WNAC-TV, a significant player in Boston's television landscape, has a rich history marked by affiliations, ownership changes, and eventual closure. Established in 1948, it was Boston's second television station and played a pivotal role in shaping the region's broadcasting scene. This article explores the station's journey from its early days to its final sign-off in 1982.
Early Beginnings and Affiliations
WNAC-TV first hit the airwaves on June 21, 1948, just days after WBZ-TV, making
it the second television station in Boston. Initially, it operated as a CBS affiliate, but it also carried programs from ABC and the DuMont Television Network. This diverse programming lineup helped establish WNAC-TV as a versatile broadcaster in its early years. The station was owned by General Tire, which had acquired the Yankee Network in 1943, and it shared facilities with WNAC radio.
In the 1950s, WNAC-TV expanded its affiliations, becoming a strong partner of the Paramount Television Network. This relationship allowed the station to broadcast popular programs like "Time For Beany" and "Hollywood Reel," further solidifying its place in Boston's media landscape. During this period, WNAC-TV also shared broadcasting rights for local sports, including the Boston Braves and Boston Red Sox games, with WBZ-TV.
Ownership Changes and Network Shifts
The 1960s brought significant changes to WNAC-TV. In 1961, the station switched its primary network affiliation from CBS to ABC, a move that lasted until 1972. This change was part of a broader strategy by RKO General, the station's owner, to align with different networks and maximize viewership. However, the station faced challenges, including a failed attempt by Storer Broadcasting to purchase a nearby station and move its transmitter closer to Boston, which would have impacted WNAC-TV's market position.
Despite these challenges, WNAC-TV continued to innovate, becoming the first station to televise Boston Bruins games in 1948. The station also navigated potential sales and network swaps, including a proposed but ultimately unfulfilled transaction with NBC in 1960.
The Final Years and Legacy
By the late 1970s, WNAC-TV was embroiled in legal and regulatory issues due to improprieties by its parent company, RKO General. These issues culminated in the loss of its broadcasting license in 1981. The FCC's decision was based on RKO's failure to disclose financial misconduct and accounting errors. Despite appeals, the station's license was revoked, and WNAC-TV signed off for the last time on May 22, 1982.
The station's legacy, however, lives on. WNEV-TV, which later became WHDH-TV, took over the channel 7 position, inheriting much of WNAC-TV's staff and programming contracts. Today, WHDH-TV claims WNAC-TV's pre-1982 history as its own, ensuring that the pioneering spirit of WNAC-TV continues to influence Boston's broadcasting landscape.
