50 Facts About KCCI

Station History and Background

KCCI has a rich history and a strong presence in the Des Moines–Ames metropolitan area. Let's dive into some key facts about this iconic station.

1. Station History: KCCI first went on the air on October 10, 1949, as KCCI-TV. It was the first television station in Iowa.
2. Call Sign: The call sign "KCCI" stands for "Kedar Communications Corporation of Iowa," named after the Kedar Corporation, which originally owned the station.
3. Ownership: KCCI is currently owned by Hearst Television, a subsidiary of Hearst Communications. It has been under this ownership since 1999.
4. Affiliation: KCCI is affiliated with the NBC network, making it one of the few NBC affiliates in the state of Iowa.
5. Channel Number: The station broadcasts on channel 8 (digital channel 8.1) in the Des Moines–Ames market.

Location and Coverage

KCCI's strategic locations and strong signal make it a staple in central Iowa.

6. Transmitter Location: KCCI’s transmitter is located in Altoona, Iowa, which is about 10 miles east of Des Moines.
7. Coverage Area: The station serves the Des Moines–Ames metropolitan area, which includes Polk, Story, Jasper, and parts of other surrounding counties.
8. Signal Strength: KCCI’s signal covers a significant portion of central Iowa, making it one of the strongest signals in the region.
9. Studio Location: The main studio for KCCI is located at 3600 Hickman Road in Des Moines.

News and Journalism

KCCI is renowned for its comprehensive news coverage and award-winning journalism.

10. News Operation: KCCI operates a full-service news department that provides local news, weather forecasts, and sports updates.
11. News Team: The station has a well-known news team that includes anchors, reporters, and meteorologists who cover various aspects of local news.
12. Award-Winning Journalism: KCCI has received numerous awards for its investigative journalism and breaking news coverage, including multiple Emmy Awards.
13. Investigative Reporting: The station is known for its in-depth investigative reports that often expose corruption and wrongdoing in local government and business.
14. Community Involvement: KCCI actively engages with the community through various initiatives such as charity events, public service announcements, and educational programs.

Sports and Weather

Sports and weather coverage are crucial aspects of KCCI's programming.

15. Sports Coverage: KCCI provides extensive coverage of local sports events including high school football, basketball, and other collegiate sports.
16. High School Sports: The station airs high school sports games and tournaments, making it a staple for local sports fans.
17. College Sports: KCCI also covers college sports events from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa.
18. Weather Coverage: The station features a dedicated weather team that provides accurate and timely weather forecasts for the region.
19. Storm Center 8: KCCI’s weather team is known as Storm Center 8, which provides comprehensive coverage of severe weather events.
20. Weather Alerts: The station issues timely weather alerts to keep viewers informed about potential storms or other severe weather conditions.

Digital Presence and Technology

KCCI has embraced digital technology to keep its audience informed and engaged.

21. Digital Presence: KCCI has a strong digital presence with a website (kcci.com) and social media accounts that provide up-to-date news, weather, and sports information.
22. Mobile App: The station offers a mobile app that allows users to access news, weather, and sports content on-the-go.
23. Live Streaming: KCCI offers live streaming of its newscasts and other programming through its website and mobile app.
24. Technical Upgrades: Over the years, KCCI has invested heavily in technical upgrades to improve signal strength, increase bandwidth for high-definition broadcasts, and enhance its digital presence.
25. High-Definition Broadcasting: The station began broadcasting in high definition (HD) in 2008, providing viewers with clearer and more detailed visuals.
26. Digital Transition: During the transition from analog to digital broadcasting in 2009, KCCI successfully converted its signal to digital format without interruption.

Community Engagement

KCCI is deeply involved in the community, participating in various events and initiatives.

27. Community Events: The station participates in various community events such as parades, fairs, and charity runs.
28. Public Service Announcements: KCCI airs public service announcements to raise awareness about local issues and promote community involvement.
29. Educational Programs: The station produces educational programs aimed at promoting literacy, health awareness, and other important topics for children and adults alike.
30. Charity Involvement: KCCI participates in numerous charity events throughout the year, often partnering with local organizations to raise funds for important causes.
31. Fundraising Campaigns: The station runs fundraising campaigns to support local charities and community initiatives.

Awards and Recognition

KCCI's excellence in journalism has been recognized with numerous awards.

32. Awards and Recognition: Over the years, KCCI has received numerous awards for its journalism excellence including multiple Emmy Awards.
33. Emmy Awards: The station has won several Emmy Awards for its news coverage, investigative reporting, and weather forecasting.
34. Edward R. Murrow Awards: KCCI has also received Edward R. Murrow Awards for its outstanding work in journalism.
35. AP Awards: The station has been recognized by the Associated Press (AP) for its breaking news coverage and investigative reporting.
36. Peabody Awards: Although not directly affiliated with KCCI, some of its journalists have received Peabody Awards for their work in investigative journalism.
37. NABJ Awards: KCCI has been recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for its diversity in hiring and coverage of minority issues.

Ethical Standards and Public Trust

KCCI maintains high ethical standards and has built a strong reputation for trustworthiness.

38. Public Trust: KCCI has built a reputation for trustworthiness among its viewers, who rely on the station for accurate and unbiased information.
39. Transparency: The station adheres to high standards of transparency by clearly labeling sponsored content and disclosing potential conflicts of interest.
40. Ethical Standards: KCCI follows strict ethical guidelines to ensure that its reporting is fair, balanced, and free from bias.
41. Complaints Process: The station has a clear complaints process in place for viewers who feel that their concerns have not been addressed adequately.
42. Licensing Requirements: As a licensed broadcaster, KCCI must comply with all relevant FCC regulations regarding content quality and public interest obligations.
43. FCC Compliance: The station regularly audits its content to ensure compliance with FCC guidelines on decency standards, children's programming, and other regulatory requirements.

Economic and Civic Impact

KCCI plays a significant role in the local economy and encourages civic engagement.

44. Economic Impact: As one of the largest media outlets in central Iowa, KCCI has a substantial economic impact on the region through job creation and advertising revenue.
45. Job Creation: The station employs hundreds of people including anchors, reporters, meteorologists, producers, engineers, and administrative staff.
46. Training Programs: KCCI offers internships and training programs for aspiring journalists and media professionals.
47. Community Outreach: The station engages in various community outreach programs aimed at promoting media literacy and journalism education.
48. Civic Engagement: By providing comprehensive coverage of local government meetings and events, KCCI encourages civic engagement among its viewers.

Legacy and Future

KCCI's legacy continues to grow as it looks towards the future with ongoing innovations.

49. Legacy and Future: With over seven decades of service to central Iowa, KCCI continues to evolve while maintaining its commitment to quality journalism and community service.
50. Technical Upgrades: Over the years, KCCI has invested heavily in technical upgrades to improve signal strength, increase bandwidth for high-definition broadcasts, and enhance its digital presence.

KCCI's Impact on Central Iowa

KCCI has been a cornerstone of central Iowa since 1949. With its strong signal strength and comprehensive news coverage, it keeps the Des Moines–Ames area well-informed. The station's commitment to investigative journalism and community involvement sets it apart. From award-winning reports to extensive sports coverage, KCCI serves its viewers with dedication.

The weather team, known as Storm Center 8, provides accurate forecasts and crucial alerts. KCCI's digital presence, including a mobile app and live streaming, ensures accessibility. The station's involvement in charity events and educational programs highlights its role beyond just news.

Owned by Hearst Television, KCCI continues to evolve with technical upgrades and high-definition broadcasting. Its legacy of trust and transparency makes it a vital part of the community. KCCI's future looks bright as it remains committed to quality journalism and public service.