KOAT-TV#Satellite stations

{{Short description|Television station in Albuquerque, New Mexico}}

{{Infobox television station

| callsign = KOAT-TV

| city = Albuquerque, New Mexico

| logo = KOAT 7 ABC 2022.svg

| logo_size = 175px

| logo_upright = 1

| logo_alt = A circle 7 logo in silver, filled in blue, with the ABC logo sitting over it in the lower right. Below at left are the call letters K O A T in black.

| branding = KOAT 7; KOAT Action 7 News (call letters are pronounced individually)

| analog =

| digital = 7 (VHF)

| virtual = 7

| translators = see {{section link||Translators}}

| affiliations = {{ubl|7.1: ABC|for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}}}

| country = United States

| founded =

| airdate = {{start date and age|1953|10|2|p=y}}

| last_airdate =

| location = Albuquerque–Santa Fe, New Mexico

| callsign_meaning = from former radio sister KOAT (AM)

| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|Analog: 7 (VHF, 1953–2009)|Digital: 21 (UHF, 2002–2009)}}

| owner = Hearst Television

| licensee = Hearst Properties Inc.

| sister_stations =

| former_affiliations = DuMont (secondary, 1954–1955)

| erp = 26.5 kW

| haat = {{convert|1292|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

| class =

| facility_id = 53928

| coordinates = {{Coord|35|12|53|N|106|27|3|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline, title}}

| licensing_authority = FCC

| website = {{URL|www.koat.com}}

}}

KOAT-TV (channel 7) is a television station in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, affiliated with ABC. Owned by Hearst Television, the station maintains studios on Carlisle Boulevard in Northeast Albuquerque, and its transmitter is located on Sandia Crest, northeast of Albuquerque. 27 repeaters carry its broadcast signal to much of New Mexico as well as southwestern Colorado and northeastern Arizona.

KOAT-TV was the second station to broadcast in Albuquerque, signing on in October 1953 as one of two new TV stations in the city in the same month. It suffered financial difficulty twice in its first four years of operation, though ownership by Clinton D. McKinnon and the Steinman Stations group steadied operations. KOAT-TV's newscasts have generally led the Albuquerque–Santa Fe market in viewership since the mid-1970s.

History

=Early years=

After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lifted its four-year freeze on television station licenses in 1952, channels 7 and 13 were authorized for commercial use in Albuquerque in addition to the existing KOB-TV (channel 4).{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823693/chances-for-new-tv-stations-in-nm-this-y/|date=June 9, 1952|page=8|agency=Associated Press|first=Morris|last=Cleavenger|title=Chances for New TV Stations in NM This Year Problematical|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823693/chances-for-new-tv-stations-in-nm-this/|url-status=live}} Among the various interests whose applications had languished at the FCC prior to the freeze was the Alvarado Broadcasting Company, owner of radio station KOAT (1450 AM). The original application had specified channel 13, but this was changed to 7,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823741/koat-firm-changes-its-tv-application/|date=August 13, 1952|page=10|title=KOAT Firm Changes Its TV Application|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054204/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823741/koat-firm-changes-its-tv-application/|url-status=live}} This took it out of competition with KGGM, which had also filed for channel 13.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823801/report-kob-kggm-may-have-joint-tv-tower/|date=February 10, 1953|page=11|title=Report KOB, KGGM May Have Joint TV Tower in Sandias|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823801/report-kob-kggm-may-have-joint-tv/|url-status=live}} Another application had also been filed for channel 7, by E. John and Salome Greer of Santa Fe, but by February 1953, E. John Greer had died.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823834/albuquerque-santa-fe-firms-compete-for/|date=February 14, 1953|page=7|title=Albuquerque, Santa Fe Firms Compete for TV Channel Seven|first=Ruth|last=Finney|author-link=Ruth Finney|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823834/albuquerque-santa-fe-firms-compete-for/|url-status=live}} The Greer interests withdrew on June 16, 1953, leaving Alvarado unopposed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823875/greer-withdraws-tv-application/|date=June 17, 1953|page=30|title=Greer Withdraws TV Application|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823875/greer-withdraws-tv-application/|url-status=live}} Two days later, on June 18, the FCC granted Alvarado a construction permit for KOAT-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823905/koat-receives-tv-authorization/|date=June 19, 1953|page=23|title=KOAT Receives TV Authorization|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054211/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823905/koat-receives-tv-authorization/|url-status=live}}

Work began within two weeks to enlarge the KOAT radio studios at 122 Tulane SE to accommodate the television extension, including adding a kitchen studio, and on a transmitter site on Ten Mile Hill, west of Albuquerque.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823922/koat-planning-larger-studios/|date=June 26, 1953|page=25|title=KOAT Planning Larger Studios|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054203/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823922/koat-planning-larger-studios/|url-status=live}} KOAT-TV also arranged to match its sister radio station by affiliating with the ABC television network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824012/net-television-scheduled-here-by-next-su/|date=August 6, 1953|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823993/net-television-scheduled-here/ 5]|title=Net Television Scheduled Here By Next Summer|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824012/net-television-scheduled-here-by-next/|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, a minority stake in KOAT-TV was sold to two new investors.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824053/permit-transfer-asked-by-koat-tv/|date=August 26, 1953|page=15|title=Permit Transfer Asked by KOAT-TV|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824053/permit-transfer-asked-by-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}

KOAT-TV was scheduled to start on September 15,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824091/live-television-program-received-on-some/|date=September 14, 1953|page=2|title=Live Television Program Received On Some Sets Here|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824091/live-television-program-received-on/|url-status=live}} but the launch date was missed when factory inspectors and a critical piece of equipment failed to arrive on time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824117/koat-tv-is-delayed-in-getting-on-air/|date=September 15, 1953|page=17|title=KOAT-TV Is Delayed in Getting on Air|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824117/koat-tv-is-delayed-in-getting-on-air/|url-status=live}} KOAT-TV beat KGGM-TV (channel 13, now KRQE) in being the first station to air when it began broadcasting on October 2, 1953;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824189/koat-tv-begins-televising-tonight-third/|date=October 2, 1953|page=2|title=KOAT-TV Begins Televising Tonight; Third Station Starts Programs Sunday|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824189/koat-tv-begins-televising-tonight/|url-status=live}} channel 13 followed two days later.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824298/car-hits-pole-deprives-big-city-area-of/|date=October 5, 1953|page=2|title=Car Hits Pole, Deprives Big City Area of Power|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824298/car-hits-pole-deprives-big-city-area/|url-status=live}} Beginning in 1954 until the network's dissolution, KOAT-TV was the Albuquerque-area affiliate of the DuMont Television Network, displacing KOB-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873575/koat-tv-will-have-oklahoma-cal-game/|date=June 17, 1954|page=20|title=KOAT-TV Will Have Oklahoma-Cal Game|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055553/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873575/koat-tv-will-have-oklahoma-cal-game/|url-status=live}}

Alvarado sold its two radio stations—KOAT and KRSN in Los Alamos—in October 1954. Financial difficulty was evinced by the fact that KOAT had cut all but one live local show from its schedule.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824375/radio-station-koat-is-sold/|date=October 23, 1954|page=1|title=Radio Station KOAT Is Sold|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824375/radio-station-koat-is-sold/|url-status=live}} Six months later, in April 1955, KOAT-TV filed for bankruptcy reorganization in a plan that brought in 20 new stockholders and saw Albuquerque Exhibitors, a movie theater owner that had bought a stake in the station prior to launch, become the largest stockholder in the venture.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824437/koat-tv-asks-approval-for-reorganization/|date=May 20, 1955|page=11|title=KOAT-TV Asks Approval for Reorganization|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824437/koat-tv-asks-approval-for-reorganization/|url-status=live}} Even while in bankruptcy, the station applied to the FCC to relocate its transmitter to Sandia Crest, which already was the home of KOB-TV and KGGM-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824512/file-applications-for-station-sites-on-s/|date=August 5, 1955|page=2|title=File Applications For Station Sites On Sandia Crest|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824512/file-applications-for-station-sites-on/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824947/koat-proposes-tv-tower-on-sandia-crest/|date=November 29, 1955|page=14|title=KOAT Proposes TV Tower on Sandia Crest: Structure Would Be Highest In Country|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824947/koat-proposes-tv-tower-on-sandia-crest/|url-status=live}} The FCC granted approval in May 1956, allowing construction of a tower at the site.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824969/crest-tv-tower-okd-for-koat/|date=May 4, 1956|page=36|title=Crest TV Tower OKd For KOAT|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824969/crest-tv-tower-okd-for-koat/|url-status=live}}

=McKinnon and Steinman ownership=

The reorganization in 1955 was ultimately unsuccessful at repairing KOAT-TV's financial condition. Just as the Internal Revenue Service filed a tax lien on KOAT-TV,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824798/tax-lien-filed-here-against-koat-tv/|date=January 12, 1957|page=1|title=Tax Lien Filed Here Against KOAT-TV|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824798/tax-lien-filed-here-against-koat-tv/|url-status=live}} Clinton D. McKinnon, a former U.S. congressman from California and owner of KVOA radio and KVOA-TV in Tucson, Arizona, came to the station's rescue by buying it for $12,500 plus the assumption of debts. At the time, KOAT's liabilities exceeded its assets by some $150,000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824628/koat-purchase-is-for-12500-plus-its/|date=January 12, 1957|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824642/koat-purchase/ 2]|first=Ruth|last=Finney|author-link=Ruth Finney|title=KOAT Purchase Is for $12,500 Plus Its Debts: Stockholders Will Receive Debentures|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054238/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824628/koat-purchase-is-for-12500-plus-its/|url-status=live}} The FCC approved the next month.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825173/koat-tv-deal-okd/|date=February 8, 1957|page=2|agency=Associated Press|title=KOAT-TV Deal OKd|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825173/koat-tv-deal-okd/|url-status=live}} McKinnon merged the holding companies for KVOA-TV and KOAT-TV in 1959,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825321/tv-merger-approval-asked/|date=August 24, 1959|page=A-2|title=TV Merger Approval Asked|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054219/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825321/tv-merger-approval-asked/|url-status=live}} under a contract that called for McKinnon to resign if Alvarado Television lost money in six consecutive months.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825342/mckinnon-to-quit-if-koat-tv-loses-money/|date=October 9, 1959|page=D-1|title=McKinnon to Quit If KOAT-TV Loses Money|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825342/mckinnon-to-quit-if-koat-tv-loses-money/|url-status=live}}

KOAT-TV unsuccessfully suggested that channel 2 in Santa Fe be jointly assigned to both cities or to Albuquerque so it could move there.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825516/city-tv-stations-request-denied/|date=November 22, 1961|page=A-13|agency=Associated Press|title=City TV Station's Request Denied|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825516/city-tv-stations-request-denied/|url-status=live}} KOAT had desired channel 2 to improve its coverage in fringe areas from Albuquerque,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825594/seek-new-santa-fe-television-station/|date=September 18, 1961|page=D-6|title=Seek New Santa Fe Television Station|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825594/seek-new-santa-fe-television-station/|url-status=live}} and McKinnon had previously protested an attempt by a proposed Santa Fe station to locate its transmitter on Sandia Crest.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825219/mckinnon-to-protest-sandia-crest-station/|date=June 10, 1958|page=10|title=McKinnon to Protest Sandia Crest Station|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825219/mckinnon-to-protest-sandia-crest-station/|url-status=live}}

In the last years of McKinnon ownership, KOAT-TV constructed a private microwave relay system from Albuquerque to Phoenix in order to connect with ABC, said to be the longest such system in private ownership in the United States, and it began work on new facilities on University Boulevard on Albuquerque's northeast side which were twice the size of the original facilities on Tulane.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825394/new-studio-will-be-built-by-koat-tv/|date=April 15, 1962|page=C-8|title=New Studio Will Be Built By KOAT-TV|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825394/new-studio-will-be-built-by-koat-tv/|url-status=live}} However, while construction was ongoing, several of the partners in Alvarado, in ill health and wishing to liquidate their holdings, pushed McKinnon to sell Alvarado Television. KVOA-TV and KOAT-TV were sold to Steinman Stations of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, headed by Clair McCollough, for $3.5 million,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565962/35-million-sale-includes-kvoa-two-tel/|date=August 15, 1962|page=1B|title=$3.5 Million Sale Includes KVOA: Two Television Stations Sold|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701065303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565962/35-million-sale-includes-kvoa-two/|url-status=live}} with FCC approval coming in January 1963.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565992/fcc-okays-sale-of-two-stations/|date=January 25, 1963|page=18|title=FCC Okays Sale Of Two Stations|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628063658/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565992/fcc-okays-sale-of-two-stations/|url-status=live}}

=Pulitzer and Hearst ownership=

Steinman owned the Albuquerque station for five years before selling it in 1968 to the Pulitzer Publishing Company, publishers of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and owners of KSD radio and KSD-TV in that city, for $5 million;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825844/koat-sold-to-pulitzer-subidiary/|date=November 26, 1968|page=A-1|agency=Associated Press|title=KOAT Sold To Pulitzer Subsidiary|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054215/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825844/koat-sold-to-pulitzer-subidiary/|url-status=live}} the FCC granted approval for the transaction in 1969.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825805/pulitzer-firm-to-pay-5-million-for-koat/|date=February 14, 1969|page=A-15|first=Seth|last=Kantor|title=Pulitzer Firm to Pay $5 Million for KOAT-TV..|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825805/pulitzer-firm-to-pay-5-million-for/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825819/fcc-approves-koat-tv-sale-for-5-million/|date=May 9, 1969|page=F-8|agency=Associated Press|title=FCC Approves KOAT-TV Sale For $5 Million|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825819/fcc-approves-koat-tv-sale-for-5-million/|url-status=live}} Steinman had previously sold Pulitzer KVOA-TV in Tucson earlier in the year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104566081/pulitzer-firm-purchases-kvoa-tv/|date=March 14, 1968|page=1|title=Pulitzer Firm Purchases KVOA-TV|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628063652/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104566081/pulitzer-firm-purchases-kvoa-tv/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104379742/fcc-approves-purchase-of-tucson-tv-stati/|date=August 2, 1968|page=16|agency=UPI|title=FCC Approves Purchase Of Tucson TV Stations|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625065101/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104379742/fcc-approves-purchase-of-tucson-tv/|url-status=live}}

Pulitzer invested in new facilities for the station to facilitate expansion. In 1978, it sold its existing studios on University to Albuquerque radio stations KRZY and KRST and announced it would construct a larger facility at the intersection of Carlisle Boulevard and Comanche Road, more than twice the size of the University building and with more convenient freeway access and a larger parking area.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375782/koat-announces-plans-for-15-million/|date=August 8, 1978|page=A-8|title=KOAT Announces Plans For $1.5 Million Studio|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375782/koat-announces-plans-for-15-million/|url-status=live}} The resulting structure, designed by Albuquerque architect Antoine Predock, began construction in 1979{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375844/work-under-way-on-koat-studio/|date=June 7, 1979|page=G-1|title=Work Under Way On KOAT Studio|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375844/work-under-way-on-koat-studio/|url-status=live}} and was completed in July 1980.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874025/koat-gets-some-breathing-space-a-move-t/|date=July 12, 1980|page=TV-3|first=Dave|last=Nordstrand|title=KOAT gets some breathing space: A move to benefit Albq viewers|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874025/koat-gets-some-breathing-space-a-move/|url-status=live}} It also features an on-site helipad, enabling the station to keep a news helicopter at its studios instead of at the airport.{{r|BC221106}} Pulitzer received several unsolicited offers but categorically refused to sell KOAT-TV because of its strong performance: company executive Ray Karpowicz noted, "Under no circumstances would we even consider selling it."{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825987/owner-refuses-to-sell-koat-tv/|date=March 26, 1981|page=A-11|first=Will|last=Hoffman|title=Owner Refuses To Sell KOAT-TV|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111065340/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825987/owner-refuses-to-sell-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}

In 1991, KOAT opened a news bureau in Roswell with the capability to add regional news, weather, and advertising inserts into the feed of KOAT seen on cable systems and translators in southeastern New Mexico.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876542/koat-tv-ready-to-open-news-bureau-in-ros/|date=September 11, 1991|page=B6|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT-TV Ready To Open News Bureau in Roswell|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876542/koat-tv-ready-to-open-news-bureau-in/|url-status=live}}

Hearst-Argyle acquired the entirety of Pulitzer's broadcasting holdings in 1998.{{r|Albu980604}}

News operation

File:Deb Haaland being interviewed by KOAT 7 News at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.jpg at the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.|alt=Refer to caption]]

After back-and-forth competition between KOB-TV and KOAT-TV in the late 1960s and early 1970s, 1976 proved to be a watershed year for the station's news ratings. That year, KOAT took a definitive lead as having the most-watched newscasts in the region, having erased a 14-point rating lead that KOB-TV had held in 1971.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874510/the-tv-ratings-war-bigger-profits-at/|date=December 6, 1977|page=Impact 6, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874489/kobdanziger/ 7], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874474/kobdanziger/ 8], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874525/the-tv-war/ 10], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874531/the-tv-war/ 12], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874554/tv-war/ 13]|first=Bob|last=Brown|title=The TV Ratings War: Bigger Profits at Stake in Push To Win Top News Spot|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874510/the-tv-ratings-war-bigger-profits-at/|url-status=live}} The station boasted high stability in news anchor talent during this time, with news anchor Dick Knipfing—who had been with KOAT since 1964{{r|Albu860303}}—and weather forecaster Howard Morgan, who worked at the station from 1971 to 1999.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875744/so-long-uncle-howdy/|date=November 29, 1999|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875717/morgan/ A3]|first=Ollie|last=Reed Jr.|title=So long, Uncle Howdy|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875744/so-long-uncle-howdy/|url-status=live}} In 1979, KOB-TV lured away Knipfing, leading to a lawsuit seeking to get him out of a non-compete clause in his contract with KOAT.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874808/dick-knipfing-to-join-kob-lawsuit-looms/|date=April 29, 1979|page=A-5|title=Dick Knipfing To Join KOB; Lawsuit Looms|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874808/dick-knipfing-to-join-kob-lawsuit-looms/|url-status=live}} KOAT then moved to fire Knipfing, who contended the non-compete clause expired with his contract on July 31, 1979, instead of remaining in effect for one year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873980/knipfing-hearing-set-for-june-25/|date=June 6, 1979|page=A-15|title=Knipfing hearing set for June 25|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873980/knipfing-hearing-set-for-june-25/|url-status=live}} Knipfing won the case and started on time at KOB.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875031/knipfing-wins-suit-to-begin-kob-anchor-p/|date=July 6, 1979|page=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875048/knipfing-wins-suit-to-begin-post/ A-2]|first=Bill|last=Winter|title=Knipfing wins suit to begin KOB anchor post Aug. 1|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875031/knipfing-wins-suit-to-begin-kob-anchor/|url-status=live}} KOAT managed to remain in first place despite losing its star anchorman,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875089/managers-react-to-tv-ratings/|date=December 20, 1979|page=A-11|first=Dave|last=Nordstrand|title=Managers react to TV ratings|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875089/managers-react-to-tv-ratings/|url-status=live}} though the gap was narrowed between the top two stations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875132/koat-retains-tv-local-news-edge/|date=September 4, 1980|page=A-9|first=Will|last=Hoffman|title=KOAT Retains TV Local News Edge|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875132/koat-retains-tv-local-news-edge/|url-status=live}} The move never had the intended goal of displacing KOAT from its number-one position, and KOB ousted Knipfing in 1986;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875184/no-replacement-named-yet-knipfing-out-a/|date=March 3, 1986|page=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875205/knipfing-ousted-as-anchorman-for-channel/ A-2]|first=Ollie|last=Reed, Jr.|title=No replacement named yet: Knipfing out as KOB anchor|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875184/no-replacement-named-yet-knipfing-out/|url-status=live}} in an interview with The Albuquerque Tribune, Knipfing cited the talent stability and quality at KOAT for keeping that station in the lead.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875324/consultants-hurting-kob-knipfing-says/|date=August 21, 1986|page=B-10|first=Dick|last=Knipfing|title=Consultants hurting KOB, Knipfing says|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875324/consultants-hurting-kob-knipfing-says/|url-status=live}} Knipfing then joined KGGM-TV's news team in 1987 before returning to KOAT two years later.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112826063/kggm-heir-says-its-time-for-the-big-tim/|date=March 7, 1987|page=TV1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112826051/hebenstreit/ TV3]|first=Bill|last=Naegele|title=KGGM heir says it's time for the big time|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112826063/kggm-heir-says-its-time-for-the-big/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875431/its-anchor-away-in-tv-talent-war-veter/|date=July 14, 1989|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875417/kggms-dick-knipfing-to-drop-anchor/ A3]|first=Dick|last=Nathanson|title=It's Anchor Away in TV Talent War: Veteran KGGM Broadcaster Dick Knipfing Will Switch Seat to KOAT|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875431/its-anchor-away-in-tv-talent-war/|url-status=live}}

Knipfing's first posting upon his return was anchoring a new 5 p.m. newscast, the station's third attempt at an earlier evening news program, which debuted in March 1990.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875490/koat-tv-plugs-into-early-evening-news-au/|date=March 13, 1990|page=B4|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT-TV Plugs into Early Evening News Audience|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875490/koat-tv-plugs-into-early-evening-news/|url-status=live}} In 1994, KOAT debuted its morning newscast, Good Morning New Mexico (later rebranded as Action 7 News Live This Morning and now Action 7 News More in the Morning).{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875587/koat-airs-new-show/|date=January 29, 1994|page=B11|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT Airs New Show|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055555/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875587/koat-airs-new-show/|url-status=live}} However, KOB and KRQE each improved their news products during the 1990s, allowing them to close the gap on KOAT.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875647/koat-buyer-is-formidable-experts-say/|date=June 4, 1998|page=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875666/koat/ B4]|first=Macario|last=Juarez Jr.|title=KOAT buyer is formidable, experts say|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055554/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875647/koat-buyer-is-formidable-experts-say/|url-status=live}}

After the Hearst purchase, the station saw the retirements of Morgan{{r|Albu991129}} and Johnny Morris (after a 21-year run with KOAT),{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875787/last-of-the-old-time-anchormen-to-delive/|date=January 15, 2000|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875773/morris/ A6]|first=Leanne|last=Potts|title=Last of the old-time anchormen to deliver one final newscast|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875787/last-of-the-old-time-anchormen-to/|url-status=live}} as well as Knipfing's second departure in 2000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875893/dick-knipfing-resigns-from-koat-tv/|date=May 18, 2000|page=A7|first=T.D.|last=Mobley-Martinez|title=Dick Knipfing resigns from KOAT-TV|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055606/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875893/dick-knipfing-resigns-from-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}

KOAT has generally remained the market news leader since; by 2022, it led or was competitive in every major daypart.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/local-news-close-up-new-mexico-stations-try-new-things|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|date=November 6, 2022|title=Local News Close-Up: New Mexico Stations Try New Things|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055549/https://www.nexttv.com/news/local-news-close-up-new-mexico-stations-try-new-things|url-status=live}} Since September 20, 2021, KOAT has streamed its newscasts, as well as other locally produced content, on Very Local, an over-the-top media service operated by Hearst Television.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=September 20, 2021 |title=Hearst TV Launches Free 'Very Local' Streaming Channels in 26 Markets |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/hearst-tv-very-local-streaming-channels-launch-1235066584/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408153157/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/hearst-tv-very-local-streaming-channels-launch-1235066584/ |url-status=live }}

=Notable former staff=

Terry McDermott — sports director, 1985–1997{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877930/sportscaster-mcdermott-moving-from-13-to/|date=May 2, 1985|page=A14|title=Sportscaster McDermott Moving From 13 to 7|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877930/sportscaster-mcdermott-moving-from-13/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877973/sportscaster-mcdermott-leaves-koat/|date=February 4, 1997|page=D2|title=Sportscaster McDermott Leaves KOAT|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111064902/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877973/sportscaster-mcdermott-leaves-koat/|url-status=live}}

Technical information

=Subchannels=

The station's signal is multiplexed:

class="wikitable" \|+ Subchannels of KOAT-TV{{cite web\|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOAT#station\|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KOAT\|website=RabbitEars\|access-date=May 20, 2014\|archive-date=May 20, 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520220638/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOAT#station\|url-status=live}} ! scope = "col" \|Channel ! scope = "col" \|Res. ! scope = "col" \|Aspect ! scope = "col" \|Short name ! scope = "col" \|Programming
scope = "row" \| 7.1 \| 1080i \|\| rowspan=5\| 16:9 \|\| KOAT-DT \|\| ABC
scope = "row" \| 7.2 \| rowspan=4\| 480i \|\| Estrell \|\| Estrella TV
scope = "row" \| 7.3 \| TCN \|\| True Crime Network
scope = "row" \| 7.5 \| Story \|\| Story Television
scope = "row" \| 7.6 \| QVC \|\| QVC
style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;" ! scope = "row" \| 50.5 \| 480i	16:9	Antenna	Antenna TV (KASY-TV)

class="wikitable"

|+ Subchannels of KOAT-TV{{cite web|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOAT#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KOAT|website=RabbitEars|access-date=May 20, 2014|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520220638/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOAT#station|url-status=live}}

! scope = "col" |Channel

! scope = "col" |Res.

! scope = "col" |Aspect

! scope = "col" |Short name

! scope = "col" |Programming

scope = "row" | 7.1

| 1080i || rowspan=5| 16:9 || KOAT-DT || ABC

scope = "row" | 7.2

| rowspan=4| 480i || Estrell || Estrella TV

scope = "row" | 7.3

| TCN || True Crime Network

scope = "row" | 7.5

| Story || Story Television

scope = "row" | 7.6

| QVC || QVC

style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"

! scope = "row" | 50.5

| 480i

16:9

Antenna

Antenna TV (KASY-TV)

=Analog-to-digital conversion=

KOAT-TV shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 7, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 21 to VHF channel 7.{{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}}

=Translators=

KOAT-TV is rebroadcast on 27 additional translators, most owned by the station, across much of New Mexico, southwestern Colorado, and northeastern Arizona.{{Cite web|date=July 23, 2021|title=List of TV Translator Input Channels|url=https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195336/https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|archive-date=December 9, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}

Alamogordo, etc.: K34CR-D
Caballo: K16LU-D
Carlsbad: K18NX-D
Colfax: K23JD-D
Crownpoint: K30KV-D
Deming: K22ME-D
Dulce, Lumberton: K28ER-D
Farmington: K19CM-D
Farmington (Huérfano Mountain): K24IV-D
Gallup: K10PW-D
Grants, etc.: K11EV-D
Hobbs: K12NH-D
Las Vegas: K09AI-D
Montoya, Newkirk: K28NX-D
Mount Powell: K15KK-D
Raton: K16CH-D
Red River: K12OC-D
Roswell: K13RK-D
Ruidoso: K31MW-D
Silver City: K08QP-D
Taos: K36LF-D
Tierra Amarilla: K36KD-D
Cortez, CO: K09DM-D
Durango, CO: K24NH-D
Romeo, CO: K17JW-D
Vallecito, CO: K13PJ-D
Many Farms, AZ: K36JX-D

Former satellite stations

KOAT-TV formerly operated three satellite stations, which rebroadcast its signal and added local content for other parts of the broadcast market:

class="wikitable"

|+ Former satellite stations of KOAT-TV

! scope = "col" |Station

! scope = "col" |City of license

! scope = "col" |Digital channel

! scope = "col" |Virtual channel

! scope = "col" |First air date

! scope = "col" |Last air date

! scope = "col" |Former call signs

! scope = "col" |ERP

! scope = "col" |HAAT

! scope = "col" |Facility ID

! scope = "col" |Transmitter coordinates

style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"

! scope = "row" | KOCT

| Carlsbad

| 19 (UHF)

| 6

| {{start date and age|1956|8|24|p=y}}

| {{end date|2012|7|18}}

| {{ubl|KAVE-TV (1956–1987)|KVIO-TV (1987–1993)}}

| 15 kW

| {{convert|333|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

| 53908

| {{Coord|32|47|38|N|104|12|29|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KOCT}}

style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"

! scope = "row" | KOFT

| Farmington

| 8 (VHF)

| 3

| {{start date and age|2002|p=y}}

| {{end date|2007|11|13}}

| 40 kW

| {{convert|165.9|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

| 53904

| {{Coord|36|40|17|N|108|13|52.7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KOFT}}

style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"

! scope = "row" | KOVT

| Silver City

| 10 (VHF)

| 10

| {{start date and age|1987|9|p=y}}{{efn|The Broadcasting and Cable Yearbook says KOVT signed on September 9,{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989/1989-BC-YB.pdf#page=588|via=World Radio History|date=1989|page=C-42|title=KWNM-TV|work=Broadcasting Yearbook|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124050204/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989/1989-BC-YB.pdf#page=588|url-status=live}} while the Television and Cable Factbook says it signed on September 10.{{Cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-1989.pdf#page=763|page=A-729|title=KWNM-TV|date=1989|work=Television Factbook|via=World Radio History|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055550/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-1989.pdf#page=763|url-status=live}}}}

| {{end date|2012|7|18}}

| KWNM-TV (1987–1992)

| 3.2 kW

| {{convert|485|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

| 53911

| {{Coord|32|51|46|N|108|14|28|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KOVT}}

In 1993, KOAT purchased the then-KVIO-TV (channel 6) from Marsh Media, owner of KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas. The station had operated as a satellite of an ABC station since 1966 and of the El Paso station since 1969. The move expanded the reach of KOAT-TV and made it the only ABC affiliate serving southeastern New Mexico.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876501/koat-expands-with-purchase-of-carlsbads/|date=October 29, 1992|page=B2|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT Expands With Purchase of Carlsbad's KVIO|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876501/koat-expands-with-purchase-of/|url-status=live}}

Hearst-Argyle surrendered the license of KOFT to the FCC effective November 13, 2007, though its license was not canceled until May 6, 2010.{{cite web|last=Pendarvis|first=Clay C.|title=Re: KOFT, Farmington, New Mexico|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=18858|format=PDF|date=May 6, 2010|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=April 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408112652/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=18858|url-status=live}} Hearst then informed the FCC on July 18, 2012, that it would discontinue the operations of KOCT and KOVT; their licenses were canceled on August 1.{{cite web|last=Harding|first=Kevin R.|title=In Re: BLCDT-20090616ABK|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=35198|format=PDF|date=August 1, 2012|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=April 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419074019/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=35198|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Harding|first=Kevin R.|title=In Re: BLCDT-20090616ABR|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=35199|format=PDF|date=August 1, 2012|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=April 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408111909/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=35199|url-status=live}} The move was made to eliminate the need to maintain the KOCT and KOVT public files in their respective cities due to FCC regulations which went into effect on that date; they were replaced on those channels with translator station licenses (in Silver City, at reduced power).{{cite web|title=Request for Waiver of Filing Freeze|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101422997&qnum=5000©num=1&exhcnum=2|format=PDF|date=July 7, 2011|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 12, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104535/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101422997&qnum=5000©num=1&exhcnum=2|url-status=dead}}

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.koat.com/}}

Category:1953 establishments in New Mexico

Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates

Category:Estrella TV affiliates

Category:Hearst Television

Category:Mass media in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Category:Story Television affiliates

Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953

OAT-TV

Category:True Crime Network affiliates