50 Facts About WFSB

The Birth of WFSB

WFSB, Hartford's Channel 3, has been a significant part of Connecticut's media landscape since 1957. Let's dive into its fascinating history and milestones.

1. Founding and Early Years: WFSB began as WTIC-TV on September 23, 1957, created by the Travelers Insurance Company’s WTIC (AM) and WTIC-FM Radio.
2. Affiliation with CBS: The station joined CBS on November 16, 1958, bringing popular shows like "The Honeymooners" and "Perry Mason" to local viewers.
3. Relocation to Broadcast House: In 1961, WTIC Radio and Channel 3 moved to Broadcast House at 3 Constitution Plaza, a pivotal moment in the station's history.

Local Programming and Community Impact

WFSB has always been committed to local programming and community engagement, producing shows that resonate with viewers.

4. Local Children’s Shows: The station produced beloved children's shows like "Ranger Andy" (1957-1968) and "The Hap Richards Show" (1957-1974).
5. The Brad Davis Show: This popular show aired from 1959 to 1971, featuring stars like Lesley Gore and the Carpenters.
6. Socially Relevant Programming: In 1968, WFSB aired "The Way It Is," a special broadcast where Hartford's impoverished black residents shared their stories.

Breaking Barriers and Making History

WFSB has been a trailblazer in many ways, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the industry.

7. First Minority Television Reporter: John Sablon became Connecticut's first minority television reporter when he joined WFSB in 1971.
8. First Female Meteorologist: Barbara Allen made history as the state’s first female meteorologist during her time at WFSB.
9. Post-Newsweek Stations Purchase: On March 8, 1974, Post-Newsweek Stations bought Channel 3, changing its call letters to WFSB to honor Frederick Sessions Beebe.

Covering Major Events

WFSB has been at the forefront of covering significant events, providing timely and accurate news to its audience.

10. Presidential Visits: President Richard M. Nixon's visit to Colt Park on October 12, 1970, was a notable event covered by WFSB.
11. Tornado Coverage: Meteorologist Hilton Kaderli reported on the devastating tornado that struck Windsor Locks on October 3, 1979.
12. Governor Ella T. Grasso’s Leadership: Reporter Don Noel highlighted Governor Ella T. Grasso’s leadership during the February 1978 blizzard.

Technological Advancements

WFSB has always embraced new technology to enhance its broadcasting capabilities.

13. Dual-Pol Doppler Radar System: In 2016, WFSB installed a dual-pol Doppler radar system at Bradley International Airport, replacing the system first deployed in 1995.
14. PM Magazine: "PM Magazine" (1978-1988) was a popular show featuring hosts like Pamela and Dave Nemeth, Andria Hall, and Susan Lichtman.
15. Meredith Corp. Purchase: Meredith Corp. acquired WFSB on September 4, 1997, bringing new resources to the station.

Significant Coverage and Relocation

WFSB has covered many significant events and undergone major changes over the years.

16. UConn’s NCAA Championship: The station covered UConn’s victory in the 1999 NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship on March 29.
17. September 11, 2001 Terror Attacks: Scot Haney and Dennis House reported from New York, while Denise D’Ascenzo spoke at a memorial service on Constitution Plaza.
18. Watermain Break and Relocation: A watermain break on May 25, 2007, flooded the Broadcast House studios, prompting a move to new facilities in Rocky Hill on July 10, 2007.

Early Radio History in Connecticut

Before television, radio played a crucial role in Connecticut's media landscape, with WFSB's roots tracing back to these early days.

19. Early Radio History in Connecticut: WTIC Hartford began in 1925, owned by the Travelers Insurance Company, and became the fourth affiliate nationally of NBC in 1926.
20. WDRC and WICC Affiliations: WDRC moved from New Haven to Hartford and became a CBS affiliate in 1930, while WICC Bridgeport also joined CBS that year.
21. First FM Station in Connecticut: W1XPW began broadcasting from West Peak, Meriden, as the state’s first FM station, later becoming WDRC-FM and WHCN.

Notable Personalities and Shows

WFSB has been home to many notable personalities and shows that have left a lasting impact.

22. Bob Crane’s Career: Bob Crane started at WBIS 1440 Bristol before joining WICC 600 Bridgeport and later starring in CBS-TV's "Hogan's Heroes."
23. WPTV’s UHF Transmitter: The first UHF transmitter was sold to Portland, Oregon's KPTV channel 27, making it the first commercial UHF station in the world.
24. WELI’s Saturday Night Juke Box: WELI 960 New Haven introduced an early rock and roll program with Carl Loucks.

Expanding Coverage and Educational Initiatives

WFSB has expanded its coverage and supported educational initiatives throughout its history.

25. CBS and NBC UHF Stations: CBS and NBC purchased channel 18 and channel 30 in Connecticut, operating them for several years.
26. WHUS and WPKN: WHUS 90.5 Storrs began at the University of Connecticut, while WPKN 88.1 Bridgeport started at the University of Bridgeport.
27. WJZZ’s Classical Music: WJZZ 99.9 (now WEZN) began broadcasting the Top 100 most popular classical works, with help from composer Leonard Bernstein.

Community Engagement and Recognition

WFSB has always been deeply involved in the community and has received recognition for its efforts.

28. WFIF’s Country Music: WFIF 1500 Milford began as Connecticut's first country and western music station, later adopting a religious format.
29. Merv Griffin’s WWCO Acquisition: Merv Griffin acquired WWCO 1240 Waterbury, the first station in his national group.
30. Bias and Credibility Rating: WFSB is rated "Least Biased" by Media Bias/Fact Check, with a high credibility rating for factual reporting.

Ownership and Revenue

Understanding the business side of WFSB provides insight into its operations and sustainability.

31. Ownership by Gray Television: WFSB is owned by Gray Television, which operates 145 stations across the USA, generating revenue through sponsored content and advertising.
32. Local and National News Coverage: WFSB provides local news with minimal bias, often featuring video reports, while national news comes from other Gray Television affiliates and the Associated Press.
33. No Failed Fact Checks: Over the past five years, WFSB has maintained a clean fact-check record, with no failed checks.

Digital Presence and Milestones

WFSB has embraced the digital age, ensuring its content reaches a wider audience.

34. Launch of WFSB.com: The station's website, wfsb.com, launched in 1996 to provide online news updates.
35. Key Milestones in WFSB’s History: Significant milestones include the establishment of WFSB as a television station in 1953 and the launch of its website in 1996.

Celebrating Achievements and Legacy

WFSB's legacy is marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the community.

36. Community Involvement: The station has participated in various community events and initiatives, reflecting its commitment to serving the local community.
37. Award-Winning Journalists: WFSB has employed several award-winning journalists, enhancing its reputation for quality reporting.
38. Historical Retrospectives: In 2017, WFSB celebrated its 60th anniversary with a historical retrospective narrated by evening news anchors Dennis House and Denise D’Ascenzo.

Covering Presidential Campaigns and Local Sports

WFSB has provided extensive coverage of political and sports events, keeping viewers informed and engaged.

39. Presidential Campaigns Coverage: The station has covered numerous presidential campaigns, including those of President Lyndon B. Johnson and President Richard M. Nixon.
40. Local Sports Coverage: WFSB focuses on local sports, covering events like UConn’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball championships.

Weather and Documentary Series

WFSB's weather team and documentary series have been crucial in informing and educating the public.

41. Weather Coverage: The weather team, led by meteorologists like Hilton Kaderli, provides critical updates during severe weather events.
42. Documentary Series: The station has produced several documentary series, including "The Way It Is" and "Viet Nam," highlighting social issues and historical events.

Community Programs and Technological Investments

WFSB's commitment to community programs and technological advancements has set it apart.

43. Community Programs: The station supports various community programs, such as "PM Magazine," featuring local talent and stories.
44. Technological Advancements: WFSB has invested in advanced technology, including its dual-pol Doppler radar system at Bradley International Airport.

Staff Recognition and Historical Events

WFSB's staff and coverage of historical events have contributed to its lasting impact.

45. Staff Recognition: Several staff members have been recognized for their contributions to journalism, including John Sablon, the first minority television reporter in Connecticut.
46. Historical Events Coverage: The station has covered significant events like the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and the May 25, 2007 watermain break that flooded the Broadcast House studios.

Relocation and Corporate Acquisitions

WFSB's relocation and corporate acquisitions have shaped its growth and development.

47. Relocation to Rocky Hill: The move to state-of-the-art facilities in Rocky Hill in 2007 marked a significant milestone, ensuring continued quality broadcasting.
48. Meredith Corp.’s Acquisition Impact: The acquisition by Meredith Corp. in 1997 brought new resources and opportunities, enabling the station to expand its coverage and reach.

Community Engagement and Legacy

WFSB's legacy extends beyond its years of operation, having shaped the media landscape in Hartford and contributing to the development of local journalism.

49. Community Engagement: The station engages with the community through various initiatives, including hosting local events and supporting charitable causes.
50. Legacy and Impact: WFSB’s legacy extends beyond its years of operation, having shaped the media landscape in Hartford and contributing to the development of local journalism.

WFSB’s Enduring Legacy

WFSB has been a vital part of Hartford's media scene since 1957. From its early days as WTIC-TV to its current status as a trusted CBS affiliate, the station has consistently delivered quality news and entertainment. Milestones like the installation of the dual-pol Doppler radar system and the relocation to Rocky Hill highlight its commitment to technological advancement. Notable figures such as John Sablon and Barbara Allen have broken barriers, while programs like "The Brad Davis Show" and "PM Magazine" have entertained and informed. WFSB's dedication to factual reporting, community involvement, and historical coverage has cemented its place in Connecticut's history. Owned by Gray Television, the station continues to serve its audience with minimal bias and high credibility. WFSB's legacy is one of innovation, integrity, and unwavering service to the community.