KLRT-TV: The History and Evolution of Little Rock's First Independent Station
The landscape of television in Central Arkansas underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of KLRT-TV. As the first independent station in the state, KLRT broke a long period of stagnation in the local commercial broadcast market, paving the way for diverse programming and the eventual arrival of the Fox network in Little Rock.
Early Struggles and the Path to Launch
The journey to establish a station on channel 16 began long before the first broadcast. In March 1966, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a construction permit to the Victor Broadcasting Company, led by industrialist Victor Muscat. Although intended to launch in 1967, the project was delayed as owners sought an increase in effective radiated power (the actual power output of the transmitter antenna). This permit remained inactive until it was eventually deleted in early 1974.
Interest in channel 16 resurfaced in the late 1970s, sparking a competitive bidding war among eight different applicants. These ranged from Arkansas Christian Television to groups led by former news anchor Deborah Mathis and former Governor Jim Guy Tucker. After a complex settlement process dominated by MMT Sales of New York, a consortium known as Little Rock Communications Associates (LRCA) finally secured the permit.
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Establishing an Independent Identity
KLRT-TV officially signed on the air on June 26, 1983. Its debut marked several milestones: it was Arkansas's first independent station and the first commercial station to launch in the region since 1955. It also represented the first successful UHF (Ultra High Frequency) operation in Little Rock since 1954.
During its early years, KLRT focused on a broad appeal, airing syndicated classic sitcoms, prime-time movies, sports, and children's cartoons. While other independents like KRZB-TV and KJTM-TV emerged in 1986, KLRT maintained its market lead. The station also pioneered a unique partnership with Storer Cable, offering free previews of cable programming to the local community.
The Transition to Fox and Corporate Battles
The late 1980s were marked by a volatile struggle for the Fox network affiliation. Initially, the affiliation belonged to KJTM (later KASN). In 1989, a chaotic series of negotiations saw KLRT briefly attempt to acquire the affiliation and assets of KASN, only for the deal to collapse. However, by April 28, 1990, Fox officially moved its programming to KLRT on a full-time basis.
This shift led to a legal battle in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where MMC Television (owners of KASN) sued LRCA for fraud and breach of contract, alleging a conspiracy to dismantle KASN. LRCA countered that MMC had concealed KASN's financial struggles.
Corporate Consolidation and Ownership Shifts
In March 1991, Clear Channel Communications purchased KLRT for $6.6 million. Over the next decade, Clear Channel consolidated its hold on the market, eventually acquiring KASN and several FM radio stations. This led to the creation of the "Clear Channel Metroplex" in 2001, a combined radio and television facility in West Little Rock.
The ownership structure shifted again in 2007 when Clear Channel sold its television portfolio to Newport Television for $1.2 billion. By 2012, as Newport liquidated its assets, Nexstar Broadcasting Group entered the picture. Because Nexstar already owned other local stations, KLRT and KASN were resold to Mission Broadcasting, though Nexstar continued to manage them via a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA)—a contract where one company operates a station owned by another.
This consolidation resulted in significant downsizing in January 2013, with 28 employees dismissed across the cluster and operations moving to the Victory Building downtown.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: June 26, 1983.
- Market Milestone: First independent television station in Arkansas.
- Affiliation: Became a full-time Fox affiliate on April 28, 1990.
- Major Owners: LRCA, Clear Channel, Newport Television, and Mission Broadcasting.
- Management: Currently managed by Nexstar Broadcasting Group via an LMA.
| Period/Date | Owner/Manager | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | LRCA | Station signs on as an independent |
| 1990 | LRCA | Becomes full-time Fox affiliate |
| 1991 | Clear Channel | Purchased for $6.6 million |
| 2008 | Newport Television | Acquired as part of $1.2 billion portfolio sale |
| 2013 | Mission Broadcasting | Resold from Nexstar to Mission; managed by Nexstar |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the launch of KLRT-TV delayed for so long?
Although a permit was granted in 1966, the owners waited for the FCC to approve an increase in their effective radiated power before proceeding, and the original permit was eventually deleted in 1974.
What is a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA)?
An LMA is a business arrangement where one company handles the programming, sales, and operations of a television station owned by another company, as seen in the relationship between Nexstar and Mission Broadcasting.
How did KLRT-TV obtain the Fox affiliation?
After a period of unstable negotiations and a brief 42-day stint in 1989, KLRT officially secured the Fox affiliation on April 28, 1990, taking it away from KASN.
What happened to the original Markham Street studios?
The studios were sold to the National Bank of Arkansas in 2003 for redevelopment purposes after operations moved to the Clear Channel Metroplex.
What was the impact of the 2013 ownership change?
The transition to Mission Broadcasting and Nexstar management led to the consolidation of four stations in one market, resulting in the dismissal of 28 employees and a move to the Victory Building downtown.