On May 22, 1956, KRIS-TV signed on the air as the first network-affiliated television station in the Corpus Christi market — bringing pictures, news, and entertainment to living rooms across South Texas and transforming how people connected with the world.
Seventy years later, the station marks that milestone today, May 22, 2026.
Founded by T. Frank Smith, KRIS-TV began broadcasting on VHF channel 6, delivering NBC’s national programming along with select ABC shows in its early days. At the time, television was still a novelty in many households. KRIS-TV became a pioneer — not only in transmitting programs, but in producing local news tailored to Coastal Bend residents.
Early years and innovation
In the late 1950s, KRIS-TV’s commitment to local coverage quickly set it apart. Community events, regional sports, and local weather reports became staples. The station’s engineers and production staff worked with analog equipment, often battling technical challenges that modern stations no longer face…