KTLA, widely recognized as Channel 5 in Los Angeles, California, stands as a cornerstone of the vibrant Southern California media landscape. This prominent television station is officially affiliated with The CW network, bringing a diverse range of programming, from primetime shows to local news, to millions of viewers across the expansive Los Angeles designated market area, one of the largest media markets in the United States.

Owned by Nexstar Media Group, KTLA holds a significant position within the company's vast portfolio. It is distinguished as the largest property directly owned by Nexstar, a leading diversified media company that boasts the largest number of television stations in the U.S. This direct ownership underscores KTLA's strategic importance and its substantial contribution to Nexstar's national reach and revenue.

Where is KTLA located?

KTLA's state-of-the-art studios are centrally located at the historic Sunset Bronson Studios on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood. This iconic location, formerly home to Warner Bros. Pictures, provides a rich backdrop for KTLA's operations, placing it at the nexus of entertainment and media production. For broadcast transmission, KTLA's powerful transmitter is strategically positioned atop Mount Wilson, a towering peak within the San Gabriel Mountains. This elevated vantage point ensures optimal signal penetration and coverage across the sprawling Los Angeles basin and surrounding regions, reaching a vast audience.

KTLA's Network Affiliation and Unique Market Position

As a CW affiliate, KTLA operates distinctly from stations directly owned and operated (O&O) by the network's co-owners. While Nexstar Media Group acquired a controlling 75% stake in The CW network in 2022, Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery each retain a 12.5% ownership share. KTLA's status as an affiliate rather than an O&O is notable, as it is the second-largest CW affiliate by market size that is not majority-owned by Paramount Global (historically a key stakeholder in the network's formation). Its counterpart, WPIX in New York City, also owned by Nexstar, holds the distinction of being the largest such CW affiliate, further solidifying Nexstar's influence in major U.S. media markets.

A Pioneer in Western United States Television

KTLA holds a significant place in broadcast history as the first commercially licensed television station in the western United States. It officially began its pioneering operations in January 1947, a landmark event that ushered in the era of commercial television broadcasting for millions of Americans living west of the Mississippi. This early launch cemented KTLA's role as an innovator and a foundational broadcaster in a rapidly expanding medium, predating many other major market stations.

KTLA as a Superstation: National and International Reach

While KTLA's primary focus is the Los Angeles market, it also functions as a "superstation," making its programming accessible beyond its local signal. Although its national carriage is not as widespread as that of its Chicago sister station, WGN-TV (which historically achieved significant national prominence as a superstation), KTLA is still broadly available. Subscribers to satellite television providers DirecTV and Dish Network can access KTLA. It's important to note a specific nuance for Dish Network subscribers: the service is primarily available only to "grandfathered" subscribers who had purchased its a la carte superstation tier before Dish halted sales of this package to new subscribers in September 2013. Beyond satellite, KTLA's reach extends to select cable providers in various cities across the southwestern United States and even throughout Canada, offering its distinct Los Angeles-centric news and programming to a wider audience.

KTLA's Digital Footprint

Embracing the evolution of media, KTLA has also expanded its presence into the digital realm. As of 2015 and continuing to the present, the station operates an internet-only news radio channel available through iHeartRadio. This digital offering allows listeners worldwide to access KTLA's local news and information, demonstrating the station's commitment to adapting to contemporary media consumption habits and reaching audiences on multiple platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions About KTLA

What is KTLA (Channel 5)?

KTLA (Channel 5) is a major television station based in Los Angeles, California, affiliated with The CW network, known for its extensive local news coverage and general entertainment programming.

Who owns KTLA?

KTLA is owned by Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest television station owners in the United States, and it stands as Nexstar's largest directly owned property.

Is KTLA available outside of Los Angeles?

Yes, KTLA functions as a superstation and is available nationally via DirecTV and, for grandfathered subscribers, on Dish Network. It can also be found on certain cable providers in the southwestern U.S. and across Canada.

When did KTLA begin broadcasting?

KTLA made history as the first commercially licensed television station in the western United States, commencing its operations in January 1947.