KODE-TV

KODE-TV, virtual channel 12, is the ABC network affiliated television station serving all of Joplin, Missouri and its surrounding areas and Pittsburg, Kansas and its rural communities. Its transmitter is located in Joplin. The station broadcasts its high definition digital signal on UHF channel 43 at 1.46 kilowatts under a Special Temporary Authority, but has filed a construction permit to increase power to 1000 kilowatts.

KODE is owned by Mission Broadcasting, however through a local sales agreement, the station is controlled by NBC affiliate KSNF 16, owned and operated by Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Syndicated programming broadcast on KODE-TV includes Oprah and Jeopardy!.

History

KODE began broadcasting September 26, 1954, originally as KSWM-TV (for SouthWestern Missouri). The station was originally a primary CBS affiliate, sharing ABC with then-NBC affiliate KOAM-TV, which is now a CBS affiliate. It became KODE-TV in 1957. In 1964, this station was owned by Gilmore Broadcasting Company along with WEHT-TV (channel 25) in Evansville, Indiana.

In 1967, KUHI-TV (now NBC-affiliated KSNF) started and took over the CBS affiliation and KODE became a sole ABC affiliate.

KODE was acquired by Mission Broadcasting in 2002, following its takeover of Quorum Broadcasting. Subsequently, KODE then entered into a shared services agreement with Nexstar Broadcasting-owned NBC affiliate KSNF (channel 16).

On May 8, 2009, a powerful storm system slammed Joplin, knocking out power to KODE and...
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