KLTV began as a class at Lower Columbia College in 1973. When the college later decided to drop the class a small group of citizens came together to form the non-profit organization named Lower Columbia Telecommunications Association. This later would become Kelso Longview Television Inc.

The Orginization operated without a budget until 1980 when the City of Longview agreed to give portion of the franchise fee to operate the access station. Sheer devotion to the concept of 'access as a means of communication' for the citizens of Cowlitz County held the group together through the tuff years of with no means of income.

KLTV chose a membership-based structure to increase user accountability, demonstrate commitment to the principles of cable access, and help defray operating expenses. KLTV still operates today with these same principles.