KULR-TV: A History of Channel 8 in Billings, Montana
The evolution of television in Billings, Montana, is a story of shifting ownership, network battles, and technical growth. At the center of this history is Channel 8, known today as KULR-TV, which has served as a primary source of news and entertainment for the region for decades.
The Early Struggle for Channel 8
The journey of Channel 8 began long before its first broadcast. The initial construction permit was awarded on November 21, 1952, to the Rudman-Hayutin Television Company, a consortium formed by two oil producers. Despite efforts by M. B. Rudman to focus on the Billings market by surrendering other permits in North Dakota, the venture stalled. Due to a failure to respond to inquiries from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—the government agency that regulates interstate and international communications—the permit was canceled in March 1954.
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The Rise of KGHL-TV
In September 1955, the Midland Empire Broadcasting Company, which already operated the radio station KGHL (790 AM), applied for the Channel 8 permit. While the FCC granted the application in November, the process was delayed by a protest from KOOK-TV (Channel 2), the only other station in the city at the time. However, FCC hearing examiner James D. Cunningham eventually recommended the grant, concluding that the Billings market was large enough to sustain two television stations.
Construction began in 1957. Although originally planned for Broadway, the company instead built new facilities on North 30th Street to house both the radio and television operations. The transmitter was established southeast of Billings, and KGHL-TV officially began broadcasting on March 15, 1958, as an affiliate of NBC.
Transition to KULR-TV and Network Shifts
A major turning point occurred in 1962 when Midland Empire Broadcasting sold KGHL-AM-TV to Crain-Snyder Television. The new owners separated the radio and television entities, allowing the radio station to keep the KGHL call letters. On January 1, 1963, the television station was renamed KULR-TV and relocated its studios to Coburn Hill at the transmitter site. That same year, KULR added a secondary affiliation with ABC.
Ownership changed again in March 1967 when the Harriscope Broadcasting Corporation purchased the station for $350,000. Under Harriscope, KULR underwent a significant network shift. On January 1, 1969, ABC became the primary network, while NBC was moved to secondary status. This era was marked by complex programming arrangements; for instance, ABC's evening newscast did not air on KULR until 1971.
By the late 1970s, KULR faced stiff competition from KTVQ for NBC programming. By 1980, some NBC shows moved to the newly established KOUS-TV (Channel 4), leaving Billings without a primary NBC affiliate until 1982.
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Modernization and Corporate Ownership
In 1983, KULR-TV announced a move to the Homestead Business Park. The new facility, completed in 1984, provided upgraded technical capabilities and doubled the workspace for its 40 employees.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a series of corporate acquisitions:
- Dix Communications: Purchased KULR-TV in 1986 for $12.2 million. Under Dix, the station switched its primary affiliation back to NBC in August 1987. Dix was also a pioneer in the region, launching digital broadcasting (KULR-DT) on May 6, 2002.
- Max Media: Acquired the station on June 16, 2004, for $12.25 million.
- The Cowles Company: On November 29, 2013, Cowles completed an $18 million purchase of Max Media's Montana cluster, which included KULR and several other ABC affiliates.
Station Summary
| Era/Year | Owner | Primary Affiliation | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958–1962 | Midland Empire Broadcasting | NBC | Station launch as KGHL-TV |
| 1963–1966 | Crain-Snyder Television | NBC / ABC (Secondary) | Renamed to KULR-TV |
| 1967–1986 | Harriscope Broadcasting | ABC (from 1969) | Shift to primary ABC affiliate |
| 1986–2004 | Dix Communications | NBC (from 1987) | Launch of digital broadcasting |
| 2004–2013 | Max Media | NBC | Corporate acquisition |
| 2013–Present | The Cowles Company | NBC | Acquisition of Montana cluster |
Key Facts
- Original Call Sign: The station began as KGHL-TV before becoming KULR-TV in 1963.
- Launch Date: March 15, 1958.
- Network Flips: The station has switched primary affiliations between NBC and ABC multiple times.
- Digital Pioneer: KULR-DT began digital operations on May 6, 2002.
- Current Owner: The Cowles Company, which acquired the station in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the first permit for Channel 8 fail?
The first permit, awarded to the Rudman-Hayutin Television Company in 1952, was canceled by the FCC in 1954 because the company failed to respond to inquiries regarding construction progress.
When did the station change its name from KGHL-TV to KULR-TV?
The name change occurred on January 1, 1963, following the sale of the station to Crain-Snyder Television, which allowed the original radio station to retain the KGHL call letters.
How many times has KULR-TV changed its primary network affiliation?
KULR-TV started as an NBC affiliate, switched to ABC as its primary network on January 1, 1969, and then switched back to NBC in August 1987.
Who owns KULR-TV today?
KULR-TV is owned by The Cowles Company, which purchased a cluster of Montana stations from Max Media in November 2013 for $18 million.
Where are the KULR-TV studios located?
After operating from North 30th Street and later Coburn Hill, the station relocated to a new facility in the Homestead Business Park in 1984.