WNDU-TV, a prominent television station in South Bend, Indiana, has undergone significant transformations since its inception. Originally founded by the University of Notre Dame, the station has evolved from a university project into a key player in the local media landscape. This article explores the station's journey from its early days to its current status as an NBC affiliate owned by Gray Media.
Early Beginnings and University Ownership
WNDU-TV first signed on the air on July 15, 1955,
as a project initiated by Notre Dame president Theodore Hesburgh. The station was initially broadcast on UHF channel 46 and was owned by the Michiana Telecasting Corporation, a subsidiary of the University of Notre Dame. The call letters WNDU were derived from the university's name, reflecting its origins and connection to the institution.
Despite being owned by a university, WNDU-TV operated as a full-fledged commercial station rather than a non-profit public broadcaster. This approach was similar to other university-owned stations like KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri. The station's early programming included popular shows such as Romper Room and the first local telecast of a Notre Dame football game, establishing its presence in the community.
Transition and Growth
In 1957, WNDU-TV moved to UHF channel 16, a change that was met with much fanfare. This move allowed the station to take over the NBC affiliation from WSJV, a relationship that has continued to this day. Over the years, WNDU-TV expanded its programming to include a variety of shows, including the children's program Sesame Street, which it aired until 1974 when PBS member station WNIT began broadcasting.
From 1967 to 1986, WNDU-TV produced Beyond Our Control, a locally produced sketch comedy program that was part of the station's involvement in the Junior Achievement program. This show provided high school students with valuable business and work experience, further cementing the station's role in the community.
Modern Developments and Ownership Changes
In 1995, the South Bend market experienced significant affiliation changes, with WSJV switching to Fox and W58BT becoming an ABC affiliate. Despite these shifts, WNDU-TV retained its NBC affiliation, demonstrating its stability and importance in the region.
The University of Notre Dame sold WNDU-TV to Gray Television in 2005 for $85 million, marking a new chapter in the station's history. The sale allowed the university to place the proceeds in an endowment, while Gray Television continued to build on the station's legacy. Under Gray's ownership, WNDU-TV was named station of the year by the Indiana Broadcasters Association in 2015 and 2016, highlighting its continued excellence in broadcasting.
Today, WNDU-TV remains a vital part of the South Bend community, providing news, entertainment, and educational programming to its viewers. Its journey from a university project to a media powerhouse is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to serving its audience.
