- Montana Television Network
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The Montana Television Network is a network of CBS affiliates in Montana, all but one owned by the Evening Post Publishing Company.
MTN was founded by Montana broadcasting pioneer Joseph S. "Joe" Sample. He signed on KOOK-TV (now KTVQ) in Billings, Montana's second television station, in 1953. He bought KXLF-TV in Butte in 1955 (KXLF had signed on three months before KOOK in 1953). KFBB-TV in Great Falls and KMSO-TV in Missoula (now KECI-TV) began sharing programs with KOOK and KXLF in 1958; the four stations formed the Skyline Network.
KMSO-TV left the network in 1964, and the network was without a Missoula outlet until Sample opened KPAX-TV as a semi-satellite of KXLF in 1970. In 1966, KFBB left the network, and Sample bought Great Falls' other station, KRTV. The network became known as the Montana Television Network in the early 1970s.
Sample sold the stations to SJL Broadcasting in 1984, who in turn sold them to Evening Post in 1994. Evening Post runs the stations as part of its Cordillera Communications subsidiary. Combined, the stations and their numerous translators reach 89% of Montana, as well as portions of Wyoming.
Four of the full-powered MTN stations, KTVQ, KXLF, KRTV, and KPAX, also carry programming from The CW on their digital subchannels.
The MTN stations identify as separate stations in their own right, but use a two-way microwave system to share news stories. They also brand as "Montana's News Station." All of the stations (excluding KXGN) air Jeopardy! at 6 & Wheel of Fortune at 6:30.
MTN-owned stations
(Owned by the Evening Post Publishing Company)
MTN-affiliated station
External links
- MontanasNewsStation.com--shared by all stations
Categories:- Montana Television Network
- CBS Television Network
- CBS network affiliates
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