50 Facts About WSAZ-TV

The Early Days of WSAZ-TV

WSAZ-TV has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1940s. Let's dive into the early days of this iconic station.

1. Founding: WSAZ-TV went on the air on October 14, 1949, as channel 5. It later changed its channel to 3 in 1952.
2. Colonel J.H. Long: The station was founded by Colonel J.H. Long, a visionary leader in the Huntington community who saw the potential of television in serving the area despite the initial skepticism and lack of trained personnel.
3. Early Years: In its early years, WSAZ-TV struggled to find its footing, but it quickly became a hub for local programming. The first live Marshall Basketball Game was aired on December 3, 1949, with Jack Bradley as the first sports director.
4. Network Programming: To stimulate lagging TV set sales and increase the viewing audience, WSAZ-TV began using film replays of network programs. However, this approach was soon replaced by live network programming, which was facilitated by the construction of a microwave relay system to Cincinnati in July 1950.
5. Microwave Relay System: The first privately owned microwave system in the nation was completed in late summer 1950. Although it initially failed, it marked a significant technological advancement for the station. The system included relay stations at South Portsmouth, Kentucky, Grassy Knob, and Macon, Ohio.

Technological Innovations and Milestones

WSAZ-TV has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in broadcasting. Here are some key milestones.

6. First Live Broadcast: Instead of the planned baseball game, WSAZ-TV broadcast live coverage of a fire at a nearby hotel on Labor Day in 1950. This unexpected event showcased the station's ability to adapt and provide live coverage.
7. Farmer Bill Click: Farmer Bill Click, a veteran agricultural agent, joined WSAZ-TV in 1951 and began his weekly farm programs. His slow and casual approach made him an essential figure in the station's credibility.
8. Farm Programs: Click's farm programs were highly regarded for their authenticity and educational value. He was succeeded by John Heiskell from Ohio and Ken Franks from Kentucky, who continued the tradition of farm reporting.
9. John L. Lewis: John L. Lewis followed as the farm reporter for WSAZ-TV, further solidifying the station's commitment to agricultural coverage. Later, John Marra took over this role, ensuring continuity in the station's agricultural programming.
10. Staff Growth: By 1954, the staff of WSAZ-TV had grown to 100 employees, reflecting the station's expanding operations and commitment to quality programming.

Expanding Coverage and Influence

As WSAZ-TV grew, it expanded its coverage and influence in the region.

11. Dual City Operation: In 1954, WSAZ-TV introduced a dual city operation with Charleston native Bob Horan as the first reporter based in that city. This innovation allowed for the first time in the nation to utilize a dual city operation in news programming.
12. NBC Influence: NBC executives visited WSAZ-TV in 1953 to learn from their dual city operation model. This visit influenced NBC's decision to launch a two-city (New York and Washington) evening news report with Huntley and Brinkley.
13. West Virginia Legislature Coverage: WSAZ-TV provided live coverage of the West Virginia legislature, a significant achievement for the time. This coverage included Governor William Marland's State of the State speech in 1953 and Governor Cecil Underwood's legislative address in 1954.
14. Election Coverage: During the 1960 Kennedy-Humphrey primary campaign, NBC tested its new election tabulating system at WSAZ-TV's Charleston studio. The results were so accurate that the New York Times had to use them in its stories.
15. Studio Expansion: In 1953, WSAZ-TV moved its studios to a former warehouse converted for radio-television use on Ninth Street in downtown Huntington. The transmitter and nighttime directional array remained on 28th Street and Park.

Network Affiliations and Programming

WSAZ-TV's network affiliations have played a crucial role in its programming.

16. ABC Affiliation: By 1954, WSAZ-TV was operating from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm daily as an affiliate of ABC. This affiliation marked a significant milestone in the station's history, providing a broader range of programming to its viewers.
17. NBC Affiliation: On May 1, 1955, WSAZ-TV added an affiliation with the National Broadcasting Company network. This dual affiliation allowed the station to offer a diverse range of programming, including color broadcasts.
18. Color Programming: In 1954, WSAZ-TV became a basic NBC Network Station, which included color programming. The station also introduced its first local colorcast, further enhancing its visual offerings to viewers.
19. Signal Strength: There was a constant quest to strengthen the station's signal to increase the number of people served by WSAZ-TV. A second transmitter site was under construction off Route 2, North of Huntington, to improve signal strength and coverage.
20. Technical Innovations: Technical improvements, delayed by wartime conditions, made their debut in mid-1946. Daytime power was raised from 1,000 to 5,000 watts, and a new nighttime directional antenna system was inaugurated at the station.

Leadership and Ownership Changes

Leadership and ownership changes have shaped WSAZ-TV's journey.

21. Transmitter Moves: The transmitter was moved in early 1932 from atop the WSAZ studio site to a new tract at Pleasant Heights, West Virginia. This move improved the station's signal quality and coverage area.
22. Power Increases: Daytime power was raised from 250 to 500 watts in February 1933, and nighttime power was increased from 250 to 500 watts. In March 1933, WSAZ was granted special authorization to change frequency from 580 to 1190 kilocycles and raise daytime power to 1,000 watts.
23. Full-Time Operation: By February 13, 1934, WSAZ was granted a construction permit to raise night power from 500 to 1,000 watts, making it a full-time 1,000-watt facility. The station continued to operate "Limited hours" on WOAI's clear channel.
24. Station Directors: By 1935, the station director of WSAZ was W.C. McKellar. In 1943, John A. Kennedy, who had left for duty with the U.S. Navy, rejoined as president. Marshall L. Rosene succeeded F.J. Evans as general manager in 1944.
25. General Managers: Lawrence H. Rogers II was named WSAZ general manager in 1951 to succeed Marshall Rosene. Tom Garten became station manager in 1952. Lawrence H. Lee was later named vice president and general manager, with Tom Garten reassigned as assistant manager.

Community Engagement and Recognition

WSAZ-TV has always been deeply involved in the community and has received numerous awards for its efforts.

26. Ownership Changes: In 1953, 11 percent interest in WSAZ Inc. was acquired from John A. Kennedy by Mrs. Eugene Katz. Robert O. Franklin became general manager in 1965, and he later rose to vice president and general manager in 1966.
27. CapCities Acquisition: Thomas S. Murphy was elected CapCities Board Chairman in August 1966. Robert O. Franklin continued as vice president and general manager until Thomas S. Stoner's Stoner Broadcasting System Inc. acquired WSAZ from CapCities for $900,000 on May 20, 1970.
28. Call Letter Change: On June 1, 1970, Stoner took control and changed the call letters from WSAZ to WGNT. However, this change was short-lived as the station returned to its original call sign in the future.
29. Studio Relocation: In 1977, the Charleston operation of WSAZ-TV moved into new modern facilities off the interstate on Columbia Avenue. This relocation marked a significant upgrade in the station's infrastructure and operations.
30. Community Involvement: WSAZ-TV has always been deeply involved in the community. The station has covered numerous local events, including gubernatorial addresses and legislative sessions, providing essential information to the public.

Awards and Achievements

WSAZ-TV's dedication to quality journalism has earned it numerous awards and recognitions.

31. Awards and Recognition: In 1954, WSAZ-TV was recognized as the outstanding television news operation by the Radio and Television News Directors Association. This recognition was well deserved given the station's innovative approach to news coverage.
32. Technical Achievements: WSAZ-TV was the first station allowed to take newsfilm cameras onto the floor of a state legislature in 1953. The following year, it produced the nation's first full coverage of a legislative opening day on film.
33. Governor Coverage: The station regularly covered governors of West Virginia, including Cecil Underwood and Wally Barron. These live broadcasts were a routine event by the 1950s but were groundbreaking at the time.
34. Sports Coverage: WSAZ-TV has a long history of sports coverage, starting with the first live Marshall Basketball Game in 1949. The station has continued to provide live sports coverage over the years, including high school football games and other local sports events.
35. Farm Reports: Farmer Bill Click's farm reports were a staple of WSAZ-TV's programming. His slow and casual approach made him a trusted figure in agricultural reporting, and his successors continued this tradition.

Local Programming and Community Service

WSAZ-TV has always prioritized local programming and community service.

36. Midday News Program: The Midday News program included a Charleston segment, providing viewers with local news and updates. This segment was part of the station's efforts to cover both Huntington and Charleston.
37. News Picture Programs: The News Picture programs at 6:00 and 11:00 pm became the first in the nation to utilize a dual city operation. This innovation allowed for more comprehensive coverage of local news.
38. Community Programs: WSAZ-TV has produced various community programs over the years, including "Queen for a Day," a popular daytime program that featured interviews with local women who shared their wishes if they were selected as queen for a day.
39. Educational Programming: The station has also provided educational programming, including farm reports and other informative shows. These programs aimed to educate viewers about agriculture and other important topics.
40. Signal Expansion: To improve signal strength and coverage, WSAZ-TV constructed a second transmitter site off Route 2, North of Huntington. This expansion allowed the station to reach a wider audience.

Technical Upgrades and Innovations

WSAZ-TV has continually upgraded its technical capabilities to provide the best viewing experience.

41. Color Casts: In 1954, WSAZ-TV introduced its first local colorcast, marking a significant milestone in the station's history. This move allowed viewers to enjoy color programming, enhancing the visual quality of broadcasts.
42. Technical Upgrades: The station continued to upgrade its technical capabilities, including raising daytime power from 1,000 to 5,000 watts in 1946 and installing a new nighttime directional antenna system.
43. FCC Permits: WSAZ received an FCC construction permit in June 1943 to move its transmitter and install a new directional antenna system for nighttime use. This permit marked another significant step in the station's technical advancements.
44. Affiliations: WSAZ-TV has been affiliated with several major networks over the years, including ABC and NBC. These affiliations have provided viewers with a diverse range of programming options.
45. Ownership Changes: The station has undergone several ownership changes, including being acquired by CapCities and later by Stoner Broadcasting System Inc. These changes have influenced the station's operations and programming.

Studio Relocations and Community Engagement

WSAZ-TV's studio relocations and community engagement have played a crucial role in its success.

46. Studio Relocations: WSAZ-TV has relocated its studios several times, including moving from its original location to a former warehouse on Ninth Street in downtown Huntington in 1953.
47. Community Engagement: The station has been deeply engaged with the community, covering local events and providing essential information to the public. This engagement has helped build trust and loyalty among viewers.
48. Awards and Recognition: WSAZ-TV has received numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding news operation and community service. The station's commitment to quality journalism has been consistently recognized by industry peers.
49. Historical Significance: WSAZ-TV has played a significant role in the history of television broadcasting. Its innovations in news coverage, technical advancements, and community engagement have set a high standard for local stations.
50. Legacy: Today, WSAZ-TV continues to serve the Kanawha Valley with a legacy of quality programming and community service. Its commitment to excellence has made it a beloved institution in the region, providing essential information and entertainment to generations of viewers.

WSAZ-TV's Enduring Legacy

WSAZ-TV has been a cornerstone of local broadcasting since 1949. From its humble beginnings, it quickly grew into a vital source of news, entertainment, and educational programming for the Kanawha Valley. The station's innovative spirit shone through early technological advancements like the first privately owned microwave relay system and the introduction of color programming. WSAZ-TV's commitment to community service is evident in its extensive coverage of local events, legislative sessions, and agricultural reports. Over the years, the station has earned numerous awards and recognitions, solidifying its reputation for quality journalism. Ownership changes and studio relocations have shaped its journey, but the station's dedication to serving its viewers has remained constant. Today, WSAZ-TV continues to be a trusted source of information and entertainment, carrying forward a legacy of excellence in broadcasting.