Where is kxan located

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: KXAN-TV is located in Austin, Texas, specifically at 808 East 51st Street, Austin, TX 78751. The station has been broadcasting from this location since 1965 when it moved from its original site at 119 East 10th Street. As the NBC affiliate for the Austin market, it serves over 2.4 million viewers across 19 Central Texas counties.

Key Facts

KXAN-TV is located at 808 East 51st Street, Austin, TX 78751
The station moved to its current location in 1965 from 119 East 10th Street
KXAN serves over 2.4 million viewers across 19 Central Texas counties
The station broadcasts on channel 36 (virtual channel 36.1) with 1000 kW power
KXAN's coverage area spans approximately 15,000 square miles

Overview

KXAN-TV is the NBC-affiliated television station serving the Austin, Texas metropolitan area, operating on virtual channel 36 (UHF digital channel 35). Founded on September 27, 1965, by the LIN Broadcasting Corporation, the station has grown to become one of Central Texas's most influential news sources. Its current ownership falls under Nexstar Media Group, which acquired the station in 2017 as part of a larger media consolidation. The station's call letters "KXAN" don't carry specific meaning but follow the FCC's convention of "K" stations west of the Mississippi River.

The station's physical location at 808 East 51st Street in Austin places it strategically within the city's media corridor, near the University of Texas at Austin campus. This location has housed KXAN's operations since 1965, when it moved from its original temporary facility at 119 East 10th Street. The current broadcast facility spans approximately 45,000 square feet and includes state-of-the-art digital broadcasting equipment. The station's transmitter is located at the West Austin antenna farm, providing coverage across 19 counties in Central Texas.

How It Works

KXAN operates as a traditional broadcast television station with modern digital infrastructure and multiplatform distribution.

Broadcast Transmission: KXAN broadcasts from its transmitter at the West Austin antenna farm using UHF channel 35 with 1000 kW effective radiated power. The station's signal reaches approximately 15,000 square miles, covering 19 counties including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell. Digital broadcasting began in 2002, with full transition to digital completed in 2009 as part of the nationwide digital television transition.
News Operations: The station operates one of Central Texas's largest newsrooms with over 75 journalists and support staff. KXAN produces more than 40 hours of local news weekly across its main channel and subchannels. The news department utilizes multiple satellite trucks, helicopter coverage (SkyVision), and mobile reporting units to cover breaking news across its extensive coverage area.
Digital Distribution: Beyond traditional broadcasting, KXAN streams all newscasts live on its website and mobile apps, reaching an additional 500,000+ monthly digital users. The station maintains active social media presence across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, with over 1 million combined followers. Digital content includes interactive weather radar, traffic cameras, and exclusive online reporting.
Subchannel Programming: KXAN broadcasts three additional subchannels: 36.2 (Antenna TV), 36.3 (Court TV), and 36.4 (Quest). These digital subchannels provide 24/7 programming and extend the station's reach without requiring additional spectrum allocation. The subchannels collectively reach approximately 95% of the station's primary coverage area.

Key Comparisons

Feature	KXAN-TV (NBC Austin)	KVUE-TV (ABC Austin)
Location Address	808 East 51st Street, Austin	3201 Steck Avenue, Austin
Year Established	1965	1971
Coverage Area	19 counties, 15,000 sq mi	17 counties, 13,500 sq mi
Digital Subchannels	4 total (36.1-36.4)	3 total (24.1-24.3)
Weekly News Hours	40+ hours	35+ hours
Parent Company	Nexstar Media Group	TEGNA Inc.

Why It Matters

Emergency Information Hub: During severe weather events like the 2021 Texas winter storm, KXAN provided continuous coverage for 72+ hours, reaching over 1.2 million viewers with critical safety information. The station's weather team includes 5 meteorologists who provide forecasts for Central Texas's variable climate, which experiences an average of 35 inches of rainfall and 20 severe thunderstorm warnings annually.
Local Journalism Impact: KXAN's investigative team has exposed numerous important stories, including government accountability reports that led to policy changes in Austin and surrounding counties. The station's political coverage during election seasons reaches approximately 85% of registered voters in its coverage area, making it a crucial information source for democratic participation.
Economic Contribution: As one of Austin's major media employers, KXAN provides approximately 150 full-time jobs with an estimated annual payroll of $12 million. The station's advertising platform supports over 500 local businesses annually, contributing to the region's economic vitality. Additionally, KXAN produces community events that attract 50,000+ attendees yearly.

Looking forward, KXAN continues to adapt to changing media consumption patterns while maintaining its commitment to local journalism. The station plans to expand its digital offerings with enhanced mobile experiences and interactive content. As Austin's population grows—projected to reach 2.5 million in the metro area by 2030—KXAN's role as a trusted information source becomes increasingly vital. The station's strategic location in the heart of Texas's capital city positions it to continue serving Central Texas communities with news, weather, and entertainment for decades to come, while embracing new technologies like ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) to enhance viewer experiences.