KPNX

File:South Mountain Towers (32196913494).jpg

On November 1, 1952, Harkins Broadcasting, Inc. filed an application to build a new television station on channel 12 in Mesa, Arizona.{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/3c0bf3d8-9556-abbb-61ae-bde98845f28c|title=History Cards for KPNX|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} Harkins Broadcasting was a joint venture of two movie theater operators, Harkins Theatres and Harry Nace, and owned Mesa radio stations KTYL (1310 AM) and KTYL-FM 104.7. The Federal Communications Commission granted the construction permit on February 18, 1953.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85829727/|title=KTYL Given Okay To Build TV Station|work=The Arizona Republic|page=1|date=February 19, 1953|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85829727/ktyl-given-okay-to-build-tv-station/|url-status=live}} At the end of March 1953, the city of Phoenix's parks board approved a South Mountain transmitter, reversing an earlier decision that would have denied television stations not licensed to Phoenix the use of the site and which was protested by television set owners who wanted to be assured reception of all stations from one site.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/32885335/|title=South Mountain TV Site Granted Mesa Station: KTYL Gets City Parks Board Okay|first=Orren|last=Beaty|work=The Arizona Republic|date=April 1, 1953|page=1|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/32885335/ktyl-gets-city-parks-board-okay/|url-status=live}}

With the site approved by the FCC and the city of Phoenix, construction began nearly immediately. Much of the studio equipment, installed at an expansion to the KTYL facilities on Main Street in Mesa, was already on hand.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/32885363/|page=2|title=Mesa KTYL-TV Sets April 25 For Debut|work=The Arizona Republic|date=April 2, 1953|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/32885363/mesa-ktyl-tv-sets-april-25-for-debut/|url-status=live}} The station began broadcasting on May 2, with its introductory program being a 19-hour telethon to benefit United Cerebral Palsy.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830007/ktyl-tv-opener-draws-40000-raises-53/|title=KTYL-TV Opener Draws 40,000, Raises $53,340 In Palsy Fight|work=The Arizona Republic|date=May 4, 1953|page=15|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830007/ktyl-tv-opener-draws-40000-raises/|url-status=live}} An NBC affiliate from the outset,{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1285717827}}|date=May 11, 1953|title=Seven More Report TV Starts|work=Broadcasting|page=50}} the station briefly maintained a Phoenix office which closed just two months after launch.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44182763/ktyl-tv-closes-office-here-operates-at/|first=Maggie|last=Wilson|title=KTYL-TV Closes Office Here, Operates At Suburban Studio|work=The Arizona Republic|page=12|date=July 13, 1953|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44182763/ktyl-tv-closes-office-here-operates-at/|url-status=live}}

Lurking under the embryonic Phoenix television landscape was the absence of one of the state's pioneer radio stations. In 1948, KTAR (620 AM) had filed for Phoenix's channel 3, only to see the FCC plunge television applications into a four-year-long freeze. As early as 1945, KTAR had arranged for exclusive rights to the South Mountain space that would later be used by all of the Phoenix TV stations as a transmitter site—a concession that was overturned in the run-up to KTYL-TV's launch.{{r|parks}} When the freeze was lifted in 1952, KTAR declared it would be on the air within three months of a construction permit grant, having already selected a site for and broken ground on a proposed television and radio studio at Central Avenue and Portland Street and contracted for equipment to furnish it.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830443/2-new-stations-planned-as-us-ends-tv-f/|title=2 New Stations Planned As U.S. Ends TV Freeze|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830492/two-new-phoenix-tv-stations-planned-as-t/ 2]|work=The Arizona Republic|date=April 14, 1952|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830443/2-new-stations-planned-as-us-ends-tv/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85849305/|first=Henry|last=Fuller|work=The Arizona Republic|title=KTAR Marks 30th Anniversary As New Station Project Begins|date=June 15, 1952|page=II:6|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044436/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85849305/ktar-marks-30th-anniversary-as-new/|url-status=live}} It was speculated that KPHO-TV owner Meredith Corporation—whose station was the only pre-freeze outlet in the state—might have decided to let KTYL-TV have NBC because of the sense that, as soon as KTAR won a television station, it would sign up with NBC, mirroring the radio station.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830286/networks-split-made-official/|first=Maggie|last=Wilson|title=Networks Split Made Official|page=3:6|work=The Arizona Republic|date=April 30, 1953|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830286/networks-split-made-official/|url-status=live}}

However, KTAR's channel 3 picture became cloudy in February 1953, just as the FCC was about to hand down a decision. A new applicant, the Arizona Television Company, filed for the channel.{{r|okay}} This applicant added a major power broker to its ranks months later: Ernest McFarland, former senator and soon to be governor.{{Cite news |date=May 31, 1953 |title=McFarland Joins in TV Station |newspaper=Arizona Republic |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63264150/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630063733/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63264150/mcfarland-joins-in-tv-station/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021}} In February 1954, hearings were held on the channel 3 assignment.{{Cite news |date=February 25, 1954 |title=TV Hearings Open Tomorrow |page=35 |work=The Arizona Republic |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63264365/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630063808/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63264365/tv-hearings-open-tomorrow/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021}}

The channel 3 contest ended in April 1954, when KTAR announced it would buy KTYL-TV for $250,000, a decision that cleared the way for the Arizona Television Company to build KTVK.{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1954 |title=Purchase Of KTYL-TV By KTAR Announced |page=1 |work=The Arizona Republic |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44184548/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630063709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44184548/purchase-of-ktyl-tv-by-ktar-announced/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021}}{{Cite news |date=May 5, 1954 |title=KTYL-TV Tag $250,000 |page=22 |work=The Arizona Republic |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63264666/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630063718/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63264666/ktyl-tv-tag-250000/ |archive-date=June 30, 2021}} In announcing the purchase, KTAR owner John J. Louis explained that he wanted to give KTAR a television sister without going through hearings.{{r|announced}}

When the sale closed in July 1954, KTYL-TV became KVAR; immediately, KTAR-purchased equipment was added to the studios,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56178001/|date=July 1, 1954|work=The Arizona Daily Star|title=Mesa TV Station Control Changes|page=7A|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044436/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56178001/mesa-tv-station-control-changes/|url-status=live}} which were then moved to Phoenix in 1956 over KTVK's objection;{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-07-29-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=July 29, 1957|page=64|id={{ProQuest|1285748000}}|title=FCC Affirms KVAR (TV) Grant For Move of Its Main Studio|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308024129/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-07-29-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} the station was also allowed to identify as "Phoenix/Mesa" in 1958.{{r|hc}} In 1960, a new tower and maximum-power transmitter were commissioned;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34846577/kvar-ups-power-today/|title=KVAR Ups Power Today|date=September 15, 1960|work=The Arizona Republic|page=29|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044436/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34846577/kvar-ups-power-today/|url-status=live}} the prior facility was then sold to Arizona State University and used to launch educational station KAET on channel 8 in 1961.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68802793/|title=ASU Wants Channel 8 For Educational Use|work=The Arizona Republic|date=July 31, 1960|page=8|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044439/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68802793/asu-wants-channel-8-for-educational-use/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68802700/|date=January 28, 1960|title=Regents Okay Plans For Educational TV On Channel 8|first=Virgil|last=Meibert|work=The Arizona Republic|page=18|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044437/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68802700/regents-okay-plans-for-educational-tv/|url-status=live}} In April 1961, the call sign was changed to KTAR-TV, which had not been previously available to the television station because it was licensed to a different location from the radio station.{{r|hc}}

Image:KPNX circa 1970.jpg

In 1968, the Louis family's KTAR and Eller Outdoor Advertising, owned by Karl Eller, merged into Combined Communications Corporation.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830670/ad-agency-broadcast-merger-okd/|title=Ad agency, broadcast merger OKd|page=2-B|work=The Arizona Republic|date=October 18, 1968|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044436/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85830670/ad-agency-broadcast-merger-okd/|url-status=live}} Combined then grew into owning other television and radio stations and owned a full complement of seven by 1974, when it merged with Pacific & Southern Broadcasting Company.{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-04-23-BC.pdf|date=April 23, 1973|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1285748364}}|title=P&S goes under wing of CCC|pages=22–23|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308035417/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-04-23-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}

In 1978, Combined Communications agreed to merge with the Gannett Company. The merged company opted to retain channel 12 and divest the Phoenix radio stations;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85850336/combined-communications-and-gannett-co/|title=Combined Communications and Gannett Co. to merge|first=Joe|last=Cole|page=1|date=May 9, 1978|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044437/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85850336/combined-communications-and-gannett-co/|url-status=live}} Combined's ownership of the KTAR stations had been grandfathered earlier in the decade when the FCC forbade common ownership of television and radio stations in top-50 markets, but with the Gannett merger, the KTAR cluster lost its grandfathered protection. The radio stations were traded to Pulitzer Broadcasting in 1979 for KSD radio in St. Louis and $2 million.{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014694488}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1978/1978-10-02-BC.pdf|date=October 2, 1978|work=Broadcasting|page=30|title=In Brief|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308033120/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1978/1978-10-02-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} KTAR-TV then changed its call sign to KPNX on June 4, 1979, since the radio properties had held the KTAR call letters first.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28881272/kpnx-tv-was-not-an-ez-pik/|title=KPNX-TV was not an EZ PIK|first=Hardy|last=Price|work=The Arizona Republic|page=B-10|date=May 31, 1979}}{{efn|At the time, broadcast stations with different owners could not share the same call letters.}}

From 1977 to 1995, channel 12 was run by general manager C.E. "Pep" Cooney, who also did on-air editorials; he then became a senior vice president of Gannett for several years prior to his retirement in 1998.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886577/channel-3-to-air-events-from-d-backs-op/|title=Channel 3 to air events from D-Backs' opener|work=The Arizona Republic|first=Dave|last=Walker|page=D17|date=April 3, 1998|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886577/channel-3-to-air-events-from-d-backs/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886525/local-tv-icon-pep-cooney-dies-at-age-7/|title=Local TV icon 'Pep' Cooney dies at age 70|first1=Dennis|last1=Wagner|first2=Connie|last2=Cone Sexton|date=September 4, 2003|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886623/ A10]|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886525/local-tv-icon-pep-cooney-dies-at-age/|url-status=live}} In 1985, it was the first Phoenix TV station to broadcast in stereo.{{cite news|date=June 14, 1985|page=E15|title=KPNX-TV becomes Valley's first stereo-active station|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886125/|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85886125/kpnx-tv-becomes-valleys-first/|url-status=live}}

The fact that KPNX was the only Phoenix station unaffected by a major realignment of network affiliations in 1994 and 1995 fueled a run of success for KPNX and its news department that lasted more than a decade. In 2005, the station had the highest revenue of any in Phoenix: $75 million, representing almost 20 percent of the market.{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Mediaweek/2006/Mediaweek-2006-05-29.pdf|title=Phoenix|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|date=May 29, 2006|work=Mediaweek|pages=10–16|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310034517/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Mediaweek/2006/Mediaweek-2006-05-29.pdf|url-status=live|id={{ProQuest|213655600}}}}

Image:KPNX circa 1973.jpg at the time, the "12" logo survived until early 1986, long after the station became KPNX.|alt=Refer to caption]]

File:Republic Media Building.jpg

In 2000, Gannett merged with Central Newspapers, owner of The Arizona Republic, in the second-largest newspaper deal ever at the time.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885100/gannett-acquiring-republic-28-billi/|title=Gannett acquiring 'Republic': $2.8 billion deal ends years of Pulliam control|first=Dawn|last=Gilbertson|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885138/gannett-acquiring-arizona-republic/ A8]|date=June 29, 2000|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044611/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885100/gannett-acquiring-republic-28/|url-status=live}} While the FCC barred the common ownership of newspapers and television stations in the same market, Gannett successfully banked on a potential rule change; even as written at the time before being relaxed in 2003, the issue would not have been pressed until KPNX's license came up for renewal in 2006.{{cite news|title=Gannett Co. buyout bets on FCC rule|id={{ProQuest|225068322}} |via=ProQuest|date=July 7, 2000|first=Anne|last=Robertson|work=Phoenix Business Journal|page=1}} With Gannett owning the then-number-one station in Phoenix and the state's largest newspaper, the two merged their websites in 2001.{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Mediaweek/2002/Mediaweek-2002-01-14.pdf|date=January 14, 2002|work=Mediaweek|title=Phoenix|pages=10–16|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310035248/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Mediaweek/2002/Mediaweek-2002-01-14.pdf|url-status=live|id={{ProQuest|213639039}} }}

In January 2011, KPNX left its longtime home on Central Avenue and consolidated its operations with The Republic at the Republic Media Building on East Van Buren Street in downtown Phoenix, with the station's local newscasts broadcasting from a streetside studio.{{cite news|first=Lynn|last=Ducey|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/10/11/story7.html?page=all|title=Local stations debut new shows; KPNX moving to downtown studio|work=Phoenix Business Journal|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=September 24, 2012|archive-date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228122607/http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/10/11/story7.html?page=all|url-status=live}} The Central Avenue facility was then significantly renovated and became the Parsons Center for Health and Wellness, the headquarters complex for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120514006301/en/Parsons-Foundation-5MM-Fight-HIVAIDS|title=The Parsons Foundation Gives $5MM to Fight HIV/AIDS; Southwest Center to Build Parsons Foundation Center for Health, Education & Wellness|date=May 14, 2012|work=Businesswire|access-date=March 21, 2016|archive-date=April 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418125722/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120514006301/en/Parsons-Foundation-5MM-Fight-HIVAIDS|url-status=live}}

On June 29, 2015, the Gannett Company split in two, with one side specializing in print media and the other side specializing in broadcast and digital media. KPNX was retained by the broadcasting company, which took the name Tegna.{{Cite web|title = Separation of Gannett into two public companies completed {{!}} TEGNA| date=June 29, 2015 |url = http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|publisher = Tegna|access-date = June 29, 2015|archive-date = July 2, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150702005302/http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|url-status = live}} KPNX and The Republic continue to operate in the same building as separate entities; as a consequence of the split, KPNX regained a separate website, having shared azcentral.com with the newspaper.{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2015/07/divorce-separate-bedrooms-and-bed-bugs-breaking.html|work=Phoenix Business Journal|first=Mike|last=Sunnucks|title=Divorce, separate bedrooms and bedbugs: Breaking down the Gannett breakup for 'Arizona Republic,' KPNX|date=July 6, 2015|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044612/https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2015/07/divorce-separate-bedrooms-and-bed-bugs-breaking.html|url-status=live}}

File:KPNX 12 News Studios.jpg

KTAR-TV was the Phoenix pioneer of the so-called "happy talk" news format when it reformatted its newscasts under the Action News format in late 1973,{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Goldthwaite|title=The TV news tease|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85888605/|work=The Arizona Republic|page=B-11|date=November 7, 1973|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85888605/the-tv-news-tease/|url-status=live}} with longtime anchor Ray Thompson paired alongside Bob Hughes, weatherman Dewey Hopper (last with Air America Radio affiliate KPHX and a longtime weather forecaster in Sacramento) and sportscaster Ted Brown. By 1980, the station had moved into a solid second-place position behind KOOL-TV.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885705/|work=The Arizona Republic|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|date=June 2, 1980|title=Aftershocks of ABC affiliate switch in Atlanta might be felt in Phoenix|page=B5|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885705/aftershocks-of-abc-affiliate-switch-in/|url-status=live}} The "Action News" moniker was dropped in 1986.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28882279/|work=The Arizona Republic|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=2 stations revamp look of newscasts with new sets|date=April 29, 1986|page=C9|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28882279/2-stations-revamp-look-of-newscasts/|url-status=live}} KTVK's rise in the late 1980s and early 1990s led to a more competitive environment.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34063179/ktvk-wins-prime-time-gains-in-news/|title=KTVK wins prime time, gains in news ratings|work=The Arizona Republic|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|date=December 29, 1988|page=C6|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044648/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34063179/ktvk-wins-prime-time-gains-in-news/|url-status=live}}

In 1994, KPNX was the only station unaffected by a major realignment of network affiliations in the Phoenix market. This status and the strength of NBC in the late 1990s helped to catalyze a decade of ratings success for channel 12, which put together nearly 50 consecutive ratings book wins at 10 p.m. from 1996 to 2007, even while NBC's ratings faltered toward the end of the run.{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/phoenix-risingfast-83393|first=Michael|last=Malone|title=Phoenix Rising—Fast|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=July 27, 2007|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124193101/https://www.nexttv.com/news/phoenix-risingfast-83393|url-status=live}} It was the first station in the state to convert its news production to high definition in 2006.{{cite news|url=https://www.twice.com/news/local-news-making-switch-hd-21352|work=TWICE|first=Allison|last=Romano|title=Local News Is Making Switch To HD|date=January 3, 2007|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117010131/https://www.twice.com/news/local-news-making-switch-hd-21352|url-status=live}}

Channel 12 began using a helicopter in 1978; it was the market's second, and it was piloted by Jerry Foster, who was hired from KOOL-TV.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85921903/|title=Big names, helicopters aid in TV news battle|page=A-2|date=August 26, 1979|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85921903/big-names-helicopters-aid-in-tv-news/|url-status=live}} "Sky 12" was frequently called upon for search and rescue missions,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85923588/jerry-foster-to-the-rescue-institution/|work=The Arizona Republic|first=Dick|last=Rose|title=Jerry Foster to the rescue: 'Institution' saves family of 3|page=B2|date=August 30, 1981|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044553/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85923588/jerry-foster-to-the-rescue/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85923665/wrecked-plane-is-found-near-sedona-4-ar/|title=Wrecked plane is found near Sedona; 4 are dead|first=John|last=Schroeder|work=The Arizona Republic|date=February 14, 1982|page=A8|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044613/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85923665/wrecked-plane-is-found-near-sedona-4/|url-status=live}} and Foster received a Harmon Trophy in 1981.{{r|harmon}} He left KPNX in 1988{{cite news|title=Jerry Foster to give up controls of TV copter|date=July 1, 1988|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|work=The Arizona Republic|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85923781/jerry-foster-to-give-up-controls-of-tv-c/|page=E14|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044553/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85923781/jerry-foster-to-give-up-controls-of-tv/|url-status=live}} and later worked at KTVK, his career ending when he was indicted on methamphetamine charges in 1996.{{cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/life/az-narratives/2014/03/06/phoenix-tv-star-jerry-foster/6138343/|work=The Arizona Republic|date=March 6, 2014|first=Richard|last=Ruelas|title=Phoenix TV's Jerry Foster fell from grace|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044553/https://www.azcentral.com/story/life/az-narratives/2014/03/06/phoenix-tv-star-jerry-foster/6138343/|url-status=live}} On March 1, 2009, KPNX began to share a news helicopter operated by Helicopters Inc., as part of an agreement with KPHO-TV and KTVK; the helicopter was named "News Chopper 20", as a combination of the channel numbers of the three stations (3, 5 and 12).{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/02/24/20090224abrk-helicoptersharing.html|title=3 TV stations to share helicopter to cover the news|date=February 24, 2009|work=AZCentral.com|publisher=Belo|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044554/https://help.azcentral.com/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.kpho.com/news/18791257/detail.html#-|title=Channels 5, 3, 12 To Share Chopper|date=February 25, 2009|work=KPHO|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-date=June 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614065823/http://www.kpho.com/news/18791257/detail.html#-|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=1092013|title=Phoenix TV stations to share news helicopter|date=February 25, 2009|work=KTAR|access-date=February 26, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220223234/http://news.ktar.com/?nid=6|archive-date=February 20, 2009}} All four Phoenix television newsrooms now share a helicopter.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=February 15, 2021 |title=Local News Battle Royale in Phoenix |language=en |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-battle-royale-in-phoenix |url-status=live |access-date=March 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303190327/https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-battle-royale-in-phoenix |archive-date=March 3, 2021}}

Karl Eller, who owned the company that became Combined Communications, was also one of the original founding owners of the city's first major professional sports team, the NBA's Phoenix Suns. Channel 12 carried Suns games from the team's 1968 inception{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85887809/radio-some-television-ktar-to-air-suns/|title=KTAR to Air Suns|page=67|date=June 27, 1968|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044553/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85887809/radio-some-television-ktar-to-air-suns/|url-status=live}} until 1973; KPHO-TV aired the Suns for six seasons until they returned to KPNX from 1979{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85888379/suns-sign-5-year-pact-with-ktar-tv/|title=Suns sign 5-year pact with KTAR-TV|date=May 14, 1979|page=D-4|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044621/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85888379/suns-sign-5-year-pact-with-ktar-tv/|url-status=live}} to 1985, when the game telecasts moved to then-independent station KNXV-TV.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85888162/channel-15-phoenix-suns-agree-on-pact-f/|title=Channel 15, Phoenix Suns agree on pact for '85–86 season|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|work=The Arizona Republic|page=F12|date=May 24, 1985|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044555/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85888162/channel-15-phoenix-suns-agree-on-pact/|url-status=live}}

In 2017, KPNX acquired the rights to preseason games of the Arizona Cardinals and also began airing team-oriented programming,{{Cite news|url=https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2017/7/19/15999582/arizona-cardinals-preseason-games-to-be-available-on-nbc-locally|title=Arizona Cardinals preseason games to be available on NBC locally|work=Revenge of the Birds (SB Nation)|access-date=August 15, 2017|archive-date=August 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815235736/https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2017/7/19/15999582/arizona-cardinals-preseason-games-to-be-available-on-nbc-locally|url-status=live}} rights which moved to KPHO-TV in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Cortez |first=Alexis |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Arizona's Family & Arizona Cardinals launch multi-year partnership deal |url=https://www.azfamily.com/2024/06/03/arizonas-family-arizona-cardinals-launch-multi-year-partnership-deal/ |access-date=June 8, 2024 |website=Arizona's Family |language=en}} In 2025, KPNX will simulcast 10 regular-season Arizona Diamondbacks games, all on Friday nights.{{Cite news |last=Piecoro |first=Nick |title=Free TV: Arizona Diamondbacks announce Friday night schedule for over-the-air broadcasts |date=March 26, 2025 |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2025/03/26/arizona-diamondbacks-friday-night-game-schedule-tv/82679765007/ |access-date=March 27, 2025 |work=Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}

• Pat Finn – weathercaster and host of Finn & Friends, 1983–1985{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic-kjjj-fires-morning-anno/138287325/|date=December 5, 1983|page=D3|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=KJJJ fires morning announcer, news director|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 8, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35699614/|title='NewsCenter 10' retains top rating in Valley market|date=December 19, 1985|page=F5|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044555/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35699614/newscenter-10-retains-top-rating-in/|url-status=live}}
• Jineane Ford – anchor, 1991–2007{{cite web |first=R.|last=Cordova |url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/1228jineane1228.html |title=Signing off |work=Arizona Republic |date=December 28, 2006 |access-date=January 3, 2007 |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044719/https://help.azcentral.com/ |url-status=live }}
• Kari Lake – anchor, 1994–1998{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103274114/channel-12-hires-weather-anchor/|date=August 24, 1994|page=Downtown/South Community 6|title=Channel 12 hires weather anchor|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 6, 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic-rumors-of-majik-107s-s/138287373/|date=October 17, 1998|page=D10|first=Michael|last=Clancy|title=Rumors of Majik 107's sale persist|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 8, 2024}}
• Mike Hambrick – anchor, 1978–1979{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885625/kool-newscaster-kent-dana-to-replace-ham/|date=August 10, 1979|title=KOOL newscaster Kent Dana to replace Hambrick at KPNX|first=Hardy|last=Price|work=The Arizona Republic|page=D-6|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044556/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85885625/kool-newscaster-kent-dana-to-replace/|url-status=live}}
• Sean McLaughlin – chief meteorologist, 1992–2004{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85942459/sean-mclaughlin-to-leave-channel-12-to-w/|first=Bill|last=Goodykoontz|page=B1|work=The Arizona Republic|title=Sean McLaughlin to leave Channel 12 to work for MSNBC|date=May 25, 2004|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044556/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85942459/sean-mclaughlin-to-leave-channel-12-to/|url-status=live}}
• Fred Roggin – sports anchor, 1979–1980{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85890031/travolta-turns-fight-fan/|page=C-2|date=May 16, 1979|first=Hardy|last=Price|title=Travolta turns fight fan|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044556/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85890031/travolta-turns-fight-fan/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic-sports-anchor-reporter/138287438/|date=September 30, 1980|page=B15|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=Sports anchor, reporter leave KPNX-TV for NBC affiliates|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 8, 2024}}
• Ric Romero – investigative reporter, 1980s{{cite web|url=http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/bio?section=resources/inside_station/newsteam&id=5744031 |title=Ric Romero bio |publisher=KABC-TV |access-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823103916/http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/bio?section=resources%2Finside_station%2Fnewsteam&id=5744031 |archive-date=August 23, 2011 }}
• Mary Kim Titla – reporter, 1993–2005{{cite web |url=http://www.gallupindependent.com/2007/may/050907jch_kimtitlaazcong.html |title=Mary Kim Titla to run for Arizona Congress |first=John Christian|last=Hopkins |work=Gallup Independent |date=May 9, 2007 |access-date=December 25, 2007 |archive-date=October 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005112608/http://www.gallupindependent.com/2007/may/050907jch_kimtitlaazcong.html |url-status=live }}
• Rick DeBruhl – reporter, 1978–2009{{cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/motor/2016/05/26/100th-indianapolis-500-arizona-connections/84979502/|first=Michael|last=Knight|title=Arizona connections to the 100th Indy 500|work=The Arizona Republic|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925044555/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/motor/2016/05/26/100th-indianapolis-500-arizona-connections/84979502/|url-status=live}}

The station's signal is multiplexed:

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

On July 8, 2021—the same date that KPNX moved to UHF—the station's ATSC 3.0 signal also moved from the low-power KFPH-CD multiplex to KASW. As part of a simultaneous rebalancing of KASW's subchannels, KASW's subchannel of Grit was moved to the KPNX multiplex.{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff37a530461017a588ca4c70dd9&id=25076ff37a530461017a588ca4c70dd9&goBack=N|publisher=FCC Licensing and Management System|title=Scripps KASW 3.0 Request for Modification of Special Temporary Authority (STA)|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710212449/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff37a530461017a588ca4c70dd9&id=25076ff37a530461017a588ca4c70dd9&goBack=N|url-status=live}}

In 1997, the FCC allocated UHF channel 36 as KPNX's companion digital channel, construction on the digital transmitter began the following year. KPNX signed on its digital signal in June 2000. KPNX shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 12, at 10:12 p.m. (during the station's 10 p.m. newscast) 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. At 10:38 p.m. on that date, the station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 36 to VHF channel 12.{{Cite web |date=February 19, 2008 |title=DTV Transition Status Report |url=http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231307&formid=387&fac_num=35486 |access-date=December 14, 2008 |website=FCC CDBS Database}}{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |access-date=March 24, 2012 |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 }}

In 2021, the FCC approved KPNX's move from VHF channel 12 to UHF channel 18, which went into effect on July 8.{{cite news|url=https://www.12news.com/article/syndication/how-to-rescan-your-antenna-tv-to-watch-12-news/75-d82d6be3-665c-4834-acf1-3ab31479da56|work=12 News|title=How to rescan your antenna TV to watch 12 News, your local NBC affiliate|date=June 2, 2021|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814025420/https://www.12news.com/article/syndication/how-to-rescan-your-antenna-tv-to-watch-12-news/75-d82d6be3-665c-4834-acf1-3ab31479da56|url-status=live}}

KPNX's signal is additionally rebroadcast over the following translators:{{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}}

{{div col|colwidth=40em}}

• Bullhead City: K08PK-D
• Camp Verde: K25MK-D
• Chloride: K25PJ-D
• Dolan Springs: K35EI-D
• Globe: K26OD-D
• Golden Valley: K21EG-D
• Kingman: K35MX-D
• Lake Havasu City: K28PO-D
• Meadview: K23DK-D
• Payson: KPSN-LD 22
• Peach Springs: K26GF-D
• Prescott: K06AE-D

{{div col end}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.12news.com/ Official website]

{{PHX TV}}

{{NBC Arizona}}

{{Tegna}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1953 establishments in Arizona

Category:Former Gannett subsidiaries

PNX

Category:NBC affiliates

Category:The Nest (TV network) affiliates

Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates

Category:Tegna Inc.

Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953

PNX

Category:True Crime Network affiliates