KLRT-TV

The first proposal for a channel 16 station in Little Rock reached the construction permit stage with a grant by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in March 1966.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-tv-station-approved-lr/dwawtzauwjzxbwegncrpfdqoycmcvkbr_wma-gateway017_1678036358947|page=11A|work=Arkansas Gazette|date=March 23, 1966|title=UHF TV Station Approved For LR|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010011/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-tv-station-approved-lr/dwawtzauwjzxbwegncrpfdqoycmcvkbr_wma-gateway017_1678036358947|url-status=live}} The station would have been owned by the Victor Broadcasting Company, controlled by Connecticut industrialist Victor Muscat alongside Little Rock radio station KMYO.{{Cite news|page=1C|first=John L.|last=Fletcher|title=4th TV Station Has Eye on UHF And Color in '66|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/4th-tv-station-has-eye-uhf-and-color-66/nicqkgqtknadbfzxqjvaqyhfkldbaxhq_wma-gateway013_1678036321914|work=Arkansas Gazette|date=January 2, 1966|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015237/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/4th-tv-station-has-eye-uhf-and-color-66/nicqkgqtknadbfzxqjvaqyhfkldbaxhq_wma-gateway013_1678036321914|url-status=live}} Originally planned to launch in 1967, its backers opted to wait until the FCC granted them an increase in their effective radiated power.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/backers-seek-higher-power-channel-16/jnsglmdroepcbkdgiofareubrygnpqrf_wma-gateway007_1678036396773|page=16C|title=Backers Seek Higher Power On Channel 16|date=December 29, 1966|work=Arkansas Gazette|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015248/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/backers-seek-higher-power-channel-16/jnsglmdroepcbkdgiofareubrygnpqrf_wma-gateway007_1678036396773|url-status=live}} The construction permit remained on the books until being deleted by the start of 1974.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/state-native-buys-kmyo-500000/wldfgfumspewqbavchzhjyzunhztifma_wma-gateway012_1678036494505|page=5A|title=State Native Buys KMYO For $500,000|work=Arkansas Gazette|date=January 5, 1974|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015237/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/state-native-buys-kmyo-500000/wldfgfumspewqbavchzhjyzunhztifma_wma-gateway012_1678036494505|url-status=live}}

Interest in building channel 16 was rekindled in the late 1970s by groups seeking different uses. One, Arkansas Christian Television, sought to build a Christian television station; others proposed subscription television programming.{{Cite news|title=New TV channel: UFH [sic] outlet may be operating before cable issue settled|first=Robert|last=McCord|page=7A|date=October 17, 1979|work=Arkansas Democrat|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-tv-channel-ufh-sic-outlet-may-be-operating-cable-issue-settled/xnjfjwwcoeoytwlrigqzyzcdncrhbenb_wma-gateway017_1678036588980|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015259/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-tv-channel-ufh-sic-outlet-may-be-operating-cable-issue-settled/xnjfjwwcoeoytwlrigqzyzcdncrhbenb_wma-gateway017_1678036588980|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/joyland-christian-center-pastor-channeling-interests-tv/qsiuyfpxyfvnabqnepgfkkvkkmqmmikh_wma-gateway020_1678036636064|work=Arkansas Gazette|pages=1F, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/joyland/wwzkharhhnxcxqpmvxinpjustwwycvbl_wma-gateway019_1678036704992 3F]|date=March 2, 1980|title=Joyland Christian Center Pastor Channeling Interests Into TV|first=John S.|last=Workman|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015238/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/joyland-christian-center-pastor-channeling-interests-tv/qsiuyfpxyfvnabqnepgfkkvkkmqmmikh_wma-gateway020_1678036636064|url-status=live}} The final field of applicants for channel 16 numbered eight. Other notable bidders included Milton Grant's Grant Broadcasting Corporation; a group led by former KARK-TV news anchor Deborah Mathis; Central Arkansas Television, whose investors included former U.S. House Representative and eventual Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker; May Broadcasting of Shenandoah, Iowa; and LRTV Limited Partnership, controlled by national station representation firm MMT Sales of New York and its executive Gary Scollard.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/eight-companies-file-applications-start-little-rock-uhf-station/asnpqtgouohudketmfskkrxsgsaosknr_wma-gateway004_1678036841200|date=May 20, 1980|title=Eight Companies File Applications to Start Little Rock UHF Station|page=5A|work=Arkansas Gazette|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010220/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/eight-companies-file-applications-start-little-rock-uhf-station/asnpqtgouohudketmfskkrxsgsaosknr_wma-gateway004_1678036841200|url-status=live}} Arkansas Christian Television, not wanting to face a comparative hearing process that it believed could stretch on for five years, withdrew the next month.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/withdrawal-application-tv-channel-approved/btibgsyktjttpmzzfuzsjfgwrabpvreg_wma-gateway003_1678037362750|title=Withdrawal of Application For TV Channel Approved|page=4A|work=Arkansas Gazette|date=July 20, 1981|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010013/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/withdrawal-application-tv-channel-approved/btibgsyktjttpmzzfuzsjfgwrabpvreg_wma-gateway003_1678037362750|url-status=live}}

At the end of 1981, the seven remaining applicants announced a settlement agreement to combine in a limited partnership dominated by MMT.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/7-applicants-uhf-station-reach-agreement/ngwubnjyxkavazrxbypmanpwpggpfcto_wma-gateway005_1678037418848|date=December 15, 1981|work=Arkansas Gazette|title=7 Applicants for UHF Station Reach Agreement|page=5A|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015248/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/7-applicants-uhf-station-reach-agreement/ngwubnjyxkavazrxbypmanpwpggpfcto_wma-gateway005_1678037418848|url-status=live}} The lopsided nature of the shareholdings prompted the FCC administrative law judge assigned to the comparative hearing case to initially reject the settlement,{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/plan-run-uhf-station-hits-setback/wkqsogurcfvhxcdtcxlwwkmfkebihfkh_wma-gateway012_1678037473726|first=Tom|last=Hamburger|page=1B, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/plan-run-uhf-station-hits-setback-hearing/wqosoikajwasskqyrammscnzcbmdjefu_wma-gateway020_1678037582246 2B]|work=Arkansas Gazette|title=Plan to Run UHF Station Hits Setback|date=March 31, 1982|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015238/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/plan-run-uhf-station-hits-setback/wkqsogurcfvhxcdtcxlwwkmfkebihfkh_wma-gateway012_1678037473726|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/partnership-channel-16-rejected/szifeglfucfxlitlgpxodepvckdilzcb_wma-gateway017_1678037527718|date=April 10, 1982|page=5A|title=Partnership For Channel 16 Is Rejected|work=Arkansas Gazette|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015238/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/partnership-channel-16-rejected/szifeglfucfxlitlgpxodepvckdilzcb_wma-gateway017_1678037527718|url-status=live}} only to be overruled by the FCC's review board that June, an action that cleared the way for the construction permit to be granted.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/application-uhf-station-approved/dytgzpxbgjktkhmwgifaljkpgjexvsqj_wma-gateway003_1678037643525|page=5A|work=Arkansas Gazette|title=Application For UHF Station Is Approved|date=June 22, 1982|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015240/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/application-uhf-station-approved/dytgzpxbgjktkhmwgifaljkpgjexvsqj_wma-gateway003_1678037643525|url-status=live}}

Little Rock Communications Associates (LRCA), the consortium of owners produced by the settlement agreement, proceeded to draft plans to construct the station on Shinall Mountain{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-station-channel-16-make-debut-july-1/jjlqftyrlokwqehyfzjotwffeuywifxi_wma-gateway007_1678037701371|page=1B|first=Margie|last=Law|title=UHF station: Channel 16 to make debut July 1|date=September 23, 1982|work=Arkansas Gazette|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015250/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-station-channel-16-make-debut-july-1/jjlqftyrlokwqehyfzjotwffeuywifxi_wma-gateway007_1678037701371|url-status=live}} and purchase a building off Markham Street.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/lr-independent-station-purchases-building/dyyzpjfhczbasywicoidzhioagvgtjhy_wma-gateway001_1678037799733|title=LR Independent Station Purchases Building|page=12C|work=Arkansas Gazette|first=Martha|last=Douglas|date=November 21, 1982|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015242/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/lr-independent-station-purchases-building/dyyzpjfhczbasywicoidzhioagvgtjhy_wma-gateway001_1678037799733|url-status=live}} The call letters KLRT-TV, for Little Rock Television, were assigned over the objections of Little Rock radio station KLRA.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/spn-back-riverside-cable-package-karn-announces-changes-staff/kyyubjvgbfettptdgbpwjuzxhusstrcu_wma-gateway009_1678037938290|date=January 23, 1983|page=6C|title=SPN Back in Riverside Cable Package; KARN Announces Changes in Staff|work=Arkansas Gazette|first=Martha|last=Douglas|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015241/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/spn-back-riverside-cable-package-karn-announces-changes-staff/kyyubjvgbfettptdgbpwjuzxhusstrcu_wma-gateway009_1678037938290|url-status=live}}

KLRT-TV first signed on the air on June 26, 1983.{{cite web|title=Telecastings: New view|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/83-OCR/BC-1983-07-11-OCR-Page-0052.pdf|id={{ProQuest|1014707271}}|periodical=Broadcasting|via=World Radio History|page=52|date=July 11, 1983|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055752/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/83-OCR/BC-1983-07-11-OCR-Page-0052.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-16-debuts-officials-pledge-responsiveness/yupvcrqfmpwtnkcrejrgiufnzcurglyx_wma-gateway014_1678038498214|page=1B|first=Chuck|last=Jones|work=Arkansas Democrat|title=Channel 16 debuts; officials pledge responsiveness|date=June 27, 1983|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015256/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-16-debuts-officials-pledge-responsiveness/yupvcrqfmpwtnkcrejrgiufnzcurglyx_wma-gateway014_1678038498214|url-status=live}} It was the first independent station in Arkansas; the first commercial television station to sign on in the region since CBS affiliate KTHV (channel 11) debuted 28 years earlier on November 27, 1955; and the first UHF station to operate in Little Rock since pioneering KRTV on channel 17 sold its facilities to KATV in 1954.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/scratchy-1953-uhf-station-was-states-tv-pioneer/eaafgpittskotvblwypazrswlfiskwfj_wma-gateway013_1678038463746|first=Ray|last=Poindexter|work=Arkansas Gazette|page=4B|title=Scratchy 1953 UHF Station Was State's TV Pioneer|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015242/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/scratchy-1953-uhf-station-was-states-tv-pioneer/eaafgpittskotvblwypazrswlfiskwfj_wma-gateway013_1678038463746|url-status=live}} It aired syndicated classic sitcoms, prime time movies, sports, and children's cartoons.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/klrt-make-hitory-first-independent-station/lckcdsetwouqwzxcpaflowjnigczsfam_wma-gateway020_1678038154566|page=20-I|title=KLRT to make history as first independent station|date=April 24, 1983|work=Arkansas Democrat|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015252/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/klrt-make-hitory-first-independent-station/lckcdsetwouqwzxcpaflowjnigczsfam_wma-gateway020_1678038154566|url-status=live}}

Two more independents would launch in Central Arkansas to compete with KLRT during 1986. Bell Equities, Inc. signed on KRZB-TV (channel 26) in Hot Springs on February 7.{{cite news|title=KRZB goes on the air at 5 p.m. today|newspaper=The Sentinel-Record|page=10|date=February 7, 1986|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/krzb-goes-air-5-pm-today/dsxlyxmhoacujoakydwqrfelkfllkpzt_wma-gateway010_1678087934440|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015243/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/krzb-goes-air-5-pm-today/dsxlyxmhoacujoakydwqrfelkfllkpzt_wma-gateway010_1678087934440|url-status=live}} While that station's signal did not reach Little Rock, and it ultimately closed in March 1988,{{cite news|pages=1-A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/krzb/buravysvypjyqtbjpnekbktkkzgxrbqe_wma-gateway016_1678088189519 7-A]|title=Company plans tower construction, transmitter boost: Station KRZB to shut down operations, lay off employees|first=Mark|last=Gregory|work=The Sentinel-Record|date=March 30, 1988|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/station-krzb-shut-down-operations-lay-employees/xxdtjhxiucpudcrastohnymxivounbgc_wma-gateway003_1678088142416|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010129/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/station-krzb-shut-down-operations-lay-employees/xxdtjhxiucpudcrastohnymxivounbgc_wma-gateway003_1678088142416|url-status=live}} TVX Broadcast Group signed on Pine Bluff–licensed KJTM-TV (channel 38) on June 17, subsequently becoming the market's original Fox affiliate on October 6 of that year. As the established independent in the market, KLRT continued to maintain a lead against its competitors.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-battle-lines-being-drawn/xjlluecdrqjbdhswwyaxkdajhfyvsehd_wma-gateway018_1678086625447|first=Jerry|last=Dean|title=UHF battle lines being drawn|pages=1B, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf/cdyinzamfvwujlliynzngjmlqsrbzstv_wma-gateway012_1678086792958 2B]|date=January 25, 1988|work=Arkansas Gazette|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010142/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-battle-lines-being-drawn/xjlluecdrqjbdhswwyaxkdajhfyvsehd_wma-gateway018_1678086625447|url-status=live}} During the late 1980s, KLRT also maintained an innovative partnership with Storer Cable's Little Rock system; the station occasionally leased airtime to Storer to offer free previews of programming from basic and premium cable channels carried by the system, in addition to co-sponsoring various community service projects.{{cite web|title=Mutual Aid Society|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Channels-of-Communication/Channels-1989-01.pdf|first=Adam|last=Snyder|periodical=Channels: The Business of Communications|pages=28–29|publisher=C. C. Publishing Inc.|via=World Radio History|date=January 1, 1989|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=January 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129014129/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Channels-of-Communication/Channels-1989-01.pdf|url-status=live}}

TVX sold KJTM in 1988 to MMC Television, which changed the station's call sign to KASN.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kjtm-change-letters-kasn/csxcyeftdsboctcakusdcggbumflbusy_wma-gateway013_1678124378988|page=2D|title=KJTM to change letters to KASN|date=October 7, 1988|work=Arkansas Democrat|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010148/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kjtm-change-letters-kasn/csxcyeftdsboctcakusdcggbumflbusy_wma-gateway013_1678124378988|url-status=live}} In September 1989, KLRT-TV management announced that Fox programming would be moving to channel 16, which caught KASN management off guard. The two had been in discussions about channel 16 acquiring channel 38's Fox affiliation and most of its programming inventory, with KASN likely to fill its broadcast day with home shopping or other content, though nothing had been finalized.{{Cite news|pages=1D, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/klrt/pmcmqfalfudpbwchgnhvfzbmkjolqrrj_wma-gateway011_1678125235561 8D]|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/lr-station-hunting-fox-klrt-seeks-programming-assets-kasn/xcuthjygzbjoltbqbnkoctkczgwvlcta_wma-gateway014_1672868467244|first=Becki|last=Moore|title=LR station hunting Fox: KLRT seeks programming, assets of KASN|work=Arkansas Democrat|date=September 6, 1989|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010151/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/lr-station-hunting-fox-klrt-seeks-programming-assets-kasn/xcuthjygzbjoltbqbnkoctkczgwvlcta_wma-gateway014_1672868467244|url-status=live}} However, on September 27, 1989, KLRT management decided to pull out of the deal; Scollard reportedly notified MMC that the asset sale would not be moving forward in a letter faxed to station management.{{cite news |last=Meins |first=Jan |date=January 29, 1990 |title=Slicing the pie thin |volume=7 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=3 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Slicing+the+pie+thin%3B+independent+TV+advertising+shares+already+are...-a08943621 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105134020/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-8943621.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A8943621}}}}{{cite news |last=Rengers |first=Carrie |date=February 18, 1991 |title=Life in the Fox lane |volume=8 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=7 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Life+in+the+Fox+lane.-a010812583 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105134011/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-10812583.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A10812583}}}}{{r|ArkD891017}} Fox shifted back to KASN after 42 days under a separate contract that MMC and Fox struck during the asset negotiations, which reverted the affiliation rights to KASN if the proposed asset merger was not completed by October 21, 1989.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kasn-tv-regains-fox-affiliation-lost-rival/gjibhritkctmydidxvcioyeonjscgxbm_wma-gateway011_1672868688503|pages=1D, 8D|first=Becki|last=Moore|work=Arkansas Democrat|title=KASN-TV regains Fox affiliation lost to rival|date=October 17, 1989|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010128/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kasn-tv-regains-fox-affiliation-lost-rival/gjibhritkctmydidxvcioyeonjscgxbm_wma-gateway011_1672868688503|url-status=live}}

Fox changed hands again on April 28, 1990, when the network moved its programming to KLRT on a full-time basis. Little Rock became one of several markets in the South where the Fox affiliation moved during the course of 1990; three of the four cases, including Little Rock, involved former TVX stations losing Fox.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fox-makes-it-official-programming-moving-kasn-klrt/byoedlkebylcjdkesmtzmkifvsthcrzp_wma-gateway013_1672868927657|first=Paul|last=Johnson|work=Arkansas Gazette|date=April 12, 1990|title=Fox makes it official: Programming moving from KASN to KLRT|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010219/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fox-makes-it-official-programming-moving-kasn-klrt/byoedlkebylcjdkesmtzmkifvsthcrzp_wma-gateway013_1672868927657|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|pages=1, 134|title=Stations find new life after Fox affiliation|first=Alan|last=Salomon|work=Electronic Media|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1991-01-07_10_2_0/page/n3/mode/2up?q=WXMT|date=January 7, 1991}} After learning that KASN would lose its Fox affiliation for good, MMC Television filed a lawsuit against LRCA with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois over the failed merger, alleging civil conspiracy, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, and fraud. MMC Television claimed the asset merger was a deliberate effort by KLRT management to "dismantle" KASN, while LRCA asserted that MMC misrepresented its actions and concealed KASN's financial difficulties in the suit.{{r|arbiz-foxlane}}{{r|arbiz-slicing}}

Clear Channel Communications purchased KLRT from the LRCA/Scollard partnership on March 6, 1991, for $6.6 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|6600000|1991}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).{{cite magazine|title=Changing Hands|id={{ProQuest|1014752498}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-04-22-OCR-Page-0067.pdf|magazine=Broadcasting|via=World Radio History|page=69|date=April 22, 1991|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055753/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-04-22-OCR-Page-0067.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Changing Hands|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-07-08.pdf|pages=56–57|magazine=Broadcasting|via=World Radio History|date=July 8, 1991|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|id={{ProQuest|1016935498}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108155952/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-07-08.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Assignment of License|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=159719|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=August 16, 1991|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055747/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=159719|url-status=live}} Clear Channel purchased the non-license assets of KASN from the Pruett family that July, leasing them back to the station in a move that cleared channel 38's debts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/texas-firm-buy-assets-kasn/oshpdwtoucayvjyrqaicybiynybrorpa_wma-gateway001_1678130349259|pages=1D, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kasn/habfhxaglikbiaiymiesinhvsiugxuom_wma-gateway002_1678142233547 3D]|work=Arkansas Democrat|first=Steve|last=Kuykendall|title=Texas firm to buy assets of KASN|date=July 26, 1991|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010120/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/texas-firm-buy-assets-kasn/oshpdwtoucayvjyrqaicybiynybrorpa_wma-gateway001_1678130349259|url-status=live}} The next year, Mercury Broadcasting, a company owned by Van H. Archer III, acquired KASN itself in exchange for the assumption of $14.3 million in debt.{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014738673}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-02-03.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=February 3, 1992|page=55|title=For the Record|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131024126/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-02-03.pdf|url-status=live}} Clear Channel then entered into a joint sales agreement (JSA) that September, allowing it to handle advertising and promotional services for KASN.{{cite magazine |last=Foisie |first=Geoffrey |date=March 1, 1993|id={{ProQuest|225337571}} |title=Independents network for survival |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-03-01.pdf#page=23 |volume=123 |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |issue=7 |pages=11–12, 39–41, 43 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226031337/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-03-01.pdf#page=23 |url-status=live }} The JSA was amended into a standard local marketing agreement (LMA) on January 1, 1995,{{cite magazine |last1=McConnell |first1=Chris |last2=Brown |first2=Sara |date=March 1, 1993 |title=FCC finds 70 in-market LMAs |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/97-OCR/BC-1997-08-11-OCR-Page-0007.pdf|id={{ProQuest|225329149}} |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |page=39 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052636/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/97-OCR/BC-1997-08-11-OCR-Page-0007.pdf |url-status=live }} with operations for KASN consolidated at KLRT's facilities. After the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Clear Channel then acquired five local FM stations in 1996 and 1997;{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine|id={{ProQuest|1505605225}}|title=Changing Hands|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-03-11-OCR-Page-0036.pdf|volume=126|magazine=Broadcasting & Cable|issue=11|via=World Radio History|page=36|date=March 11, 1996|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055751/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-03-11-OCR-Page-0036.pdf|url-status=live}}|{{cite magazine|id={{ProQuest|1014762631}}|title=In Brief|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-05-20-OCR-Page-0092.pdf|volume=126|magazine=Broadcasting & Cable|issue=22|via=World Radio History|page=58|date=May 20, 1996|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105134035/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-18306728.html|archive-date=November 5, 2012}}}}{{cite magazine|title=Changing Hands|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/97-OCR/BC-1997-05-05-OCR-Page-0051.pdf|volume=127|magazine=Broadcasting & Cable|issue=19|page=91|date=May 5, 1997|id={{ProQuest|1285750478}}|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055755/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/97-OCR/BC-1997-05-05-OCR-Page-0051.pdf|via=World Radio History|url-status=live}} upon the legalization of duopolies in December 1999, it purchased KASN and three other stations outright in a deal worth $11.6 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|11663000|1999}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine|title=Changing Hands|id={{ProQuest|1014773488}}|url=http://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/99-OCR/BC-1999-12-20-OCR-Page-0089.pdf|volume=129|magazine=Broadcasting & Cable|issue=52|page=59|date=December 20, 1999|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=January 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126054920/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/99-OCR/BC-1999-12-20-OCR-Page-0089.pdf|via=World Radio History|url-status=live}}|{{cite magazine|title=Changing Hands|url=http://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/00-OCR/BC-2000-01-10-OCR-Page-0066.pdf|volume=130|magazine=Broadcasting & Cable|id={{ProQuest|1014784968}}|issue=2|page=64|date=January 10, 2000|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052650/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/00-OCR/BC-2000-01-10-OCR-Page-0066.pdf|via=World Radio History|url-status=live}}}}{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Lance |date=December 13, 1999 |title=Clear Channel Plays Duopoly |volume=16 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=50 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-58414916.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105135011/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-58414916.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A58414916}}}} A combined radio/television studio facility for Clear Channel's Little Rock stations, dubbed the "Clear Channel Metroplex", was opened in March 2001 in West Little Rock.{{cite news |date=March 20, 2000 |title=Million Dollar Metroplex; Clear Channel Communications Inc. buys studio |volume=17 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=12 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Million+Dollar+Metroplex.-a061372988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105134949/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-61372988.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A61372988}}}}{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Lance |date=January 29, 2001 |title=Outtakes |volume=18 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=5 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Outtakes.-a070659859 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A70659859}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052641/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Outtakes.-a070659859 |url-status=live }} The National Bank of Arkansas purchased KLRT–KASN's former Markham Street studios in 2003 for redevelopment.{{cite news |last=Henry |first=John |date=June 2, 2003 |title=NBA buys building in West Little Rock |volume=20 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=22 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/NBA+buys+building+in+West+Little+Rock.+(Inside+Business).-a0102920423 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A102920423}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052638/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/NBA+buys+building+in+West+Little+Rock.+(Inside+Business).-a0102920423 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Waldon |first=George |date=September 22, 2003 |title=Broadcast buy |volume=20 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=38 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Broadcast+buy.-a0109447135 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A109447135}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052641/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Broadcast+buy.-a0109447135 |url-status=live }}

KLRT and KASN were included in the sale of Clear Channel's television station portfolio to Newport Television, controlled by Providence Equity Partners, for $1.2 billion on April 20, 2007 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1200000000|2007}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}). The sale was made so Clear Channel could refocus around its radio, outdoor advertising and live event units.{{cite web |date=April 20, 2007 |title=Providence Buys Clear Channel TV for $1.2B |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/providence-buys-clear-channel-tv-for-1-2b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307024830/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/providence-buys-clear-channel-tv-for-1-2b/ |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2017 |website=TVNewsCheck}}{{cite press release|title=Clear Channel Agrees to Sell Television Station Group to Providence Equity Partners|url=http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1943|publisher=Clear Channel Communications|date=April 20, 2007|access-date=November 15, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070425161056/http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1943|archive-date=April 25, 2007}} The sale received FCC approval on December 1, 2007; after settlement of a lawsuit filed by Clear Channel owners Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital against Providence to force the deal's completion, consummation took place on March 14, 2008.{{cite web |last=Dunbar |first=John |date=December 2, 2007 |title=FCC OKs Clear Channel TV sale with changes |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=3942156&page=1 |access-date=December 4, 2017 |via=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202053227/http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=3942156&page=1 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Megan |date=March 14, 2008 |title=Clear Channel says completes TV sale for $1.1 bln |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-clearchannel/clear-channel-says-completes-tv-sale-for-1-1-bln-idUSN1444375720080315 |access-date=December 4, 2017 |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202152935/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-clearchannel/clear-channel-says-completes-tv-sale-for-1-1-bln-idUSN1444375720080315 |url-status=live }}

As part of a liquidation of Newport Television's assets, Nexstar Broadcasting Group purchased KLRT and KASN in a 12-station deal worth $285.5 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|285500000|2012}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) announced on July 19, 2012.{{cite web|title=Newport Sells 22 Stations For $1 Billion|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/60876/newport-sells-22-stations-for-1-billion|website=TVNewsCheck|date=July 19, 2012|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308212139/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/60876/newport-sells-22-stations-for-1-billion|url-status=live}} Due to Nexstar already owning KARK-TV and KARZ-TV, KLRT and KASN were subsequently resold to Mission Broadcasting for $59.7 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|59700000|2012}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}),{{Cite news |last=Knable |first=Kate |date=July 23, 2012 |title=Ohio company to purchase LR TV stations |volume=29 |work=Arkansas Business |issue=30 |id={{Gale|A299259330}}}} with Nexstar effectively taking over both stations under a new LMA, continuing a business practice established between the otherwise two separate companies.{{Cite news |last=Knable |first=Kate |date=August 6, 2012 |title=The shrinking media landscape |volume=29 |work=Arkansas Business |issue=32 |id={{Gale|A300344190}}}}

The transfer for KLRT and KASN to Mission was consummated on January 1, 2013.{{Cite web|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101536277&formid=905&fac_num=11951|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616055543/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101536277&formid=905&fac_num=11951|archive-date=June 16, 2023|title=Consummation Notice|date=January 4, 2013|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|website=Consolidated Database System}} The creation of a four-station cluster in the same market resulted in substantial downsizing on January 3, 2013, with 20 employees from KLRT–KASN dismissed along with eight KARK–KARZ staffers;{{cite news |last=Knable |first=Kate |date=January 29, 2013 |title=Almost 30 Lose Jobs at KARK, KLRT as TV Owners Consolidate |volume=30 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=5 |url=http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/90480/at-least-25-lose-jobs-at-kark-klrt-as-tv-owners-consolidate |access-date=January 29, 2013 |id={{Gale|A319802961}} |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131114724/http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/90480/at-least-25-lose-jobs-at-kark-klrt-as-tv-owners-consolidate |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=January 30, 2013 |title=Significant Layoffs at KLRT-KARK Little Rock |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/significant-layoffs-klrt-kark-little-rock-43879 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055748/https://www.nexttv.com/news/significant-layoffs-klrt-kark-little-rock-43879 |url-status=live }} this included KLRT–KASN general manager Chuck Spohn, who was replaced with KARK–KARZ management.{{cite news |date=January 4, 2013 |title=Updated: Mission Closes $60M Deal for KLRT, KASN; Chuck Spohn Out as General Manager |newspaper=Arkansas Business |url=http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/89968/mission-closes-60m-deal-on-klrt-and-kasn-spohn-out-as-gm?page=1 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |archive-date=January 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108112434/http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/89968/mission-closes-60m-deal-on-klrt-and-kasn-spohn-out-as-gm?page=1 |url-status=live }} KLRT–KASN concurrently moved from the Clear Channel Metroplex to KARK–KARZ's studios at the Victory Building in Little Rock's downtown.{{r|ab-klrtkarkmerge}}{{cite news |last=Knable |first=Kate |date=February 4, 2013 |title=The Mission and Nexstar puzzle: Nexstar, Mission Separate Companies in Eyes of FCC Despite Appearances |volume=30 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=5 |url=https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/90586/nexstar-mission-separate-companies-in-eyes-of-fcc-despite-appearances |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327084346/http://www.arkansasbusiness.com:80/article/90586/nexstar-mission-separate-companies-in-eyes-of-fcc-despite-appearances |archive-date=March 27, 2013 |id={{Gale|A319802978}}}}

For most of its early history, KLRT-TV only provided news in the form of brief news and weather updates, originally known as Newscap 16. The original anchor was Bill Powell, formerly of KTHV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-station-goes-air-today-offering-alternative-networks/fijzefcotmnygufaoewizhfzsyzcvcjl_wma-gateway017_1678141464440|first=Jan|last=Meins|title=New station goes on air today offering alternative to networks|work=Arkansas Democrat|pages=TV Magazine 2, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/klrt/waurbznmqjgzbykddxnqfvueznztvsxk_wma-gateway013_1678141546728 4]|date=June 26, 1983|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010236/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-station-goes-air-today-offering-alternative-networks/fijzefcotmnygufaoewizhfzsyzcvcjl_wma-gateway017_1678141464440|url-status=live}} By 1988, news updates were presented by staff from Arkansas Radio Network flagship KARN (920 AM),{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/arn-provides-newscap-16-klrt-tv/bgmpwmktsoytgcmurbffaheokaxjjgwe_wma-gateway013_1678141494073|page=2C|title=ARN provides 'Newscap 16' for KLRT-TV|work=Arkansas Democrat|date=June 17, 1988|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010228/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/arn-provides-newscap-16-klrt-tv/bgmpwmktsoytgcmurbffaheokaxjjgwe_wma-gateway013_1678141494073|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Crazy Craig and some new programs give Little Rock's KLRT(TV) a boost|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Radio-Age/80s/1988/1988-10-31-RTVA.pdf|pages=69–70|first=Alfred J.|last=Jaffe|periodical=Television/Radio Age|publisher=Television Editorial Corp.|via=World Radio History|date=October 31, 1988|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=October 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012003531/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Radio-Age/80s/1988/1988-10-31-RTVA.pdf|url-status=live}} while weather segments were presented by local radio personality Craig O'Neill, who often introduced segments as his radio character "Sherman Bonner, the Human Thermometer".{{Cite news|title=Strike by Writers Guild putting pinch on others|page=6B|first=Paul|last=Johnson|date=May 7, 1988|work=Arkansas Gazette|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/strike-writers-guild-putting-pinch-others/jamiyiquipldlbiqlswliskkxsccrjqm_wma-gateway002_1678141250685|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307010223/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/strike-writers-guild-putting-pinch-others/jamiyiquipldlbiqlswliskkxsccrjqm_wma-gateway002_1678141250685|url-status=live}} On September 4, 2000, KLRT premiered Fox First Weather, a five-minute local weather segment aired at 10 p.m. and produced by AccuWeather.{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Lance |date=August 28, 2000 |title=Fox First Weather |volume=17 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=35 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-65107178.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105134958/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-65107178.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A65107178}}}}

KLRT started building out a full-scale news department in September 2003 with the hiring of Michael Fabac from WNEM-TV in Bay City, Michigan, as news director; the Clear Channel Metroplex, selected because it was deemed of sufficient size to house a news operation, was also renovated.{{cite news |last=Holcombe |first=Carl D. |date=October 6, 2003 |title=KLRT-TV plans competing newscast in early 2004 |volume=20 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=40 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/KLRT-TV+plans+competing+newscast+in+early+2004.-a0109029673 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A109029673}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055747/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/KLRT-TV+plans+competing+newscast+in+early+2004.-a0109029673 |url-status=live }} The brief news updates and First Weather segments were discontinued in December 2003{{r|ab-firstwx}} in advance of the debut of the hour-long Fox 16 News at Nine on March 28, 2004.{{Cite news|page=55|first=Celia|last=Storey|title=Breaking - into the news - This just in! Tonight at 9, KLRT-TV's Fox 16 News will bring a new news-gathering operation into the central Arkansas market.|date=March 28, 2004|work=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette}} It was the first attempt at a 9 p.m. newscast in the market following the closure of KKYK-TV's news department in September 1999.{{cite news |last=Holcombe |first=Carl D. |date=March 29, 2004 |title=It's on at 9 p.m. |volume=21 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=13 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/It%27s+on+at+9+p.m.-a0115079933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105135006/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-115079933.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A115079933}}}}{{cite news |last=Holcombe |first=Carl D. |date=April 5, 2004 |title=KLRT's room to grow |volume=21 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=14 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/KLRT%27s+room+to+grow.-a0115499320 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A115499320}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055750/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/KLRT%27s+room+to+grow.-a0115499320 |url-status=live }} At launch, the newscast was anchored on weeknights by Donna Terrell, Kevin Kelly, Troy Bridges and David Raath,{{r|arbiz-itson}} with weekends handled by Kim Betton, Nate Higgins and Justin Holgate;{{cite news |last=Doyle |first=Matt |date=May 21, 2004 |title=Fox 23 making changes |newspaper=Tulsa World |url=https://tulsaworld.com/archive/fox-23-making-changes/article_37a02b83-e93a-5fa0-a86e-5ea8968072ef.html |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055750/https://tulsaworld.com/archive/fox-23-making-changes/article_37a02b83-e93a-5fa0-a86e-5ea8968072ef.html |url-status=live }} Dewayne Graham, formerly of KATV, was the station's lead investigative reporter.{{r|arbiz-itson}}{{cite news |last=Holcombe |first=Carl D. |date=January 26, 2004 |title=KLRT hires? |volume=21 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=4 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/KLRT+hires%3F-a0113054590 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A113054590}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055749/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/KLRT+hires%3F-a0113054590 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Hinkel |first=Nate |date=January 24, 2005 |title=Breaking down the book |volume=22 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=3 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Breaking+down+the+book.-a0128102682 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A128102682}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055751/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Breaking+down+the+book.-a0128102682 |url-status=live }}

Ratings slowly inched up for the newscast, bringing KLRT just behind KARK-TV for third place in the overall market by May 2005.{{cite news|first1=David|last1=Koon|first2=Max|last2=Brantley|title=The Stone age|work=Arkansas Times|date=July 7, 2005}} Weeknight newscasts at 5 and 5:30 p.m. were added on March 19, 2007,{{cite news |last=Hinkel |first=Nate |date=January 15, 2007 |title=Alive at five; KLRT-TV to add second newscast this spring |volume=24 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=2 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-158682461.html |url-status=dead |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105135050/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-158682461.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |id={{Gale|A158682461}}}}{{cite news |date=March 19, 2007 |title=Fox launch |volume=24 |newspaper=Arkansas Business |issue=11 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Fox+launch.-a0161921524 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |id={{Gale|A161921524}} |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055748/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Fox+launch.-a0161921524 |url-status=live }} followed by a nightly 10 p.m. newscast on January 18, 2010.{{cite news |last=Storey |first=Michael |date=January 17, 2010 |title=THE TV COLUMN: Jack's back with 24; Life Unexpected to debut |newspaper=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/17/tv-column-jacks-back-24-life-unexpected-d-20100117/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055747/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/17/tv-column-jacks-back-24-life-unexpected-d-20100117/ |url-status=live }}

After Mission acquired KLRT in 2013, much of the station's news staff was laid off as the news department was to be consolidated with KARK, including news director Ed Trauschke (who replaced Fabac in 2007{{Cite news|first=David|last=Koon|date=March 15, 2007|work=Arkansas Times|title=New Blood at KLRT}}) and sports anchor David Raath. Weeknight anchors Terrell and Kelly and chief meteorologist Jeff Baskin were among those who remained with the station as Mission employees, while weekend anchor Kelly Dudzik left for an anchor/reporter role at WGRZ in Buffalo, New York.{{r|ab-klrtkarkmerge}}{{r|arbiz-klrtgm}} In early February, the news departments were consolidated. KLRT's 5 and 10 p.m. newscasts were discontinued, while the 5:30 and 9 p.m. newscasts were retained and a new morning show, Good Day Arkansas, was launched to supplant the existing 7 a.m. newscast on KARZ.{{r|ab-klrtkarkmerge}}{{cite news |last=Harten |first=David |date=January 29, 2013 |title=KARK, KLRT to lay off about 30 in consolidation |newspaper=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2013/jan/29/kark-klrt-lay-around-30-consolidation/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055748/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2013/jan/29/kark-klrt-lay-around-30-consolidation/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Eck |first=Kevin |date=January 31, 2013 |title=KLRT Adds Morning News, Revamps Evening News Schedule |url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/klrt-adds-morning-news-revamps-evening-news-schedule/79913/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |website=TVSpy |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224051546/https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/klrt-adds-morning-news-revamps-evening-news-schedule/79913/ |url-status=live }} As KLRT-TV moved in with KARK-TV at the latter's facility, the surplus KLRT-TV set was shipped by Nexstar to WATN-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, which moved into new studios and relaunched its news product that year.{{cite news|last=Dodson|first=Andrew|title=Nexstar Readies Major Memphis Overhaul|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/67898/nexstar-readies-major-memphis-overhaul/page/1|newspaper=TVNewsCheck|date=May 30, 2013|access-date=May 30, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211121423/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/67898/nexstar-readies-major-memphis-overhaul/page/1|url-status=dead}}

The station's signal is multiplexed:

{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}

Since 2016, KLRT has carried Ion Mystery as a subchannel via a groupwide deal between Mission/Nexstar and Katz Broadcasting.{{cite news |date=August 23, 2016 |title=KARK, KLRT adding digital channels for central Arkansas viewers |newspaper=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |publisher=WEHCO Media |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/aug/23/kark-klrt-adding-2-subchannels-central-arkansas-vi/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055750/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/aug/23/kark-klrt-adding-2-subchannels-central-arkansas-vi/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=June 15, 2016 |title=Bounce TV, Grit, Escape, Laff Multicast Deal Covers 81 Stations, 54 Markets |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/bounce-tv-grit-escape-laff-multicast-deal-covers-81-stations-54-markets/157330 |access-date=June 16, 2016 |newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618015453/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/bounce-tv-grit-escape-laff-multicast-deal-covers-81-stations-54-markets/157330 |url-status=live }} In July 2021, KLRT-TV became one of five participating Little Rock stations in the market's ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) deployment, carrying two subchannels of KARZ-TV while that station broadcasts KLRT-TV in 3.0.{{cite news|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/nextgen-tv-debuts-on-5-little-rock-stations/|title=NextGen TV Debuts On 5 Little Rock Stations|first=Mark K.|last=Miller|work=TVNewsCheck|date=July 1, 2021|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224051600/https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/nextgen-tv-debuts-on-5-little-rock-stations/|url-status=live}}

KLRT-TV signed on its digital signal on UHF channel 30 on May 1, 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2005-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-2005-ALA-IND.pdf|date=2005|title=KLRT-DT|work=Television Factbook|page=A-162|via=World Radio History|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128094751/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2005-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-2005-ALA-IND.pdf|url-status=live}} The station shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 16, on the digital transition deadline date of June 12, 2009.{{Cite news|title=TV signal switches to digital - Stations say shift mostly smooth|first=L. Lamor|last=Williams|page=17|work=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette|date=June 14, 2009}} The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 30, using virtual channel 16.{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{Official website|https://www.fox16.com/}}

{{LRTV}}

{{Fox Arkansas}}

{{NXST TV}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Klrt-Tv}}

Category:1983 establishments in Arkansas

Category:Fox Broadcasting Company affiliates

Category:Ion Mystery affiliates

Category:Mass media in Little Rock, Arkansas

Category:Nexstar Media Group

Category:Television channels and stations established in 1983

LRT-TV