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The KTLA 5 Live Revolution: 7 Ways Southern California’s News Leader Is Dominating 2025

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KTLA 5 Live remains the definitive source for breaking news, weather, and traffic across Southern California, a position it has held with distinction for decades. As of December 2025, the station, officially known as KTLA-TV, Channel 5, is undergoing a dynamic evolution, solidifying its role as a West Coast media powerhouse under the ownership of Nexstar Media Group. This deep dive into the station’s current operations reveals how KTLA is leveraging technology and its seasoned on-air talent to deliver the freshest, most essential local coverage, setting a new benchmark for regional journalism.

The commitment to live, up-to-the-minute reporting is what keeps KTLA at the forefront, particularly with its signature *KTLA 5 Morning News*. The team has navigated significant changes, including the passing of a beloved veteran, and has emerged stronger, with a clear focus on the issues that matter most to Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. From critical political updates to severe weather alerts and the always-challenging LA traffic, KTLA 5 Live is the pulse of the region.

KTLA 5: The Current Roster and Key Personnel (2025)

KTLA’s strength lies in its team of experienced journalists and personalities. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group, serving as the West Coast flagship station for The CW network. Its studios are famously located in Hollywood, right in the heart of Los Angeles. The roster below represents the core team driving the station's live coverage in late 2025:

  • Owner: Nexstar Media Group
  • Network Affiliation: The CW
  • Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
  • Key Program: KTLA 5 Morning News (The longest-running local morning news program in the area)

The KTLA 5 Morning News Team: A New Era

The Morning News team, which airs from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m., remains the station’s centerpiece. The team recently saw a significant, high-profile change with the appointment of a new entertainment anchor.

  • Frank Buckley: Veteran Anchor and Interviewer.
  • Megan Henderson: Lead Anchor, known for her sharp reporting.
  • Chris Schauble: Co-Anchor, a long-time fixture of the morning broadcast.
  • Melvin Robert: The newest addition, who was tapped to take over the entertainment segment following the passing of the legendary Sam Rubin. Robert brings a fresh perspective to Hollywood coverage, a crucial beat for the LA market.
  • Mark Kriski: Beloved Weather Anchor, providing essential forecasts for Southern California.
  • Henry DiCarlo: Weather Anchor and co-anchor for the later morning hours.
  • Jessica Holmes & Kaj Goldberg: Key Reporters and Fill-in Anchors.

Notable Recent Changes and Tributes

The KTLA newsroom experienced a profound loss with the passing of entertainment icon Sam Rubin, who anchored the segment for over 30 years. His position was officially filled by Melvin Robert in late 2025, marking a new chapter for the program. Additionally, the retirement of long-time anchor Leslie Sykes after three decades was a major event, celebrated across the LA media landscape.

The 7 Pillars of KTLA 5's Live Dominance in 2025

In a saturated media market, KTLA 5 Live distinguishes itself through a multi-platform strategy that ensures viewers can access their unique blend of news, traffic, and weather anytime, anywhere. This approach is built on seven key pillars of service and content.

1. The Power of KTLA+: Free Streaming on Every Screen

The most significant development for KTLA's live presence is the expansion of its dedicated streaming platform, KTLA+. This free app is a game-changer for cord-cutters and is available on all major smart TV platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. This move ensures that the live broadcast is accessible to millions without a cable subscription, directly challenging traditional media delivery models. The KTLA+ platform is a central hub for continuous live news and on-demand content.

2. Hyper-Local Breaking News Alerts

KTLA 5's mobile app and website are engineered for immediacy. Users receive optional push notifications for breaking news and severe conditions, ensuring they are the first to know about local emergencies, school closures, or major traffic incidents. This focus on "live alerts" is critical in a region prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and complex traffic patterns. The news team is often first on the scene, providing live video coverage as events unfold.

3. In-Depth Coverage of Key Southern California Events

The station’s reporters provide comprehensive, live coverage of the biggest stories impacting the region. Recent examples from late 2025 include:

  • Wildfire Season: Continuous, live coverage of major incidents like the Palisades Fire, with real-time updates on evacuation zones and containment efforts.
  • Local Crime and Public Safety: Detailed reports on multi-car crashes in areas like Panorama City and updates on significant law enforcement actions.
  • Political and Social Protests: Live coverage of major demonstrations, such as recent protests in downtown Los Angeles, providing a balanced view of the events.

4. The Unmatched Mark Kriski Weather Authority

Weather is a life-and-death issue in Southern California, and the KTLA weather team, led by Mark Kriski and Henry DiCarlo, provides live, detailed reports. The KTLA app features an interactive radar map and detailed daily and weekly forecasts, crucial for planning in a microclimate region. This focus on live, localized weather information gives viewers the confidence to navigate the region's diverse conditions.

5. The Future of Entertainment News with Melvin Robert

Melvin Robert's transition into the entertainment anchor role is a major talking point in late 2025. He is tasked with maintaining the legacy of Hollywood coverage established by Sam Rubin while bringing a modern, diverse voice to the segment. This focus ensures KTLA 5 remains relevant to the entertainment industry, a cornerstone of the Los Angeles identity.

6. The Digital-First Strategy: Podcasts and Social Media

Beyond traditional broadcasting, KTLA has heavily invested in a digital-first strategy. Anchors like Frank Buckley host popular podcasts, engaging fascinating guests in conversation that goes "Off the Clock" from the daily news cycle. The station actively uses platforms like YouTube to stream live news and re-air top stories, capturing a younger, digitally native audience.

7. The Trust Factor: A Long-Standing LA Institution

KTLA, which began broadcasting in 1947, carries the weight of history and trust. This long-standing presence in the Los Angeles market means that when major news breaks, residents instinctively turn to Channel 5. The station's commitment to being "Keeping Southern Californians informed since 1947" is a powerful message that resonates with viewers seeking reliable, non-sensationalized live reporting.

How to Watch KTLA 5 Live Today (December 2025)

Accessing the KTLA 5 live broadcast is easier than ever, thanks to its multi-platform strategy. Whether you are a traditional cable subscriber or a dedicated streamer, you have several options to tune into the latest news, traffic, and weather:

  • Over-the-Air Broadcast: Tune into Channel 5 in the Los Angeles area.
  • Dedicated Streaming App (KTLA+): Download the free KTLA+ app on your smart TV (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung) for continuous live news.
  • Mobile App: The official KTLA 5 News mobile app provides a live video stream, breaking news alerts, and the interactive radar.
  • Website: The KTLA website often features a live stream of the current newscast.
  • Cable/Satellite Providers: Available on all major cable and satellite packages in the Southern California market.

In conclusion, the KTLA 5 Live experience in late 2025 is defined by its resilience, its technological adaptation through the KTLA+ app, and the strength of its core team. By balancing the gravitas of veteran anchors like Frank Buckley and Megan Henderson with the fresh energy of Melvin Robert, and maintaining its dominance in hyper-local reporting, KTLA 5 continues to be the essential, live lifeline for millions of residents across Southern California.

The KTLA 5 Live Revolution: 7 Ways Southern California’s News Leader Is Dominating 2025
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