KCNZ-CD was founded on April 25, 1986, with an original construction permit granted to National Innovative Programming Network.
According to listings from 1997, K30BI (referred to as "KBI-TV") was formerly affiliated with The Box, a 24-hour-a-day music network, and aired classic television during the day.
It was the only Korean-language TV station in San Francisco and its only independent Spanish-language outlet.
Its studios were originally located in the Cannery on Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.
KFTL-CA flash cut to digital on June 27, 2009; its call sign was changed to KFTL-CD.