KTBB was founded in 1947 by Aubrey Irby and Dewey Gollob, two local businessmen who recognized the potential of radio as a medium for news and entertainment in East Texas. They established the station to serve the Tyler area with local programming and news coverage. The idea came from their vision to create a radio station that could cater to the specific interests and needs of the East Texas community. Today, KTBB is owned by Paul Gleiser, who acquired the station in 1994 and has maintained its commitment to local news and talk radio. Based in Tyler, Texas, KTBB covers a wide range of news and information relevant to East Texas, including local politics, business, sports, and community events. The station's website features reporting on regional developments, state and national politics, and issues affecting rural and small-town communities in Texas. KTBB has become known for its talk radio format, hosting discussions on current events and providing a platform for local voices. The station also offers coverage of local high school and college sports, weather updates, and traffic reports, serving as a comprehensive source of information for the Tyler area and surrounding communities. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of KTBB is its long-standing commitment to emergency communications. The station has played a crucial role during natural disasters and severe weather events in East Texas. KTBB has maintained a generator-powered transmitter site since the 1960s, ensuring that it can stay on the air even during widespread power outages. This dedication to emergency broadcasting has made KTBB a vital resource for the community during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other crises, providing life-saving information when other communication channels may be unavailable.