How a Minnesota television station became a pioneer of color and corporate independence

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: KSTP-TV, the flagship of Hubbard Broadcasting, has shaped the Twin Cities media landscape since 1948. From its early days as an NBC affiliate to its high-profile switch to ABC in 1979, the station has maintained a unique identity, including a Morse code sonic signature and a long-running, locally produced talk show.

Founded by broadcasting pioneer Stanley E. Hubbard, KSTP-TV signed on as Minnesota's first commercial television station on April 27, 1948. Its history is marked by technical milestones, such as becoming the first non-network-owned station to broadcast all local programs in color in 1961. The station's physical presence is as distinct as its history; its studios and offices sit precisely on the Minneapolis–St. Paul border, with a massive 594-foot transmitting tower that straddles the city line, a structure that was among the tallest in the United States when it was completed.

The station's network affiliation has been a significant driver of its regional influence. After 30 years with NBC, KSTP-TV made a surprise move to ABC on March 5, 1979, a transition described as one of the network's biggest coups at the time. This shift allowed the station to maintain a leadership position in the market. Beyond network programming, KSTP-TV has prioritized local content, producing 37 hours of newscasts weekly and long-running programs like Twin Cities Live. The station's commitment to local identity even extends to its branding, featuring a 'groovy 5' logo that has seen various iterations since 1969.

KSTP-TV's reach extends far beyond the Twin Cities through a network of satellite stations and translators, including KSAX in Alexandria and KRWF in Redwood Falls. This regional footprint has occasionally led to complex regulatory challenges, such as a 2014 dispute with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission regarding the unauthorized carriage and modification of its signal in Canada. Despite these hurdles, the station remains a cornerstone of Minnesota media, continuing to operate under the local ownership of Hubbard Broadcasting, which has guided the station since its inception.

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