WIVB-TV, a prominent television station in Buffalo, New York, has a rich history that dates back to the late 1940s. As a CBS affiliate, it has played a significant role in the broadcasting landscape of the region. This article explores the station's journey from its early days to its current status, highlighting key milestones and changes over the decades.
The Early Years: Establishment and Growth
WIVB-TV first signed on the air on May 14, 1948, under the call sign WBEN-TV. It was Buffalo's
first television station and the fifth-oldest in New York state. The station was originally owned by the Butler family, who also owned the Buffalo Evening News and WBEN radio. This connection to a major newspaper provided a strong foundation for the station's early success.
Initially, WBEN-TV was an NBC affiliate, airing popular programs like The Howdy Doody Show. However, in January 1949, the station switched to CBS, a partnership that continues to this day. During its early years, WBEN-TV also carried secondary affiliations with ABC and DuMont, reflecting the limited number of stations available in the market at the time.
The station operated from studios on the 18th floor of the Statler Hotel until 1960, when it moved to its current facilities on Elmwood Avenue. This move marked a significant step in the station's growth, allowing for expanded operations and improved production capabilities.
Changes in Ownership and Call Sign
The 1970s brought significant changes to WBEN-TV. In 1977, the station was sold to Robert Howard of Oceanside, California, for $25.5 million. This sale was part of a broader trend of media consolidation and ownership changes in the industry. As a result of the sale, the station's call sign was changed to WIVB-TV, which stands for "We're Channel IV Buffalo."
The call sign change was necessitated by an FCC regulation prohibiting TV and radio stations in the same city, but with different owners, from sharing the same call letters. Despite the change, the station continued to build on its legacy, maintaining its strong affiliation with CBS and its commitment to local news and programming.
In 1988, WIVB-TV was sold to King World Productions for $100 million. This acquisition was part of King World's strategy to expand its presence in the television market. However, the station's affiliation with CBS remained unchanged, ensuring continuity for its viewers.
Technological Advancements and Modern Era
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw WIVB-TV embrace new technologies and expand its programming. In 2001, the station's owner, LIN TV Corporation, purchased WNEQ-TV, which was relaunched as WNLO, a UPN affiliate. This acquisition allowed WIVB-TV to broaden its reach and offer more diverse content to its audience.
In 2012, WIVB-TV began broadcasting its newscasts in high definition, becoming the last station in the Buffalo market to make this transition. This upgrade was part of a broader industry trend towards HD broadcasting, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences.
In recent years, WIVB-TV has continued to adapt to changes in the media landscape. In 2014, the station was acquired by Media General, which later merged with Nexstar Broadcasting Group to form Nexstar Media Group. This merger brought WIVB-TV under the same ownership as other major stations in the region, including WGRZ and WNLO.
Today, WIVB-TV remains a key player in the Buffalo television market, known for its strong news coverage and commitment to serving the local community. Its journey from a small, family-owned station to a major affiliate of a national media group reflects the broader changes in the television industry over the past seven decades.
