Founded in 1954 by business tycoon T.H. Barton, KARK came into being to bring the visual power of television to Central Arkansas. The idea sparked when Barton, who already owned a successful radio station with the same name, decided it was time to expand his media empire into the new world of TV broadcasting. He launched the station to provide local viewers with NBC programs and news. Today, the station is owned by Nexstar Media Group, one of the biggest media companies in the country. Today, KARK (Channel 4) is run by a crew of local reporters and meteorologists and is mainly focused on state politics (covering the nearby Capitol), severe weather alerts, and college sports. They are based in Little Rock, Arkansas, and are well-known for their "Arkansas Matters" slogan, serving as a major information hub for the state. One interesting fact: A unique fact about KARK is its massive dedication to college football. They created a specialized brand called "Pig Trail Nation" that focuses entirely on University of Arkansas "Razorbacks" sports. It has become so popular that it operates almost like its own sports network within the news station.