WCPO-TV, a prominent television station in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1949. As the third television station in Cincinnati, WCPO-TV has played a significant role in the local media landscape. This article delves into the early history of WCPO-TV, highlighting its beginnings, affiliations, and the changes it underwent in its formative years.
The Birth of WCPO-TV
WCPO-TV first signed on the air at noon on July 26, 1949. It was
a significant milestone for Cincinnati, marking the city's third television station. The station was initially operated on VHF channel 7 and was the third television station to be built from the ground up by the E. W. Scripps Company. This company had previously established WEWS in Cleveland and WMCT (now WMC-TV) in Memphis. The call letters for WCPO-TV were derived from its sister radio stations, WCPO (1230 AM, now WDBZ) and WCPO-FM (105.1 FM, now WUBE-FM), both of which were sold in 1966.
The station's original studios were located on Symmes Street in the Walnut Hills section of Cincinnati. This location was not only home to WCPO-TV but also housed the WCPO radio stations. The station's self-supporting transmission tower was adjacent to these studios, making it a central hub for broadcasting in the area.
Network Affiliations and Changes
Initially, WCPO-TV was a primary ABC affiliate, maintaining a secondary affiliation with the DuMont Television Network until DuMont's demise in 1956. However, the station's network affiliations were not static. On April 30, 1961, WCPO-TV traded network alignments with WKRC-TV, becoming a CBS affiliate as ABC moved to WKRC-TV. This change was influenced by WKRC-TV's owner, Cincinnati-based Taft Broadcasting, which had developed strong relations with ABC.
The station's channel position also changed following the FCC's Sixth Report and Order in 1952. All of Cincinnati's VHF stations, including WCPO-TV, changed channel positions. WCPO-TV was reassigned to channel 9, as the previous channel 7 allocation was shifted north to Dayton and later given to WHIO-TV. This channel shift occurred on March 10, 1953, and the station's transmitting power increased to the FCC's maximum of 316 kilowatts.
Modernization and Relocation
As WCPO-TV continued to grow, it underwent significant changes to modernize its facilities. On June 23, 1967, the station moved its studios into a new, modern facility on Central Avenue in downtown Cincinnati. This move marked a new era for WCPO-TV, allowing it to better serve its audience with updated technology and infrastructure.
The early history of WCPO-TV is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to providing quality broadcasting to the Cincinnati area. From its humble beginnings to its network changes and modernization efforts, WCPO-TV has remained a vital part of the local media landscape.
