KTAR (AM): Difference between revisions

KTAR
Phoenix, Arizona; United States;
Broadcast area	Phoenix metro area
Frequency	620 kHz
Branding	ESPN 620
Programming
Language(s)	English
Format	Sports
Affiliations	ESPN Radio
Ownership
Owner	Bonneville International; (Bonneville International Corporation);
Sister stations	KMVP-FM; KTAR-FM;
History
First air date	June 21, 1922; (102 years ago)
Former call signs	KFAD (1922–1929); KREP (1929);
Call sign meaning	Was owned by The Arizona Republican (later The Arizona Republic) from 1930 to 1944
Technical information
Licensing authority	FCC
Facility ID	52515
Class	B
Power	5,000 watts
Transmitter coordinates	33°28′44″N 112°00′06″W / 33.47889°N 112.00167°W
Repeater(s)	98.7 KMVP-HD2 (Phoenix)
Links
Public license information	Public file; LMS;
Webcast	Listen live; Listen live (via Audacy);
Website	arizonasports.com

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KTAR (620 kHz) is an AM commercial radio station licensed to Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Owned and operated by Bonneville International, it features a sports format airing programming from ESPN Radio. The studios are located in north Phoenix near Piestewa Peak, and the station broadcasts with 5,000 watts from a transmitter site near the corner of 36th Street and Thomas Road.

KTAR was established in 1922 as KFAD, owned by the McArthur brothers, and became one of just two stations in Phoenix (alongside KOY) from the early 1920s through 1940. It was purchased by The Arizona Republican (soon renamed the Arizona Republic) in 1929 and adopted its present call sign in January 1930 as part of a major overhaul. From the 1930s for several decades, KTAR was the key NBC radio affiliate in the state. Its program director, John Howard Pyle, jumped from radio to politics and served two terms as Governor of Arizona. KTAR, which added a television station (KVAR, later KTAR-TV) in 1954 and an FM radio station in 1960, grew into one of the most important broadcasters in the state. After dropping music programming in 1973 to focus on news, talk, sports, and information, it consolidated itself as the leading station of its kind in Phoenix under the ownership of Combined Communications Corporation and Pulitzer Broadcasting; Bonneville has owned KTAR since 2004.

While KTAR primarily broadcasts network programming and live sports overflow, its local programming was spun out in two stages onto the FM band. In 2006, KTAR-FM (92.3) began airing all of KTAR's news and talk programming, and the AM station adopted a full-time sports format. KPKX (98.7 FM) was flipped from music to become KMVP-FM "Arizona Sports" in January 2014, allowing the AM station to become a full-time ESPN Radio outlet and moving local sports talk programming to FM. As Bonneville holds the radio broadcast rights to most major professional and college sports in Phoenix, KTAR carries games in the event of scheduling conflicts and, in the case of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, as a simulcast with KMVP-FM.

History

Early history

Effective December 1, 1921, the United States Department of Commerce, in charge of radio at the time, adopted a regulation formally establishing a broadcasting station category, which set aside the wavelength of 360 meters (833 kHz) for entertainment broadcasts and 485 meters (619 kHz) for farm market and weather reports.^[3] On June 21, 1922, the McArthur Brothers Mercantile Company, at 134 South Central Avenue in Phoenix, was issued a license for a new station on the shared 360-meter "entertainment" wavelength.^[4] The station's call letters, KFAD, were randomly assigned from an alphabetical roster of available call signs. KFAD was the third broadcasting station licensed in the state of Arizona and, as KTAR, is the oldest surviving one.^[b] The original station was built by Arthur Anderson, who would remain with KFAD and later KTAR until his death in 1956 and along the way claimed various Arizona radio firsts.^[5]

The KFAD call letters were first printed in The Arizona Republican in November, when the station gave radio concerts at the Arizona State Fair.^[6] By April 1923, it was described as the third-largest station in the United States west of Denver,^[7] and by 1924, KFAD was broadcasting nightly programs.^[8]

In early 1925, the station was assigned to the frequency of 1000 kHz,^[9] which was changed a short time later to 1100 kHz.^[10] That same year, ownership was changed to Electrical Equipment Company (McArthur Brothers Mercantile Company),^[11] and the station was rebuilt, with two 60-foot (18 m) towers topping the Electrical Equipment Company building at 312 North Central Avenue complete with lit "KFAD" letters.^[12] In early 1928, KFAD was reassigned to 930 kHz,^[13] a change that Phoenix radio listeners found hindered their reception of KOA in Denver and KFI in Los Angeles.^[14] On November 11, 1928, as part of a nationwide reallocation under the provisions of the Federal Radio Commission's General Order 40, the station moved to 620 kHz, which has been its assignment ever since.^[15]

Arizona Republic ownership

On September 15, 1929, it was announced that the Arizona Republican newspaper^[c] and the Electrical Equipment Company had filed articles of incorporation creating the KAR Broadcasting Company,^[d] which intended to take over and upgrade KFAD.^[17] An initial report said the station's new call letters would eventually be "KAR";^[18] However, earlier that year, those call letters had been assigned to a government coastal station located in the U.S. territory of the Philippines.^[19] Ownership was transferred to the new company in November 1929, and the call sign on record briefly changed to KREP, representing the newspaper ownership.^[20]^[e] The new ownership also began the process of rebuilding the station to operate with 1,000 watts during the day from the Heard Building, where the Republican was located. Instead of KREP, the new owners received permission to change the call sign to KTAR,^[21] which it began using on January 1, 1930, in advance of the new facilities being activated on February 4.^[22]

June 1930 brought about another milestone in Arizona radio history, as KTAR joined NBC on June 8 with the presentation of a multiple-hour national program, Arizona on NBC Parade.^[23]^[24] In the early 1930s, KTAR collaborated with Phoenix Union High School and the Phoenix Adult School to present the KTAR School of the Air. An article in Broadcasting magazine recognized the program's success after two years' operation, noting that, in 1932, students "were scattered in 61 Arizona cities and towns and in California, New Mexico, Utah and other adjacent areas in the southwest ... [including] many of the disabled World War veterans quartered in the veterans' hospitals at Prescott and Tucson."^[25] By 1933, KTAR was on the main Red and Blue networks from the east and NBC's west coast Orange network, giving it access to the vast majority of NBC programs.^[26]

After being lured over to radio from the Republican ad sales department, John Howard Pyle became KTAR's program director in 1930.^[27] Five years later, for the first time, KTAR fed an Easter sunrise service from the Grand Canyon to the NBC network.^[28] The Easter sunrise service, narrated and written by Pyle, became an annual tradition for KTAR and NBC, presented for 25 years to a national and international audience.^[27]

In the late 1930s, KTAR began to look outside Phoenix in its quest to grow as a statewide broadcasting force. KTAR agreed to acquire Tucson station KVOA in 1937,^[29] and once the deal closed in early 1939, that station joined NBC, giving rise to a statewide network under the auspices of the Arizona Broadcasting Company (ABC).^[30] KVOA was joined later that year by KWJB in Globe, KCRJ in Jerome, and KUMA in Yuma.^[31] The latter was replaced by the newly built KYUM in 1940 after KUMA lost its broadcast license.^[32] The network became the Arizona Broadcasting System at the end of 1945; the change came as the new American Broadcasting Company sought to claim the ABC acronym for itself and settled with other groups using the ABC acronym.^[33]^[34]

KTAR filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1939 to relocate its transmitter to a site at 36th Street and Thomas Road and increase power to 5,000 watts.^[36] Broadcasting began officially from the new site in February 1941, having been testing the increased power since the start of the year.^[37] Studios remained in the Heard Building.^[38]

John J. Louis ownership

In 1941, the Federal Communications Commission began an investigation as to whether newspaper cross-ownership of radio stations within the same community should be restricted.^[39] In 1944, the Republic, sensing a possible ban on cross-ownership of newspapers and radio stations, sold its 77 percent majority stake in the KTAR Broadcasting Company for $375,000 to John J. Louis Sr., of Chicago advertising agency Needham, Louis, and Brorby; Louis had been wintering in Phoenix for seven years.^[40] In addition to KTAR, the deal gave Louis ownership stakes in KVOA, KYUM, and KYCA in Prescott.^[41] That year, the Blue Network, having been split from NBC, affiliated with KPHO (1230 AM), which had gone on the air in 1940 as the first new radio station in Phoenix since the early 1920s.^[42]

In 1945, KTAR sent Pyle as a war correspondent to the Pacific theater of World War II to report on Arizona servicemen fighting in Asia.^[43] Pyle's deployment proved timely, as he witnessed some of the key moments in the final months of fighting in Japan, seeing the surrender of Tomoyuki Yamashita firsthand. He also was aboard one of the first planes in the invasion of Japan and the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered.^[44] By the time Pyle successfully ran for Governor of Arizona in 1950, according to one columnist for The Republic, "his name and his voice were as familiar in Arizona homes as the family radio", and he was the vice president of the KTAR Broadcasting Company.^[45]

After purchasing a parcel of land further north on Central Avenue, at Portland Street, ground was broken in June 1952 for a new, $500,000 studio complex.^[46] One wing of this building, completed the next year, was left empty and designated for future use by a television station.^[47]^[48]

Expansion into television

After World War II, KTAR began planning for an eventual expansion into television. As early as 1945, it had negotiated with the city of Phoenix parks board to obtain access to South Mountain, a prime location for a television transmitter facility.^[49] The KTAR Broadcasting Company applied for one of Phoenix's VHF television channels in 1948, proposing to build atop the Heard Building.^[50] Its application would have to await the end of the FCC's four-year freeze on new TV stations to be authorized. When the freeze was lifted in 1952, KTAR declared it would be on the air within three months of a construction permit grant, with the new studio complex about to start construction and having already contracted for equipment to furnish it.^[51]^[46]

What KTAR did not anticipate was a comparative hearing for channel 3, the last VHF channel to be awarded in Phoenix, in which it was pitted against a group backed by a political heavyweight: former United States senator Ernest McFarland, a lead stockholder in the Arizona Television Company.^[52] In February 1954, hearings were held on the channel 3 assignment.^[53]

The channel 3 contest ended in April 1954, when KTAR announced it would buy KTYL-TV (channel 12) in Mesa for $250,000, a decision that cleared the way for the Arizona Television Company to build KTVK.^[54]^[55] In announcing the purchase, Louis explained that he wanted a television counterpart to KTAR without going through hearings.^[54] When the sale closed in July 1954, KTYL-TV became KVAR; immediately, KTAR-purchased equipment was added to the studios,^[56] which were then moved to Phoenix in 1956 over KTVK's objection.^[57] The KTAR-TV call letters were not available to channel 12 because it was licensed to a different city from the radio station. After a change in FCC regulations, channel 12 became KTAR-TV in 1961. Louis built KVOA a television sister, KVOA-TV, in 1953. He then sold the two Tucson stations to Clinton D. McKinnon in 1955.^[58]

In the late 1950s, KTAR sold much of the land surrounding the tower site to be used to develop a new suburban shopping center, known as Tower Plaza and designed by local architect Ralph Haver.^[59] John J. Louis died at the age of 53 while at a business event in Palm Springs, California, on February 19, 1959.^[60]

Combined with Eller

In December 1967, the KTAR Broadcasting Company announced it would merge with Eller Outdoor Advertising, controlled by Karl Eller, to form Combined Communications Corporation, with John J. Louis Jr. as chairman and Eller as president.^[61] The deal was approved by the FCC in October 1968.^[62] Bill Heywood moved over from KUPD (1060 AM) to be part of the station's morning show, marking the first of four separate stints with KTAR.^[63]^[64]

The Combined Communications era would lay the groundwork for the station's shift from music and entertainment to news and sports. When the Phoenix Suns of the NBA began—with Eller as a founding investor—KTAR radio and television were the team's first local broadcast partners.^[65] Four years later, KTAR hired Al McCoy, already a Phoenix market veteran having worked for several local radio and television stations, to announce the Suns games.^[66]

On September 17, 1973, KTAR shed its remaining middle of the road music programming, from a format adopted four years earlier,^[67] to take on an all-news radio format under the guidance of news director Roger Downey, who would become an anchor at KPHO-TV.^[68] The original format featured network newscasts from NBC and ABC, as well as the Suns, Arizona State Sun Devils sports, and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball.^[69]

Pulitzer ownership

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;^[70] 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, whose newspaper division owned the morning Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, in 1979 for KSD radio in St. Louis and $2 million.^[71] KTAR-TV then changed its call sign to KPNX on June 4, 1979, since the radio properties had held the KTAR call letters first; at the time, broadcast stations with different owners could not share the same call letters.^[72]

Meanwhile, radio personalities who would become staples of KTAR for years or decades were added to the lineup. Preston Westmoreland joined from KXIV in 1978,^[73] and he was joined four years later by Pat McMahon, already a veteran radio and television personality in Phoenix.^[74] KTAR's sports programming was revamped in 1981; sportscaster Lee Hamilton moved from Ohio to host the 620 Sportsline program^[75] until 1987, when he left after becoming the radio voice of the San Diego Chargers after leading the show to high ratings.^[76] His replacement was Greg Schulte, who had worked at KTAR in the 1970s, was fired in a round of cuts in 1980,^[77] and returned in 1982.^[78]

KTAR's 1988 coverage of the impeachment of Evan Mecham won the station its only George Foster Peabody Award.^[79] That same year, it became the first radio home of the newly relocated Phoenix Cardinals; the color announcer, Tom Dillon,^[80] was also the voice of the Sun Devils on KTAR and other stations from 1973 to 1997.^[64] (The Cardinals departed after the 1993 season for KESZ, which was co-owned with KTVK, then the team's TV partner.^[81]) In 1991, a traffic helicopter contracted by the station crashed, killing the pilot.^[82]

Pulitzer added a second Phoenix AM station to its portfolio in 1996, when it acquired KVVA (860 AM) at bankruptcy auction.^[83] It became sports talk outlet KMVP, but ratings were poor, as was the facility's nighttime signal.^[84] The new sports station also took on some of KTAR's heavy sports rights load, with ASU moving after 13 years on 620 to the new 860.^[85] KTAR was also a charter investor in the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks,^[86] whose games aired on KTAR (except for several on the new KMVP^[87]) and were announced by Schulte.^[88]

Three sales in five years

In February 1998, Pulitzer put its broadcasting division on the market; this included its nine television stations, Phoenix radio properties, and the firm's only other radio stations, AM outlets in Kentucky and North Carolina.^[89] Hearst-Argyle Television, the broadcasting division of the Hearst Corporation, agreed to acquire Pulitzer Broadcasting for $1.15 billion that May,^[90] with the deal being consummated in March 1999.^[91]

Hearst-Argyle's short ownership of KTAR, KMVP, and KKLT was consistently marked by speculation that a sale was imminent, given the corporation's heavy concentration on local television stations. In 2000, it entered into an agreement with Emmis Communications by which Emmis would trade a television station within three years to Hearst-Argyle or pay $160 million in cash while taking immediate programming control of the stations.^[92] Emmis also added KKFR (92.3 FM), which was sold as a result of the merger of Clear Channel Communications and AMFM.^[93] In 2004, Emmis then traded three of the Phoenix stations (KTAR, KMVP, and KKLT) to Bonneville International in exchange for WLUP-FM in Chicago—allowing the company to realize a longtime goal of having two stations in that city^[94]—and $70 million.^[95] The next year, Bonneville reacquired the Cardinals radio rights, returning them to KTAR after an 11-season absence.^[96]

News and sports split

When Bonneville announced in May 2006 that it would purchase KKFR from Emmis for $77.5 million, it also announced its intention to move KTAR's news-talk programming to the FM band.^[97] The second frequency set in motion a plan to split KTAR into two stations, a news/talk station on FM and a sports talk outlet on AM, with the latter serving as an effective replacement for KMVP.^[98] KTAR began simulcasting on AM and FM on September 18, 2006,^[99] and on January 1, 2007, the AM station became "Sports 620 KTAR", taking on KTAR's sports rights to the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Suns, and ASU.^[98] KTAR-FM was used for sports overflow and to simulcast the Cardinals, which aired on AM and FM.^[100]

KTAR's sports talk lineup largely mixed ESPN Radio programming and local shows, with personalities including Ron Wolfley, Doug Franz, and John Gambadoro.^[101] By 2014, KTAR held the rights to all four major professional teams in Phoenix—the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Suns, and Coyotes—as well as ASU.^[102] In the case of the Coyotes, who have departed from KTAR on several occasions to find another partner, their doing so has been cited for reducing coverage of the NHL team in the local sports media.^[103]

Second sports split

After decades of airing a musical format on 98.7 FM, Bonneville ceased airing its "The Peak" adult hits format and flipped that station to sports on January 6, 2014, initially simulcasting 620 AM.^[104] Local sports talk then moved exclusively to FM on September 15. KTAR became mostly a pass-through for national ESPN Radio programming.^[105] However, it also airs Suns, Diamondbacks and Sun Devils games in the event KMVP has a conflict and simulcasts Cardinals games with KMVP.

Notes

^ Not used on air, but registered with the then-Federal Radio Commission.
^ The first two licensed Arizona broadcasting stations were KDYW, to Smith Hughes & Company in Phoenix (May 15, 1922, to April 4, 1924), and KDZA, owned by the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson (May 18, 1922, to April 12, 1923). KFYI, the former KOY at 550, can also claim a May 1922 heritage and was reported to have performed the "first broadcasting tests in the Salt River Valley" in May 1922, but it was not licensed until later that year.
^ The Republican became The Republic on November 11, 1930.^[16]
^ Name modified in early 1930 to the KTAR Broadcasting Company
^ This call sign was never used on air and indeed is not mentioned in news reports about the change to KTAR.

References

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^ "John J. Louis, 63, Dies Following Hemorrhage". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. February 20, 1959. p. 1, 2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Eller Advertising Merges With KTAR Broadcasting". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. December 27, 1967. p. 55. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Ad agency, broadcast merger OKd". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 18, 1968. p. 2-B. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Wilmot, Vic (April 25, 1969). "Vic Wilmot". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 63. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b "Here are the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Famers from the KTAR family". KTAR. June 21, 2022. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
^ "KTAR-TV to telecast Phoenix Suns tilt". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 30, 1968. p. 35. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "McCoy joins KTAR staff". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. June 22, 1972. p. 87. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "KTAR radio announces format change". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 26, 1969. p. 85. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Wilkinson, Bud (August 19, 1983). "KPHO-TV anchor/reporter promoted to co-anchor". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D12. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "All-news format at KTAR Radio". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. September 17, 1973. p. 24. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Cole, Joe (May 9, 1978). "Combined Communications and Gannett Co. to merge". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 1. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "In Brief" (PDF). Broadcasting. October 2, 1978. p. 30. ProQuest 1014694488. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
^ Price, Hardy (May 31, 1979). "KPNX-TV was not an EZ PIK". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. B-10. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Helen Humes' secret is out". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 20, 1978. p. D-5, D-6. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Cordova, Randy (October 29, 2006). "Renaissance McMahon: From TV's 'Gerald' to radio talk, Valley icon has stayed tuned to the times". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. E1, E5. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "New host announced for '620 Sportsline'". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. May 29, 1981. p. E10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Wilkinson, Bud (July 28, 1987). "Lee Hamilton quits KTAR sports-talk job". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. C7. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Wilkinson, Bud (September 8, 1980). "KTAR and KBBC clean house, give 7 staffers walking papers". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. B-10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Wilkinson, Bud (September 29, 1982). "Chauncey to reacquire AM radio station KARZ". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. E11. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "KTAR honored for impeachment reports: Wall-to-wall coverage earns Peabody Award". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 15, 1989. p. E5. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "KTAR gets Cards' games". Tucson Citizen. Tucson, Arizona. Associated Press. June 1, 1988. p. 4B. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Cohn, Bob (July 28, 1994). "Cardinals win over media flock". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "KTAR/Phoenix Pilot Dies In Helicopter Crash" (PDF). Radio & Records. July 12, 1991. p. 5. ProQuest 1017246609. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via World Radio History.
^ Van Dyke, Charlie (December 14, 1996). "Radio Viva! drops AM to focus on FM". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D9. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Task of strengthening KTAR's family falls to Pulitzer's new GM". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 19, 1997. p. D9. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Tyers, Tim (February 4, 1997). "KMVP inherits rights to ASU". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D1, D3. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Miller, Eric (March 8, 1995). "BofA, KTAR also added to ownership group: Billy Crystal joins Phoenix baseball fold". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. A1, A16. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Gintonio, Jim (February 15, 1998). "Looks mean everything to PGA Tour, Venturi". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. C2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ McManaman, Bob (April 19, 2017). "Mr. 3,000: Greg Schulte reaches magical milestone with Diamondbacks". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
^ Jarman, Max (February 28, 1998). "KTAR, K-Lite may be for sale". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. E1, E9. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Clancy, Michael (May 27, 1998). "Phoenix radio stations part of $1.15 billion sale". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. E1, E3. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Clancy, Michael (March 6, 1999). "KTVK, KPNX lead newscast ratings". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D4. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Jarman, Max (June 6, 2000). "3 radio stations to be sold". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D1, D3. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Emmis adds hip-hop to holdings". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. June 17, 2000. p. E4. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Hernandez, Ruben (October 4, 2004). "KTAR, sister stations to change hands". Phoenix Business Journal. Archived from the original on February 16, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
^ Cordova, Randy (October 5, 2004). "Utah firm acquiring KTAR in radio deal". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D1, D3. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Somers, Kent (April 23, 2005). "KTAR lands broadcast deal". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. C8. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Arthur, Diane (May 8, 2006). "KTAR gains AM-FM simulcast as Bonneville buys station". Phoenix Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Cordova, Randy (August 25, 2006). "KTAR to become 2 stations: Split of news-talk and sports formats set for next year". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D1, D2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Arthur, Diane (July 12, 2006). "KTAR plans September launch of AM-FM simulcast". Phoenix Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
^ Somers, Kent (June 26, 2007). "Team renews broadcasting deal with KTAR for 3 years". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. C6. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Sunnucks, Mike (July 22, 2011). "KTAR changing up sports-talk lineup". Phoenix Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
^ "ESPN Phoenix to debut this fall on 620 AM". arizonasports.com (Press release). July 10, 2014. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
^ Sunnucks, Mike (September 16, 2009). "Coyotes fans blame Phoenix media for lack of support". Phoenix Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 21, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
^ Venta, Lance (January 6, 2014). "Phoenix's Peak Flips To Sports". RadioInsight. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
^ Venta, Lance (July 10, 2014). "Bonneville To Launch ESPN Phoenix In September". RadioInsight. Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2022.

External links

Official website
Facility details for Facility ID 52515 (KTAR) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
KTAR in Nielsen Audio's AM station database
FCC History Cards for KTAR (covering 1927-1980 as KFAD / KREP / KTAR)

[1] Not used on air, but registered with the then-Federal Radio Commission.

[6] The first two licensed Arizona broadcasting stations were KDYW, to Smith Hughes & Company in Phoenix (May 15, 1922, to April 4, 1924), and KDZA, owned by the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson (May 18, 1922, to April 12, 1923). KFYI, the former KOY at 550, can also claim a May 1922 heritage and was reported to have performed the "first broadcasting tests in the Salt River Valley" in May 1922, but it was not licensed until later that year.

[19] The Republican became The Republic on November 11, 1930.^[16]

[20] Name modified in early 1930 to the KTAR Broadcasting Company

[25] This call sign was never used on air and indeed is not mentioned in news reports about the change to KTAR.

[2] "Facility Technical Data for KTAR". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.

[Ariz291229a-3] "On the Air—January 1st, 1930: KTAR (Formerly KFAD)". The Arizona Republican. December 29, 1929. p. 3:11. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[4] "Amendments to Regulations". Radio Service Bulletin. January 3, 1922. p. 10. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[5] "New Stations". Radio Service Bulletin. July 1, 1922. p. 3. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[Ariz560426-7] "State Radio Pioneer: Arthur Anderson, 54, Dies Of Heart Attack". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 26, 1956. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz221103-8] "Radio Concert At State Fair Today". Arizona Republican. Phoenix, Arizona. November 3, 1922. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz230415-9] Dummel, Ernest (April 15, 1923). "Radio Is Shown To Be Important Agency For Distribution Of News". Arizona Republican. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 13. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz240729-10] "McArthur Station Closes in August For Overhauling". Arizona Republican. Phoenix, Arizona. July 29, 1924. p. 12. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[11] "Alterations and corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. March 2, 1925. p. 7. Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[12] "Alterations and corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. May 1, 1925. p. 8. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[13] "Alterations and corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. October 1, 1925. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[Ariz250827-14] "Powerful Radio Broadcasting Station In Phoenix Nearing Completion". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. August 27, 1925. p. 6. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[15] "Alterations and corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. March 31, 1928. p. 7. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[Ariz280417-16] "Radio Fans Of City Ask Change In Frequency Of Local Broadcast Station". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 17, 1928. p. 6. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[17] "Revised list of broadcasting stations, by frequencies, effective 3 a. m., November 11, 1928, eastern standard time". Second Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission for the Year Ended June 30, 1928, Together With Supplemental Report for the Period From July 1, 1928 to September 30, 1928. p. 201. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[Ariz301111-18] Stauffer, Charles A. (November 11, 1930). "New Name Now Emphasizes This Newspaper's Advancement". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz290915-21] "Phoenix Gets 1000 Watt Radio: Plant One Of Best In Southwest". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. September 15, 1929. p. 1, 2. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[22] "New Powerful Station For Phoenix" (PDF). Western Music and Radio Trades Journal. October 1929. p. 40. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 11, 2021.

[23] "List of Philippine stations assigned new call signals". Radio Service Bulletin. January 31, 1929. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022.

[24] "Alterations and corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. November 30, 1929. p. 9. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[26] "Alterations and corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. December 31, 1929. p. 8. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.

[Ariz291229-27] "Phoenix To Have New Radio Station Shortly After First Of Year". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. December 29, 1929. p. 22. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz300602-28] "KTAR Brings NBC To Arizona: Phoenix Station In Network". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. June 2, 1930. p. 1, 2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz300609-29] "Nation Listens To KTAR Join NBC: Arizona Greeting Fills Air". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. June 9, 1930. p. 1, 8. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[30] "Radio Education That Has Succeeded". Broadcasting. August 15, 1932. p. 15.

[Ariz331119-31] "KTAR In Phoenix Takes Place As Leader In Radio Stations". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. November 19, 1933. p. 3:5. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz680204-32] Cook, James E. (February 4, 1968). "Former governor leads 'an organized attack on accidents'". Arizona. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 6, 7, 8, 10, 12. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz350414-33] "U. S. To 'See' Canyon Sunrise: Easter Morn Broadcast Set By KTAR-NBC". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 14, 1935. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz370923-34] "State Syndicate Buys KVOA, May Bring NBC Network Here". Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. September 23, 1937. p. 1, 4. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz390203-35] "Tucson's KVOA To Join NBC: State Broadcast Service To Be Expanded". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. February 3, 1939. p. 21. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz390709-36] "Globe, Jerome, Yuma Stations Join Network". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. July 9, 1939. p. 2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz400308-37] "Yuma Radio Station Formally Is Opened". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. March 8, 1940. p. 3. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Dail451217-38] "Gotham Gazette". Daily News. December 17, 1945. p. 30. Archived from the original on October 31, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[39] "American Broadcasting Co. Is 'ABC'; Associated Changes Name—Now 'ABS'" (PDF). Broadcasting. December 17, 1945. p. 78. ProQuest 1505550398. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 31, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022 – via World Radio History.

[40] "KTAR, Now in Its 21st Year of Continuous Service to Growing Arizona" (PDF). Broadcasting. August 17, 1942. p. 45. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2022.

[hc-41] FCC History Cards for KTAR

[Ariz410221-42] "KTAR Formally Will Dedicate 5,000-Watt Transmitter Tonight: Many Salutes To Mark Big Power Gain". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. February 21, 1941. p. 2:2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[43] "New 5 KW. Transmitter Is Dedicated by KTAR". Broadcasting. March 3, 1941. p. 24.

[44] "FCC Starts Newspaper Ownership Drive". Broadcasting. March 24, 1941. p. 7.

[Ariz440213-45] "Publishing Firm Sells Broadcast Interests In State". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. February 13, 1944. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Tucs440719-46] "Publishers Sell KTAR, Phoenix Radio Station". Tucson Daily Citizen. Tucson, Arizona. Associated Press. July 19, 1944. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Casa440818-47] "KPHO Is Now Part Of The Blue Network: Phoenix Radio Puts Popular Programs On New Schedule". Casa Grande Dispatch. Casa Grande, Arizona. August 18, 1944. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz450603-48] "J. Howard Pyle Due To Leave For Pacific". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. June 3, 1945. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz450914-49] "Pacific 'Hitch-Hike' Tour Ended By Pyle". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. September 14, 1945. p. 10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz540829-50] Avery, Ben (August 29, 1954). "Pyle--Sentimentalist But Doer". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 11. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz520615-51] Fuller, Henry (June 15, 1952). "KTAR Marks 30th Anniversary As New Station Project Begins". The Arizona Republic. p. II:6. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.

[Ariz530312-52] "Building Is Readied". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. March 12, 1953. p. 2. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz530308-53] "New Home Readied For KTAR". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. March 8, 1953. p. 4:10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[parks-54] Beaty, Orren (April 1, 1953). "South Mountain TV Site Granted Mesa Station: KTYL Gets City Parks Board Okay". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 1. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz480410-55] "Phoenix Television Station Is Requested". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 10, 1948. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[56] "2 New Stations Planned As U.S. Ends TV Freeze". The Arizona Republic. April 14, 1952. pp. 1, 2. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.

[57] "McFarland Joins in TV Station". Arizona Republic. May 31, 1953. p. 3. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[58] "TV Hearings Open Tomorrow". The Arizona Republic. February 25, 1954. p. 35. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[announced-59] "Purchase Of KTYL-TV By KTAR Announced". The Arizona Republic. April 30, 1954. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[60] "KTYL-TV Tag $250,000". The Arizona Republic. May 5, 1954. p. 22. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[61] "Mesa TV Station Control Changes". The Arizona Daily Star. July 1, 1954. p. 7A. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.

[62] "FCC Affirms KVAR (TV) Grant For Move of Its Main Studio" (PDF). Broadcasting. July 29, 1957. p. 64. ProQuest 1285748000. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.

[Ariz550524-63] "Approval Is Asked For KVOA's Sale For $515,000". Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. Associated Press. May 24, 1955. p. 15. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz581030-64] "Shop Center Work Starts Tomorrow". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 30, 1958. p. 17. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz590220-65] "John J. Louis, 63, Dies Following Hemorrhage". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. February 20, 1959. p. 1, 2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz671227-66] "Eller Advertising Merges With KTAR Broadcasting". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. December 27, 1967. p. 55. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[67] "Ad agency, broadcast merger OKd". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 18, 1968. p. 2-B. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz690425-68] Wilmot, Vic (April 25, 1969). "Vic Wilmot". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 63. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[hof-69] "Here are the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Famers from the KTAR family". KTAR. June 21, 2022. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.

[Ariz681030-70] "KTAR-TV to telecast Phoenix Suns tilt". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 30, 1968. p. 35. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz720622-71] "McCoy joins KTAR staff". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. June 22, 1972. p. 87. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz690426-72] "KTAR radio announces format change". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 26, 1969. p. 85. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz830819-73] Wilkinson, Bud (August 19, 1983). "KPHO-TV anchor/reporter promoted to co-anchor". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D12. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz730917-74] "All-news format at KTAR Radio". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. September 17, 1973. p. 24. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[75] Cole, Joe (May 9, 1978). "Combined Communications and Gannett Co. to merge". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. 1. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[76] "In Brief" (PDF). Broadcasting. October 2, 1978. p. 30. ProQuest 1014694488. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.

[77] Price, Hardy (May 31, 1979). "KPNX-TV was not an EZ PIK". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. B-10. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz781020-78] "Helen Humes' secret is out". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. October 20, 1978. p. D-5, D-6. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz061029-79] Cordova, Randy (October 29, 2006). "Renaissance McMahon: From TV's 'Gerald' to radio talk, Valley icon has stayed tuned to the times". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. E1, E5. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz810529-80] "New host announced for '620 Sportsline'". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. May 29, 1981. p. E10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz870728-81] Wilkinson, Bud (July 28, 1987). "Lee Hamilton quits KTAR sports-talk job". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. C7. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz800908-82] Wilkinson, Bud (September 8, 1980). "KTAR and KBBC clean house, give 7 staffers walking papers". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. B-10. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz820929-83] Wilkinson, Bud (September 29, 1982). "Chauncey to reacquire AM radio station KARZ". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. E11. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz890415-84] "KTAR honored for impeachment reports: Wall-to-wall coverage earns Peabody Award". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. April 15, 1989. p. E5. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Tucs880601-85] "KTAR gets Cards' games". Tucson Citizen. Tucson, Arizona. Associated Press. June 1, 1988. p. 4B. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[Ariz940728-86] Cohn, Bob (July 28, 1994). "Cardinals win over media flock". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. p. D2. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

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@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 | logo                = <!--KTAR ESPNPhoenix620 logo.jpg-->
 | logo_size           = 150px
-| city                = [[Phoenix, Arizona]] | country = US
+| city                = [[Phoenix, Arizona]]
+| country             = US
-| area                = [[Phoenix metropolitan area]]
+| area                = [[Phoenix metropolitan area|Phoenix metro area]]
 | branding            = ESPN 620
 | frequency           = {{frequency|620|[[Hertz#SI_multiples|kHz]]}}
-| airdate             = {{start date|1922|6|21}} (as KFAD)
+| repeater            = {{Radio Relay|98.7|[[KMVP-FM|KMVP-HD2]]|Phoenix}}
+| airdate             = {{start date and age|1922|6|21|p=y|br=yes}}
 | language            = [[American English|English]]
 | format              = [[Sports radio|Sports]]
@@ Line 20: / Line 22: @@
 | former_callsigns    = {{ubl|KFAD (1922–1929)|KREP (1929){{efn|Not used on air, but registered with the then-[[Federal Radio Commission]].}}}}
 | affiliations        = [[ESPN Radio]]
-| owner               = [[Bonneville International]] Corporation
+| owner               = [[Bonneville International]]
+| licensee            = Bonneville International Corporation
 | sister_stations     = {{hlist|[[KMVP-FM]]|[[KTAR-FM]]}}
-| webcast             = {{listenlive|https://tuner.bonneville.com/?KTAR-AM}}<br>{{Audacy.com|espn620phoenix}}
+| webcast             = {{ubl|{{listenlive|https://tuner.bonneville.com/?KTAR-AM}}|{{Audacy.com|espn620phoenix}}}}
 | website             = {{url|https://arizonasports.com}}
 }}
-'''KTAR''' (620 [[AM broadcasting|AM]]) is a [[radio station]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]], United States. Owned and operated by [[Bonneville International]], it currently is a sports radio station airing network programming from [[ESPN Radio]]. The studios are located in north Phoenix near [[Piestewa Peak]], and the station broadcasts with 5,000 watts from a transmitter site near the corner of 36th Street and Thomas Road.
+'''KTAR''' (620 [[Hertz|kHz]]) is an [[AM radio|AM]] commercial [[Radio broadcasting|radio station]] licensed to [[Phoenix, Arizona]], United States. Owned and operated by [[Bonneville International]], it features a [[Sports radio|sports]] format airing programming from [[ESPN Radio]]. The studios are located in north Phoenix near [[Piestewa Peak]], and the station broadcasts with 5,000 watts from a transmitter site near the corner of 36th Street and Thomas Road.
 KTAR was established in 1922 as KFAD, owned by the McArthur brothers, and became one of just two stations in Phoenix (alongside [[KFYI|KOY]]) from the early 1920s through 1940. It was purchased by ''[[The Arizona Republic|The Arizona Republican]]'' (soon renamed the ''Arizona Republic'') in 1929 and adopted its present call sign in January 1930 as part of a major overhaul. From the 1930s for several decades, KTAR was the key [[NBC]] radio affiliate in the state. Its program director, [[John Howard Pyle]], jumped from radio to politics and served two terms as [[Governor of Arizona]]. KTAR, which added a television station (KVAR, later [[KPNX|KTAR-TV]]) in 1954 and an FM radio station in 1960, grew into one of the most important broadcasters in the state. After dropping music programming in 1973 to focus on news, talk, sports, and information, it consolidated itself as the leading station of its kind in Phoenix under the ownership of Combined Communications Corporation and [[Pulitzer, Inc.|Pulitzer Broadcasting]]; Bonneville has owned KTAR since 2004.
-While KTAR today primarily broadcasts network programming and live sports overflow, its local programming was spun out in two stages onto the FM band. In 2006, [[KTAR-FM]] 92.3 began airing all of KTAR's news and talk programming, and the AM station adopted a full-time sports format. KPKX (98.7 FM) was flipped from music to become [[KMVP-FM]] "Arizona Sports" in January 2014, allowing the AM station to become a full-time ESPN Radio outlet and moving local sports talk programming to FM. As Bonneville holds the radio broadcast rights to most major professional and college sports in Phoenix, KTAR carries games in the event of scheduling conflicts and, in the case of the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s [[Arizona Cardinals]], as a simulcast with KMVP-FM.
+While KTAR primarily broadcasts network programming and live sports overflow, its local programming was spun out in two stages onto the FM band. In 2006, [[KTAR-FM]] (92.3) began airing all of KTAR's news and talk programming, and the AM station adopted a full-time sports format. KPKX (98.7 FM) was flipped from music to become [[KMVP-FM]] "Arizona Sports" in January 2014, allowing the AM station to become a full-time ESPN Radio outlet and moving local sports talk programming to FM. As Bonneville holds the radio broadcast rights to most major professional and college sports in Phoenix, KTAR carries games in the event of scheduling conflicts and, in the case of the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s [[Arizona Cardinals]], as a simulcast with KMVP-FM.
 ==History==
@@ Line 42: / Line 45: @@
 ===''Arizona Republic'' ownership===
-On September 15, 1929, it was announced that the ''[[The Arizona Republic|Arizona Republican]]'' newspaper{{efn|''The Republican'' became ''The Republic'' on November 11, 1930.<ref name="Ariz301111">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888000/new-name-now-emphasizes-this-newspapers/|date=November 11, 1930|page=1|first=Charles A.|last=Stauffer|title=New Name Now Emphasizes This Newspaper's Advancement|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063401/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888000/new-name-now-emphasizes-this/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->}} and the Electrical Equipment Company had filed articles of incorporation creating the KAR Broadcasting Company,{{efn|Name modified in early 1930 to the KTAR Broadcasting Company}} which intended to take over and upgrade KFAD.<ref name="Ariz290915">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105810850/phoenix-gets-1000-watt-radio-plant-one/|date=September 15, 1929|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90910134/ 2]|title=Phoenix Gets 1000 Watt Radio: Plant One Of Best In Southwest|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719060755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105810850/phoenix-gets-1000-watt-radio-plant-one/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Ownership was transferred to the new company in November 1929, and the call sign on record briefly changed to KREP, representing the newspaper ownership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=147|title=Alterations and corrections|work=Radio Service Bulletin|date=November 30, 1929|page=9|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513125125/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=147|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|This call sign was never used on air and indeed is not mentioned in news reports about the change to KTAR.}} The new ownership also began the process of rebuilding the station to operate with 1,000 watts during the day from the [[Heard Building]], where the ''Republican'' was located. Instead of KREP, the new owners received permission to change the call sign to KTAR,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=166|title=Alterations and corrections|work=Radio Service Bulletin|date=December 31, 1929|page=8|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513155158/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=166|url-status=live}}</ref> which it began using on January 1, 1930, in advance of the new facilities being activated on February 4.<ref name="Ariz291229">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105811047/phoenix-to-have-new-radio-station/|date=December 29, 1929|page=22|title=Phoenix To Have New Radio Station Shortly After First Of Year|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719143355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105811047/phoenix-to-have-new-radio-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
+On September 15, 1929, it was announced that the ''[[The Arizona Republic|Arizona Republican]]'' newspaper{{efn|''The Republican'' became ''The Republic'' on November 11, 1930.<ref name="Ariz301111">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888000/new-name-now-emphasizes-this-newspapers/|date=November 11, 1930|page=1|first=Charles A.|last=Stauffer|title=New Name Now Emphasizes This Newspaper's Advancement|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063401/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888000/new-name-now-emphasizes-this/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->}} and the Electrical Equipment Company had filed articles of incorporation creating the KAR Broadcasting Company,{{efn|Name modified in early 1930 to the KTAR Broadcasting Company}} which intended to take over and upgrade KFAD.<ref name="Ariz290915">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105810850/phoenix-gets-1000-watt-radio-plant-one/|date=September 15, 1929|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90910134/ 2]|title=Phoenix Gets 1000 Watt Radio: Plant One Of Best In Southwest|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719060755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105810850/phoenix-gets-1000-watt-radio-plant-one/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> An initial report said the station's new call letters would eventually be "KAR";<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Western-Music-Radio/Western-Music-And-Radio-Trades-1929-10.pdf#page=40|title=New Powerful Station For Phoenix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011204510/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Western-Music-Radio/Western-Music-And-Radio-Trades-1929-10.pdf#page=40 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |work=Western Music and Radio Trades Journal|date=October 1929| page=40}}</ref> However, earlier that year, those call letters had been assigned to a government coastal station located in the U.S. territory of the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938382&view=1up&seq=320|title=List of Philippine stations assigned new call signals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513125116/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938382&view=1up&seq=320 |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |work=Radio Service Bulletin|date=January 31, 1929|page=10}}</ref> Ownership was transferred to the new company in November 1929, and the call sign on record briefly changed to KREP, representing the newspaper ownership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=147|title=Alterations and corrections|work=Radio Service Bulletin|date=November 30, 1929|page=9|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513125125/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=147|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|This call sign was never used on air and indeed is not mentioned in news reports about the change to KTAR.}} The new ownership also began the process of rebuilding the station to operate with 1,000 watts during the day from the [[Heard Building]], where the ''Republican'' was located. Instead of KREP, the new owners received permission to change the call sign to KTAR,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=166|title=Alterations and corrections|work=Radio Service Bulletin|date=December 31, 1929|page=8|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513155158/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066938374&view=1up&seq=166|url-status=live}}</ref> which it began using on January 1, 1930, in advance of the new facilities being activated on February 4.<ref name="Ariz291229">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105811047/phoenix-to-have-new-radio-station/|date=December 29, 1929|page=22|title=Phoenix To Have New Radio Station Shortly After First Of Year|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719143355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105811047/phoenix-to-have-new-radio-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
 June 1930 brought about another milestone in Arizona radio history, as KTAR joined NBC on June 8 with the presentation of a multiple-hour national program, ''Arizona on NBC Parade''.<ref name="Ariz300602">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105887660/ktar-brings-nbc-to-arizona-phoenix-stat/|date=June 2, 1930|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105887715/ 2]|title=KTAR Brings NBC To Arizona: Phoenix Station In Network|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105887660/ktar-brings-nbc-to-arizona-phoenix/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref name="Ariz300609">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105887674/nation-listens-to-ktar-join-nbc-arizona/|date=June 9, 1930|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105887799/ 8]|title=Nation Listens To KTAR Join NBC: Arizona Greeting Fills Air|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063401/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105887674/nation-listens-to-ktar-join-nbc/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> In the early 1930s, KTAR collaborated with [[Phoenix Union High School]] and the Phoenix Adult School to present the KTAR School of the Air. An article in ''Broadcasting'' magazine recognized the program's success after two years' operation, noting that, in 1932, students "were scattered in 61 Arizona cities and towns and in California, New Mexico, Utah and other adjacent areas in the southwest ... [including] many of the disabled World War veterans quartered in the veterans' hospitals at Prescott and Tucson."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Radio Education That Has Succeeded|url=https://archive.org/details/broadcasting13unse/page/n718/mode/1up|magazine=Broadcasting|date=August 15, 1932|page=15}}</ref> By 1933, KTAR was on the main [[NBC Radio|Red]] and [[Blue Network|Blue]] networks from the east and NBC's west coast Orange network, giving it access to the vast majority of NBC programs.<ref name="Ariz331119">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888251/ktar-in-phoenix-takes-place-as-leader-in/|date=November 19, 1933|page=3:5|title=KTAR In Phoenix Takes Place As Leader In Radio Stations|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063401/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888251/ktar-in-phoenix-takes-place-as-leader/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
@@ Line 50: / Line 53: @@
 [[File:Radio program put on by children of Junior Artists Club Federal Art Project WPA Phoenix AZ 1935.gif|left|thumb|200px|alt=Six girls around a wooden table with a KTAR microphone. A woman supervises them.|A [[Federal Art Project]] radio program by and for children aired over KTAR in 1935]]
-In the late 1930s, KTAR began to look outside Phoenix in its quest to grow as a statewide broadcasting force. KTAR agreed to acquire [[Tucson, Arizona|Tucson]] station [[KCUB (AM)|KVOA]] in 1937,<ref name="Ariz370923">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888380/state-syndicate-buys-kvoa-may-bring/|date=September 23, 1937|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888390/ 4]|title=State Syndicate Buys KVOA, May Bring NBC Network Here|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719060804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888380/state-syndicate-buys-kvoa-may-bring/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and once the deal closed in early 1939, that station joined NBC, giving rise to a statewide network under the auspices of the Arizona Broadcasting Company (ABC).<ref name="Ariz390203">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888470/tucsons-kvoa-to-join-nbc-state-broadca/|date=February 3, 1939|page=21|title=Tucson's KVOA To Join NBC: State Broadcast Service To Be Expanded|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888470/tucsons-kvoa-to-join-nbc-state/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> KVOA was joined later that year by [[KWJB (Arizona)|KWJB]] in [[Globe, Arizona|Globe]], KCRJ in [[Jerome, Arizona|Jerome]], and [[KUMA (Arizona)|KUMA]] in [[Yuma, Arizona|Yuma]].<ref name="Ariz390709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888499/globe-jerome-yuma-stations-join-networ/|date=July 9, 1939|page=2|title=Globe, Jerome, Yuma Stations Join Network|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888499/globe-jerome-yuma-stations-join/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The latter was replaced by the newly built [[KBLU (AM)|KYUM]] in 1940 after KUMA lost its broadcast license.<ref name="Ariz400308">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888580/yuma-radio-station-formally-is-opened/|date=March 8, 1940|page=3|title=Yuma Radio Station Formally Is Opened|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719060754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888580/yuma-radio-station-formally-is-opened/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The network became the Arizona Broadcasting ''System'' at the end of 1945; the change came as the new [[American Broadcasting Company]] sought to claim the ABC acronym for itself and settled with other groups using the ABC acronym.<ref name="Dail451217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112332809/gotham-gazette/|date=December 17, 1945|page=30|title=Gotham Gazette|newspaper=Daily News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 31, 2022}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1945/1945-12-17-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=December 17, 1945|via=World Radio History|title=American Broadcasting Co. Is 'ABC'; Associated Changes Name—Now 'ABS'|page=78}}</ref>
+In the late 1930s, KTAR began to look outside Phoenix in its quest to grow as a statewide broadcasting force. KTAR agreed to acquire [[Tucson, Arizona|Tucson]] station [[KCUB (AM)|KVOA]] in 1937,<ref name="Ariz370923">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888380/state-syndicate-buys-kvoa-may-bring/|date=September 23, 1937|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888390/ 4]|title=State Syndicate Buys KVOA, May Bring NBC Network Here|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719060804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888380/state-syndicate-buys-kvoa-may-bring/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and once the deal closed in early 1939, that station joined NBC, giving rise to a statewide network under the auspices of the Arizona Broadcasting Company (ABC).<ref name="Ariz390203">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888470/tucsons-kvoa-to-join-nbc-state-broadca/|date=February 3, 1939|page=21|title=Tucson's KVOA To Join NBC: State Broadcast Service To Be Expanded|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888470/tucsons-kvoa-to-join-nbc-state/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> KVOA was joined later that year by [[KWJB (Arizona)|KWJB]] in [[Globe, Arizona|Globe]], KCRJ in [[Jerome, Arizona|Jerome]], and [[KUMA (Arizona)|KUMA]] in [[Yuma, Arizona|Yuma]].<ref name="Ariz390709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888499/globe-jerome-yuma-stations-join-networ/|date=July 9, 1939|page=2|title=Globe, Jerome, Yuma Stations Join Network|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888499/globe-jerome-yuma-stations-join/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The latter was replaced by the newly built [[KBLU (AM)|KYUM]] in 1940 after KUMA lost its broadcast license.<ref name="Ariz400308">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888580/yuma-radio-station-formally-is-opened/|date=March 8, 1940|page=3|title=Yuma Radio Station Formally Is Opened|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719060754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105888580/yuma-radio-station-formally-is-opened/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The network became the Arizona Broadcasting ''System'' at the end of 1945; the change came as the new [[American Broadcasting Company]] sought to claim the ABC acronym for itself and settled with other groups using the ABC acronym.<ref name="Dail451217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112332809/gotham-gazette/|date=December 17, 1945|page=30|title=Gotham Gazette|newspaper=Daily News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 31, 2022|archive-date=October 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031204557/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112332809/gotham-gazette/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1945/1945-12-17-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=December 17, 1945|via=World Radio History|title=American Broadcasting Co. Is 'ABC'; Associated Changes Name—Now 'ABS'|id={{ProQuest|1505550398}}|page=78|access-date=October 31, 2022|archive-date=October 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031204558/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1945/1945-12-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 [[File:KTAR advertisement (1942).jpg|thumb|right|250px|August 1942 advertisement showcasing the station's recently constructed transmitter site at 3659 Thomas Road<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1942/1942-08-17-BC.pdf|page=45|work=Broadcasting|date=August 17, 1942|title=KTAR, Now in Its 21st Year of Continuous Service to Growing Arizona|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151410/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1942/1942-08-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
@@ Line 56: / Line 59: @@
 ===John J. Louis ownership===
-In 1944, the ''Republic'', sensing a possible ban on cross-ownership of newspapers and radio stations, sold its 77 percent majority stake in the KTAR Broadcasting Company for $375,000 to John J. Louis Sr., of Chicago advertising agency [[DDB Worldwide#Needham Harper & Steers|Needham, Louis, and Brorby]]; Louis had been wintering in Phoenix for seven years.<ref name="Ariz440213">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898472/publishing-firm-sells-broadcast-interest/|date=February 13, 1944|page=1|title=Publishing Firm Sells Broadcast Interests In State|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898472/publishing-firm-sells-broadcast/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> In addition to KTAR, the deal gave Louis ownership stakes in KVOA, KYUM, and [[KYCA]] in [[Prescott, Arizona|Prescott]].<ref name="Tucs440719">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898629/publishers-sell-ktar-phoenix-radio-stat/|date=July 19, 1944|page=1|agency=Associated Press|title=Publishers Sell KTAR, Phoenix Radio Station|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063404/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898629/publishers-sell-ktar-phoenix-radio/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> That year, the [[Blue Network]], having been split from NBC, affiliated with [[KGME|KPHO (1230 AM)]], which had gone on the air in 1940 as the first new radio station in Phoenix since the early 1920s.<ref name="Casa440818">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013111/kpho-is-now-part-of-the-blue-network-ph/|date=August 18, 1944|page=1|title=KPHO Is Now Part Of The Blue Network: Phoenix Radio Puts Popular Programs On New Schedule|newspaper=Casa Grande Dispatch|location=Casa Grande, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063403/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013111/kpho-is-now-part-of-the-blue-network/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
+In 1941, the Federal Communications Commission began an investigation as to whether newspaper cross-ownership of radio stations within the same community should be restricted.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://archive.org/stream/broadcasting20unse#page/n712/mode/1up/|title=FCC Starts Newspaper Ownership Drive|work=Broadcasting|date=March 24, 1941|page=7}}</ref> In 1944, the ''Republic'', sensing a possible ban on cross-ownership of newspapers and radio stations, sold its 77 percent majority stake in the KTAR Broadcasting Company for $375,000 to John J. Louis Sr., of Chicago advertising agency [[DDB Worldwide#Needham Harper & Steers|Needham, Louis, and Brorby]]; Louis had been wintering in Phoenix for seven years.<ref name="Ariz440213">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898472/publishing-firm-sells-broadcast-interest/|date=February 13, 1944|page=1|title=Publishing Firm Sells Broadcast Interests In State|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898472/publishing-firm-sells-broadcast/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> In addition to KTAR, the deal gave Louis ownership stakes in KVOA, KYUM, and [[KYCA]] in [[Prescott, Arizona|Prescott]].<ref name="Tucs440719">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898629/publishers-sell-ktar-phoenix-radio-stat/|date=July 19, 1944|page=1|agency=Associated Press|title=Publishers Sell KTAR, Phoenix Radio Station|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063404/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105898629/publishers-sell-ktar-phoenix-radio/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> That year, the [[Blue Network]], having been split from NBC, affiliated with [[KGME|KPHO (1230 AM)]], which had gone on the air in 1940 as the first new radio station in Phoenix since the early 1920s.<ref name="Casa440818">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013111/kpho-is-now-part-of-the-blue-network-ph/|date=August 18, 1944|page=1|title=KPHO Is Now Part Of The Blue Network: Phoenix Radio Puts Popular Programs On New Schedule|newspaper=Casa Grande Dispatch|location=Casa Grande, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063403/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013111/kpho-is-now-part-of-the-blue-network/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
 In 1945, KTAR sent Pyle as a war correspondent to the Pacific theater of [[World War II]] to report on Arizona servicemen fighting in Asia.<ref name="Ariz450603">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106011959/j-howard-pyle-due-to-leave-for-pacific/|date=June 3, 1945|page=9|title=J. Howard Pyle Due To Leave For Pacific|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063406/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106011959/j-howard-pyle-due-to-leave-for-pacific/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Pyle's deployment proved timely, as he witnessed some of the key moments in the final months of fighting in Japan, seeing the surrender of [[Tomoyuki Yamashita]] firsthand. He also was aboard one of the first planes in the invasion of Japan and the [[USS Missouri (BB-63)|USS ''Missouri'']] when the Japanese surrendered.<ref name="Ariz450914">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106071584/pacific-hitch-hike-tour-ended-by-pyle/|date=September 14, 1945|page=10|title=Pacific 'Hitch-Hike' Tour Ended By Pyle|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106071584/pacific-hitch-hike-tour-ended-by-pyle/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> By the time Pyle successfully ran for [[Governor of Arizona]] in 1950, according to one columnist for ''The Republic'', "his name and his voice were as familiar in Arizona homes as the family radio", and he was the vice president of the KTAR Broadcasting Company.<ref name="Ariz540829">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106071806/pyle-sentimentalist-but-doer/|date=August 29, 1954|page=11|first=Ben|last=Avery|title=Pyle--Sentimentalist But Doer|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063521/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106071806/pyle-sentimentalist-but-doer/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
@@ Line 66: / Line 69: @@
 After World War II, KTAR began planning for an eventual expansion into television. As early as 1945, it had negotiated with the city of Phoenix parks board to obtain access to [[South Mountains (Arizona)|South Mountain]], a prime location for a television transmitter facility.<ref name="parks">{{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|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|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}}</ref> The KTAR Broadcasting Company applied for one of Phoenix's VHF television channels in 1948, proposing to build atop the Heard Building.<ref name="Ariz480410">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105899356/phoenix-television-station-is-requested/|date=April 10, 1948|page=1|title=Phoenix Television Station Is Requested|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719145700/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105899356/phoenix-television-station-is-requested/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Its application would have to await the end of the FCC's four-year freeze on new TV stations to be authorized. When the freeze was lifted in 1952, KTAR declared it would be on the air within three months of a construction permit grant, with the new studio complex about to start construction and having already contracted for equipment to furnish it.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="Ariz520615">{{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}}</ref>
-What KTAR did not anticipate was a comparative hearing for channel 3, the last VHF channel to be awarded in Phoenix, in which it was pitted against a group backed by a political heavyweight: former United States senator [[Ernest McFarland]], a lead stockholder in the Arizona Television Company.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In February 1954, hearings were held on the channel 3 assignment.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
+What KTAR did not anticipate was a [[comparative hearing]] for channel 3, the last VHF channel to be awarded in Phoenix, in which it was pitted against a group backed by a political heavyweight: former United States senator [[Ernest McFarland]], a lead stockholder in the Arizona Television Company.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In February 1954, hearings were held on the channel 3 assignment.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
-The channel 3 contest ended in April 1954, when KTAR announced it would buy [[KPNX|KTYL-TV]] (channel 12) in [[Mesa, Arizona|Mesa]] for $250,000, a decision that cleared the way for the Arizona Television Company to build [[KTVK]].<ref name="announced">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In announcing the purchase, Louis explained that he wanted to bring KTAR television to the Phoenix area 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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> which were then moved to Phoenix in 1956 over KTVK's objection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-07-29-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=July 29, 1957|page=64|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}}</ref> (In April 1961, the call sign was changed from KVAR 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.) After building KVOA a television station, [[KVOA|KVOA-TV]], in 1953, the two Tucson stations were sold in 1955 to [[Clinton D. McKinnon]].<ref name="Ariz550524">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565393/approval-is-asked-for-kvoas-sale-for-5/|date=May 24, 1955|page=15|title=Approval Is Asked For KVOA's Sale For $515,000|agency=Associated Press|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/104565393/approval-is-asked-for-kvoas-sale-for/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
+The channel 3 contest ended in April 1954, when KTAR announced it would buy [[KPNX|KTYL-TV]] (channel 12) in [[Mesa, Arizona|Mesa]] for $250,000, a decision that cleared the way for the Arizona Television Company to build [[KTVK]].<ref name="announced">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In announcing the purchase, Louis explained that he wanted a television counterpart to KTAR 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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> which were then moved to Phoenix in 1956 over KTVK's objection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-07-29-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=July 29, 1957|page=64|title=FCC Affirms KVAR (TV) Grant For Move of Its Main Studio|id={{ProQuest|1285748000}}|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}}</ref> The KTAR-TV call letters were not available to channel 12 because it was licensed to a different city from the radio station. After a change in FCC regulations, channel 12 became KTAR-TV in 1961. Louis  built KVOA a television sister, [[KVOA|KVOA-TV]], in 1953. He then sold the two Tucson stations to [[Clinton D. McKinnon]] in 1955.<ref name="Ariz550524">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565393/approval-is-asked-for-kvoas-sale-for-5/|date=May 24, 1955|page=15|title=Approval Is Asked For KVOA's Sale For $515,000|agency=Associated Press|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/104565393/approval-is-asked-for-kvoas-sale-for/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
 In the late 1950s, KTAR sold much of the land surrounding the tower site to be used to develop a new suburban shopping center, known as Tower Plaza and designed by local architect [[Ralph Haver]].<ref name="Ariz581030">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013502/shop-center-work-starts-tomorrow/|date=October 30, 1958|page=17|title=Shop Center Work Starts Tomorrow|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013502/shop-center-work-starts-tomorrow/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> John J. Louis died at the age of 53 while at a business event in [[Palm Springs, California]], on February 19, 1959.<ref name="Ariz590220">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013363/john-j-louis-63-dies-following-hemorr/|date=February 20, 1959|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013389/ 2]|title=John J. Louis, 63, Dies Following Hemorrhage|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106013363/john-j-louis-63-dies-following/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
 ===Combined with Eller===
@@ Line 80: / Line 83: @@
 ===Pulitzer ownership===
-In 1978, Combined Communications agreed to merge with the [[Gannett|Gannett Company]]. The merged company opted to retain channel 12 and divest the Phoenix radio stations;<ref>{{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|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|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}}</ref> Combined's ownership of the KTAR stations had been [[grandfather clause|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, Inc.|Pulitzer Broadcasting]], whose newspaper division owned the morning ''[[Arizona Daily Star]]'' in Tucson, in 1979 for [[KTRS (AM)|KSD]] radio in St. Louis and $2 million.<ref>{{cite news|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}}</ref> KTAR-TV then changed its call sign to KPNX on June 4, 1979, since the radio properties had held the KTAR call letters first; at the time, broadcast stations with different owners could not share the same call letters.<ref>{{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|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=October 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002002754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28881272/kpnx-tv-was-not-an-ez-pik/|url-status=live}}</ref>
+In 1978, Combined Communications agreed to merge with the [[Gannett|Gannett Company]]. The merged company opted to retain channel 12 and divest the Phoenix radio stations;<ref>{{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|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|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}}</ref> Combined's ownership of the KTAR stations had been [[grandfather clause|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, Inc.|Pulitzer Broadcasting]], whose newspaper division owned the morning ''[[Arizona Daily Star]]'' in Tucson, in 1979 for [[KTRS (AM)|KSD]] radio in St. Louis and $2 million.<ref>{{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}}</ref> KTAR-TV then changed its call sign to KPNX on June 4, 1979, since the radio properties had held the KTAR call letters first; at the time, broadcast stations with different owners could not share the same call letters.<ref>{{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|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=October 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002002754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28881272/kpnx-tv-was-not-an-ez-pik/|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Meanwhile, radio personalities who would become staples of KTAR for years or decades were added to the lineup. Preston Westmoreland joined from [[KSUN|KXIV]] in 1978,<ref name="Ariz781020">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072087/helen-humes-secret-is-out/|date=October 20, 1978|page=D-5, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072080/more-about-helen-humes/ D-6]|title=Helen Humes' secret is out|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072087/helen-humes-secret-is-out/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> and he was joined four years later by [[Pat McMahon (actor)|Pat McMahon]], already a veteran radio and television personality in Phoenix.<ref name="Ariz061029">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072806/renaissance-mcmahon-from-tvs-gerald/|date=October 29, 2006|page=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072794/icon-thrives-on-relevance/ E5]|first=Randy|last=Cordova|title=Renaissance McMahon: From TV's 'Gerald' to radio talk, Valley icon has stayed tuned to the times|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072806/renaissance-mcmahon-from-tvs-gerald/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> KTAR's sports programming was revamped in 1981 sportscaster [[Lee Hamilton (sports)|Lee Hamilton]] moved from Ohio to host the ''620 Sportsline'' program<ref name="Ariz810529">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072215/new-host-announced-for-620-sportsline/|date=May 29, 1981|page=E10|title=New host announced for '620 Sportsline'|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063457/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072215/new-host-announced-for-620-sportsline/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> until 1987, when he left after becoming the radio voice of the [[Los Angeles Chargers|San Diego Chargers]] after leading the show to high ratings.<ref name="Ariz870728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072240/lee-hamilton-quits-ktar-sports-talk-job/|date=July 28, 1987|page=C7|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=Lee Hamilton quits KTAR sports-talk job|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072240/lee-hamilton-quits-ktar-sports-talk-job/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> His replacement was [[Greg Schulte]], who had worked at KTAR in the 1970s, was fired in a round of cuts in 1980,<ref name="Ariz800908">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072666/ktar-and-kbbc-clean-house-give-7-staffe/|date=September 8, 1980|page=B-10|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=KTAR and KBBC clean house, give 7 staffers walking papers|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072666/ktar-and-kbbc-clean-house-give-7/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> and returned in 1982.<ref name="Ariz820929">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072544/chauncey-to-reacquire-am-radio-station-k/|date=September 29, 1982|page=E11|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=Chauncey to reacquire AM radio station KARZ|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072544/chauncey-to-reacquire-am-radio-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
+Meanwhile, radio personalities who would become staples of KTAR for years or decades were added to the lineup. Preston Westmoreland joined from [[KSUN|KXIV]] in 1978,<ref name="Ariz781020">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072087/helen-humes-secret-is-out/|date=October 20, 1978|page=D-5, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072080/more-about-helen-humes/ D-6]|title=Helen Humes' secret is out|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072087/helen-humes-secret-is-out/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> and he was joined four years later by [[Pat McMahon (actor)|Pat McMahon]], already a veteran radio and television personality in Phoenix.<ref name="Ariz061029">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072806/renaissance-mcmahon-from-tvs-gerald/|date=October 29, 2006|page=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072794/icon-thrives-on-relevance/ E5]|first=Randy|last=Cordova|title=Renaissance McMahon: From TV's 'Gerald' to radio talk, Valley icon has stayed tuned to the times|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072806/renaissance-mcmahon-from-tvs-gerald/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> KTAR's sports programming was revamped in 1981; sportscaster [[Lee Hamilton (sports)|Lee Hamilton]] moved from Ohio to host the ''620 Sportsline'' program<ref name="Ariz810529">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072215/new-host-announced-for-620-sportsline/|date=May 29, 1981|page=E10|title=New host announced for '620 Sportsline'|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063457/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072215/new-host-announced-for-620-sportsline/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> until 1987, when he left after becoming the radio voice of the [[Los Angeles Chargers|San Diego Chargers]] after leading the show to high ratings.<ref name="Ariz870728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072240/lee-hamilton-quits-ktar-sports-talk-job/|date=July 28, 1987|page=C7|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=Lee Hamilton quits KTAR sports-talk job|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072240/lee-hamilton-quits-ktar-sports-talk-job/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> His replacement was [[Greg Schulte]], who had worked at KTAR in the 1970s, was fired in a round of cuts in 1980,<ref name="Ariz800908">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072666/ktar-and-kbbc-clean-house-give-7-staffe/|date=September 8, 1980|page=B-10|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=KTAR and KBBC clean house, give 7 staffers walking papers|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072666/ktar-and-kbbc-clean-house-give-7/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> and returned in 1982.<ref name="Ariz820929">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072544/chauncey-to-reacquire-am-radio-station-k/|date=September 29, 1982|page=E11|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|title=Chauncey to reacquire AM radio station KARZ|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072544/chauncey-to-reacquire-am-radio-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
-KTAR's 1988 coverage of the impeachment of [[Evan Mecham]] won the station its only [[George Foster Peabody Award]].<ref name="Ariz890415">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014136/ktar-honored-for-impeachment-reports-wa/|date=April 15, 1989|page=E5|title=KTAR honored for impeachment reports: Wall-to-wall coverage earns Peabody Award|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014136/ktar-honored-for-impeachment-reports/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> That same year, it became the first radio home of the newly relocated [[Arizona Cardinals|Phoenix Cardinals]]; the color announcer, Tom Dillon,<ref name="Tucs880601">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072713/ktar-gets-cards-games/|date=June 1, 1988|page=4B|agency=Associated Press|title=KTAR gets Cards' games|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072713/ktar-gets-cards-games/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> was also the voice of the Sun Devils on KTAR and other stations from 1973 to 1997.{{r|hof}} (The Cardinals departed after the 1993 season for [[KESZ]], which was co-owned with [[KTVK]], then the team's TV partner.<ref name="Ariz940728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072973/cardinals-win-over-media-flock/|date=July 28, 1994|page=D2|first=Bob|last=Cohn|title=Cardinals win over media flock|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072973/cardinals-win-over-media-flock/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->) In 1991, a traffic helicopter contracted by the station crashed, killing the pilot.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1991/RR-1991-07-12.pdf|title=KTAR/Phoenix Pilot Dies In Helicopter Crash|date=July 12, 1991|via=World Radio History|work=Radio & Records|page=5}}</ref>
+KTAR's 1988 coverage of the impeachment of [[Evan Mecham]] won the station its only [[George Foster Peabody Award]].<ref name="Ariz890415">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014136/ktar-honored-for-impeachment-reports-wa/|date=April 15, 1989|page=E5|title=KTAR honored for impeachment reports: Wall-to-wall coverage earns Peabody Award|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014136/ktar-honored-for-impeachment-reports/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> That same year, it became the first radio home of the newly relocated [[Arizona Cardinals|Phoenix Cardinals]]; the color announcer, Tom Dillon,<ref name="Tucs880601">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072713/ktar-gets-cards-games/|date=June 1, 1988|page=4B|agency=Associated Press|title=KTAR gets Cards' games|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072713/ktar-gets-cards-games/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> was also the voice of the Sun Devils on KTAR and other stations from 1973 to 1997.{{r|hof}} (The Cardinals departed after the 1993 season for [[KESZ]], which was co-owned with [[KTVK]], then the team's TV partner.<ref name="Ariz940728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072973/cardinals-win-over-media-flock/|date=July 28, 1994|page=D2|first=Bob|last=Cohn|title=Cardinals win over media flock|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106072973/cardinals-win-over-media-flock/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->) In 1991, a traffic helicopter contracted by the station crashed, killing the pilot.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1991/RR-1991-07-12.pdf|title=KTAR/Phoenix Pilot Dies In Helicopter Crash|id={{ProQuest|1017246609}}|date=July 12, 1991|via=World Radio History|work=Radio & Records|page=5|access-date=July 23, 2022|archive-date=July 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723013500/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1991/RR-1991-07-12.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 Pulitzer added a second Phoenix AM station to its portfolio in 1996, when it acquired [[KNAI (AM)|KVVA (860 AM)]] at bankruptcy auction.<ref name="Ariz961214">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33947738/radio-viva-drops-am-to-focus-on-fm/|date=December 14, 1996|page=D9|first=Charlie|last=Van Dyke|title=Radio Viva! drops AM to focus on FM|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063536/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33947738/radio-viva-drops-am-to-focus-on-fm/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> It became sports talk outlet KMVP, but ratings were poor, as was the facility's nighttime signal.<ref name="Ariz970419">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014158/task-of-strengthening-ktars-family-fall/|date=April 19, 1997|page=D9|title=Task of strengthening KTAR's family falls to Pulitzer's new GM|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014158/task-of-strengthening-ktars-family/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> The new sports station also took on some of KTAR's heavy sports rights load, with ASU moving after 13 years on 620 to the new 860.<ref name="Ariz970204">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014170/kmvp-inherits-rights-to-asu/|date=February 4, 1997|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014178/ D3]|first=Tim|last=Tyers|title=KMVP inherits rights to ASU|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721081745/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014170/kmvp-inherits-rights-to-asu/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> KTAR was also a charter investor in the expansion [[Arizona Diamondbacks]],<ref name="Ariz950308">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106073011/bofa-ktar-also-added-to-ownership-group/|date=March 8, 1995|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106073024/ A16]|first=Eric|last=Miller|title=BofA, KTAR also added to ownership group: Billy Crystal joins Phoenix baseball fold|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106073011/bofa-ktar-also-added-to-ownership/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> whose games aired on KTAR (except for several on the new KMVP<ref name="Ariz980215">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106073134/looks-mean-everything-to-pga-tour-ventu/|date=February 15, 1998|page=C2|first=Jim|last=Gintonio|title=Looks mean everything to PGA Tour, Venturi|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063505/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106073134/looks-mean-everything-to-pga-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->) and were announced by Schulte.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2017/04/19/mr-3000-greg-schulte-reaches-magical-milestone-diamondbacks/100667020/|work=The Arizona Republic|date=April 19, 2017|first=Bob|last=McManaman|title=Mr. 3,000: Greg Schulte reaches magical milestone with Diamondbacks|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063450/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2017/04/19/mr-3000-greg-schulte-reaches-magical-milestone-diamondbacks/100667020/|url-status=live}}</ref>
@@ Line 91: / Line 94: @@
 In February 1998, Pulitzer put its broadcasting division on the market; this included its nine television stations, Phoenix radio properties, and the firm's only other radio stations, AM outlets in Kentucky and North Carolina.<ref name="Ariz980228">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014202/ktar-k-lite-may-be-for-sale/|date=February 28, 1998|page=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014207/ E9]|first=Max|last=Jarman|title=KTAR, K-Lite may be for sale|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014202/ktar-k-lite-may-be-for-sale/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Hearst-Argyle Television, the broadcasting division of the [[Hearst Corporation]], agreed to acquire Pulitzer Broadcasting for $1.15 billion that May,<ref name="Ariz980527">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014219/phoenix-radio-stations-part-of-115-bil/|date=May 27, 1998|page=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014227/ E3]|first=Michael|last=Clancy|title=Phoenix radio stations part of $1.15 billion sale|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014219/phoenix-radio-stations-part-of-115/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> with the deal being consummated in March 1999.<ref name="Ariz990306">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34108399/ktvk-kpnx-lead-newscast-ratings/|date=March 6, 1999|page=D4|first=Michael|last=Clancy|title=KTVK, KPNX lead newscast ratings|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34108399/ktvk-kpnx-lead-newscast-ratings/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
-Hearst-Argyle's short ownership of KTAR, KMVP, and KKLT was consistently marked by speculation that a sale was imminent, given the corporation's heavy concentration on local television stations. In 2000, it entered into an agreement with [[Emmis Communications]] by which Emmis would trade a television station within three years to Hearst-Argyle or pay $160 million in cash while taking immediate programming control of the stations.<ref name="Ariz000606">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014275/3-radio-stations-to-be-sold/|date=June 6, 2000|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014249/ D3]|first=Max|last=Jarman|title=3 radio stations to be sold|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063538/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014275/3-radio-stations-to-be-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Emmis also added [[KTAR-FM|KKFR (92.3 FM)]], which was sold as a result of the merger of [[iHeartMedia|Clear Channel Communications and AMFM]].<ref name="Ariz000617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014299/emmis-adds-hip-hop-to-holdings/|date=June 17, 2000|page=E4|title=Emmis adds hip-hop to holdings|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014299/emmis-adds-hip-hop-to-holdings/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> In 2004, Emmis then traded three of the Phoenix stations (KTAR, KMVP, and KKLT) to [[Bonneville International]] in exchange for [[WCKL (FM)|WLUP-FM]] in Chicago—allowing the company to realize a longtime goal of having two stations in that city<ref>{{cite news|first=Ruben|last=Hernandez|work=Phoenix Business Journal|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/10/04/daily5.html|title=KTAR, sister stations to change hands|date=October 4, 2004|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=February 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216213255/http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/10/04/daily5.html|url-status=live}}</ref>—and $70 million.<ref name="Ariz041005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014330/utah-firm-acquiring-ktar-in-radio-deal/|date=October 5, 2004|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014344/ D3]|first=Randy|last=Cordova|title=Utah firm acquiring KTAR in radio deal|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721081930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014330/utah-firm-acquiring-ktar-in-radio-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The next year, Bonneville reacquired the Cardinals radio rights, returning them to KTAR after an 11-season absence.<ref name="Ariz050423">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106123085/ktar-lands-broadcast-deal/|date=April 23, 2005|page=C8|first=Kent|last=Somers|title=KTAR lands broadcast deal|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
+Hearst-Argyle's short ownership of KTAR, KMVP, and KKLT was consistently marked by speculation that a sale was imminent, given the corporation's heavy concentration on local television stations. In 2000, it entered into an agreement with [[Emmis Communications]] by which Emmis would trade a television station within three years to Hearst-Argyle or pay $160 million in cash while taking immediate programming control of the stations.<ref name="Ariz000606">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014275/3-radio-stations-to-be-sold/|date=June 6, 2000|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014249/ D3]|first=Max|last=Jarman|title=3 radio stations to be sold|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063538/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014275/3-radio-stations-to-be-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Emmis also added [[KTAR-FM|KKFR (92.3 FM)]], which was sold as a result of the merger of [[iHeartMedia|Clear Channel Communications and AMFM]].<ref name="Ariz000617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014299/emmis-adds-hip-hop-to-holdings/|date=June 17, 2000|page=E4|title=Emmis adds hip-hop to holdings|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722063451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014299/emmis-adds-hip-hop-to-holdings/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> In 2004, Emmis then traded three of the Phoenix stations (KTAR, KMVP, and KKLT) to [[Bonneville International]] in exchange for [[WCKL (FM)|WLUP-FM]] in Chicago—allowing the company to realize a longtime goal of having two stations in that city<ref>{{cite news|first=Ruben|last=Hernandez|work=Phoenix Business Journal|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/10/04/daily5.html|title=KTAR, sister stations to change hands|date=October 4, 2004|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=February 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216213255/http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/10/04/daily5.html|url-status=live}}</ref>—and $70 million.<ref name="Ariz041005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014330/utah-firm-acquiring-ktar-in-radio-deal/|date=October 5, 2004|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014344/ D3]|first=Randy|last=Cordova|title=Utah firm acquiring KTAR in radio deal|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721081930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106014330/utah-firm-acquiring-ktar-in-radio-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The next year, Bonneville reacquired the Cardinals radio rights, returning them to KTAR after an 11-season absence.<ref name="Ariz050423">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106123085/ktar-lands-broadcast-deal/|date=April 23, 2005|page=C8|first=Kent|last=Somers|title=KTAR lands broadcast deal|newspaper=Arizona Republic|location=Phoenix, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 23, 2022|archive-date=July 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723013402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106123085/ktar-lands-broadcast-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
 ===News and sports split===
@@ Line 101: / Line 104: @@
 ===Second sports split===
 {{see|KMVP-FM}}
-After decades of airing a musical format on 98.7 FM, Bonneville ceased airing its "The Peak" adult hits format and flipped that station to sports on January 6, 2014, initially simulcasting 620 AM.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/87311/phoenixs-peak-flips-to-sports/|work=RadioInsight|first=Lance|last=Venta|title=Phoenix's Peak Flips To Sports|date=January 6, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225022344/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/87311/phoenixs-peak-flips-to-sports/|url-status=live}}</ref> Local sports talk then moved exclusively to FM on September 15. KTAR became mostly a pass-through for national [[ESPN Radio]] programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/89403/bonneville-to-launch-espn-phoenix-in-september/|date=July 10, 2014|first=Lance|last=Venta|work=RadioInsight|title=Bonneville To Launch ESPN Phoenix In September|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825141506/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/89403/bonneville-to-launch-espn-phoenix-in-september/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it also airs Suns, Diamondbacks, Coyotes and Sun Devils games in the event KMVP  has a conflict, and simulcasts Cardinals games with KMVP.
+After decades of airing a musical format on 98.7 FM, Bonneville ceased airing its "The Peak" adult hits format and flipped that station to sports on January 6, 2014, initially simulcasting 620 AM.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/87311/phoenixs-peak-flips-to-sports/|work=RadioInsight|first=Lance|last=Venta|title=Phoenix's Peak Flips To Sports|date=January 6, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225022344/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/87311/phoenixs-peak-flips-to-sports/|url-status=live}}</ref> Local sports talk then moved exclusively to FM on September 15. KTAR became mostly a pass-through for national [[ESPN Radio]] programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/89403/bonneville-to-launch-espn-phoenix-in-september/|date=July 10, 2014|first=Lance|last=Venta|work=RadioInsight|title=Bonneville To Launch ESPN Phoenix In September|access-date=July 21, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825141506/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/89403/bonneville-to-launch-espn-phoenix-in-september/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it also airs Suns, Diamondbacks and Sun Devils games in the event KMVP has a conflict and simulcasts Cardinals games with KMVP.
 ==Notes==
@@ Line 111: / Line 114: @@
 ==External links==
 *{{Official website|https://arizonasports.com}}
-{{AM station data|KTAR}}
+{{AM station data|52515|KTAR}}
 *[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=44382 FCC History Cards for KTAR] (covering 1927-1980 as KFAD / KREP / KTAR)
@@ Line 126: / Line 129: @@
 [[Category:Bonneville International]]
 [[Category:1922 establishments in Arizona]]
-[[Category:Radio stations licensed before 1923 and still broadcasting]]

v t e Sports radio stations in the state of Arizona
Stations:	KCUB - Tucson KDUS - Tempe KFFN - Tucson KGME - Phoenix KMVP-FM - Phoenix KNTR - Lake Havasu City KQFN - Tempe KTAR - Phoenix KTZR - Tucson KVNA - Flagstaff KXFF - Colorado City
See also adult contemporary classic hits college country news/talk NPR oldies religious rock sports top 40 urban other radio stations in Arizona See also ESPN Radio Fox Sports Radio CBS Sports Radio NBC Sports Radio Sports Byline USA SportsMap Radio

v t e ESPN Radio stations in the state of Arizona
Full-time affiliates	Tucson KFFN
Part-time affiliates	Phoenix KMVP-FM Phoenix KTAR
See also List of ESPN Radio affiliates See also adult contemporary classic hits college country news/talk NPR oldies religious rock sports top 40 urban other radio stations in Arizona See also ESPN Radio Fox Sports Radio CBS Sports Radio NBC Sports Radio Sports Byline USA SportsMap Radio

v t e Bonneville International
Radio stations	KBLX-FM KEPN KIRO KIRO-FM KKFN KHTK KMVP-FM KMVQ-FM KNCI KOIT KOSI KRSP-FM KSFI KSL KSL-FM KTAR KTAR-FM KTTH KUFX KYGO-FM KYMX KZZO
Television stations	KSL-TV (NBC)
See also: BYU Broadcasting

Authority control databases
International	VIAF
National	United States