50 Facts About Wlwt

Establishment and Early Years

WLWT has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. Let's dive into its early days and how it became a pioneer in television broadcasting.

1. WLWT was established by the Crosley Broadcasting Corporation, a subsidiary of the Crosley Corporation. The station began experimental broadcasts in 1946 as W8XCT on channel 1 and started commercial broadcasts on February 9, 1948, on VHF channel 4.
2. It was Cincinnati's first television station and Ohio's second, after WEWS in Cleveland. This marked a significant milestone in the development of television broadcasting in the Midwest.
3. Initially, WLWT carried programming from all major television networks, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and DuMont. However, it became an exclusive NBC affiliate in 1949, making it the first television station outside the Eastern U.S. to achieve this status.
4. Following the release of the FCC's Sixth Report and Order in 1952, all Cincinnati VHF stations changed channels. WLWT was reassigned to channel 5, as the previous channel 4 allocation was shifted north to Columbus and given to sister station WLWC (now WCMH-TV).

Pioneering Color Television

WLWT was a trailblazer in the realm of color television, setting benchmarks that many other stations would follow.

5. In 1957, WLWT became the first station in the Cincinnati market to begin color television broadcasts.
6. By 1962, it had become the first station in the nation to broadcast entirely in color, earning Cincinnati the nickname "Colortown U.S.A."

Local Programming and Community Involvement

WLWT has always been deeply rooted in the local community, producing unique content and supporting various initiatives.

7. For a period during the 1970s, WLWT's slogan was "5, The Originator," reflecting its commitment to producing local programming.
8. The station has been actively involved in various community initiatives over the years, supporting local events, charities, and educational programs.
9. The original studios of WLWT were housed with WLW Radio in the Crosley Square building, a converted Elks lodge in downtown Cincinnati.

Ownership Changes and Network Affiliations

Over the years, WLWT has seen several changes in ownership and network affiliations, each bringing new opportunities and challenges.

10. In August 1997, Argyle merged with the broadcasting unit of the Hearst Corporation to form Hearst-Argyle Television.
11. The purchase by Hearst made WLWT sister stations with Hearst flagship stations WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh and WBAL-TV in Baltimore.
12. Initially, WLWT carried programming from all major television networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, and DuMont). However, it exclusively affiliated with NBC in 1949.
13. The trading of networks between WKRC-TV and WCPO-TV in June 1996 left WLWT as the only Cincinnati television station to never change its affiliation.

Sports Broadcasting Legacy

WLWT has a storied history in sports broadcasting, with numerous notable announcers and memorable moments.

14. WLWT has had several notable play-by-play announcers over the years, including Waite Hoyt, George Bryson Sr., Ed Kennedy, Ken Wilson, Charlie Jones, Bill Brown, Ray Lane, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan.
15. Citing economic reasons and declining ratings, WLWT did not renew its contract following the 1995 season.
16. In 2024, WLWT returned to broadcasting Cincinnati Reds games, albeit only the Opening Day game, in a simulcast with Bally Sports Ohio.

Historical Significance and Impact

As one of the earliest television stations in the Midwest, WLWT holds a significant place in broadcasting history.

17. WLWT's pioneering efforts in color television and local programming have left a lasting impact on the industry.
18. During the 1970s, WLWT used the slogan "5, The Originator" to emphasize its commitment to producing local content.
19. The FCC's Sixth Report and Order in 1952 led to significant changes in channel allocations for VHF stations in Cincinnati.

Community Engagement and Initiatives

WLWT's commitment to the community extends beyond broadcasting, involving various initiatives and support programs.

20. The station has supported local events, charities, and educational programs, reinforcing its commitment to serving the community.
21. WLWT has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local events, charities, and educational programs.
22. The original studios of WLWT were located in the Crosley Square building, a converted Elks lodge in downtown Cincinnati.

Network Affiliation Stability

WLWT's stability as an NBC affiliate has contributed to its enduring presence in the local media landscape.

23. While initially carrying programming from all major networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, and DuMont), WLWT exclusively affiliated with NBC in 1949.
24. The trading of networks between WKRC-TV and WCPO-TV in June 1996 left WLWT as the only Cincinnati television station to never change its affiliation.
25. The FCC's Sixth Report and Order in 1952 led to significant changes in channel allocations for VHF stations in Cincinnati.

Historical Impact on Color Television

WLWT's early adoption of color television set it apart from other stations and left a lasting legacy.

26. As one of the earliest stations to broadcast in color, WLWT holds a significant place in the history of color television.
27. Its pioneering efforts in this area have left a lasting impact on the industry.
28. During the 1970s, WLWT emphasized its commitment to producing local content through its slogan "5, The Originator."

Sports Broadcasting and Community Engagement

WLWT's involvement in sports broadcasting and community initiatives has been a cornerstone of its operations.

29. The station has covered numerous local and national sports events over the years, including Reds games and other regional sports.
30. WLWT has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local events, charities, and educational programs.
31. The original studios of WLWT were located in the Crosley Square building, a converted Elks lodge in downtown Cincinnati.

Network Affiliation and Stability

WLWT's exclusive affiliation with NBC has been a defining feature of its identity.

32. While initially carrying programming from all major networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, and DuMont), WLWT exclusively affiliated with NBC in 1949.
33. The trading of networks between WKRC-TV and WCPO-TV in June 1996 left WLWT as the only Cincinnati television station to never change its affiliation.
34. The FCC's Sixth Report and Order in 1952 led to significant changes in channel allocations for VHF stations in Cincinnati.

Historical Significance and Local Programming

WLWT's commitment to local programming has helped establish it as a community-driven media outlet.

35. During the 1970s, WLWT emphasized its commitment to producing local content through its slogan "5, The Originator."
36. The station has covered numerous local and national sports events over the years, including Reds games and other regional sports.
37. WLWT has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local events, charities, and educational programs.

Historic Studio Location and Network Affiliation

The original studios of WLWT hold historical significance, reflecting the station's early days as part of a larger media conglomerate.

38. The original studios of WLWT were located in the Crosley Square building, a converted Elks lodge in downtown Cincinnati.
39. While initially carrying programming from all major networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, and DuMont), WLWT exclusively affiliated with NBC in 1949.
40. The trading of networks between WKRC-TV and WCPO-TV in June 1996 left WLWT as the only Cincinnati television station to never change its affiliation.

FCC Regulations and Channel Allocation

The FCC's regulations have played a crucial role in shaping WLWT's operations and channel allocations.

41. The FCC's Sixth Report and Order in 1952 led to significant changes in channel allocations for VHF stations in Cincinnati.
42. This realignment ensured that WLWT could continue operating effectively while minimizing interference with other stations.
43. As one of the earliest stations to broadcast in color, WLWT holds a significant place in the history of color television.

Local Programming and Community Focus

WLWT's focus on local programming and community engagement has been a defining feature of its operations.

44. During the 1970s, WLWT emphasized its commitment to producing local content through its slogan "5, The Originator."
45. The station has covered numerous local and national sports events over the years, including Reds games and other regional sports.
46. WLWT has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local events, charities, and educational programs.

Historic Studio Location and Network Affiliation Stability

WLWT's original studio location and stable network affiliation have contributed to its enduring presence in the local media landscape.

47. The original studios of WLWT were located in the Crosley Square building, a converted Elks lodge in downtown Cincinnati.
48. While initially carrying programming from all major networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, and DuMont), WLWT exclusively affiliated with NBC in 1949.
49. The trading of networks between WKRC-TV and WCPO-TV in June 1996 left WLWT as the only Cincinnati television station to never change its affiliation.

Historical Impact and Community Engagement

WLWT's historical impact on broadcasting and its commitment to community engagement have made it an integral part of Cincinnati's cultural and social fabric.

50. WLWT has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local events, charities, and educational programs.

WLWT's Lasting Legacy

WLWT has been a major player in Cincinnati's media scene for over seven decades. From its early days as the city's first TV station to its pioneering efforts in color broadcasting, WLWT has consistently pushed boundaries. The station's commitment to local programming and community involvement has made it a beloved fixture in the area. Ownership changes and network realignments haven't shaken its dedication to quality content. Sports broadcasting, especially with the Cincinnati Reds, has been a highlight. The station's original studios in the Crosley Square building add a touch of history to its modern operations. As WLWT continues to adapt and grow, its impact on Cincinnati's media landscape remains undeniable. This blend of innovation, community focus, and historical significance ensures WLWT's place as a cornerstone of local broadcasting.