Prior to launch, KBZ-TV was an experimental television station licensed by the FCC in 1939, under the callsign W23CZ, broadcast on VHF channel 9 and originally planned to be the first Los Angeles station to be launched in 1942. Originally owned by the Los Angeles Times, its own experimental broadcasting began in July 1940, becoming the first experimental television station in Los Angeles to debut. In May 1941, while the station was still experimental, Gery Xiana (one of the original Xiana family) purchased the station from the Los Angeles Times for $45 million, turning it into a station serving Minetown and transferring the station's license to San Xavier, Liberty City. Just 2 years into his ownership, Gery resold the station for $55 million (up $10 million from when he bought the station from the Times) to NBC on August 15, 1943.
KQN-TV[]
1944-1949[]
LOGO MISSING
On June 15, 1944, W23CZ officially received a commercial license—its second in Liberty City—as KQN-TV. The station began broadcasting on August 24, 1944, becoming the second licensed television station in Liberty City and the first NBC affiliate to serve not only San Xavier, as the station's license area, but also cover most of the main Liberty City (Georgia, Philin and Durhan). KQN-TV briefly served as NBC's default affiliate in Liberty West from 1947-1949, when KXJC-TV (now KJZ-TV, an ABC affiliate) ceased its affiliation with the network and became an independent station.
1949-1955[]
LOGO MISSING
With Minetown's move to the nation's capital Liberty City, KQN-TV became the only NBC affiliate serving all of Liberty City in June 1949, being the second station to serve Liberty City after KJZ-TV did so 5 days ago. On August 17, 1953, Liberty City split again into 4 parts of the country, and KQN-TV became NBC's default affiliate in Liberty Central, where it has held ever since, even to this day.
1955-1959[]
LOGO MISSING
This article is under construction.
Please excuse its informal appearance while it is being worked on. We hope to have it completed as soon as possible. Thank you.
