KFTU-DT is a television station licensed to Douglas, Arizona, serving the Tucson television market. It is owned by Univision Communications and is an affiliate of UniMás, a Spanish-language broadcast television network. The station broadcasts digitally on UHF channel 34 and uses virtual channel 3.
Overview
KFTU-DT primarily serves the Spanish-speaking community in the Tucson metropolitan area with a mix of news, entertainment, and sports programming provided by the UniMás network. As part of Univision Communications, KFTU-DT often collaborates with its sister station, KUVE-DT (the Univision affiliate for Tucson), in local operations and programming where applicable.
History
The station began broadcasting in November 2000 as KFTU, originally affiliated with Telefutura, which was a new Spanish-language network launched by Univision Communications at the time. Initially, KFTU operated as a satellite station of KTVW-DT, the Univision owned-and-operated station in Phoenix. This arrangement allowed KFTU to extend the reach of Univision programming into the Tucson market while also carrying Telefutura's distinct schedule.
Over time, KFTU transitioned to operate more independently as a full-power station serving the Tucson market directly, though still under the ownership of Univision Communications. In January 2013, the Telefutura network was rebranded as UniMás, and KFTU-DT adopted the new branding and programming lineup accordingly.
Technical Information
KFTU-DT broadcasts its digital signal on UHF channel 34. Through the use of PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol), digital television receivers map the station's broadcast to virtual channel 3. Its transmitter is located atop Mount Bigelow, southeast of Tucson, which allows it to reach the entire Tucson metropolitan area and surrounding communities.