PHOENIX (AZFamily) — December 4, 2025 marks 76 years since KPHO aired the first-ever television broadcast in the state of Arizona, and it’s now forever etched in history.

The Phoenix City Council approved historic designation for the original KPHO studio building, located near 1st Avenue and McKinley Street .

You can’t miss the building in the heart of downtown Phoenix, with iconic Wallace and Ladmo characters etched on the outside.

Built in 1949, the two-story studio launched the beginning of KPHO-TV Channel 5, Arizona’s first television station. It was home to many children’s programs of the early 50s, such as The Wallace and Ladmo Show, Lew King Ranger Talent Show, and famous celebrities like Lynda Carter and Wayne Newton graced the stage.

KPHO then and now: 75 years of Arizona t

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