View source for KITV

{{Short description|Television station in Honolulu}}
{{Distinguish|text = [[KTIV]] in Sioux City, Iowa}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = KITV
| logo = KITV ABC 4 Honolulu logo.svg
| logo_upright = 1
| branding = KITV 4; ''KITV 4 Island News''
| digital = 20 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 4
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''4.1:''' [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| airdate = {{start date|1954|4|16}}
| location = [[Honolulu]], Hawaii
| country = United States
| callsign_meaning = Island Television
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|KABS-TV (CP, 1953–1954)|KULA-TV (1954–1959)|KHVH-TV (1959–1973)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 4 ([[VHF]], 1954–2009)|'''Digital:''' 40 (UHF, 1998–2019)}}
| owner = [[Allen Media Group]]
| licensee = KITV, Inc.
| sister_stations = [[KIKU]]
| former_affiliations = [[DuMont Television Network|DuMont]] (secondary, 1954–1955)
| erp = 41.1 kW
| haat = {{convert|54|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 64548
| coordinates = {{coord|21|17|25|N|157|50|24|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KITV}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|http://www.kitv.com/}}
}}

'''KITV''' (channel 4) is a television station in [[Honolulu]], Hawaii, United States, serving the [[Hawaiian Islands]] as an affiliate of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. It is owned by [[Allen Media Group]] alongside [[multicultural]] [[independent station]] [[KIKU]] (channel 20). The two stations share studios on South King Street in [[downtown Honolulu]]; KITV's main transmitter is located atop the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Rebroadcasters on the islands of [[Maui]] and [[Hawaii (island)|Hawaii]] extend the station's signal.

Channel 4 was the third station established in Honolulu as KULA-TV in April 1954. It was constructed by Iowa-based American Broadcasting Stations, then-owner of radio station KULA, and affiliated with ABC from the start. Three years later, industrialist [[Henry J. Kaiser]] founded the city's fourth TV station, KHVH-TV on channel 13. Established in the same year as radio station [[KIKI (AM)|KHVH (990&nbsp;AM)]], it was an [[independent station]] that aired primarily movies and brought color television to the islands. Kaiser bought KULA-TV in 1958 and merged the two stations as KHVH-TV on channel 4. Its signal extended with a 1958 affiliation agreement with KMVI-TV, covering Maui from atop [[Haleakalā]], and the 1960 construction of [[satellite station]] KHJK-TV—now KHVO—in [[Hilo]] on the island of Hawaii.

Kaiser sold KHVH radio and television to Lawrence Berger in 1964 as [[Kaiser Broadcasting|he sought to move into broadcasting]] in the continental U.S. KHVH-TV brought Hawaii its first live television via satellite in 1966 and aired the first live programs between Hawaii and Japan. Berger kept KHVH radio and sold the television stations to Starr Broadcasting in 1973; channel 4 was renamed KITV. Under Starr, [[Shamrock Broadcasting]], and Tak Communications ownership for the next 20 years, KITV languished as the market's third-rated news station but initiated live coverage of the [[Merrie Monarch Festival]].

Tak wound up a years-long bankruptcy proceeding in 1995 by selling two of its stations, including KITV, to Argyle Television. Argyle—which merged with the [[Hearst Corporation]] in 1997 to form Hearst-Argyle Television—improved the quality and ratings of KITV's newscasts, which moved into second place from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s. In conjunction with its move from studios on [[Ala Moana Boulevard]] to a new facility at One Archer Lane, KITV became the first television station in the United States to begin commercial digital broadcasts in January 1998. Hearst sold KITV to SJL Broadcasting in 2015. It was acquired in 2021 by Allen, which a year later purchased KIKU and restored its traditional format of Japanese- and Filipino-language programming.

==History==
===KULA-TV: Early years===
Channel 4 was one of the first two channels to receive interest after the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) began taking applications for television stations to serve the Honolulu area on one of five commercial channels (2, 4, 9, 11, and 13).<ref name="Hono520413">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-th-allocated-20/139086500/|date=April 13, 1952|page=1|title=TH Allocated 20 Channels For Television|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175337/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-th-allocated-20/139086500/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The Advertiser Publishing Company, publisher of the ''[[Honolulu Advertiser]]'' newspaper and owner of radio station [[KGU (AM)|KGU]], applied for channel 4 in early June.<ref name="Hono520605">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-two-isle-tv-appli/139086624/|date=June 5, 1952|page=1|title=Two Isle TV Applications Are Filed|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-two-isle-tv-appli/139086624/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Applications quickly piled up, especially for channels 2 and 4 in the low [[VHF]] band, seen as most desirable due to their propagation characteristics.<ref name="Hono520701">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-4th-application-f/139086695/|date=July 1, 1952|page=7|title=4th Application For TV Station Scheduled Today|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-4th-application-f/139086695/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Honolulu station [[KPRP (AM)|KPOA]], the Island Broadcasting Company, was the second applicant to seek channel 4.<ref name="Hono520707">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-station-kpoa-file/139086710/|date=July 7, 1952|page=1|title=Station KPOA Files For Video Channel Sought by 'Tiser|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-station-kpoa-file/139086710/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> KPOA's filing was called in "bad faith" by the ''Advertiser'', which pointed out that two other channels were available and had not yet been filed for.<ref name="Hono521112">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kpoa-called-in-b/139086906/|date=November 12, 1952|page=1|agency=Associated Press|title=KPOA Called In 'Bad Faith' By Advertiser|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175354/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kpoa-called-in-b/139086906/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> KGU and KPOA both bowed out of the channel 4 fight at the same time in March 1953, when they each bought half the stock in Honolulu's struggling KONA-TV on channel 11 (which later became [[KHON-TV]] on channel 2).<ref name="Hono530310">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-advertiser-joins/139087131/|date=March 10, 1953|page=2|title=Advertiser Joins KPOA In Purchase of KONA Stock|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-advertiser-joins/139087131/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

One of the applications for channel 2 came from radio station [[KHNR|KULA]], which was in competition with a consortium known as Royaltel. KULA was sold in 1953 to American Broadcasting Stations (ABS), the owner of [[WMT (AM)|WMT]] in [[Cedar Rapids, Iowa]],{{r|Hono530314}} which filed in April 1953 for channel 4 in an effort to prevent KGU and KPOA from moving KONA from channel 11 to channel 4.<ref name="Hono530408">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-american-broadcas/139087195/|date=April 8, 1953|page=8|title=American Broadcasting Files For TV Channel 4 With F.C.C.|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175943/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-american-broadcas/139087195/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Even while its purchase of KULA was still pending, the FCC granted channel 4 to ABS on May 14, 1953.<ref name="Hono530514">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-abs-is-granted-tv/139087326/|date=May 14, 1953|page=10|title=ABS Is Granted TV Channel 4|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175852/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-abs-is-granted-tv/139087326/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> After the commission approved its acquisition of KULA,<ref name="Hono530627">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-radio-station-sal/139087390/|date=June 27, 1953|page=6|title=Radio Station Sale Approved|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175852/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-radio-station-sal/139087390/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> it withdrew its application for channel 2<ref name="Hono530730">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-pacific-frontier/139087442/|date=July 30, 1953|page=2|agency=United Press|title=Pacific Frontier Asks Dismissal Of TV Application|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126175944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-pacific-frontier/139087442/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and began scouting studio sites for the new station.<ref name="Hono530714">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kula-seeks-locati/139087410/|date=July 14, 1953|page=16|title=KULA Seeks Location For New TV Station|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180408/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kula-seeks-locati/139087410/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Originally designated KABS-TV, the channel became KULA-TV when it was transferred to the same subsidiary as KULA radio, the Pacific Frontier Broadcasting Company.<ref name="Hono531023">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kula-tv-given-cha/139087522/|date=October 23, 1953|page=10|title=KULA-TV Given Channel 4 Permit|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kula-tv-given-cha/139087522/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->

Construction of KULA-TV's studios and original transmitter site on [[Ala Moana Boulevard]] began in December 1953;<ref name="Hono531210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-construction-due/139087567/|date=December 10, 1953|page=C8|title=Construction Due To Start on New Television Station|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180411/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-construction-due/139087567/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> the facilities would accommodate studios for KULA radio.<ref name="Hono540227">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-around-the-dial/139087597/|date=February 27, 1954|page=Hawaiian Life 17|first=Paul|last=Findeisen|title=Around the Dial|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-around-the-dial/139087597/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> KULA-TV began broadcasting on April 16, 1954.<ref name="Hono540417">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kula-television/139088034/|date=April 17, 1954|page=A6|title=KULA Television Goes On Air Over Channel 4|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kula-television/139088034/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> It was an affiliate of the ABC network, whose programs had previously appeared over [[KGMB]]-TV;<ref>{{Cite news|page=72|title=KULA-TV Joins ABC-TV|work=Broadcasting|date=February 15, 1954|id={{ProQuest|1285708106}} }}</ref> KULA had been an ABC radio affiliate.<ref name="Hono530314">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-mainland-group-bu/139088289/|date=March 14, 1953|page=1|title=Mainland Group Buys Station KULA For $300,000|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-mainland-group-bu/139088289/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

The ownership of KULA radio and television shifted several times in its early history. ABS sold the outlets to the Television Corporation of America, a new Hawaiian company headed by Jack Burnett and Albert Zugsmith, in 1955.<ref name="Hono551011">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kula-sold-to-isl/139088313/|date=October 11, 1955|page=B10|title=KULA Sold to Isle Group|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180416/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kula-sold-to-isl/139088313/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The [[Crowell-Collier Publishing Company]] agreed to purchase all of the outstanding stock in the KULA stations in April 1956,<ref name="Hono560423">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-publishers-buy-ku/139088454/|date=April 23, 1956|page=3|title=Publishers Buy KULA Radio, TV|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180418/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-publishers-buy-ku/139088454/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> which was canceled four months later when mortgage holders in the firm refused to permit the necessary stock swap.<ref name="Hono560828">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-plan-for-kula-st/139088581/|date=August 28, 1956|page=A9|agency=United Press|title=Plan For KULA Stock Exchange Cancelled|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-plan-for-kula-st/139088581/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

===KHVH-TV: Kaiser's channel 13===
[[File:Hkaiser.jpg|alt=refer to caption|thumb|Henry J. Kaiser]]
Where channels 2 and 4 both received multiple applications, channel 13 was the last of Honolulu's original five TV allocations to receive any interested bidders, possibly because of fear of the number 13.<ref name="Hono520724">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-congestion-on-tv/124391507/|date=July 24, 1952|page=2|first=John|last=Brosnan|title=Congestion on TV Channels May Delay Application Grant|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907011829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-congestion-on-tv/124391507/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Territorial Telecasters, a group linked to radio woman Christmas Early, filed for the channel in December 1952,<ref name="Hono521210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-new-tv-firm-appli/124391529/|date=December 10, 1952|page=1|title=New TV Firm Applies for Channel 13|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513183558/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-new-tv-firm-appli/124391529/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> only to abandon its bid within months and formally withdraw it in June.<ref name="Hono530615">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-channel-13-app/124391632/|date=June 15, 1953|page=5|title=TV Channel 13 Application Dropped|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513184946/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-channel-13-app/124391632/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->

In October 1956, industrialist [[Henry J. Kaiser]] applied for channel 13 after also requesting authority to build a new Honolulu radio station.<ref name="Hono561009">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-company-as/124391704/|date=October 9, 1956|page=1-B|agency=United Press|title=Kaiser Company Asks TV Channel 13 Okay|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907011836/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-company-as/124391704/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Kaiser had been a dignitary at the launch of KULA-TV two and a half years prior.{{r|Hono540417}} The FCC granted a [[construction permit]] in December,<ref name="Hono561207">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-wins-tele/124391763/|date=December 7, 1956|page=8B|title=Kaiser Wins Television Channel 13|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907011828/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-wins-tele/124391763/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> but KULA-TV protested, fearing the Honolulu market could not support an additional station and that it would face negative economic impacts from the sign-on of channel 13.<ref name="Hono570131">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-fcc-defers-permi/124391809/|date=January 31, 1957|page=A-10|agency=United Press|title=FCC Defers Permit For Kaiser TV|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513184952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-fcc-defers-permi/124391809/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

[[Hal Lewis (Aku)|Hal Lewis]], better known on the radio as J. Akuhead Pupule, was the executive vice president of the new Kaiser broadcasting operation in Honolulu.<ref name="Hono570119">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-around-the-dial/139224134/|date=January 19, 1957|page=Hawaiian Life 5|first=Betty|last=Smyser|title=Around the Dial|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126180856/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-around-the-dial/139224134/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> [[KIKI (AM)|KHVH (990&nbsp;AM)]] was approved in February 1957<ref name="Hono570207">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tenth-radio-stati/124391823/|date=February 7, 1957|page=1|title=Tenth Radio Station To Open March 18|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and began broadcasting on March 15.<ref name="Hono570316">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaisers-radio-st/139224326/|date=March 16, 1957|page=2|title=Kaiser's Radio Station On Air 2 Days Early|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181507/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaisers-radio-st/139224326/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

The FCC dismissed KULA-TV's challenge to the channel 13 permit on April 8, 1957.<ref name="Hono570409">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-tv-operat/110369489/|date=April 9, 1957|page=A9|title=Kaiser TV Operation Is Approved|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-tv-operat/110369489/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> On May 5, KHVH-TV began broadcasting on channel 13. Airing from Kaiser's [[Hawaiian Village Hotel]], it was the first station to broadcast color television in Hawaii.<ref name="Hono570506">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-tv-station/124391943/|date=May 6, 1957|page=7|title=Kaiser TV Station Telecasts First Island Shows in Color|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513183719/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-tv-station/124391943/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> KHVH-TV was an [[independent station]] that lacked network affiliation or even a studio camera; it was primarily a movie station, scheduling three to four feature films a day.{{r|Hono570506}}

===KHVH-TV, channel 4: Merger===
In May 1958, Kaiser announced the acquisition of KULA-TV;<ref name="Hono580508">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-buys-kula/124392108/|date=May 8, 1958|pages=1-A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kula-tv/124392199/ 2-A]|title=Kaiser Buys KULA-TV for $685,000: Deal Subject To Approval By F.C.C.|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513184950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-buys-kula/124392108/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> he would retain KHVH radio, with KULA being sold off to Jack Burnett.<ref name="Hono580522">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-burnett-forms-cor/139088770/|date=May 22, 1958|page=5|title=Burnett Forms Corporation To Buy Radio Station KULA|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181506/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-burnett-forms-cor/139088770/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The two television stations merged as KHVH-TV on channel 4, retaining KULA-TV's affiliation with ABC and its studios on Ala Moana Boulevard, at midnight on July 15, 1958.<ref name="Hono580717">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-khvh-tv-changes-t/124391991/|date=July 17, 1958|page=18|title=KHVH-TV Changes To Channel 4|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 13, 2023|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907011829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-khvh-tv-changes-t/124391991/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

The late 1950s and early 1960s saw KHVH-TV's programming expand to the neighbor islands. Channel 4's programming began to be seen on [[Maui]] on the island's first TV station, KMVI-TV (channel 12) in [[Wailuku]]. The station, at the time independently owned by the Maui Publishing Company, had rebroadcast KONA-TV programs until KONA-TV set up its own repeater.<ref name="Hono581101">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-khvh-tv-also-on-c/139224659/|date=November 1, 1958|page=Hawaiian Life 11|title=KHVH-TV Also On Channel 12|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-khvh-tv-also-on-c/139224659/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Kaiser Industries constructed the station at [[Hilo, Hawaii|Hilo]], KHJK-TV on channel 13, which launched on May 15, 1960, from studios in the [[Grand Naniloa Hotel|Naniloa Hotel]].<ref name="Hono600515">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-hi-hilo-program/76936665/|date=May 15, 1960|page=83|title='Hi Hilo' Program Opens New Big Isle TV Channel|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-hi-hilo-program/76936665/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

By 1960, Kaiser's interests in Hawaii were diverse and far-reaching. In addition to the KHVH stations and the Hawaiian Village Hotel that was their namesake, he developed [[Hawaii Kai]] on eastern Oahu as well as a cement plant and a hospital.<ref name="Time601024">{{Cite magazine|magazine=Time|url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,871789,00.html|date=October 24, 1960|title=TYCOONS: Henry J.'s Pink Hawaii|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117201857/http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,871789,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His influence led the ''Advertiser'' to ask in a December 1959 editorial, "Who's Running Hawaii?"<ref name="Hono591222">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-whos-running-ha/139224934/|date=December 22, 1959|page=26|title=Who's Running Hawaii?|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181422/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-whos-running-ha/139224934/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Kaiser soon cast his gaze to broadcasting on the U.S. mainland. In 1962, he filed for stations in the [[UHF]] band in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and [[Burlington, New Jersey]], near Philadelphia.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kaiser Broadcasting Asks For 3 U.H.F. TV Stations|agency=UPI|page=62|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 6, 1962|id={{ProQuest|116202166}}}}</ref> His plans called for seven TV stations—the maximum one company could own at the time—with the stations in Honolulu and Hilo counting as two of the seven.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kaiser Wants Seven TV's|page=40|date=September 10, 1962|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1014459266}} }}</ref>

During Kaiser ownership, the station developed several local programs. Children's show ''Captain Honolulu'' aired from 1959 to 1969; Robert "Bob" Smith served as host under the "Sgt. Sacto" and Captain Honolulu characters before the show came to an end in 1969.<ref name="Hono981007">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-captain-honolulu/139473633/|date=October 7, 1998|page=A-3|first=Crystal|last=Kua|title='Captain Honolulu' was kids' favorite|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126090143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-captain-honolulu/139473633/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->{{efn|The ''Captain [City]'' children's show format would later be used by other stations in the Kaiser Broadcasting chain, most notably at [[WKBD-TV]] in Detroit and [[WKBF-TV]] in Cleveland. WKBD's iteration also featured a host using the "Sgt. Sacto" name.<ref name="Detroi19861026p60a">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=October 26, 1986 |title=On-camera personalities first drew viewers to 50 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-camera-personaliti/135479293/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121174235/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-camera-personaliti/135479293/ |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |access-date=November 21, 2023 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |pages=1F, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-on-camera-personaliti/135479309/ 7F] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="CPD19690119p6G">{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=January 19, 1969 |title=Channel 61: The Impact of the First Year |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042454/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A122AFBBA107AC9E4%40GB3NEWS-12C35DE38493BF73%402440241-12BC6389696003C3%40151-12BC6389696003C3?clipid=bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6-G |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref>}} Other early local shows included ''Kaiser Sports Central'', ''50th State Wrestling'', and the ''Tom Moffatt Show''.{{r|Hono160612}} Station manager John Serrao was transferred to Detroit in 1963 to help construct Kaiser's [[WKBD-TV]] and cited KHVH-TV's local programming successes when discussing WKBD's planned emphasis on local sports coverage and entertainment.<ref name="Detr630813">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Bettelou |date=August 13, 1963 |title=What Kind of TV for New Station? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-what-kind-of-tv-for-n/45294708/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120061958/https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-what-kind-of-tv-for-n/45294708/ |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=November 20, 2023 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |page=2-B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

===Western Telestations, Starr, and Shamrock ownership===
Kaiser Industries announced the creation of [[Kaiser Broadcasting]], a dedicated subsidiary of the company, to house the firm's broadcasting interests in September 1964.<ref name="Hono640919">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khvh-to-be-run-b/139089396/|date=September 19, 1964|page=B-3|title=KHVH To Be Run By New Subsidiary|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181902/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khvh-to-be-run-b/139089396/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> The KHVH stations would not be among them for long. That October, Kaiser announced the $3&nbsp;million sale of the KHVH stations and KHJK-TV to Lawrence S. Berger, who had experience running stations in Wyoming and Montana.<ref name="HonoA641008">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-sells-khv/139089420/|date=October 8, 1964|pages=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-sells-khv/139089457/ A-8]|first=Charles|last=Turner|title=Kaiser Sells KHVH In $4 Million Deal|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181902/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kaiser-sells-khv/139089420/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The transaction also included a construction permit for an FM radio station.<ref name="HonoSB641008">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-mainlanders-buyin/139089541/|date=October 8, 1964|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-stations/139089490/ 1-A]|title=Mainlanders Buying 3 Isle TV Stations|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-mainlanders-buyin/139089541/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The acquisition of KHVH-TV and KHVO—the former KHJK—by Berger's company, Western Telestations, was completed in December.<ref name="Hono641217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-fcc-approves-sale/139089656/|date=December 17, 1964|page=5|title=FCC Approves Sale of KHVH-TV|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182004/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-fcc-approves-sale/139089656/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

KHVH-TV was the first Hawaiian television station to air live pictures from the continental United States. Using the [[Lani Bird]] satellite, channel 4 brought viewers a college football game between Michigan State and Notre Dame on November 19, 1966. During halftime, viewers in the U.S. saw sunbathers on Waikiki's beaches; in addition, KHVH fed film from the [[Vietnam War]] to the ABC and [[NBC]] networks.<ref name="Hono661119">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-telecast-by-satel/139090037/|date=November 19, 1966|pages=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-telecast-by-satel/139090070/ A-2]|first=Toni|last=Withington|title=Telecast by satellite is smash success here|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-telecast-by-satel/139090037/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> KHVH-TV also originated the first live broadcast from Hawaii to Japan and aired the first live television program produced in Japan to be seen in Hawaii,<ref name="Hono670309">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-live-tv-from-japa/139090284/|date=March 9, 1967|page=A-9|title=Live TV from Japan here tonight|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-live-tv-from-japa/139090284/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> as well as nationally aired coverage of ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]].{{r|Hono160612}}

Berger accepted an offer from the Starr Broadcasting Company of [[New Orleans]] to sell KHVH-TV in March 1971;<ref name="Hono710313">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-the-sale-of-khvh/139090775/|date=March 13, 1971|page=A-4|title=The sale of KHVH-TV revealed|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-the-sale-of-khvh/139090775/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Berger would have bought KHVH radio from Western Telestations in a concurrent transaction.<ref name="Hono710519">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khvh-radio-for-s/139090821/|date=May 19, 1971|page=B-1|title=KHVH-Radio for sale|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181905/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khvh-radio-for-s/139090821/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The deal fell apart that August,<ref name="Hono710826">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139090856/|date=August 26, 1971|page=A-4|first=Dave|last=Donnelly|title=Dave Donnelly's Hawaii|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182019/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139090856/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> but Starr agreed to acquire KHVH-TV in November 1972.<ref name="Hono721116">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-khvh-tv-sold-to-n/139091004/|date=November 16, 1972|page=F-9|title=KHVH-TV Sold to New Orleans Company|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126181910/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-khvh-tv-sold-to-n/139091004/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The sale closed on August 1, 1973; with the KHVH stations now under separate owners, channel 4 changed its call sign to KITV, for Island Television.<ref name="Hono730620">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139091085/|date=June 20, 1973|page=A-4|first=Dave|last=Donnelly|title=Dave Donnelly's Hawaii|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139091085/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Hono730803">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139091157/|date=August 3, 1973|page=A-4|first=Dave|last=Donnelly|title=Dave Donnelly's Hawaii|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139091157/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Berger would later regret not holding on to the television stations; in 1979, he said, "It was a mistake as far as money, at least. Who knew ABC would end up with ''[[Happy Days]]'' instead of the junk stuff we had in those days?"<ref name="Hono160612">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-groundbreaking/139473305/|date=June 12, 2016|page=F5|first=AJ|last=McWhorter|title=Groundbreaking broadcasts were the domain of Berger|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126074707/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-groundbreaking/139473305/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
[[File:Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii 04.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|alt=The Ala Moana Hotel, a high-rise building topped by a red-and-white antenna spire|KITV moved its transmitter and antenna to the [[Ala Moana Hotel]] in 1977.]]
Under Starr, two changes were made in KITV's transmission setup. In early 1977, channel 4 switched to an antenna atop the [[Ala Moana Hotel]], which improved reception for viewers in [[Waikiki]] shaded from the original {{convert|371|ft|m|adj=on}} tower by a new condominium building<ref name="Hono761223">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-alas-no-report-o/139587920/|date=December 23, 1976|page=C-8|title=Alas, No Report on Santa|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126080855/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-alas-no-report-o/139587920/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> but not some viewers on [[windward]] Oahu.<ref name="Hono770210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-viewers-get-to-pi/139587871/|date=February 10, 1977|pages=E-9, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kgmb-gives-viewer/139587846/ E-11]|first=Phil|last=Mayer|title=Viewers Get to Pick Movie|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126075614/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-viewers-get-to-pi/139587871/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The company purchased KMVI-TV on Maui from its owner, Pacific Media Group, in 1978;<ref name="BC780410">{{Cite news|page=119|title=For the Record|work=Broadcasting|date=April 10, 1978|id={{ProQuest|1016896502}} }}</ref> it changed its call sign to KMAU after the sale.<ref name="BC780828">{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|page=101|title=For the Record|date=August 28, 1978|id={{ProQuest|1014693862}} }}</ref>

The Starr stations were acquired by [[Shamrock Broadcasting]], a company founded by [[Roy E. Disney]], in a deal announced in May 1978 and approved by the FCC in May 1979. The merger of Starr and Shamrock came after [[LIN Broadcasting]] made a higher offer that required more divestitures, with the two satellite stations of KITV a complicating factor.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Starr is to turn into Shamrock|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1016898685}}|date=May 15, 1978|page=36}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|pages=19–20|title=FCC clears biggest deal ever|work=Broadcasting|date=June 11, 1979|id={{ProQuest|1014688508}} }}</ref> Under Shamrock, KITV endured a two-month-long strike by the [[American Federation of Television and Radio Artists]] (AFTRA) that began on November 3, 1980. On that date, eight on-camera employees walked off the job, claiming that general manager Dick Grimm had refused contract negotiations for four years. During the strike, public officials including governor [[George Ariyoshi]], Honolulu mayor [[Frank Fasi]], and other state and city leaders refused to speak to reporters from KITV, and the city prosecutor filed a complaint in district court accusing the station of hiring strikebreakers.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=56, 80|work=Variety|title=AFTRA Strike At KITV Builds Into A Lulu In Honolulu|date=December 10, 1980|last=Wood|first=Ben|id={{ProQuest|1286095020}} }}</ref> Shamrock planned new studio facilities for KITV in 1986,<ref name="Hono860316">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-major-kakaako-im/139091903/|date=March 16, 1986|page=F-1|title=Major Kakaako Improvements Begin|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071309/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-major-kakaako-im/139091903/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> but they were not built, and the station remained on Ala Moana Boulevard, where the station televised the annual Aloha Festivals parade as it passed by.<ref name="Hono980827">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-parade-might-not/139445422/|date=August 27, 1998|page=B1|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=Parade might not be televised|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071322/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-parade-might-not/139445422/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

Grimm brought many local broadcasts to KITV. In the mid-1970s, [[Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball|University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine women's volleyball]] was added to the station's lineup at a time when the team was among the top squads in the nation. A University of Hawaii football game aired in 1974 as a favor for the ailing governor, [[John A. Burns]]; the university arranged telling the [[NCAA]] that the game was a sellout as required by television rules of the time to allow Burns to see the game on TV.<ref name="Hono741207">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-bows-two-td-unde/139587575/|date=December 7, 1974|page=D1|first=Dan|last=McGuire|title=Bows two TD underdog to ASU in season finale|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126074718/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-bows-two-td-unde/139587575/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --><ref name="Hono160715">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-kitvs-ex-manag/139473674/|date=July 15, 2016|page=B3|title=KITV's ex-manager secured rights to air famed hulafest|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182410/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-kitvs-ex-manag/139473674/|url-status=live}} Burns died in 1975, not 1976, so the game in question is in 1974.</ref><!-- Fri --> Most notable, however, was the [[Merrie Monarch Festival]] in Hilo; Grimm successfully petitioned organizer [[Dottie Thompson]], initially reticent, to allow a telecast.{{r|Hono160715}} Originally in the form of an edited highlight package, live coverage debuted in 1984,<ref name="Hawa020331">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-kitv-to-unveil-new/139587677/|date=March 31, 2002|pages=Celebrate Hula 32, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-kitv/139587688/ 33], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-kitv/139587696/ 34]|first=John|last=Burnett|title=KITV to unveil new tricks this year|newspaper=Hawaii Tribune-Herald|location=Hilo, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126074706/https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-kitv-to-unveil-new/139587677/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> and KITV held the rights to the festival through 2009, after which it was outbid by [[KHII-TV|KFVE]].<ref name="Hawa091002">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-hula-fest-switches/139587766/|date=October 2, 2009|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-hula/139587781/ A10]|first=John|last=Burnett|title=Hula fest switches to K-FIVE: TV station top bidder for Merrie Monarch|newspaper=Hawaii Tribune-Herald|location=Hilo, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126074646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-hula-fest-switches/139587766/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->

===Tak ownership===
Shamrock was not planning to sell KITV but received and accepted a $50&nbsp;million offer from Tak Communications, owner of television stations in Wisconsin and a radio station in Illinois, in 1986.<ref name="Hono861114">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kitv-being-bought/139445609/|date=November 14, 1986|page=A-24|title=KITV Being Bought by Mainland Firm|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kitv-being-bought/139445609/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> One of the first changes under the new ownership was the switch to same-day broadcast of prime time entertainment series and soap operas with stations in the continental U.S., a practice that KGMB and KHON had adopted with CBS and NBC programming three years earlier. KITV did not switch at that time because of the cost of equipment to receive and delay the satellite feed for later rebroadcast.<ref name="Hono840105">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-imagine-the-ton/139587979/|date=January 5, 1984|page=A-1|first=Ann|last=Cassel|title=Imagine: the Tonight show tonight!|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126080530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-imagine-the-ton/139587979/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Hono840419">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-heeeres-the-end/112140517/|date=April 19, 1984|page=F-6|first=Scoops|last=Kreger|title=Heeere's the end of 'Last Night Show'|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126080526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-heeeres-the-end/112140517/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Hono870910">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-the-eye-on-isle/139588064/|date=September 10, 1987|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-island-televisio/139588080/ B4]|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=The eye on Isle viewing|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126080533/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-the-eye-on-isle/139588064/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

Tak nearly sold KITV to Anthony Cassara, a television executive who had made several attempts in preceding years to buy Hawaii TV stations, in 1989;<ref name="Hono890623">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-gets-offer/139445699/|date=June 23, 1989|page=C-7|first=Greg|last=Wiles|title=KITV gets offer from L.A. firm: Station considering sale to Cassara|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071310/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-gets-offer/139445699/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> the company agreed in June to sell 60 percent of the station to a firm headed by Cassara,<ref name="Hono890629">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-new-kitv-owner-p/139445752/|date=June 29, 1989|page=D-3|first=Greg|last=Wiles|title=New KITV owner plans to boost news coverage|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-new-kitv-owner-p/139445752/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> but the deal fell apart in October as the buyers were unable to secure financing.<ref name="Hono891005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-taks-deal-to-sel/139445759/|date=October 5, 1989|pages=D-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kitv-deal-to-sel/139445776/ D-3]|first=Russ|last=Lynch|title=Tak's deal to sell KITV is canceled|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-taks-deal-to-sel/139445759/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

Tak Communications struggled financially for a significant portion of its time owning KITV, having overpaid in a hot market for stations.{{r|Buff950127}} In October 1990, its lenders—a group of East Coast banks—sued to force the appointment of a receiver. After reaching an accord with the lenders, Tak filed for [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] in January 1991.<ref name="Hono910104">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-parent-file/139445801/|date=January 4, 1991|page=A17|first=Christopher|last=Neil|title=KITV parent files for Chapter 11|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-parent-file/139445801/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> During bankruptcy, the station remained profitable and, with bankruptcy court approval, bought new equipment and replaced the roof on its studios.<ref name="Hono920429">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-called-prof/139445846/|date=April 29, 1992|page=A11|title=KITV called profitable despite Tak's debt|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-called-prof/139445846/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Tak's creditors sought in December 1992 to take control of the company;<ref name="Hono921230">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-parent-of-kitv-co/139445874/|date=December 30, 1992|page=B-1|title=Parent of KITV could be reorganized: Creditors of Tak Communications submit plan to get new management|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-parent-of-kitv-co/139445874/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Michael Eskridge, the founder of [[CNBC]], became the operating agent.<ref name="Wisc930113">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-taks-new-boss-p/139445929/|date=January 13, 1993|page=8B|first=Jennifer|last=Riddle|title=Tak's new boss plans no sale: Consultant says he's pleased with WKOW|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|location=Madison, Wisconsin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-taks-new-boss-p/139445929/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The original reorganization plan failed when the FCC did not approve the transfer, possibly because of objections filed to the transfer of the four Tak TV stations in Wisconsin.<ref name="Hono940215">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-tak-back-at-kitv/139445903/|date=February 15, 1994|page=D1|title=Tak back at KITV|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-tak-back-at-kitv/139445903/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

===Argyle/Hearst ownership===
Argyle Television II offered $146&nbsp;million and received court approval to purchase KITV ($51&nbsp;million) and [[WGRZ-TV]] in [[Buffalo, New York]], from Tak in February 1995.<ref name="Hono950208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-texas-based-group/139446038/|date=February 8, 1995|page=A-1|first=June|last=Watanabe|title=Texas-based group agrees to buy KITV|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071308/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-texas-based-group/139446038/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Hono950223">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-court-approves-sa/139446075/|date=February 23, 1995|page=B-4|title=Court approves sale of KITV to Texas company|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-court-approves-sa/139446075/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The bid for KITV beat out a $50&nbsp;million offer by [[Freedom Communications]].<ref name="Buff950127">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-texas-group-submits-bid/139446140/|date=January 27, 1995|page=A7|first=David|last=Robinson|title=Texas group submits bid to buy Channel 2: San Antonio execs offer $146 million for WGRZ-TV and Hawaii sister station|newspaper=The Buffalo News|location=Buffalo, New York|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-texas-group-submits-bid/139446140/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> In August 1997, Argyle merged with the [[Hearst Corporation]]'s broadcasting unit to form what was then known as Hearst-Argyle Television.<ref name="Clar970327">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/clarion-ledger-hearst-to-acquire-jackson/128270804/|date=March 27, 1997|page=17|title=Hearst to acquire Jackson's WAPT in merger with owner, Argyle Television|newspaper=Clarion-Ledger|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 16, 2023|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716051432/https://www.newspapers.com/article/clarion-ledger-hearst-to-acquire-jackson/128270804/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The name continued until 2009, when the Hearst Corporation acquired Argyle's stake in the venture, took it private, and renamed it [[Hearst Television]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/hearst-moves-merger-34881|date=June 3, 2009|title=Hearst Moves On Merger|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|access-date=July 16, 2023|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407011414/https://www.nexttv.com/news/hearst-moves-merger-34881|url-status=live}}</ref>

Argyle began planning to move the station to more modern quarters. In 1998, KITV moved its operations from its longtime studios on Ala Moana Boulevard to its current location on South King Street (also known as One Archer Lane). The new facility, set up at a cost of $15&nbsp;million, contained equipment sufficient to begin commercial digital broadcasting. From the start, Argyle opted to equip the facility with serial digital video connections, and as planning continued, the company opted to take the plunge with digital transmission. On January 15, 1998, KITV began airing a digital signal, giving it a claim to be the first U.S. TV station to commercially broadcast in the new format.<ref name="Hono980210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-the-digital-tv-g/139445374/|date=February 10, 1998|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-digital-station/139445356/ 5A]|first=Dan|last=Nakaso|title=The Digital TV gamble|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126190321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-the-digital-tv-g/139445374/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> KHVO in Hilo was the first station to be awarded a regular commercial construction permit for digital operations.<ref name="Hono970905">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-hawaii-tv-station/139446202/|date=September 5, 1997|page=C-4|title=Hawaii TV station gets first digital permit|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124071325/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-hawaii-tv-station/139446202/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> KMAU also began broadcasting a digital signal, which was temporarily turned off to resolve interference issues with nearby scientific instruments.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Andrew|last=Bowser|title=Out front in Honolulu|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=April 8, 1998|page=24|id={{ProQuest|225355603}} }}</ref> A second [[digital subchannel]] was configured but only broadcast color bars.<ref>{{Cite news|page=46|first=Carrie A.|last=Poland|work=World Broadcast News|title=KITV becomes first digital on-air station in the United States|date=March 1998|id={{ProQuest|218655788}} }}</ref>

In 1999, KHON and KITV abandoned the practice known as "Hawaii time", where additional commercials were inserted into prime time but shows did not start on time, in favor of "clock time", where shows started at the same time they would on a U.S. mainland station.<ref name="Lanc990120">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lancaster-eagle-gazette-hawaii-gets-seri/124685758/|date=January 20, 1999|page=8B|first=Bruce|last=Dunford|agency=Associated Press|title=Hawaii gets serious about TV scheduling|newspaper=Lancaster Eagle-Gazette|location=Lancaster, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/lancaster-eagle-gazette-hawaii-gets-seri/124685758/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The practice had originated when entertainment programs were still taped and shipped to Hawaii for rebroadcast; the commercials defrayed the cost of transporting network material. By the late 1990s, it was causing advertising prices to be cheaper than otherwise.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 18, 2000|work=Advertising Age|first=Eliot|last=Tiegel|title=Say Aloha to Hawaii time; Two stations work to clean up ad clutter that's been flourishing thanks to reliance on tape-delayed programming in the islands|id={{Gale|A65346855}}|page=71}}</ref> The switch to clock time had little effect on KHON and KITV, then the top two news stations in Honolulu, which remained in their ratings positions.<ref name="Hono990617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-two-honolulu-lat/139586806/|date=June 17, 1999|page=C4|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=Two Honolulu late TV news shows in close race|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182924/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-two-honolulu-lat/139586806/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> All four network affiliates had adopted clock time by December 2002.<ref name="Hono021122">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khnls-10-pm-n/139587152/|date=November 22, 2002|page=B7|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=KHNL's 10 p.m. news moving to 'clock time'|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126073014/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khnls-10-pm-n/139587152/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->

KITV, KHVO, and KMAU discontinued analog broadcasting on January 15, 2009, the date on which full-power television stations in Hawaii [[Digital television transition in the United States|transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts]]. The transition in Hawaii had been brought forward from the original February 17 national switch date—itself later delayed to June—because of concern that the dismantling of existing transmitter towers atop Haleakalā would affect the mating season of the endangered [[Hawaiian petrel]], which begins in February.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/digital-tv-in-hawaii-comes-early-for-endangered-bird/|first=Chris|last=Bailey|title=Digital TV in Hawaii comes early for endangered bird|work=Hawaiʻi Magazine|date=December 11, 2008|access-date=May 14, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131232902/https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/digital-tv-in-hawaii-comes-early-for-endangered-bird/|url-status=live}}</ref> KITV's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 40, KHVO's digital signal relocated from channel 18 to channel 13, and KMAU's digital signal relocated from channel 29 to channel 12; all three stations switched to using [[virtual channel]] 4.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{cite web |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=March 24, 2012}}</ref>

===SJL and Allen ownership===
On May 13, 2015, Hearst announced that it would sell KITV and its satellites to [[SJL Broadcasting]]; the deal marked the return of the company to Hawaii, as SJL (then known as Montecito Broadcast Group) formerly owned KHON-TV from 2006 until 2007.<ref name=hsa-saletosjl>{{cite news|last1=Engle|first1=Erika|title=Local TV station sold|url=https://www.staradvertiser.com/2015/05/13/business/local-tv-station-sold/|access-date=June 3, 2022|work=[[Honolulu Star-Advertiser]]|date=May 13, 2015|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108104142/https://www.staradvertiser.com/2015/05/13/business/local-tv-station-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref> The sale was approved by the Federal Communications Commission on July 10, 2015,<ref>{{cite web|title=Assignment of License|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=1677592|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=September 10, 2015|date=July 10, 2015|archive-date=July 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715231046/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=1677592|url-status=dead}}</ref> and completed on September 1, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Consummation Notice|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1686862&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=64548|work=Consolidated Database System|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=September 10, 2015|date=September 10, 2015|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126090024/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101686862&formid=905&fac_num=64548}}</ref> SJL sold the One Archer Lane studio site in 2016 under a long-term leaseback arrangement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2019/10/23/honolulu-abc-affiliate-headquarters-sells-for-14.html|first=Janis L.|last=Magin|title=Honolulu ABC affiliate headquarters sells for $14M|work=Pacific Business News|date=October 23, 2019|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126183529/https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2019/10/23/honolulu-abc-affiliate-headquarters-sells-for-14.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a result of the [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction]], KITV relocated its signal from channel 40 to channel 20<ref>{{cite web |title=Repack Plan |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/repackchannels.php?country=US&city=&state=&mktid=91&owner=&sort= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231000016/https://www.rabbitears.info/repackchannels.php?country=US&city=&state=&mktid=91&owner=&sort= |archive-date=December 31, 2021 |access-date=April 16, 2017 |website=[[RabbitEars]]}}</ref> on April 12, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Broadcast Incentive Auction: Transition Schedule |url=https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/incentive-auctions/transition-schedule |access-date=April 16, 2017 |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710085319/https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/incentive-auctions/transition-schedule |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table |url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |format=CSV}}</ref>

The $30&nbsp;million sale of KITV to [[Los Angeles]]–based [[Allen Media Group]], owned by [[Byron Allen]], was announced on August 17, 2020,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=August 17, 2020 |title=Byron Allen's AMG Buys Honolulu ABC Affiliate For $30 Million |language=en |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/byron-allen-amg-buys-honolulu-tv-station-30-million-1203015684/ |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819063309/https://deadline.com/2020/08/byron-allen-amg-buys-honolulu-tv-station-30-million-1203015684/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and completed on January 20, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1824430&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=64548|title=Consummation Notice|website=Consolidated Database System|publisher= [[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=January 21, 2021|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126085542/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101824430&formid=905&fac_num=64548|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022, Allen acquired [[KIKU]] (channel 20), a station that had traditionally broadcast Japanese- and Filipino-language programming but had been converted by its ownership to rebroadcasting the [[ShopHQ]] home shopping network in spite of public outcry.<ref name="kikutoallen">{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/assignmentDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff37c0a688a017c0df1010d03d6&id=25076ff37c0a688a017c0df1010d03d6|title=Assignments|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=September 27, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928025849/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/assignmentDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff37c0a688a017c0df1010d03d6&id=25076ff37c0a688a017c0df1010d03d6|url-status=live}}</ref> The sale was completed on January 31, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/consummationDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076f917d0707c3017d0acd1c2d0ee6&id=25076f917d0707c3017d0acd1c2d0ee6|title=Notification of Consummation|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=February 2, 2022|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203001429/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/consummationDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076f917d0707c3017d0acd1c2d0ee6&id=25076f917d0707c3017d0acd1c2d0ee6|url-status=live}}</ref> The new ownership restored the prior format and about 75 percent of the previously aired programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2022/02/02/kitv4-owner-relaunches-kiku-tv-with.html|date=February 2, 2022|title=KITV4 owner relaunches KIKU TV with Japanese, Filipino programming|work=Pacific Business News|first=Olivia|last=Peterkin|access-date=May 14, 2023|archive-date=October 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028180629/https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2022/02/02/kitv4-owner-relaunches-kiku-tv-with.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hono220203">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-kiku-tv-makes-i/134981204/|date=February 3, 2022|page=B4|title=KIKU-TV makes its return after several months off air: About 75% of its Japanese and Filipino shows are slated to return|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Advertiser|first=Jayna|last=Omaye|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 11, 2023|archive-date=November 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111022007/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-kiku-tv-makes-i/134981204/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

On June 1, 2025, amid financial woes and rising debt, Allen Media Group announced that it would explore "strategic options" for the company, such as a sale of its television stations (including KITV and KIKU).<ref>{{cite news|last=Weprin|first=Alex|date=June 1, 2025|title=Byron Allen Puts His Local TV Stations Up for Sale|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/byron-allen-selling-local-tv-stations-up-1236235004/|access-date=June 1, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=June 2, 2025 |title=Allen Media Group Retains Moelis To Sell Its TV Stations |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/allen-media-group-retains-moelis-to-sell-its-tv-stations/ |access-date=June 2, 2025 |website=TVNewsCheck |language=en-US}}</ref>

== News operation ==
KULA-TV had newscasts from the start, with John Needham and John Galbraith as the station's first news presenters. In 1959, under Kaiser, channel 4 was the first local station with same day news images, utilizing wire service photos fed by the [[International News Service]]; the other stations had to wait a day to process newsfilm.<ref name="Hono100104">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-they-got-the-shot/139604723/|date=January 4, 2010|page=28|first=AJ|last=McWhorter|title=They got the shot: In stills and film, these cameramen blazed paths in an industry that remains vital to the public|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126184033/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-they-got-the-shot/139604723/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> Present from the start of the station, initially as production manager, was Bob Sevey.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Station People|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1285711123}}|date=May 10, 1954|page=74}}</ref> Sevey left the station in 1957 to work for an ad agency, returned in 1961 as a news anchor,<ref name="Hono860701">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-for-20-years-he/139588610/|date=July 1, 1986|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-sevey/139588591/ B-3]|title=For 20 years, he's been the closest thing to Hawaii's Walter Cronkite. On Friday, Sevey Says Goodbye|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126090142/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-for-20-years-he/139588610/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> and departed in 1965 after [[Cecil Heftel]] poached him to run the KGMB-TV newsroom, where he immediately led that station to number one in the ratings.<ref name="Hono830428">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-news-the-race/139291238/|date=April 28, 1983|pages=E-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-news-race-to/139291261/ E-2], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-news-race/139291276/ E-3]|first=Dianne|last=Conrad|title=TV News: The Race to Be No. 1|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124190011/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-news-the-race/139291238/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> In the late 1960s, the station's news team featured [[Chuck Henry]], who later went on to a career as an anchor in Los Angeles; [[Ken Kashiwahara]], who spent 25 years as a correspondent for ABC News; and sportscaster [[Al Michaels]].<ref name="Hono100405">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kauai-born-journa/139588308/|date=April 5, 2010|page=31|first=AJ|last=McWhorter|title=Kauai-born journalist covered globe|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126183934/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-kauai-born-journa/139588308/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> When Henry left for [[KABC-TV]] in 1971, his replacement was state senator [[Mason Altiery]].<ref name="Hono710813">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139090896/|date=August 13, 1971|page=A-4|first=Dave|last=Donnelly|title=Dave Donnelly's Hawaii|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126183937/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-dave-donnellys-h/139090896/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The station sank to third in the ratings. In 1975, it tried a team consisting entirely of local newscasters; in the ''Advertiser'', Bill Mann wrote that the newscasts were an "embarrassment", awkward, and riddled with mistakes.<ref name="Hono751001">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-meanwhile-over/139467347/|date=October 1, 1975|page=E-5|first=Bill|last=Mann|title=Meanwhile, over at KITV|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124190006/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-meanwhile-over/139467347/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Two reporters, Don Baker and Tom McWilliams, sued, alleging they were fired for being White at a time when the station wanted a more diverse news team;<ref name="Hono790425">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-dismissed-t/139467492/|date=April 25, 1979|page=A-3|first=Ken|last=Kobayashi|title=KITV dismissed two reporters on racial grounds, court told|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124190012/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-dismissed-t/139467492/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> a federal judge ruled against the lawsuit.<ref name="Hono790427">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-two-reporters-lo/139467550/|date=April 27, 1979|page=A-10|first=Ken|last=Kobayashi|title=Two reporters lose racial bias lawsuit against Channel 4|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124190008/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-two-reporters-lo/139467550/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Altiery, who at various times served as the news director of each of KHON-TV, KGMB-TV, and KHVH-TV, returned to channel 4 from 1975 to 1976.<ref name="Hono760131">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-altiery-leaves-p/139588389/|date=January 31, 1976|page=C-5|title=Altiery leaves post with KITV|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126184439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-altiery-leaves-p/139588389/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

Later in the 1970s, after the Shamrock purchase, KITV invested $1&nbsp;million in improvements to its newscasts. It hired Jack Hawkins, a news anchor unfavorably compared by many to the fictional [[Ted Baxter]] and suffering from a credibility gap as a non-local newsman.<ref name="Hono831109">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-the-tv-horse-race/139091697/|date=November 9, 1983|page=E-1|first=Pierre|last=Bowman|title=The TV Horse Race|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 24, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124190013/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-the-tv-horse-race/139091697/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> From 1982 to 1984, KITV briefly presented its evening news at 5:30 and 9:30&nbsp;p.m. while KGMB and KHON fought for viewers at 6 and 10; this arrangement was replaced with a more conventional late news schedule at 10&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="Hono820823">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-late-news-g/139467739/|date=August 23, 1982|page=B-7|first=Ann|last=Cassel|title=KITV late news gets earlier|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126072926/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-late-news-g/139467739/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref name="Hono840826">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-tidbits-hawaii/139494427/|date=August 26, 1984|pages=TV Week 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tvtidbits/139494455/ 2]|first=Dianne|last=Conrad|title=TV Tidbits Hawaii|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-tidbits-hawaii/139494427/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> In 1987, KITV debuted a midday newscast.<ref name="Hono870903">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-stay-tuned-for-mo/139470309/|date=September 3, 1987|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-news-stay-tuned/139470413/ B-5]|first=Burl|last=Burlingame|title=Stay tuned for more news to choose: Channels 4 and 9 fatten their lineups|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185038/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-stay-tuned-for-mo/139470309/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> No matter the newscasts, the KITV news department was hemmed in by a smaller budget and staff than the other stations; in 1987, the station had an annual news budget of $1.1&nbsp;million and 27 news employees, whereas KHON had a news budget of $1.9&nbsp;million and 40 news staffers. After the 1980 strike, the station became a non-union shop and consequently offered lower pay to its workers, which resulted in higher turnover. Anchor [[Tina Shelton]], who moved from KGMB to KITV in 1985{{r|Hono870428}} and remained at the station through 1999,<ref name="Hono070626">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-shelton-to-leave/139606212/|date=June 26, 2007|page=A4|first=Leila|last=Fujimori|title=Shelton to leave KHON July 6|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126184944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-shelton-to-leave/139606212/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> commented that the reduced resources led KITV's newscasts to concentrate on police, courts, and government reporting.<ref name="Hono870428">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-looks-for-m/139291109/|date=April 28, 1987|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-third-place-kitv/139291167/ B-4]|first=Douglas|last=Young|title=KITV looks for more respect (and maybe expansion)|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071359/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-looks-for-m/139291109/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> In 1989, when Anthony Cassara was under contract to buy KITV, he called it "under-managed".{{r|Hono890629}}

The 1990s saw KITV become more competitive head-to-head with its rivals. In 1992, the station dropped its 5:30&nbsp;p.m. early news and replaced it with separate 5 and 6&nbsp;p.m. newscasts;<ref name="Hono920821">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-to-add-an-e/139586498/|date=August 21, 1992|page=B10|first=Vicki|last=Viotti|title=KITV to add an early newscast, and join 6 p.m. battle|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126072948/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-to-add-an-e/139586498/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> it debuted a two-hour morning newscast in January 1996.<ref name="Hono960301">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kgmbs-am-haw/124608376/|date=March 1, 1996|page=C4|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=KGMB's 'A.M. Hawaii joins the lineup Monday'|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907020851/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kgmbs-am-haw/124608376/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The 5&nbsp;p.m. newscast—anchored by the husband-and-wife team of Gary Sprinkle and Pamela Young—was a ratings success for the station;<ref name="Hono091125">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-sprinkle-leaving/139588672/|date=November 25, 2009|page=18|first=Erika|last=Engle|title=Sprinkle leaving KITV; wife Young clearing plate|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126090137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-sprinkle-leaving/139588672/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Young brought her ''Mixed Plate'' travel and features series with her to channel 4. In the first two decades of the program, which aired at one point or another on KHON, KGMB, and KITV, Young had produced 80 specials.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 28, 2002|work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|url=https://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/06/28/features/index9.html|title=KITV's Pamela Young will go anywhere for a story|first=Tim|last=Ryan|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=August 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809103827/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/06/28/features/index9.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Overall, KITV moved from third place to second behind leader KHON,<ref name="Hono971204">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-is-ready-to/139445385/|date=December 4, 1997|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-news-staff/139445365/ D4]|first=Dan|last=Nakaso|title=KITV is ready to take the lead|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kitv-is-ready-to/139445385/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Hono981216">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-fox-affiliate-kh/139586648/|date=December 16, 1998|page=D6|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=FOX affiliate KHON hangs onto strong viewer support|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126184947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-fox-affiliate-kh/139586648/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> where it remained into the early 2000s as KGMB and KHNL inched closer.<ref name="Hono011218">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khon-rules-tv-ne/139586873/|date=December 18, 2001|page=A4|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=KHON rules TV news once again|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071400/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-khon-rules-tv-ne/139586873/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> KGMB overtook KITV in late news by 2004,<ref name="Hono041224">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-news-faces-shr/139586948/|date=December 24, 2004|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-news/139586953/ C6]|first=Allison|last=Schaefers|title=TV news faces shrinking audiences|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126072925/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tv-news-faces-shr/139586948/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> on its way to unseating KHON as the leading 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast in 2006 for the first time in two decades.<ref name="Hono060614">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kgmb-outranks-kh/139586982/|date=June 14, 2006|page=B3|first=Wayne|last=Harada|title=KGMB outranks KHON for 10 p.m. newscasts|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185451/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kgmb-outranks-kh/139586982/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> By 2015, the station's ratings had fallen further, with less than half the late news viewership of Hawaii News Now or KHON.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=August 31, 2015 |title=Market Eye: Some Like It Hot |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-some-it-hot-143737 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071341/https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-some-it-hot-143737 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Mixed Plate'' ended its run in 2016 after Young left the station to rejoin KHON.<ref name="Honolu20160315pD2">{{Cite news |last=Engle |first=Erika |date=March 15, 2016 |title='Mixed Plate' will return to TV and to station where it began |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-mixed-plate-w/139575648/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126024240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-mixed-plate-w/139575648/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |page=D2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

In the wake of the [[2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake]] on the island of Hawaii, KITV was unable to broadcast its signal but began producing and streaming its newscast online, the only local station able to do so. The stream received hundreds of thousands of views from around the world and was redistributed by the [[CNN Pipeline]] video news service.<ref name="Hono061016">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-2-stations-take-r/139605690/|date=October 16, 2006|page=A9|first=Gary C.W.|last=Chun|title=2 stations take real-time lead: KSSK radio and KITV become the primary sources for the latest news after the quakes|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185508/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-2-stations-take-r/139605690/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> In 2010, the station added additional weekend morning and early evening newscasts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=November 1, 2010 |title=Hawaii Thrive-O |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/hawaii-thrive-o-42587 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071339/https://www.nexttv.com/news/hawaii-thrive-o-42587 |url-status=live }}</ref>

By 2023, KITV produced {{frac|36|1|2}} hours a week of local news programs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 10, 2024|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/9a639cd6-20b6-e1ee-693a-8d27bab5b86f/cb2077c0-485c-4968-a047-90b713026cf5.pdf|title=Quarterly Issues/Program Report for KITV-TV, KMAU-TV, KHVO-TV, 4th Qtr 2023|website=Public Inspection File|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185459/https://files.fcc.gov/download/cb2077c0-485c-4968-a047-90b713026cf5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 17, 2025, Allen Media Group announced plans to cut local meteorologist/weather forecaster positions from its stations, including KITV, and replacing them with a "weather hub" produced by [[The Weather Channel]], which AMG also owns. The decision was reversed within a week by management in response to "viewer and advertiser reaction".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.westkentuckystar.com/News/Local-Regional/Changes-coming-to-TV-weather-at-local-stations-inc|work=West Kentucky Star|title=Allen Media reverses course on weather changes at WSIL|date=January 23, 2025|first=Brad|last=Munson|access-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref>

=== Notable former on-air staff ===
* [[Kanoa Leahey]] – sports reporter and weekend news anchor, 1999–2004<ref name="Hono020802">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kanoa-leahey-sig/139606308/|date=August 2, 2002|page=D1|first=Stephen|last=Tsai|title=Kanoa Leahey signs extension with KITV: Sportscaster to anchor weekends|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kanoa-leahey-sig/139606308/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --><ref name="Hono040729">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kanoa-leahey-wil/139606388/|date=July 29, 2004|page=D3|title=Kanoa Leahey will join KHON sports: 3rd-generation Isle sportscaster leaves KITV after 5 years|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-kanoa-leahey-wil/139606388/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

== Subchannels ==
KITV transmits from atop the [[Ala Moana Hotel]].{{r|FCC-LMS-64548}} The station's signal is [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of KITV<ref name="re">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KITV#station|website=[[RabbitEars.info]]|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KITV|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331022405/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KITV#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" | 4.1
| rowspan=3|[[720p]] || rowspan=6|[[16:9]] || KITV-HD || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 4.2
| MeTV || [[MeTV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 4.3
| KITV-D3 || Hawaii TV (Local news)
|-
! scope = "row" | 4.4
| rowspan=3|[[480i]] || StartTV || [[Start TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 4.5
| H&I || [[Heroes & Icons]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 4.6
| OCTV || One Caribbean Television
|}

== Satellite stations ==
{{GeoGroup}}
As with other major television stations in Hawaii, KITV operates multiple [[broadcast relay station#Satellite stations|satellite stations]] across the Hawaiian Islands to rebroadcast the station's programming outside of metropolitan Honolulu.{{r|re}}
{{clear}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope = "col" | Station
! scope = "col" | [[City of license]]
! scope = "col" | Channel<br>[[Virtual channel|VC]] ([[Digital terrestrial television|RF]])
! scope = "col" | [[Facility ID]]
! scope = "col" | [[effective radiated power|ERP]]
! scope = "col" | [[HAAT]]
! scope = "col" class="unsortable" | Transmitter coordinates
! scope = "col" | First air date
! scope = "col" class="unsortable" | Public license information
|-
! scope = "row" | KHVO
| [[Hilo]] || 4 (13) || 64544 || 2&nbsp;kW || {{convert|-92|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || {{coord|19|42|49|N|155|8|3|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KHVO}} || {{dts|1960|5|15}}{{efn-lg|KHVO used the call sign KHJK from 1960 until October 15, 1964.<ref name="hc-khvo">{{Cite web|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=84898|title=History Cards for KHVO|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref> The letters stood for Henry J. Kaiser and were later assigned before launch to what became [[KPYX|KBHK-TV]] in San Francisco.<ref name="Hono660403">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-ex-isle-call-lett/110972384/|date=April 3, 1966|page=Aloha 1|first=Bert|last=Darr|title=Ex-Isle Call Letters: KHJK-TV Next S. F. Station?|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185610/https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-ex-isle-call-lett/110972384/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->}} || {{ubl|{{FCC-TV-Station-profile|KHVO|Public file}}|{{FCC-LMS-Facility|64544|3=LMS}}}}
|-
! scope = "row" | KMAU
| [[Wailuku]] || 4 (12) || 64551 || 9&nbsp;kW || {{convert|747|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || {{coord|20|39|25.5|N|156|21|35.8|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=KMAU}} || {{dts|1955|12|4}}{{efn-lg|As KMVI-TV. The station rebroadcast KONA-TV,<ref name="Hono550623">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-power-also-boost/139224564/|date=June 23, 1955|page=1|title=Power Also Boosted: FCC Approves KONA Switch to Channel 2|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-power-also-boost/139224564/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> which built KMVI-TV using the equipment discarded when it moved from channel 11 to channel 2 earlier that year.<ref name="Hono551030">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-faults-easily-co/139224538/|date=October 30, 1955|page=A11|title=Faults Easily Corrected: 'Enthusiastic Reports' On Channel 2 Reception|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 26, 2024|archive-date=January 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126190101/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-faults-easily-co/139224538/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> KONA built its own station on channel 7 at the same time that it changed to rebroadcast KHVH-TV.{{r|Hono581101}} Channel 12 was owned independently from KITV until it was purchased in 1978 and changed its call sign at that time.{{r|BC780410|BC780828}}}} || {{ubl|{{FCC-TV-Station-profile|KMAU|Public file}}|{{FCC-LMS-Facility|64551|3=LMS}}}}
|}
{{notelist-lg}}
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=600|frame-align=left|frame-height=350|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/KITV}}|text={{ubl|Grade A signal contours for KITV, KHVO and KMAU|{{legend-col |thumb size=wide|{{legend|#ff0000|KITV (RF 20) Honolulu, Hawaii}} |{{legend|#0000ff|KHVO (RF 13) Hilo, Hawaii}}  |{{legend|#008000|KMAU (RF 12) Wailuku, Hawaii}} }}}}}}
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.kitv.com/ Official website]

{{HI-tv}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kitv}}
[[Category:1954 establishments in Hawaii]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates]]
[[Category:Allen Media Group]]
[[Category:Heroes & Icons affiliates]]
[[Category:Kaiser Broadcasting]]
[[Category:MeTV affiliates]]
[[Category:Start TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1954]]
[[Category:Television stations in Hawaii|ITV]]