WRTV, an ABC affiliate in Indianapolis, Indiana, has a rich history that dates back to its origins as WFBM-TV. As the first television station in Indiana, it has undergone significant transformations over the decades. This article explores the station's journey from its early days to its current role in the broadcasting landscape.
The Early Years: WFBM-TV
WRTV began its journey as WFBM-TV, signing on the air on May 30, 1949. It was founded by the Consolidated Television and
Radio Broadcasters, a subsidiary of the Bitner Group, which also owned the radio station WFBM. As the oldest television station in Indiana, WFBM-TV initially operated as a CBS affiliate. However, it also maintained secondary affiliations with ABC and the DuMont Television Network. The station's first broadcast was a documentary titled "Crucible of Speed," which focused on the Indianapolis 500 auto race, followed by the inaugural live television broadcast of the event.
In the 1950s, WFBM-TV expanded its programming by acquiring an FM sister station and becoming the market's NBC affiliate in 1956. This period marked the station's growth as it began to broadcast in color, becoming the first in Indiana to do so. The station's ownership changed hands in 1957 when Bitner sold its broadcasting interests to Time Inc., which later became Time-Life Broadcasting.
Transition to WRTV
The transition from WFBM-TV to WRTV occurred in the early 1970s. In 1970, McGraw-Hill acquired WFBM-AM-FM-TV, and by June 1972, the station adopted the call letters WRTV. This change was part of a broader strategy by McGraw-Hill to comply with new FCC regulations on media ownership. The station continued to evolve, and in 1979, it became an ABC affiliate, marking a significant shift in its programming and audience reach.
During the late 1970s, ABC's national ratings surged, prompting the network to seek stronger affiliates. This led to a swap in affiliations in Indianapolis, with WRTV becoming the market's new ABC affiliate. This move positioned WRTV as a key player in the Indianapolis television market, having been affiliated with all three major broadcast networks at different times.
Modern Developments and Ownership Changes
In the 1990s and 2000s, WRTV continued to innovate and adapt to the changing media landscape. It was the first station in Indianapolis to launch its own website and later offered a mobile website. In 2011, McGraw-Hill sold WRTV to the E. W. Scripps Company, which further expanded the station's capabilities by centralizing master control operations for its television stations.
The most recent change in ownership occurred in 2025 when Scripps sold WRTV to Circle City Broadcasting. This acquisition marked a new chapter for WRTV, as it became part of a larger network of stations in Indianapolis. Despite these changes, WRTV has maintained its commitment to delivering quality programming and news to its viewers, continuing its legacy as a pioneering broadcaster in Indiana.
