KESQ-TV

KPLM-TV

1968–1973

The station signed on October 5, 1968 as KPLM-TV, the station was originally owned by Pacific Media. Channel 42 wasn't a financial success and in 1972, Cine-Prime purchased the station though no transfer of control was ever filed.

1973-1974

1974–1976

In 1975, Pacific Media Corporation filed for bankruptcy after a sale to Ralph Andrews Productions fell through.

1976-1978

In late-1977, Esquire purchased the station, which marked the company's return to broadcasting after owning and selling WQXI radio in Atlanta in the 1960s.

KESQ-TV

1978–1982

SVG NEEDED

On September 18, 1978, channel 42 changed its callsgins to KESQ-TV. Esquire planned to divest their broadcasting assets to Cimmarron Broadcasting in 1983. However, the deal fell apart by 1984, by that time Gulf+Western purchased Esquire excluding their broadcasting assets. In May of that same year, KESQ was sold to Gulf Broadcasting. In 1985, Gulf Broadcasting was purchased by the Taft Broadcasting Corporation. Due to FCC regulations at that time, KESQ was divested to E. Grant Fitts.

1982–1986

SVG NEEDED

1986–1994

SVG NEEDED

1994–1995

LOGO MISSING

1995–present

1995–2000

In late-1995, Fitts sold KESQ to the News-Press & Gazette Company. In 1996, KESQ recieved FCC approval to move its transmitter to a spot in the San Jancinto Mountains which would have increased its coverage area to San Bernadino and Riverside. However, ABC threatened with disaffiliation were the move to cut to fruition and cut to the market of network-owned KABC-TV (channel 7). The local chapter of the Sierra Club also objected the site on enviromental grounds, these two challenges doomed the proposal.

2000–2003

SVG NEEDED

2003–2004

LOGO MISSING

2004–2005

LOGO MISSING

2005–2009

LOGO MISSING

2009–present

2009–2013

2013–present

11pm open since 2019

Alternate variant with call letters