Engineering pioneers launched Oklahoma's first television broadcast on June 6, 1949. Before the premiere of WKY-TV (Channel 4), citizens relied on newspapers and radio to stay informed. In its early days, WKY-TV aired sporadic entertainment programming and news updates, and its images remained black-and-white until 1954, when Channel 4 became the first locally owned television station in the nation to transmit its own programs in color. At one time, the station broadcast more hours of color programming than all national networks combined. Channel 4 became known for innovation, becoming the first in the nation in 1950 to use a mobile unit for live field broadcasts, issuing what is now considered the first live on-air tornado warning in 1952, and transmitting Oklahoma's first digital television signal in 1999. The station has operated under the call signs WKY-TV, KTVY and KFOR, and since its inception it has received national recognition and honors for excellence in broadcasting.
