What is the primary call sign and city of license for the television station discussed in the article?

The television station discussed in the article is WPWR-TV, which is licensed to Gary, Indiana.

What is the current branding of WPWR-TV, and what network does it primarily affiliate with?

WPWR-TV is currently branded as Fox Chicago Plus and primarily affiliates with MyNetworkTV. It previously held affiliations with UPN and The CW.

Who is the current owner of WPWR-TV?

WPWR-TV is owned by Fox Television Stations, LLC.

What other television station does Fox Television Stations, LLC own in the Chicago market, and where do these stations share studios and transmitter facilities?

Fox Television Stations, LLC also owns WFLD (channel 32) in the Chicago market. Both stations share studios on North Michigan Avenue in the Chicago Loop and transmitter facilities atop the Willis Tower.

When did WPWR-TV first sign on the air, and what was its initial operational setup?

WPWR-TV first signed on the air on April 4, 1982. Initially, it operated as a shared station, broadcasting on UHF channel 60 with a split schedule between English-language WPWR-TV and Spanish-language WBBS-TV.

Who were the main applicants involved in the shared station operation that led to WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV?

The shared station operation was a result of an agreement between HATCO-60, owned by Chicago Hispanic marketing agency owner Marcelino Miyares and other partners, and Metrowest Corporation, owned by Fred Eychaner, which later became Newsweb Corporation.

What was the initial city of license for WPWR-TV and WBBS-TV, and where did they operate their transmitter from?

WPWR-TV was initially licensed to Aurora, Illinois, while WBBS-TV was licensed to West Chicago. Both stations operated from the same transmitter located on the Sears Tower.

What significant programming occupied a large portion of WPWR-TV's schedule in its early years, and what was its purpose?

A large percentage of WPWR's early programming schedule was dedicated to SportsVision, a new pay television service developed through a deal with Chicago White Sox co-owners Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn. Viewers needed a converter and a monthly fee to watch telecasts of Chicago sports teams.

How did SportsVision evolve after its initial run on WPWR-TV?

SportsVision was not successful as a broadcast service on WPWR-TV and transitioned into a cable channel in January 1983, eventually evolving into SportsChannel Chicago.

What types of programming did WPWR-TV acquire after SportsVision was removed from its schedule?

After SportsVision's removal, WPWR-TV began airing public domain movies on weekends, and acquired shows from fellow independent station WSNS-TV. It also aired national business programming from the Financial News Network (FNN) on weekdays and later added classic sitcoms and older cartoons.

What was the programming focus of WBBS-TV during its operation?

WBBS-TV programmed channel 60 daily from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., serving Chicago's Hispanic community with programming that included telenovelas, movies, and locally produced shows like the music video program 'Imagen'.

What significant event involving the band Menudo occurred on WBBS-TV in 1983?

In 1983, WBBS-TV introduced the Latin teen pop group Menudo, which included Ricky Martin, to Chicago's Latino community.

What was Fred Eychaner's strategy to make WPWR-TV a full-time station?

Fred Eychaner acquired a majority stake in Great Lakes Broadcasting and its construction permit for WDAI (channel 56). He then paid Northwest Indiana Public Broadcasting to switch the statuses of channel 50 and 56, allowing WDAI to be built on the Sears Tower and WCAE to move to channel 56. This paved the way for WPWR-TV to eventually move to channel 50.

What was the outcome of the channel swap involving WPWR-TV's license?

The FCC approved the channel swaps in March 1986. This allowed Eychaner's station to move to channel 50, which was better positioned for broadcast. Northwest Indiana Public Broadcasting used the funds to rebuild channel 50 as WYIN, which returned to the air in November 1987.

What market changes led to WBBS-TV shutting down and WPWR-TV becoming a 24-hour operation?

When WSNS-TV switched to Univision and WCIU-TV affiliated with NetSpan, WBBS-TV's owner, Miyares, found his station's market position threatened. He reduced WBBS-TV's programming and sold weekday time periods to Eychaner, allowing WPWR to broadcast full-time on weekdays. WBBS-TV ceased operations in early 1986, and Eychaner purchased its license, making WPWR-TV a 24-hour station.

When did WPWR-TV officially move to channel 50, and what was the first program aired on its new frequency?

WPWR-TV moved to channel 50 on January 18, 1987. The first program it aired on its new frequency was a rerun of the anthology series 'Night Gallery'.

How did WPWR-TV establish itself in the Chicago market after moving to channel 50?

After moving to channel 50 and operating full-time, WPWR-TV acquired a diverse programming lineup including cartoons, sitcoms, dramas, and syndicated shows. It firmly established itself as the third-largest independent station in Chicago, behind WGN-TV and WFLD.

When did WPWR-TV become a charter affiliate of UPN, and who was its owner at that time?

WPWR-TV signed an affiliation agreement with Chris-Craft/United Television to become a charter affiliate of UPN, which launched on January 16, 1995. At that time, the station was owned by Newsweb Corporation.

When did Fox Television Stations acquire WPWR-TV, and for how much?

Newsweb Corporation sold WPWR-TV to Fox Television Stations on June 27, 2002, for $425 million. The sale was finalized on August 21, 2002.

What was the significance of Fox Television Stations owning WPWR-TV, WWOR-TV, and KCOP-TV in relation to UPN?

With the acquisition of WPWR-TV, Fox Television Stations owned UPN's three largest affiliates, as it already owned WWOR-TV in New York City and KCOP-TV in Los Angeles. This ownership structure led to speculation about UPN's future, as its parent company also owned stations affiliated with the Fox network.

What new network did Fox Television Stations launch in 2006, and how did WPWR-TV become involved?

In February 2006, Fox announced the launch of its own network, MyNetworkTV. WPWR-TV, along with other Fox-owned UPN affiliates, served as a nucleus for this new network.

How did WPWR-TV's branding change in anticipation of its affiliation with MyNetworkTV?

In anticipation of the MyNetworkTV launch, WPWR-TV changed its on-air branding to 'Power 50' for a period. It then began using the 'My50' brand in advertisements and officially adopted it in July 2006, becoming a MyNetworkTV owned-and-operated station upon the network's launch in September 2006.

What was the proposed trade involving WPWR-TV in 2014, and why did it not materialize?

In September 2014, Fox Television Stations considered trading WPWR-TV to Tribune Broadcasting in exchange for Tribune's Seattle Fox affiliate, KCPQ. This was part of Fox's strategy to acquire stations in markets with NFL teams. However, discussions were ongoing, and ultimately, WPWR was no longer included in the negotiations, and Fox did not acquire KCPQ.

When did WPWR-TV switch its primary affiliation to The CW, and what happened to its previous affiliation?

WPWR-TV switched its primary affiliation to The CW on September 1, 2016. This occurred after Tribune Broadcasting decided not to renew The CW's affiliation with WGN-TV, allowing WGN-TV to become an independent station. WPWR-TV retained MyNetworkTV as a secondary affiliation.

What was unique about Chicago becoming The CW's affiliate on WPWR-TV?

The affiliation made Chicago the largest market where The CW and MyNetworkTV shared a primary channel affiliation on a single station. It was also the first time a network's owned-and-operated station chose to carry another network owned by its parent company as a secondary affiliation.

When did WPWR-TV cease being a primary affiliate of The CW, and what programming did it return to?

WPWR-TV ceased being a primary affiliate of The CW on August 31, 2019. Weigel Broadcasting's WCIU-TV took over as The CW's Chicago-area affiliate. WPWR-TV then returned MyNetworkTV programming to its prime time weeknight schedule and reverted to the 'My50 Chicago' branding.

What is the current branding of WPWR-TV as of September 2024?

As of September 23, 2024, WPWR-TV was rebranded as 'Fox Chicago Plus', aligning with the branding of other Fox-owned MyNetworkTV stations that use a 'plus' suffix to complement their Fox sister stations.

Does WPWR-TV regularly broadcast local news programming?

No, WPWR-TV is noted as the only major television station in the Chicago market that has never aired regularly scheduled local news programming of any kind.

What is the true-crime documentary series aired by WPWR-TV, and what recognition did it receive?

WPWR-TV airs 'Case Files Chicago with Andy Hale,' a true-crime documentary series profiling unsolved homicides and violent crimes in the Chicago area. An episode profiling the unsolved murder of Anthony 'TJ' Green was nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Chicago/Midwest Chapter.

What sports teams' games has WPWR-TV broadcast?

WPWR-TV has broadcast games for the Major League Soccer franchise Chicago Fire S.C. and the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves. It also carries select preseason games and team-related programming for the Chicago Bears and has broadcast overflow telecasts of Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball games.

What new sports leagues' games will WPWR-TV broadcast starting in 2025?

Starting in 2025, WPWR-TV will broadcast games for the Chicago Hounds of Major League Rugby and the Chicago Stars FC of the National Women's Soccer League.

What was WPWR-TV's digital channel before it began channel-sharing with WFLD?

Before channel-sharing with WFLD, WPWR-TV maintained its main channel on digital channel 50.1 and also had a mobile DTV feed of its main channel on 50.1.

When did WPWR-TV shut down its analog signal?

WPWR-TV shut down its analog signal on UHF channel 50 on June 12, 2009, as part of the nationwide transition from analog to digital television broadcasts.

What was the financial outcome of WPWR-TV selling its spectrum in the FCC's incentive auction?

WPWR-TV sold its spectrum for $160,748,259 during the FCC's incentive auction in April 2017.

What is the resolution and aspect ratio of WPWR-TV's main digital subchannel?

WPWR-TV's main digital subchannel (50.1) broadcasts in 720p resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

What was the original meaning of the call sign WPWR?

The call sign WPWR originally meant 'Power'.

What was the first affiliation for WPWR-TV after its initial independent run?

After operating as an independent station from 1982 to 1995, WPWR-TV's first network affiliation was with UPN, starting in January 1995.

What was the role of Fred Eychaner in the early history of WPWR-TV?

Fred Eychaner, through Metrowest Corporation and later Newsweb Corporation, was a key applicant for the channel license and played a crucial role in acquiring the channel 50 license and making WPWR-TV a full-time station, eventually selling it to Fox Television Stations.

What was the significance of the channel swap involving channel 50 and channel 56 in Gary, Indiana?

The channel swap allowed WPWR-TV's license holder, Metrowest Corporation, to move its station to channel 50, which was better positioned for broadcast from the Sears Tower, enabling it to become a full-time station. It also allowed the non-commercial station WCAE to move to channel 56.

How did Fox Television Stations consolidate its ownership of major UPN affiliates?

Fox Television Stations acquired WPWR-TV in Chicago, adding to its existing ownership of WWOR-TV in New York City and KCOP-TV in Los Angeles, thereby consolidating ownership of three of UPN's largest affiliates.

What was the primary reason for WGN-TV dropping its CW affiliation in 2016?

Tribune Broadcasting decided not to renew The CW's affiliation with WGN-TV after their initial ten-year agreement expired on September 1, 2016. This allowed WGN-TV to operate as an independent station and fully commit to its local sports schedule without network preemption restrictions.

What is the relationship between WPWR-TV and WFLD in terms of branding and operations?

WPWR-TV is owned by Fox Television Stations alongside WFLD. They share studios and transmitter facilities, and WPWR-TV's branding has evolved, currently being 'Fox Chicago Plus,' which aligns with its sister station's branding.

What programming service did WPWR-TV carry as a secondary affiliation after becoming The CW affiliate?

After becoming The CW's primary affiliate in September 2016, WPWR-TV retained MyNetworkTV as a secondary affiliation, airing its programming in late night hours.

What was the original analog channel number for WPWR-TV?

WPWR-TV originally broadcast on analog channel 60 from 1982 to 1987 before moving to analog channel 50.

What is the current digital channel number for WPWR-TV?

WPWR-TV currently broadcasts on digital channel 24 (UHF), sharing spectrum with WFLD.

What is the virtual channel number for WPWR-TV?

WPWR-TV uses virtual channel 50.

What was the purpose of the FCC's incentive auction in which WPWR-TV participated?

The FCC's incentive auction allowed television stations to voluntarily sell their spectrum space, which was then repurposed for wireless services. WPWR-TV sold its spectrum for over $160 million in this auction.

What is the significance of WPWR-TV's license being in Gary, Indiana, for the Chicago market?

WPWR-TV is one of only two commercial television stations licensed in Indiana that serve the Chicago media market, the other being WJYS in Hammond, Indiana. This geographical licensing is a notable characteristic for stations serving a major metropolitan area.

What was the initial motivation for Fred Eychaner to acquire a stake in Great Lakes Broadcasting and its WDAI construction permit?

Fred Eychaner saw an opportunity to acquire a license that would allow WPWR-TV to broadcast full-time. By acquiring the WDAI permit for channel 56 and facilitating a channel swap, he enabled WPWR-TV to move to the more advantageous channel 50.

What was the financial value of the deal when Fox Television Stations acquired WPWR-TV?

Fox Television Stations acquired WPWR-TV for $425 million from Newsweb Corporation.

What programming replaced MyNetworkTV on WPWR-TV's weeknight schedule after it dropped The CW affiliation in 2019?

After dropping The CW affiliation in 2019, WPWR-TV returned MyNetworkTV programming to its weeknight schedule from 8 to 10 p.m. It also began airing a four-episode block of 'Chicago P.D.' on Tuesday evenings.

Wpwr-tv Wiki: Chicago's Broadcast Beacon: The WPWR-TV Story

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Station Overview

Licensing and Market

WPWR-TV, currently branded as Fox Chicago Plus, operates as a television station licensed to Gary, Indiana. It serves the prominent Chicago metropolitan area, making it one of two commercial television stations licensed in Indiana for this major market.

Ownership and Operations

Owned by Fox Television Stations, LLC, WPWR-TV functions in tandem with WFLD (channel 32), a Fox owned-and-operated station. Both stations share studio facilities located on North Michigan Avenue in the Chicago Loop and utilize the transmitter facilities atop the Willis Tower.

Network Affiliation

WPWR-TV currently carries programming from MyNetworkTV, Fox's secondary programming service, typically airing its content in late-night hours. The station has a complex history of affiliations, including periods with UPN and The CW.

Historical Trajectory

Early Years and Independent Status (1982-1995)

WPWR-TV first broadcast on April 4, 1982, initially operating on UHF channel 60 as a shared station with WBBS-TV, catering to English and Spanish-speaking audiences, respectively. Initially licensed to Aurora, Illinois, it shared transmitter facilities with WBBS-TV. The station's early programming included a significant amount of content from SportsVision and later Financial News Network (FNN).

1982-1985: Operated as an independent station, featuring public domain films, syndicated shows, and business programming.
1985-1986: Began broadcasting full-time on weekdays due to WBBS-TV reducing its schedule.
1986: Acquired WBBS-TV license, becoming a 24-hour operation.
1987: Frequency swap occurred, moving WPWR-TV's programming and call sign to channel 50, with the former channel 60 license sold to Home Shopping Network.

Network Affiliations and Ownership Changes

WPWR-TV underwent significant affiliation and ownership shifts throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflecting the evolving television landscape.

1995-2006: Affiliated with the United Paramount Network (UPN).
2002: Acquired by Fox Television Stations, becoming part of a larger broadcast group.
2006-2016: Became a charter affiliate of MyNetworkTV.
2016-2019: Affiliated with The CW, while retaining MyNetworkTV as a secondary affiliation.
2019-2024: Following The CW's move to WCIU-TV, WPWR-TV returned to primarily carrying MyNetworkTV programming, rebranding as "My50 Chicago."
2024-Present: Rebranded as "Fox Chicago Plus," aligning with other Fox-owned MyNetworkTV stations.

Spectrum Reallocation and Technical Evolution

In a significant technical and financial move, WPWR-TV participated in the FCC's incentive auction, selling its spectrum. This led to a channel-sharing arrangement with WFLD, impacting its broadcast frequency and subchannel structure.

Analog Shutdown: Ceased analog broadcasts on June 12, 2009, transitioning fully to digital.
Spectrum Sale: Sold its spectrum in the FCC incentive auction in April 2017.
Channel Sharing: Began sharing spectrum with WFLD on June 11, 2018, reconfiguring its digital subchannels.

Programming Portfolio

Local Productions

WPWR-TV has produced and aired local programming, notably the true-crime documentary series Case Files Chicago with Andy Hale. This program profiles unsolved crimes in the Chicago area, featuring interviews with law enforcement and victims' families.

Format: 30-minute documentary series.
Content: Focuses on unsolved homicides and violent crimes in the Chicago region.
Recognition: Nominated for a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Affairs/Current Affairs Programming.

Sports Broadcasting

The station has a history of broadcasting local sports, including professional and collegiate teams, contributing to its role as a regional media outlet.

Chicago Fire S.C.: Broadcast rights to Major League Soccer games starting in 2008.
Chicago Wolves: Acquired partial local television rights for American Hockey League games.
Chicago Bears: Carries preseason games and related team programming through an agreement with WFLD.
Future Agreements: Announced broadcast deals for Chicago Hounds (Major League Rugby) and Chicago Stars FC (National Women's Soccer League) for 2025.

Network Programming

As an affiliate of MyNetworkTV, WPWR-TV airs the network's programming schedule, which typically consists of acquired dramas, reality shows, and other syndicated content, often broadcast in the evening hours.

MyNetworkTV: Airs the network's schedule, primarily in prime time or late-night slots.
Syndicated Content: Supplements network programming with popular syndicated shows, such as episodes of Chicago P.D. and Family Feud.

Technical Infrastructure

Digital Broadcast Standards

WPWR-TV operates within the digital television framework. Its primary digital channel is broadcast in 720p high definition, a standard consistent with its parent network, Fox.

Resolution: 720p (Progressive scan).
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen.
Mobile DTV: Previously offered a high-bitrate mobile DTV feed.

Subchannel Structure

Following the spectrum reallocation and channel sharing agreement with WFLD, WPWR-TV's broadcast capacity is integrated into WFLD's digital spectrum. This allows for the multiplexing of multiple subchannels.

Virtual Channel	Programming
50.1	MyNetworkTV

Spectrum Management

The station's participation in the FCC's incentive auction resulted in the sale of its spectrum, a strategic decision that reshaped its operational framework and led to the current channel-sharing model.

Auction Proceeds: Approximately $160.7 million received from the FCC incentive auction.
Operational Shift: Enabled the move to WFLD's spectrum, consolidating broadcast resources.

Affiliation History

Foundational Independence

From its inception in 1982 until 1995, WPWR-TV operated as an independent station, establishing its presence in the Chicago market without affiliation to a major national network.

National Network Partnerships

The station has been a key affiliate for several national networks, demonstrating its adaptability and importance within the broadcast ecosystem.

Independent (1982–1995)
UPN (1995–2006)
MyNetworkTV (2006–2016, and 2019–Present)
The CW (2016–2019)

Fox Network Synergy

Since its acquisition by Fox Television Stations in 2002, WPWR-TV has operated in synergy with the Fox network's broader media strategy, aligning its programming and branding with the parent company's objectives.

Related Stations

Chicago Market Peers

WPWR-TV is part of the competitive Chicago television market, which includes numerous stations affiliated with major networks and independent operations.

The Chicago market features major network affiliates such as WBBM-TV (CBS), WMAQ-TV (NBC), WLS-TV (ABC), WFLD (Fox), and WSNS-TV (Telemundo), alongside independent stations like WCIU-TV and public broadcasters like WTTW.

Sister Station: WFLD

WPWR-TV's sister station, WFLD, is a flagship Fox owned-and-operated station. Their shared operational infrastructure and studio facilities underscore a close working relationship within the Fox Television Stations portfolio.

Indiana License

The station's license in Gary, Indiana, places it geographically distinct from its primary market operations in Chicago, highlighting a unique aspect of its regulatory and operational framework.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the WPWR-TV Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content

This document has been generated by an artificial intelligence system, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, aiming to present complex data in an accessible format suitable for higher education students.

Content Accuracy and Completeness: While efforts have been made to accurately reflect the source data, the information presented is based on a specific snapshot and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources for comprehensive and up-to-date information.

No Endorsement or Affiliation: This content is an independent analysis and does not imply endorsement by, or affiliation with, WPWR-TV, Fox Television Stations, LLC, or any other entity mentioned herein.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Chicago's Broadcast Beacon

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Station Overview 📺

📍 Licensing and Market

🏢 Ownership and Operations

🔗 Network Affiliation

Historical Trajectory 📜

🚀 Early Years and Independent Status (1982-1995)

📺 Network Affiliations and Ownership Changes

📊 Spectrum Reallocation and Technical Evolution

Programming Portfolio 🎬

🕵️ Local Productions

⚽ Sports Broadcasting

🔄 Network Programming

Technical Infrastructure ⚙️

📡 Digital Broadcast Standards

🎛️ Subchannel Structure

💰 Spectrum Management

Affiliation History 🔗

📜 Foundational Independence

🌐 National Network Partnerships

🤝 Fox Network Synergy

Related Stations 🏢

🏙️ Chicago Market Peers

🔗 Sister Station: WFLD

🗺️ Indiana License

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Station Overview

Licensing and Market

Ownership and Operations

Network Affiliation

Historical Trajectory

Early Years and Independent Status (1982-1995)

Network Affiliations and Ownership Changes

Spectrum Reallocation and Technical Evolution

Programming Portfolio

Local Productions

Sports Broadcasting

Network Programming

Technical Infrastructure

Digital Broadcast Standards

Subchannel Structure

Spectrum Management

Affiliation History

Foundational Independence

National Network Partnerships

Fox Network Synergy

Related Stations

Chicago Market Peers

Sister Station: WFLD

Indiana License

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content