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WXFT-DT Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: WXFT-DT: History and Technical Profile

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WXFT-DT: History and Technical Profile Study Guide

Station Identity and Network Affiliation

WXFT-DT is licensed to the city of Chicago.

Answer: False

Explanation: The station WXFT-DT is licensed to Aurora, Illinois, not Chicago. It serves the Chicago metropolitan area.

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WXFT-DT is the primary Chicago-area outlet for the English-language network UniMás.

Answer: False

Explanation: UniMás is a Spanish-language network. WXFT-DT serves as its primary affiliate for the Chicago region, not an English-language network.

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The branding for WXFT-DT is 'Univision Chicago'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary branding for WXFT-DT is 'UniMás Chicago', not 'Univision Chicago'. Univision is a separate network also operated by TelevisaUnivision.

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Channel 60 officially became WXFT and joined the Telefutura network on January 14, 2002.

Answer: True

Explanation: On January 14, 2002, channel 60 transitioned its call sign to WXFT and was integrated into the Telefutura network as a charter owned-and-operated station.

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UniMás is a network primarily targeting English-speaking audiences in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: UniMás is specifically designed to target Spanish-speaking audiences within the United States, offering programming in Spanish.

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The call sign WXFT was chosen because the letters 'WCFT' were already in use.

Answer: True

Explanation: The call sign WXFT is understood to have been selected due to the prior utilization of the 'WCFT' designation by another entity.

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Which network does WXFT-DT serve as the Chicago-area outlet for?

Answer: UniMás

Explanation: WXFT-DT functions as the primary Chicago-area affiliate for the UniMás television network.

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What is the primary branding used for WXFT-DT?

Answer: UniMás Chicago

Explanation: The station is primarily branded as 'UniMás Chicago'.

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When did channel 60 officially change its call letters to WXFT and join the Telefutura network?

Answer: January 14, 2002

Explanation: The transition of channel 60 to the WXFT call sign and its affiliation with the Telefutura network occurred on January 14, 2002.

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What is UniMás?

Answer: A Spanish-language broadcast television network in the US

Explanation: UniMás is a prominent Spanish-language broadcast television network operating within the United States, owned by TelevisaUnivision.

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What is the likely meaning behind the call sign WXFT?

Answer: Chicago/Xtreme Telefutura

Explanation: The call sign WXFT is widely interpreted as 'Chicago/Xtreme Telefutura,' derived from the network it initially joined and the city it serves, with 'WCFT' already being in use.

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Ownership and Corporate Evolution

TelevisaUnivision owns and operates both WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT in the Chicago market.

Answer: True

Explanation: TelevisaUnivision, a major media conglomerate, holds ownership and operational control over both WXFT-DT and its sister station WGBO-DT within the Chicago broadcast landscape.

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Eychaner purchased WBBS-TV for $11 million in October 1985.

Answer: True

Explanation: In October 1985, an individual named Eychaner acquired WBBS-TV through a transaction valued at $11 million.

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WPWR-TV moved to channel 50 in 1987, and the channel 60 allocation was subsequently sold to the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

Answer: True

Explanation: WPWR-TV relocated its broadcast to channel 50 in 1987. Concurrently, the channel 60 allocation was divested to the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

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The Walt Disney Company was the sole bidder for USA Broadcasting's television stations in 2000.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Walt Disney Company was among the bidders for USA Broadcasting's stations in 2000, but it was not the sole bidder; Univision ultimately acquired the properties.

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Univision Communications sold the over-the-air spectrum of WXFT-DT in an FCC auction for $126.1 million in 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: In April 2017, Univision Communications successfully divested the over-the-air spectrum associated with WXFT-DT through an FCC auction, realizing $126.1 million.

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WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT are competitors serving different media markets.

Answer: False

Explanation: WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT are not competitors in separate markets; they are sister stations owned by TelevisaUnivision and both serve the same Chicago metropolitan media market.

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Who is the owner and operator of WXFT-DT?

Answer: TelevisaUnivision

Explanation: TelevisaUnivision is the corporate entity that owns and operates WXFT-DT.

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For how much did Eychaner purchase WBBS-TV in October 1985?

Answer: $11 million

Explanation: The acquisition of WBBS-TV by Eychaner in October 1985 was completed at a price point of $11 million.

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What was the sale price for the channel 60 allocation when it was sold to the Home Shopping Network (HSN)?

Answer: $25 million

Explanation: The channel 60 allocation was sold to the Home Shopping Network (HSN) for $25 million.

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Which company, besides Univision, was a bidder for USA Broadcasting's stations in 2000?

Answer: The Walt Disney Company

Explanation: The Walt Disney Company was among the entities that submitted bids for the USA Broadcasting television stations during the 2000 acquisition process.

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What was the total price Univision Communications paid for the USA Broadcasting stations?

Answer: $1.1 billion

Explanation: Univision Communications finalized the acquisition of the USA Broadcasting stations for a total sum of $1.1 billion.

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What significant transaction involving WXFT-DT's spectrum occurred in April 2017?

Answer: It was sold in an FCC auction for $126.1 million.

Explanation: In April 2017, the over-the-air spectrum allocated to WXFT-DT was sold via an FCC auction, generating $126.1 million.

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What does the term 'owned and operated' (O&O) signify for a TV station like WXFT-DT?

Answer: The station is directly owned and controlled by the network it broadcasts for.

Explanation: An 'owned and operated' (O&O) station signifies direct ownership and control by the network it represents, distinguishing it from independently owned affiliated stations. WXFT-DT is an O&O of UniMás.

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What is the relationship between WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT?

Answer: They are sister stations owned by TelevisaUnivision.

Explanation: WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT are classified as sister stations, both falling under the ownership umbrella of TelevisaUnivision and serving the Chicago metropolitan area.

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Technical Specifications and Transmission

WXFT-DT transmits its signal from an antenna located on top of the Willis Tower.

Answer: True

Explanation: The transmission antenna for WXFT-DT is indeed situated atop the Willis Tower, a common practice for major broadcasters in the Chicago area.

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WXFT-DT's transmitter caught fire atop the Willis Tower in December 2006.

Answer: True

Explanation: A significant incident occurred on December 6, 2006, when WXFT-DT's transmitter, located atop the Willis Tower, experienced a malfunction resulting in a fire.

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WXFT-DT ceased its analog broadcast on June 12, 2009, moving to digital channel 50.

Answer: True

Explanation: As part of the national digital television transition, WXFT-DT concluded its analog transmissions on June 12, 2009. Its digital signal subsequently moved to UHF channel 50.

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Following the analog shutdown, WXFT-DT's digital signal moved to UHF channel 59.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-analog shutdown, WXFT-DT's digital signal was reassigned to UHF channel 50, not channel 59.

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WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT upgraded to high definition broadcasts in December 2009.

Answer: True

Explanation: In December 2009, both WXFT-DT and its sister station WGBO-DT implemented upgrades to their primary digital channels, enabling high-definition broadcasts in 16:9 1080i format.

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WXFT-DT entered into a channel sharing agreement with WLS-TV in June 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: Subsequent to the sale of its spectrum, WXFT-DT established a channel sharing agreement with WLS-TV, commencing in June 2017.

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A virtual channel number, like WXFT-DT's 60, always corresponds to the station's physical broadcast frequency.

Answer: False

Explanation: A virtual channel number, such as WXFT-DT's 60, does not necessarily align with its physical broadcast frequency. For WXFT-DT, the virtual channel is 60, while its digital physical channel is 50.

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The Willis Tower is significant for WXFT-DT because its antenna is located there.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Willis Tower serves as a critical transmission point for WXFT-DT, housing its broadcast antenna as part of a channel sharing agreement.

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WXFT-DT's effective radiated power (ERP) is 1,000 watts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The effective radiated power (ERP) for WXFT-DT is significantly higher, measured at 1,000 kilowatts, not 1,000 watts.

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The height above average terrain (HAAT) for WXFT-DT's transmitter is approximately 1,700 feet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The height above average terrain (HAAT) for WXFT-DT's transmitter is documented as approximately 1,699 feet, which is equivalent to 518 meters.

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The transmitter coordinates for WXFT-DT are located in Wisconsin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The transmitter coordinates for WXFT-DT place it within Illinois, specifically at 41°52'44" N latitude and 87°38'8" W longitude, not in Wisconsin.

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The FCC assigns WXFT-DT's virtual channel number but does not regulate its effective radiated power.

Answer: False

Explanation: The FCC regulates both the assignment of virtual channel numbers and the effective radiated power (ERP) for television stations like WXFT-DT.

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From where does WXFT-DT transmit its signal?

Answer: The top of the Willis Tower

Explanation: WXFT-DT transmits its signal from an antenna located atop the Willis Tower.

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What incident occurred at WXFT-DT's transmitter in December 2006?

Answer: A malfunction and fire

Explanation: In December 2006, WXFT-DT's transmitter experienced a significant malfunction that resulted in a fire.

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On what date did WXFT-DT cease its analog broadcast?

Answer: June 12, 2009

Explanation: WXFT-DT concluded its analog television broadcast operations on June 12, 2009, aligning with the nationwide digital transition mandate.

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After the analog shutdown, WXFT-DT's digital signal moved to which UHF channel?

Answer: Channel 50

Explanation: Following the cessation of analog broadcasts, WXFT-DT's digital signal was reassigned to UHF channel 50.

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In what month and year did WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT upgrade their broadcasts to high definition?

Answer: December 2009

Explanation: Both WXFT-DT and its sister station WGBO-DT advanced their broadcast capabilities to high definition in December 2009.

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What is a channel sharing agreement, as applied to WXFT-DT?

Answer: An agreement allowing multiple stations to use the same digital broadcast frequency.

Explanation: A channel sharing agreement permits multiple television stations to utilize a single digital broadcast frequency, as WXFT-DT does with WLS-TV.

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What is the significance of the Willis Tower in relation to WXFT-DT's transmission?

Answer: Its antenna is used by WXFT-DT for transmission.

Explanation: The Willis Tower is significant for WXFT-DT as its broadcast antenna is located atop the structure, facilitating signal transmission.

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What is the effective radiated power (ERP) of WXFT-DT?

Answer: 1,000 kilowatts

Explanation: The effective radiated power (ERP) for WXFT-DT is stated as 1,000 kilowatts.

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What is the approximate height above average terrain (HAAT) for WXFT-DT's transmitter?

Answer: Both A and B

Explanation: The height above average terrain (HAAT) for WXFT-DT's transmitter is approximately 518 meters, which is equivalent to 1,699 feet.

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Historical Broadcast Development

WLXT-TV was the first station to broadcast on channel 60 in the Chicago area, operating from 1969 to 1970.

Answer: True

Explanation: WLXT-TV holds the distinction of being the inaugural station to broadcast on UHF channel 60 in the Chicago market, with its operational period spanning from May 1969 to July 1970.

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WLXT-TV operated successfully as an independent station for over five years before ceasing operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: WLXT-TV operated as an independent station for a period of 14 months, not over five years, before its operations concluded.

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Tom Skilling began his television career at WLXT-TV.

Answer: True

Explanation: The prominent meteorologist Tom Skilling, known for his tenure at WGN-TV, commenced his television career at WLXT-TV.

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Applications for the channel 60 allocation reopened in 1985.

Answer: False

Explanation: The applications for the channel 60 allocation were reopened in 1978, not 1985.

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Several applicants proposed establishing a new English-language television station for the channel 60 allocation in 1978.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1978, the proposals for the channel 60 allocation predominantly focused on establishing a new Spanish-language television station, not English-language.

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HATCO-60 and Metrowest Corporation agreed to a shared-time arrangement for channel 60 in late 1981.

Answer: True

Explanation: An agreement for a shared-time broadcast arrangement on channel 60 was indeed finalized between HATCO-60 and Metrowest Corporation during the latter part of 1981.

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Under the shared-time agreement, Metrowest broadcast during the evening hours, while HATCO-60 broadcast during the day.

Answer: False

Explanation: The shared-time arrangement stipulated that Metrowest broadcast during the daytime and early evening (until 7 PM), while HATCO-60 operated during the late evening and overnight hours (from 7 PM to 2:30 AM).

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Channel 60's shared-time operation made it the first split-licensed station in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: While channel 60 was unique as a split-licensed station in the United States, it was not the first; it was the first to operate in this manner in over two decades.

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WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV were the call signs for the stations operating on channel 60 starting in April 1982.

Answer: True

Explanation: Commencing in April 1982, WPWR-TV (operated by Metrowest) and WBBS-TV (operated by HATCO-60) were the designated call signs for the stations broadcasting on channel 60.

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SportsVision transitioned to a cable-only channel in January 1984 after its broadcast on WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following a period of limited success on WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV, SportsVision ceased its over-the-air broadcasts and transitioned to a cable-exclusive format in January 1984.

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Under USA Broadcasting's 'CityVision' plan, WEHS was intended to become a Spanish-language network affiliate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'CityVision' initiative by USA Broadcasting planned for WEHS to operate as a general entertainment independent station, not specifically as a Spanish-language network affiliate.

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Channel 60 has historically been affiliated with the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, channel 60 has indeed been affiliated with the Home Shopping Network (HSN) during a period of its operational history.

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Historically, channel 60 has been affiliated with Telemundo through the NetSpan service.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, channel 60's predecessor, WBBS-TV, was affiliated with NetSpan, which subsequently evolved into the Telemundo network.

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How long did WLXT-TV operate before closing?

Answer: 14 months

Explanation: WLXT-TV operated as an independent station for a duration of 14 months prior to ceasing its operations.

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Which of the following individuals began their television career at WLXT-TV?

Answer: Christine Lund

Explanation: Christine Lund, who later achieved recognition as a news anchor, initiated her television career at WLXT-TV.

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When did applications for the channel 60 allocation become available again after WLXT-TV's closure?

Answer: 1978

Explanation: Following the closure of WLXT-TV, the Federal Communications Commission reopened the application process for the channel 60 allocation in the year 1978.

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What type of station was proposed by multiple applicants for channel 60 in 1978?

Answer: A Spanish-language television station

Explanation: In 1978, numerous applicants proposed the establishment of a new Spanish-language television station to utilize the channel 60 allocation.

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What arrangement did HATCO-60 and Metrowest Corporation agree to for channel 60?

Answer: A shared-time broadcast agreement

Explanation: HATCO-60 and Metrowest Corporation entered into a shared-time broadcast agreement to operate on channel 60.

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Which station operated during the evening and late-night hours under the channel 60 shared-time agreement?

Answer: HATCO-60 (WBBS-TV)

Explanation: Under the shared-time agreement for channel 60, HATCO-60 (WBBS-TV) was allocated the evening and late-night broadcast hours.

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Which of the following was NOT a previous call sign or identifier for channel 60 in Chicago before it became WXFT?

Answer: WGBO

Explanation: Previous call signs and identifiers for channel 60 included WLXT-TV, WBBS-TV, and WEHS. WGBO is a separate station, also owned by TelevisaUnivision, but not historically associated with channel 60's primary identity.

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Which historical affiliation is mentioned for channel 60 via the NetSpan service?

Answer: Telemundo

Explanation: Channel 60's historical affiliation through the NetSpan service is noted as being with Telemundo.

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Programming and Content

WBBS-TV primarily featured an English-language programming format.

Answer: False

Explanation: WBBS-TV was dedicated to a Spanish-language entertainment format, encompassing local news, telenovelas, and other programming tailored for Hispanic audiences.

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The music video program 'Imagen' on WBBS-TV was hosted by Rey Mena and Vivianne Plazas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The music video program titled 'Imagen,' broadcast on WBBS-TV, featured Rey Mena and Vivianne Plazas as its hosts.

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WBBS-TV introduced the band Menudo, featuring Ricky Martin, to Chicago's Anglo community in 1983.

Answer: False

Explanation: WBBS-TV introduced the band Menudo, which included Ricky Martin, to Chicago's Latino community, not its Anglo community.

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SportsVision, a subscription service broadcasting sporting events, was shared by WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV.

Answer: True

Explanation: WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV jointly carried SportsVision, a subscription service dedicated to broadcasting sporting events.

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After SportsVision's departure, WPWR-TV began airing primarily live, contemporary programming.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the cessation of SportsVision broadcasts, WPWR-TV's programming shifted to public domain movies, classic sitcoms, and cartoons, rather than live, contemporary content.

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Currently, WXFT-DT broadcasts UniMás on channel 60.1, Ion Mystery on 60.2, and Quest on 60.3.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current broadcast schedule for WXFT-DT includes UniMás on virtual channel 60.1, Ion Mystery on 60.2, and Quest on 60.3.

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The website http://tv.univision.com/unimas/ is listed as the programming website for WXFT-DT.

Answer: True

Explanation: The specified URL, http://tv.univision.com/unimas/, is indeed identified as the programming website associated with WXFT-DT, directing users to the UniMás network.

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What was the programming format of WBBS-TV?

Answer: Spanish-language entertainment, including telenovelas and local news

Explanation: WBBS-TV's programming consisted of Spanish-language entertainment, featuring telenovelas, local news segments, and other culturally relevant shows.

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Which musical group, featuring a young Ricky Martin, was introduced to Chicago's Latino community by WBBS-TV in 1983?

Answer: Menudo

Explanation: In 1983, WBBS-TV facilitated the introduction of the musical group Menudo, which notably included Ricky Martin, to Chicago's Latino demographic.

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What subscription television service did WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV share before it transitioned to cable-only?

Answer: SportsVision

Explanation: WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV jointly broadcast SportsVision, a subscription service focused on sporting events, prior to its transition to a cable-exclusive platform.

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What happened to WPWR-TV's programming after SportsVision ceased broadcasting on the station?

Answer: It aired public domain movies, cartoons, and classic sitcoms.

Explanation: Following the departure of SportsVision, WPWR-TV's programming schedule was filled with public domain movies, classic sitcoms, and cartoons from the 1950s.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a current subchannel broadcast by WXFT-DT?

Answer: Univision

Explanation: While WXFT-DT broadcasts UniMás, Ion Mystery, and Quest on its subchannels, Univision is not listed among its current subchannel offerings.

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Studio and Operational Facilities

The shared studios for WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT are located in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago.

Answer: True

Explanation: The broadcast facilities housing both WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT are situated on Fairbanks Court within Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood.

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What is WXFT-DT licensed to?

Answer: Aurora, Illinois

Explanation: WXFT-DT is officially licensed to the city of Aurora, Illinois, serving the broader Chicago metropolitan area.

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Where are the shared studios of WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT located?

Answer: Fairbanks Court, Streeterville neighborhood

Explanation: The shared studio facilities for WXFT-DT and WGBO-DT are situated in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, specifically on Fairbanks Court.

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General Information and Identification

No questions available for this topic.