50 Facts About KTLA

KTLA: A Pioneer in Television Broadcasting

KTLA, channel 5, has been a cornerstone of Los Angeles broadcasting for over eight decades. From its early days as an experimental station to its current status as a major player in local news and entertainment, KTLA has a rich history filled with innovation and dedication.

1. KTLA was founded in 1939 by Paramount Pictures under the guidance of television pioneer Klaus Landsberg. Initially, it operated as experimental station W6XYZ.

2. In 1947, KTLA became the first commercially licensed station west of the Mississippi River.

Technological Firsts and Innovations

KTLA has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in broadcasting. Its commitment to innovation has set it apart from other stations.

3. KTLA was the first station to broadcast on-the-spot news.

4. It was also the first to telecast the Rose Parade.

5. KTLA made history by being the first to televise the explosion of an atomic bomb.

Extensive News Operation

KTLA is renowned for its extensive newscast output, providing comprehensive coverage of local events and issues.

6. KTLA broadcasts 94 hours, 20 minutes of locally produced newscasts each week, the highest in California and the United States.

7. The station produces a 15-minute sports wrap-up show every night at 10:45 PM during KTLA 5 News at 10:00.

8. On weekends, KTLA airs a 30-minute show, KTLA 5 Sports Final, at 11:35 PM after KTLA 5 News at 11:00.

Historic Newsroom and Helicopter News Gathering

KTLA's news department is housed in a historic location, and the station has pioneered the use of helicopters for newsgathering.

9. The news department is located inside the former Warner Bros. Cartoons studio, known as the Hal Fishman Newsroom since 2000.

10. In 1958, KTLA began operating the "Telecopter," a well-equipped helicopter for newsgathering.

11. The Telecopter was involved in a tragic incident on August 1, 1977, when it crashed, killing pilot Francis Gary Powers and cameraman George Spears.

Expanding News Coverage

KTLA has continuously expanded its news coverage to meet the needs of its audience.

12. In December 2014, KTLA added separate hour-long weekday afternoon newscasts at 2 and 3 PM.

13. The 3 PM broadcast became permanent, while the 2 PM newscast was replaced by Celebrity Name Game on January 2, 2015.

14. KTLA became the first station in Los Angeles to carry live audio simulcasts of its newscasts on the iHeartRadio app in July 2015.

15. The weekday edition of KTLA 5 Morning News was expanded to 11 AM on June 12, 2017.

16. The weekend edition of KTLA 5 Morning News was expanded to 11 AM on January 6, 2018.

Adapting to Programming Changes

KTLA has adapted its programming to accommodate new schedules and provide comprehensive coverage of significant events.

17. On October 7, 2018, KTLA moved its Sunday Edition up two hours earlier to 7 PM due to The CW adding prime time programming on Sundays.

18. On December 27, 2018, Weekend News anchor and reporter Chris Burrous was found unconscious from a methamphetamine overdose and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

19. On January 12, 2019, KTLA began producing a weekend 30-minute edition of KTLA 5 Sports Final at 11:35 PM after the 11 PM newscast.

20. On February 9, 2019, KTLA added a new hour-long 5 PM weekend newscast.

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

KTLA responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by expanding its news coverage and introducing new programming.

21. On September 21, 2020, KTLA added a new hour-long 12 PM weekday newscast, which became permanent.

22. On the same day, KTLA debuted the lifestyle show LA Unscripted.

Market Leadership and Community Engagement

KTLA has established itself as a leader in the Los Angeles market and is deeply engaged with the local community.

23. Los Angeles is the 2nd largest DMA in the United States, with a population of approximately 19 million and 5,905,230 television households.

24. KTLA is the #1 Hispanic television market in the nation.

25. KTLA covers local events such as the L.A. Marathon, Raiders Pre-Season Football, and red-carpet shows including Live from the Oscars.

26. KTLA's award-winning coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade generates exceptional ratings and dominates all broadcast competitors combined.

27. KTLA.com’s social media presence is #1 in the Los Angeles market with over 6.2 million total followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Los Angeles: A Hub for Production and Innovation

Los Angeles, where KTLA operates, is a major hub for film and television production and technological innovation.

28. In 2018, Los Angeles welcomed 50 million visitors for the first time ever.

29. Los Angeles has more production space than New York, Vancouver, Toronto, and Louisiana combined.

30. California has the largest tech workforce, with 446,000 jobs in Los Angeles, followed by Silicon Valley’s 346,000 and San Francisco’s 268,000 as of July 2018.

Commitment to Local News and Community

KTLA continues to hold a long-standing commitment to serving the Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

31. KTLA provides over 81 hours of local news per week, more than any other local competitor.

32. KTLA’s morning news rotations and prime newscasts reach more viewers than any other local news competitor seven days a week.

33. KTLA’s morning, daytime, prime, and late newscasts continue to hold dominant ranks with key demographics year after year.

34. Janene Drafs serves as the Vice President and General Manager of KTLA.

35. KTLA is located at 5800 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, and can be contacted at 323-460-5500.

Historical Significance and Technological Innovations

KTLA has been a part of significant historical events and has consistently pushed the boundaries of broadcasting technology.

36. KTLA was the first local station to cover a major political convention.

37. KTLA has been at the forefront of technological innovations in broadcasting, from the Telecopter to live audio simulcasts on iHeartRadio.

Community Engagement and Award-Winning Coverage

KTLA is deeply engaged with the local community and produces a variety of award-winning programs.

38. KTLA produces a variety of shows that cater to diverse interests, from sports to lifestyle.

39. KTLA’s award-winning coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade generates exceptional ratings and dominates all broadcast competitors combined.

40. KTLA has put more emphasis on local crime stories as opposed to politics, health, and other serious news.

Synergy with Tribune Company and Consumer Reporting

KTLA has created synergy between Tribune Company entities and collaborates with other media outlets to provide comprehensive coverage.

41. Entertainment reporter Sam Rubin often appears on both KTLA and Chicago sister station WGN-TV.

42. Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus reported on consumer stories from the paper's headquarters in El Segundo before switching full-time to KTLA in 2022.

Legacy and Impact

KTLA’s legacy and impact on local broadcasting are undeniable. From its pioneering spirit to its current status as a leading television station, KTLA continues to serve the Los Angeles and surrounding communities with excellence and dedication.

43. KTLA has a rich history dating back to 1939.

44. KTLA has been at the forefront of technological advancements in broadcasting.

45. KTLA is deeply involved in the local community.

46. KTLA’s award-winning programs generate exceptional ratings and dominate all broadcast competitors combined.

47. KTLA has put more emphasis on local crime stories as opposed to politics, health, and other serious news.

48. KTLA has created synergy between Tribune Company entities.

49. Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus reported on consumer stories from the paper’s headquarters in El Segundo before switching full-time to KTLA in 2022.

50. KTLA’s legacy and impact on local broadcasting are undeniable.

KTLA: A Legacy of Innovation and Community

KTLA has been a cornerstone of Los Angeles broadcasting for over eight decades. From its early days as an experimental station to its current status as the West Coast flagship of The CW, KTLA has consistently pushed the boundaries of television journalism and entertainment. The station's commitment to technological advancements, extensive newscast output, and community engagement has made it a beloved institution. With award-winning coverage of events like the Tournament of Roses Parade and a strong digital presence, KTLA continues to lead in local news and entertainment. Its rich history and significant contributions to the media landscape make KTLA a vital part of the Los Angeles community. As it evolves and adapts to the changing media landscape, KTLA remains dedicated to serving its viewers with excellence and innovation.