KGGL

KGGL is the ABC Television America affiliate that serves the Missoula, MT area. It broadcasts on channel 33 presently as it was given permission by the FCC to change channel numbers from originally channel 5 with ABN (see KMSL ) to 33 with ABC Television America. It is the first ever affilliate of the ABC Television Network in the western region of Montana. In 1996, ABC Television America purchased the rights of KGGL from Skyline Television Network. ABC Television America owns 70% of KGGL with 30% ownership from Skyline Television Network. It is a major competitor to ABN affilliate, KMSL, despite the Missoula television market being relatively smaller than most larger markets including Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Charlotte, and New York.

Pre-ABC-TV era - ABN (1970-1996)


KGGL was first affilliated with the American Broadcast Network airing programming on channel 5 signing on the air in the early 1970's. This was the first aircheck image in which the announcer says "Welcome, Western Montana viewers to your brand new Channel 5, KGGL, Missoula, Montana, a proud affilliate of the American Broadcast Network."

Post-ABC-TV buyout as KGGL became KMSL (1996-present)


After KGGL was bought by ABC Television America in 1996, ABN went on the air as major contender, KMSL. An aircheck image shows this newer KMSL logo at the time and the announcer at this point says "We welcome our viewers to our new station in Western Montana. This station is now KMSL, channel 5, Missoula, Montana, and a proud affilliate of the American Broadcast Network." As KGGL went from channel 5 to channel 33, the announcer on the new KGGL station says "Hello, ladies and gentlemen. We're delighted to be a part of this great community of Missoula and share in its rich history and culture. It's no surprise ABC Television America has a rich history, too. And now, we are the first ABC Television America affilliate in Western Montana. Why KGGL? Because we believe in our audience. We look forward being with you through these many years. Please join us as KGGL now proudly joins the ABC Television America family. It's Australian TV for Western Montana."