Annex
Register
Advertisement

WMAZ-TV, channel 13, is the CBS affiliate television station in Macon, Georgia, United States. It is owned by Gannett.

WMAZ-TV
WMAZ-13
Macon, Georgia
Branding 13WMAZ (general)

13WMAZ Eyewitness News (newscasts)

Slogan Straight from the Heart.
Channels Digital: 13 (VHF)
Subchannels 13.1 CBS13.3 WX
Affiliations CBS Television Network
Owner Gannett Company, Inc.

(Pacific and Southern Company, Inc.)

First air date September 27, 1953
Call letters' meaning WatchMercer

Attain Zenith

Former channel number(s) Analog:

13 (1953-2009) Digital: 4 (2003-2009)

Former affiliations All secondary:DuMont (1953-1955)

NBC (1953-1968) ABC (1953-1982)

Transmitter power 52.6 kW
Height 238 m
Facility ID 46991
Transmitter coordinates 32°45′11.7″N 83°33′32″W / 32.75325°N 83.55889°W / 32.75325; -83.55889
Website www.13wmaz.com

History

The station signed on for the first time on September 27, 1953, owned by Southeastern Broadcasting Company along with WMAZ radio (AM 940, now WMAC; and FM 99.1, frequency now occupied by WDEN). It is the fourth-oldest station in the state and the oldest outside of Atlanta, beating WDAK-TV (now WTVM) in Columbus by only a day. Southeastern Broadcasting won a television license on its second try; it had previously made an unsuccessful bid for channel 7 a year earlier. The new station was one of the most powerful VHF stations in the country, providing at least secondary coverage from the southern Atlanta suburbs to the western suburbs of Savannah. It carried programming from all three major networks, but has always been a primary CBS affiliate owing to WMAZ-AM's long affiliation with CBS Radio.

WMAZ's callsign comes from its AM sister's roots as a physics project at Mercer University. The call letters stand for Watch Mercer Attain Zenith.

Southeastern Broadcasting sold WMAZ-AM-FM-TV to Southern Broadcasting Corporation in 1963, earning a healthy return on its 1935 purchase of WMAZ-AM. Southern Broadcasting merged with the News-Piedmont Company of Greenville, South Carolina to form Multimedia, Inc. in 1967. In 1974, WMAZ-AM-FM-TV moved to a new studio on Gray Highway in Macon.

Multimedia merged with Gannett in 1995, making WMAZ-TV a sister station to Georgia's third-oldest station, WXIA-TV in Atlanta.

WMAZ was the only station in town until 1968, when WCWB-TV (now WMGT-TV) started and took the NBC affiliation. WMAZ continued to carry selected ABC shows until WGXA began in 1982.

It is still the only VHF station in the market, in part because Macon is sandwiched between Atlanta to the north, Columbus to the west, Augusta and Savannah to the east. In part due to this, it has dominated central Georgia ratings for most of its history.

Its current image campaign, "Straight from the Heart," dates to 1983, based on Bryan Adams' song of the same name. Its sister station, WBIR-TV, an NBC affiliate in Knoxville, also uses the slogan and image campaign.

WMAZ-TV terminated its analog signal and moved its digital signal to channel 13.

News Lineup and Reporters

13WMAZ Eyewitness News Mornin' (5:00 to 7:00 A.M.) Weekdays

13WMAZ Eyewitness News Midday (12:00 to 12:30 P.M.) Weekdays

  • Anchors:
    220px-13wmaz1989

    WMAZ-TV's logo from the late 1980s

    • Stephanie Susskind
  • 13WMAZ Eyewitness Weather:
    • Sonya Stevens

13WMAZ Eyewitness News at 5:00 (5:00 to 5:30 P.M.) Weeknights

220px-13wmaz1990

WMAZ-TV's logo from the mid 1990s

13WMAZ Eyewitness News at 6:00 (6:00 to 6:30 P.M.)

Weeknights

13WMAZ Eyewitness News at 11:00 (11:00 to 11:35 P.M.) Weeknights

  • Anchors:
    • Frank Malloy
    • Leah Johnson
  • 13WMAZ Eyewitness Weather Weather:
    • Ben Jones, Chief Meteorologist
  • Eyewitness Sports:
    • Darnay Tripp or Marvin James

13WMAZ Eyewitness News Weekend Mornin' (7:00 to 9:00 A.M.) Weekends

13WMAZ Eyewitness News at 6:00 (6:00 to 6:30 P.M.) Weekends

  • Anchors:
  • 13WMAZ Eyewitness Weather:
    • Jason DiSharoon
  • Eyewitness Sports:
    • Marvin James, Darnay Tripp or Suzanne Lawler

13WMAZ Eyewitness News at 11:00 (11:00 to 11:30 P.M.) Weekends

  • Anchors:
    • Bofta Yimam
  • 13WMAZ Eyewitness Weather:
    • Jason DiSharoon
  • Eyewitness Sports:
    • Marvin James, Darnay Tripp or Suzanne Lawler

HighSchoolSports.net Football Friday Night (11:35 to 12:05 P.M.) Fridays

  • Hosts:
    • Frank Malloy
    • Ben Jones
    • Darnay Tripp
    • Marvin James

13WMAZ Eyewitness Journalists

13WMAZ Eyewitness Weather Substitute Meteorologists

  • Mike Fuller, Substitute Meteorologist
  • Trevor Chatfield, Substitute Meteorologist/Weather Producer

Other On-Air Staff

  • Brooke Hawkins, "Scene 13" Co-Host
  • Annette St. Clair, Law Call Host
  • Del Ward, "Personal Profile" Interviewer

Former staff

  • Jack Melton Owens, Jack & Jolly
  • Tyler Pearson, Morning and Midday Anchor (2006 - August 31, 2010)
  • Karen Acar, Weekend/Morning/Midday Anchor/Reporter (late 1980s-1994)
  • Lou Antoine, Sports Anchor (1994–1996)
  • Brittany Bailey, Weekend 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (2004–2006, now at WBIR-TV)
  • Brad Bibb, Sports Director/Reporter (1982–1994)
  • Troy Bridges, News reporter 1995-1997 (now weeknight 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. meteorologist at WKMG-TV (CBS) in Orlando, Florida)
  • Brandyn Briley, Anchor/Reporter (1977–1979, 1983–1986)
  • Jerry Brown, Anchor/Reporter (?, now at WMBB-TV)
  • Kyle Burger, Sports Intern (2005, now at WAAY-31, Huntsville, AL)
  • Stan Carey, Anchor (1960–1972, deceased)
  • Mary Jane Cason, (Weather and News Anchor)
  • Steve Cohen
  • Kyle Collins, Reporter/Webmaster (?)
  • Paul Chambers, Anchor/Reporter 1999-2001
  • David Chandley, Reporter/Meteorologist (1983–1986, now at WSB-TV)
  • Susan Christopher, Consumer Reporter (?)
  • Draymon Clark, Weekend 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (?)
  • Kimberly Daniel, Health Reporter (?)
  • Tim Dobbs, Political Editor/Reporter (1964-1977 deceased.)
  • Vanessa Echols
  • Karen Eisle
  • Stacy Ellison, Weekend 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (?, now at WKYT-TV)
  • Rachel English, Morning and Midday Anchor/Reporter (1996–2001)
  • Chuck Englund, 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Morning Anchor (1985–1993)
  • Shannon Espinosa (now Shannon Myers), Weekend 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (?)
  • Liz Fabian, (formerly Liz Jarvis), Morning and Midday Anchor/Reporter (?, now with The Macon Telegraph)
  • John Favole, Anchor (1989–1992, now with WPTV-TV)
  • Nicole Foerschler, General Assignment Reporter/Consumer Reporter (Now co-owner of educational consulting firm)
  • Bill Gaines, Morning and Midday Anchor/Reporter (1993–1994, last seen at WGCL-TV)
  • Jenny Geer, General Assignment Reporter/Fill-In Anchor (?-2004)
  • Grant Gilmore, Morning and Midday Meteorologist (2006–2009, now at WFMY-TV )
  • Joel Godard, Weather (early 1970s)
  • Bill Greene, Reporter
  • Jeff Hall, (Sports Director)
  • Lloyd Harris, Anchor
  • Scott Hartman, Sports Director (2000–2002, now with Atlanta PR firm Jackson Spalding)
  • Yolanda Hawkins, General Assignment Reporter (?, now at WPXI-TV)
  • Jennifer Hazelton, General Assignment Reporter (?)
  • Karla Heath-Sands, Weathercaster/Community Service Director (1989–1997, now at WALB-TV)
  • Tina Taylor Hicks, 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (1972–1999)
  • Ken Hill (1970s-1988)
  • Michael Hockey
  • Chris Holcomb, Reporter/Meteorologist (1985–1990, now at WXIA-TV)
  • Ben Hoover, Morning and Midday Anchor/Reporter (2003–2006, now at WIS-TV)
  • Telly Hughes, Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter (?-2003, now at FSN Wisconsin)
  • Steve Jefferson (Now Crime Reporter/Anchor at WTHR-TV)
  • George Jobin, News/Sports Director/Production Manager (1973–1990, now manager WMUM-FM Ga Public Broadcasting)
  • Ernie Johnson, Jr., News/Sports (1979–1981, now with Turner Sports)
  • Lori Johnson, 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (1999–2005)
  • Tom Johnston, Meteorologist (?, now at WFTX)
  • Jeanetta Jones, Reporter/Anchor
  • Ken Jones, Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter (2002–2003, incarcerated)
  • Tricia Kean, Mornin' Anchor/Reporter (?, now at KTNV-TV)
  • Phil Keating, General Assignment Reporter (1991–1993, now at Fox News)
  • Arch Kennedy, Meteorologist (1994–1995, later worked for The Weather Channel, and CNN, now at WZTV)
  • Aaron Lawrence, Meteorologist (?)
  • John Marshall, Morning and Midday Anchor/Reporter/Weathercaster (?, now at WNBC-TV)
  • Doris Martin, Anchor/Reporter/Interviewer (1959–1990, deceased)
  • Mike Maze, Meteorologist (1991–1994, now at WRAL-TV)
  • Drew McCombs, Weekend Meteorologist (2007–2009)
  • Edward McDonald, Sports Director (1996–2000, now at WLOS-TV)
  • Scott McGrew 1991-1993, now at KNTV
  • Matt Miller 1992-1995 now at WCPO
  • Lawrence Mink, Mornin and Midday Anchor (Early 1980s-1989 when he became Public Relations Officer for Macon Mayor Lee Robinson and again 1992-1993
  • Carol Minn, Mornin' and Midday Anchor/Reporter (2001–2003, now at Bay News 9 in St. Petersburg, Florida)
  • Laura Minter
  • Carly Flynn Morgan, reporter and weekend anchor, 2007-2009 (now 10 p.m. anchor/producer, Fox 61 in Chattanooga)
  • Rodney Mull (2004)
  • Adam Murphy, General Assignment Reporter (?, now at WGCL-TV)
  • Christine Negroni, Reporter (1977-1980)
  • Maureen O'Boyle, Morning Anchor/Reporter (?, later anchored A Current Affair, and Extra, now at WBTV-TV)
  • Autumn O'Neill, Weekend Meteorologist (2005–2007)
  • Chris Paul (Pisano), Wake-Up Call Team Reporter/Fill-in Anchor/Weathercaster (1996–1998, now at KCTV-TV)
  • Evan Pinsonnault, News Reporter/Videojournalist/Sport Anchor (2006–2009, now at WLNS-TV)
  • Bobby Pope, Sports Director/Sales Dept. (1968–1984, former Athletic Director Mercer University[retired in 2010] )
  • Helen Farmer Popejoy, Presenter/Interviewer (1953-?, deceased)
  • Bill Powell, Chief Weather Forecaster (1958–1998, deceased)
  • Marilyn Peguero, General Assignment Reporter (2006–2008)
  • Chris Porter, Sports Anchor/Reporter (2003–2009, now at First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fla.)
  • Aungelique Proctor, General Assignment Reporter (?, now at WAGA-TV)
  • Jaime Raab (now Jaime McCutcheon), Weekend Anchor (2002–2006, now the weekend anchor at WOWT in Omaha, NE)
  • Kandace Raymond, Warner Robins Anchor/5 p.m. Anchor/Reporter/"Middle Georgia Moms" Reporter (2004–2008)
  • Jim Ragonese, General Assignment Reporter (?)
  • Jenny Ray
  • Charles Reid, Traffic Reporter (1999–2009)
  • Elise Roberts, Assistant Producer and Anchor of "Entertainment Scene" (2004–2006, now at News 14 Carolina)
  • Anne Marie Rogers, General Assignment Reporter (?)
  • Steve Russell, Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter (?)
  • Ben Sandifer, Sports Reporter/Anchor, (1977–1980, now owner of GMS Productions)
  • Chris Smith, Chief Meteorologist (1997–2005, now at WJHG-TV)
  • Tenikka Smith, General Assignment Reporter/Fill-In Anchor (2004–2006, Now at (WSOC-TV)
  • David Solano, Sports Director (2002–2006, now at KIAH-TV in Houston)
  • Leigh Spann, Weekend Meteorologist (2001–2004, now at WFLA-TV in Tampa, Fla.)
  • Rob Still (known as Chris Still to WBTW viewers), Meteorologist (2000–2005, now at WBTW-TV)
  • Robin Straws, Associate Producer (2004–2005, now Motivational Speaker at The RGLynn Group)
  • Carol Slark, Anchor/Reporter
  • Sheeka Strickland, Sunday 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (2006–2008, now at WGHP-TV))
  • Allison Swann, Morning Anchor (1994–1997)
  • Bessie Swint
  • Tami Tesch-Jerles, Substitute Meteorologist/Reporter (?-2008)
  • Mary Therese Tebbe (known on the air as Mary Therese), Warner Robins Anchor/5 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (1988–2006)
  • Pesh Thomas, General Assignment Reporter (Real name Depelsha Thomas, now an Executive at MTV and BET)
  • Jim Thomas, noon and 6 p.m. Anchor 1979-1980. Retired from broadcasting 2001.
  • Bob Toy
  • Bill Tribble, Managing Editor/Host of "Close-Up" (?)
  • John Trout
  • Thanh Truong, General Assignment Reporter (2002–2003, now at NBC News, Atlanta)
  • Raymond Tubb, General Assignment Reporter/Assignment Editor/Managing Editor (1989–2005)
  • Tiffanie Wallace, General Assignment Reporter (2003–2006)
  • Rick Whimberly, Anchor/Reporter
  • James Wieland, Meteorologist (?), now at WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida
  • Ron Wildman
  • Gary Wilson
  • Derek Wing, General Assignment Reporter (?, now at KCPQ-TV)
  • Yenu Wodajo, Saturday 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Anchor/Reporter (2006–2008)
  • Andy Wood, Meteorologist (2004–2006, now at WHNS-TV)
  • Calandra Wright, Morning and Midday Anchor/Reporter (2003–2005)
  • Hugh Zeitlin, Sports Anchor/Reporter (2004–2008)
  • Al Zimmerman, General Assignment Reporter (1990–1996, later KENS-TV San Antonio then Bay News 9 in St. Petersburg, Florida Incarcerated in 2008).

News/station presentation

Newscast titles

  • Your Esso Reporter (1953-1957)
  • WMAZ-TV News (1957-1969)
  • The 11th Hour Report (1966-1969)
  • Pulse News (1969-1971)
  • Channel 13 News (1971-1974)
  • News 13 (1974-1978)
  • Eyewitness NewsCenter (1978-1979)
  • (13 WMAZ) Eyewitness News (1979–present)

Station slogans

  • Channel 13, Georgia's Color Station (1960s)
  • Channel 13 is the Place to Be (early 1970s)
  • See the Best...Channel 13 (1974–1975; localized version of CBS ad campaign)
  • Catch the Brightest Stars on Channel 13 (1975–1976; localized version of CBS ad campaign)
  • Eyewitness NewsCenter, Georgia's Complete Information News Service (1977–1979)
  • Channel 13, You're Looking Good! (1979–1980; localized version of CBS ad campaign)
  • Looking Good Together, Channel 13 (1980–1981; localized version of CBS ad campaign)
  • Reach for the Stars on Channel 13 (1981–1982; localized version of CBS ad campaign)
  • Great Moments on Channel 13 (1982–1983; localized version of CBS ad campaign)
  • Straight from the Heart (1983–present)

Newscast music

  • Move Closer to Your World by Mayoham Music (1972–1976)
  • Where You Belong by TM Productions (1976–1978)
  • WJZ 1975 News Theme by unknown composer (1978–1980)
  • WMAZ 1980 News Theme by unknown composer (1980-19??)
  • KSD 1981 News Theme by unkown composer (1990–1994)
  • WWL News by Stephen Arnold Music (1994–2006)
  • Seize The Day by 615 Music (2006–2008)
  • Gannett News Music Package by Rampage Music New York, Inc. (2008-2013)
  • This Is Home by Gari Media Group (2013–present)

References

External links

&nbsp

Advertisement