KBMT-TV began broadcasting on June 18, 1961. It soon became the ABC affiliate for Beaumont/Port Arthur, until then the affiliation was split between KJAC-TV and KFDM-TV. The original owners were the Clients of Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas. KBMT launched a newscast in 1962. The station was later sold to Cowles Broadcasting in 1965, H&C Communications in 1980, and McKinnon Broadcasting Company in 1991.
Newscast Titles....Your Esso Reporter (1962-1964)
Television 12 Reports (1964-1967) TV-12 News (1967-1977)
KBMT 12 News (1977-Present)