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KHBS (channel 40) in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and KHOG-TV (channel 29) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, together known as "40/29", are television stations affiliated with ABC and The CW Plus, serving the Arkansas River Valley and Northwest Arkansas. Owned by Hearst Television, the stations maintain studios on Ajax Avenue in Rogers. KHBS's transmitter is located on Cavanal Hill in northwestern Le Flore County, Oklahoma (northwest of Poteau), while KHOG-TV's tower sits near Ed Edwards Road in rural northeastern Washington County, Arkansas, just southeast of the Fayetteville city limits.
Channel 40 in Fort Smith began broadcasting on July 28, 1971, as KFPW-TV, the city's second TV station. It was built by George T. Hernreich; initially airing second-choice programming from all of the Big Three networks, it became a primary CBS affiliate in 1973 and a sole ABC affiliate in 1978. In 1977, KFPW-TV's programming began to be rebroadcast in Fayetteville by KTVP on channel 29, the former KGTO-TV (channel 36) with new facilities and equipment. This expanded 40/29's reach to Northwest Arkansas, a market where it would later find a substantial viewership base. The stations changed call signs to KHBS and KHOG-TV in 1983 and 1987, respectively.
Hernreich family members owned 40/29 until 1996, when it was acquired by Argyle Television, which merged into Hearst in 1998. It has remained competitive in news ratings with KFSM-TV, whose traditional viewership base is in the Arkansas River Valley.
History
George T. Hernreich trading as KFPW Broadcasting Company, owner of Fort Smith radio station KFPW (1230 AM), applied to build a station on channel 24 on March 15, 1967.[3] The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated his application and a second from a consortium known as Broadcasters Unlimited for comparative hearing on March 11, 1968,[4] after which Hernreich amended his application to specify channel 40. The FCC granted Hernreich a construction permit on May 28, 1969.[3]
KFPW-TV began airing limited programming on July 28, 1971, from studios on Albert Pike in Fort Smith. It was the first time that the Fort Smith market had two competing stations in more than 15 years.[5] It aired programs from all three major networks: ABC, CBS, and NBC. At the time, Fort Smith's other TV station, KFSM-TV (channel 5), did likewise: KFPW-TV aired ten ABC prime-time programs, eight from CBS, and five from NBC in the fall 1971 television season.[6] This arrangement ended in 1973, when KFPW-TV obtained first call rights to CBS programming,[7] which was supplemented by ABC.[8]
Channel 40 had been allowed to go on the air by the FCC amid an investigation into practices at Hernreich's other TV station, KAIT in Jonesboro. KAIT was being investigated in a bribery scandal involving ABC, and the FCC conditioned approval of a final broadcast license for KFPW-TV on the outcome of its Jonesboro hearing.[9] In April 1973, FCC administrative law judge Forest L. McClenning ruled that Hernreich should lose the licenses for both stations. He found that Hernreich lacked the qualifications to be a broadcast licensee, putting his other holdings—two AM radio stations and an FM outlet in other Arkansas cities—in peril. McClenning rejected allegations from Hernreich that the payments were made on threat of losing the ABC affiliation for KAIT-TV.[10] On appeal to the FCC in 1974, Hernreich won a license for KFPW-TV and was found to be generally qualified, but the commission on a 3-2 vote denied a license renewal for KAIT-TV; that decision was reversed five years later.[11][12]
During this time, Hernreich made arrangements to buy a station in Fayetteville. In May 1973, Hernreich filed to buy KGTO-TV from Noark Investments to convert it to a satellite station of KFPW-TV.[13] KGTO-TV went off the air that December awaiting approval of the sale.[14] Hernreich received conditional approval to buy the station in 1975, dependent on the outcome of the other proceedings,[15] as well as approval to build an FM station in Fort Smith in 1976.[16] To save costs, Hernreich successfully petitioned the FCC to change KGTO-TV from channel 36 to channel 29,[17] and the station returned to the air as KTVP on December 5, 1977, with local studios in Fayetteville's McIlroy Plaza.[18] The Fayetteville operation later moved to quarters on Church Street.[19]
Fort Smith received a third local TV station in 1978 when KLMN (channel 24) began. Ahead of it going on the air, Hernreich held talks with ABC and CBS for exclusive affiliation.[20] When CBS heard of this, they decided to cut ties with KFPW–KTVP; this left the stations to sign with ABC,[21] which Hernreich believed "would be the main vibrant force in network television for the next five years". Channel 24 then affiliated with CBS.[20] When the Hernreichs sold their Fort Smith radio holdings in 1983, the KFPW call sign stayed with the radio station, and channel 40 changed to KHBS, reflecting its parent, Hernreich Broadcasting Stations. That same year, Hernreich completed construction on new Fayetteville studios and upgraded the channel 40 transmitter facility.[22] In 1985, George Hernreich sold KHBS–KTVP to Sigma Broadcasting, controlled by his children Cynthia and Robert Hernreich, separating the television station from Hernreich's remaining radio interests in Hot Springs.[23] KTVP became KHOG-TV in 1987.[2]
Argyle Television of San Antonio, Texas, purchased KHBS–KHOG from Sigma in 1996.[24] In August 1997, Argyle merged with the Hearst Corporation's broadcasting unit to form what was then known as Hearst-Argyle Television.[25][26][b] After years of maintaining its operations in facilities in Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Hearst-Argyle opened a new, 12,900-square-foot (1,200 m2) studio in Rogers in 2007, as growth in Northwest Arkansas and particularly Benton County outpaced the Fort Smith area.[28][19]
KHBS and KHOG began broadcasting The CW as subchannels on April 28, 2008.[29][30][31] Previously, CW programming was not available even on cable because the market lacked a local affiliate and the network denied Cox Communications permission to offer a direct network feed to subscribers.[32] Arkansas CW was provided in high definition beginning in 2012.[33]
News operation
Historically, the media market was dominated by Fort Smith and KFSM-TV. In 1983, KFSM-TV had a 50-percent audience share for its 6 p.m. newscast and KHBS/KHOG 6 percent.[34] That year, Craig Cannon joined 40/29 from KTUL in Tulsa, Oklahoma,[35] beginning a 37-year tenure with the station.[36] As the growth in population in the region shifted to the Fayetteville area and under Darrel Cunningham, who came to 40/29 from KAIT in 1985,[37] KHBS/KHOG was the principal beneficiary. Its newscast format split the anchors between Fort Smith and Fayetteville, much like the old NBC newscast The Huntley–Brinkley Report,[38] and was later adopted by KFSM and KPOM/KFAA.[39] In July 1989, KHBS/KHOG passed KFSM for the first time in 6 p.m. news ratings and total-day audience share.[34] That year, Benton County was moved from the Joplin, Missouri, television market to Northwest Arkansas.[40] This geographic shift forced KFSM to shuffle its news operation to better serve viewers beyond the Arkansas River Valley[41] as KHBS/KHOG's strategy of establishing itself in Northwest Arkansas reaped gains in ratings.[42] Between 1983 and 1991, the KHBS/KHOG news department grew from 10 employees to 38.[35] In the mid-1990s, 40/29 aired partially separate Fort Smith and Fayetteville newscasts.[39]
KFSM and KHBS/KHOG became the top two news stations in the market, with KFSM stronger in Fort Smith and KHBS/KHOG stronger in the Northwest Arkansas component of the market (Benton and Washington counties) and among younger viewers.[43] In 2003, KHBS/KHOG had twice as many viewers in Northwest Arkansas as KFSM-TV, yet it was second in the full 11-county designated market area (DMA).[44] In 2014, KFSM had commanding leads in the DMA in most news time slots.[45]
Over the course of the 2010s, KHBS added news coverage. The weekday morning newscast, 40/29 News Sunrise, was expanded to 2+1⁄2 hours in 2011.[46] Weekend morning newscasts were added the following year.[47] Arkansas CW began airing newscasts in 2012, when a 9 p.m. half-hour newscast debuted.[48] A morning news extension debuted in 2016, followed by half-hour Saturday and Sunday early evening newscasts in 2017.[49] A 4 p.m. newscast was added on the main channel in 2024.[50]
Notable former on-air staff
Technical information
The KHBS transmitter is located on Cavanal Hill near Poteau, Oklahoma.[1] The KHOG-TV transmitter is located on Robinson Mountain, southeast of Fayetteville.[2] The stations' signals are multiplexed with three shared subchannels and two unique subchannels:
| Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40.1 | 720p | 16:9 | KHBS-DT | ABC |
| 40.2 | ARK-CW | The CW Plus | ||
| 40.3 | 480i | MeTV-AR | MeTV | |
| 40.4 | STORY | Story Television | ||
| 40.5 | Nosey | Nosey |
| Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.1 | 720p | 16:9 | KHOG-DT | ABC |
| 29.2 | ARK-CW | The CW Plus | ||
| 29.3 | 480i | MeTV-AR | MeTV | |
| 29.4 | Ion | Ion Plus | ||
| 29.5 | HSN | HSN |
Analog-to-digital conversion
Both stations ended regular programming on their analog signals, respectively 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 channel allocations post-transition are as follows:[54]
- KHBS ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 40; the station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 21, using virtual channel 40.
- KHOG-TV ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 29; the station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 15, using virtual channel 29.
Notes
References
- ^ a b "Facility Technical Data for KHBS". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ a b c "Facility Technical Data for KHOG-TV". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ a b "History Cards for KHBS". Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ "Legal". Fort Smith Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. April 16, 1968. p. 5-B. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Second City TV Station Begins Tests". Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. July 29, 1971. p. 1. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Fall Prime-Time Lineup". Southwest Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. August 29, 1971. p. TV 13. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Channel 40 Plans Expanded Operation". Southwest Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. September 9, 1973. p. 2E. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Select ABC programs on 40". Southwest Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. September 19, 1976. p. 3-E. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "FCC-network probe alleged ABC payoff: Hearings called to examine Arkansas broadcaster's applications for licenses". Broadcasting. August 2, 1971. p. 28. ProQuest 1016850704.
- ^ "FCC judge rejects Hernreich's claim of being victimized: McClenning proposes lifting licenses for involvement in payoff to network official". Broadcasting. April 30, 1973. ProQuest 1285752234.
- ^ "Hernreich loses KAIT-TV license, retains KFPW-TV's: Ark. broadcaster's renewal denied after FCC holds his payment of bribe for ABC affiliation favors beyond pale of Chairman Wiley's 'new ethic'". Broadcasting. July 22, 1974. p. 18. ProQuest 1014665143.
- ^ "In Brief". Broadcasting. May 14, 1979. p. 25. ProQuest 1016899125.
- ^ "Television Sale Proposal Before Federal Agency". Northwest Arkansas Times. Fayetteville, Arkansas. May 30, 1973. p. 26. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "KGTO Is Awaiting Approval Of Sale". Northwest Arkansas Times. Fayetteville, Arkansas. January 11, 1974. p. 3. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Hernreich's purchase of KGTO Co. given yellow light at FCC". Broadcasting. May 12, 1975. p. 32. ProQuest 1014675640.
- ^ "This time the nod goes to Hernreich". Broadcasting. February 16, 1976. p. 46. ProQuest 1014677484.
- ^ "Television Broadcast Stations in Fayetteville, Arkansas, et al" (PDF). Federal Register. April 14, 1977. p. 19491. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
- ^ "TV Station On Air". Northwest Arkansas Times. Fayetteville, Arkansas. December 6, 1977. p. 2. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Roberts, Stacey (May 20, 2007). "Area TV stations shifting focus, facilities north". Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. p. 81.
- ^ a b Smith, Mike (May 9, 1978). "Third for Fort Smith: Work begins on TV station". Southwest Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. p. 7-A. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Musical Affils In Arkansas". Variety. May 17, 1978. p. 434. ProQuest 1286014858.
- ^ "KFPW-TV gets new call letters". Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. February 13, 1983. p. 2-D. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Changing Hands". Broadcasting. January 14, 1985. p. 191. ProQuest 1014713025.
- ^ Prichard, Kerry (March 21, 1996). "Fort Smith's ABC affiliate sold to Texas-based firm". Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. p. 1A. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Hearst to acquire Jackson's WAPT in merger with owner, Argyle Television". Clarion-Ledger. March 27, 1997. p. 1B. Archived from the original on July 16, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Campo, Thomas W. (September 2, 1997). "Argyle Television and Hearst Broadcasting Group merger completed; Preliminary election results announced" (Press release). BusinessWire. ProQuest 447008108.
- ^ Malone, Michael (June 3, 2009). "Hearst Moves On Merger". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ "40/29 readies Rogers station". Benton County Daily Record. September 7, 2007. p. 4.
- ^ Malone, Michael (April 9, 2008). "KHBS, KHOG Offer The CW on Digital Channel". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved April 9, 2008.
- ^ "CW Signs Digital Affils In Arkansas". TVNewsCheck. April 8, 2008.
- ^ "40/29 To Add CW Network". KHBS/KHOG. April 4, 2008. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011.
- ^ Boulden, Ben (April 3, 2007). "Cable Goes On Without 'Veronica Mars': Cox Cannot Find Affiliate". Times Record. Fort Smith, Arkansas. p. 2B. Retrieved November 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "The Arkansas CW leads nation in primetime audience delivery". KHBS/KHOG. Hearst Television. June 27, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b Moore, Becki (August 26, 1989). "Even without three Bs, Steenburgen survived the South". Arkansas Democrat. p. 1F.
- ^ a b Storey, Celia (February 10, 1991). "Tulsa to Fort Smith smart move for anchor/executive". Arkansas Democrat. pp. 1E, 5E.
- ^ Tsoflias Siegel, Stephanie (October 15, 2020). "North Arkansas Anchor Set to Retire After 37 Years". TVSpy. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ Johnson, Paul (August 30, 1989). "UHF station wants to be top HOG in the hills". Arkansas Gazette. pp. 1E, 2E.
- ^ Moore, Becki (March 7, 1989). "Long inks contract with Fort Smith, Fayetteville stations". Arkansas Democrat. p. 1E.
- ^ a b "TV station to offer split local newscasts". Times Record. January 15, 1995. p. 8A. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ Johnson, Paul (December 23, 1989). "KHBS/KHOG still gains ground: On main rival, KFSM, Fort Smith, in the November ratings". Arkansas Gazette. p. 5B.
- ^ Storey, Celia (February 16, 1991). "Overlooking viewers keeps KFSM from top". Arkansas Democrat. pp. 1D, 8D.
- ^ Storey, Celia (February 17, 1991). "Cunningham's UHF stations charge ahead". Arkansas Democrat. pp. 1G, 10G.
- ^ Bowden, Bill (January 21, 2002). "Northwest's newest TV news tries to overcome Seinfeld effect". Arkansas Business. Gale A82493173.
- ^ "KHOG wins NWA Nielsen ratings". Arkansas Business. September 8, 2003. Gale A108550825.
- ^ Malone, Michael (May 27, 2014). "Market Eye: Where Local Is Focal". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ "KHBS-KHOG Expands Morning News". TVNewsCheck. April 14, 2011.
- ^ Malone, Michael (June 10, 2014). "Stations Working for the Weekend". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ Knox, Merrill (August 20, 2012). "KHBS-KHOG Launch Evening Newscast on Arkansas CW-Affiliate". TVSpy.
- ^ "Arkansas CW Launches Weekend 5 PM News". TVNewsCheck. September 15, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Malone, Michael (July 16, 2024). "KHBS-KHOG Fort Smith, Arkansas, Premieres 4 P.M. News in August". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
- ^ Bonko, Larry (May 17, 2006). "A well-conceived invention from WAVY alum". The Virginian-Pilot. p. E1.
- ^ "RabbitEars TV Query for KHBS". RabbitEars. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "RabbitEars TV Query for KHOG". RabbitEars. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 29, 2013. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
External links
- www.4029tv.com - KHBS-KHOG official website
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