What is kxan

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: KXAN is an NBC-affiliated television station based in Austin, Texas, providing local news, weather, and entertainment programming to the greater Austin metropolitan area since 1968.

Key Facts

Overview

KXAN is a major television station serving the Austin, Texas metropolitan area. As an NBC affiliate, the station provides local news, weather, sports, and entertainment programming to millions of viewers throughout central Texas. The station's call letters, KXAN, are registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and identify the broadcast station's licensing and ownership structure.

History and Establishment

KXAN was established in 1968, making it one of the well-established television stations in the Austin market. Over the decades, the station has grown to become a significant source of local news and information for the Austin community. The station has invested in modern broadcast technology and expanded its programming offerings to serve the growing Austin metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

NBC Affiliation and Programming

As an NBC affiliate, KXAN carries national NBC network programming, including popular entertainment shows, news broadcasts, and sports events. In addition to network programming, KXAN produces extensive local news broadcasts, weather coverage, and community-focused programming. The station's newsroom operates multiple broadcast schedules throughout the day and evening to keep viewers informed about local events, weather conditions, and community developments. KXAN maintains news bureaus and reporters throughout the Austin area to provide timely coverage.

Coverage Area and Service Region

KXAN broadcasts on channel 25 UHF and reaches viewers throughout central Texas, including Austin, Georgetown, and surrounding communities. The station's broadcast signal covers a substantial geographic area, making it one of the primary news sources for residents in the region. The station's digital platforms, website, and mobile applications have expanded its reach beyond traditional broadcast television, enabling viewers to access news content on demand through multiple channels and devices.

Community Engagement and Emergency Services

KXAN actively engages with the Austin community through local news coverage, emergency alerts, and community programming. The station covers major local events, city council meetings, school board updates, and community issues affecting Austin residents. During severe weather events, KXAN provides critical emergency information and safety alerts to help protect the community, including tornado warnings and flood alerts. The station's community involvement demonstrates its role as an essential news source for central Texas.

Related Questions

What other major TV stations broadcast in Austin?

Austin has several major television stations including ABC affiliate KVUE, CBS affiliate KEYE, and FOX affiliate KTBC. These stations compete with KXAN to provide local news and programming to the Austin market with their own news teams and broadcasts.

What is NBC and what programming does it offer?

NBC (National Broadcasting Company) is a major American television network that produces and broadcasts entertainment, news, and sports programming. NBC affiliates like KXAN carry network programs while also producing local news and content for their communities.

How do television call letters work?

Television call letters are unique identifiers assigned by the FCC. In the United States, stations west of the Mississippi River typically have call letters starting with K, while those east start with W. Additional letters identify the specific station and its licensing.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia - KXAN CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. NBC - National Broadcasting Company Copyright NBC