KDNL-TV, a television station based in St. Louis, Missouri, has undergone significant transformations since its inception. Originally debuting as an independent station, KDNL-TV has navigated through various ownerships and network affiliations, eventually becoming an ABC affiliate. This article explores the station's journey from its early days to its current status, highlighting key milestones and changes along the way.
Early Beginnings and Independent Status
KDNL-TV first hit the airwaves
on June 8, 1969, as an independent station. It was the first station built by the Evans Broadcasting Corporation, which had plans to expand its reach by activating additional stations. In its early years, KDNL-TV's programming was dominated by syndicated reruns of former network shows and a daytime financial news program called TV 30 Financial Observer. Despite these efforts, the station struggled to compete with the established independent station in the St. Louis market, KPLR-TV, and had less than half of its audience share by July 1972.
In 1977, KDNL-TV attempted to boost its viewership by adding coverage of St. Louis Blues hockey road games, which aired through the 1980-81 season. However, the games eventually moved to KSDK, another local station. Despite these challenges, KDNL-TV continued to operate as an independent station, gradually building its audience and reputation in the St. Louis area.
Transition to Network Affiliation
A significant turning point for KDNL-TV came in 1986 when it became the first local affiliate of the Fox network. This affiliation marked a new era for the station, as it began to attract a larger audience and improve its ratings and revenue. The success of the Fox network led KDNL-TV to start a local news department in January 1995, further solidifying its presence in the market.
In 1994, a major affiliation switch was announced, and by August 7, 1995, KDNL-TV had become the new ABC affiliate in St. Louis. This transition increased the station's level of network programming from 35 to 85 hours a week, allowing it to air all ABC programming that KTVI had previously aired. The switch to ABC affiliation was a strategic move that positioned KDNL-TV as a key player in the St. Louis television market.
Challenges and Changes in Ownership
Despite the initial success of the ABC affiliation, KDNL-TV faced challenges in maintaining its news department. High turnover in news talent, a lack of full-day news service, and traditionally poor ratings for ABC programming in the market hindered the station's progress. In 1999, a legal dispute over an option to purchase KDNL-TV led to a period of neglect and signal issues.
In 2001, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the station's owner, decided to close the KDNL-TV news department, laying off all 47 staff members. Since then, the station has struggled to regain its footing, with two short-lived attempts at local news programming. Despite these challenges, KDNL-TV remains an integral part of the St. Louis television landscape, continuing to serve its audience as an ABC affiliate.
