KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana Photos from the John in Arizona Collection
All photos are the property of John C Johnson / John In Arizona / johninarizona.com and may not be used in any form elsewhere.
KTVQ: Channel 2 Billings came on the air November 9, 1953 at 6PM as KOOK-TV. They were Billings' first TV station and Montana's 2nd television station. The KOOK-TV call letters were used until sign off on Labor Day in 1972. On September 5, 1972 the call letters were changed to KTVQ and not long after that the "Q-2" branding began. However, for many years later some viewers still called the station "cook" TV. For more information and photos, please check the KOOK TV section on this johninarizona website.
KTVQ Graphics
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings first ID used on September 5, 1972.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 1973 news opening version 1. Yes, the music you hear was the opening theme. This open was used for quite a few years.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 1973 news opening version 2.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 1973 news promo :30 featuring anchor Cynthia Collier, bureau chief Barry Wirth, and technical director John Johnson. Note all the old school equipment.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings December of 1974 print ad featuring KTVQ anchor Terry Hickson, KTVQ bureau chief Barry Wirth, KXLF anchor Ford Atkinson, KXLF bureau chief Ken Woosley, KRTV weather anchor Mary Elizabeth Stewart, MTN News Director Ed Coghlan, and KRTV anchor Dave Goss. At this time newscasts were fed out of KRTV Great Falls with a local news insert about 15 minutes into the show. Goss and Stewart were seen statewide.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings sign that replaced the classic KOOK-TV sign at the 3203 3rd Avenue North studios - 1974.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 3203 3rd Avenue North studios - 1975.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 3203 3rd Avenue North studios in 1975. Note the CBS eye on the microwave dish.
Prior to EAS there was EBS. Here's a re-created EBS test that aired on KTVQ. Vic Miller is the announcer.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana :15 Action News promo from 1975. The "Action News" didn't last long. Viewers would call and complain "There wasn't any action in that news."
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana :10 Action News weather promo from 1975. The "Action News" Note the "action" of the old-school rubber tipped pointer and early satellite map.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this generic image promo in 1978. The promo features on air staff from around the state as the MTN News originated out of KRTV Great Falls. The music background became quite annoying after hearing it over and over. The stations were able to use the music as part of their ASCAP/BMI agreements at the time. The song, "Sloop John B" by The Beach Boys is the property of UMG/Capitol Records and is used here under agreement with that company.
'Hee Haw' was at one time the highest rated program on KTVQ. This :10 promo for 'Hee Haw' was voiced by KTVQ staff anouncer Bill Aldrich.
KOOK TV Channel 2 Billings, Montana came on the air November 9, 1953. In 1978, as KTVQ, a special jingle and logo celebrated 25 years on the air This :30 promo aired.
KOOK TV Channel 2 Billings, Montana came on the air November 9, 1953. In 1978, as KTVQ, a special jingle and logo celebrated 25 years on the air This :10 station ID aired.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo in the fall of 1978. The promo features reporter/anchor Liz Anderson. The construction site footage was taken at the future base of the Sheration Hotel in downtown Billings (Now the Crowne Plaza). The Photog is Jim Turner who later became bureau chief. The control room footage shows Liz with master control operator Alene Gilbert. The Ampex ACR-25 was in service from 1974 until 1995! Next we see Liz going onto the news set used at that time.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo in the fall of 1978. The promo fetures reporter/anchor Lisa Marcus. The Photog is Jim Turner. That's bureau chief Steve Jaunke behind Jim and Lisa entering the Yellowstone County Courthouse. At the beginning and end you see Lisa editing film. Today reporters edit on a computer, try editing a story using film and see how much easier it is now.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings has aired combo news tease / station IDs for a number of years. This is a sample from 1978 featuring anchor Lisa Marcus.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings March of 1979 print ad featuring MTN News Director Ed Coghlan, MTN anchor Bill Moller, and MTN sports anchor Rick Chilingarian. At this time newscasts were fed out of KRTV Great Falls with a local news insert about 15 minutes into the show. The state-wide sports segment was fed from KXLF Butte.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this antimated ID in the late 1970s as part of a CBS campaign. CBS provided the station with the ID.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this station ID during the fall of 1978. The graphics matched those of the CBS network promotions that fall.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this station ID in the fall of 1978. CBS provided affiliates with these promo IDs to match their "Turn Us On, We'll Turn You On" fall campaign.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this sign on in 1979. The CBS "Looking Good" campaign music is used. The voice is that of KTVQ staff announcer Bill Aldrich. The video of the dogs at the end of the sign on belonged to KTVQ master control operator Alene Gilbert.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this sign off in 1979. The KTVQ "We Make The Evenings Brighter" campaign music is used. The voice is that of KTVQ staff announcer Bill Aldrich. KTVQ master control operator Alene Gilbert is seen in the control room video operating the ACR-25 spot player.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this control room footage and music as part of their sign on and sign off material in the 1979-1980 era. The video features master control operator Jonathan Meyers.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this ID for a number of years in the late 1970's and earl 1980's. Two versions were aired. The effect seen is just video feedback.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this ID for a number of years in the late 1970's and earl 1980's. Two versions were aired. The effect seen is just video feedback.
This KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana news promo is from 1981 and features various staff members. Ed Coghlan, MTN News Direcgtor is the presenter.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 3203 3rd Avenue North studios were remodeled in 1975 and the south parking lot was changed. Reflecting the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Garryowen company name, owner Joe Sample commissioned a guidon statue for the parking lot as seen in this photo from 1981.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 3203 3rd Avenue North guidon statue and new sign - 2014.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 3203 3rd Avenue North studios as seen in 2014.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 3203 3rd Avenue North studios as seen in 2014. Note the satellite dishes on the roof.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings early news set featuring anchor Cynthia Collier - 1972.
In the fall of 1976 KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired 'Bonanza' weekdays at 4PM. This :30 promo features the CBS fall campaign theme "The Hot Ones" and the voice of KTVQ staff announcer Bill Aldrich.
In the fall of 1976 KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired reruns of 'Emergency!' under the syndicated title 'Emergency one!' on Thursday nights at 7:30. This :30 promo features the CBS fall campaign theme "The Hot Ones" and the voice of KTVQ staff announcer Bill Aldrich.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings interview set - Marconi cameras - 1978.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings interview set - 'Today in Montana' interview - 1978.
KTVQ channel 2 Billings, Montana tagged this 1979 CBS "We're Coming On" campaign promo with their "Q2" logo. Video remains the property of CBS and KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ channel 2 Billings, Montana 1979 promo for "Dallas" features Victoria Principal ("Pam Ewing") and is tagged by the voice of KTVQ Staff Announcer Bill Aldrich. The CBS "We're Coming On" campaign graphics and music are featured. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ channel 2 Billings, Montana 1980 ID uses the "We make the evenings brighter" custom jingle along with CBS "Looking Good Together" graphics.
KTVQ channel 2 Billings, Montana ID uses the "Spend a day with a friend" custom jingle.
KTVQ channel 2 Billings, Montana tagged this 1982 CBS "Great Moments" campaign promo with their "Q2" logo. Other than the video tag, this was the 60 second CBS promo for the campaign. Video remains the property of CBS and KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 1986 news opening featuring anchor Dean Phillips and showing weatherman Bob McGuire and sports anchor Steve Sotak in the opening. The Visible Difference slogan lasted only a couple of years.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings placed billboards around town promoting "The Visible Difference" original news team featuring anchor Dean Phillips, weatherman Bob McGuire, and sports director J. J. Davis. This photo is courtesy of Bob McGuire. That's Bob pointing to the billboard.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings billboard featuring Dean Phillips, J. J. Davis, and Bob McGuire.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings built a new news set in the late 1980's. Here's weatherman Bob McGuire, news anchor Gus Koernig, and news director Al Nash checking out the progress.
1988 Videos
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1987 :30 weekend news open featuring anchor Connie Timpson, Patti Corrigan, John Pulasky weather, and John Twiggs sports. The announcer is Vic Miller.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1988 :30 news promo featuring Bob McGuire, Connie Timpson, Patti Corrigan, Jackie Parks, Gus Koernig, Chris Long, Jeff Rickard, and Jennifer Brevik. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1988 5:30 PM News :30 promo featuring anchor Gus Koernig, weatherman Bob McGuire, sports anchor Jeff Rickark and reporters Connie Timpson, Paul Kenney, Jennifer Brevik, Chris Long, John Twiggs, and Patti Corrigan. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1988 10 PM News :30 promo featuring anchor Gus Koernig, weatherman Bob McGuire, reporters Connie Timpson, Paul Kenney, Jennifer Brevik, and Patti Corrigan. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1988 Noon News :15 promo featuring weatherman Bob McGuire, anchor Jackie Parks, hostess Lynn Turner, and farm and ranch reporter Taylor Brown. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1988 Weekend News :20 promo featuring anchor Connie Timpson, weatherman John Pulasky, and sports anchor John Twiggs. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1988 Speaker's Bureau :30 promo featuring Bob McGuire, Al Nash, Jackie Parks, Jeff Rickard, Vic Miller, Connie Timpson, and Gus Koernig. Video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired this :30 promo in 1989 highlighting coverage of severe weather. KTVQ weather anchors Bob McGuire and John Pulasky are featured. This video remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Monday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Major Dad' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Tuesday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Rescue 911' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Wednesday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Peaceable Kingdom' series. Of interest, 'Peaceable Kingdom' only aired for 7 shows.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Thursday evening version which promoted the CBS '48 Hours' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Friday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Snoops' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana The News Station "Nobody brings you closer" :30 news promo from 1989. The promo shows clips of quite a few KTVQ news staff. The technical director in the control room footage is John Johnson, that's Darrel Palmer in the Hawaiian shirt.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana The News Station "Nobody brings you closer" :60 news promo from 1989. The promo shows clips of quite a few KTVQ news staff. The technical director in the control room footage is John Johnson, that's Darrel Palmer in the Hawaiian shirt.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana The News Station "Nobody brings you closer" :30 news promo from 1989. This version promotes KTVQ weatherman Bob McGuire.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana The News Station "Nobody brings you closer" :30 news promo from 1989. This version promotes KTVQ sports coverage and features sports anchors Jeff Rickard and John Twiggs.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana The News Station "Nobody brings you closer" :30 news promo from 1989. This version promotes KTVQ weekend newscasts. The anchor is Cindy Astle, John Pulasky weather, and John Twiggs sports. The TD in the control room shot is Dale Osborne and the director is Kirk Berry.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1990 weekday 5:30 PM News Open featuring anchor Gus Koernig, weatherman Rob Griggs, and sports director Jeff Rickard. This news open was used starting in April of 1990 and remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1990 weekday 10 PM News Open featuring anchor Gus Koernig, weatherman Rob Griggs, and sports director Jeff Rickard. This news open was used starting in April of 1990 and remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1990 weekend 10 PM News Open featuring anchor Cindy Astle, weather with Laura Hendrickson, and sports with John Twiggs. This news open was used starting in April of 1990 and remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 1990 weekday Noon News Open featuring anchor Vic Miller, weatherman Rob Griggs, and farm and ranch director Taylor Brown. This news open was used starting in April of 1990 and remains the property of KTVQ, all rights reserved.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings purchased a news set from WJAR TV Channel 10 Providence, Rhode Island, brought it to Billings, made some modifications, and introduced the set in 1994. Weatherman Bob McGuire, anchor Gus Koernig, andhor Laura Thornquist, and sports anchor Jim Connors are pictured on the set in this screen grab from the first day the set was used. Billboards promoted this news team as seen in this photo courtesy of Bob McGuire
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings billboard featuring Bob McGuire, Gus Koernig, Laura Thornquist, and Jim Connors.
John on the KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news set - 1995.
On June 1, 1995 KTVQ hosted a President Bill Clinton "Town Hall Meeting" which was broadcast live on KTVQ and nationwide on C-SPAN. Gus Koernig anchored the broadcast. President Clinton answered squestions from the studio audience. See below for some behind the scenes photos from the control room.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Monday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features 'Rhoda' 'Phyllis' 'Maude' and 'All's Fair' from CBS and 'NBC Monday Night at the Movies' from NBC.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Tuesday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features the syndicated program 'Music Hall America' along with 'M*A*S*H' 'One Day At A Time' 'Kojak' and 'Barnaby Jones' from CBS.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Wednesday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features 'Good Times' 'Beverly Hillbillies' 'Little House On The Prairie' 'The Quest' and the syndicated 'Marcus Welby, M.D.' program.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Thursday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features 'The Waltons' and 'All In The Family' from CBS, the syndicated 'Emergency One!' plus 'Serpico' and 'Sanford And Son' from NBC.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Friday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features the highly rated 'Hee Haw' syndicated series along with 'The CBS Friday Night Movies' and 'Hawaii Five-0' from CBS.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Saturday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features 'Tony Orlando and Dawn Rainbow Hour' from CBS along with the syndicated 'Lawrence Welk Show' plus 'Emergency' and 'NBC Saturday Night At The Movies' from NBC.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo to promote their 1976 Sunday evening programs. The announcer on the video is Bill Aldrich who was at that time the staff announcer. KTVQ aired a mix of programs from CBS and NBC and many of the shows aired in the Billings market on different days than those nationwide. This promo features 'The Wonderful World of Disney' 'NBC Sunday Mystery Movie' 'and 'The Big Event' from NBC along with 'Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Carol Burnett Show' from CBS.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo in the fall of 1981. The CBS "Reach For The Stars" campaign promo :60 is tagged with a Q-2 logo.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings stopped airing NBC programs on August 29, 1982 when KOUS TV Channel 4 became the full time NBC affiliate. KTVQ had aired 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' at 10:30 PM for quite a few years. Starting Monday, August 30, 1982 KTVQ started airing the 'CBS Late Movie' which offered a variety of old program series including 'Columbo' 'McMillan and Wife' 'McCloud' 'Quincy' 'Trapper John' etc. This promo promoted the program change. This was also the CBS Great Moments campaign season as reflected in this promo. The announcer on the promo is Lee Ryan who was the KTVQ staff announcer at that time.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Monday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Major Dad' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Tuesday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Rescue 911' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Wednesday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Peaceable Kingdom' series. Of interest, 'Peaceable Kingdom' only aired for 7 shows.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Thursday evening version which promoted the CBS '48 Hours' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired these cross promos in the fall of 1989 to promote 'Wheel of Fortune' and the program that followed. This is the Friday evening version which promoted the CBS 'Snoops' series.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news open from the late 1990's features Gerrik Aschenbrenner anchor, Joe Ghel weather, and Lee Gordon sports. Jeanelle Slade filled in for Gerrik this weekend.
In March of 1991 CBS TV replaced the late night 'Pat Sajak Show' with a series of dramas produced in Canada. Under the "Crimetime" umbrella 'Sweating Bullets' 'The Exile' 'Scene of the Crime' 'Fly By Night' and 'Dark Justice' were presented. This :30 promo is tagged for KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana.
This generic promo aired on CBS TV in the spring of 1991 to promote their late night "Crimetime" programs.
The CBS TV series 'Dallas' ran from April 2, 1978 until May 3, 1991. To promote the end of the series, CBS aired various promos. The last in the series has a KTVQ Billings, Montana tag.
KOOK-TV Channel 2 Billings, Montana signed on the air November 9, 1953. In 1993 KTVQ celebrated 40 years on the air. Vic Miller took a look back at the early days of Television in Billings in this 2:30 news story.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings sent reporter Joe Gehl to cover the 2000 Grammy Awards. This report was included in a live shot from Los Angeles. Anchors are Julie Lovell and Jay Kohn. Here's Joe's classic interview with Christina Aguilera. She won her first Grammy later in the evening.
1995 Videos
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana ended newscasts with "twos" for a number of years. This is one example of the popular feature. This is from July 29, 1995 at a KTVQ staff picnic at Central Park. Staff menbers will notice the children are adults now.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this image promo in 2003 to celebrate 50 years of broadcasting. Channel 2 came on the air November 9, 1953 as KOOK-TV.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo in November of 2003 to promote special news broadcasts to celebrate 50 years of broadcasting. Channel 2 came on the air November 9, 1953 as KOOK-TV. Anchors Julie Lovell and Jay Kohn are featured.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings talent open for Montana This Morning starting in February of 2007. Anchor Alex Tyson, weatherman Marc Moraniec, and traffic reporter Jon Arneson are featured.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billing February 2007 weekend 5:30 News talent opening featuring anchors Dianne Baker and Jake Whittenberg, Courtney Hanson with weather, and weekend sports anchor Neille Giffune.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings February 2007 weekend 10 PM News talent opening featuring anchors Dianne Baker and Jake Whittenberg, Courtney Hanson with weather, and weekend sports anchor Neille Giffune.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this promo in 2007 to promote their news. Life is complicated, watching the news shouldn't be. Anchors Jake Whittenberg, Dianne Baker, Julie Lovell and Jay Kohn are featured.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings talent open for the 10 PM weekday News used during the fall of 2010. Anchors Jay Kohn and Becky Hillier, chief weatherman Bob McGuire, and sports director Scott Breen are featured.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings talent open for the 10 PM Weekend News used during the fall of 2010. Anchor Nikki Laurenzo, weatherman Jeff Womack, and weekend sports anchor Casey Conlon are featured.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings aired this flood coverage promo in May of 2011. KTVQ staff featured in the promo include Becky Hillier, Jay Kohn, Drew Trafton, Ed McIntosh, Bob McGuire, Jeff Womack, Angela Douglas, Amanda Venegas, Jon Arneson, and Nikki Laurenzo.
This is how the KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news set looked in 2011.
In 2012 KTVQ Channel 2 Billings had Devlin Design Group design and build a new news set.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings' Devlin Design Group news set - 2012.
Vic Miller on the KTVQ news set in 2012. Vic started with KOOK-TV in 1953 and continued weekly commentaries through 2013.
Bob McGuire is KTVQ's longest running weatherman doing weather since 1984. Bob in the weather center - 2012.
KTVQ Weekend weatherman Jeff Womack in the weather center - 2012.
John on the KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news set with anchor Jeanelle Slade - 2012.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana 'Montana This Morning' promo tease from July of 2012. The promo features news anchor Nikki Laurenzo and weather anchor Jeff Womack.
News vehicles change over the years. This Datsun was the only KTVQ news car in 1974.
Long before having a remote vehicle, KTVQ managed to cover events such as the Western Days Parade in 1975. The studio camera was brought outside. This is 3rd Avenue looking east. Long gone are Billings Business College, Rainier's Market, and the world's largest revolving clock atop the Security Bank building.
In the early 1990's KTVQ added their first live microwave vehicle which continues to be used 20 years later as seen in 2013.
A second live truck was added a few years later. - 2010.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings satellite truck - 2011.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news vehicle - 2014.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news vehicle - 2014.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings news vehicles in the snow - 2014.
John directing a newscast in 1972. Note the audio cart machine.
John directing a newscast in 1972. Note the RCA video switcher and Collins audio board. In the early days John directed, did video switching, and ran the audio board.
John directing a KTVQ Channel 2 Billings newscast - 1972.
John directing a KTVQ Channel 2 Billings newscast - 1972.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room monitors. That's news anchor Terry Hickson on the left monitor - 1972.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room TK-27 film chain as seen in 1978.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room TK-27 film chain as seen in 1978.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room Ampex ACR-25 and VR-1200 - 1978.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room in the late 1970s.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room in the late 1970s.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room in the late 1970s. Jonathan Meyers is on the left, John is ready to roll a locak break.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings network programming delay center as seen in 1994. From the early 1980's until the 1990's delaying network programming 1 hour was done on 2" video tape machines..
The Ampex ACR-25 was used to play spots from 1974 until 1995. Here's John loading the cart machine in 1995.
John in the KTVQ control room in 1995.
ohn was technical director for the 1995 President Clinton Town Hall Meeting broadcast in 1995.
John was technical director for the 1995 President Clinton Town Hall Meeting broadcast in 1995.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings 1" video tape network delay center - 2000.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room - 2000.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room - 2006.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room - John at the Ross Synergy video switcher - 2010.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings newscast ending showing John TDing a newscast - 2012.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings control room - John's last newscast - 2014.
For mor information on the history of channel 2, see KOOK-TV on this site. The original building is still used as the transmitter building. This is how the building looked in 1972.
The entrance to the transmitter building to this day reflects the original KOOK-TV call letters. This photo is from 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter building control room - 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter building control room - 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter building control room - 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter building control room - 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter building old studio area looking into the control room - 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter building control room - 1973.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings replaced the old RCA transmitter in the late 1970s with the Harris transmitter shown here in this photo from 2009.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings added digital transmission, KTVQ-DT, on March 17, 2004. Broadcasting on channel 10, a new transmitter was installed in the original building replacing the old RCA transmitter shown above. KTVQ 2.1 aired only CBS network programming in full 1080p 16:9 format at the beginning, but later added syndicated programming in HD. Local news programs remain in 4:3 until September of 2015. Both KTVQ and KTVQ-DT were on the air together until analog shutdown. KTVQ uses 2.2 for their Billings CW channel.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings going digital required the addition of a second tower to mount the channel 10 antenna. In addition to KTVQ-DT the new tower is also used by KBGS channel 16. The tower on the left has the channel 2 annalog antenna and an FM antenna for 103.7 as seen in this photo from 2008.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings transmitter location sign remained for a few years - 2006.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings ASR (Antenna Structure Registration) numbers - 2008.
KTVQ Channel 2 Billings analog transmission ended at 9:00 AM, Friday, June 12, 2009. Pictured is Chief Engineer John Webber pushing the button to shut down the transmitter ending 56 years of broadcasting on channel 2. KOOK-TV came on the air on November 9, 1953.
One of the things that never changed from being a viewer in the early 1950s to working for the station for over 42 years is the sign above the transmitter entrance door. KOOK-TV lives. This photo was taken in 2014.
I end this section with a photo of myself with Vic Miller. From watching Vic from the early years through my retirement from KTVQ in 2014, Vic was there.
All photos are the property of John C Johnson / John In Arizona / johninarizona.com and may not be used in any form elsewhere including social media sites. All rights reserved.