NewsChannel 3

• One of America's leading independent television stations;

• No. 1 sign-on to sign-off Monday through Friday;

• Top station for adults 18 to 54 years of age;

• The Valley's most progressive television station, leading Arizona with nine hours of local news coverage daily and consistently outperforming network newscasts;

• The nation's top syndicated programming with shows such as "Entertainment Tonight," "Oprah," "Dr. Phil," "Frasier" and "Everybody Loves Raymond;"

• Leading the way in creating and producing top-rated local programs, such as "Your Life A-Z."

AZ News Channel

• Arizona's first and only 24-hour local news service built on a unique partnership;

• Live local breaking coverage gives viewers the latest news from around the Valley;

• NewsChannel 3's "Good Morning Arizona," "Good Day Arizona," "Good Evening Arizona" and "The News Show" replay throughout the day on the AZ News Channel, Cox Cable Channel 14;

• Programming also includes local productions exclusive to cable, such as "Project Parenting."

NewsChannel 3 History

U.S. Sen. Ernest W. McFarland ("Mac"), father of the GI Bill and co-author of the rewrite of the Communications Act was in awe of television and believed it would be huge someday. Together with a few friends, Mac raised several hundred thousand dollars and filed for a license.

On March 1, 1955, KTVK "because TV would be our middle name," went on the air as an ABC affiliate. The television business was tough, but by 1992 an ambition had been realized. KTVK had become one of the strongest ABC affiliates in America and was clearly the No. 1 station in Arizona. In Phoenix, Mac America was a communications powerhouse.

In mid-1994, there was a surprise shift in ownership and network affiliations in the television industry and in January 1995, ABC took away its 40-year affiliation with KTVK. That is when KTVK adopted the most costly and dangerous suggestion: dramatically increase the hours of local news on the station, add people to the news operation and purchase the best syndicated programming available -- and do it all right now!

In the ratings war, KTVK did well. Its newly created morning show, "Good Morning Arizona," became the highest-rated show of its type in the nation. The evening newscast, "Good Evening Arizona," regularly trounced the national network evening broadcasts.

In June 1999, Mac America felt it was the right moment to secure the best possible future for their family and employees who had worked so hard for so many years in building the company. The ambition had shifted from survival to security for everyone. An announcement was made that Mac America was to be sold to Belo Corporation of Dallas, Texas.

The company chose Belo as the buyer because they believed in Belo's leadership, commitment to journalism, community service and excellence. These were the same core values that had lifted and supported KTVK for decades.

On November 1, 1999, Belo took over operation of KTVK.

Behind our Monument Valley photos

For 50 years, 3TV Arizona's Family has represented the best of Arizona -- its dynamic people, its rich cultures and its majestic landscapes. When 3TV was searching for an image that reflects the Arizona spirit to use in our new logo, we only had to look north. Nothing says Arizona more than the breathtaking rock formations of Monument Valley.

Those unique spires are known the world over. The Navajos and Hopis have traditionally called this land home. John Wayne filmed westerns there. Photographers travel to this place to capture its beauty. Peter Ensenberger is one of those photographers. Ensenberger has lived in Arizona for almost 30 years and serves as director of photography for Arizona Highways magazine.

Peter took this picture from Artist Point inside Arizona looking north. The formations you see in the foreground are The Mittens and Merrick Butte.

3TV Arizona's Family is proud to feature Ensenberger's photograph in our new 3TV logo.

You can see more of Peter's work at www.friendsofazhighways.com