KBTV has remained off-air since Hurricane Laura caused extensive damage to its broadcasting equipment in August of 2020.
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KBTV in Beaumont, Texas is off the air due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Laura in August 2020. The Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Cameron, Louisiana, and caused significant flooding, power outages, and damage across southeast Texas, including in the Beaumont area.
KBTV's studios and transmission tower were both damaged in the hurricane. The roof of the studios collapsed, and the tower was toppled. The station has been unable to broadcast since the hurricane.
KBTV is currently working to repair the damage and restore service, but it is unclear when it will be able to resume broadcasting. In the meantime, viewers can watch KBTV's newscasts on the station's website or on partner stations.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted KBTV a Special Temporary Authority (STA) to remain off-air until December 31, 2022. The STA was granted due to the station's "unusual circumstances."