View source for KOAT-TV

{{short description|ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = KOAT-TV
| city = Albuquerque, New Mexico
| logo = KOAT 7 ABC 2022.svg
| logo_size = 175px
| logo_upright = 1
| logo_alt = A circle 7 logo in silver, filled in blue, with the ABC logo sitting over it in the lower right. Below at left are the call letters K O A T in black.
| branding = KOAT 7; ''KOAT Action 7 News'' ''(call letters are pronounced individually)''
| analog =
| digital = 7 ([[VHF]])
| virtual = 7
| translators = ''see {{section link||Translators}}''
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''7.1:''' [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| country = United States
| founded =
| airdate = {{start date and age|1953|10|2|p=y}}
| last_airdate =
| location = [[Albuquerque]]–[[Santa Fe, New Mexico]]
| callsign_meaning = from former radio sister [[KSVA|KOAT (AM)]]
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 7 (VHF, 1953–2009)|'''Digital:''' 21 ([[UHF]], 2002–2009)}}
| owner = [[Hearst Television]]
| licensee = Hearst Properties Inc.
| sister_stations =
| former_affiliations = [[DuMont Television Network|DuMont]] (secondary, 1954–1955)
| erp = 26.5&nbsp;kW
| haat = {{convert|1292|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| class =
| facility_id = 53928
| coordinates = {{Coord|35|12|53|N|106|27|3|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline, title}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|www.koat.com}}
}}
'''KOAT-TV''' (channel 7) is a [[television station]] in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]], United States, affiliated with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. Owned by [[Hearst Television]], the station maintains studios on Carlisle Boulevard in Northeast Albuquerque, and its transmitter is located on [[Sandia Crest]], northeast of Albuquerque. 27 [[broadcast relay station#Broadcast translators|repeaters]] carry its broadcast signal to much of New Mexico as well as southwestern Colorado and northeastern Arizona.
KOAT-TV was the second station to broadcast in Albuquerque, signing on in October 1953 as one of two new TV stations in the city in the same month. It suffered financial difficulty twice in its first four years of operation, though ownership by [[Clinton D. McKinnon]] and the Steinman Stations group steadied operations. KOAT-TV's newscasts have generally led the Albuquerque–Santa Fe market in viewership since the mid-1970s.
==History==
===Early years===
After the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) lifted its four-year freeze on television station licenses in 1952, channels 7 and 13 were authorized for commercial use in Albuquerque in addition to the existing [[KOB-TV]] (channel 4).<ref name="Albu520609">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823693/chances-for-new-tv-stations-in-nm-this-y/|date=June 9, 1952|page=8|agency=Associated Press|first=Morris|last=Cleavenger|title=Chances for New TV Stations in NM This Year Problematical|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823693/chances-for-new-tv-stations-in-nm-this/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> Among the various interests whose applications had languished at the FCC prior to the freeze was the Alvarado Broadcasting Company, owner of radio station [[KSVA|KOAT (1450 AM)]]. The original application had specified channel 13, but this was changed to 7,<ref name="Albu520813">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823741/koat-firm-changes-its-tv-application/|date=August 13, 1952|page=10|title=KOAT Firm Changes Its TV Application|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054204/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823741/koat-firm-changes-its-tv-application/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> This took it out of competition with [[KNML|KGGM]], which had also filed for channel 13.<ref name="Albu530210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823801/report-kob-kggm-may-have-joint-tv-tower/|date=February 10, 1953|page=11|title=Report KOB, KGGM May Have Joint TV Tower in Sandias|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823801/report-kob-kggm-may-have-joint-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Another application had also been filed for channel 7, by E. John and Salome Greer of [[Santa Fe, New Mexico|Santa Fe]], but by February 1953, E. John Greer had died.<ref name="Albu530214">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823834/albuquerque-santa-fe-firms-compete-for/|date=February 14, 1953|page=7|title=Albuquerque, Santa Fe Firms Compete for TV Channel Seven|first=Ruth|last=Finney|author-link=Ruth Finney|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823834/albuquerque-santa-fe-firms-compete-for/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> The Greer interests withdrew on June 16, 1953, leaving Alvarado unopposed.<ref name="Albu530617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823875/greer-withdraws-tv-application/|date=June 17, 1953|page=30|title=Greer Withdraws TV Application|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823875/greer-withdraws-tv-application/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Two days later, on June 18, the FCC granted Alvarado a construction permit for KOAT-TV.<ref name="Albu530619">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823905/koat-receives-tv-authorization/|date=June 19, 1953|page=23|title=KOAT Receives TV Authorization|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054211/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823905/koat-receives-tv-authorization/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
Work began within two weeks to enlarge the KOAT radio studios at 122 Tulane SE to accommodate the television extension, including adding a kitchen studio, and on a transmitter site on Ten Mile Hill, west of Albuquerque.<ref name="Albu530626">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823922/koat-planning-larger-studios/|date=June 26, 1953|page=25|title=KOAT Planning Larger Studios|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054203/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823922/koat-planning-larger-studios/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> KOAT-TV also arranged to match its sister radio station by affiliating with the ABC television network.<ref name="Albu530806">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824012/net-television-scheduled-here-by-next-su/|date=August 6, 1953|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112823993/net-television-scheduled-here/ 5]|title=Net Television Scheduled Here By Next Summer|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824012/net-television-scheduled-here-by-next/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Meanwhile, a minority stake in KOAT-TV was sold to two new investors.<ref name="Albu530826">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824053/permit-transfer-asked-by-koat-tv/|date=August 26, 1953|page=15|title=Permit Transfer Asked by KOAT-TV|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824053/permit-transfer-asked-by-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
KOAT-TV was scheduled to start on September 15,<ref name="Albu530914">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824091/live-television-program-received-on-some/|date=September 14, 1953|page=2|title=Live Television Program Received On Some Sets Here|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824091/live-television-program-received-on/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> but the launch date was missed when factory inspectors and a critical piece of equipment failed to arrive on time.<ref name="Albu530915">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824117/koat-tv-is-delayed-in-getting-on-air/|date=September 15, 1953|page=17|title=KOAT-TV Is Delayed in Getting on Air|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824117/koat-tv-is-delayed-in-getting-on-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> KOAT-TV beat KGGM-TV (channel 13, now [[KRQE]]) in being the first station to air when it began broadcasting on October 2, 1953;<ref name="Albu531002">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824189/koat-tv-begins-televising-tonight-third/|date=October 2, 1953|page=2|title=KOAT-TV Begins Televising Tonight; Third Station Starts Programs Sunday|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824189/koat-tv-begins-televising-tonight/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> channel 13 followed two days later.<ref name="Albu531005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824298/car-hits-pole-deprives-big-city-area-of/|date=October 5, 1953|page=2|title=Car Hits Pole, Deprives Big City Area of Power|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824298/car-hits-pole-deprives-big-city-area/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> Beginning in 1954 until the network's dissolution, KOAT-TV was the Albuquerque-area affiliate of the [[DuMont Television Network]], displacing KOB-TV.<ref name="Albu540617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873575/koat-tv-will-have-oklahoma-cal-game/|date=June 17, 1954|page=20|title=KOAT-TV Will Have Oklahoma-Cal Game|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055553/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873575/koat-tv-will-have-oklahoma-cal-game/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
Alvarado sold its two radio stations—KOAT and [[KRSN]] in [[Los Alamos, New Mexico|Los Alamos]]—in October 1954. Financial difficulty was evinced by the fact that KOAT had cut all but one live local show from its schedule.<ref name="Albu541023">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824375/radio-station-koat-is-sold/|date=October 23, 1954|page=1|title=Radio Station KOAT Is Sold|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824375/radio-station-koat-is-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Six months later, in April 1955, KOAT-TV filed for bankruptcy reorganization in a plan that brought in 20 new stockholders and saw Albuquerque Exhibitors, a movie theater owner that had bought a stake in the station prior to launch, become the largest stockholder in the venture.<ref name="Albu550520">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824437/koat-tv-asks-approval-for-reorganization/|date=May 20, 1955|page=11|title=KOAT-TV Asks Approval for Reorganization|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824437/koat-tv-asks-approval-for-reorganization/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Even while in bankruptcy, the station applied to the FCC to relocate its transmitter to Sandia Crest, which already was the home of KOB-TV and KGGM-TV.<ref name="Albu550805">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824512/file-applications-for-station-sites-on-s/|date=August 5, 1955|page=2|title=File Applications For Station Sites On Sandia Crest|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824512/file-applications-for-station-sites-on/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --><ref name="Albu551129">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824947/koat-proposes-tv-tower-on-sandia-crest/|date=November 29, 1955|page=14|title=KOAT Proposes TV Tower on Sandia Crest: Structure Would Be Highest In Country|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824947/koat-proposes-tv-tower-on-sandia-crest/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The FCC granted approval in May 1956, allowing construction of a tower at the site.<ref name="Albu560504">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824969/crest-tv-tower-okd-for-koat/|date=May 4, 1956|page=36|title=Crest TV Tower OKd For KOAT|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824969/crest-tv-tower-okd-for-koat/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
===McKinnon and Steinman ownership===
The reorganization in 1955 was ultimately unsuccessful at repairing KOAT-TV's financial condition. Just as the [[Internal Revenue Service]] filed a tax lien on KOAT-TV,<ref name="AlbuJ570112">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824798/tax-lien-filed-here-against-koat-tv/|date=January 12, 1957|page=1|title=Tax Lien Filed Here Against KOAT-TV|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824798/tax-lien-filed-here-against-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> [[Clinton D. McKinnon]], a former U.S. congressman from California and owner of [[KCUB (AM)|KVOA]] radio and [[KVOA-TV]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]], came to the station's rescue by buying it for $12,500 plus the assumption of debts. At the time, KOAT's liabilities exceeded its assets by some $150,000.<ref name="AlbuT570112">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824628/koat-purchase-is-for-12500-plus-its/|date=January 12, 1957|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824642/koat-purchase/ 2]|first=Ruth|last=Finney|author-link=Ruth Finney|title=KOAT Purchase Is for $12,500 Plus Its Debts: Stockholders Will Receive Debentures|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054238/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112824628/koat-purchase-is-for-12500-plus-its/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> The FCC approved the next month.<ref name="Albu570208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825173/koat-tv-deal-okd/|date=February 8, 1957|page=2|agency=Associated Press|title=KOAT-TV Deal OKd|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825173/koat-tv-deal-okd/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> McKinnon merged the holding companies for KVOA-TV and KOAT-TV in 1959,<ref name="Albu590824">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825321/tv-merger-approval-asked/|date=August 24, 1959|page=A-2|title=TV Merger Approval Asked|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054219/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825321/tv-merger-approval-asked/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> under a contract that called for McKinnon to resign if Alvarado Television lost money in six consecutive months.<ref name="Albu591009">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825342/mckinnon-to-quit-if-koat-tv-loses-money/|date=October 9, 1959|page=D-1|title=McKinnon to Quit If KOAT-TV Loses Money|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825342/mckinnon-to-quit-if-koat-tv-loses-money/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
KOAT-TV unsuccessfully suggested that channel 2 in [[Santa Fe, New Mexico|Santa Fe]] be jointly assigned to both cities or to Albuquerque so it could move there.<ref name="Albu611122">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825516/city-tv-stations-request-denied/|date=November 22, 1961|page=A-13|agency=Associated Press|title=City TV Station's Request Denied|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825516/city-tv-stations-request-denied/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> KOAT had desired channel 2 to improve its coverage in fringe areas from Albuquerque,<ref name="Albu610918">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825594/seek-new-santa-fe-television-station/|date=September 18, 1961|page=D-6|title=Seek New Santa Fe Television Station|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825594/seek-new-santa-fe-television-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> and McKinnon had previously protested an attempt by a proposed Santa Fe station to locate its transmitter on Sandia Crest.<ref name="Albu580610">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825219/mckinnon-to-protest-sandia-crest-station/|date=June 10, 1958|page=10|title=McKinnon to Protest Sandia Crest Station|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825219/mckinnon-to-protest-sandia-crest-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
In the last years of McKinnon ownership, KOAT-TV constructed a private microwave relay system from Albuquerque to [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]] in order to connect with ABC, said to be the longest such system in private ownership in the United States, and it began work on new facilities on University Boulevard on Albuquerque's northeast side which were twice the size of the original facilities on Tulane.<ref name="Albu620415">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825394/new-studio-will-be-built-by-koat-tv/|date=April 15, 1962|page=C-8|title=New Studio Will Be Built By KOAT-TV|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825394/new-studio-will-be-built-by-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> However, while construction was ongoing, several of the partners in Alvarado, in ill health and wishing to liquidate their holdings, pushed McKinnon to sell Alvarado Television. KVOA-TV and KOAT-TV were sold to Steinman Stations of [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]], headed by [[Clair McCollough]], for $3.5&nbsp;million,<ref name="Ariz620815">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565962/35-million-sale-includes-kvoa-two-tel/|date=August 15, 1962|page=1B|title=$3.5 Million Sale Includes KVOA: Two Television Stations Sold|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701065303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565962/35-million-sale-includes-kvoa-two/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> with FCC approval coming in January 1963.<ref name="Tucs630125">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565992/fcc-okays-sale-of-two-stations/|date=January 25, 1963|page=18|title=FCC Okays Sale Of Two Stations|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628063658/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104565992/fcc-okays-sale-of-two-stations/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
===Pulitzer and Hearst ownership===
Steinman owned the Albuquerque station for five years before selling it in 1968 to the [[Pulitzer Publishing Company]], publishers of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' and owners of [[KTRS (AM)|KSD radio]] and [[KSD-TV]] in that city, for $5&nbsp;million;<ref name="Albu681126">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825844/koat-sold-to-pulitzer-subidiary/|date=November 26, 1968|page=A-1|agency=Associated Press|title=KOAT Sold To Pulitzer Subsidiary|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054215/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825844/koat-sold-to-pulitzer-subidiary/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> the FCC granted approval for the transaction in 1969.<ref name="Albu690214">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825805/pulitzer-firm-to-pay-5-million-for-koat/|date=February 14, 1969|page=A-15|first=Seth|last=Kantor|title=Pulitzer Firm to Pay $5 Million for KOAT-TV..|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825805/pulitzer-firm-to-pay-5-million-for/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --><ref name="Albu690509">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825819/fcc-approves-koat-tv-sale-for-5-million/|date=May 9, 1969|page=F-8|agency=Associated Press|title=FCC Approves KOAT-TV Sale For $5 Million|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110054209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825819/fcc-approves-koat-tv-sale-for-5-million/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Steinman had previously sold Pulitzer KVOA-TV in Tucson earlier in the year.<ref name="Tucs680314">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104566081/pulitzer-firm-purchases-kvoa-tv/|date=March 14, 1968|page=1|title=Pulitzer Firm Purchases KVOA-TV|newspaper=Tucson Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628063652/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104566081/pulitzer-firm-purchases-kvoa-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Tucs680802">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104379742/fcc-approves-purchase-of-tucson-tv-stati/|date=August 2, 1968|page=16|agency=UPI|title=FCC Approves Purchase Of Tucson TV Stations|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|location=Tucson, Arizona|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625065101/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104379742/fcc-approves-purchase-of-tucson-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
Pulitzer invested in new facilities for the station to facilitate expansion. In 1978, it sold its existing studios on University to Albuquerque radio stations [[KRZY (AM)|KRZY]] and [[KRST]] and announced it would construct a larger facility at the intersection of Carlisle Boulevard and Comanche Road, more than twice the size of the University building and with more convenient freeway access and a larger parking area.<ref name="Albu780808">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375782/koat-announces-plans-for-15-million/|date=August 8, 1978|page=A-8|title=KOAT Announces Plans For $1.5 Million Studio|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375782/koat-announces-plans-for-15-million/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The resulting structure, designed by Albuquerque architect [[Antoine Predock]], began construction in 1979<ref name="Albu790607">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375844/work-under-way-on-koat-studio/|date=June 7, 1979|page=G-1|title=Work Under Way On KOAT Studio|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68375844/work-under-way-on-koat-studio/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and was completed in July 1980.<ref name="Albu800712">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874025/koat-gets-some-breathing-space-a-move-t/|date=July 12, 1980|page=TV-3|first=Dave|last=Nordstrand|title=KOAT gets some breathing space: A move to benefit Albq viewers|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874025/koat-gets-some-breathing-space-a-move/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> It also features an on-site helipad, enabling the station to keep a news helicopter at its studios instead of at the airport.{{r|BC221106}} Pulitzer received several unsolicited offers but categorically refused to sell KOAT-TV because of its strong performance: company executive Ray Karpowicz noted, "Under no circumstances would we even consider selling it."<ref name="Albu810326">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825987/owner-refuses-to-sell-koat-tv/|date=March 26, 1981|page=A-11|first=Will|last=Hoffman|title=Owner Refuses To Sell KOAT-TV|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111065340/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112825987/owner-refuses-to-sell-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
In 1991, KOAT opened a news bureau in [[Roswell, New Mexico|Roswell]] with the capability to add regional news, weather, and advertising inserts into the feed of KOAT seen on cable systems and translators in southeastern New Mexico.<ref name="Albu910911">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876542/koat-tv-ready-to-open-news-bureau-in-ros/|date=September 11, 1991|page=B6|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT-TV Ready To Open News Bureau in Roswell|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045803/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876542/koat-tv-ready-to-open-news-bureau-in/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
Hearst-Argyle acquired the entirety of Pulitzer's broadcasting holdings in 1998.{{r|Albu980604}}
==News operation==
[[File:Deb Haaland being interviewed by KOAT 7 News at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.jpg|thumb|KOAT-TV reporter interviewing [[Deb Haaland]] at the 2019 [[Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta]].|alt=Refer to caption]]
After back-and-forth competition between KOB-TV and KOAT-TV in the late 1960s and early 1970s, 1976 proved to be a watershed year for the station's news ratings. That year, KOAT took a definitive lead as having the most-watched newscasts in the region, having erased a 14-point rating lead that KOB-TV had held in 1971.<ref name="Albu771206">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874510/the-tv-ratings-war-bigger-profits-at/|date=December 6, 1977|page=Impact 6, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874489/kobdanziger/ 7], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874474/kobdanziger/ 8], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874525/the-tv-war/ 10], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874531/the-tv-war/ 12], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874554/tv-war/ 13]|first=Bob|last=Brown|title=The TV Ratings War: Bigger Profits at Stake in Push To Win Top News Spot|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874510/the-tv-ratings-war-bigger-profits-at/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The station boasted high stability in news anchor talent during this time, with news anchor Dick Knipfing—who had been with KOAT since 1964{{r|Albu860303}}—and weather forecaster [[Howard Morgan (weather forecaster)|Howard Morgan]], who worked at the station from 1971 to 1999.<ref name="Albu991129">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875744/so-long-uncle-howdy/|date=November 29, 1999|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875717/morgan/ A3]|first=Ollie|last=Reed Jr.|title=So long, Uncle Howdy|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875744/so-long-uncle-howdy/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> In 1979, KOB-TV lured away Knipfing, leading to a lawsuit seeking to get him out of a [[non-compete clause]] in his contract with KOAT.<ref name="Albu790429">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874808/dick-knipfing-to-join-kob-lawsuit-looms/|date=April 29, 1979|page=A-5|title=Dick Knipfing To Join KOB; Lawsuit Looms|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112874808/dick-knipfing-to-join-kob-lawsuit-looms/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> KOAT then moved to fire Knipfing, who contended the non-compete clause expired with his contract on July 31, 1979, instead of remaining in effect for one year.<ref name="AlbuT790606">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873980/knipfing-hearing-set-for-june-25/|date=June 6, 1979|page=A-15|title=Knipfing hearing set for June 25|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112873980/knipfing-hearing-set-for-june-25/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Knipfing won the case and started on time at KOB.<ref name="Albu790706">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875031/knipfing-wins-suit-to-begin-kob-anchor-p/|date=July 6, 1979|page=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875048/knipfing-wins-suit-to-begin-post/ A-2]|first=Bill|last=Winter|title=Knipfing wins suit to begin KOB anchor post Aug. 1|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875031/knipfing-wins-suit-to-begin-kob-anchor/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> KOAT managed to remain in first place despite losing its star anchorman,<ref name="Albu791220">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875089/managers-react-to-tv-ratings/|date=December 20, 1979|page=A-11|first=Dave|last=Nordstrand|title=Managers react to TV ratings|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875089/managers-react-to-tv-ratings/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> though the gap was narrowed between the top two stations.<ref name="Albu800904">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875132/koat-retains-tv-local-news-edge/|date=September 4, 1980|page=A-9|first=Will|last=Hoffman|title=KOAT Retains TV Local News Edge|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875132/koat-retains-tv-local-news-edge/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The move never had the intended goal of displacing KOAT from its number-one position, and KOB ousted Knipfing in 1986;<ref name="Albu860303">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875184/no-replacement-named-yet-knipfing-out-a/|date=March 3, 1986|page=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875205/knipfing-ousted-as-anchorman-for-channel/ A-2]|first=Ollie|last=Reed, Jr.|title=No replacement named yet: Knipfing out as KOB anchor|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875184/no-replacement-named-yet-knipfing-out/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> in an interview with ''[[The Albuquerque Tribune]]'', Knipfing cited the talent stability and quality at KOAT for keeping that station in the lead.<ref name="Albu860821">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875324/consultants-hurting-kob-knipfing-says/|date=August 21, 1986|page=B-10|first=Dick|last=Knipfing|title=Consultants hurting KOB, Knipfing says|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875324/consultants-hurting-kob-knipfing-says/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Knipfing then joined KGGM-TV's news team in 1987 before returning to KOAT two years later.<ref name="Albu870307">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112826063/kggm-heir-says-its-time-for-the-big-tim/|date=March 7, 1987|page=TV1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112826051/hebenstreit/ TV3]|first=Bill|last=Naegele|title=KGGM heir says it's time for the big time|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112826063/kggm-heir-says-its-time-for-the-big/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --><ref name="Albu890714">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875431/its-anchor-away-in-tv-talent-war-veter/|date=July 14, 1989|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875417/kggms-dick-knipfing-to-drop-anchor/ A3]|first=Dick|last=Nathanson|title=It's Anchor Away in TV Talent War: Veteran KGGM Broadcaster Dick Knipfing Will Switch Seat to KOAT|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875431/its-anchor-away-in-tv-talent-war/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
Knipfing's first posting upon his return was anchoring a new 5 p.m. newscast, the station's third attempt at an earlier evening news program, which debuted in March 1990.<ref name="Albu900313">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875490/koat-tv-plugs-into-early-evening-news-au/|date=March 13, 1990|page=B4|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT-TV Plugs into Early Evening News Audience|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875490/koat-tv-plugs-into-early-evening-news/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> In 1994, KOAT debuted its morning newscast, ''Good Morning New Mexico'' (later rebranded as ''Action 7 News Live This Morning'' and now ''Action 7 News More in the Morning'').<ref name="Albu940129">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875587/koat-airs-new-show/|date=January 29, 1994|page=B11|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT Airs New Show|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055555/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875587/koat-airs-new-show/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> However, KOB and KRQE each improved their news products during the 1990s, allowing them to close the gap on KOAT.<ref name="Albu980604">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875647/koat-buyer-is-formidable-experts-say/|date=June 4, 1998|page=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875666/koat/ B4]|first=Macario|last=Juarez Jr.|title=KOAT buyer is formidable, experts say|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055554/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875647/koat-buyer-is-formidable-experts-say/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
After the Hearst purchase, the station saw the retirements of Morgan{{r|Albu991129}} and Johnny Morris (after a 21-year run with KOAT),<ref name="Albu000115">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875787/last-of-the-old-time-anchormen-to-delive/|date=January 15, 2000|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875773/morris/ A6]|first=Leanne|last=Potts|title=Last of the old-time anchormen to deliver one final newscast|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875787/last-of-the-old-time-anchormen-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> as well as Knipfing's second departure in 2000.<ref name="Albu000518">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875893/dick-knipfing-resigns-from-koat-tv/|date=May 18, 2000|page=A7|first=T.D.|last=Mobley-Martinez|title=Dick Knipfing resigns from KOAT-TV|newspaper=The Albuquerque Tribune|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055606/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112875893/dick-knipfing-resigns-from-koat-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
KOAT has generally remained the market news leader since; by 2022, it led or was competitive in every major daypart.<ref name="BC221106">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/local-news-close-up-new-mexico-stations-try-new-things|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|date=November 6, 2022|title=Local News Close-Up: New Mexico Stations Try New Things|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055549/https://www.nexttv.com/news/local-news-close-up-new-mexico-stations-try-new-things|url-status=live}}</ref> Since September 20, 2021, KOAT has streamed its newscasts, as well as other locally produced content, on ''Very Local'', an [[over-the-top media service]] operated by Hearst Television.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=September 20, 2021 |title=Hearst TV Launches Free 'Very Local' Streaming Channels in 26 Markets |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/hearst-tv-very-local-streaming-channels-launch-1235066584/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408153157/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/hearst-tv-very-local-streaming-channels-launch-1235066584/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Notable former staff===
* [[Terry McDermott (baseball)|Terry McDermott]] — sports director, 1985–1997<ref name="Albu850502">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877930/sportscaster-mcdermott-moving-from-13-to/|date=May 2, 1985|page=A14|title=Sportscaster McDermott Moving From 13 to 7|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877930/sportscaster-mcdermott-moving-from-13/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Albu970204">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877973/sportscaster-mcdermott-leaves-koat/|date=February 4, 1997|page=D2|title=Sportscaster McDermott Leaves KOAT|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111064902/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877973/sportscaster-mcdermott-leaves-koat/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
==Technical information==
===Subchannels===
The station's signal is [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels of KOAT-TV<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOAT#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KOAT|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=May 20, 2014|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520220638/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOAT#station|url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope = "col" |[[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! scope = "col" |[[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" |[[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" |Short name
! scope = "col" |Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | 7.1
| [[1080i]] || rowspan=5| [[16:9]] || KOAT-DT || Main KOAT-TV programming / [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 7.2
| rowspan=4| [[480i]] || Estrell || [[Estrella TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 7.3
| Crime || [[True Crime Network]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 7.5
| Story || [[Story Television]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 7.6
| QVC || [[QVC]]
|- style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"
! scope = "row" | [[KASY-TV|50.5]]
| 480i || 16:9 || Antenna || [[Antenna TV]] ([[KASY-TV]])
|}
{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}
===Analog-to-digital conversion===
KOAT-TV shut down its analog signal, over [[VHF]] channel 7, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States [[Digital television transition in the United States|transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts]] under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition [[UHF]] channel 21 to VHF channel 7.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref>
===Translators===
KOAT-TV is rebroadcast on 27 additional translators, most owned by the station, across much of New Mexico, southwestern Colorado, and northeastern Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 23, 2021|title=List of TV Translator Input Channels|url=https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195336/https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tv-translator-input-channels-07232021.xlsx|archive-date=December 9, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref>
{{div col}}
* [[Alamogordo]], etc.: K34CR-D
* [[Caballo, New Mexico|Caballo]]: K16LU-D
* [[Carlsbad, New Mexico|Carlsbad]]: K18NX-D
* [[Colfax County, New Mexico|Colfax]]: K23JD-D
* [[Crownpoint]]: K30KV-D
* [[Deming, New Mexico|Deming]]: K22ME-D
* [[Dulce, New Mexico|Dulce]], [[Lumberton, New Mexico|Lumberton]]: K28ER-D
* [[Farmington, New Mexico|Farmington]]: K19CM-D
* [[Farmington, New Mexico|Farmington]] (Huérfano Mountain): K24IV-D
* [[Gallup, New Mexico|Gallup]]: K10PW-D
* [[Grants, New Mexico|Grants]], etc.: K11EV-D
* [[Hobbs, New Mexico|Hobbs]]: K12NH-D
* [[Las Vegas, New Mexico|Las Vegas]]: K09AI-D
* [[Montoya, New Mexico|Montoya]], [[Newkirk, New Mexico|Newkirk]]: K28NX-D
* [[Mount Powell (New Mexico)|Mount Powell]]: K15KK-D
* [[Raton, New Mexico|Raton]]: K16CH-D
* [[Red River, New Mexico|Red River]]: K12OC-D
* [[Roswell, New Mexico|Roswell]]: K13RK-D
* [[Ruidoso]]: K31MW-D
* [[Silver City, New Mexico|Silver City]]: K08QP-D
* [[Taos, New Mexico|Taos]]: K36LF-D
* [[Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico|Tierra Amarilla]]: K36KD-D
* [[Cortez, CO]]: K09DM-D
* [[Durango, CO]]: K24NH-D
* [[Romeo, CO]]: K17JW-D
* [[Vallecito, Colorado|Vallecito, CO]]: K13PJ-D
* [[Many Farms, AZ]]: K36JX-D
{{div col end}}
==Former satellite stations==
KOAT-TV formerly operated three [[broadcast relay station#Satellite stations|satellite stations]], which rebroadcast its signal and added local content for other parts of the [[broadcast market]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Former satellite stations of KOAT-TV
! scope = "col" |Station
! scope = "col" |[[City of license]]
! scope = "col" |Digital channel
! scope = "col" |Virtual channel
! scope = "col" |First air date
! scope = "col" |Last air date
! scope = "col" |[[call sign|Former call signs]]
! scope = "col" |[[effective radiated power|ERP]]
! scope = "col" |[[HAAT]]
! scope = "col" |[[Facility ID]]
! scope = "col" |Transmitter coordinates
|- style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"
! scope = "row" | '''[[KOCT]]'''
| [[Carlsbad, New Mexico|Carlsbad]]
| 19 ([[UHF]])
| 6
| {{start date and age|1956|8|24|p=y}}
| {{end date|2012|7|18}}
| {{ubl|KAVE-TV (1956–1987)|KVIO-TV (1987–1993)}}
| 15 kW
| {{convert|333|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| 53908
| {{Coord|32|47|38|N|104|12|29|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KOCT}}
|- style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"
! scope = "row" | '''KOFT'''
| [[Farmington, New Mexico|Farmington]]
| 8 ([[VHF]])
| 3
| {{start date and age|2002|p=y}}
| {{end date|2007|11|13}}
|
| 40&nbsp;kW
| {{convert|165.9|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| 53904
| {{Coord|36|40|17|N|108|13|52.7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KOFT}}
|- style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"
! scope = "row" | KOVT
| [[Silver City, New Mexico|Silver City]]
| 10 (VHF)
| 10
| {{start date and age|1987|9|p=y}}{{efn|The ''Broadcasting and Cable Yearbook'' says KOVT signed on September 9,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989/1989-BC-YB.pdf#page=588|via=World Radio History|date=1989|page=C-42|title=KWNM-TV|work=Broadcasting Yearbook|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124050204/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989/1989-BC-YB.pdf#page=588|url-status=live}}</ref> while the ''Television and Cable Factbook'' says it signed on September 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-1989.pdf#page=763|page=A-729|title=KWNM-TV|date=1989|work=Television Factbook|via=World Radio History|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111055550/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1989-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-1989.pdf#page=763|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| {{end date|2012|7|18}}
| KWNM-TV (1987–1992)
| 3.2&nbsp;kW
| {{convert|485|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| 53911
| {{Coord|32|51|46|N|108|14|28|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KOVT}}
|}
{{see|KOCT}}
In 1993, KOAT purchased the then-KVIO-TV (channel 6) from Marsh Media, owner of [[KVIA-TV]] in [[El Paso, Texas]]. The station had operated as a satellite of an ABC station since 1966 and of the El Paso station since 1969. The move expanded the reach of KOAT-TV and made it the only ABC affiliate serving southeastern New Mexico.<ref name="Albu921029">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876501/koat-expands-with-purchase-of-carlsbads/|date=October 29, 1992|page=B2|first=Rick|last=Nathanson|title=KOAT Expands With Purchase of Carlsbad's KVIO|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110045805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112876501/koat-expands-with-purchase-of/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
Hearst-Argyle surrendered the license of KOFT to the FCC effective November 13, 2007, though its license was not canceled until May 6, 2010.<ref name=fcc-koftdeleted>{{cite web|last=Pendarvis|first=Clay C.|title=Re: KOFT, Farmington, New Mexico|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=18858|format=PDF|date=May 6, 2010|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=April 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408112652/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=18858|url-status=live}}</ref> Hearst then informed the FCC on July 18, 2012, that it would discontinue the operations of KOCT and KOVT; their licenses were canceled on August 1.<ref name=fcc-koctdeleted>{{cite web|last=Harding|first=Kevin R.|title=In Re: BLCDT-20090616ABK|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=35198|format=PDF|date=August 1, 2012|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=April 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419074019/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=35198|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=fcc-kovtdeleted>{{cite web|last=Harding|first=Kevin R.|title=In Re: BLCDT-20090616ABR|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=35199|format=PDF|date=August 1, 2012|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=April 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408111909/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=35199|url-status=live}}</ref> The move was made to eliminate the need to maintain the KOCT and KOVT [[public file]]s in their respective cities due to FCC regulations which went into effect on that date; they were replaced on those channels with translator station licenses (in Silver City, at reduced power).<ref name=fcc-koctkovttotranslators>{{cite web|title=Request for Waiver of Filing Freeze|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101422997&qnum=5000&copynum=1&exhcnum=2|format=PDF|date=July 7, 2011|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=August 12, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104535/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101422997&qnum=5000&copynum=1&exhcnum=2|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.koat.com/}}
{{Albuquerque TV}}
{{New Mexico English TV}}
{{Colorado TV}}
{{Arizona English TV}}
{{Hearst-Argyle}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Koat-Tv}}
[[Category:1953 establishments in New Mexico]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates]]
[[Category:Estrella TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Hearst Television]]
[[Category:Mass media in Albuquerque, New Mexico]]
[[Category:Story Television affiliates]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953]]
[[Category:Television stations in New Mexico|OAT-TV]]
[[Category:True Crime Network affiliates]]