WHO-TV debuted on April 15, 1954, as Des Moines' third television station, following WOI-TV (channel 5) and KGTV. The Tri-City Broadcasting Company, which was controlled by the Palmer family, and also owned WHO radio, signed on (AM 1040 and FM 100.3, now KDRB). The Palmers had battled with KIOA for the channel 13 license, which they gained following a settlement. It has always been an NBC affiliate, having inherited it from WOI-TV and due to WHO's long association with the NBC Radio Network.