Where is kxan

Overview

KXAN-TV is a major television station serving the Austin, Texas metropolitan area, operating as an NBC affiliate on channel 36. The station first signed on the air on September 27, 1965, originally owned by the LIN Broadcasting Corporation. Over its nearly six-decade history, KXAN has become one of Central Texas' most trusted sources for news, weather, and entertainment programming, consistently ranking among the top-rated stations in the competitive Austin media market.

The station's operations are based at its studio facilities located at 808 East 51st Street in Austin, with its transmitter situated on the West Austin Antenna Farm. KXAN is currently owned by Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest television station operators in the United States, which acquired the station in 2003. The station serves a growing metropolitan area that now exceeds 2.3 million residents, making it one of the fastest-growing media markets in the country.

How It Works

KXAN operates as a traditional broadcast television station while maintaining a strong digital presence across multiple platforms.

• Broadcast Operations: KXAN transmits its signal from a 1,200-foot tower located in West Austin, covering approximately 60 counties across Central Texas. The station broadcasts in high definition on channel 36.1 and maintains a digital subchannel lineup that includes Antenna TV on 36.2 and Court TV on 36.3, providing viewers with multiple programming options.
• News Operations: The station operates one of the largest news departments in Central Texas, with over 75 journalists and support staff. KXAN produces more than 40 hours of local news programming weekly, including morning, midday, evening, and late-night newscasts. The station maintains multiple news bureaus throughout its coverage area and operates a fleet of satellite trucks and live units for breaking news coverage.
• Digital Platform: KXAN maintains a comprehensive digital presence through its website KXAN.com, which receives over 5 million monthly page views. The station streams its newscasts live online and through mobile apps, and maintains active social media accounts with over 500,000 combined followers across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Weather Coverage: The station operates one of the most advanced weather departments in Texas, featuring dual-polarization Doppler radar technology that provides detailed storm tracking. KXAN's First Warning Weather team includes five meteorologists who provide forecasts for Central Texas' varied climate, which experiences everything from severe thunderstorms to drought conditions.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Community Impact: KXAN serves as a critical information source for over 2.3 million Central Texas residents, providing essential news coverage during emergencies like severe weather events, which occur approximately 50-60 days per year in the region. The station's severe weather coverage has been credited with saving lives during tornado outbreaks and flash flooding events.
• Economic Contribution: As one of Austin's largest broadcast employers with over 150 full-time staff members, KXAN contributes significantly to the local economy. The station generates millions in advertising revenue annually and supports local businesses through marketing partnerships and community initiatives.
• Journalistic Influence: KXAN has won numerous awards for investigative journalism, including multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards. The station's investigative team has exposed corruption, consumer fraud, and government waste, leading to policy changes and legal reforms in Texas.

Looking forward, KXAN continues to adapt to changing media consumption patterns while maintaining its commitment to local journalism. The station is investing in new technologies like augmented reality for weather forecasting and expanding its digital content production to reach younger audiences. As Austin's population continues to grow at approximately 150 new residents daily, KXAN's role as a trusted information source becomes increasingly vital for both long-time residents and newcomers navigating life in one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The station's future success will depend on its ability to balance traditional broadcast excellence with innovative digital strategies while serving the diverse needs of Central Texas communities.