KLPR-TV: The Rise and Fall of Oklahoma City's Country Music Station
In the mid-1960s, the television landscape in Oklahoma City saw the emergence of a bold experiment in niche broadcasting. KLPR-TV was conceived not as a general-interest station, but as a visual extension of the country music culture that was already thriving on the airwaves. Founded by a group of entrepreneurs, the station aimed to bridge the gap between radio and television through a specialized format.
The Road to Launch
The journey of KLPR-TV began in 1962 when KLPR-TV, Inc. filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a new station on channel 19. The company was owned by Jack Beasley and Leon C. Nance—owners of KLPR radio—alongside automobile dealer W.T. "Dub" Richardson. While the FCC granted the application on February 24, 1965, the path to broadcasting was fraught with technical and regulatory changes.
Originally, the station planned to broadcast from the 23rd floor of the Sheraton Oklahoma City hotel. However, a nationwide amendment to the UHF table of allotments (the FCC's master plan for Ultra High Frequency channel assignments) in Docket 14229 forced the station to switch from channel 19 to channel 14. Construction was also marked by a dramatic incident where a worker was trapped 200 feet in the air for over an hour during the assembly of the station's 600-foot tower, requiring an improvised rescue system.
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A Pioneering Country Format
KLPR-TV officially signed on the air on May 31, 1966. It launched with a pioneering schedule that mirrored its sister radio station, focusing almost exclusively on country and western programming. This was a unique approach for the era, providing a dedicated visual home for a genre that dominated the local radio market.
The programming was heavily focused on local, live content. Out of 56 weekly hours, 25 were live productions filmed in a 3,600-square-foot studio located next to the AM transmitter site. The schedule included:
- Tonight in Oklahoma: A talk show hosted by Jack Beasley.
- Spud and The Three Stooges: A children's program hosted by "Spud" Stanley L. Beckes.
- Teen Dance Show: A contemporary program filling a void in the Oklahoma City market.
- News Updates: Short newscasts at :55 of every hour and a 15-minute wrap-up at 10 p.m.
The station initially operated from 4 p.m. to midnight. Over time, it expanded its day to start at 2:45 p.m. In August 1967, the FCC granted a one-year trial allowing the station to transmit stock market ticker tape with background audio between 9:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Legal Battles and Closure
Despite its innovative programming, KLPR-TV faced significant legal challenges shortly after its launch. In September 1966, the station became embroiled in two lawsuits: one against suppliers of low-light camera equipment that failed to perform, and another brought by singer Roy Wendell Ware regarding unpaid recording and appearance fees.
The owners had ambitious plans for expansion, including a proposed sister station in Tulsa (KTOW-TV on channel 29) and another venture in Fort Smith, Arkansas. However, these plans never materialized as KLPR-TV ceased operations in either December 1967 or early 1968. By July 1968, the radio station applied to remove the television antenna from the tower.
The station's legacy ended in a protracted legal battle with the Visual Electronics Corporation. KLPR-TV had leased equipment from the company, and after the station failed, the lease was transferred to Noark Broadcasting for KGTO-TV in Fayetteville, Arkansas. When KGTO-TV also experienced equipment failure, a federal judge ruled in March 1971—and an appeals court reaffirmed in 1972—that Visual Electronics Corporation had knowingly provided defective equipment.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: May 31, 1966.
- Channel: Originally applied for channel 19, but launched on channel 14.
- Format: Primarily country and western programming.
- Live Content: 25 out of 56 weekly hours were live productions.
- Tower Height: 600 feet (180 meters).
- Closure: Went off the air between late 1967 and early 1968.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owners | Jack Beasley, Leon C. Nance, W.T. "Dub" Richardson |
| Primary Genre | Country and Western |
| Studio Size | 3,600 square feet |
| Key Programs | Tonight in Oklahoma, Spud and The Three Stooges |
| Legal Precedent | KLPR-TV, Inc. vs. Visual Electronics Corporation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did KLPR-TV change its channel from 19 to 14?
The change was required by the FCC following a nationwide amendment to the UHF table of allotments under Docket 14229.
What made KLPR-TV's programming unique for its time?
It was one of the few stations to adopt a niche format, focusing almost entirely on country and western programming to match the success of its sister radio station.
How much of the station's content was produced locally?
The station relied heavily on local production, with 25 of its 56 weekly broadcast hours consisting of live productions.
What happened to the equipment used by KLPR-TV?
The equipment was leased from Visual Electronics Corporation. After KLPR-TV closed, the lease was transferred to KGTO-TV in Arkansas, leading to a lawsuit where the court found the equipment was defective.
When did channel 14 return to the Oklahoma City market?
After KLPR-TV went off the air, channel 14 remained vacant until KTBO-TV signed on in 1981.