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Story about Klaus Landsberg

Wasn't KTLA originally assigned Channel 1?

 Their initial application for a C.P., dated 11/19/45, was for channel 4 (66-72 mcs). On 12/20/46 they were granted a C.P. for channel 5 (76-82 mcs.).

According to the FCC microfiche files, there were a number of extensions to the completion date. They were first licensed as a commercial broadcast TV station on 2/9/53 (Off. #100). However, on 1/9/47 they were granted an STA to operate experimental television station W6XYZ on a commercial basis under the rules for commercial television stations pending completion of construction under the C.P.

It was the predecessor to KNXT (KTSL) that had the C.P. for channel 1 (50-56 mcs.) and later moved to channel 2.

The first Television station licensed to Los Angeles was W6XAO, later to become KTLS, KNXT and now KCBS-TV (Channel 2). The second TV station was W6XYZ, later to become and remain KTLA (Channel 5). KTLA and KTTV (CH 11) are the only two VHF television stations to retain their original 4 letter calls.

Los Angeles is one of the few markets to have all its original VHF stations licensed for commercial operation. Channel 4 (NBC) began as KNBH then KRCA and now KNBC. Channel 7 began as KECA-TV and changed to KABC-TV. Channel 9 started as KFI-TV, then KHJ-TV and now KCAL. Finally KLAC-TV became KCOP-TV many moons ago. I guess the one thing in life we can be certain of is change.

The first UHF in Los Angeles was a station started by John Pool up on Signal Hill just north of Long Beach. It evolved into what was KPOL-TV and moved slightly to todays Channel 22. Those letters are long gone now.