") Bob Walker (1961-1964; ND and SM; left for ABC News to become a newswriter for Peter Jennings,) Jabbo Watson, Jim Mitchell, Howard Anderson, Carol Erickson (left 2/1978,) Walter Evans (1957-1964; left for KRLD-TV,) Rita Trevino (began 7/1975,) Leeza Gibbons (later hosted the nationally-syndicated programs "Leeza" and "Entertainment Tonight,") Byron Harris, Doug Fox, John North, Woody Van Dyke (sports anchor,) Mike Miller (1973-1975,) Tom Cummings (died in a 1980 crash in the station's helicopter,) Ron Godbey (weather; later with WBAP-TV/KXAS-TV,) Harvey Johnston, Lawrence DuPont (PM, 1950s,) Pete Hott, John McCaa, Wayne Mack, Verne Lundquist (1967-1983; longtime CBS sportscaster thereafter; was WFAA sports anchor;) Ray Gaskin, Quin Mathews (11/1978-7/1984; moved from KDFW-TV in 1978; left for KRLD-TV in 1984; returned to WFAA-TV in 6/1987.)

Also, John Criswell (reporter, news anchor and co-host of "News 8 Etc." and "AM" [aka "The AM Show] until 1/1978,] defected to KDFW-TV in 1990,) Dennis Troute, Jan Bridgman (3/23/1981-8/30/1984,) Mike Hill, Dave Scallan, Curley Davis, Ken Smith (host of "Black Forum,") Scott Sams (1985-9/2004; later with KTVT-TV and KRLD-AM,) Debra Duncan, Brett Shipp (began 9/12/1994; son of Bert Shipp, who was longtime assignments editor for WFAA-TV,) John Pronk, Candice "Candy" Hasey, Gail Heitz, "Cap'n" Bob Ellis, Jim Hipps, Mike Devlin (reporter, 1984-89; returned as ND in 2005,) David Margulies, John P. "Jack" Kendrick (2/1980-10/22/1986,) Mauri Dial, Ann Butler, Arch Campbell (1971-1974; later a national entertainment reporter and movie reviewer,) Mike Capps (1981-86 and 1987-90; worked as Ft.Worth Bureau Chief, Executive Sports Director and news reporter; later with ABC News and CNN,) John "Sparky" Sparks (who, along with Mike Capps, broke the SMU pay-for-play football scandal in 1987 that won a Peabody and a duPont-Columbia award,) Steve Coryell, Malcolm Couch (cameraman, 1950s; later of KWJS-FM and Mal Couch Ministries,) Jane Horwitz (as station movie critic,) Jack Helsel (1996-98; longtime feature reporter in Philadelphia and Cincinnati; defected from KXAS,) John Alonzo (1954-1956; later a famous cinematographer for "Scarface," Chinatown," "Harold and Maude" and many other movies,) Karin Kelly, Ceryl McDonald, Earl McDonald, Victor Duncan, Bill Ratliff.

Also, Bob Stanford (host of "The Bob Stanford Show," and co-hosted "Dollar Derby" with wife Agnes Stanford,) Bill Macatee, Gail Heitz, Fred Hatten, Ralph Chapman aka Ron Chapman (longtime KLIF, KVIL and KLUV radio personality; formerly host of "Sump'n Else" [filmed at WFAA's remote Northpark Mall studios, called "Studio 3 at Northpark Center," in Dallas,] "Away We Go" (also filmed at Northpark,) and "The Group and Harrigan" [later renamed "The Group and Chapman" after Chapman left KLIF and was not allowed to keep the Harrigan name,]) Renay San Miguel (1991-97; later with CNN,) Alan Melson, Jimmy Weldon (as host of "Webster Webfoot;" also hosted NBC's "Funny Boners" in 1954,) Ben January (as host of "Frontier Playhouse" and "Al's Pals,") Warren Culbertson (weathercaster, 1951-1958; later with KRLD/KDFW-TV and KVIL-FM,) Donald Curtis (host of “Science of the Mind,”) Michael Doyle, Bill Reynolds, Vic Dubee, Marty Haag (1973-10/2000,) Bertha Obregon, Uma Pemmaraju, Matt Quinn, Mary Ann Razzuk, Russ Rossman (later a newscaster with USA Radio Network in Farmers Branch TX,) Farley Scott (host of “Ninja Box Office,”) Phil Seib, Rene Syler (left to co-host "CBS News This Morning" in 10/2002; published the book and accompanying website, "Good Enough Mother" in 2007; left CBS on 12/22/2006,) Jack Sellmeyer (engineer,) Linn Sheldon (as “Barnaby,” children’s show character; later in Cleveland OH television,) Bert Shipp (revered news assignments editor.)

Also, Jim Fry (began 1982,) Bert Mitchell, Michael Scott (II), Jeff Allen (traffic and aerial news coverage,) Casey Cohlmia (promotions manager and co-host of "Let Me Speak to the Manager," 1961-1970,) Tom Steyer (former KDFW reporter,) Jana Sims (1986-1997,) Mary Stewart, Carol Dearing-Rommel, Joy Mullett, Steve Stolar, Olin B. Terry (1950-1956; holdover from KBTV,) Anna Martinez, Tony Martinez (left 1987,) Dick Drummy, Robert Ellis, Patricia Martin, Jerry Miller, Carmen Ainsworth, Dale Hansen (sports director and sports anchor, 3/25/1983-9/2/2021,) David Fanning, Frank Filesi, Steve Fursberg, Mark Wilson (as host of "Time for Magic;" show relocated later to KRLD-TV,) Ed Hogan (10/1955-1986; as newscaster and host of the "Dialing for Dollars" afternoon movie; host of “Anything Goes,” assisted on "The Julie Benell Show," and co-hosted "Junior Auction" [filmed at the Northpark studios;] began at WFAA-AM in 1950,) Bob Bruton (also hosted "Dialing for Dollars,") Scott Sayres, Ralph Nimmons (SM, beginning in 12/1950,) Don Norman, Dennis Johnson, Dick Wheeler, Julie Benell (as host of "The Julie Benell Show," a cooking/ homemaking/fashion tips show; assisted by Jerry Haynes and later Ed Hogan,) Dave Lane (1967-1993; sports anchor and later WFAA GM,) Donald Easterwood, John B. Wells, John Sparks, Frank Clarke, Ralph "Buddy" Widman (program director to late 1957,) Gerry Oher.

Also, Rene Castilla, Nann Goplerud (1984-12/2005; formerly of KXAS,) Vince Patton, Brad Watson (the 6'7" reporter started 12/18/1978 as part of WFAA's Fort Worth bureau; reporter and fill-in anchor at the Dallas studios until 2013,) Joe Templeton, Barbara White, Alan Berg, Bill Brown, Bill O'Reilly (1975-fall, 1977; later host of "Inside Edition" and "The O'Reilly Factor,") Paula Zahn (began 1978 at WFAA's Fort Worth news bureau; later host of "CBS This Morning;" also hosted news program on CNN,) Jim Douglas, Bob Phillips, Doug Fox, Chris Arnold (formerly of KKDA-FM,) Steve Adkinson, Jim Olsen, Mike Hill, Gina Miller, Joe Trahan, Dave Scallon, Johnny Mack, Billy Mayo, Howard Bogarte, Bob White (magician and co-host of "Junior Auction,") Jeff Brady (to 3/2009,) Macie Jepson (to 8/2008,) Karin Kelly, Rebecca Lopez, Anna Martinez, Gina Redmond, Robert Riggs (1980-2002; defected to KTVT,) Janet St. James, Don Wall, Elisa Robin, Jim Gibbs (ND,) Bobby Turner, Tony Martinez, Todd Whitthorne, Peter Van Sant, Jack Smith, William Dixon (1967-1991,) Charlie Martin (CE,) Tommy Ayres (1951-1986.)

Also, Paula McClure (co-host of "Good Morning Texas," 1996-1999; was also a child star on WFAA-TV's "Gunnysack" in the 1970s,) Charles Hadlock, Russ Mitchell, Midge Hill (Midge DeSanders) (11/3/1984-1989; co-anchored KTVT-TV news starting in 1990,) Jim Pratt (program manager) Scott Pelley (formerly of KXAS; later an anchor on the "CBS Evening News,") Andrea Joyce, Alex Keese (SM,) Peggy Wehmeyer (as host of "Daybreak,") Valerie Williams (a regular fixture on WFAA blooper presentations; in 1993, a frozen-lipped Williams reported an incoming 'blue norther' live on the scene from Amarillo; anchors Chip Moody and Tracy Rowlett responded by going into hysterics on the newscast!), Mary Stewart, Suzie Woodams, Bonnie Behrend (1/1987-1989,) Ralph Baker, Dick West, Mike Shannon (II) (traffic, 2003-2009,) Dean Duerkson, Jack Wyatt (host of “Young America Speaks” and “Anything Goes,”) Tommy Thompson, Bob Kaplitz, Carole Kneeland, Robert Lukeman, David Sparks, Aurora Moreno (taught early morning Spanish classes on WFAA,) Jim Pratt, Dave Cassidy (1974-88; became Belo's Washington DC broadcast bureau chief in 1996; perhaps best remembered as lead reporter on the scene at the 8/2/1985 Delta 191 crash at DFW Airport.)  Station originally located at Harry Hines and Wolf Street, north of downtown (current home of KERA-TV;) moved to state-of-the-art facility, "Communications Center," 606 Young Street, on 4/2/1961.

TRIVIA TIDBITS:
Under GM Mike Shapiro, WFAA felt a responsibility to pre-empt any network programming that didn't fit their opinion of moral standards.  Racy and risque movies were commonly pulled from the schedule, and, in one instance where Channel 8 let one slip by, an apology announcement by the station was made afterwards, with the assurance that the program would never air on WFAA again.  Even "American Bandstand" was pre-empted by Channel 8 for many years starting around 1970; the official reason was for the station to air pertinent public service programming instead, but rumors long abounded that the station buckled to religious groups who wanted 'evil' rock and roll off local television.

Channel 8's success since the mid-1970s is attributed to "The Oklahoma Mafia," the nickname given to a group of star reporters that ND Marty Haag brought down from his former station in Oklahoma City in late 1973:  Tracy Rowlett, Doug Fox and Byron Harris.  Mike Miller was also recruited for the same team from KTUL-TV in Tulsa.

Called in for emergency duty when a killer tornado swept across Oak Cliff, west and northwest Dallas on April 2, 1957, Channel 8 staffers responded with incredible live coverage of the event.  This was perhaps the biggest story local news had covered since TV had signed on in the area.  Contributing their skills in the field were Jim Gibbs (news director,) cameramen Mal Couch, Forrest Moore, Jim Goodwin, John Starr and Marion Carlton.  Reporting in the studio were Pete Hott and Bob Tripp, along with Joe Templeton, Don Norman and Dean Duerkson.  The crew, using WFAA's "Newsmobile," stayed within 300 feet behind the tornado as it trekked across the city.  The coverage was combined into a half-hour documentary entitled, "Disaster...Dallas," and shown several times on the station beginning April 4, 1957.  The filmwork received the top national award for excellence by the Radio -Television News Directors Association (RTNDA.)

Costliest move:  Belo management attended an RCA/NBC affiliate meeting in 1946, along with WBAP radio executives.  Aside from threatening their affiliates with a loss of affiliation if they did not apply for FM licenses, both television and facsimile-delivered newspaper technology were introduced...affiliates could choose whichever idea they thought would be the most successful.  WBAP chose television, and WFAA chose facsimile.  After facsimile technology didn't take off, WFAA was forced to enter the TV market late...their application for Channel 12 was denied, and it cost them $1 million to purchase KBTV from Tom Potter!  As the FCC had TV license issuance in a freeze mode from 1948-1952, an existing station had to be purchased just to get into the TV business.

And in 1974, former state senator Jim Wade tried to get the FCC to strip WFAA of its license and award it to him!

Local programs: "KBTV Newsreel," "Sportatorium Wrestling," "Bob Stanford's Preview," "Over the Coffee Cups," "Parade of Champions," "News Roundup," "Webster Webfoot" (began 1949; continued into WFAA ownership until 9/1952,) "Backstage with Norris."

Notables:  Claude Stroud, Bob Stanford (first person to appear on a TV set from a Dallas station,) Jack Potter, J. Curtis Sanford, Zach Bettis, Don Morrow, George White, Frank Norris, Earle Marvin, Manning Trewitt, Pauline Roques, Olin B. Terry, Larry DuPont, Bill Sadler, Carl Mann, Lafe Pfeifer, Del Ramey, Ben January, Morris Barton, Mort Zimmerman, George Krutilek, Douglas Palmquist, Earl McDonald, Lee Spooner, Jimmy Weldon (host of "Webster Webfoot,") Myles Bennett, Bud Kirksey, David Wade (host of "Parade of Champions,") Ralph Ingraham, Warren Culbertson (1949-1958,) Julie Benell.  On 10/23/1944, Dallas business magnate Karl Hoblitzelle dba Interstate Circuit (Theatres) applied for the Channel 8 license, beating WBAP to the punch as the first local TV applicant by a matter of weeks.  The station was to be based at downtown's Republic Bank building, and Hoblitzelle even conducted a closed-circuit TV broadcast of the opening of his new Wilshire Theatre.  However, Tom Potter filed an application and was awarded Channel 8 instead.
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WRR, Dallas.  Station applied for license on 3/5/1948, but never went on the air.  Owner:  City of Dallas.  Call letters to have stood for "Where Radio Radiates."  To have been sister station to WRR-AM/FM.  Channel 10 was also applied for by KIXL-AM/FM and Leo Corrigan.  City of Dallas' Radio Commission set aside $200,000 to start up WRR-TV.  After WRR applied for Channel 10, the FCC realigned the channel arrangements in DFW and moved 10 to Waco.
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Local programs: "Slam Bang Theater" (9/10/1959 to 3/10/1972; carried over from KFJZ-TV; over 5,000 episodes were taped; starred Bill Camfield as 'Icky Twerp;' features within the show in later years were "Soccer Locker with Bobby Moffitt" [Moffitt was a Dallas Tornado soccer player] and "Fritos Sports Clinic,") "Nightmare” (to 1966; with Bill Camfield as host 'Gargon;' filmed at 'the dark recesses of the Channel 11 studios,’ program later appeared on WBAP-TV,) "Mickey and Amanda Show," "Reveille" (8/1960-1963,) "Panther Hall," “Adventure Theater,” “Cartoon Clubhouse,” “Million Dollar Matinee,” "The Score," "Cowboys Huddle," “Theatre Eleven,” “Mystery Matinee,” “Saturday Showtime,” "Gold Award Theater,” “Giant Kids Matinee,” "Prize Movie," “The 9 O’Clock Movie” (later “The 8 O’Clock Movie,”) "Cowboy Weaver/ Shootin' Newton Hour" (part of KTVT’s ‘country and western’ night on Saturdays; began in 1963,) "Saturday Night Wrestling," "Roller Derby," "Fiesta Mexicana," Hobab," "Voter's Digest," "Parents in Action," "Point of View," "Cartoon Carnival," "The Gourmet" (moved from KDTV,) "Positively Texas," "Funhouse," "Romper Room" (syndicated, but with local cut-ins sponsored by Vandervoort's Dairy,) "Cowtown Jamboree," "Hayride," and occasionally carried the annual TACA Auction.

Notables:  Kate Garvin (news anchor later known as "U-Turn Laverne" on KDMX-FM,) Durward Rowles (news anchor and longtime voiceover pro at station; later with the Crosstimbers Opry in Stephenville, TX,) Kay Gaddy, Mike Hambrick (brother of KDFW's Judd Hambrick,) Liza Burgess, Phyllis Watson, Bob Goosmann, Timm Matthews, Bobby Estill, Tracy Rowlett (longtime WFAA anchor, began at KTVT 12/3/1999,) Bud Turner, Kathleen Krebbs (married co-anchor John Whitson in 1981; later taught at Brookhaven College in Dallas,) Midge Hill (Midge DeSanders; defected from WFAA; fired on 11/7/1996 for wearing a pink suit on Election Night!  She also appeared on the 1/13/1989 episode of “Dallas” as a reporter,) Dave Naugle (news anchor through 1967,) Robin Johnson, John Whitson, Howard McNeil (weather; holdover from KFJZ-TV,) John Honore, Larry Huchingson, Kristine Kahanek, Bill Kessel, Ralph Coleman, Jody Dean (formerly with KVIL-FM and KRLD-AM; news anchor to 3/2/2007; worked concurrently as morning show host at KLUV-FM; hosted "Positively Texas,") Larry Shannon (political analyst,) Joan Hallmark, Greg Gambill, Boyd Matson (later was host of "National Geographic Explorer,") George Riba, Bret Lewis (sports; later in Los Angeles TV,) Bill Camfield (left 2/1972; co-host of "Reveille" and host of "Slam Bang Theater" and “Nightmare,”) Porter Randall, Bill Mercer (as second host of "Saturday Night Wrestling;" Mercer announced wrestling matches on KRLD-TV some 20 years earlier,) Jim Pratt, Bob Hazlet aka Bob Mitchell, George Riba, Scott Sams (began 4/2/2007; longtime WFAA weatherman and anchor who worked briefly for KTEN-TV in Sherman-Denison before returning to the DFW market,) Doug Carter (news anchor 1971-1977,) Roby Chavez, B. J. Cleveland (children's program host,) Mike Burger (began in market at KDFW in the 1980s; left for Orlando FL and returned four years later to KTVT,) Preston Turner (1989-2004,) Stephanie Lucero (defected from KDFW.)

Also, Roxane Burt, Bill Bragg (1966-1968,) Jim “Tuck” Tucker  Ken Vincent, “Cowboy” Weaver (co-host of “Cowboy Weaver/Shootin’ Newton” show; also featured Bobbie Hale aka Adabelle Boomershine,") Chuck Rogers, Jana Sims, Lucius Smith (1957-1986,) Ed Sorenson, John Sparks, Ted Davis, John Lewis Puff, Jim Terrell, Dave Tucker (former radio personality on KBOX, KFJZ-AM/FM and KLTY; later did voiceover work for KTVT,) Dan Coats (as original host of "Saturday Night Wrestling," 1965-1975; assisted by Joe Renelli and Boyd Pierce,) Cameron Harper, Joe Holstead (longtime WBAP-AM newscaster; hosted "Prize Movie,") Steve Mauldin, John Miller (news director; was longtime newscast producer for WBAP/KXAS and at WFAA-TV; later taught at TCU,) Sid Burns (1956-1993,) Jack Berning, Karen Borta (began 1995,) Judy Martin, Don Lacy, David Wade (host of "The Gourmet,") Bill Boyle, Sanda McQuerry aka Sanda Bloxom (as co-host of "Reveille;" later married to WBAP/KXAS newsman Russ Bloxom,) Bud Gillett (defected from KDFW in 2001 after a 25-year tenure there,) Clement "Clem" Candelaria, Robert Riggs (began 10/2002; defected from WFAA,) Charles Coleman, Frank Benton, Phil Crow (later was executive producer of Texas Rangers baseball,) Duncan Harvey, Lynn Butler, Jackie Bell, Paul Camfield (Candelaria, Benton, Crow, Harvey, Butler, Bell and Camfield [son of Bill Camfield] all worked on "Slam Bang Theater.")  Station first located at 4801 West Freeway (IH-30) in Fort Worth.  When the highway was widened in the 1980s, the studios were razed and rebuilt at 5233 Bridge Street.

Programs:  "Newsroom" (a progressive, alternative 6PM news broadcast patterned after a similar program on KQED-San Francisco; aired 2/16/1970-10/1976; the snappy theme to the show was Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" [other sources say "Here Comes the Sun."] "Newsroom" evolved into "The 9 O'Clock Report" in 10/1976, "The 7 O'Clock Report" on 1/31/1977, and the "13 Report" [2/1977-9/21/1977;]) "Round About," "Auction 13" (auction program that generated money for 13's operations,) "Your School in Action," "Profile," "PTA Panorama," “Newsday,” "Peanut, Butter and Jam Session," "Mothers Only," "Close-Up," “Voices,” “Business Edition,” “News Addition” (began 10/1983,) "On the Record," "New Tastes from Texas,” "Soundstage" (a PBS rock music program; typically simulcast on KZEW-FM.)

Notables:  Jim Lehrer (later a PBS newscaster; started locally as anchor for "Newsroom,") Rick Vanderslice, Ralph Gould, Mike Ritchey, Darwin Payne, Lee Clark, Jim Atkinson, John Merwin, Steve Singer, Susan Claudill, Bob Ray Sanders (co-hosted “News Addition,”) Kay Vinson (other host of “News Addition,”) Jana Sims (host of “New Tastes from Texas,”) Rowland Stiteler, Robert "Dee" Taaffe, Suzanne Webber/Ecklund/Calvin, Barry Wells, Robert A. Wilson (began 9/1968; station manager and father of actors Owen and Luke Wilson; was instrumental in bringing "Monty Python's Flying Circus" to KERA, as the first station in the US to carry the program,) Dave McNeely, Julie Ann Booty (host of “Newsday,”) E. O. Cartwright (founded station,) Lorine Gibson, Tom Grimes, Susan Harmon (began 11/1982,) Sylvia Komatsu, Stan Matthews, Earl McDonald, Dr. Richard "Richie" Meyer (began 4/1982,) Pat Perini, T. R. Powell,  Jerry Haynes (as "Mr. Peppermint;" moved to KERA-TV after the show was canceled on WFAA-TV,) Bill Porterfield (began 1976,) Ed Pfister, William "Waid" Blair (1964-1999,) Peggy Callahan, Mia Squilla (formerly with KRSM-FM,) Rosalind Soliz, Noah Nelson (later with KXAS-TV,) Cynthia Rolland, LeRoy Hudson, R. L. Dillard Jr., Frank Heller, Henry Widdecke, R. P. Wall, Henry Camp Harris Sr., Mae Watts, Martin B. Campbell, Barry Wells, David Dowe, Jeanne Luppen (host of "Mothers Only,") Ralph Rogers (puppeteer,) Sue Settle, Peyton Davis, Charlie Smith, Ted Baze, Annette Meyer, Ray Huffer, Wanda King, Tom Hill, Sam Baker, Rob Allyn, Regina Montoya (Baker, Allyn, Montoya and Bob Ray Sanders were co-hosts of "On the Record,") Lee Clark, Sharon Phillipart (fired 3/2006,) Patsy Swank, Susan Caudill.

Offices first located at 1310 Davis Building in Downtown Dallas; studios first located behind the former KBTV/WFAA studios on Harry Hines and Wolf Street, just north of Downtown Dallas, in two portable buildings made to look like a "little red schoolhouse;" moved into former KBTV/WFAA studios in 4/1961 (purchased for $400,000) when WFAA moved to the new Communications Center.  The City of Dallas donated land at Fair Park for KERA's studios, but construction never began.  SMU applied for the Channel 13 frequency first, but could not come up with enough money to get it started in the late 1950s.  KERA opened "The Store of Knowledge" at Dallas' Galleria in 1995; it carried an eclectic collection of books, science projects, videotapes, etc.
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KJIM, Fort Worth.  Station license issued in 1963; deleted by 1964.  KJIM's owners later applied for Channel 40 in 1965, but was deleted the same year.  Next, they applied for Channel 21 and signed it on in 1967 as KFWT-TV.

Unnamed, Fort Worth.  Station received license in 1964, but deleted soon thereafter.  Owner:  Warner Bros.

KTCO, Fort Worth.  Station approved for license in 1952 but never went on the air.  License was dropped in 1953.  Independent.  Owner: K. K. Kellam, A. H. Lightfoot (a Fort Worth Ford dealer.)
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KNAV-LP, DeSoto.  Call letters established 2/1/1995.  Network affiliation:  Almavision.  Owner:  Tuck Properties.   Spanish language station.  Formerly located at Channel 30 (as K30DG, 11/16/1989-2/1/1995,) and Channel 29 (as K29AD, 8/23/1983-11/16/1989.)
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KIAB, Garland.  Station established 9/25/1986.  Owner:  Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan dba International American Broadcasting (Vaughan was also a local opthamologist.)  Call letters were also said to stand for “I Am Broadcasting.”  Network affiliations:  CTV Network (1986-?,) Home Shopping Network, Consumer Discount Network (shopping,) Univision.  Mostly religious programming on a disjointed, inconsistent schedule.  Notable:  Jack Berning (PD.)  Station was located on Marquis Street in Garland, east of Dallas.

KRET, Richardson.  Station established 2/29/1960; dark in 5/1970.  Owner:  Richardson Independent School District.  Call letters stood for "Richardson Educational Television."  First TV station in the nation to be owned by a school district. Broadcast on weekdays only, and initially, for only two hours a day.  Schedule was later lengthened to match school hours (with five minute breaks between shows, where music was played.)  Station signed off during the summer.  Notables:  Mrs. Calvin Johnson, Ms. Raymond Bynum, Mrs. Glenn Williamson, Mrs. Leonard Hough, Richard Hayes, Dave Spindle (engineer.)  Start-up cost of $70,000; operated with $50,000 of Ling electronic equipment; broadcast range of 20 miles.  Studios were located at Richardson Junior High (1960-63,) Richardson High School (1963-1970,) and at Hamilton Park Elementary, 8221 Towns (1970-1990s.)  On 8/31/1970, KRET was converted into the closed-circuit "TAGER" network (WEF-69) for high school and college telecourses, carried on an RISD closed-circuit system and over many local cable TV outlets.
Thanks to Jim Cumbie for providing impossible-to-find details about KRET!

KDTX, Dallas.  CP issued in 1952, but deleted by 1955.  Owner:  Lakewood Broadcasting (owned by a coalition of local oilmen, who started up KGKO-AM in 1953.)  Call letters to have stood for Dallas, TX.
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K25FW-LP, Corsicana.  Station established 10/2/1997.  Owner:  Ventana TV Inc. Network affiliation:  Home Shopping Network.
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K26HF-LP, Britton.  Station established 4/23/2003.  Formerly K67BL; moved from Channel 67.  Owner:  Mako Communications.
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KLIF, Dallas.  Station never went on air; license issued in 1967; CP issued in 1968.  Call letters to have stood for "Oak Cliff."  Another of Gordon McLendon’s attempts to establish a UHF station in Dallas (see also Channel 29.)  Notable:  David Hultsman.  McLendon purchased the station for his son Bart; the plan was to put KLIF-TV in the same building with the new KNUS-FM at 2110 Commerce (which had been the McLendon education building.)  KNUS was briefly considered for an all-news format (hence the name) and an association with a TV station would help to pool resources.  Another applicant, Overmyer Communications, also applied for Channel 27 in 1966.
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Unnamed, Dallas.  Three applicants tried to take over Channel 29 after KAEI's demise:  Grandview Broadcasting (1965; dropped out in 1966,) Overmyer Communications (who later applied for Channel 27,) and Maxwell Electronics (active application from 1965-67; ended up with Channel 33, and signed it on as KMEC-TV on 10/1/1967.)  Frequency dark thereafter.

KAEI, Dallas.  Station established 4/15/1962 and was set to begin broadcasts on that date, but actual on-air date unknown (possibly ca. 1964.)  Owner: Automated Electric Incorporated.  Subscription-based channel, broadcasting stock market reports, news, weather and music from a network of low-power antennas scattered around the downtown Dallas area for eight hours daily; poor signal led to a short existence.  The FCC expressed concern that the scope of programming was too limited, and required a reworking and expansion of the station's format.  An FM counterpart, KAEI-95.5 FM, was planned but never signed on.

KLIF, Dallas.  Station never went on air; CP issued on 1/15/1953; expired in 1955.   Owner:  Gordon McLendon.  Call letters to have stood for “Oak Cliff.”  To have been sister to KLIF-AM.  Since TVs were not required to receive UHF until 1964, McLendon apparently had second thoughts about developing a station that might not have any viewers!  (Thanks to UHF enthusiast Frank Provasek for this info.)  To have been located at the Cliff Towers Hotel in Dallas, former home of KLIF-AM, and future home to KGKO-1480 AM and KKSN-730 AM.  McLendon made a second attempt to own a TV station in 1967 (see entry at Channel 27.)
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KUVN-LP, Fort Worth.  Repeater for KUVN-Channel 23 (see entry there.)

Also, serving the Greenville/Eastern Dallas County area:

KNOK-LP, Greenville.  Station established 2/19/1995.  Network:  Iglesia Jesu, TBN/FamilyNet.  Began as K47AP (Channel 47) on 7/27/1984, and K53ER (Channel 53) on 2/19/1993 as a repeater station for Channel 43 (43 still continues today as a repeater.)  Resurrected the KNOK calls from 107.5 FM (1965-1985.)
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KJJM-LP, Dallas-Mesquite.  Station established 8/7/1997 as K46EV at Channel 46; current call letters established 2/18/2000.  Station moved to Channel 34 in 2008.
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KVFW-LP, Fort Worth.  Repeater for Channel 65 (see entry there,) but Channel 65 plans to make 38 their main station and 65 the repeater instead.
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KJIM, Fort Worth.  One of two applicants for license; KJIM's owners had already applied for Channel 20 in 1963, but it was deleted by 1964.  Channel 40's application was submitted in 1965, and deleted soon thereafter.  KJIM finally signed on a station (as KFWT-TV at Channel 21) in 1967.  The other applicant for Channel 40 was Trinity Broadcasting.
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KNOK-LP, Greenville.  See entry at Channel 31.
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KLEG-LP, Dallas.  Station established 3/15/2001.  Owner:  Dilip Viswanath.  Spanish programming.  Station began as K19BW (Channel 19) and K44FO (Channel 44.)
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KTAQ, Greenville.  Station established 8/25/1988 at Channel 47.

KJJM-LP, Mesquite.  Call letters established 2/18/2000, although station was established as K46EV on 8/7/1997.  Owner:  Jane McGinnis.  Network affiliation:  America’s VoiceNet.  Notable:  Hank McGinnis.  Repeater located on KATA-LP Channel 60.  Moved to Channel 34 in 2008.
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And separately, serving Fort Worth:

KUVN-CA, Fort Worth.  Repeater for KUVN Channel 23.
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KHSX, Irving.  Call letters established 6/1/1987.  Network affiliation:  Home Shopping Network (in Texas,) continuing from KLTJ. Owner:  Silver King Broadcasting.

KLTJ, Irving.  Station established 4/17/1984.  Call letters stood for "Keep Looking To Jesus."  Format:  Religious programming (4/1984-4/1986,) Home Shopping Network (started 4/1987.)  Owner:  Eldred Thomas dba Trinity Broadcasting/Cela Inc (1984-2/18/1987,) Silver King Broadcasting (bought 2/18/1987 for $16.2 million; parent company of Home Shopping Network.)  Sister station to KVTT-FM (1984-86.)
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KAZD, Lake Dallas.  Call letters stand for Azteca America (Dallas.)

KAVB, Lake Dallas.  Call letters established 5/16/1997.  Owner:  Doug Johnson Broadcasting.  Network affiliation:  PSN (home shopping.)

KSEX-LP, Dallas.  Call letters established 8/7/2003.  Owner:  Commercial Broadcasting Corporation.

K57IG-LP, Dallas.  Call letters established 11/26/2001.  Owner:  MMTV.  Programming consisted of Spanish music videos.

K31FA-LP, Dallas.  Station established 6/12/1997.  Station began as K62CY (Channel 62) on 1/14/1988, then DK62CY on 5/24/1995.
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KDIA, Dallas.  Station established 1/15/1985, but not known if it ever signed on.  Call letters (Spanish dia) translate to “day.”  Owner:  Adam Clayton Powell III (son of civil rights activist and congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.) and Barbara Harrison (late of KDFW-TV) dba Metroplex Broadcasting Co.
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KATA-LP, Mesquite.  Repeater for KJJM-LP Channel 46 (see entry there.)  Later applied for move to Channel 50 (analog.)
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KVFW-LP, Fort Worth.  Station date unknown.  Owner:  Gerald Benavides.  Call letters stand for "Fort Worth."  Spanish religious programming.  Was to trade channels with Channel 38 (analog) where their repeater already exists.
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KINZ, Arlington.  Call letters established 11/15/1996.  Programming consisted of home shopping (INTV network.)

KAQV, Arlington.  Station established 10/11/1996.  Temporary calls for KINZ (see above.)
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Unnamed, Richardson.  Station rumored but never signed on.   To have been automated all-business programming with stock market reports over soft background music.  Owner:  Ling-Temco (who designed compact TV broadcasting equipment for KRET-Channel 23 and wanted to use a similar setup for this station.)  Unknown if this plan was later implemented to start KAEI-Channel 29 in 1964, as they incorporated the exact same format that Ling-Temco proposed.
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Backronym:  A reversed acronym—the words of the expanded term were chosen to fit the letters of the acronym, instead of the other way around.  For example, the radoi call letters "KFJZ" were not originally chosen to stand for "Fort Worth Jazz;" this was a phrase designed way after the fact to fit the old call letters.