View source for KAUT-TV

{{Short description|Television station in Oklahoma City}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|KPSG|WPSG}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = KAUT-TV
| logo = KAUT 2024.svg
| logo_alt = The CW logo, an orange thick logo with the letters C and W connected, in the lower left. Above it, right-aligned, is the words Oklahoma City capitalized in a sans serif. To the right of both, full-height, is a sans-serif numeral 43.
| branding = CW 43 Oklahoma City
| digital = 19 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 43
| atsc3 = yes
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''43.1:''' [[The CW]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[Nexstar Media Group]]
| licensee = [[Tribune Broadcasting|Tribune Broadcasting Company]] II [[LLC]]
| location = [[Oklahoma City]], Oklahoma
| country = United States
| airdate = {{Start date and age|1980|10|15|p=y|br=yes}}{{efn|KAUT signed on the air on October 15, when the station commenced offering programming from the VEU subscription television service. The ''Television & Cable Factbook'' states September 24 as KAUT's sign-on date,<ref>{{Cite book|date=2006|chapter=KAUT-TV|page=A-1790|title=Television & Cable Factbook}}</ref> while the ''[[Broadcasting & Cable]] Yearbook'' lists it as November 3, when daytime programming began.<ref>{{Cite book|date=2006|title=Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook|chapter=KAUT-TV|page=B-73}}</ref>}}
| callsign_meaning = [[Gene Autry]], partner of founding owner [[Golden West Broadcasters]]
| sister_stations = [[KFOR-TV]]
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|KFHC-TV (CP, 1979–1980)|KAUT (1980–1983)|KAUT-TV (1983–1992)|KTLC (1992–1998)|KPSG (1998)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 43 (UHF, 1980–2009)|'''Digital:''' 40 (UHF, 2006–2018)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|[[independent station|Independent]] (1980–1986, 2012–2023)|[[VEU]] (1980–1982)|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] (1986–1991)|[[PBS]] (1991–1998)|[[UPN]] (1998–2006)|[[MyNetworkTV]] (2006–2012)}}
| erp = {{ubl|635 [[kW]]|750 kW (CP)}}
| haat = {{convert|467|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 50182
| coordinates = {{coord|35|34|7|N|97|29|21|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{url|https://kfor.com/cw43/}}
}}

'''KAUT-TV''' (channel 43) is a [[television station]] in [[Oklahoma City]], Oklahoma, United States, serving as the local outlet for [[The CW]]. It is [[owned and operated]] by the network's majority owner, [[Nexstar Media Group]], alongside [[NBC]] affiliate [[KFOR-TV]] (channel 4). The two stations share studios in Oklahoma City's McCourry Heights section; KAUT-TV's transmitter is located on the city's northeast side.

KAUT went on the air on October 15, 1980. It was built by [[Golden West Broadcasters]], a company owned by station namesake [[Gene Autry]], and aired Golden West's [[VEU]] subscription TV service at night and news programming during the day. The news programming lasted less than a year before being discontinued, while VEU was shuttered in October 1982, leaving KAUT to become one of three [[independent station]]s in the market. Rollins Broadcasting bought the station in 1985; it became [[Heritage Media]] in 1986, the year that channel 43 affiliated with the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network. Fox programming improved the station's ratings, which previously had run third among the three Oklahoma City independents.

After a previous proposal in 1988 and 1989 failed, Heritage Media acquired competing independent [[KOKH-TV]] (channel 25) in 1991. It moved the Fox affiliation, programming, and staff from channel 43 to channel 25. KAUT was then donated to the [[Oklahoma Educational Television Authority]] (OETA), the state's public TV broadcaster, and revamped as a secondary service known as The Literacy Channel under KTLC call letters. It aired telecourses and literacy programming during the day and reairs of [[PBS]] children's programs at night. The Literacy Channel did not receive state money; operating funds came from private donors and the [[Corporation for Public Broadcasting]].

The OETA put KTLC on the market in 1997 to help defray the costs of converting its statewide network to digital broadcasting. [[Paramount Stations Group]] placed the winning bid and returned channel 43 to commercial operation as [[UPN]] affiliate KPSG on June 20, 1998. The station returned UPN programming to the market after [[KOCB]] (channel 34) switched to [[The WB]] earlier that year. After Autry died that October, the station reclaimed its original KAUT call sign in his honor. [[The New York Times Company]], then-owner of KFOR-TV, purchased KAUT in 2005; the station affiliated with [[MyNetworkTV]] when UPN and The WB merged into The CW in 2006, and KFOR introduced prime time and morning newscasts on channel 43. In 2023, KAUT replaced KOCB as the CW affiliate in Oklahoma City.

==History==
===KAUT (1980–1991)===
====The STV years====
The Christian Broadcasting Company of Oklahoma applied to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) on March 29, 1979,<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/bd868572-67cf-934e-360b-5a11186d0f80|title=History Cards for KAUT-TV|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref> for a [[construction permit]] to build a new commercial television station on channel 43 in Oklahoma City. The non-profit corporation proposed a religious-oriented station, similar to [[KXTX-TV]] in [[Dallas]].<ref name="Dail770406">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-group-planning-uhf-s/141033746/|date=April 6, 1977|page=22|title=Group Planning UHF Station|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216064938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-group-planning-uhf-s/141033746/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> At the time, applications were open on three different Oklahoma City UHF channels—14, 34, and 43—and the [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] also sought a religious station using channel 14.<ref name="Dail771030">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-plans-for-new-city-t/141034062/|date=October 30, 1977|page=6A|first=Vivian|last=Vahlberg|title=Plans for New City Television Stations Temporarily Grind to Slowdown|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065004/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-plans-for-new-city-t/141034062/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Christian Broadcasting Company placed an order for equipment in September 1978<ref name="Dail780824">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-12-million-uhf-tv/141034213/|date=August 24, 1978|page=23|title=$1.2 Million UHF TV Equipment Order Placed|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216064909/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-12-million-uhf-tv/141034213/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and received the construction permit that November.{{r|hc}}

In 1979, less than a year after obtaining the permit for KFHC-TV,{{r|hc}} Christian Broadcasting Company sold the permit to [[Golden West Broadcasters]], a joint venture of [[Gene Autry]] and his wife Ina and [[AlliedSignal|The Signal Companies]]. Golden West's intention for the station was to broadcast [[subscription television]] (STV) programming to paying subscribers. Golden West was branching into the STV business with [[Microwave transmission|microwave distribution]] systems in other cities;<ref name="Dail790715">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-gene-autry-taking-ai/141034396/|date=July 15, 1979|page=B15|first=Don|last=Shockey|title=Gene Autry Taking Aim at Pay-TV for City in Next Year|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216064939/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-gene-autry-taking-ai/141034396/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> it chose Oklahoma City for the venture because of an initial investment climate and Autry's ties to Oklahoma.<ref name="Dail800406">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-pay-tv-on-uhf/141035010/|date=April 6, 1980|page=TV News 6|first=Chan|last=Lowe|title=Pay TV on UHF|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065016/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-pay-tv-on-uhf/141035010/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The FCC granted approval of the $60,000 transaction on January 24, 1980.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=For the Record |periodical=Broadcasting |page=126 |date=February 11, 1980|id={{ProQuest|962746469}}}}</ref> The station occupied a {{convert|32500|ft2|m2|adj=on}} building constructed on a 95-acre former dairy at 11901 North Eastern Avenue;<ref name="Dail800323">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-five-tv-stations-get/141034899/|date=March 23, 1980|page=36|title=Five TV Stations Getting New Homes|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216064925/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-five-tv-stations-get/141034899/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> excess heat from the station's transmitter heated the building, the first setup of its kind in Oklahoma.<ref name="Dail800622">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-tv-transmitter-heat/141035344/|date=June 22, 1980|page=8B|first=Jim|last=Reid|title=TV Transmitter Heat Also Warms Building|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065013/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-tv-transmitter-heat/141035344/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The call letters KAUT were chosen in honor of Autry.<ref name="Dail800914">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-new-tv-station-turns/33582308/|date=September 14, 1980|page=7B|title=New TV Station Turns to KAUT|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065445/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-new-tv-station-turns/33582308/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

On October 15, 1980, KAUT began broadcasting Golden West's [[VEU]] subscription TV service, featuring first-run motion pictures and other entertainment specials. Subscribers paid $22.50 per month plus a $49.95 installation fee to be connected to the service, which began airing at 7&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="Dail801012">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-over-the-air-pay-tv/33611658/|date=October 12, 1980|page=6B|title=Over-the-Air Pay TV Broadcasts Wednesday|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-over-the-air-pay-tv/33611658/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --><ref name="Dail801019">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-new-veu-to-you/141036098/|date=October 19, 1980|page=TV News 6|first=Chan|last=Lowe|title=New VEU to you|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-new-veu-to-you/141036098/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> In 1981, VEU added sports: a package of [[Dallas Mavericks]] basketball games and [[Oklahoma State Cowboys]] basketball and wrestling.<ref name="Dail810104">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-more-sports-availabl/141036498/|date=January 4, 1981|page=3C|first=Jan|last=Harrison|title=More Sports Available With Price Tag Attached|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-more-sports-availabl/141036498/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

During the day, beginning on November 3, 1980, KAUT broadcast an all-news format from noon to 5&nbsp;p.m. Jerry Birdwell, the first general manager, noted the high interest in news in the Oklahoma City market and stated the objective of the 24-person news operation was to serve as a "newspaper of the air".<ref name="Dail800720">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-43-goes-all-news/33582287/|date=July 20, 1980|page=TV News 6|first=Chan|last=Lowe|title=43 goes all news|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-43-goes-all-news/33582287/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> [[Bob Barry Jr.]] was among the on-air staff for KAUT's newscasts.{{r|Dail810531}} In between, from 5 to 7&nbsp;p.m., the station aired syndicated programs.<ref name="b&c-kautsignon">{{cite magazine |title=New Oklahoma City outlet to program news and STV |periodical=Broadcasting |pages=43, 46 |id={{ProQuest|1014694722}} |date=November 3, 1980}}</ref><ref name="Dail801102">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-kaut-all-news-debuts/141045193/|date=November 2, 1980|page=TV News 8|first=Lyn|last=Osburn|title=KAUT all news debuts|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-kaut-all-news-debuts/141045193/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> For several months in late 1980, the station broadcast Trinity Broadcasting Network programs until [[KTBO-TV]] could complete construction on channel 14.<ref name="Dail801123">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-kaut-lends-helping-h/141045002/|date=November 23, 1980|page=TV News 8|first=Lyn|last=Osburn|title=KAUT lends helping hand|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216065529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-kaut-lends-helping-h/141045002/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

KAUT as a whole struggled to get viewers to understand its hybrid program format and avoid confusion with the all-news cable channel [[CNN]] or [[KOCB|KGMC]] (channel 34), a competing independent station.<ref name="Dail810531">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-43-battles-an-id-p/141039027/|date=May 31, 1981|page=TV News 8|first=Lyn|last=Osburn|title=43 battles an I.D. problem|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-43-battles-an-id-p/141039027/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The news window shifted to 2–6&nbsp;p.m. in early 1981 to expose the ''Newswatch 43'' broadcasts to more viewers; by this time, the station had daytime music videos and programming from the [[Christian Broadcasting Network]] before going live with news coverage.<ref name="Dail810208">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-changes-on-local-sce/141045404/|date=February 8, 1981|pages=TV News 8, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-changes-on-local-sce/141045452/ 9]|first=Lyn|last=Osburn|title=Changes on local scene|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070402/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-changes-on-local-sce/141045404/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Viewer acceptance was never high with the notable exception of waiting rooms and places of business, where television ratings are not measured,{{r|BC810914}} and the news department was disbanded in August 1981, leaving 15 employees out of a job.<ref name="Dail810828">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-channel-43-halts-tes/141045645/|date=August 28, 1981|page=13|first=Jean|last=Steed|title=Channel 43 Halts Test: Local News Program Ending|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070447/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-channel-43-halts-tes/141045645/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Birdwell believed Oklahomans were not ready for "this type of live, extended, locally produced news".<ref name="BC810914">{{cite magazine |title=Oklahoma City TV 'giving up' on all-news format |periodical=Broadcasting |pages=54, 56 |id={{ProQuest|962728210}} |date=September 14, 1981}}</ref>

VEU competed with local [[cable television]] franchises, some of which were ahead of schedule in connecting neighborhoods to their service, as well as TVQ, a microwave-delivered movie service with about 15,000 subscribers.<ref name="Dail810324">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-best-tv-program-buy/141038462/|date=March 24, 1981|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-tv/141038414/ 2]|first=Kay|last=Atkins|title=Best TV Program Buy Depends on Viewer|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-best-tv-program-buy/141038462/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> By May 1982, the VEU service had 18,000 subscribers, surpassing TVQ.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Linda |date=May 2, 1982 |title=Pay TV Market in City Slackens But Still "Viable' |work=[[The Daily Oklahoman]] |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1982/05/02/pay-tv-market-in-city-slackens-but-still-viable/62886109007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228022529/https://oklahoman.com/article/1982225/pay-tv-market-in-city-slackens-but-still-viable |archive-date=February 28, 2021}}</ref>

====Independent station and Fox affiliation====
With VEU subscriptions in Oklahoma City peaking at 22,000, short of the 35,000 necessary to turn a profit,{{r|DMN821005}} Golden West decided to terminate operations of the VEU service in Oklahoma City on October 17, 1982, and convert KAUT into a full-time commercial and ad-supported [[independent station]] with daytime programs from the [[Financial News Network]].<ref name="Dail820908">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-channel-43-ends-pay/141045895/|date=September 8, 1982|page=21|title=Channel 43 Ends Pay-TV|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-channel-43-ends-pay/141045895/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Jerry Birdwell also cited the lack of identity, noting that viewers referred to KAUT as "that cable station". Decoders used for VEU service in the Oklahoma City area were shipped to Golden West's other broadcast STV service in [[Dallas]].<ref name="DMN821005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/veu-leaves-oklahoma/xbhdafravbceamqzdfjwlhnovmetwzib_ip-10-166-46-91_1698254311508|page=13D|agency=United Press International|title=Veu leaves Oklahoma|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=October 5, 1982|access-date=October 26, 2023|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026043042/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/veu-leaves-oklahoma/xbhdafravbceamqzdfjwlhnovmetwzib_ip-10-166-46-91_1698254311508|url-status=live}}</ref>

The new format, which emphasized series in prime time instead of movies to provide an alternative to independents [[KOKH-TV]] (channel 25) and KGMC,{{r|oklahoman-tmc43}} led to the cancellations of two music programs aired by the station. The final edition of ''TMC 43'', a teen dance program,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1982/09/08/alarmed-mothers-waltz-to-tv-bandstands-rescue-sort-of/62873659007/|first=Pat|last=Record|title=Alarmed mothers waltz to TV bandstand's rescue, sort of|work=The Daily Oklahoman|date=September 8, 1982|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528211445/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1982/09/08/alarmed-mothers-waltz-to-tv-bandstands-rescue-sort-of/62873659007/|url-status=live}}</ref> featured 250 guests as the host read letters from heartbroken teens and parents.<ref name="oklahoman-tmc43">{{Cite news |last=Angus |first=Joe |date=September 19, 1982 |title='TMC' dances into the sunset |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1982/09/19/tmc-dances-into-the-sunset/62872606007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224124755/https://oklahoman.com/article/1996483/tmc-dances-into-the-sunset |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> Also axed was ''Oklahoma Country Live'', a country music show hosted by Wade Carter and noteworthy for featuring the first TV appearance of a young [[Garth Brooks]].<ref name="Dail840502">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-mustang-to-dance-bac/141046470/|date=May 2, 1984|page=North 5|first=Terri|last=Darrow|title=Mustang to Dance Back to '50s|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070450/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-mustang-to-dance-bac/141046470/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Dail920904">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-local-radio-personal/141046381/|date=September 4, 1992|page=Weekend 2|title=Local Radio Personality Honored|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-local-radio-personal/141046381/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> KAUT's acquisitions of new syndicated programs were impacted by the station's relatively late entry into program acquisition, putting it behind the network affiliates and the other two local independents.{{r|oklahoman-indies}}

During the 1980s, KAUT carried a variety of local and regional sports telecasts. In 1982, channel 43 carried college basketball games involving the Oklahoma Sooners, the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and the [[Oklahoma City Stars]] as part of a contract with local advertising agency AADCO.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perovich |first=Kathy |date=December 17, 1982 |title=Search for local announcer still under way by KAUT |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1982/12/17/search-for-local-announcer-still-under-way-by-kaut/62862952007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224023407/https://oklahoman.com/article/2006893/search-for-local-announcer-still-under-way-by-kaut |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> For several years in the 1980s, the station aired packages of [[Oklahoma City 89ers]] minor league baseball games alongside syndicated telecasts of the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] and [[Kansas City Royals]] baseball teams and Dallas Mavericks and [[Houston Rockets]] basketball.<ref name="oklahoman-89ersrangers">{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1987 |title=KAUT to Televise Texas, 89er Games |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/2177759/kaut-to-televise-texas-89er-games |url-status=live |access-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224121519/https://oklahoman.com/article/2177759/kaut-to-televise-texas-89er-games |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bentley |first=Mac |date=August 6, 1989 |title=Goodbye, NBA? Switch May Zap Local Cable Viewers |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=http://oklahoman.com/article/2275165/goodbye-nba-switch-may-zap-local-cable-viewers |url-status=live |access-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224090254/http://oklahoman.com/article/2275165/goodbye-nba-switch-may-zap-local-cable-viewers |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref>

In 1982, Golden West Broadcasters sold itself to a new firm led by [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]] as Autry bought out The Signal Companies' interest in other Autry ventures.<ref name="Dail821028">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-gene-autry-agrees-to/141046607/|date=October 28, 1982|page=40|agency=Associated Press|title=Gene Autry Agrees To Sell TV Division|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216070406/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-gene-autry-agrees-to/141046607/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Golden West was under a divestiture order stemming from the 1980 death of Ina Autry, and in 1985, the station was sold again for $5.55&nbsp;million to Atlanta-based Rollins Communications, owned by pest control magnate [[O. Wayne Rollins]].<ref name="Dail850228">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-gene-autry-selling-c/141047832/|date=February 28, 1985|page=25|first=Glen|last=Phillips|title=Gene Autry Selling Channel 43 to Atlanta Firm|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Changing Hands |periodical=Broadcasting |page=74 |date=March 11, 1985 |id={{ProQuest|1014708516}}}}</ref> Subsequently, in 1986, [[Des Moines, Iowa]]–based Heritage Broadcasting acquired a controlling interest in Rollins Communications—with the combined company forming [[Heritage Media]]—in a two-tiered tender acquisition worth $260&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=In Brief |periodical=Broadcasting |page=88 |date=June 16, 1986}}<!--Page missing in ProQuest--></ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=In Brief |periodical=Broadcasting |page=105 |date=August 4, 1986|id={{ProQuest|963247114}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 9, 1986 |title=Iowa Firm Buys Station |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1986/11/09/iowa-firm-buys-station/62709610007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225122554/https://oklahoman.com/article/2165432/iowa-firm-buys-station |archive-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

KAUT became Oklahoma City's affiliate of the new [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network when it launched with late night programming in October 1986, even though channel 43 was the third-rated of Oklahoma City's three independent stations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Case |first=Patti |date=July 25, 1986 |title=KAUT Selected to Affiliate with Fox Broadcasting Co. |id={{ProQuest|258996654}} |work=[[The Journal Record]] |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5363184/kaut-selected-to-affiliate-with-fox-broadcasting-co |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112023750/http://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5363184/kaut-selected-to-affiliate-with-fox-broadcasting-co |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|id={{ProQuest|963254490}} |title=Fox network begins to take shape |periodical=Broadcasting |page=44 |date=August 4, 1986}}</ref>

====1988 independent consolidation attempt====
[[File:KAUT logo, 1989.png|thumb|right|KAUT-TV logo while a Fox affiliate, used from 1989 to 1990|alt=The Fox network logo of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the letters "Fox" on an angled corner platform with stylized searchlights on either end, above a serif 43 and the letters K A U T]]
In July 1988, [[Pappas Telecasting]] proposed a $30&nbsp;million triple acquisition that would have resulted in major changes in independent television in Oklahoma City. It proposed to buy KOKH-TV, KGMC, and KAUT-TV; consolidate their programs onto channel 25; and then sell the latter two stations to the [[Oklahoma Educational Television Authority]] (OETA) and a religious organization, respectively, removing them as competitors to KOKH. As the OETA Foundation, the charitable fundraising arm of the educational authority, sought funds for the KGMC purchase in addition to a $1&nbsp;million conditional grant from Pappas,<ref name="Dail880806">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-oeta-foundation-seek/141051514/|date=August 6, 1988|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-oeta/141051544/ 2]|first=Paul|last=English|title=OETA Foundation Seeks Funds for KGMC-TV|newspaper=The Oklahoman and Times|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-oeta-foundation-seek/141051514/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> others did not have a favorable reaction. Oklahoma governor [[Henry Bellmon]] voiced concerns with the OETA's involvement in the transaction, suggesting that the purchase of a second Oklahoma City station would result in the authority—which had limited appropriations to adequately operate its existing state network as it stood—constantly requesting additional state funding.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 10, 1988 |title=Bellmon Not Sold On TV Deal |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/2235180/bellmon-not-sold-on-tv-deal |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224072243/https://oklahoman.com/article/2235180/bellmon-not-sold-on-tv-deal |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> After a minority broadcaster objected to the rule being used to justify the KGMC purchase, Pappas changed tack and announced in October that KAUT, not KGMC, would be the station sold to the OETA,<ref name="Dail881021">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-oeta-station-purchas/141052714/|date=October 21, 1988|page=4|agency=Associated Press|title=OETA Station Purchase Blasted: Governor Says Funding Veto a Possibility|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071536/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-oeta-station-purchas/141052714/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> a plan approved by the authority's board.<ref name="Tuls881020">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-oeta-board-oks-second-channe/141052865/|date=October 20, 1988|page=A-6|agency=Associated Press|title=OETA Board OKs Second Channel Effort|newspaper=Tulsa World|location=Tulsa, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071539/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-oeta-board-oks-second-channe/141052865/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

Opposition from Bellmon and others to the second channel plan continued after channel 43 was substituted. In a move that hamstrung its attempt to acquire KAUT, the [[Oklahoma Legislature]] incorporated stipulations into the bill appropriating OETA's funding for [[fiscal year]] 1990 that prohibited the use of state funds "for any operational or capital expense of the proposed second educational television channel in Oklahoma City" and from proposing any additional funding to finance the acquisition if it did not obtain sufficient funding from private sources.<ref name="oklahoman-kautkokh">{{Cite news |last=Chavez |first=Tim |date=April 24, 1991 |title=KAUT Owners Agree To Buy Channel 25 |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/04/24/kaut-owners-agree-to-buy-channel-25/62530058007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224013447/https://oklahoman.com/article/2354767/kaut-owners-agree-to-buy-channel-25 |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref><ref name="tulsaworld-kautoeta">{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1991 |title=Second time may be charm for new OETA outlet |work=[[Tulsa World]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/second-time-may-be-charm-for-new-oeta-outlet/article_1f7ee6d6-aaff-5645-9399-76a61b6581e1.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403210152/https://tulsaworld.com/news/second-time-may-be-charm-for-new-oeta-outlet/article_1f7ee6d6-aaff-5645-9399-76a61b6581e1.html |archive-date=April 3, 2023}}</ref><ref name="oklahoman-literacychannel">{{Cite news |last=Singleterry |first=Wayne |date=February 13, 1989 |title=Robert Allen: New Literacy Channel to Be "A Godsend' for Oklahoma |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1989/02/13/robert-allen-new-literacy-channel-to-be-a-godsend-for-oklahoma/62623945007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225083431/https://oklahoman.com/article/2255600/robert-allen-new-literacy-channel-to-be-a-godsend-for-oklahoma |archive-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> In late January 1989, the management of KOKH-TV owner Busse Broadcasting denied Pappas's request to extend the completion deadline for the purchase past its scheduled January 31 deadline.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Denton |first=Jon |date=January 18, 1989 |title=UHF Picture Expected to Change Soon |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1989/01/18/uhf-picture-expected-to-change-soon/62626730007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225083840/https://oklahoman.com/article/2252577/uhf-picture-expected-to-change-soon |archive-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> The entire transaction fell through on February 3, when Busse formally terminated the purchase agreement with Pappas;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Denton |first=Jon |date=February 16, 1989 |title=City Television Deal Falls Through Chain Breaks When Californian Misses Deadline to Buy Channel 25 |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1989/02/16/city-television-deal-falls-through-chain-breaks-when-californian-misses-deadline-to-buy-channel-25/62623542007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224084700/https://oklahoman.com/article/2255918/city-television-deal-falls-through-chain-breaks-when-californian-misses-deadline-to-buy-channel-25 |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> three days earlier, the FCC had dismissed the respective transfer applications for KGMC and KAUT.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=For the Record |periodical=Broadcasting |page=60 |date=February 20, 1989}}<!--Not in ProQuest--></ref> The proposed OETA sale created uncertainty over KAUT's future, resulting in the departures of 16 KAUT employees (all of whom sought work at other Heritage-owned television stations) and a reduction in advertising sales.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1989 |title=KAUT Starts Rebuilding Process|id={{ProQuest|259175542}} |work=The Journal Record |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5480989/kaut-starts-rebuilding-process |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112032324/http://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5480989/kaut-starts-rebuilding-process |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> Even though channels 34 and 43 struggled in the wake of the declined purchase, KAUT bounced back as the Fox network caught its stride with such hits as ''[[The Simpsons]]'', pulling ahead of KGMC in total-day ratings and ahead of KGMC and KOKH in prime time.<ref name="oklahoman-indies">{{Cite news |last=Chavez |first=Tim |date=June 24, 1990 |title=TV Independents Hanging In There Amid Competition |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1990/06/24/tv-independents-hanging-in-there-amid-competition/62561069007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225170720/https://oklahoman.com/article/2321866/tv-independents-hanging-in-there-amid-competition |archive-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

===KTLC, The Literacy Channel (1991–1998)===
On April 23, 1991, Heritage Media announced that it would acquire KOKH from Busse Broadcast Holdings, move some of KAUT's programming and Fox affiliation to channel 25, and donate the channel 43 transmitter and studio facility{{r|JR910813}} to the OETA. The move promised relief for the crowded commercial TV market. It also met with the approval of Governor Bellmon's office, unlike the 1988 Pappas plan.{{r|oklahoman-kautkokh}}

As KAUT's staff and programming moved over to channel 25, channel 43 relaunched as "The Literacy Channel" on August 15, 1991.<ref name="Dail910811">{{Cite news |date=August 11, 1991 |title=TV Stations To Change Thursday |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/08/11/tv-stations-to-change-thursday/62520183007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224103213/https://oklahoman.com/article/2365362/tv-stations-to-change-thursday |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref><ref name="JR910813">{{Cite news |date=August 13, 1991 |id={{ProQuest|259340345}}|first=Darrell|last=Morrow |title=KOKH, KAUT to Change Operations on Thursday |work=The Journal Record |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5563497/kokh-kaut-to-change-operations-on-thursday |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112033850/http://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5563497/kokh-kaut-to-change-operations-on-thursday |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> The Literacy Channel name had been associated with the project since 1989.{{r|oklahoman-literacychannel}} The second station allowed the OETA to more than double its offerings of [[distance education|telecourse]]s in an effort to reduce illiteracy in the state,{{r|oklahoman-kautkokh}} with offerings of such series as ''Learn to Read'' and ''GED on TV''.{{r|Dail910818}} At night, The Literacy Channel offered rebroadcasts of children's shows from [[PBS]], including ''[[Sesame Street]]''—never before aired in the evening{{r|Dail910818}}—and ''[[Reading Rainbow]]''.{{r|Dail910811}} The new programming was a demonstration initiative devised by OETA's Board of Directors, the OETA Foundation Board of Trustees, and Heritage Media; PBS senior vice president for education services Sandy Welch and management with the [[Children's Television Workshop]] collaborated with the consortium in the development of the station's new format, which the OETA and PBS intended to use as a model for instructional and educational programming on a national level.<ref name="Dail910818">{{Cite news |date=August 18, 1991 |title=Literacy Channel Offers Shows For Kids to Watch With Parents |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/08/18/literacy-channel-offers-shows-for-kids-to-watch-with-parents/62519569007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906034814/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/08/18/literacy-channel-offers-shows-for-kids-to-watch-with-parents/62519569007/ |archive-date=September 6, 2023}}</ref> The call sign changed from KAUT to KTLC on January 17, 1992.<ref name="oklahoman-channelchange">{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1992 |title=Cable Lineup Changes |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/2381511/cable-lineup-changes |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224041205/https://oklahoman.com/article/2381511/cable-lineup-changes |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1014743672}}|title=For the Record |periodical=Broadcasting |page=58 |date=February 3, 1992}}</ref>

As the OETA's state budget appropriation shrank, KTLC began altering its program format to save money, even though most of the channel's funding initially came from private sources. In July 1993, weekday and weekend morning schedules were axed, initially temporarily, in response to a 17.9-percent budget cut that left the Literacy Channel with no state funding source. The OETA board requested the OETA Foundation's permission to conduct two on-air fundraisers to keep the Literacy Channel on the air.<ref>{{Cite news |last=English |first=Paul |date=June 17, 1993 |title=Public TV Plans Belt-Tightening After Fund Cuts |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/06/17/public-tv-plans-belt-tightening-after-fund-cuts/62456197007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906035818/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/06/17/public-tv-plans-belt-tightening-after-fund-cuts/62456197007/ |archive-date=September 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=English |first=Paul |date=June 25, 1993 |title=Literacy Channel Morning Programs Cut to Save Cost: OETA Board to Seek Funding |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/06/25/literacy-channel-morning-programs-cut-to-save-cost-oeta-board-to-seek-funding/62455469007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906035206/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/06/25/literacy-channel-morning-programs-cut-to-save-cost-oeta-board-to-seek-funding/62455469007/ |archive-date=September 6, 2023}}</ref> A nine-day fund drive took place in September.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1993 |title=Literacy Channel Launches Its First Fund-Raiser Since Starting |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/09/12/literacy-channel-launches-its-first-fund-raiser-since-starting/62448687007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906040030/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/09/12/literacy-channel-launches-its-first-fund-raiser-since-starting/62448687007/ |archive-date=September 6, 2023}}</ref> By 1995, half of the funding for the Literacy Channel came from the [[Corporation for Public Broadcasting]] and the remainder from private donors, with no state funding.<ref>{{Cite news|title=GOP Plans Threaten Future of OETA Station|first=Kim |last=Rodgers|work=The Journal Record|id={{ProQuest|259387073}}|date=February 2, 1995}}</ref> This was the case even though governor [[David Walters]] had previously recommended expanding the service, saying, "[W]e need to sell reading and writing like we would sell soap."<ref name="Tuls940131">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-walters-seeks-to-expand-lite/141056769/|date=January 31, 1994|page=10|title=Walters Seeks to Expand Literacy Channel Reach|newspaper=Tulsa World|location=Tulsa, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-walters-seeks-to-expand-lite/141056769/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->

===UPN affiliation (1998–2005)===
In October 1997, the OETA decided to sell KTLC in order to fund costly digital television conversion mandates for the rest of its statewide network, with the sale proceeds to be placed in an endowment to cover those costs; The Literacy Channel was planned to continue as a cable service and, eventually, a digital subchannel of the OETA transmitters.<ref>{{cite news|title=OETA looks to sell Channel 43 in digital move|work=The Journal Record|date=October 31, 1997|id={{ProQuest|259368726}} }}</ref> The authority received ten cash offers for channel 43, among them proposals from [[Clear Channel Communications]], [[Shop at Home]], and [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]. The highest bid, at $23.5&nbsp;million, was made by [[Paramount Stations Group]], the owned-and-operated stations division of [[UPN]].<ref>{{Cite news |first=Gregory|last=Potts|id={{ProQuest|259372269}} |date=December 22, 1997 |title=UPN offers highest bid for KTLC |work=The Journal Record |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5716705/upn-offers-highest-bid-for-ktlc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112032319/http://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5716705/upn-offers-highest-bid-for-ktlc |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> UPN was about to lose its existing Oklahoma City affiliate: [[KOCB]], the former KGMC. By 1997, it was under the ownership of Sinclair, which that summer signed a deal to flip six UPN affiliates including KOCB to its rival, [[The WB]], in January 1998.<ref>{{cite news|first=Steve|last=McClellan|title=WB woos and wins Sinclair|id={{ProQuest|1016966796}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-07-21.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable|date=July 21, 1997|access-date=June 8, 2013|pages=4, 8|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111095533/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-07-21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The move put UPN on the back foot; the network contested the validity of the action in Maryland courts, where it lost twice.<ref name="Balt980113">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104005436/appellate-court-allows-wnuv-shift-to-war/|date=January 13, 1998|page=3C|first=Andrea F.|last=Siegel|title=Appellate court allows WNUV shift to Warner|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 17, 2023|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417051840/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104005436/appellate-court-allows-wnuv-shift-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Without any further action, UPN would be left without an affiliate in Oklahoma City.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 23, 1997|title=A network of changes|id={{ProQuest|259372138}}|first=Gregory|last=Potts|work=The Journal Record}}</ref>

The OETA unanimously accepted Paramount's $23.5&nbsp;million bid in January 1998.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 8, 1998 |id={{ProQuest|259395037}}|title=OETA to sell KTLC-43 to Paramount Stations |work=The Journal Record |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5719806/oeta-to-sell-ktlc-43-to-paramount-stations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231235655/https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-5719806/oeta-to-sell-ktlc-43-to-paramount-stations |archive-date=December 31, 2013}}</ref> As part of the deal, for five years, Paramount agreed to air The Literacy Channel programs from 9&nbsp;a.m. to noon on weekdays; provide the OETA with $100,000 in airtime for promotion; include the OETA in volume discounts for digital television equipment purchases; donate discarded equipment; and simulcast one fundraising drive a year. On June 20, 1998, after delays,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cole |first=Maxine |date=June 21, 1998 |title=Your Page |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/2617238/your-page |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224093816/https://oklahoman.com/article/2617238/your-page |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> UPN returned to Oklahoma City after five months as channel 43 launched a new program schedule under the new call sign KPSG.<ref name="UPN">{{Cite news |last=Potts |first=Gregory |id={{ProQuest|259384267}} |date=June 19, 1998 |title=UPN returns on Saturday |work=The Journal Record |url=http://journalrecord.com/1998/06/19/upn-returns-on-saturday/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608233019/http://journalrecord.com/1998/06/19/upn-returns-on-saturday/ |archive-date=June 8, 2023}}</ref> The full transaction was completed a month later.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|259399313}} |date=July 22, 1998 |title=Channel 43 sale completed |work=The Journal Record |url=http://journalrecord.com/1998/07/22/channel-43-sale-completed/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608073952/https://journalrecord.com/1998/07/22/channel-43-sale-completed/ |archive-date=June 8, 2023}}</ref>

Gene Autry died at the age of 91 on October 2, 1998.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krebs |first=Albin |date=October 3, 1998 |title=Gene Autry, Singing Movie Cowboy Who Rode Champion to Fame, Dies at 91 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/03/arts/gene-autry-singing-movie-cowboy-who-rode-champion-to-fame-dies-at-91.html |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018003901/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/03/arts/gene-autry-singing-movie-cowboy-who-rode-champion-to-fame-dies-at-91.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In his honor, the station re-took the call sign KAUT-TV on December 12, coinciding with a weekend-long special of Autry's films and an hour-long tribute special hosted by his longtime friend, [[Johnny Grant (radio personality)|Johnny Grant]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1998 |title=KPSG Memorializing Gene Autry With Movie Serial, Name Change |work=The Daily Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1998/12/06/kpsg-memorializing-gene-autry-with-movie-serial-name-change/62259992007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906162655/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1998/12/06/kpsg-memorializing-gene-autry-with-movie-serial-name-change/62259992007/ |archive-date=September 6, 2023}}</ref>

Under Paramount, the station added some sports programming to its lineup. In 2004, it began airing [[Kansas City Chiefs]] preseason games as well as a package of [[Oklahoma Sooners]] men's and women's basketball games.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=9–11|title=Oklahoma City|work=Mediaweek|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|id={{ProQuest|213643602}}|date=February 21, 2005}}</ref>

===Duopoly with KFOR-TV (2005–present)===
In September 2005, the [[New York Times Company]], owner of [[NBC]] affiliate [[KFOR-TV]] (channel 4), agreed to purchase KAUT from what was then the Viacom Television Stations Group<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 15, 2005 |title=Times Co. Buys TV Station |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/15/business/media/times-co-buys-tv-station.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608182136/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/15/business/media/times-co-buys-tv-station.html |archive-date=June 8, 2023}}</ref> for $22&nbsp;million. It was one of two stations Viacom agreed to sell in 2005, along with [[WUPL]] in the [[New Orleans]] market.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilonsky |first=Robert |date=March 16, 2006 |title=That's News to The News |url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/thats-news-to-the-news-7137071 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=Dallas Observer |language=en |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071541/https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/thats-news-to-the-news-7137071 |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal created the first [[duopoly (broadcasting)|duopoly]] in the New York Times Company stable of TV stations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Allison |date=September 15, 2005 |title=New York Times Buying KAUT |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/new-york-times-buying-kaut-107930|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164410/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/new-york-times-buying-kaut/107930 |archive-date=March 1, 2018 |access-date=June 30, 2017 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref>

UPN and The WB merged in September 2006 to form [[The CW]]. An Oklahoma City affiliate for the network was not confirmed until Sinclair signed an agreement for eight stations to join the network on May 2.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Allison |date=May 2, 2006 |title=Eight Sinclair Stations Sign On With CW |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/eight-sinclair-stations-sign-cw-39993 |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226001049/https://www.nexttv.com/news/eight-sinclair-stations-sign-cw-39993 |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 22, just two weeks before the network launched, KAUT confirmed it would be Oklahoma City's affiliate of [[MyNetworkTV]],<ref name="JR060823">{{Cite news |date=August 23, 2006 |title=Network shuffle: WB stations take CW, UPN affiliates join MyNetworkTV |id={{ProQuest|259487728}}|first=Kirby Lee|last=Davis |work=The Journal Record |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P2-2176853 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012161104/https://www.questia.com/read/1P2-2176853/network-shuffle-wb-stations-take-cw-upn-affiliates |archive-date=October 12, 2019}}</ref> which was set up to serve affiliates not chosen for the new CW network.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/102922-News_Corp_Unveils_My_Network_TV.php|title=News Corp. Unveils MyNetworkTV|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|date=February 22, 2006|access-date=June 15, 2013|archive-date=April 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417165134/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/102922-News_Corp_Unveils_My_Network_TV.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Instead of rebranding with the network as "My 43", KAUT changed its moniker to "OK 43", adopting Western-themed imaging.{{r|JR060823}}

On January 4, 2007, The New York Times Company sold KAUT-TV and its eight sister television stations to [[Local TV LLC]], a holding company operated by [[private equity firm]] [[Oak Hill Capital Partners]], for $530&nbsp;million;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Story |first=Louise |date=January 5, 2007 |title=Times Co. Agrees to Sell TV Stations to Equity Firm |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/05/business/media/05times.html |access-date=September 27, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927023632/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/05/business/media/05times.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the sale was finalized on May 7.<ref>{{cite press release|title=The New York Times Company Reports April Revenues|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=105317&p=irol-pressArticle&ID=1003528&highlight=|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722191553/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=105317&p=irol-pressArticle&ID=1003528&highlight=|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 22, 2012|format=The New York Times Company Financial Report|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date=May 7, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2008}}</ref> Local TV LLC shared broadcast group management with the [[Tribune Company]], by way of The Other Company, run by Tribune executive [[Randy Michaels]].<ref name=tvnc-duops>{{cite news|title=Denver, St. Louis To Get Fox-CW Duops|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/denver-st-louis-to-get-fox-cw-duops/|first=Harry A.|last=Jessell|work=TVNewsCheck|access-date=July 20, 2012|archive-date=March 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312003024/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/denver-st-louis-to-get-fox-cw-duops/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Freedom 43====
In 2011, the station rebranded from OK43 to "Freedom 43" in an appeal to the large military population in the Oklahoma City area. KFOR–KAUT president Jim Boyer described the new name and approach as catering to "all Oklahomans who believe in faith, freedom and patriotism". Newscasts on channel 43 were altered to include stories and profiles of interest to [[conservatism in the United States|conservatives]] and the military community.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=March 24, 2011 |title=Freedom's Just Another Word For... KAUT |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/blog/station-station/freedoms-just-another-word-forkaut/66810 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302044618/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/blog/station-station/freedoms-just-another-word-forkaut/66810 |archive-date=March 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 24, 2011 |title=Patriotism Key to KAUT Rebranding |work=TVNewsCheck |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/03/24/50096/patriotism-key-to-kaut-rebranding |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224163903/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/patriotism-key-to-kaut-rebranding/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=April 25, 2011 |title=Let 'Freedom' Ring |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/let-freedom-ring-111877 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609015541/https://www.nexttv.com/news/let-freedom-ring-111877 |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> KAUT discontinued MyNetworkTV in 2012, with the service's offerings moving to [[KSBI]] (channel 52).<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 21, 2012 |title=KSBI-52 joining MyNetworkTV |work=The Oklahoman |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/television/2012/08/21/ksbi-52-joining-mynetworktv/61050987007/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908192126/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/television/2012/08/21/ksbi-52-joining-mynetworktv/61050987007/ |archive-date=September 8, 2023}}</ref>

Tribune acquired the Local TV stations in 2013 for $2.75&nbsp;billion.<ref name=ct-saletotribune>{{cite news|last=Channick|first=Robert|title=Acquisition to make Tribune Co. largest U.S. TV station operator|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story|access-date=July 1, 2013|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=July 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704152051/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story|archive-date=July 4, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|url-status=dead|url=http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=6470|title=Company Completes Final Steps of Transaction Announced in July|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228101139/http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=6470 |archive-date=December 28, 2013|website=Tribune Company|date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> In 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group [[Attempted acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast Group|attempted to purchase Tribune]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Battaglio |first=Stephen |date=May 8, 2017 |title=Sinclair Broadcast Group to buy Tribune Media for $3.9 billion plus debt |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-tribune-sinclair-20170508-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403210452/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-tribune-sinclair-20170508-story.html |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=June 6, 2017 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> to meet ownership limits, Sinclair would have spun out KAUT to [[Howard Stirk Holdings]] and operated it under [[Local marketing agreement|shared services and joint sales agreements]].<ref name="aa-saletohsh">{{Cite news |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Sinclair Revises TV Spinoff Plans For Tribune Deal, Announces Deals For Several Stations |work=All Access |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/176083/sinclair-revises-tv-spinoff-plans-for-tribune-deal |url-status=live |access-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822102514/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/176083/sinclair-revises-tv-spinoff-plans-for-tribune-deal |archive-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref> The Tribune purchase of Sinclair and related transactions were nullified on August 9, 2018, after Tribune Media terminated the merger and filed a [[breach of contract]] lawsuit;<ref>{{Cite web |first=Jon|last=Lafayette |date=August 9, 2018 |title=Tribune Ends Deal with Sinclair, Files Breach of Contract Suit |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/tribune-ends-deal-with-sinclair-files-breach-of-contract-suit |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809182004/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/tribune-ends-deal-with-sinclair-files-breach-of-contract-suit |url-status=live }}</ref> this came several weeks after the FCC voted to bring the deal up for a formal review and lead commissioner [[Ajit Pai]] publicly rejected it.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Harper|last=Neidig |date=July 16, 2018 |title=FCC chair rejects Sinclair-Tribune merger |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |url=https://thehill.com/policy/technology/397194-fcc-chairman-rejects-sinclair-tribune-merger/ |access-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716163305/http://thehill.com/policy/technology/397194-fcc-chairman-rejects-sinclair-tribune-merger |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Nexstar ownership and CW affiliation====
Following the collapse of the Sinclair merger, [[Nexstar Media Group]] announced it would acquire Tribune Media in a $6.4&nbsp;billion all-cash deal on December 3, 2018, which also included all outstanding Tribune debt.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Gerry|last1=Smith |first2=Nabila|last2=Ahmed |first3=Eric|last3=Newcomer |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Nexstar to buy WGN owner Tribune Media for $4.1 billion |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-nexstar-tribune-media-20181202-story.html |agency=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg News]] |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405053753/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-nexstar-tribune-media-20181202-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Jon|last=Lafayette |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Nexstar Announces Deal to Buy Tribune for $6.4B |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nexstar-announces-deal-to-buy-tribune-for-6-4b |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405084338/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nexstar-announces-deal-to-buy-tribune-for-6-4b |url-status=live }}</ref> Approved by the FCC on September 16, 2019, the merger was completed three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mark K.|last=Miller |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Nexstar Closes On Tribune Merger |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/239233/nexstar-closes-on-tribune-merger/ |website=TVNewsCheck |access-date=September 19, 2019 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920231248/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/239233/nexstar-closes-on-tribune-merger/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

KAUT replaced KOCB as the Oklahoma City affiliate of The CW on September 1, 2023, a year after Nexstar bought majority control of the network. The switch in affiliation coincided with Sinclair receiving the CW affiliations in [[Seattle]] and [[Pittsburgh]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=August 31, 2023 |title=The CW Adds Sinclair Stations as Affiliates in Seattle and Pittsburgh |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cw-adds-sinclair-stations-as-affiliates-in-seattle-and-pittsburgh |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920093509/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cw-adds-sinclair-stations-as-affiliates-in-seattle-and-pittsburgh |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Local programming==
===Newscasts===
{{see|KFOR-TV#Newscasts}}
After KAUT-TV was purchased by KFOR-TV, the KFOR news department extended to add newscasts on channel 43. A 9&nbsp;p.m. newscast debuted in June 2006, originally anchored by Ernie Paulson and former [[KOCO-TV]] weekend evening anchor Cherokee Ballard.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 12, 2006 |first=Jerry|last=Shottenkirk|id={{ProQuest|259456055}} |title=KAUT begins news program: Ernie Paulson to join Cherokee Ballard as co-anchor on 9 o'clock news |work=The Journal Record |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1P2-2168916/kaut-begins-news-program-ernie-paulson-to-join-cherokee |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112033844/http://www.questia.com/library/1P2-2168916/kaut-begins-news-program-ernie-paulson-to-join-cherokee |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> The station also airs a morning news and entertainment program, ''Rise and Shine''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Local News Close-Up: Winter in Oklahoma City Means Ice, Wind … and Thunder |url=https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-close-up-winter-in-oklahoma-city-means-ice-wind-and-thunder |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401143546/https://www.nexttv.com/features/local-news-close-up-winter-in-oklahoma-city-means-ice-wind-and-thunder |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Technical information==
===Subchannels===
The station's ATSC 1.0 channels are carried on the [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]] signals of three other Oklahoma City TV stations:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels provided by KAUT-TV (ATSC 1.0)<ref>{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KFOR-TV|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KFOR-TV#station|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128214322/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KFOR-TV#station|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KOKH-TV|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOKH-TV#station|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128214322/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOKH-TV#station|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KOCB|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOCB#station|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128214322/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KOCB#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 = "col" | ATSC 1.0 host
|-
! scope = "row" | 43.1
| [[1080i]] || [[16:9]] || KAUT-DT || [[The CW]] || [[KFOR-TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 43.2
| rowspan="3"|[[480i]] || rowspan="3"|[[4:3]] || RewTV || [[Rewind TV]] || rowspan="2"|[[KOKH-TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 43.3
| Mystery || [[Ion Mystery]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 43.4
| COZI || [[Cozi TV]] || [[KOCB]]
|}

===Analog-to-digital conversion and spectrum repack===
KAUT-TV launched a digital signal on UHF channel 40 on April 24, 2006.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Television & Cable Factbook|year=2008|chapter=KAUT-DT|page=A-1852}}</ref> The station originally planned to transmit on UHF channel 42 by the May 1, 2002, deadline for full-power television stations to sign on a digital signal; however, the assignment was also given to [[KMYT-TV|KTFO]] in Tulsa. As a result, Viacom Television Stations Group requested channel 40 for KAUT's digital signal instead.<ref>{{cite web|title=Report and Order (Proceeding Terminated)|url=https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-1702A1.pdf|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=July 8, 2005|access-date=March 1, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212115223/https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-1702A1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Most Tulsa stations unable to get digital signals on air|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/most-tulsa-stations-unable-to-get-digital-signals-on-air/article_bb768ea2-1406-5a8a-96de-edf7a2301948.html|first=Rita|last=Sherrow|newspaper=Tulsa World|date=May 1, 2002|access-date=March 1, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024092523/https://tulsaworld.com/archives/most-tulsa-stations-unable-to-get-digital-signals-on-air/article_bb768ea2-1406-5a8a-96de-edf7a2301948.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=City TV stations make strides to digital signal|url=http://newsok.com/article/1899637|first=Penny|last=Soldan|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=April 25, 2004|access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref> KAUT discontinued regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 43, on February 17, 2009, the original date for the [[Digital television transition in the United States|federally mandated digital television transition]].<ref name="Dail090218">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-digital-tv-switch-hi/141076577/|date=February 18, 2009|page=10A|first=Mel|last=Bracht|title=Digital TV switch hits a few snags: For now, three stations will broadcast in analog|newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071535/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-digital-tv-switch-hi/141076577/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 40<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> until relocating to channel 19 on December 1, 2018, as a result of the [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction]].<ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web|url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table|format=CSV|website=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|url-status=live}}</ref>

===ATSC 3.0 deployment===
KAUT-TV became the host station for [[ATSC 3.0]] (NextGen TV) broadcasting on October 8, 2020. KAUT provides 3.0 signals of subchannels of itself and four other Oklahoma City-area stations: KFOR-TV, KOCO-TV, KOKH-TV, and KOCB.<ref>{{cite web|title=Oklahoma City Broadcasters Deploy ATSC 3.0|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/oklahoma-city-broadcasters-deploy-atsc-30|first=Tom|last=Butts|website=TVTechnology|date=October 8, 2020|accessdate=May 20, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521013251/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/oklahoma-city-broadcasters-deploy-atsc-30|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels of KAUT-TV (ATSC 3.0)<ref>{{cite web|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KAUT-TV|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KAUT-TV#station|website=RabbitEars|access-date=March 18, 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128214032/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KAUT-TV#station|url-status=live}}</ref>
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | Short name
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | [[KFOR-TV|4.1]]
| rowspan="2"|[[1080p]] || rowspan="5"| [[16:9]] || KFOR || [[NBC]] ([[KFOR-TV]])
|-
! scope = "row" | [[KOCO-TV|5.1]]
| KOCO || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] ([[KOCO-TV]])
|-
! scope = "row" | [[KOKH-TV|25.1]]
| rowspan="2"| 720p || KOKH || [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] ([[KOKH-TV]])
|-
! scope = "row" | [[KOCB|34.1]]
| KOCB || [[KOCB]] ([[Independent station|Independent]])
|-
! scope = "row" | 43.1
| 1080p || KAUT || [[The CW]]
|}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [https://kfor.com/cw43/ CW 43 schedule page on kfor.com]

{{Oklahoma City TV}}
{{Oklahoma TV}}
{{NXST TV}}
{{Major U.S. TV O-O Stations}}
{{LocalCableNews}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaut-Tv}}
[[Category:1980 establishments in Oklahoma]]
[[Category:ATSC 3.0 television stations]]
[[Category:Cozi TV affiliates]]
[[Category:The CW affiliates]]
[[Category:Ion Mystery affiliates]]
[[Category:Nexstar Media Group]]
[[Category:Paramount Stations Group]]
[[Category:Rewind TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1980]]
[[Category:Television stations in Oklahoma City|AUT-TV]]