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www.ktvo.com
KTVO-TV3 first signed on the air November 21, 1955. Many experts in
broadcasting said the Kirksville/Ottumwa market was too small and a TV
station would never survive. KTVO’s primary network was CBS, although
being a single station market allowed KTVO to include programming from NBC
and ABC.
The early years were a struggle financially because many local advertisers
were slow to embrace television. In 1961, equipment was installed to
provide network color programming, and on January 7, 1964 KTVO was sold to
Post Corporation. They set out to remodel the Old Broadcast Center
Building in Ottumwa, adding new equipment and a new microwave system. In
1965, KTVO was equipped with 3 color studio cameras, and in 1968, network
affiliation was changed to ABC. KTVO filed with the FCC to build a 2000
ft. tower in 1973, and in 1976, KTVO-TV relocated its main studio to
Kirksville Missouri. A new building was constructed and new equipment was
added. It took 15 years of hearings and re-applications before KTVO-TV
went on the air with its new transmitter in the fall of 1987.
On June 2, 1988, disaster struck when the new 2000 ft. tower collapsed
taking the lives of three technicians with it. At this time KTVO-TV was
owned by Federal Broadcasting and a decision was made to return to the
original transmitter site by Lancaster Missouri. The station was back on
the air in record time within 30 hours after the disaster. Additions since
the disaster include new control room equipment, digital effects
generator, still store unit, new studio cameras and two Live Remote
Trucks. KTVO has a crew of over 60 people who include an award winning
news team.
Currently, KTVO TV 3 is owned by Raycom Media whose corporate offices are
in Montgomery Alabama, and is America's largest employee owned media
company.
Information taken from www.ktvotv3.com
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