Milwaukee's Broadcast Beacon
Charting the evolution of WITI-TV, Milwaukee's Fox affiliate, from its early days as an independent station to its current role as a major network O&O.
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A Century of Broadcast Evolution
Inaugural Broadcast
WITI first signed on the air on May 21, 1956, commencing operations as an independent television station. Originally licensed to Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, it addressed technical short-spacing concerns with stations in Davenport, Iowa, before the FCC finalized signal spacing regulations. Initially, WITI affiliated with the NTA Film Network, broadcasting a library of films and syndicated content.
Network Swaps
The station's affiliation history is marked by several significant shifts. It began its first tenure with CBS in April 1959, later switching to ABC in April 1961. A notable reversal occurred in March 1977, when WITI rejoined CBS, swapping affiliations with WISN-TV. This period of network changes laid the groundwork for its eventual alignment with the Fox network.
The Fox Era Begins
A pivotal moment arrived on December 11, 1994, when WITI transitioned to become a Fox affiliate. This move was part of a larger industry realignment driven by Fox's acquisition of National Football Conference broadcast rights. The station's strong market position and established news operation made it an attractive asset for the growing Fox network.
Network Affiliations
Independent Roots
WITI commenced operations as an independent station in 1956, providing programming without a network affiliation. This early phase allowed the station to establish its local presence and programming identity in the Milwaukee market.
CBS & ABC Eras
From 1959 to 1961, WITI served as a CBS affiliate. This was followed by a significant period as an ABC affiliate from 1961 to 1977. The station then returned to CBS for a second tenure from 1977 until 1994, demonstrating its adaptability to network programming shifts.
Fox Dominance
Since December 1994, WITI has been a proud affiliate of the Fox Broadcasting Company. This affiliation has been its longest-standing, aligning the station with Fox's sports programming, including the NFL's National Football Conference, and its entertainment lineup.
Ownership Transitions
Early Ownership
Initially owned by Independent Television, Inc., WITI was later acquired by Storer Broadcasting in 1958. Subsequent ownership changes included Gillett Communications, SCI Television, and New World Pictures, reflecting the dynamic nature of the broadcast industry.
Corporate Evolution
In 1997, News Corporation acquired New World Communications, integrating WITI into its Fox Television Stations subsidiary. This marked a significant step, making WITI an owned-and-operated station of a major network. Later, Local TV LLC acquired the station, followed by Tribune Media, before Fox Television Stations ultimately re-acquired WITI in 2020.
Consolidation and Control
The station's ownership trajectory illustrates industry consolidation. Periods under Local TV and Tribune Media saw shared resources and operational agreements. The eventual repurchase by Fox Television Stations solidified its position as a key Fox O&O, aligning its strategic direction with the network's broader objectives.
Digital Channels
Primary Channel
WITI operates on virtual channel 6, broadcasting its main Fox programming in high definition (720p) over digital channel 31. This primary channel serves as the main conduit for the network's national content and the station's local news and programming.
Subchannel Offerings
Beyond its main channel, WITI offers multiple digital subchannels:
- WITI-DT2: Carries Antenna TV programming, featuring classic television series.
- WITI-DT3: Broadcasts programming from HSN (Home Shopping Network).
- WITI-DT4: Features Fox Weather, providing 24/7 weather coverage.
These subchannels expand the station's reach and programming diversity for viewers with digital antennas.
Channel Sharing
Since January 2018, WITI has shared its channel bandwidth with WVCY-TV (channel 30), a religious independent station. This arrangement allows both stations to operate efficiently within the allocated spectrum, with WVCY-TV retaining its license and must-carry rights.
News Operations
Market Presence
WITI's news department is a significant player in the Milwaukee market, producing an extensive 66.5 hours of local programming weekly. This high volume of news content positions it as a leading provider of local information in Wisconsin.
Competitive Landscape
The station's newscasts typically compete closely with WTMJ-TV and WISN-TV. While often finishing third overall, WITI's morning newscast, "Fox 6 Wake Up News," frequently leads its time slot. The 9 p.m. newscast also demonstrates strong performance, often outranking competitors' late-evening broadcasts.
Programming Highlights
Key local programming includes the morning news block, "Fox 6 Wake Up News," and the lifestyle program "Real Milwaukee." The station also produces sports-related content, such as the "Fox 6 Blitz" for Green Bay Packers coverage, and has a history of airing major sporting events, including NFL games and Milwaukee Brewers broadcasts.
Technical Specifications
Transmitter and Location
WITI's transmitter is situated in Shorewood, Wisconsin, atop a 1,037-foot (316-meter) tower. This location ensures robust signal coverage across the Milwaukee metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
Digital Transition
Following the nationwide analog-to-digital television transition on June 12, 2009, WITI ceased analog broadcasts on VHF channel 6. Its digital signal continues to operate on UHF channel 33, utilizing virtual channel 6. The station also supports descriptive video services for network programming.
Audio Services
Historically, WITI's analog VHF channel 6 audio was audible over 87.7 FM. Post-transition, the station explored alternative audio distribution methods, including an HD Radio subchannel agreement with WMIL-FM, providing news and weather content.
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References
References
- OnMedia: Jerry and his kids return to Channel 6 after a long absence, OnMilwaukee.com, June 9, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
- Back to Weekend Morning News for Channel 6, OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved November 18, 2010.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional media or broadcasting advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcast operations, media law, or historical accuracy. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
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