View source for KATU

{{Short description|Television station in Portland, Oregon}}
{{About|the television station in Oregon|other uses|Katu (disambiguation){{!}}Katu}}
{{Distinguish|KTUU-TV|KTWO-TV|K2 (TV channel){{!}}K2}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = KATU
| city = Portland, Oregon
| logo = KATU logo.svg
| logo_alt = At left, the letters KATU in black in a bold sans serif. To the right, a white sans serif 2 in a red tilted square box. At lower left, the words "On Your Side".
| branding = KATU (pronounced "K-2")
| digital = 24 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 2
| translators = ''see {{Section link||Translators}}''
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''2.1:''' [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|'''[[KUNP|2.2]]:''' [[Independent station|Independent]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]
| licensee = Sinclair Portland Licensee, [[LLC]]
| location = {{ubl|[[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]–[[Salem, Oregon]]|[[Vancouver, Washington]]}}
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1962|3|15|p=y|br=yes}}
| callsign_meaning = {{ubl|KA = "K"|TU = "2"}}
| sister_stations = [[KUNP]]
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 2 ([[VHF]], 1962–2009)|'''Digital:''' 43 (UHF, 1998–2019)}}
| former_affiliations = [[Independent station|Independent]] (1962–1964)
| erp = 1,000 [[kW]]
| haat = {{convert|524|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 21649
| coordinates = {{Coord|45|30|57.8|N|122|44|3.1|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline, title}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|https://katu.com/}}
}}

'''KATU''' (channel 2) is a [[television station]] in [[Portland, Oregon]], United States, affiliated with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. It is owned by [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]<ref name="aa-fishersinclaircomplete" /> alongside [[La Grande, Oregon|La Grande]]–licensed [[independent station]] [[KUNP]], channel 16 (which KATU [[simulcast]]s on its second [[digital subchannel]]). The two stations share studios on Northeast Sandy Boulevard in Portland; KATU's transmitter is located in the [[Sylvan-Highlands]] section of the city.

In 1962, KATU went on the air as Portland's fourth commercial television station. Built by Fisher Broadcasting Company (later [[Fisher Communications]]), KATU remained an independent station until 1964, when it began an affiliation with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. In the early 1970s, KATU expanded its local programming and became a contender in Portland-area local news ratings. In 2013, Fisher Communications and KATU was acquired by [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]].

==History==
===Channel 2 comes to Portland===
[[File:KATU studios entrance - Portland, Oregon (2015).jpg|thumb|alt=Entrance to the KATU studios|KATU is the only Portland TV station operating from its original site, a former laundry on Sandy Boulevard, since launched in 1962]]
Channel 2 was not initially assigned to Portland, being allocated in 1957. That action spurred activity on the valuable frequency. Four applications were initially received, from ''[[The Oregon Journal]]'', owner of [[KKPZ|KPOJ (1330 AM)]]; [[Fisher Communications|Fisher Broadcasting Company]], which owned [[KNWN (AM)|KOMO radio]] and [[KOMO-TV|television]] in [[Seattle]]; Tribune Publishing Company, publisher of ''[[The News Tribune]]'' and owner of [[KTNT-TV]] in [[Tacoma, Washington]]; and [[KPTV]] (channel 12), which wanted to move to channel 2.<ref name="Colu580128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111211856/kpoj-asks-license-on-channel-2/|date=January 28, 1958|page=2|agency=Associated Press|title=KPOJ Asks License On Channel 2|newspaper=The Columbian|location=Vancouver, Washington|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111211856/kpoj-asks-license-on-channel-2/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> KPTV later withdrew, and KPOJ dropped its application in March,<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|963324961}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-04-06-BC.pdf|page=106|title=For the Record|date=April 6, 1959|work=Broadcasting|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151527/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-04-06-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> but it was not until the end of 1959 that a [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) hearing examiner recommended Fisher over the Tribune Publishing Company for the channel 2 construction permit.<ref name="Colu591231">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111211937/seattle-company-given-tv-edge/|date=December 31, 1959|page=3|agency=UPI|title=Seattle Company Given TV Edge|newspaper=The Columbian|location=Vancouver, Washington|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173924/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111211937/seattle-company-given-tv-edge/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The full commission began drafting paperwork in support of this decision in December 1960,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1960/BC-1960-12-19.pdf|date=December 19, 1960|page=10|id={{ProQuest|962820865}}|work=Broadcasting|title=Fisher favored by FCC for Portland ch. 2|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151401/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1960/BC-1960-12-19.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and Fisher received the permit on February 23, 1961.<ref name="hc">{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/6e441742-d702-cb6b-5248-d3dd134876bc|title=FCC History Cards for KATU|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref>

Work began to build facilities in the former Crystal Laundry on NE Sandy Boulevard in June;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-2-tv-quarters-prepared-work-starts-new-television-facilities/pujciuwxdvtszjnbxbfdtdqicxxjcejw_wma-gateway012_1665627298153|page=3|work=The Oregon Journal|title=Channel 2 TV Quarters Prepared: Work Starts On New Television Facilities|date=June 24, 1961|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173930/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pujciuwxdvtszjnbxbfdtdqicxxjcejw_wma-gateway012_1665627298153|url-status=live}}</ref> the two-story building was refitted to contain two production studios.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-radio-highlights-katu-studio-nearly-ready-february-telecast-target/jxfkistmjujlvdfryqeatfzttfcdpfsk_wma-gateway002_1665627533146|title=TV-Radio Highlights: KATU Studio Nearly Ready; February Telecast Target|page=2:3|first=Arnold|last=Marks|work=The Oregon Journal|date=November 22, 1961|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173930/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A130FB78394A04B53%40GB3NEWS-16E5AAD367A89E52%402437626-16E5AA00674CB0E3%4010-16E5AA00674CB0E3?clipid=jxfkistmjujlvdfryqeatfzttfcdpfsk_wma-gateway002_1665627533146|url-status=live}}</ref> The station originally was assigned the call letters KOXO but switched to the call sign KATU within months.{{r|hc}}

KATU began broadcasting on March 15, 1962, originally operating as an [[independent station]]; Portland native and film actress [[Jane Powell]] hosted the opening ceremonies.<ref name="Oreg620317">{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Francis |title=Behind the Mike |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-behind-the-mike/175629827/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=March 17, 1962 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=2:3 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=KATU went on air smoothly Thursday night as guests who had gathered in new studio sat before monitors to watch opening show.}}</ref> The station's transmitter was originally located atop Livingston Mountain, about {{convert|7|mi|km}} north-northeast of [[Camas, Washington]]; this northerly site had been required to maintain minimum spacing to the unbuilt channel 3 (the future [[KVDO-TV]]) at [[Salem, Oregon|Salem]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Francis |title=Behind the Mike |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-behind-the-mike/175629475/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=September 30, 1961 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=3:3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

While it was the 25th independent in the United States, from the moment it went on air, speculation swirled that KATU might look to poach a network affiliation from one of the three other commercial stations in Portland.<ref name="Oreg620311">{{cite news |last=Swing |first=Willam |title=Channel 2 Will Make Debut |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-channel-2-will-make/175626880/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Sunday Oregonian TV |date=June 28, 1963 |location=Portland, Oregon |pages=6, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-channel-2-will-make/175626888/ 7] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Rumors intensified in June, 1963 as KATU began construction of a transmitter in Portland's [[Tualatin Mountains|West Hills]], which would improve its signal coverage and co-site channel 2 with the other major stations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Francis |title=Behind the Mike |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-behind-the-mike/175625861/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 28, 1963 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=2:7 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The news came in early December when ABC announced it would drop KPTV, Oregon's oldest television station, and move to KATU on March 1, 1964.<ref>{{cite news|page=63|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-12-09-BC.pdf|title=ABC-TV to switch Portland, Ore., outlets|date=December 9, 1963|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007153832/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-12-09-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The news led to speculation that the ABC switch to KATU, in spite of KPTV's performance being comparable to that of other ABC affiliates, was a countermove by the network to avoid losing Seattle's KOMO-TV, one of the network's few top-rated stations at the time, to a possible overture by CBS.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=December 11, 1963|id={{ProQuest|962708797}}|title=Those Group Ownership Dollars|page=27}}</ref> KPTV—which had been ABC's Portland affiliate since 1959—sued, alleging that Fisher coerced ABC into affiliating with KATU by threatening to defect in Seattle.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dropped by ABC, Ore. TVer Sues For $12,750,000|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 4, 1964|page=34|id={{ProQuest|1014824946}}}}</ref> (It was the second time KPTV had lost an affiliation to a group owner in five years; [[King Broadcasting Company]]'s [[KGW-TV]] [channel 8] displaced KPTV as the NBC television affiliate in Portland in 1959, and its [[KING-TV]] in Seattle replaced KOMO-TV in the network lineup.<ref name="News581017">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108035112/nbc-shuffle-big-surprise-to-komo-chief/|date=October 17, 1958|page=31|agency=Associated Press|title=NBC Shuffle Big Surprise to KOMO Chief|newspaper=The News Tribune|location=Tacoma, Washington|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821194324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108035112/nbc-shuffle-big-surprise-to-komo-chief/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->)

After a decade in which the station struggled to build an identity in the market, KATU began to find its way in the early 1970s after expanding its local programming. New shows such as public affairs program ''Town Hall'', weekend children's program ''Bumpity'', and morning talk show ''AM Northwest'' proved critical to the station's success.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carlin |first=Peter Ames |author-link=Peter Ames Carlin |title=The irresistible glow: Portland TV turns 50 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-the-irresistible-gl/175624838/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Sunday Oregonian |date=June 10, 1975 |location=Portland, Oregon |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-tv-the-first-broad/175625026/ A10], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-tv-each-station-de/175625138/ A11] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> KATU continues to broadcast ''AM Northwest'', while other shows, such as ''Faces & Places'' and ''Two at Four'', ended in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Farrell |first=Peter |title=Putting the squeeze on TV news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-putting-the-squeeze-on-tv/175624146/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 13, 1991 |location=Portland, Oregon |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-news-tv-journalists-face/175624238/ D6] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

In 1975, KATU-TV became sister stations with [[Hokkaido Television Broadcasting]] in [[Sapporo]], Japan, a sister city of Portland. The stations exchanged documentary footage of events in their areas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Francis |title=Behind the mike: TV leader questions Fairness Doctrine |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-behind-the-mike-tv-leader/175622758/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=June 10, 1975 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=B7 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

KATU was Portland's first commercial station to broadcast in digital, doing so in 1998 alongside [[Oregon Public Broadcasting]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Yim |first=Su-jin |title=High-definition television: preparing for prime time |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-high-definition-television/175630081/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Oregonian |date=November 9, 1998 |location=Portland, Oregon |pages=B9, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-digital-tv-opb-katu-firs/175630149/ B12] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> KATU shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 2, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 43, using [[virtual channel]] 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |access-date=March 24, 2012 |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 }}</ref>

===Sinclair Broadcast Group ownership===
On April 10, 2013, KATU and Fisher Communications's other holdings were acquired by the [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sinclair acquiring Fisher Communications|url=http://www.katu.com/news/local/Sinclair-acquiring-Fisher-Communications-202532881.html|work=katu.com|date=April 11, 2013|access-date=April 11, 2013|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221025/http://www.katu.com/news/local/Sinclair-acquiring-Fisher-Communications-202532881.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Colman|first=Price|title=Sinclair poised to buy Fisher stations|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/66787/sinclair-poised-to-buy-fisher-stations|work=TVNewsCheck|date=April 10, 2013|access-date=April 11, 2013|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173941/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/sinclair-poised-to-buy-fisher-stations/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC granted its approval of the deal on August 7,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/pubacc/Auth_Files/1562915.pdf |title=Consent to Transfer |access-date=August 7, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227084350/http://licensing.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/pubacc/Auth_Files/1562915.pdf |archive-date=December 27, 2016 }}</ref> and the sale was completed the following day.<ref name=aa-fishersinclaircomplete>{{cite news|title=Sinclair Broadcast Group Closes On Fisher Communications Acquisition|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/121117/sinclair-broadcast-group-closes-on-fisher-communic|access-date=August 8, 2013|newspaper=All Access|date=August 8, 2013}}</ref>

On May 8, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group [[Attempted acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast Group|entered into an agreement]] to acquire [[Tribune Media]]—owner of [[The CW|CW]] affiliate [[KRCW-TV]] (channel 32)—for $3.9 billion, plus the assumption of $2.7 billion in debt held by Tribune. Sinclair would have been required to sell one of KUNP or KRCW-TV if the deal were to be approved.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jessell|first1=Harry A.|last2=Miller|first2=Mark K.|title=The New Sinclair: 72% Coverage + WGNA|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/103905/its-official-sinclair-is-buying-tribune|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|date=May 8, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802041339/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/103905/its-official-sinclair-is-buying-tribune|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in 2018, the FCC designated the deal for hearing by an [[administrative law judge]];<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web|title=FCC throws Sinclair/Tribune deal in doubt|url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2018/07/16/fcc-throws-sinclairtribune-deal-doubt/|first=Robert|last=Feder|author-link=Robert Feder|website=RobertFeder.com|date=July 16, 2018|access-date=August 9, 2018|archive-date=July 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717012938/https://www.robertfeder.com/2018/07/16/fcc-throws-sinclairtribune-deal-doubt/|url-status=live}}|{{cite news|last=Mirabella |first=Lorraine |date=July 18, 2018 |title=FCC orders hearing even as Sinclair changes plans to sell TV stations to address concerns about Tribune deal |newspaper=Baltimore Sun |location=Baltimore, Maryland |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-sinclair-tribune-revised-divestitures-20180718-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811004751/http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-sinclair-tribune-revised-divestitures-20180718-story.html |archive-date=August 11, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018}}}}</ref> the deal was then terminated by Tribune.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine|last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=August 9, 2018 |title=Tribune Ends Deal with Sinclair, Files Breach of Contract Suit |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/tribune-ends-deal-with-sinclair-files-breach-of-contract-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809182004/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/tribune-ends-deal-with-sinclair-files-breach-of-contract-suit |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |access-date=August 19, 2018 |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable}}|{{cite news|first1=Brian|last1=Fung|first2=Tony|last2=Romm|title=Tribune withdraws from Sinclair merger, saying it will sue for 'breach of contract'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/08/09/tribune-withdraws-sinclair-merger-saying-it-will-sue-breach-contract/|newspaper=The Washington Post|location=Washington, D.C.|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=August 19, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428203302/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/08/09/tribune-withdraws-sinclair-merger-saying-it-will-sue-breach-contract/|url-status=live}}}}</ref>

==Local programming==
===News operation===
[[File:KATU Channel 2 News van.jpg|thumb|A KATU news van in 2007|alt=A white panel van with a microwave attachment on top and KATU logos on the side]]
[[File:KATU 2 (35963381014).jpg|thumb|Debra Knapp of KATU on set interviewing Oregon Secretary of State [[Dennis Richardson (politician)|Dennis Richardson]]|alt=Refer to caption]]
From the station's first day on air, KATU produced local newscasts. As an independent, its late-night local news aired at 10 p.m.{{r|Oreg620311}} This changed after the station switched to ABC in 1964, but KATU remained mired in third place in local news coverage behind [[KOIN-TV]] and KGW-TV, which were said to have a "stranglehold" on Portland viewers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/bakers-dozen-shake-ch-2/eafgdebdpsywjxdikbfvrallrkwbkypv_wma-gateway018_1665705284940|page=11|date=December 28, 1976|work=Oregon Journal|title=Baker's Dozen: Shake-Up At Ch. 2|first=Doug|last=Baker|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173932/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A130FB78394A04B53%40GB3NEWS-16EF03B26AA9E657%402443141-16EDDFCE449696F6%4010-16EDDFCE449696F6?clipid=eafgdebdpsywjxdikbfvrallrkwbkypv_wma-gateway018_1665705284940|url-status=live}}</ref>

One Oregon news event covered by KATU cameras in the station's first decade on air acquired lasting notoriety. In November 1970, reporter [[Paul Linnman]], who worked at KATU from 1967 to 1972 before returning to the station in 1984<ref>{{cite news|page=C6|work=The Oregonian|date=December 20, 1983|title=Linnman to join Channel 2|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/linnman-join-channel-2/wtjqrxtrnjqyothomutmgaofjgficpya_wma-gateway013_1665720899667|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173928/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40GB3NEWS-1326438414199A77%402445689-132458D1CE7D599C%40101?clipid=wtjqrxtrnjqyothomutmgaofjgficpya_wma-gateway013_1665720899667|url-status=live}}</ref> and retiring from TV news in 2004,<ref>{{cite news|page=Southwest 2|first=Phil|last=Romans|title=Looking back on a whale of a career|date=April 8, 2004|work=The Oregonian}}</ref> traveled to [[Florence, Oregon]], where a sperm whale washed ashore; [[Exploding whale#Event|its carcass was exploded]] unsuccessfully. The station continued to receive requests for footage years after the event and has since commemorated anniversaries of the exploding whale, including a news special in 1995<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Electronic Media]]|pages=3, 31|title=Endless blubber: In 1970, Oregon had a whale of a story|first=Zack|last=Martin|date=July 10, 1995|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1995-07-10_14_28}}</ref> and a remaster of the original newsfilm in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://katu.com/news/local/the-exploding-whale-50th-anniversary-of-legendary-oregon-event|date=November 12, 2020|title=The Exploding Whale remastered: 50th anniversary of legendary Oregon event|website=KATU|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113000702/https://katu.com/news/local/the-exploding-whale-50th-anniversary-of-legendary-oregon-event|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[4K resolution|4K]] remaster was conducted by the [[Oregon Historical Society]], which has held the original film in its collection since the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gormley |first=Shannon |date=November 11, 2020 |title=Oregon Historical Society Has Released Newly Restored Footage of That Time State Officials Blew Up a Dead Whale |url=https://www.wweek.com/culture/2020/11/10/oregon-historical-society-has-released-newly-restored-footage-of-that-time-that-state-officials-blew-up-a-dead-whale/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=Willamette Week |language=en}}</ref>

In 1975, Richard Ross left KGW-TV after 19 years to become the news director at channel 2.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/richard-ross-going-katu-tv-sept-1/ghkhlawhpavxjhuvoudedbwfcprrnyik_wma-gateway019_1665646893749|work=Oregon Journal|title=Richard Ross Going To KATU-TV Sept. 1|page=5|date=August 8, 1975|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173834/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A130FB78394A04B53%40GB3NEWS-16EE53A3428E79E5%402442633-16ED89687A83E88A%404-16ED89687A83E88A?clipid=ghkhlawhpavxjhuvoudedbwfcprrnyik_wma-gateway019_1665646893749|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, former Oregon governor [[Tom McCall]] joined KATU as commentator; prior to becoming governor, he had also worked at KGW.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/katu-tv-be-joined-mccall/gmsyjiawdwjrydwxhuthqxkrwammjzbq_wma-gateway020_1665704515848|page=B7|date=July 29, 1975|title=KATU-TV to be joined by McCall|work=The Oregonian|access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> Under Ross, the station produced such efforts as ''Kidwitness News'', a monthly newscast for kids anchored by puppets;<ref>{{cite news|page=16|work=Oregon Journal|first=Arnold|last=Marks|title='Kidwitness News' innovation in newscasts|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kidwitness-news-innovation-newscasts/pelegftibwpiiwjvfcerncbdaudijvpv_wma-gateway006_1665646570184|date=January 2, 1978|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173931/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A130FB78394A04B53%40GB3NEWS-16EFBA726E800D26%402443511-16EF386C8A15BB4B%4015-16EF386C8A15BB4B?clipid=pelegftibwpiiwjvfcerncbdaudijvpv_wma-gateway006_1665646570184|url-status=live}}</ref> the station's documentary unit won a [[Peabody Award]] in 1981.<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|962723841}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-04-19.pdf|date=April 19, 1982|pages=31–32|work=Broadcasting|title=HBO wins Peabody|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173221/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-04-19.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> McCall's commentaries continued appearing despite his battle with cancer leading up to his death in January 1983.<ref name="Stat830109">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111268407/mccall-unyielding-in-his-commitment-to/|date=January 9, 1983|page=8B|first=Chuck|last=Beggs|agency=Associated Press|title=McCall unyielding in his commitment to conservation|newspaper=Statesman Journal|location=Salem, Oregon|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173955/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111268407/mccall-unyielding-in-his-commitment-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

News hires at KATU in the 1980s included [[Jeff Gianola]], who initially joined as a weekend weather presenter in 1983<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/katu-revamps-late-night-news-format/sslhxkvhofxnuowansndhofoixoojhow_wma-gateway003_1665705427847|first=Peter|last=Farrell|work=The Oregonian|page=C8|date=September 12, 1983|title=KATU revamps late-night news format|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173923/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40GB3NEWS-132685116E18EC84%402445590-13264D09ACC56703%4055-13264D09ACC56703?clipid=sslhxkvhofxnuowansndhofoixoojhow_wma-gateway003_1665705427847|url-status=live}}</ref> and became evening anchor before defecting to KOIN in 1998,<ref>{{cite news|page=C1|first=Pete|last=Schulberg|work=The Oregonian|title=Gianola hops channels from KATU to KOIN|date=May 5, 1998}}</ref> and [[Bill O'Reilly (political commentator)|Bill O'Reilly]], the future [[Fox News Channel]] anchor whose tenure in Portland lasted less than a year due to family reasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/katus-oreilly-heading-east-family-reasons-he-says/kjnulagnxjgyrgdmrwhrdcctayygsbke_wma-gateway001_1665706970648|date=July 2, 1985|first=Peter|last=Farrell|work=The Oregonian|page=C6|title=KATU's O'Reilly heading east for family reasons, he says|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173922/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40GB3NEWS-132937784847BBAB%402446249-1326955C4F0CAF99%4077-1326955C4F0CAF99?clipid=kjnulagnxjgyrgdmrwhrdcctayygsbke_wma-gateway001_1665706970648|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Reilly's time with the station was marked by remarks about Portland being a "vacation" compared to his previous job in Boston, which displeased management, and an incident in which he left his paycheck in a copy machine, unwittingly divulging a six-figure salary that irked underpaid colleagues.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bill O'Reilly isn't shy about speaking his mind|page=C1|first=Pete|last=Schulberg|date=April 23, 1998|work=The Oregonian}}</ref> By 1985, what had once been a five-person staff in the early days had become a 60-person news department.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wanderlust-comes-naturally-katu-rover/gymjsbmyznuvizgvjugfmcltwblufhev_wma-gateway009_1665703916894|work=The Oregonian|page=TV Click 39|first=Jean|last=Henniger|date=January 27, 1985|title=Wanderlust comes naturally to KATU rover|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173951/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40GB3NEWS-13283EBC90662516%402446093-132647CC457B7395%40187-132647CC457B7395?clipid=gymjsbmyznuvizgvjugfmcltwblufhev_wma-gateway009_1665703916894|url-status=live}}</ref>

KATU had worked its way up to having the top-rated newscasts in Portland by 1997,<ref>{{cite news|page=D7|date=February 28, 1997|title=KATU holds on to top spot in news race|first=Pete|last=Schulberg|work=The Oregonian}}</ref> but ratings were starting to decline before Gianola's departure for KOIN, which was responsible for leading a resurgence at that station. In 1997, the station's general manager concocted a promotional strategy, known as the "Power of 2", by which the station acquired two news helicopters, in an attempt to increase falling ratings, even though the news director had previously said helicopters were primarily a marketing tool.<ref>{{cite news|title='Power of 2'-much marketing and 2-little news|page=D1|first=Pete|last=Schulberg|work=The Oregonian|date=October 28, 1998}}</ref> The campaign was produced with such secrecy that its first airing took newsroom employees by surprise.<ref>{{cite news|page=B8|title=Chopper campaign expensive, secretive|date=October 28, 1997|first=Pete|last=Schulberg|work=The Oregonian}}</ref> Within a month of the highly publicized debut of the second helicopter, the leased helicopter, "JetRanger II", crashed and burned in November while harvesting Christmas trees.<ref>{{cite news|page=B3|first1=Spencer|last1=Heinz|first2=Jennifer|last2=Bjorhus|title=KATU helicopter crashes, burns|date=November 8, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Crash of KATU chopper gets powerful play|page=C7|first=Pete|last=Schulberg|work=The Oregonian|date=November 12, 1997}}</ref>

By 2021, KATU had returned to first place in early and late evening news in total viewership, though Fox affiliate KPTV beat it out in morning news.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/local-news-stumptown-gets-over-the-hump|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=January 13, 2022|first=Michael|last=Malone|title=Local News: Stumptown Gets Over the Hump}}</ref> That year, the station attracted industry attention for suspending an entire day of newscasts so the station staff could take stress management training in light of increasing burnout in television news.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thewrap.com/portland-tv-station-katu-suspends-news-coverage-staff-trauma-training/|work=The Wrap|date=September 27, 2021|first=Lindsey|last=Ellefson|title=Portland TV Station KATU Suspends News Coverage as Staff Attends Trauma Training|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020234209/https://www.thewrap.com/portland-tv-station-katu-suspends-news-coverage-staff-trauma-training/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sports ===
On September 23, 2024, the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] announced a new television deal with Sinclair to create the [[Rip City Television Network]], with Sinclair stations and subchannels to air the team's games in the Portland, Seattle, [[Medford, Oregon|Medford]], [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], and [[Yakima, Washington|Yakima]]/[[Tri-Cities, Washington|Tri-Cities]] markets. In Portland, KATU will broadcast six games on its ABC subchannel, with additional games to be aired by KATU's 2.2 subchannel and—beginning January 1, 2025—KUNP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Portland Trail Blazers Announce Future Of Trail Blazers Broadcasting |url=https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/portland-trail-blazers-announce-future-of-trail-blazers-broadcasting |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/blazers/watch|title=Watch|website=Portland Trail Blazers|access-date=October 24, 2024}}</ref>

=== Notable former on-air staff ===
* [[Dick Bogle]] – reporter and anchor, 1968–1982<ref name="or-encyclopedia-bogle">{{cite web | last=Harrison | first=James | title=Richard "Dick" Bogle (1930–2010) | publisher=[[The Oregon Encyclopedia]] | url=http://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/bogle_dick_1930_2010/ | access-date=June 10, 2020 | archive-date=June 10, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610091308/https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/bogle_dick_1930_2010/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Anna Canzano]] – anchor/investigative reporter<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2019/09/coming-soon-that-expert-show-with-anna-canzano.html|date=September 5, 2019|title=Coming Soon: That Expert Show with Anna Canzano|website=OregonLive|access-date=}}</ref>
* [[Jack Faust (broadcaster)|Jack Faust]] – host of the weekly public affairs show ''Town Hall'', 1980–1993<ref>{{cite news|last=Schulberg|first=Pete|date=April 28, 1993|title=Jack Faust of 'Town Hall': big shoes to fill|work=The Oregonian|page=B7}}</ref>
* [[Paul Magers]] – reporter, 1979–1981<ref name="Star000702">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-magers-league/137825988/|date=July 2, 2000|pages=F1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-vitality-of-tv-newsroom-p/137825931/ F5]|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Magers' League|newspaper=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 1, 2024}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
* [[Rob Marciano]] – meteorologist, 1997–2003<ref name="oreg1997feb">{{cite news|last=Schulberg|first=Pete|date=February 19, 1997|title=Now you see your favorite weatherperson, now you don't|work=The Oregonian|page=B1}}</ref><ref name="oreg2003feb">{{cite news|last=Nicholas|first=Jonathan|date=February 26, 2003|title=25 bucking the trend|work=The Oregonian|page=C1}}</ref>
* [[Cathy Marshall (news anchor)|Cathy Marshall]] – reporter/anchor, 1998–2003<ref>{{cite news|page=D1|first=Peter|last=Ames Carlin|date=February 21, 2004|title=KATU finds itself in middle of contract controversy|work=The Oregonian}}</ref>
* [[Tom Rinaldi]]<ref name="Sacr970927">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111267991/busy-retirement-ahead-for-kxtv-anchor/|date=September 27, 1997|page=Scene 7|first=Dan|last=Vierria|title=Busy retirement ahead for KXTV anchor|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|location=Sacramento, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173928/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111267991/busy-retirement-ahead-for-kxtv-anchor/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
* [[Roger Twibell]] – sports reporter (1973–1975)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/roger-twibell-happy-role-espn/erkjbmubjooggsrjdoxgurqjnlybgwwb_wma-gateway004_1665706417855|work=The Oregonian|title=Roger Twibell happy with role for ESPN|page=C4|first=Kerry|last=Eggers|date=May 28, 1983|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173848/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A11A73E5827618330%40GB3NEWS-1324A523998D180B%402445483-1323E1EF51BFDC7F%4022-1323E1EF51BFDC7F?clipid=erkjbmubjooggsrjdoxgurqjnlybgwwb_wma-gateway004_1665706417855|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Brian Wood (journalist)|Brian Wood]] – reporter/anchor, 2008–2021<ref name= "Layoffs at Portland's KATU-TV include Brian Wood, others">{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/03/layoffs-at-portlands-katu-tv-include-brian-wood-others.html|title=Layoffs at Portland's KATU-TV include Brian Wood, others|publisher=OregonLive.com|date=March 3, 2021|accessdate=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429181023/https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/03/layoffs-at-portlands-katu-tv-include-brian-wood-others.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Linda Yu]] – news anchor, 1975<ref>{{cite news|page=B7|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/behind-mike-dr-joe-operates-better-surgery/wzdqlsayereeuduxhlvjmhqapwwzkhqn_wma-gateway006_1665704836662|work=The Oregonian|first=Francis|last=Murphy|title=Behind the mike: Dr. Joe operates better in surgery|date=February 17, 1975}}</ref><ref name="SanF780118">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111267373/good-news-from-a-princess/|date=January 18, 1978|page=AA-1|first=Ken|last=Wong|title=Good news from a princess|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner|location=San Francisco, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014173946/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111267373/good-news-from-a-princess/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

==Technical information==

===Subchannels===
KATU broadcasts from a transmitter in the [[Sylvan-Highlands]] area of Portland.{{r|FCC-LMS-21649}} The station's signal is [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels of KATU<ref name="KATURabbitEars">{{cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KATU#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KATU|website=[[RabbitEars]]|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}</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" | 2.1
| [[720p]] || rowspan=3| [[16:9]] || KATU || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | [[KUNP|2.2]]
| [[1080i]] || style="background-color: #E6FFF7;"|KUNP || style="background-color: #E6FFF7;"|[[KUNP]] ([[Independent station|Independent]])
|-
! scope = "row" | 2.3
| [[480i]] || Comet || [[Comet (TV network)|Comet]]
|- style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"
! scope="row" | [[KRCW-TV|32.1]]
| 1080i || 16:9 || KRCW || [[The CW]] ([[KRCW-TV]])
|}
{{legend|#E6FFF7|Simulcast of subchannels of another station}}
{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}

The 32.1 subchannel for [[KRCW-TV]] is broadcast by KATU as part of Portland's [[ATSC 3.0]] (NextGen TV) deployment plan; in exchange, KRCW-TV broadcasts KATU in that format.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KRCW#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for KRCW-TV|website=[[RabbitEars]]}}</ref>

===Translators===
KATU is additionally rebroadcast over a network of 16 [[Low-power broadcasting#Television|low-power]] digital [[Broadcast relay station#Broadcast translators|translator stations]]:{{r|KATURabbitEars}}
* [[Astoria, Oregon|Astoria]]: K26DB-D
* [[Baker Valley]]: K27MX-D
* [[Corvallis, Oregon|Corvallis]]: K08PZ-D
* [[Hood River, Oregon|Hood River]]: K28CQ-D
* [[La Grande, Oregon|La Grande]]: K32LY-D
* [[La Grande, Oregon|La Grande]]: K35GA-D
* [[Lincoln City, Oregon|Lincoln City, etc.]]: K32NK-D
* [[Madras, Oregon|Madras]]: K26NX-D
* [[Milton-Freewater]]: K28FT-D
* [[Pendleton, Oregon|Pendleton]]: K34DI-D
* [[Prineville]]: K35LD-D
* [[Rainier, Oregon|Rainier]]: K31HK-D
* [[Rockaway Beach, Oregon|Rockaway Beach]]: K23NS-D
* [[The Dalles]]: K18HH-D
* [[Tillamook, Oregon|Tillamook]]: K34PJ-D
* [[Grays River, Washington|Grays River]]/[[Lebam, WA]]: K20NL-D

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|KATU}}
* {{Official website|https://katu.com/}}

{{Portland TV}}
{{ABC Oregon}}
{{ABC Washington}}
{{SBGI}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Katu}}
[[Category:1962 establishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates]]
[[Category:Comet (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1962]]
[[Category:Television stations in Portland, Oregon|ATU]]