The history of 41 Action News, KSHB-TV & 38 the Spot, KMCI-TV

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - KSHB-TV, Kansas City’s 41 Action News station, is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company and is the market’s fastest growing news outlet.

Channel 41 first began broadcasting in 1970. Launching August 10 of that year as KBMA-TV (for the Businessmen's Assurance Company of America), the station was an independent, offering general entertainment programming.

Scripps Howard broadcasting bought the station in 1977, and the station name was changed to KSHB in 1981. In 1986, KSHB joined the FOX network, then became affiliated with NBC in1994.

KSHB is  credited with a number of technological "firsts,” including being the first computer-automated television station in the United States, being the first in the market to air commercials and promos in high definition, and being the first in the nation to use a satellite for point-to-point program transmission. KSHB-TV also originated the first cable television network, separate from its over-the air programming, called Target Network Television.

First broadcasting in 1988, KMCI-TV, 38 the Spot, is Kansas City's only independent station. Known before as 38 Family Greats, the station is home to many classic shows, like the Cosby Show & Rosanne, as well as new favorites like Family Guy & South Park. Since becoming 38 the Spot, many hosts have welcomed viewers each night, the current being Crystle Lampitt.