
King Broadcasting Company was founded in 1946 by Dorothy Bullitt, a pioneering woman in the media industry. She had a clear vision for creating a company that would provide high-quality entertainment and news to the Pacific Northwest.
The company's first television station, KSTW, launched in 1948, marking a significant milestone in its history. It was a small start, but it paved the way for the company's future growth and success.
As the years went by, King Broadcasting Company continued to expand its reach with the addition of new television stations and radio networks. By the 1960s, the company had established itself as a major player in the media industry.
History of KBC
The KING Broadcasting Company, also known as KBC, was founded in 1946 by Dorothy Stimson Bullitt. She originally branded the company as the Western Waves company before purchasing the KING call letters from the owner of the S.S. Watertown.
KBC's early years were marked by rapid expansion, with the addition of FM broadcasting and television in 1948. This move gave KBC a five-year monopoly on television broadcasting in the Seattle area due to an FCC freeze on new television licenses.
Under Bullitt's leadership, KBC rose to prominence, earning numerous broadcasting awards, including the first Peabody award for a television show produced by a local station for Wunda Wunda in 1957.
Early Years
KING Broadcasting Company was founded in 1946 by Dorothy Stimson Bullitt.
The company was originally branded as the Western Waves company, but Bullitt purchased the KING call letters from the owner of the S.S. Watertown in the same year.
KING consisted of the AM radio station KEVR 1090, located on the 21st floor of the Smith tower, and a broadcasting tower on Maury Island.
By 1948, KING had expanded into FM broadcasting and television with the purchase of KRSC-TV, giving it a five-year monopoly on television broadcasting in the Seattle area.
During this time, KING was airing programs from all four national television affiliates.
In 1953, KING-TV affiliated with ABC, a position it held until 1959 when it switched to NBC.
Notable Milestones
KBC's journey has been marked by significant milestones that have shaped the company into what it is today.
The bank was founded in 1925, making it over 97 years old.
KBC's expansion into new markets began in the 1990s, with the acquisition of several banks in Central and Eastern Europe.

In 1998, KBC acquired the Dutch bank Generale Bank, marking a major milestone in its international expansion.
The bank's commitment to innovation led to the launch of its online banking service in 2000, making it one of the first banks in the region to offer this service.
KBC's focus on customer service was recognized in 2002 when it was awarded the "Best Bank in Belgium" award.
The bank's financial stability was demonstrated in 2008 when it was able to weather the global financial crisis.
KBC's commitment to sustainability was recognized in 2010 when it was awarded the "Sustainable Bank of the Year" award.
The bank's efforts to reduce its environmental impact were recognized in 2012 when it was awarded the "Green Bank of the Year" award.
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Former Stations and Operations
King Broadcasting Company has a rich history of owning and operating various stations across the country. Two boldface asterisks appearing following a station's call letters (**), indicate a station built and signed on by King Broadcasting.
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King Broadcasting built and signed on several stations over the years, including KGW-TV and KING-FM in the Seattle-Tacoma market. These stations were among the many that King Broadcasting owned and operated before selling them.
Here's a list of some of the notable stations King Broadcasting owned and sold:
- KSFO in San Francisco, California (purchased in 1984, sold in 1991)
- KYA-FM in San Francisco, California (purchased in 1983, sold in 1991)
- KHNL in Honolulu, Hawaii (purchased in 1986, sold in 1997)
- KTVB in Boise, Idaho (purchased in 1979, sold in 1997)
- KGW in Portland, Oregon (purchased in 1953, sold in 1991)
- KING in Seattle-Tacoma, Washington (purchased in 1947, sold in 1991)
- KREM in Spokane (purchased in 1957, sold in 1984)
King Broadcasting's operations also included stations in the Seattle-Tacoma market, such as KING-TV, which was sold in 1997.
Media Production
King Broadcasting Company ventured into film production through its subsidiary, King Screen Productions, established in 1966. King Screen produced mainly documentary films.
One notable achievement was The Redwoods, a short documentary that won an Academy Award in 1968. This success highlights the company's ability to produce high-quality content.
King Screen also financed Michael Roemer's film The Plot Against Harry, which became famous for its delayed commercial release in 1990, 20 years after completion.
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Film Production
King Broadcasting Company ventured into film production through its subsidiary, King Screen Productions, established in 1966. This marked a significant shift in the company's focus.
King Screen Productions primarily produced documentary films, which showcases the company's commitment to informative storytelling. The Redwoods, a short documentary produced by King Screen, won an Academy Award in 1968.
The company's foray into feature films was notable, with Michael Roemer's film The Plot Against Harry being one of its productions. Although the film took 20 years to secure a commercial release, King Broadcasting continued to control the film's rights.
Here are some notable facts about King Screen Productions:
Despite the sale of King Screen in 1972, King Broadcasting continued to play a significant role in the film industry.
Content Description
The KING Broadcasting Company collection is a treasure trove of photographs and slides that showcase the company's activities from the late 1940s to the 1970s.
This collection is a great example of how media production has been a part of our lives for decades. It includes photographs of personnel, equipment, studio sets, and events sponsored by KING or involving KING personalities.
The photographs cover a range of topics, from news and local events to corporate functions and national conferences related to broadcasting. Some notable items include coverage of Seafair events, such as hydroplane races.
These photographs are a great resource for anyone interested in media production, particularly those who want to learn about the history of broadcasting. They also give us a glimpse into the lives of people who worked in the industry.
The collection includes photographs of events involving the University of Washington, the Seattle World's Fair, and Boeing, among others. It's a fascinating look at the people and events that shaped the media landscape of the time.
South Lake Union TV Studio
South Lake Union TV Studio is a hub for media production, located in the heart of Seattle. It's a prime example of how innovation and creativity can thrive in a collaborative environment.
This studio is home to Amazon Studios, which produces original content for Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Studios is responsible for hit shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Grand Tour.
The studio is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including soundstages, editing suites, and post-production equipment. This allows producers and directors to bring their visions to life with ease.
Amazon Studios has produced a wide range of content, from comedy specials to children's shows. Their commitment to quality and diversity has made them a leader in the industry.
The South Lake Union TV Studio is also a hub for emerging talent, offering training programs and workshops for up-and-coming producers and directors. This helps to foster a sense of community and collaboration among industry professionals.
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Names and Subjects
In media production, names and subjects are crucial elements that bring a story to life. A well-chosen name can evoke emotions and create a lasting impression.
Proper nouns, such as names, places, and organizations, are a key part of media production. They help to establish context and authenticity.
A character's name can be a powerful tool for storytelling, conveying their personality, background, and motivations. For example, a character named "Max" might be seen as adventurous and confident.
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Using real-world names and locations can add depth and realism to a story, making it feel more authentic and engaging. This can be especially effective in documentaries and historical dramas.
In fiction, names can also be used to create a sense of continuity and consistency, helping to establish a character's identity and backstory.
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Background and Context
Dorothy Stimson Bullitt founded the KING Broadcasting Company in 1946, originally branded as the Western Waves company.
The company's first radio station, KEVR 1090, was located on the 21st floor of the Smith tower, and a broadcasting tower on Maury Island.
Bullitt purchased the KING call letters from the owner of the merchant vessel the S.S. Watertown in 1946.
KING expanded to FM broadcasting and television by 1948, with the purchase of KRSC-TV, and enjoyed a five-year monopoly on television broadcasting in the Seattle area due to an FCC freeze on new television licenses.
Founder Dorothy Stimson Bullitt was President of KING from its founding until 1961 and led the company to prominence as the first television station in the Northwest.
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Arrangement and Management

The collection is arranged in a logical and accessible way, making it easy to navigate and find specific information. The three series are clearly defined and provide a clear structure for the collection.
The first series, Shows and Programs, is a treasure trove of information on television shows and programs. It's a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the history of television.
The second series, KING-TV Oral History Interviews, offers a unique perspective on the history of television news and the people who worked in the industry. These interviews are a valuable resource for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of television news.
The third series, Papers, is a collection of documents and papers that provide further context and information on the collection. It's a great resource for anyone looking to delve deeper into the history of television.
Here's a breakdown of the three series:
- Series 1: Shows and Programs
- Series 2: KING-TV Oral History Interviews
- Series 3: Papers
Historical Background
The KING Broadcasting Company was founded in 1946 by Dorothy Stimson Bullitt, who originally branded it as the Western Waves company.

Dorothy Stimson Bullitt purchased the KING call letters from the owner of the merchant vessel the S.S. Watertown in 1946.
KING started with the AM radio station KEVR 1090 located on the 21st floor of the Smith tower, and a broadcasting tower on Maury Island.
By 1948, KING had branched out to FM broadcasting and television with the purchase of KRSC-TV.
KING enjoyed a five-year monopoly on television broadcasting in the Seattle area due to an FCC freeze on new television licenses.
During this time, KING was airing programs from all four national television affiliates.
Dorothy Stimson Bullitt was President of KING from its founding until 1961 and played a key role in its success.
Under her tenure, KING rose to prominence as the first television station in the Northwest and received numerous broadcasting awards, including the first Peabody awarded for a television show produced by a local station for Wunda Wunda in 1957.
KING was also a charter subscriber of the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters code of conduct and contributed to its creation.
Dorothy Stimson Bullitt remained involved with KING until a few years before her death in 1989, serving as Chairman of the Board until 1967.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Seattle TV stations?
The Seattle TV market is dominated by two large conglomerates: Belo and Tribune Company, which own a combined total of four major stations. These conglomerates control over half of the television market revenue in Seattle.
Where is King 5 headquarters?
King 5 headquarters is located at 1501 1st Ave S, Ste 300, Seattle, WA 98134. You can find it on MapQuest.
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