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WFAA

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WFAA-TV ("WFAA 8") is the ABC television affiliate serving the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas DMA (6th largest nationwide). Its transmitter is located in Cedar Hill. The station is the flagship of Belo Corporation, which also owns the Dallas Morning News daily newspaper. WFAA-TV is currently the largest ABC affillate not to be owned and operated by ABC.

WFAA-TV also serves as one of four default ABC affiliates for the Sherman, Texas-Ada, Oklahoma market (along with KSWO-TV in Lawton, KTUL-TV in Tulsa and KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City) since that market currently lacks a ABC affiliate of its own, as the market's former ABC affiliate KTEN became an NBC affiliate in 1998. WFAA is carried as the "local" ABC affiliate to Dish Network subscribers within that market and the sole ABC affiliate carried by cable operators in several of the largest cities in the Sherman-Ada market including Sherman and Denison in Texas; as well as Ardmore, Durant and Hugo in Oklahoma.

History

WFAA signed on as DuMont affiliate KBTV on September 17, 1949. (Note: The callsign KBTV was used for years by Channel 9, the ABC (now NBC) affiliate in Denver, but now belongs to Channel 4, the Beaumont, Texas NBC station.) WFAA was the first TV station in Dallas and the second in the Metroplex behind WBAP-TV (now KXAS). The station became WFAA (after sister radio station WFAA-AM) on March 21, 1950, not long after the station was purchased by Belo in the midst of a FCC television license freeze from 1948 to 1952. It became a dual affiliate of ABC and NBC in its inception in 1949 before becoming a full ABC affiliate in 1957.

WFAA was the first station to break the news that President Kennedy was shot to death on November 22, 1963. The station conducted the first live television interview with Abraham Zapruder, who shot the famous Zapruder film, about an hour and a half after the President's death. WFAA and its live remote unit fed much coverage of the assassination and its aftermath to the ABC network over the next four days. The shocking and unexpected shooting of accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby in the basement of Dallas Police Headquarters, however, was not broadcast live (as on NBC) or on tape (as on CBS a minute later) by WFAA/ABC as their live truck was positioned elsewhere at the time. ABC was thus only able to show delayed newsreel footage of the historic event.

WFAA dominated the market ratings for local news from the mid 1970s until the late 1990s, with talent such as Tracy Rowlett, Iola Johnson, Bob Gooding, Judi Hanna, John Criswell, Chip Moody, John McCaa, Gloria Campos, Scott Sams, Verne Lundquist, Dale Hansen, and Troy Dungan. Former News Director turned Belo executive Marty Haag is credited for leading the station to ratings dominance and national prominence.

WFAA also does major outside work with cities and small "town hall" meetings through its Family First program. Family First first started back in 1993.

WFAA became the first TV station in the nation to broadcast a digital signal in February 1997 at 2:17 p.m. The station is one of the only ABC affiliates to broadcast HDTV in 1080i format; other ABC affiliates broadcast in 720p. The programming is broadcasted from their new Victory Park studios (NEWS 8 Daybreak, NEWS 8 Midday, NEWS 8 at Five, and also when a major event is being held at Victory Park).[1] [2]

File:Victorypark.gif
WFAA/NEWS 8's New Victory Park Studios in Downtown Dallas

News Ratings

NEWS 8 has been a long time leader in news for many years in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. In recent years, however, NEWS 8 began to slip at the 10 p.m. timeslot and also at the 6 a.m. timeslot. However NEWS 8, according to Nielsen Media Research as of May 2007, is at number one at 5 p.m., number one at 6 p.m., and number one at 10 p.m. newscasts. NEWS 8 did see a place jump from third to second place at the 6 a.m. newscast.[3]

Digital Television

The station's digital channel is multiplexed:

Digital channels
Channel Programming
8.1 / 9.1 Main WFAA programming
8.2 / 9.2 Xpress 8.2 (Weather radar, news headlines on a crawl, occasional live programming)
8.3 / 9.3 DFW Airport Towercam

Saturday Mornings

WFAA airs the ABC Kids children's programming block significantly out of pattern compared to most other ABC stations. Currently, a double run of Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive airs on a one-week delay from 5-6am, instead of the recommended time of 11am to 12 Noon, when the ABC network feeds the show to its affiliates "live". Also, The Emperor's New School and The Replacements airs on same-day delay from 11-12pm, instead of the recommended 8am-9am timeslot for both shows. The remaining two hours air in pattern "live" from the ABC feed.

WFAA airs the Saturday edition of NEWS 8 Daybreak on Saturday mornings from 7-8:30am and the Saturday edition of Hot On! Homes at 8:30am.

Notable Personalities

Current On-Air Talent

NEWS 8 Anchors

  • Jeff Brady: NEWS 8 at Five Anchor/Reporter
  • Gloria Campos: NEWS 8 at Six, The NEWS 8 Update Anchor/Reporter
  • Gary Cogill: Good Morning Texas Co-Host
  • Alexa Conomos: NEWS 8 Daybreak Traffic Reporter, NEWS 8 Midday Anchor
  • Debbie Denmon: NEWS 8 Daybreak Weekend Anchor/Reporter
  • Justin Farmer: NEWS 8 Daybreak Anchor
  • Brad Hawkins: NEWS 8 at Six (Saturdays), NEWS 8 at 5:30 (Sundays), The NEWS 8 Update (weekends) Anchor/Reporter
  • Jackie Hyland: NEWS 8 Daybreak Anchor
  • Macie Jepson: NEWS 8 at Five Anchor/Reporter
  • John McCaa: NEWS 8 at Six, The NEWS 8 Update, Metro Anchor/Reporter
  • Shelly Slater: NEWS 8 at Six (Saturdays), NEWS 8 at 5:30 (Sundays), The NEWS 8 Update (weekends) Anchor/Reporter
  • Brenda Teele: Good Morning Texas Host
  • Amy Vanderoef: Good Morning Texas Co-Host

NEWS 8 Reporters/Other

  • Mike Castellucci: Why Guy
  • Aaron Chimbel: MoJo (mobile journalist)
  • Craig Civale: General Assignment Reporter
  • Gloria Campos: Wednesday's Child
  • Gary Cogill: Good Morning Texas, NEWS 8 Film Critic
  • Debbie Denmon: General Assignment Reporter (weekdays)
  • Jim Douglas: General Assignment Reporter
  • Marjorie Ford: Metro: Executive Producer/Reporter
  • Bob Greene: General Assignment Reporter
  • Henry Guerrero: La Vida
  • Byron Harris: Senior Reporter, Investigative Reporter
  • Brad Hawkins: General Assignment Reporter (weekdays)
  • Chris Hawes: General Assignment Reporter
  • Chris Heinbaugh: Dallas City Hall, Downtown Dallas, Politics Reporter
  • Rebecca Lopez: Dallas Bureau, General Assignment Reporter
  • John McCaa: Metro
  • Darla Miles: General Assignment Reporter
  • Gary Reaves: Senior Reporter
  • Dan Ronan: General Assignment Reporter
  • David Schechter: Senior Reporter
  • Janet St. James: Health Reporter
  • Brett Shipp: Investigative Reporter
  • Steve Stoler: Collin County Reporter
  • Cynthia Vega: NEWS 8 Daybreak Reporter
  • Brad Watson: Breaking News/General Assignment Reporter
  • Walt Zwirko: Computer Corner

[4]

NEWS 8 Investigates

  • Byron Harris: Senior Reporter
  • Brett Shipp: Reporter

NEWS 8 Weather

  • Troy Dungan: NEWS 8 at Six, Chief Weather Anchor
  • Pete Delkus (AMS, NWA Seal of Approval): NEWS 8 at Five, The NEWS 8 Update Meteorologist
  • Greg Fields (AMS Seal of Approval): NEWS 8 Daybreak, Good Morning Texas, NEWS 8 Midday Meteorologist
  • Steve McCauley (AMS Seal of Approval): NEWS 8 at Six (Saturdays), NEWS 8 at 5:30 (Sundays), The NEWS 8 Update (weekends) Meteorologist
  • Meghan Danahey (AMS, NWA Seal of Approval): NEWS 8 Daybreak Saturday/Sunday Meteorologist

NEWS 8 Sports

  • Dale Hansen: NEWS 8 at Six, The NEWS 8 Update Sports Director/Host of: Dale Hansen's Sports Special
  • Joe Trahan: NEWS 8 at Six, The NEWS 8 Update (weekend) Sports Anchor/Host of: Dodge High School Sports Special
  • George Riba: Senior Sports Reporter
  • Ted Madden: Sports Reporter
  • Erin Hawksworth: Sports Reporter

NEWS 8 Alumni

  • Neal Barton: Meteorologist (1989-1994, now at KETK in Tyler/Longview, Texas)
  • Alan Berg: Austin Bureau Chief (1992-2000, now at DIY Network)
  • Jan Bridgman: Consumer Reporter/Weekend Anchor (late 1970s-1984, deceased)
  • Bill Brown: Reporter (1980-2004, now in public relations)
  • Bob Brown: Reporter/Anchor (1975-1977, now at ABC News)
  • Arch Campbell: Reporter (1971-1974, now at WJLA-TV in Washington, DC)
  • David Cassidy (not to be confused with the actor/singer: Reporter (1974-1988)
  • Mark Clegg: Anchor/Reporter (1990-1992, now at KSHB-TV in Kansas City)
  • Lin Sue Cooney: Anchor/Reporter (1980-1984, now at KPNX-TV in Phoenix)
  • John Criswell: Anchor (1973-1990, left for KDFW before retiring, now a Dallas Media Consultant)
  • Deborah Duncan: Good Morning Texas Host (1994-1997, now at KHOU-TV in Houston)
  • Bill Evans: Meteorologist (1987-1989, now at WABC-TV in New York)
  • Dave Evans: Senior Reporter (1989-1999, now at WABC-TV in New York)
  • Doug Fox: Anchor/Reporter/Urban Affairs Unit manager (1974-2003)
  • Jim Fry: Washington Correspondent/City Hall Reporter (1982-2006)
  • David Garcia: Weekend Anchor/Reporter (1965-1968, now Director of Humane Law Enforcement for the SPCA in Texas)
  • Bob Gooding: Anchor (1961-1979)
  • Charles Hadlock: Anchor/Reporter (1980-1982, went to Houston and eventually to NBC News)
  • Michael Hill: Reporter (1988-1993, now at WGNO-TV in New Orleans)
  • Midge Hill: Anchor/Reporter (1984-1989, left for KTVT before leaving the area)
  • Brian Jensen: Sports Anchor/Reporter (1988-1997, currently radio voice for Texas Tech Football)
  • Iola Johnson: Anchor (1973-1985, now host of Positively Texas on KTXA)
  • Andrea Joyce: Sports Reporter (1987-1988)
  • Kristine Kahanek: Meteorolgist (1997-2001, now Chief Meteorologist at KTVT)
  • Karin Kelly: Reporter (1979-2006)
  • Shelley Kofler: Capitol Bureau Reporter (2000-2004, now at KERA-TV)
  • Mike Landess: Anchor/Reporter (1967-1971, now at KMGH-TV in Denver)
  • Ed Lavandera: Reporter (1991-1998, now at CNN's Dallas bureau)
  • Mike Lee: Reporter (1966-1968, now at ABC News in London)
  • Bert Lozano: Reporter (2004-2006, now in public relations)
  • Verne Lundquist: Sports Anchor (1967-1983, now at CBS Sports)
  • Mark Mathis: Meteorologist (now at KREX in Grand Junction, Colorado)
  • David Margulies: Anchor/Reporter (1980s-1986, now a public relations consultant)
  • Tony Martinez: Sports Anchor/Reporter (1983-1987 and 1991-2000, now working for The Coaching Company [1])
  • Lisa McRee: Anchor/Reporter (1989-1991)
  • Stan Miller: Anchor/Reporter (1983-1985)
  • Russ Mitchell: Anchor (1983-1985)
  • Chip Moody: Anchor (1987-1999, deceased)
  • Steve Newman: Weekend Weather Anchor/Meteorologist (1976-1980, later moved to KRON-TV (1981-1985; 1989-1993, KGO 1985-1989 and KPIX 1996-2001 now hosts Earthweek Magazine on Sirius Sattellite Radio)
  • Vince Patton: Reporter (1989-2000, now at KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon)
  • Scott Pelley: Reporter (1982-1989, now at CBS News)
  • Pablo Pereira: Meteorologist (1990-1997, now at KNBC in Los Angeles)
  • Mary Ann Razzuk: Reporter (2001-2006)
  • Bill Ratliff: Anchor/Reporter/PM Magazine Host (1980-1982, now at WFLA-TV in Tampa)
  • Gina Redmond: Midday Anchor (1995-2001)
  • Michael Rey: Anchor/Reporter
  • Robyne Robinson: Reporter (1985-1987, now at KMSP-TV in Minneapolis)
  • Rebecca Rodriguez: Anchor/Reporter (1999-2006)
  • Tracy Rowlett: Anchor (1974-1999, now at KTVT)
  • Scott Sams: News, Weather, Sports Anchor/Reporter (1985-2004, fired, went to KTEN, now at KTVT)
  • Nancy Snell: Meteorologist
  • Mary Stewart: Reporter (1986-2000, now at KTVT)
  • Rene Syler: Anchor/Reporter (1992-1997, left for KTVT)
  • Susan Taylor: Anchor/Reporter (1980-1982, now at KNSD-TV in San Diego)
  • Sonya Van Sickle: Reporter/Anchor (1986-1999, now an actor/spokesperson with the Mary Collins Agency [2])
  • Anita Vanetti: Daybreak Reporter (1990-2001, now a confidence coach [3])
  • Don Wall: Environmental Reporter (1989-2006)
  • Uze Brown Washington:Reporter (1984-1991)
  • Penny Wehmeyer: Reporter (1981-1993)
  • Yolanda Walker: Reporter (2001-2006)
  • Phyllis Watson: Anchor (1983-1991)
  • Sherry Williams: Reporter (1992-1995, now at KHCW in Houston)
  • Valeri Williams: Reporter (1992-1994 and 2000-2003)
  • Doug Wilson: Education Reporter (1994-2001, currently working at Richland College)
  • Paula Zahn: Reporter (1978-1979)

News/Station Presentation

Newscast Titles

  • NEWS8, NEWS 8 (1974-2007) (Was shown in newscast as 'NEWS8' in the past.)
  • NEWS 8, NEWS 8 HD (2007-present)

Station Slogans

  • The Spirit of Texas (1984-present)
    • Variations: Working In The Spirit of Texas, In The Spirit of Texas
  • First in News, First in HDTV (2007-present; new sub-slogan is unofficial)
    • Variation: First in HDTV

News Music Packages

The "Spirit" news music package that was used on WFAA's newscasts was written by James R. Kirk of TM Productions in 1984 for the Texas Sesquicentennial, which actually took place in 1986. The "Spirit" news music package was used from 1984 until 1991. All of WFAA's news music packages since dropping TM Productions' package in 1991 have carried the "Spirit" motif, including the "WFAA 1992 News Theme" from 1992-1996. WFAA also used McKinney, TX-based Stephen Arnold Music's"The Spirit" from 1996-2004, a customized "News Matrix" package from 2004-2005 and the "Evolution" package from 2004-2007 (which all carry the same signature that TM Productions' package used). They recently switched to a brand new 615 Music package called "Propulsion" (which is also based on the Spirit signature). This package is also being rolled out to several other Belo owned stations.

Trivia

  • WFAA-TV is one of the few television stations west of the Mississippi River with a callsign beginning with a W. The FCC normally assigns stations west of the Mississippi callsigns that begin with K; W is only used east of the Mississippi. The reason WFAA-TV is different is that its callsign came from its sibling WFAA-AM, whose callsign predates this FCC policy.
  • WFAA had a FM radio station in Dallas. It was 97.9, but now WFAA does not own it and it is currently an urban radio station called KBFB-FM, 97.9 The Beat.
  • WFAA (along with KDAF) are the only network-affiliate stations in the market not to be owned and operated by any major network.
  • WFAA is the largest "big three" (ABC, NBC, CBS) affiliate not to be owned and operated by the network in terms of DMA market size.
  • In 1998, the digital variant of the station went online. Its frequency was already in use by Dallas hospitals and there was interference with the medical equipment.[5]

Logos

References

  1. ^ http://www.wfaa.com/hdtv/
  2. ^ http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2002/wfaafifty/sets4.html
  3. ^ http://www.guidelive.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-tvratings_0525gl.ART.State.Edition1.44728fa.html
  4. ^ http://www.wfaa.com/newsteam
  5. ^ http://www.tvtechnology.com/features/news/n_the_last_empty_channel.shtml

Template:Belo Corporation

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