KPTV was founded in 1952 by Herbert Mayer, a television pioneer who recognized the potential of bringing television to the Portland area. Mayer established the station as Oregon's first television broadcaster, with the idea of providing local news and entertainment to the growing Pacific Northwest market. The station has changed hands several times over the years, and today, KPTV is owned by Gray Television, a major media company that operates television stations and digital platforms across the United States. Based in Portland, Oregon, KPTV covers a wide range of news and information relevant to the Portland metropolitan area and the broader Pacific Northwest region. The station's website features reporting on local politics, business, crime, weather, sports, and community events. KPTV also provides coverage of national and international news that impacts its viewers. The station has become known for its focus on local issues and its commitment to investigative journalism. KPTV's programming includes a mix of news updates, weather forecasts, sports coverage, and lifestyle segments that reflect the diverse interests of its Portland audience. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of KPTV is its historical significance in the world of television broadcasting. When it first went on air in 1952, KPTV became the first commercial television station to broadcast on the UHF band in the United States. This pioneering move helped pave the way for the expansion of UHF broadcasting across the country, ultimately leading to a more diverse television landscape. Despite later switching to VHF, KPTV's early adoption of UHF technology demonstrates its long-standing commitment to innovation in broadcasting, a tradition that continues in its current digital operations.