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m (Created page with " {| cellspacing="5" class="infobox" style="width: 239px; height: 956px;" |+ style="font-size: 125%; font-weight: bold;"|WRTV | colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|[http://en…")
 
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'''WRTV''', channel 6, is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company ABC] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television television] affiliate in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis,_Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana] owned by McGraw Hill. Its transmitter is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis at 8001 Township Line Road.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FCCaddress_0-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-FCCaddress-0 [1]]</sup> Its studios are found at 1330 N. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_Street_%28Indianapolis%29 Meridian Street], in the middle of Indianapolis' [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Television_Row&action=edit&redlink=1 Television Row].
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{| cellspacing="5" class="infobox" style="width: 66px; height: 986px;"
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|+ style=""|WRTV
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{| cellspacing="5" class="infobox" style="width: 239px; height: 956px;"
  
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| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:ABC_RTV6_official.png]][[File:6NEWS_HD_LOGO.png]]
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|+ style="font-size: 125%; font-weight: bold;"|WRTV
  
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| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ABC_RTV6_official.png ]
  
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:6NEWS_HD_LOGO.png ]
  
 
|-
  
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! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis,_Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana]
  
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis,_Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana]
 
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|-
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand Branding]
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|Branding
 
| style=""|RTV6 (general)
  
| style=""|RTV6 (general)
 
6 News (newscasts)
  
6 News (newscasts)
 
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|-
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slogan Slogan]
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|Slogan
 
| style=""|''On Your Side''
  
| style=""|''On Your Side''
 
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| style=""|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company American Broadcasting Company]
  
| style=""|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company American Broadcasting Company]
 
|-
  
|-
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owner Owner]
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|Owner
 
| style=""|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGraw-Hill McGraw-Hill]
  
| style=""|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGraw-Hill McGraw-Hill]
 
''(McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company, Inc.)''
  
''(McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company, Inc.)''
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|-
  
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|Transmitter coordinates
  
! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|Transmitter coordinates
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| style=""|[http://toolserver.org/%7Egeohack/geohack.php?pagename=WRTV&params=39_53_56.6_N_86_12_3.7_W_type:landmark_scale:2000 39°53′56.6″N 86°12′3.7″W / 39.899056°N 86.201028°W / 39.899056; -86.201028]
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| style=""|[http://toolserver.org/%7Egeohack/geohack.php?pagename=WRTV&params=39_53_56.6_N_86_12_3.7_W_type:landmark_scale:2000 39°53′56.6″N 86°12′3.7″W]
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|-
  
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! scope="row" style="text-align: left;"|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website Website]
  
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| style=""|[http://www.theindychannel.com/ www.theINDYchannel.com]
  
 
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|}
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==History==
  
==History==
 
The station signed on the air on May 30, 1949 under the call sign '''WFBM-TV''' with a documentary entitled ''Crucible of Speed'' covering the history of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_500 Indianapolis 500], followed by the inaugural live television broadcast of the event. It is Indiana's oldest television station. It was owned by the Bitner Group along with WFBM-AM 1260 (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNDE WNDE]).
  
The station signed on the air on May 30, 1949 under the call sign '''WFBM-TV''' with a documentary entitled ''Crucible of Speed'' covering the history of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_500 Indianapolis 500], followed by the inaugural live television broadcast of the event. It is Indiana's oldest television station. It was owned by the Bitner Group along with WFBM-AM 1260 (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNDE WNDE]).
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Bitner merged with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-Life Time-Life] in 1957. As part of a sale mandated by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission Federal Communications Commission] (FCC), WFBM-TV was sold to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGraw-Hill McGraw-Hill] in 1972 along with sister station KLZ-TV (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KMGH-TV KMGH-TV]) in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver,_Colorado Denver, Colorado], KOGO-TV (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KGTV KGTV]) in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego San Diego] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KERO-TV KERO-TV] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakersfield,_California Bakersfield, California]. The purchase price for the four stations in 1972 was 50 million dollars. At that time, the station assumed its current calls, WRTV. In 1979, WRTV traded affiliations with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTHR WTHR] and became an ABC affiliate. NBC was the lowest rated network in the late 1970s while ABC rose to the ranks of the highest rated network that same time and was seeking out stronger local stations in many markets, thus motivating this affiliation switch in Indianapolis. WRTV is one of the few stations in the country to have been a primary affiliate of all three original networks.
  
Bitner merged with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-Life Time-Life] in 1957. As part of a sale mandated by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission Federal Communications Commission] (FCC), WFBM-TV was sold to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGraw-Hill McGraw-Hill] in 1972 along with sister station KLZ-TV (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KMGH-TV KMGH-TV]) in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver,_Colorado Denver, Colorado], KOGO-TV (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KGTV KGTV]) in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego San Diego] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KERO-TV KERO-TV] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakersfield,_California Bakersfield, California]. The purchase price for the four stations in 1972 was 50 million dollars. At that time, the station assumed its current calls, WRTV. In 1979, WRTV traded affiliations with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTHR WTHR] and became an ABC affiliate. NBC was the lowest rated network in the late 1970s while ABC rose to the ranks of the highest rated network that same time and was seeking out stronger local stations in many markets, thus motivating this affiliation switch in Indianapolis. WRTV is one of the few stations in the country to have been a primary affiliate of all three original networks.
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As ABC carries the Indianapolis 500, in order to encourage attendance of the race among locals, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackout_%28broadcasting%29#Indianapolis_500 WRTV has continued to tape-delay coverage] of the race since coming back to ABC in 1979 rather than airing it live as it does throughout the nation, and airs it in primetime to assuage the concerns of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Motor_Speedway Indianapolis Motor Speedway]. In 1999, WRTV did televise the Indianapolis 500 live, in addition to primetime.
 
===WRTV today===
  
===WRTV today===
 
WRTV has been a leader in adding innovation to Indiana broadcasting. Some of WRTV's innovations over the years, have included the first station in the state to broadcast in color, the first use of videotape, the first to use news mini-cams, the first use of microwave (a [pre-runner to satellite) (Insta-Cam), the first satellite truck (''NewStar 6''), the first cable news on ''NewsChannel 64'' (now ''6 News 24/7''), the first use of non-linear digital editing, the first use of digital news cameras, the first entry into web publishing ([http://www.theindychannel.com/ www.theINDYchannel.com]), and the first into cellphone delivery of news ([http://mobile.rtv6.com/ 6News OnTheGo]) and VODcasting.
  
WRTV has been a leader in adding innovation to Indiana broadcasting. Some of WRTV's innovations over the years, have included the first station in the state to broadcast in color, the first use of videotape, the first to use news mini-cams, the first use of microwave (a [pre-runner to satellite) (Insta-Cam), the first satellite truck (''NewStar 6''), the first cable news on ''NewsChannel 64'' (now ''6 News 24/7''), the first use of non-linear digital editing, the first use of digital news cameras, the first entry into web publishing ([http://www.theindychannel.com/ www.theINDYchannel.com]), and the first into cellphone delivery of news ([http://mobile.rtv6.com/ 6News OnTheGo]) and VODcasting.
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On September 10, 2007, WRTV launched a 7 p.m. newscast, a first for the Indianapolis market (and the second in Indiana). Station Vice President and General Manager Don Lundy attributes the decision to "longer commutes and longer work days" that prevent viewers from being home by 5 or 6. ''6 NEWS First at 5:00'', the first five o'clock newscast launched in 1988 remains at 5:00 p.m., and has been expanded to one-hour, followed by ''6 NEWS at 6:00'' then ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_News_with_Diane_Sawyer World News with Diane Sawyer]'' at 6:30 p.m. and finally the evening news block concludes with ''6 NEWS at 7:00''.
  
On September 10, 2007, WRTV launched a 7 p.m. newscast, a first for the Indianapolis market (and the second in Indiana). Station Vice President and General Manager Don Lundy attributes the decision to "longer commutes and longer work days" that prevent viewers from being home by 5 or 6. ''6 NEWS First at 5:00'', the first five o'clock newscast launched in 1988 remains at 5:00 p.m., and has been expanded to one-hour, followed by ''6 NEWS at 6:00'' then ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_News_with_Diane_Sawyer World News with Diane Sawyer]'' at 6:30 p.m. and finally the evening news block concludes with ''6 NEWS at 7:00''.
   
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WRTV led the ratings in Indianapolis for many years. As recently as the late 80's and very early 90's, WRTV's news audience often exceeded the combined audience of WISH and WTHR. Following the retirement of veteran anchor Howard Caldwell and other news mis-steps, WRTV's ratings began to tumble then spent most of the 1990s as a solid runner-up to WISH. However, it has never really recovered from a botched relaunch in 1996 and has spent most of the last decade in third place.
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WRTV led the ratings in Indianapolis for many years. As recently as the late 80's and very early 90's, WRTV's news audience often exceeded the combined audience of WISH and WTHR. Following the retirement of veteran anchor Howard Caldwell and other news mis-steps, WRTV's ratings began to tumble then spent most of the 1990s as a solid runner-up to WISH. However, it has never really recovered from a botched relaunch in 1996 and has spent most of the last decade in third place behind WTHR.
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On March 17, 2010, WRTV announced a partnership with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hometown_Sports_Indiana Hometown Sports] to air live high school and college sporting events on 6.2 (''6 News 24/7''). Broadcasts will include football, basketball and baseball, but WRTV will not currently have rights to air [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_High_School_Athletic_Association IHSAA] championship events. Details are still being worked out for the full launch.
 
==Digital television==
  
==Digital television==
 
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|-
  
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|6.2
  
|6.2
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|6 NEWS 24/7
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|6 News 24/7
 
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WRTV permanently ceased its analog signal on June 12, 2009, continuing digital broadcasts on its pre-transition channel number, 25. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FCC_Form_387_7-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-FCC_Form_387-7 [8]]</sup> Through the use of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Program_and_System_Information_Protocol PSIP], WRTV's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_channel virtual channel] is displayed as 6.
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WRTV signed-off its analog signal on June 12, 2009, and continued to broadcast on its pre-transition digital channel 25.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FCC_Form_387_7-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-FCC_Form_387-7 [8]]</sup> Most receivers display WRTV's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_channel virtual channel] as 6 through the use of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Program_and_System_Information_Protocol PSIP].
   
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Until the government-mandated digital transition on June 12, 2009, WRTV had to provide two call signs (legal IDs) in on-air spots, "WRTV/WRTV-DT Indianapolis". This allowed the station to identify both its analog and digital broadcast signals in the same message. On June 3, 2009, the FCC announced that following the digital transition stations would be allowed to revert to their analog call signs. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FCC_Form_DA-09-1253_8-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-FCC_Form_DA-09-1253-8 [9]]</sup> Since the call letters "WRTV" are only in use by a television station, the station elected to use only "WRTV INDIANAPOLIS" as its official call sign for the station currently broadcasting on 25.1.
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Until the government-mandated digital transition on June 12, 2009, WRTV had to provide two call signs (legal IDs) in on-air spots, "WRTV/WRTV-DT Indianapolis". This allowed the station to identify both its analog and digital broadcast signals in the same message. On June 3, 2009, the FCC announced that following the digital transition stations would be allowed to revert to their analog call signs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FCC_Form_DA-09-1253_8-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-FCC_Form_DA-09-1253-8 [9]]</sup> Since the call letters "WRTV" are only in use by a television station, the station elected to use only "WRTV INDIANAPOLIS" as its official call sign for the station currently broadcasting on RF channel 25.
 
==Programming==
  
==Programming==
 
WRTV clears nearly all content provided by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company the network].
  
WRTV clears nearly all content provided by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company the network].
   
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Syndicated programming includes: ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_with_Regis_%26_Kelly Live with Regis & Kelly]'', ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nate_Berkus_Show The Nate Berkus Show]'', ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_%28TV_series%29 EXTRA]'', ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Judy Judge Judy]'' and ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Insider_%28TV_series%29 The Insider]''.
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Syndicated programming includes:
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_with_Regis_%26_Kelly Live with Regis & Kelly]'' (Weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)
  
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Some of the specialty and paid programming includes ''Life Today with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Robison James Robison]'', ''Livin for the City'', [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Osteen Joel Osteen] and ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_Angels NASCAR Angels]''.
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nate_Berkus_Show The Nate Berkus Show]'' (Weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_%28TV_series%29 EXTRA]'' (Weekdays 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.; weekends at various times)
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Judy Judge Judy]''
  
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**Primary (Weekdays 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
  
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**Secondary (Weekdays 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Insider_%28TV_series%29 The Insider]'' (Weekdays 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; second run at various times overnight; weekends at various times)
  
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The station also carries the following specialty and paid programming:
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Life_Today_with_James_Robison&action=edit&redlink=1 Life Today with James Robison]''
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Livin_for_the_City&action=edit&redlink=1 Livin for the City]''
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Osteen Joel Osteen]''
  
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*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_Angels NASCAR Angels]''
  
 
==ABC in the Terre Haute Market==
  
==ABC in the Terre Haute Market==
 
When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WBAK WBAK] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terre_Haute Terre Haute] (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WFXW WFXW]) left ABC for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Broadcasting_Company Fox], WRTV became the default ABC station for the Indiana side of the market. It is viewable in Terre Haute with a rooftop antenna and is carried by all cable systems on the Indiana side of the Terre Haute market. For the Illinois counties in the Terre Haute television market, many systems offer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WICD_%28TV%29 WICD] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champaign,_Illinois Champaign, Illinois] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WEHT WEHT] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evansville,_Indiana Evansville, Indiana].
  
When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WBAK WBAK] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terre_Haute Terre Haute] (now [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WFXW WFXW]) left ABC for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Broadcasting_Company Fox], WRTV became the default ABC station for the Indiana side of the market. It is viewable in Terre Haute with a rooftop antenna and is carried by all cable systems on the Indiana side of the Terre Haute market. For the Illinois counties in the Terre Haute television market, many systems offer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WICD_%28TV%29 WICD] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champaign,_Illinois Champaign, Illinois] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WEHT WEHT] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evansville,_Indiana Evansville, Indiana].
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Weekday newscast airtimes:
  
Weekday newscast airtimes:
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*''6 NEWS Good Morning Indiana'' (Weekdays 5:00 - 7:00 a.m.)
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*''6 NEWS Good Morning Indiana'' (Weekdays 4:30 - 7:00 a.m.)
 
*''6 NEWS at Noon'' (Weekdays 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.)
  
*''6 NEWS at Noon'' (Weekdays 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.)
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*''6 NEWS First at 5:00'' (Weekdays 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.)
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*''6 NEWS First at 5:00'' (Weeknights 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.)
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*''6 NEWS at 5:30'' (Weekdays 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.)
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*''6 NEWS at 5:30'' (Weeknights 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.)
 
*''6 NEWS at 6:00'' (Weeknights 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
  
*''6 NEWS at 6:00'' (Weeknights 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
 
*''6 NEWS at 7:00'' (Weeknights 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
  
*''6 NEWS at 7:00'' (Weeknights 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
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Weekend newscast airtimes:
  
Weekend newscast airtimes:
 
*''6 NEWS Weekend'' (Weekends at 6:00 p.m., though may air at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., due to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC ESPN on ABC] sports programming)
  
*''6 NEWS Weekend'' (Weekends at 6:00 p.m., though may air at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., due to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC ESPN on ABC] sports programming)
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*''6 NEWS Nightcast'' (Saturdays at 11:00 p.m., though may air at 11:30 p.m., due to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC ESPN on ABC] sports programming; Sundays at 11:00 p.m.)
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*''6 NEWS Nightcast'' (Saturdays at 11:00 p.m., though may air at 11:30 p.m. or later, due to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC ESPN on ABC] sports programming; Sundays at 11:00 p.m.)
 
===News/station presentation===
  
===News/station presentation===
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====[[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit&section=8 edit]] Newscast titles====
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====Newscast titles====
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*''TeleNews'' (1951-1960)
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*''TeleNews'' (1951–1960)
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*''TV-6 News'' (1961-1965)
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*''TV-6 News'' (1961–1965)
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*''Channel 6 Early/Final Report'' (1966-1974)
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*''Channel 6 Early/Final Report'' (1966–1974)
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*''The News'' (1974-1985)
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*''The News'' (1974–1985)
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*''Channel 6 News'' (1985-1989)
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*''Channel 6 News'' (1985–1989)
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*''WRTV 6 News'' (1989-1998)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-9 [10]]</sup>
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*''WRTV 6 News'' (1989–1998)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-9 [10]]</sup>
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*''Nightcast'' (11 p.m. newscast; 1998-present)
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*''Nightcast'' (11 p.m. newscast; 1998–present)
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*''6 News'' (1998-2001 and 2006-present)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-10">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-10 [11]]</sup>
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*''6 News'' (1998–2001 and 2006–present)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-10">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-10 [11]]</sup>
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*''RTV6 News''/''The News At x:xx'' (2001-2006)
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*''RTV6 News''/''The News At x:xx'' (2001–2006)
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====[[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit&section=9 edit]] Station slogans====
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====Station slogans====
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*''Channel 6`s The One You Can Turn To'' (1978-1979; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''The News Leader'' (1979-1985)
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*''The News Leader'' (1979–1985)
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*''You and Me and Channel 6'' (1980-1981; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  
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*''Now is the time, Channel 6 is the Place'' (1981-1982; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''You and Me and Channel 6'' (1980–1981; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''Come on Along with Channel 6'' (1982-1983; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''Now is the Time, Channel 6 is the Place'' (1981–1982; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''That Special Feeling on Channel 6'' (1983-1984; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''Come on Along with Channel 6'' (1982–1983; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''That Special Feeling on Channel 6'' (1983–1984; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''Your Exclusive Newsstar Station'' (1985-1989)
  
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*''We`re With You on Channel 6'' (1984-1985; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''Your Exclusive Newsstar Station'' (1985–1989)
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*''Together On Channel 6'' (1986-1987; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*Something's Happening on Channel 6 (1987-1990; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
 
*''Making a Difference for Indiana'' (1989–1996)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-11 [12]]</sup>
  
*''Making a Difference for Indiana'' (1989–1996)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-11 [12]]</sup>
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*''Indiana's Watching Channel 6'' (1990-1991; localized version of ABC "America's Watching ABC" ad campaign)
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*''Indiana's Watching Channel 6'' (1990–1991; localized version of ABC "America's Watching ABC" ad campaign)
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*''It Must Be WRTV / If It's WRTV, It Must Be ABC ''(1992-1993; localized version of ABC "It Must Be ABC" ad campaign)
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*''Live, Local, Latebreaking'' (1996-1998)
  
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*''Standing Up for You'' (1998-2001)
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*''Live, Local, Latebreaking'' (1996–1998)
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*''TV is Good, on WRTV-6'' (1997-1998; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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*''On Your Side'' (2006-present)
  
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*''We Love TV, on WRTV-6'' (1998-1999; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Television.svg ] ''This film, television or video-related list is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Lists#Incomplete_lists incomplete]; you can help by [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit expanding it] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:RS reliably sourced] additions''.====[[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit&section=10 edit]] Station brand concepts====
  
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*''Standing Up for You'' (1998–2001)
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*''On Your Side'' (2006–present)
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====Station brand concepts====
 
*''Watchdog'' focuses on consumer and citizen advocacy. The Watchdog team, which includes Norman Cox, Kara Kenney, Jack Rinehart and Rafael Sanchez, investigates government spending, rip-offs and scams, and criminal and political issues.
  
*''Watchdog'' focuses on consumer and citizen advocacy. The Watchdog team, which includes Norman Cox, Kara Kenney, Jack Rinehart and Rafael Sanchez, investigates government spending, rip-offs and scams, and criminal and political issues.
 
*''Tough Question'' focuses on reporter Joanna Massee getting answers for Hoosiers.
  
*''Tough Question'' focuses on reporter Joanna Massee getting answers for Hoosiers.
 
===On-air staff===
  
===On-air staff===
  +
====Current on-air staff (as of March 23, 2011)====
−
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WRTVnewscast.jpg ][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WRTVnewscast.jpg ]WRTV primary weeknight anchors, Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd. This screenshot was taken in 2007, Wallace left WRTV in 2010.====[[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit&section=12 edit]] Current on-air staff (as of September 7, 2010)====
  
  +
'''Anchors[[File:WRTVnewscast.jpg|thumb|WRTV primary weeknight anchors, Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd. This screenshot was taken in 2007, Wallace left WRTV in 2010.]]'''
−
'''Anchors'''
  
 
*Todd Connor - weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
  
*Todd Connor - weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
 
*Erica Flye - weeknights at 5 and 5:30 p.m.; also weeknight reporter
  
*Erica Flye - weeknights at 5 and 5:30 p.m.; also weeknight reporter
Line 170: Line 164:
 
*Kevin Gregory ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Meteorological_Society AMS] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Broadcast_Meteorologist Certified Broadcast Meteorologist] Seal of Approval; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Weather_Association NWA] Member) - Chief Meteorologist; weeknights at 5, 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
  
*Kevin Gregory ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Meteorological_Society AMS] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Broadcast_Meteorologist Certified Broadcast Meteorologist] Seal of Approval; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Weather_Association NWA] Member) - Chief Meteorologist; weeknights at 5, 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
 
*Todd Klaassen - Meteorologist; weekends at 6 and 11 p.m.
  
*Todd Klaassen - Meteorologist; weekends at 6 and 11 p.m.
−
*Crystal Wicker (AMS and NWA Seals of Approval) - Meteorologist; weekday mornings and noon
 +
*Julia Sandstrom (AMS and NWA Seals of Approval) - Meteorologist; weekday mornings and noon
 
'''Sports Team'''
  
'''Sports Team'''
 
*Dave Furst - Sports Director; weeknights at 6 and 11 p.m.
  
*Dave Furst - Sports Director; weeknights at 6 and 11 p.m.
Line 176: Line 170:
 
*Jason Spells - sports reporter
  
*Jason Spells - sports reporter
 
'''Reporters'''
  
'''Reporters'''
−
*Jennifer Carmack - general assignment reporter
 +
*Norman Cox - "Watchdog" (State House) reporter
  +
*Rick Hightower ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigham_Young_University BYU Grad])<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-12">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_note-12 [13]]</sup>- general assignment reporter
−
*Norman Cox - State House reporter
  
  ⚫
*Kara Kenney - "Watchdog" (tax dollars) reporter
⚫
*Tom Davis - morning traffic reporter ("Live Drive Traffic")
  
−
*Rick Hightower - general assignment reporter
 +
*Joanna Massee - "Tough Question" reporter
⚫
*Renee Jameson - general assignment reporter
  
⚫
*Kara Kenney - investigative reporter
  
−
*Joanna Massee - "Tough Question" feature reporter
  
 
*Stacia Matthews - health reporter
  
*Stacia Matthews - health reporter
  ⚫
*Joni Michels - morning traffic reporter ("Live Drive Traffic")
  ⚫
*Myrt Price - general assignment reporter
 
*Julie Pursley - general assignment reporter
  
*Julie Pursley - general assignment reporter
−
*Jack Rinehart - general assignment reporter
 +
*Jack Rinehart - "Watchdog" (crime/safety) reporter
−
*Rafael Sanchez - consumer and investigative reporter
 +
*Rafael Sanchez - "Watchdog" (consumer) reporter
 
*Derrik Thomas - general assignment reporter
  
*Derrik Thomas - general assignment reporter
  +
*Chance Walser - general assignment reporter
−
====[[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit&section=13 edit]] Notable former staff====
  
  +
====Notable former staff====
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linda_Allen&action=edit&redlink=1 Linda Allen] (reporter, later went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTHR WTHR])
  
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Linda_Allen&action=edit&redlink=1 Linda Allen] (reporter, later went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTHR WTHR])
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chris_Bavender&action=edit&redlink=1 Chris Bavender] (reporter, later went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTHR WTHR] and currently is Communications Director for the Indiana Attorney General)
  
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chris_Bavender&action=edit&redlink=1 Chris Bavender] (reporter, later went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTHR WTHR] and currently is Communications Director for the Indiana Attorney General)
Line 257: Line 251:
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eric_Weisfeld&action=edit&redlink=1 Eric Weisfeld] (morning anchor; now morning anchor at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WZVN-TV WZVN] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Myers,_FL Fort Myers, FL])
  
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eric_Weisfeld&action=edit&redlink=1 Eric Weisfeld] (morning anchor; now morning anchor at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WZVN-TV WZVN] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Myers,_FL Fort Myers, FL])
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diane_Willis&action=edit&redlink=1 Diane Willis] (anchor 1987-2001, now married to former co-anchor [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clyde_Lee_%28journalist%29&action=edit&redlink=1 Clyde Lee])
  
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diane_Willis&action=edit&redlink=1 Diane Willis] (anchor 1987-2001, now married to former co-anchor [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clyde_Lee_%28journalist%29&action=edit&redlink=1 Clyde Lee])
  +
==Trivia==
−
==[[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WRTV&action=edit&section=14 edit]] Trivia==
  
 
{| class="metadata plainlinks ambox ambox-style" style=""
  
{| class="metadata plainlinks ambox ambox-style" style=""
 
| class="mbox-image"|
  
| class="mbox-image"|
Line 279: Line 273:
 
==References==
  
==References==
 
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-FCCaddress_0-0 ^]''' [http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/AsrSearch/asrRegistration.jsp?regKey=129481 FCC Antenna Structure Registration]
  
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-FCCaddress_0-0 ^]''' [http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/AsrSearch/asrRegistration.jsp?regKey=129481 FCC Antenna Structure Registration]
−
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-LP_1-0 ^]''' "Monday Afternoon TV Programs". ''Logansport Press'' (Logansport, IN): pp. 6. 1951-05-20.
+
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-LP_1-0 ^]''' "Monday Afternoon TV Programs". ''Logansport Press'' (Logansport, IN): pp. 6. 1951-05-20.
−
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-KT_2-0 ^]''' ''Kokomo Tribune'' (Kokomo, IN): pp. 14. 1950-10-21.
+
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-KT_2-0 ^]''' ''Kokomo Tribune'' (Kokomo, IN): pp. 14. 1950-10-21.
−
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-LP51_3-0 ^]''' "Friday Evening TV Programs". ''Logansport Press'' (Logansport, IN): pp. 6. 1951-05-04.
+
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-LP51_3-0 ^]''' "Friday Evening TV Programs". ''Logansport Press'' (Logansport, IN): pp. 6. 1951-05-04.
−
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-Billboard1954c_4-0 ^]''' "Syndicated Pix ARB Multi-City Ratings". ''Billboard'': 6. 1954-04-03.
+
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-Billboard1954c_4-0 ^]''' "Syndicated Pix ARB Multi-City Ratings". ''Billboard'': 6. 1954-04-03.
−
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-TADB_5-0 ^]''' "Television Schedule". ''Anderson Daily Bulletin'' (Anderson, IN): pp. 17. 1955-03-21.
+
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-TADB_5-0 ^]''' "Television Schedule". ''Anderson Daily Bulletin'' (Anderson, IN): pp. 17. 1955-03-21.
−
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-Boxoffice7_6-0 ^]''' [http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_111056-1 "Require Prime Evening Time for NTA Films"]. ''Boxoffice'': 13. November 10, 1956. http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_111056-1
+
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-Boxoffice7_6-0 ^]''' [http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_111056-1 "Require Prime Evening Time for NTA Films"]. ''Boxoffice'': 13. November 10, 1956. http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_111056-1
 
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-FCC_Form_387_7-0 ^]''' [http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231062&formid=387&fac_num=40877 FCC Form 387]
  
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-FCC_Form_387_7-0 ^]''' [http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231062&formid=387&fac_num=40877 FCC Form 387]
 
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-FCC_Form_DA-09-1253_8-0 ^]''' [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1253A1.pdf FCC Form DA-09-1253]
  
#'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRTV#cite_ref-FCC_Form_DA-09-1253_8-0 ^]''' [http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1253A1.pdf FCC Form DA-09-1253]

Revision as of 05:04, 10 April 2011

WRTV, channel 6, is the ABC television affiliate in Indianapolis, Indiana owned by McGraw Hill. Its transmitter is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis at 8001 Township Line Road.[1] Its studios are found at 1330 N. Meridian Street, in the middle of Indianapolis' Television Row.

WRTV
ABC RTV6 official6NEWS HD LOGO
Indianapolis, Indiana
Branding RTV6 (general)

6 News (newscasts)

Slogan On Your Side
Channels Digital: 25 (UHF)

Virtual: 6 (PSIP)

Subchannels 6.1 ABC

6.2 6News

Affiliations American Broadcasting Company
Owner McGraw-Hill

(McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company, Inc.)

First air date May 30, 1949
Call letters' meaning We aRe TeleVision
Former callsigns WFBM-TV (1949-1972)
Former channel number(s) Analog:

Channel 6 (1949-2009)

Former affiliations Primary:

CBS (1949-1956) NBC (1956-1979) Secondary: DuMont (1949-1955)[1] ABC (1954-1956)

Transmitter power 1000 kW
Height 294 m (HAAT)

296 m (AGL)

Class DT
Facility ID 40877
Transmitter coordinates 39°53′56.6″N 86°12′3.7″W

History

The station signed on the air on May 30, 1949 under the call sign WFBM-TV with a documentary entitled Crucible of Speed covering the history of the Indianapolis 500, followed by the inaugural live television broadcast of the event. It is Indiana's oldest television station. It was owned by the Bitner Group along with WFBM-AM 1260 (now WNDE).

It was originally a CBS affiliate with secondary ABC and DuMont affiliations. When WTTV signed on a few months later, WFBM shared ABC programming until 1954, when WISH-TV signed on and took over the ABC affiliation. WFBM-TV also aired programs from the short-lived Paramount Television Network, among them Time For Beany,[2] Dixie Showboat,[3] Hollywood Reel,[4] Cowboy G-Men,[5] and Hollywood Wrestling.[6] In 1956, WFBM took the NBC affiliation from WTTV. During the late 1950s, WFBM was also briefly affiliated with the NTA Film Network.[7]

Bitner merged with Time-Life in 1957. As part of a sale mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), WFBM-TV was sold to McGraw-Hill in 1972 along with sister station KLZ-TV (now KMGH-TV) in Denver, Colorado, KOGO-TV (now KGTV) in San Diego and KERO-TV in Bakersfield, California. The purchase price for the four stations in 1972 was 50 million dollars. At that time, the station assumed its current calls, WRTV. In 1979, WRTV traded affiliations with WTHR and became an ABC affiliate. NBC was the lowest rated network in the late 1970s while ABC rose to the ranks of the highest rated network that same time and was seeking out stronger local stations in many markets, thus motivating this affiliation switch in Indianapolis. WRTV is one of the few stations in the country to have been a primary affiliate of all three original networks.

As ABC carries the Indianapolis 500, in order to encourage attendance of the race among locals, WRTV has continued to tape-delay coverage of the race since coming back to ABC in 1979 rather than airing it live as it does throughout the nation, and airs it in primetime to assuage the concerns of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1999, WRTV did televise the Indianapolis 500 live, in addition to primetime.

WRTV today

WRTV has been a leader in adding innovation to Indiana broadcasting. Some of WRTV's innovations over the years, have included the first station in the state to broadcast in color, the first use of videotape, the first to use news mini-cams, the first use of microwave (a [pre-runner to satellite) (Insta-Cam), the first satellite truck (NewStar 6), the first cable news on NewsChannel 64 (now 6 News 24/7), the first use of non-linear digital editing, the first use of digital news cameras, the first entry into web publishing (www.theINDYchannel.com), and the first into cellphone delivery of news (6News OnTheGo) and VODcasting.

On September 10, 2007, WRTV launched a 7 p.m. newscast, a first for the Indianapolis market (and the second in Indiana). Station Vice President and General Manager Don Lundy attributes the decision to "longer commutes and longer work days" that prevent viewers from being home by 5 or 6. 6 NEWS First at 5:00, the first five o'clock newscast launched in 1988 remains at 5:00 p.m., and has been expanded to one-hour, followed by 6 NEWS at 6:00 then World News with Diane Sawyer at 6:30 p.m. and finally the evening news block concludes with 6 NEWS at 7:00.

WRTV led the ratings in Indianapolis for many years. As recently as the late 80's and very early 90's, WRTV's news audience often exceeded the combined audience of WISH and WTHR. Following the retirement of veteran anchor Howard Caldwell and other news mis-steps, WRTV's ratings began to tumble then spent most of the 1990s as a solid runner-up to WISH. However, it has never really recovered from a botched relaunch in 1996 and has spent most of the last decade in third place behind WTHR.

On March 17, 2010, WRTV announced a partnership with Hometown Sports to air live high school and college sporting events on 6.2 (6 News 24/7). Broadcasts will include football, basketball and baseball, but WRTV will not currently have rights to air IHSAA championship events. Details are still being worked out for the full launch.

Digital television

Channel Programming
6.1 WRTV
6.2 6 News 24/7

WRTV signed-off its analog signal on June 12, 2009, and continued to broadcast on its pre-transition digital channel 25.[8] Most receivers display WRTV's virtual channel as 6 through the use of PSIP.

Until the government-mandated digital transition on June 12, 2009, WRTV had to provide two call signs (legal IDs) in on-air spots, "WRTV/WRTV-DT Indianapolis". This allowed the station to identify both its analog and digital broadcast signals in the same message. On June 3, 2009, the FCC announced that following the digital transition stations would be allowed to revert to their analog call signs.[9] Since the call letters "WRTV" are only in use by a television station, the station elected to use only "WRTV INDIANAPOLIS" as its official call sign for the station currently broadcasting on RF channel 25.

Programming

WRTV clears nearly all content provided by the network.

Syndicated programming includes: Live with Regis & Kelly, The Nate Berkus Show, EXTRA, Judge Judy and The Insider.

Some of the specialty and paid programming includes Life Today with James Robison, Livin for the City, Joel Osteen and NASCAR Angels.

ABC in the Terre Haute Market

When WBAK in Terre Haute (now WFXW) left ABC for Fox, WRTV became the default ABC station for the Indiana side of the market. It is viewable in Terre Haute with a rooftop antenna and is carried by all cable systems on the Indiana side of the Terre Haute market. For the Illinois counties in the Terre Haute television market, many systems offer WICD from Champaign, Illinois or WEHT from Evansville, Indiana.

Newscasts

WRTV continues to air the entire ABC network schedule, although the station has no weekend morning local newscasts.

On October 12, 2008, WRTV became the third station in Indiana (and Indianapolis) to broadcast its newscasts in high definition. In the 6:00 p.m. weekend newscast, the station unveiled a number of new aspects to its newscasts; featuring all new graphics, an updated news set, all new opens and rejoins, as well as updated music from the "ABC Affiliate News Collection" (also known as "Eyewitness News"), and an updated logo for all newscasts.

Weekday newscast airtimes:

  • 6 NEWS Good Morning Indiana (Weekdays 4:30 - 7:00 a.m.)
  • 6 NEWS at Noon (Weekdays 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.)
  • 6 NEWS First at 5:00 (Weeknights 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.)
  • 6 NEWS at 5:30 (Weeknights 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.)
  • 6 NEWS at 6:00 (Weeknights 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.)
  • 6 NEWS at 7:00 (Weeknights 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • 6 NEWS Nightcast (Weeknights 11:00 - 11:35 p.m.)

Weekend newscast airtimes:

  • 6 NEWS Weekend (Weekends at 6:00 p.m., though may air at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., due to ESPN on ABC sports programming)
  • 6 NEWS Nightcast (Saturdays at 11:00 p.m., though may air at 11:30 p.m. or later, due to ESPN on ABC sports programming; Sundays at 11:00 p.m.)

News/station presentation

Newscast titles

  • TeleNews (1951–1960)
  • TV-6 News (1961–1965)
  • Channel 6 Early/Final Report (1966–1974)
  • The News (1974–1985)
  • Channel 6 News (1985–1989)
  • WRTV 6 News (1989–1998)[10]
  • Nightcast (11 p.m. newscast; 1998–present)
  • 6 News (1998–2001 and 2006–present)[11]
  • RTV6 News/The News At x:xx (2001–2006)

Station slogans

  • Channel 6`s The One You Can Turn To (1978-1979; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • The News Leader (1979–1985)
  • You and Me and Channel 6 (1980–1981; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • Now is the Time, Channel 6 is the Place (1981–1982; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • Come on Along with Channel 6 (1982–1983; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • That Special Feeling on Channel 6 (1983–1984; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • We`re With You on Channel 6 (1984-1985; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • Your Exclusive Newsstar Station (1985–1989)
  • Together On Channel 6 (1986-1987; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • Something's Happening on Channel 6 (1987-1990; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • Making a Difference for Indiana (1989–1996)[12]
  • Indiana's Watching Channel 6 (1990–1991; localized version of ABC "America's Watching ABC" ad campaign)
  • It Must Be WRTV / If It's WRTV, It Must Be ABC (1992-1993; localized version of ABC "It Must Be ABC" ad campaign)
  • Live, Local, Latebreaking (1996–1998)
  • TV is Good, on WRTV-6 (1997-1998; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • We Love TV, on WRTV-6 (1998-1999; localized version of ABC ad campaign)
  • Standing Up for You (1998–2001)
  • On Your Side (2006–present)

Station brand concepts

  • Watchdog focuses on consumer and citizen advocacy. The Watchdog team, which includes Norman Cox, Kara Kenney, Jack Rinehart and Rafael Sanchez, investigates government spending, rip-offs and scams, and criminal and political issues.
  • Tough Question focuses on reporter Joanna Massee getting answers for Hoosiers.

On-air staff

Current on-air staff (as of March 23, 2011)

Anchors

WRTVnewscast

WRTV primary weeknight anchors, Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd. This screenshot was taken in 2007, Wallace left WRTV in 2010.
  • Todd Connor - weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
  • Erica Flye - weeknights at 5 and 5:30 p.m.; also weeknight reporter
  • Chris Pisano - weekday mornings
  • Trisha Shepherd - weeknights at 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
  • Tanya Spencer - weekend anchor; also general assignment reporter
  • Grace Trahan - weekday mornings and noon

Storm Team 6

  • Kevin Gregory (AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval; NWA Member) - Chief Meteorologist; weeknights at 5, 6, 7 and 11 p.m.
  • Todd Klaassen - Meteorologist; weekends at 6 and 11 p.m.
  • Julia Sandstrom (AMS and NWA Seals of Approval) - Meteorologist; weekday mornings and noon

Sports Team

  • Dave Furst - Sports Director; weeknights at 6 and 11 p.m.
  • Brad Brown - weekend sports anchor; also sports reporter
  • Jason Spells - sports reporter

Reporters

  • Norman Cox - "Watchdog" (State House) reporter
  • Rick Hightower (BYU Grad)[13]- general assignment reporter
  • Kara Kenney - "Watchdog" (tax dollars) reporter
  • Joanna Massee - "Tough Question" reporter
  • Stacia Matthews - health reporter
  • Joni Michels - morning traffic reporter ("Live Drive Traffic")
  • Myrt Price - general assignment reporter
  • Julie Pursley - general assignment reporter
  • Jack Rinehart - "Watchdog" (crime/safety) reporter
  • Rafael Sanchez - "Watchdog" (consumer) reporter
  • Derrik Thomas - general assignment reporter
  • Chance Walser - general assignment reporter

Notable former staff

Trivia

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. The talk page may contain suggestions. (July 2009)
  • In 1993, local video of hockey game and the station logo is used in the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III.
  • Hal Fryar (aka "Harlow Hickenlooper") was one of nine local Three Stooges show hosts from across the country cast as villains in the Three Stooges full-length feature "The Outlaws Are Coming! The Outlaws Are Coming!"
  • Harlow Hickenlooper's famous rendition of "Happy Birthday", which always resulted in his getting a pie in the face, was patterned after Jerry Colonna who always exaggerated certain songs. It can be heard on Hal Fryar's website www.harlowhickenlooper.com.
  • Emily Gimmel, former reporter for WRTV, went on to star in the SOAPnet series Southern Belles: Louisville.
  • Dan O'Rourke, after news internship became WRTV's youngest reporter at age 21, and youngest anchor at 22.
  • Kevin Gregory (the chief meteorologist) is the son of former WTHR chief meteorologist Bob Gregory.
  • Bill Crawford, weatherman during the 1950s and early 1960s, was really a dentist by profession. Meteorology was only his hobby.
  • Bob McLain, who still appears occasionally, was the station's primary meteorologist from 1972 to 2001; he covered the Super Outbreak of 1974 and the Great Blizzard of 1978.

External links

References

  1. ^ FCC Antenna Structure Registration
  2. ^ "Monday Afternoon TV Programs". Logansport Press (Logansport, IN): pp. 6. 1951-05-20.
  3. ^ Kokomo Tribune (Kokomo, IN): pp. 14. 1950-10-21.
  4. ^ "Friday Evening TV Programs". Logansport Press (Logansport, IN): pp. 6. 1951-05-04.
  5. ^ "Syndicated Pix ARB Multi-City Ratings". Billboard: 6. 1954-04-03.
  6. ^ "Television Schedule". Anderson Daily Bulletin (Anderson, IN): pp. 17. 1955-03-21.
  7. ^ "Require Prime Evening Time for NTA Films". Boxoffice: 13. November 10, 1956. http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_111056-1
  8. ^ FCC Form 387
  9. ^ FCC Form DA-09-1253
  10. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6WFDxhVE00
  11. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is0gwbcjgGU
  12. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SMmTaWRrq4
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