View source for WTLV

{{Short description|Television station in Jacksonville, Florida}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WTLV
| logo = WTLV 2021 logo.svg
| logo_alt = Next to the NBC network logo, a six-feathered, multi-colored peacock, a gray "12", with the 1 higher than the 2. The letters WTLV in a sans serif, also in gray, sit below the 12.
| image = First Coast News WTLV WJXX logo.svg
| image_alt = The words "FIRST" and "COAST", directly touching, with "FIRST" bolded, in blue. Beneath, the NBC and ABC logos and the word "NEWS" in blue.
| branding = WTLV NBC 12; ''[[First Coast News]]''
| digital = 13 ([[VHF]]), to move to 33 ([[UHF]])<ref name="wtlv33">{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff38ce99348018cf02b7a8b1792&id=25076ff38ce99348018cf02b7a8b1792|title=Channel Substitution/Community of License Change|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=January 19, 2024|accessdate=January 19, 2024}}</ref>
| virtual = 12
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''12.1:''' [[NBC]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = {{ubl|[[Tegna Inc.]]|''(sale to [[Nexstar Media Group]] pending<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=August 19, 2025 |title=Nexstar Buying Tegna For $6.2 Billion |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-tegna-for-6-2-billion/ |access-date=August 19, 2025 |website=TV News Check |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819205146/https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-tegna-for-6-2-billion/ |archive-date= August 19, 2025}}</ref>)''}}
| licensee = [[Multimedia, Inc.|Multimedia]] Holdings Corporation
| location = [[Jacksonville, Florida]]
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1957|9|1|p=y}}
| callsign_meaning = "Television"
| sister_stations = [[WJXX]]
| former_callsigns = WFGA-TV (1957–1971)
| former_channel_numbers = '''Analog:''' 12 (VHF, 1957–2009)
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|NBC (1957–1980)|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] (secondary 1957–1966, primary 1980–1988)}}
| erp = {{ubl|53.3 [[kW]]|1,000 kW (application){{r|wtlv33}}}}
| haat = {{ubl|{{convert|290.7|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}|{{convert|290.4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (application){{r|wtlv33}}}}
| facility_id = 65046
| coordinates = {{coord|30|16|25|N|81|33|12|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.firstcoastnews.com/}}
}}

'''WTLV''' (channel 12) is a [[television station]] in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], United States, affiliated with [[NBC]]. It is owned by [[Tegna Inc.]] alongside [[Orange Park, Florida|Orange Park]]–licensed [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[WJXX]] (channel 25), a combination known as [[First Coast News]]. The two stations share studios on Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville; WTLV's transmitter is located on Anders Boulevard on the city's Southside.

Channel 12 in Jacksonville began broadcasting on September 1, 1957, as WFGA-TV. It was an NBC affiliate owned by the Florida-Georgia Television Company and, beginning shortly after its launch, one of two stations in the city. WFGA-TV spent most of its first 15 years on air embroiled in legal conflict stemming from an influence scandal involving a [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) commissioner. The case was ultimately resolved in 1969 by an operating consortium comprising Florida-Georgia and three groups also seeking channel 12, which was enshrined as its regular ownership in 1971. Shortly after, the station changed its call sign to WTLV.

[[Harte-Hanks Newspapers]] acquired WTLV in 1975. In 1980, the station switched affiliations from NBC to [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] at a time when ABC was number-one nationally and NBC was stuck in third. ABC's ratings lead did not last, and by the middle of the decade, being an ABC affiliate was weighing on WTLV. In 1988, [[Gannett]] bought WTLV from Harte-Hanks and nearly immediately switched its affiliation back to NBC. Over the course of the 1990s, the station became more competitive and posed the most serious challenge yet to the traditional news ratings leader in Jacksonville, [[WJXT]] (channel 4).

In 1999, as the FCC legalized duopolies, Gannett agreed to buy WJXX from [[Allbritton Communications]]. WJXX—which had been established as the city's new ABC affiliate in 1997—had been such a ratings underperformer that the combination of the two major network affiliates was permissible. Upon taking control in March 2000, WJXX's operation was combined with WTLV's, with mostly WTLV personnel and in WTLV's studios, as First Coast News. The combined news operation has remained the second-rated outlet in the market.

==History==
===Construction===
In April 1952, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) lifted a freeze on new TV station grants, opening the door to new TV stations in Jacksonville.<ref name="BC520415">{{Cite news|date=April 15, 1952|title=Thaw July 1: 617 VHFs, 1436 UHFs in 1291 Markets; Educators Win|work=Broadcasting|pages=23, 67–68|id={{ProQuest|1285696665}} }}</ref> Days after the freeze was lifted, the Florida-Georgia Television Company announced its intention to seek the channel. One of its stockholders was Harold Cohn, who owned Jacksonville radio station [[WZAZ|WRHC]]. His interest in television began in 1951, when a man told him he stopped listening to Cohn's radio station because he was watching more TV. That man was Alexander Brest,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/cohn-gives-reasons-his-interest-new-channel-tv/lfgniyoyenyyxyomzsfmbrhjkknxmjsj_ip-10-166-46-190_1719333749633|agency=Associated Press|title=Cohn Gives Reasons For His Interest in New Channel on TV|page=22|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=July 30, 1954}}</ref> another stakeholder in the firm. Also represented was Miami movie theater operator [[Wometco|Wometco Enterprises]] and its chairman, [[Mitchell Wolfson]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/group-here-seeking-tv-channel-12/ngpnbdbaksgfaifrpwragbaxgibionka_ip-10-166-46-157_1719626692891|page=25|title=Group Here Seeking TV Channel 12|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=April 19, 1952}}</ref>

Florida-Georgia and two other groups sought channel 12: the city of Jacksonville, a broadcaster by its ownership of radio station [[WFXJ (AM)|WJAX]], and the Jacksonville Broadcasting Company, owner of [[WBOB (AM)|WPDQ (600 AM)]]. These groups had each obtained pre-freeze construction permits they had not acted on. WJAX had previously held a permit for channel 2, and the FCC's final 1950 deletion of the permit was upheld in court in May 1951;<ref>{{cite news|title=WJAX-TV Plea: Court Withholds Ruling|id={{ProQuest|1401194785}}|work=Broadcasting|page=66|date=May 21, 1951}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=WJAX Bids for Channel 12|page=94|date=August 6, 1951|id={{ProQuest|1285682900}}|work=Broadcasting}}</ref> WPDQ-TV's permit had been deleted in the same initial action.<ref>{{cite news|title=FCC Crackdown: More Time Denied 3 TV Grantees|page=38|date=May 9, 1949|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1016840005}}}}</ref> The FCC designated the three applications for hearing in January 1954,<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|title=FCC Sets Five for Hearing|date=January 11, 1954|page=56|id={{ProQuest|1285699430}} }}</ref> and FCC hearing examiner Charles J. Frederick delivered the initial decision in April 1955. It called for granting channel 12 to Jacksonville Broadcasting based on its superior integration of ownership and management—in other words, the participation of station owners in station operations.<ref>{{Cite news|page=19|title=FCC Official Backs WPDQ TV Proposal: Florida-Georgia Firm, WJAX Applications Turned Down|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-official-backs-wpdq-tv-proposal/tybhjwjbkdwbxoeahlxvdwlyztxroyno_ip-10-166-46-157_1719627270966|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=April 5, 1955}}</ref>

The losing parties to the initial decision—Florida-Georgia and the city of Jacksonville—appealed the initial decision to the commission,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/two-petition-fcc-hear-channel-plea/lwnionwonimkmjoiujruuumkyahpsbcj_ip-10-166-46-148_1719627914945|pages=21, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/two-petition-fcc-hear-channel-plea/ucxszfkaxibqvitjjclswasxtichpyqo_ip-10-166-46-188_1719628027668 32]|title=Two Petition FCC to Hear Channel Plea|date=May 25, 1955|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> which overturned it on August 31, 1956. In a 4–2 vote, the commission granted channel 12 to the Florida-Georgia Television Company. The two dissenters agreed with the original 1955 decision favoring WPDQ.<ref name="Flor560901">{{Cite news|pages=17, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-approves-tv-unit-here/ltwqueooculhtkdgjlgldaymjvwgbxqk_ip-10-166-46-179_1719628228364 22]|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=September 1, 1956|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/florida-georgia-wins-fcc-approves-tv-unit-here/qkefwljgflfjirgygkamqslzxkqovvic_ip-10-166-46-71_1719628143272|title=Florida-Georgia Wins: FCC Approves TV Unit Here}}</ref> Construction on channel 12's studios, on Adams Street near the Gator Bowl,{{r|Flor560901}} began in January 1957, even as Jacksonville Broadcasting and the city of Jacksonville contested the award.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/work-starts-wfga-studio-third-television-station-here-nearer-reality/xppljnwvqpxyylsodgkxwqecylwwfwos_ip-10-166-46-185_1715290708698|page=29|title=Work Starts on WFGA Studio: Third Television Station Here Is Nearer Reality|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=January 17, 1957|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174613/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/work-starts-wfga-studio-third-television-station-here-nearer-reality/xppljnwvqpxyylsodgkxwqecylwwfwos_ip-10-166-46-185_1715290708698|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 29, 1957, the appeals court upheld the award to Florida-Georgia and rejected a plea for denial by [[WJHP-TV]] (channel 36), an [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) station that feared being driven out of business. By this time, the Adams Street studios were nearly complete, and foundations had been poured for the station's tower.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-upheld-award-channel-12/xdyduqujvlavststigddgapizuesjwwq_ip-10-166-46-189_1715290642294|title=FCC Upheld In Award of Channel 12|pages=17, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/us-court-upholds-channel-12-here/ulukrysvrjlfbgupbuqqghvimznfjgbe_ip-10-166-46-109_1715290686110 25]|date=May 30, 1957|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510190443/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-upheld-award-channel-12/xdyduqujvlavststigddgapizuesjwwq_ip-10-166-46-189_1715290642294|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:WFGA-TV logo, 1959.jpg|thumb|left|Early color television ID for WFGA-TV|alt=A station ID slide, mostly an off-white color but with tiled color accents, with the text "Color Day on" next to a 12 inside a superellipse shape recalling an old television tube. The text "W F G A – T V Jacksonville" is on two lines in an italic serif in the lower right.]]
WFGA-TV broadcast its first test pattern on August 14, 1957,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-station-wfga-sends-test-pattern/bqjwqtggzmvabqphmbkhdowsjauqzaht_ip-10-166-46-71_1715291004922|date=August 15, 1957|title=TV Station WFGA Sends Test Pattern|page=11|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174533/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-station-wfga-sends-test-pattern/bqjwqtggzmvabqphmbkhdowsjauqzaht_ip-10-166-46-71_1715291004922|url-status=live}}</ref> with regular programming following on September 1.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wfga-tv-begins-regular-broadcasts/vycdrymjambqcdriqrhlvkwrsfuygzzb_ip-10-166-46-104_1715291066392|title=WFGA-TV Begins Regular Broadcasts|pages=13, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-station-officially-air-today/aiqgchlzyqxxogbyjnozdzqtfufqjhww_ip-10-166-46-179_1715291136542 20]|first=John R.|last=Barry|date=September 1, 1957|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510190442/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wfga-tv-begins-regular-broadcasts/vycdrymjambqcdriqrhlvkwrsfuygzzb_ip-10-166-46-104_1715291066392|url-status=live}}</ref> It was affiliated from the start with [[NBC]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-station-joins-nbcs-tv-network/jemwdqwxxdlihojmmugqwpluadnvrhil_ip-10-166-46-89_1715290618321|page=23|date=June 12, 1957|title=New Station Joins NBC's TV Network|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510190444/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-station-joins-nbcs-tv-network/jemwdqwxxdlihojmmugqwpluadnvrhil_ip-10-166-46-89_1715290618321|url-status=live}}</ref> Management boasted that WFGA-TV was the first station designed and built with color telecasting in mind; the station had color as well as black and white studio cameras.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/maximum-power-wfga-tv-installs-latest-equipment/uosuabocrneuujutxonmcaqtoljclssy_ip-10-166-46-103_1715401595819|page=10|title=Maximum Power: WFGA-TV Installs Latest Equipment|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=September 1, 1957|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174643/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/maximum-power-wfga-tv-installs-latest-equipment/uosuabocrneuujutxonmcaqtoljclssy_ip-10-166-46-103_1715401595819|url-status=live}}</ref> WJHP-TV ceased telecasting on October 25, 1957, its problems having been exacerbated by WFGA-TV's debut;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-36-goes-air-oct-25/buhyobojmptviloxdyxsvuevaywbkfmc_ip-10-166-46-143_1715290203499|date=October 16, 1957|page=27|title=Channel 36 Goes Off Air On Oct. 25|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=May 10, 2024|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510190442/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-36-goes-air-oct-25/buhyobojmptviloxdyxsvuevaywbkfmc_ip-10-166-46-143_1715290203499|url-status=live}}</ref> a country music program hosted by a young [[Johnny Tillotson]], still attending the [[University of Florida]] at the time, moved from WJHP-TV to WFGA-TV after channel 36 folded.<ref>{{Cite news|page=17|first=Bill|last=Walker|title=Looking at Viewing|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/looking-viewing/tjfllmfegwefklkofqvmzzoyewnlgpqn_ip-10-166-46-105_1715402481912|date=October 27, 1957|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=May 11, 2024|archive-date=May 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511061503/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/looking-viewing/tjfllmfegwefklkofqvmzzoyewnlgpqn_ip-10-166-46-105_1715402481912|url-status=live}}</ref> After it closed, ABC programming was split by WFGA-TV and Jacksonville's other commercial station, [[WJXT|WMBR-TV/WJXT]] (channel 4). ABC represented about 25 percent of the network programming aired on channel 12.<ref name="scrambler">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/25-years-wtlv-no-2-station-has-reputation-scrambler/zszqyhmiyrqfyviryputybofqmyfeixb_ip-10-166-46-121_1730531456038|work=[[Jacksonville Journal]]|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|pages=1D, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtlv-no-2-tv-station-here-called-scrambler/picbjnmtedkuxyaaevjuvbwbnfxyjgqv_ip-10-166-46-148_1730531311132 4D]|title=25 years at WTLV: No. 2 station has reputation as scrambler|date=August 27, 1982}}</ref> Jacksonville would not have a full-time ABC affiliate—or a third commercial station—again until [[WCWJ|WJKS-TV]] began on channel 17 in February 1966.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-17-seen-putting-city-tv-major-league/nihqftqvyzwstocijiyjkmriqnjuqpja_ip-10-166-46-77_1715889525679|first=Carolyn|last=Carroll|title=Channel 17 Seen Putting City in TV Major League|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=February 3, 1966|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174538/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-17-seen-putting-city-tv-major-league/nihqftqvyzwstocijiyjkmriqnjuqpja_ip-10-166-46-77_1715889525679|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FTU660219">{{Cite news |date=February 19, 1966 |title=Ultra High Frequency: Channel 17 Will Begin Operating Here Today |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/title/wyraikpsdhsetmzwamsabeadwssjotyc_ip-10-166-46-153_1715889726388 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |work=[[The Florida Times-Union]] |page=25 |publication-place=Jacksonville, Florida |via=[[GenealogyBank.com]]}}</ref>
[[File:Andy Amyx as Bozo.jpg|right|thumb|"Skipper Ed" and [[Bozo the Clown]] were among children's shows on WFGA-TV|alt=A publicity photo of Skipper Ed, a man in a captain's outfit, and Bozo the Clown, a clown, with a WFGA-TV camera. The photo is signed: "To My Pal from Skipper Ed and Bozo".]]
In addition to Tillotson, WFGA-TV brought a variety of local programs to Jacksonville screens in its early years. It produced the local version of children's television franchise ''[[Romper Room]]'' for 14 years from 1956 to 1970, with local schoolteacher Vivian Huff as "Miss Penny". For twelve years, from 1961 to 1973, "Skipper Ed" McCullers hosted cartoons; after the show ended, McCullers remained at channel 12 as public affairs director<ref>{{Cite news|pages=Television Magazine 6, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/skipper-edchildrens/fsdpijmbknxqscntvnviwzpirjgzuwld_ip-10-166-46-186_1719630106964 7], [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/skipper-ed/zhwnlqulqqfghxjlrtcprrgfbnwwhbir_ip-10-166-46-108_1719630148938 8]|title=Kiddie Shows: They Were Fond Babysitters For Generations of TV Children|first=Don|last=Meitin|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=January 15, 1978|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kiddie-shows-they-were-fond-babysitters-generations-tv-children/ozdgedkbufkkziwuritbemnpvzklagvg_ip-10-166-46-188_1719630220279|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174646/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/kiddie-shows-they-were-fond-babysitters-generations-tv-children/ozdgedkbufkkziwuritbemnpvzklagvg_ip-10-166-46-188_1719630220279|url-status=live}}</ref> until 1988.<ref name="JaxJ880708">{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/its-bon-voyage-wtlv-tv-12-skipper-ed/sabrnqbpjipnytthmqsknahkmdqkaxff_ip-10-166-46-167_1731643112347|page=9C|title=It's bon voyage to WTLV TV-12 for Skipper Ed|date=July 8, 1988|work=Jacksonville Journal}}</ref> Viewers across the country saw coverage of space launches at [[Cape Canaveral]] through WFGA-TV's cameras and facilities. Not only did WFGA-TV supply footage to NBC, but it often provided the [[press pool]] feed for other networks.<ref>{{Cite news|work=[[Air & Space]]|title=Aw, Hell, Television Is Here|pages=22–23|first=Howard|last=Baker|date=January 2001}}</ref>

===''Ex parte'' influence scandal and assignment to Channel 12 of Jacksonville===
As WFGA-TV was getting on the air, a scandal involving the FCC's decisions in several contested television station cases exploded into view. In January 1958, syndicated columnist [[Drew Pearson (journalist)|Drew Pearson]] published a column alleging that FCC commissioner Richard Mack, a Florida native, had been influenced to switch the approval of channel 10 in [[Miami]] to a company affiliated with [[National Airlines (1934–1980)|National Airlines]].<ref name="MiamiH19580117p6">{{Cite news |last=Pearson |first=Drew |author-link=Drew Pearson (journalist) |date=January 17, 1958 |title=Merry-Go-Round: FCC Quiz 'Too Hot To Handle' |page=6A |newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]] |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103669396/merry-go-round-fcc-quiz-too-hot-to/ |access-date=June 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103669396/merry-go-round-fcc-quiz-too-hot-to/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The resulting congressional investigation uncovered other cases of ''[[ex parte]]'' communications between attorneys and FCC commissioners on matters before the commission. Among the proceedings the committee investigated was that of channel 12 in Jacksonville. In April 1962, an FCC hearing examiner recommended the grant be voided because of Mack's involvement in the vote and found the other two applicants unqualified; the FCC overturned the initial decision in September 1963 and reaffirmed its original 1956 grant to Florida-Georgia, finding no improprieties on its behalf. It disqualified Jacksonville Broadcasting for its own ''ex parte'' contacts, while the city of Jacksonville application was denied as inferior to Florida-Georgia and not—as earlier proposed—for contacts made by one city commissioner.<ref>{{Cite news|page=72|work=Broadcasting|title=WFGA-TV's grant upheld by FCC|id={{ProQuest|1014466760}}|date=September 23, 1963}}</ref>

In May 1965, a three-judge appeals court panel reversed most of the 1963 FCC ruling and concurred with the original April 1962 denial. It ordered the commission to open channel 12 to new applicants, as the city of Jacksonville had withdrawn from the proceeding and the judges upheld the disqualification of Jacksonville Broadcasting. Florida-Georgia survived the threat of disqualification on a 2–1 vote; in a partial dissent, [[Warren E. Burger]] said that both or neither of Jacksonville Broadcasting and Florida-Georgia should have been disqualified.<ref>{{Cite news|title=FCC told to reopen ch. 12 Jacksonville: Court orders case opened to new applicants|date=May 10, 1965|id={{ProQuest|1014487601}}|page=51}}</ref> The court rejected the two applicants' requests for rehearing, affirming the decision.<ref>{{cite news|title=Appeals court sticks to its ch. 12 order|id={{ProQuest|1014493187}}|pages=59–60|work=Broadcasting|date=June 28, 1965}}</ref> In compliance with the court ruling, the FCC formally vacated the grants of WFGA-TV and [[WFTV]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], which had a very similar ''ex parte''–rooted case, in November 1965, though it allowed WFGA-TV to telecast in the interim.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014516251}}|title=FCC vacates Florida TV station grants|date=November 22, 1965|page=72|work=Broadcasting}}</ref>

With the channel 12 proceeding opened to all comers, the FCC began receiving bids from new applicants. The Community First Corporation, a consortium of local businessmen, had been formed in June 1960 to seek a proposed channel 10 drop-in, but that never materialized; five years later, it filed for channel 12.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/local-businessmen-group-applies-channel-12/vuqqijlkwlghxsbnwthyqhdxfyfneari_ip-10-166-46-115_1715889465275|pages=1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/local-group-seeks-channel-12-license/irymlxenouvmhjwvwawhdudyocmysklt_ip-10-166-46-77_1719546730596 7]|title=Local Businessmen: Group Applies For Channel 12|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=December 24, 1965|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174537/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/local-businessmen-group-applies-channel-12/vuqqijlkwlghxsbnwthyqhdxfyfneari_ip-10-166-46-115_1715889465275|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|pages=119–120|title=WFGA-TV interim grant challenged|id={{ProQuest|1014494940}}|date=January 3, 1966}}</ref> Florida Gateway Television was headed by former Florida governor [[C. Farris Bryant]]. New Horizons Telecasting was primarily owned by Frank Pellegrin, who had radio station interests in Tennessee and New Hampshire.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1505640739}}|date=March 21, 1966|page=169|title=For the Record|work=Broadcasting}}</ref> These three competitors and Florida-Georgia were placed into comparative hearing status on July 7, 1967.<ref>{{cite news|page=10|title=Open hearing is set for Jacksonville's channel 12|id={{ProQuest|1014497956}}|work=Broadcasting|date=July 10, 1967}}</ref>

In September 1968, the Court of Appeals ordered the FCC to consider the interim operating authority requests from competing applicants for WFGA-TV and WFTV. These applications sought for groups to run the stations until a final decision was made on the underlying license.<ref>{{cite news|pages=65–66|title=FCC gets Fla. TV cases back|id={{ProQuest|1016843918}}|date=September 9, 1968|work=Broadcasting}}</ref> For WFGA-TV, proposals were received from [[Jacksonville University]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/proposed-fcc-ju-run-channel-12/jmnxtoeshuiruffkuoqfmvrcnmbdblde_ip-10-166-46-121_1719550563342|page=B-1|first=George|last=Wachendorf|title=Proposed to F.C.C.: JU to Run Channel 12?|date=September 27, 1968|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174537/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/proposed-fcc-ju-run-channel-12/jmnxtoeshuiruffkuoqfmvrcnmbdblde_ip-10-166-46-121_1719550563342|url-status=live}}</ref> [[St. John's Cathedral (Jacksonville)|St. John's Cathedral]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/church-firm-files-operate-channel-12/nkpatkxmxcmkhkobniyjcdmdquxnvnnh_ip-10-166-46-132_1719550591684|page=B-1|first=James|last=Ward|date=September 28, 1968|title=Church Firm Files to Operate Channel 12|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919174647/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/church-firm-files-operate-channel-12/nkpatkxmxcmkhkobniyjcdmdquxnvnnh_ip-10-166-46-132_1719550591684|url-status=live}}</ref> and educational TV station [[WJCT (TV)|WJCT]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-7-joins-fight-channel-12/vyswunrfkunarmaxgygdpctzqesjrfxc_ip-10-166-46-74_1719550650275|page=A-17|first=George|last=Wachendorf|title=Channel 7 Joins Fight for Channel 12|date=October 2, 1968|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175135/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-7-joins-fight-channel-12/vyswunrfkunarmaxgygdpctzqesjrfxc_ip-10-166-46-74_1719550650275|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the appeals court rejected interim operators that were not seeking to run the stations on a full-time basis. With the shutdown of channel 12 the only other option, in January 1969, the FCC authorized all four pending applicants to join forces in an interim operator for WFGA-TV. Florida-Georgia agreed to lease the WFGA-TV facilities to the operator,<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1016853283}}|title=Florida outlets get interim operators: FCC approves applicants for TV stations in Orlando and Jacksonville|work=Broadcasting|date=January 13, 1969|page=34}}</ref> and the existing staff was maintained except for the station president.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/joint-wfga-tv-operation-nears/dxvpfeoyhwzvnkioqkabpegqqthfsccz_ip-10-166-46-150_1719550794810|date=March 28, 1969|page=B-1|first=Jessie-Lynne|last=Kerr|title=Joint WFGA-TV Operation Nears|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175034/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/joint-wfga-tv-operation-nears/dxvpfeoyhwzvnkioqkabpegqqthfsccz_ip-10-166-46-150_1719550794810|url-status=live}}</ref>

The hearing initially continued after the interim operation came into place. In 1970, the parties reached a settlement to assign the license to Channel 12 of Jacksonville, a permanent consortium of the four applicants and their stockholders. Channel 12 of Jacksonville consisted of 74 different stockholders, with the largest share being held by Wometco at 11 percent.{{r|Flor740829}} The FCC approved in June 1971,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-okays-construction-permit-new-firm-handle-operation-ch-12/pphtzmgxftlxwvnylvsczjcirsnyyypf_ip-10-166-46-120_1716485914560|first=Jessie-Lynne|last=Kerr|work=The Florida Times-Union|title=F.C.C. Okays Construction Permit: New Firm to Handle Operation of Ch. 12|page=B-1|date=June 23, 1971|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175035/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-okays-construction-permit-new-firm-handle-operation-ch-12/pphtzmgxftlxwvnylvsczjcirsnyyypf_ip-10-166-46-120_1716485914560|url-status=live}}</ref> and the new arrangement came into force on July 23.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/schmidt-heads-channel-12-here/fcswapuusljzsldlvqlyrbuwvvrmzspr_ip-10-166-46-99_1716485944043|title=Schmidt Heads Channel 12 Here|first=George|last=Wachendorf|date=July 24, 1971|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175038/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/schmidt-heads-channel-12-here/fcswapuusljzsldlvqlyrbuwvvrmzspr_ip-10-166-46-99_1716485944043|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of a campaign to create a new image for the station, WFGA-TV changed its call sign to WTLV (for "television") on December 13, 1971.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-12-will-be-called-wtlv/oupyjprskxtfmqpcknddrsyblgcabupr_ip-10-166-46-150_1716488103387|page=C-28|title=Channel 12 Will be Called WTLV|date=December 10, 1971|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175201/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-12-will-be-called-wtlv/oupyjprskxtfmqpcknddrsyblgcabupr_ip-10-166-46-150_1716488103387|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1974, Channel 12 of Jacksonville had received four offers for the station.<ref>{{Cite news|page=B-1|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/4-companies-show-interest-buying-channel-12/dhttylnjoxepqrwfmhbiubuixcmnrjrn_ip-10-166-46-170_1719550873485|date=August 16, 1974|first=Bill|last=Marden|title=4 Companies Show Interest in Buying Channel 12|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> One of the four, [[Harte-Hanks Newspapers]] of [[San Antonio, Texas]], presented a buyout offer to the firm's stockholders.<ref name="Flor740829">{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtlv-stockholders-mull-purchase-offer/wrwtgnsittmizrcmtifmuhrgubsgixdn_ip-10-166-46-121_1719550975349|title=WTLV Stockholders Mull Purchase Offer|pages=B-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-12-stockholders-mull-offer-buy-station/gunkwqohebbzqmdghxzaejfmtphcmabc_ip-10-166-46-159_1719550917978 B-3]|date=August 29, 1974|work=The Florida Times-Union|first=Judge|last=May|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175133/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtlv-stockholders-mull-purchase-offer/wrwtgnsittmizrcmtifmuhrgubsgixdn_ip-10-166-46-121_1719550975349|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 30, Harte-Hanks announced it had secured a controlling 51-percent interest in Channel 12 of Jacksonville and would seek to purchase the remainder;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/texans-pay-55-million-control-tv-12/olrqsigprujhxkilxpltlqcslvrocsyq_ip-10-166-46-123_1718900681704|page=A-22|date=October 1, 1974|title=Texans to Pay $5.5 Million for Control of TV 12|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175042/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/texans-pay-55-million-control-tv-12/olrqsigprujhxkilxpltlqcslvrocsyq_ip-10-166-46-123_1718900681704|url-status=live}}</ref> the $10.5&nbsp;million deal received FCC approval in March 1975.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-sale-given-approval/rsrhhmvxovlkvsprjlsdacbheuqujyvo_ip-10-166-46-85_1718900746600|page=7-C|work=San Antonio Express|agency=Associated Press|title=TV sale given approval|date=March 29, 1975|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175046/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-sale-given-approval/rsrhhmvxovlkvsprjlsdacbheuqujyvo_ip-10-166-46-85_1718900746600|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1980 affiliation switch to ABC===
Beginning in 1977, speculation emerged that WTLV might switch its network affiliation from NBC to ABC. At the time, ABC had surpassed NBC in the national ratings and was seeking affiliate upgrades nationwide, but it was stuck in Jacksonville on WJKS-TV, a station that did not even air an early-evening newscast.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/abc-may-be-one-channel-12/wyomazhaqmsiotexahvykwkmhinrdgqv_ip-10-166-46-77_1719592373019|page=C-7|title=ABC May Be the One for Channel 12|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=October 28, 1977|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175555/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/abc-may-be-one-channel-12/wyomazhaqmsiotexahvykwkmhinrdgqv_ip-10-166-46-77_1719592373019|url-status=live}}</ref> The comments were further bolstered by remarks made by ABC network president Jim Duffy stating that he had talked with other Jacksonville stations. WTLV signed a two-year renewal with NBC for 1978 through 1980, pinning its hopes on new NBC chairman [[Fred Silverman]],<ref>{{cite news|page=E-2|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ch-12-signs-2-year-contract-nbc-tv/yfedtpczksesajnbyfcwrjbdahastjqi_ip-10-166-46-124_1719592318711|title=Ch. 12 Signs 2-Year Contract with NBC-TV|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=July 13, 1978|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175555/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ch-12-signs-2-year-contract-nbc-tv/yfedtpczksesajnbyfcwrjbdahastjqi_ip-10-166-46-124_1719592318711|url-status=live}}</ref> but less than a year after signing the renewal, on May 3, 1979, WTLV announced it would switch to ABC in 1980.<ref name="Flor790504">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-12-switch-front-running-abc-network/ygbjxklccshozpjblvthbozctgzjdigc_ip-10-166-46-124_1719592428248|title=Channel 12 to switch to front-running ABC network|page=A-1|date=May 4, 1979|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175556/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-12-switch-front-running-abc-network/ygbjxklccshozpjblvthbozctgzjdigc_ip-10-166-46-124_1719592428248|url-status=live}}</ref> While NBC's affiliation agreement did not expire until September 1, the switch was moved forward to March 31, 1980.<ref>{{cite news|title=Florida TV station to ABC from NBC|page=8|work=The Hollywood Reporter|id={{ProQuest|2598153514}} |date=January 4, 1980 }}</ref> This was done to allow NBC to air the [[1980 Summer Olympics]] on channel 17, which was projected to benefit the new affiliate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tvs-big-switch/yumbowjxgnqxqltmxrufyiolyhewfcbs_ip-10-166-46-84_1723510009711|title=TV's big switch|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|pages=E-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-12-switching-abc/ozmexgumvqdatzduwtykwgxnlffeljik_ip-10-166-46-84_1723510151572 E-2]|date=December 19, 1979|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175556/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tvs-big-switch/yumbowjxgnqxqltmxrufyiolyhewfcbs_ip-10-166-46-84_1723510009711|url-status=live}}</ref> WTLV began broadcasting stereo sound in 1984 and was the first Jacksonville station to do so. The next year, WJXT and WTLV jointly constructed a {{convert|1000|ft|m|0|adj=mid|-tall}} tower along Anders Boulevard on Jacksonville's Southside, with WTLV switching to the new tower that December.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-tv-4-apply-joint-tower/clpjckqphgigwtgvhmidxgmdpnzzpscq_ip-10-166-46-110_1742597947954|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|title=TV-12, TV-4 apply for joint tower|work=Jacksonville Journal|page=8|date=March 23, 1984|via=GenealogyBank}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|page=4B|work=Jacksonville Journal|date=December 24, 1985|title='Nutcracker' to be in stereo|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|via=GenealogyBank|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/nutcracker-be-stereo/rzmfzgkfztidbtxypwrhuzjdbfzjxhof_ip-10-166-46-113_1742598217016}}</ref>

Not long after the 1980 switch, the ratings fortunes of NBC and ABC reversed. Harte-Hanks and NBC in 1981 began an open dialogue about WTLV switching back to NBC. In 1986, Bill Moll, the president of Harte-Hanks's broadcasting division, estimated that WTLV could improve its revenues by 12 percent if it returned to NBC. Moll admitted that switching to ABC "was a short-term help, and it's not helping us now".<ref name="LosA860616">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-ratings-race-syner/150275533/|date=June 16, 1986|pages=VI:1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-nbc-affiliates-wra/150275462/ 9]|first=Morgan|last=Gendel|title=Ratings-Race Synergy of Networks, Affiliates|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|location=Los Angeles, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=June 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629035504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-ratings-race-syner/150275533/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> Harte-Hanks attempted to improve the station by dispatching management from [[WFMY-TV]] in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]], a top-rated CBS affiliate, to WTLV.<ref name="News850906">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-harte-hanks-shifts-wfmy/151144882/|date=September 6, 1985|page=B2|first=Sue|last=Robinson|title=Harte-Hanks shifts WFMY personnel|newspaper=News & Record|location=Greensboro, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 12, 2024|archive-date=July 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712205207/https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-harte-hanks-shifts-wfmy/151144882/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> In 1985, NBC pitched an affiliation switch to WTLV, with station management and ownership opting to remain with ABC;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-nbc-consider-reject-old-alliance/rqsnzarhvimtfifkzaijtjaeduwdyhja_ip-10-166-46-107_1731006075436|title=TV-12, NBC consider but reject old alliance|date=June 20, 1985|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|page=6D|work=Jacksonville Journal}}</ref> in 1986, NBC was also linked to talks with WJXT.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/no-station-switching-after-all-nbc-will-remain-tv-17/sweyncwqdlqlzksicuxidzbhinciaprn_ip-10-166-46-115_1731005902492|date=July 2, 1986|title=No station switching after all, NBC will remain with TV-17|page=C-5|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> By May 1987, WTLV was a distant third in the local ratings.{{r|BC871207}} That year, ABC moved to reduce the network compensation it paid WTLV and 15 other affiliates that it deemed were being overpaid for their performance, many of whom had been lured to the network by high rates; channel 12 saw a 20- to 25-percent cut.<ref>{{cite news|title=ABC pulls out the stops for affiliates|id={{ProQuest|1016921806}}|pages=42–46|work=Broadcasting|date=June 15, 1987}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = [I] marveled at how deep and wide the problems were. It has taken a year to get most of them fixed.
| author = Linda Rios Brook
| source = general manager, WTLV, on the situation she encountered upon becoming general manager in 1986{{r|FTU880201}}
| align = right
| width = 250px
| salign = right
}}

In 1986, Harte-Hanks named Linda Rios Brook the general manager of WTLV. Rios Brook made aggressive syndicated program purchases to bolster a non-network inventory that was poorly performing in the ratings, especially in the afternoons;<ref>{{cite news|pages=A-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/abc-affiliate-channel-12-sale/ffacivytwxiwmlzkoagiomrsxmyhpqbm_ip-10-166-46-99_1731605171884 A-9]|date=October 14, 1987|title=ABC affiliate Channel 12 up for sale in divestiture|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/abc-affiliate-channel-12-sale-divestiture/ttoakmnknhtphllmurhagguwkytxifrm_ip-10-166-46-77_1731605253868|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> these included purchasing the rights to ''[[Jeopardy!]]'' and ''[[Wheel of Fortune (American game show)|Wheel of Fortune]]'' from WJXT at prices that reportedly set market records.<ref name="FTU880201">{{Cite news|date=February 1, 1988|pages=First Business 12, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-stations/bufvjkarlxdvwttsntwwqyidwinkowan_ip-10-166-46-173_1731605452439 13], [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/gannett-enters-area-tv-market/irzwnkiczxjnekwuwqzzxvckhzxmjybc_ip-10-166-46-92_1731605523587 20]|title=TV stations prepare for stronger competition|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-stations-prepare-stronger-competition/xlbjsspvtlqydymxgvcsdtorikbdayme_ip-10-166-46-159_1731605396611|first1=Nancy|last1=McAlister|first2=Phil|last2=Milano|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> In October 1987, having been saddled with $700&nbsp;million in debt from a 1984 [[leveraged buyout]], Harte-Hanks sought to reduce its load by putting a number of its divisions up for sale, including three newspapers, seven cable systems, and WTLV and WFMY-TV.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|305947450}}|page=3B|first=Mark|last=Memmott|work=USA Today|title=Media group plans sale}}</ref> That December, [[Gannett]] agreed to buy the two TV stations for $155&nbsp;million.<ref name="BC871207">{{cite news|title=Harte-Hanks selling two TV's to Gannett for $155 million|pages=94–95|date=December 7, 1987|id={{ProQuest|1014722057}} }}</ref> The transaction was completed in February 1988.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|page=136|title=In Brief|id={{ProQuest|1014726271}}|date=February 8, 1988}}</ref>

===1988 return to NBC===
The Gannett purchase reignited speculation about an affiliate change.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12s-skipper-ed-recovering-heart-bypass-surgery/kksjmasynyefedaqzbpghievbmfsbbni_ip-10-166-46-146_1731605301782|page=C-5|title=TV-12's Skipper Ed recovering from heart bypass surgery|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=December 12, 1987}}</ref> On February 17, 1988, within two weeks of taking control, Gannett announced that WTLV would return to NBC, replacing WJKS-TV and undoing the 1980 swap.<ref>{{cite news|page=208|title=In Brief|date=February 22, 1988|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1016916015}} }}</ref> Rios Brook told ''The Florida Times-Union'' that the market had "never accepted" the 1980 switch, which instead favored WJKS.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-returning-home-nbc-wtlv-renews-former-affiliation-after-stint-abc/yeuiacluucziakxqzqbkfmhnhbvbboqe_ip-10-166-46-99_1731605786232|pages=A-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/nbc-lures-wtlv-back-affiliate/yvsarkbpicxqmjwivbooklyfrwmqpwzh_ip-10-166-46-95_1731605703202 A-5]|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|title=TV-12 returning 'home' to NBC: WTLV renews former affiliation after stint with ABC|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=February 18, 1988}}</ref> At the time, NBC was number-one and seeking to improve its affiliate lineup much as ABC had years prior.<ref>{{Cite news|page=488|title=NBC Nabs ABC Jacksonville Affil|work=Variety|date=February 24, 1988|id={{ProQuest|1286089904}} }}</ref> The stations made the switch on April 3; the switch so soon was speculated to be a move by WJKS owner [[Media General]] to hinder NBC's position.<ref>{{Cite news|page=7A|work=[[USA Today]]|title=2 new stations strengthen Gannett's TV signal|date=April 29, 1988|id={{ProQuest|306029177}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/big-tv-swap-moved-easter-day/zrvmtkaeyklljwtqxspjcykzejljahrw_ip-10-166-46-114_1731604886665|page=C-5|title=Big TV swap moved up to Easter Day|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=March 7, 1988}}</ref> After the switch, WTLV's news and non-news ratings saw immediate improvements from the replacement of low-rated ABC with higher-rated NBC.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-17-adds-two-local-newscasts-one-dawn-one-noon/grlvagwpqnbvrzshqofglhfsqrmolkdf_ip-10-166-46-185_1731604850449|title=Channel 17 adds two local newscasts, one at dawn, one at noon|date=June 18, 1988|page=G-3|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref>

WTLV was the first local television rights partner for the expansion [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] of the [[NFL]] and spent six seasons, from 1995 through 2000, airing the team's preseason games and coaches' shows. During this time, WTLV sports director [[Dan Hicken]] served as the play-by-play announcer for the preseason telecasts<ref>{{cite news|title='The Football Show' fills gap for Hicken|page=D-6|first=Jeff|last=Elliott|date=September 7, 2001|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> and hosted a regular Monday night sports discussion show, ''Monday Night Live''. The latter was co-hosted by several former players during its run on the air, including [[Tony Boselli]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Stations alter Jags shows|page=C-2|first=Charlie|last=Patton|date=May 9, 1997|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> [[John Jurkovic]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Yakkin' with Jurko: A Jags lineman making name for himself|date=November 29, 1998|page=C-15|work=The Florida Times-Union|first=John|last=Oehser}}</ref> and [[Jeff Lageman]].<ref>{{Cite news|page=C-5|date=December 10, 1999|title=Jaguars practice report: Lageman to broadcast Rams–Saints|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref> WTLV lost the rights to WJXT before the 2001 season.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Jaguars officially with CBS: WJXT-4 is exclusive home for three years|page=E-1|first=John|last=Oehser|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=April 4, 2001}}</ref>

===Duopoly with WJXX===
{{see|WJXX}}
On November 15, 1999, the FCC legalized television station [[Duopoly (broadcasting)|duopolies]]—the common ownership of two stations in one market. The next day, Gannett announced it would purchase [[WJXX]], which had been Jacksonville's ABC affiliate since February 1997, from [[Allbritton Communications]]. The deal was initiated after Allbritton approached Gannett about a possible sale. The new duopoly rules barred cross-ownership of two of the top four television stations in the same market, a restriction that typically prevented [[Big Three (American television)|Big Four]] network affiliates from coming under common ownership. However, WJXX's fifth-place finish in total-day ratings allowed the deal.<ref name="FTU991117">{{cite news|title=Gannett buying second Jacksonville station: New rules allow to purchase [sic]|page=A-1|first=Mark|last=Basch|date=November 17, 1999|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]}}</ref> WJXX had struggled in two and a half years of existence and just under two years of news production,<ref name="FTU971215">{{cite news|title=News team launching shows today|page=A-1|date=December 15, 1997|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|first=Charlie|last=Patton}}</ref> owing to a rushed launch<ref name="FTU970124">{{Cite news|page=A-1|date=January 24, 1997|title=ABC programs return in 3 weeks|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|first=Charlie|last=Patton}}</ref> that forced Allbritton to divert its attention to the installation of temporary facilities and impeded the delivery of a quality signal.<ref name=ftu-joiningabc>{{cite news|title=Jags fans in lather over TV|url=http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/082197/2a1tv_25.html|first=Charlie|last=Patton|newspaper=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|publisher=[[Morris Communications]]|date=August 21, 1997|access-date=May 20, 2011|archive-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404121235/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/082197/2a1tv_25.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FTU991213">{{cite news|title=Changing the channel: Recent sale another chapter in ABC's tumultuous tenure in Jacksonville|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121399/bus_1h10TV25.html|first=Charlie|last=Patton|newspaper=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|publisher=Morris Communications|date=December 13, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404121312/https://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121399/bus_1h10TV25.html|access-date=May 20, 2011|archive-date=April 4, 2012}}</ref> Furthermore, WJXX suffered from ABC's continued underperformance in the Jacksonville market; Charlie Patton, television editor for ''[[The Florida Times-Union]]'', later noted that "Jacksonville never acquired the ABC habit".<ref>{{cite news|title=Reality beating up on respected|page=B-1|date=January 22, 2003|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|first=Charlie|last=Patton}}</ref> Channel 25's news ratings, despite a product considered superior to that WJKS had produced as an ABC affiliate, lagged WJXT and WTLV;{{r|FTU991213}}<ref name="FTU991117a">{{cite news|date=November 17, 1999|first=Charlie|last=Patton|page=A-1|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|title=Affiliates' news staffs likely to merge}}</ref> one bright spot was the market's only local newscast at 7&nbsp;p.m.<ref>{{Cite news|page=20|date=May 24, 1999|work=Mediaweek|first=Megan|last=Larson|title=Counterprogrammed news equals ratings|id={{ProQuest|213626304}}}}</ref> It became apparent that the combination of WTLV and WJXX would rely heavily on the former's facility and personnel, causing WJXX staffers to begin to depart.{{r|FTU991213}}<ref>{{cite news|date=December 2, 1999|first=Earl|last=Daniels|page=E-1|title=The show must go on: TV-25 says departures won't disrupt newscasts|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]}}</ref>

[[File:First Coast News (22564692541).jpg|right|thumb|alt=A multi-story building in front of an artificial lake with satellite dishes and communications equipment visible outside. A sign contains the First Coast News logo and logos for WTLV and WJXX.|The WTLV–WJXX studios on Adams Street in Jacksonville]]
The FCC approved the purchase on March 16, 2000. Gannett took control the next morning, and about 36 WJXX employees—including 13 in news—joined the new combined WTLV-based operation, which immediately began simulcasting newscasts on both stations before relaunching on April 27 under the umbrella brand of [[First Coast News]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Media merger: TV-12 owner may take over TV-25 operations as soon as today|date=March 17, 2000|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|first=Nicole|last=Ostrow|page=D-1}}</ref><ref name="MW000515">{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|213613921}}|date=May 15, 2000|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|title=Jacksonville|work=Mediaweek|pages=26–36}}</ref> Newscasts continued to be broadcast at the same time on each station, including the WJXX 7 p.m. newscast.<ref>{{cite news|page=24|id={{ProQuest|213644529}}|title=WTLV shares news|work=Mediaweek|first=Megan|last=Larson|date=December 13, 1999}}</ref> On June 29, 2015, the Gannett Company split in two, with one side specializing in print media and the other side specializing in broadcast and digital media. WTLV and WJXX were retained by the latter company, named [[Tegna Inc.|Tegna]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Separation of Gannett into two public companies completed| date=June 29, 2015 |url = http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|publisher = Tegna|access-date = June 29, 2015|archive-date = July 2, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150702005302/http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|url-status = live}}</ref> WTLV was fined $55,000 by the FCC in 2017 for airing [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] promos that included the [[Emergency Alert System]] tones.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jacksonville's WTLV TV-12 owner fined for use of Emergency Alert tones in Jaguars promo|url=http://www.jacksonville.com/metro/business/2017-05-30/jacksonville-s-wtlv-tv-12-owner-fined-use-emergency-alert-tones-jaguars|publisher=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=July 3, 2018|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220444/http://www.jacksonville.com/metro/business/2017-05-30/jacksonville-s-wtlv-tv-12-owner-fined-use-emergency-alert-tones-jaguars|url-status=live}}</ref>

==News operation==
{{main|First Coast News}}
[[File:WTLV News Set, 1970s.png|thumb|right|The news set of WTLV as it looked in the 1970s|alt=An orange, cream, and blue set in 1970s decor]]
When WFGA-TV launched, the station's first news director was Harold Baker, who had served in the same position at [[WSM (AM)|WSM radio]] and [[WSMV-TV|television]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. Baker would anchor the station's 6 p.m. news for 17 years and direct the nascent channel 12 newsroom for 19 years in total, winning the station major national journalism awards.<ref>{{cite news|page=B-1|first=Jessie Lynne|last=Kerr|title=Harold Baker 1916–2009: TV newsman led Jacksonville broadcasting|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|date=June 19, 2009}}</ref> WTLV was Jacksonville's consistent second-place news station, finishing behind WJXT in the ratings, excluding a short period in the early 1960s under Baker when channel 12 surpassed WJXT and in 1975 when WTLV tied it in early evening news.{{r|scrambler}} Efforts to close the gap intensified after its 1988 acquisition by Gannett.<ref name="FTU960711">{{cite news|page=D-1|title=PLEASE STAY TUNED: For Jacksonville's three news stations, the battle to attract viewers never ends|date=July 11, 1996|first=Charlie|last=Patton|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]}}</ref>

In 1973, the WTLV newscasts were retitled ''Action News''.<ref>{{Cite news|type=Advertisement|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tonight-tv-12-new-%E2%80%A2-different-action-news-6-11pm/scuqiueryvdbubhjqrhtvgpehnnjtbfa_ip-10-166-46-151_1719712193295|date=January 9, 1973|page=A-7|title=Tonight on TV 12: New • Different ACTION NEWS, 6 & 11pm|work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175556/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tonight-tv-12-new-%E2%80%A2-different-action-news-6-11pm/scuqiueryvdbubhjqrhtvgpehnnjtbfa_ip-10-166-46-151_1719712193295|url-status=live}}</ref> The station spent most of the 1970s and early 1980s continually revamping its news product to compete with WJXT, with regular changes in staff and format.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-13-hires-four-new-news-staffers-murphy-quits/evrrttdpblxticyfnsgemvwqvrmhwuyp_ip-10-166-46-166_1718900982417|page=C-4|title=Channel 12 Hires Four New News Staffers; Murphy Quits|first=Norm|last=Going|date=December 31, 1976|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175719/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-13-hires-four-new-news-staffers-murphy-quits/evrrttdpblxticyfnsgemvwqvrmhwuyp_ip-10-166-46-166_1718900982417|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-days-and-tv-12-unveils-another-news-show/hrypqawpvqklzazcrixkgliiptwoifqy_ip-10-166-46-116_1719709214339|page=C-1|title=New days and...: TV-12 unveils another news show|date=October 11, 1978|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175558/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-days-and-tv-12-unveils-another-news-show/hrypqawpvqklzazcrixkgliiptwoifqy_ip-10-166-46-116_1719709214339|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|FTU830108}} WTLV launched the city's first morning newscast, ''Good Morning Jacksonville'', in March 1982;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/morning-program-news-hybrid/bkwrealbkdlwxylmqudmtebjaqetontp_ip-10-166-46-135_1723523410293|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|title=Morning program is a news hybrid|date=March 11, 1982|page=C-1|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919175559/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/morning-program-news-hybrid/bkwrealbkdlwxylmqudmtebjaqetontp_ip-10-166-46-135_1723523410293|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GMJ22">{{Cite news|url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/back-in-the-day-with-gmj-jacksonvilles-first-morning-show/77-442481962|date=January 14, 2022|title=Back in the Day with GMJ; Jacksonville's first morning show|website=First Coast News}}</ref> conceived to complement ABC's ''[[Good Morning America]]'', it offered news, features, and weather reports.<ref>{{cite news|pages=D-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-4-12-lawyers-keep-touch/jeshjnfwzrdetxlsqtkaamkxdupajvff_ip-10-166-46-188_1723523256749 D-7]|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/area-cablevision-keep-c-span-network-coverage/qonxjmmeizvxgzthigascwsygpmuptbe_ip-10-166-46-122_1723523378427|date=February 23, 1982|title=Area Cablevision to keep C-Span network coverage|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180108/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/area-cablevision-keep-c-span-network-coverage/qonxjmmeizvxgzthigascwsygpmuptbe_ip-10-166-46-122_1723523378427|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly before the program debuted, the station hired a second meteorologist, Tim Deegan. He stayed with the station and moved to evenings in 1986, where he spent 36 years appearing on the late news and continues to provide the weather in First Coast News's early-evening newscasts,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/jacksonville-tv-meteorologist-tim-deegan-gives-up-11-p-m-slot-fcn/7620672001/|first=Matt|last=Soergel|work=The Florida Times-Union|title=FCN weather team changes: Tim Deegan gives up 11 p.m. slot; Lew Turner steps in, stays all night|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180212/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/jacksonville-tv-meteorologist-tim-deegan-gives-up-11-p-m-slot-fcn/7620672001/|url-status=live}}</ref> with his retirement set for May 30, 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2024 |title=Chief Meteorologist Tim Deegan to retire after 42 years at First Coast News |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/chief-meteorologist-tim-deegan-to-retire-after-40-years-at-first-coast-news/77-fd33b7a9-b387-4bbb-ab1d-6cf0b89f3e37 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=First Coast News |language=en-US}}</ref>

After years of stagnating ratings and a short-lived ratings surge from WJKS,<ref>{{cite news|title=Changes brought good, bad news for TV viewers|page=G-2|work=The Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville Journal|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/changes-brought-good-bad-news-tv-viewers/nsgsfjhzhvbyyqbboufyzbdqnslitxgx_ip-10-166-46-106_1731006047414|date=December 29, 1985|first=Nancy|last=McAlister}}</ref> WTLV relaunched its local newscasts in January 1986 with a new title, ''The News on 12'', and new anchors, Lee Webb and Marcia Ladendorff. The changes were the latest for a station that already had a "revolving door" reputation with high turnover in anchors.<ref>{{Cite news|page=10D|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-changing-news-anchors-set-graphics-and-theme-music/wloeudtlrnpehmyvqidzomewfhdprtoe_ip-10-166-46-155_1731006578671|title=TV-12 changing news anchors, set, graphics and theme music|work=Jacksonville Journal|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|date=December 4, 1985}} The title given in this article, ''TV-12 News'', was never used.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/will-revolving-doors-let-news-time/yqtrkcizzeuparahbvmjkuglbalpimwi_ip-10-166-46-132_1731006960999|page=1B|title= Will the revolving doors let in news this time?|work=Jacksonville Journal|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|date=January 13, 1986}}</ref> On June 2, 1986, WTLV and [[WAPE-FM]] began jointly leasing a helicopter for traffic reports.<ref>{{Cite news|first1=William E.|last1=Marden|first2=Cesar|last2=Brioso|date=June 16, 1986|work=Jacksonville Journal|title=Traffic copter crashes; 2 die: Spins, then falls to field in Riverside|pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/copter/uyflvzrdlbhxcnnggmjoktwmmbzkagxh_ip-10-166-46-107_1745826590975 7A]|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/traffic-copter-crashes-2-die-spins-then-falls-field-riverside/qcliypvttqewgaiglsoskwxsubbvbkbp_ip-10-166-46-69_1745826617043}}</ref> Two weeks later, the helicopter was in the middle of a live report when it crashed near the downtown area, killing the pilot and reporter Julie Silvers and injuring a cameraman; the report reached an estimated tens of thousands of ''Good Morning Jacksonville'' viewers and radio listeners.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/thousands-get-view-news-helicopter-crashes-riverside/lyuehavtbffjvnyvqkrpnlbijxgdweqs_ip-10-166-46-132_1742448843161|via=GenealogyBank|title=Thousands get view as news helicopter crashes in Riverside|pages=A-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/thousands-get-view-copter-crash/nirqvpxumnrimzpfkwxtwyqtctmqljyq_ip-10-166-46-169_1742436036869 A-5]|first1=Brad|last1=Liston|first2=Mickie|last2=Anderson|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=June 17, 1986}}</ref> The [[National Transportation Safety Board]] determined that a fatigued drive shaft in the helicopter's [[tail rotor]] broke, causing it to spin out of control and crash.<ref name="Tamp860629">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-tail-rotor-blamed-in-h/168404839/|date=June 29, 1986|page=2-B|title=Tail rotor blamed in helicopter crash|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|location=Tampa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 20, 2025}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

After Rios Brook became general manager, the station began a deeper reconstruction; with Gannett's acquisition, the situation of channel 12 was likened to [[KARE (TV)|KARE]] in [[Minneapolis]], a longtime news underperformer that had become competitive after Gannett purchased the station and relaunched its news product.{{r|FTU880201}} In the years following the switch back to NBC, WTLV mounted a strong challenge to WJXT, even beating it in the July 1991 [[sweeps]] at 11 p.m. by one percentage point of television viewers. Though WJXT continued to hold a commanding lead at 6&nbsp;p.m.,{{r|FTU931223}} WTLV had leads among younger viewers and those newer to the market.<ref name="FTU940426">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-tv-4-chief-launched-oprah/cdyrbqhaelwxqlymmzybeyxyebuyrumc_ip-10-166-46-85_1732214711066|pages=C-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-4s-wasserman-heading-houston/ypkykwgyhypzbjbwrjxutdeoarzkmfpq_ip-10-166-46-86_1732214423855 C-3]|title=New TV-4 chief launched Oprah: Wasserman joins Houston station|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=April 26, 1994}}</ref> The Webb–Ladendorff duo also provided WTLV with stability on its evening newscasts, which it had not typically enjoyed. However, after 1991, the station's late news ratings momentum plateaued. WJXT responded to WTLV by adding early evening newscasts and increasing its community involvement.{{r|FTU940426}} That station rebounded as WTLV cooled, with channel 4 holding a 10-percentage-point lead at 11 p.m. by November 1993. The newscasts were retooled again; Ladendorff had left earlier in the year to become a college instructor, and Webb was dismissed at year's end.<ref name="FTU931223">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/changing-times-changing-audience-cited-reasons-webbs-departure/owfjgavwqxlsgndpsrxodkzlfbdsjgqu_ip-10-166-46-113_1732213658487|title=Changing times, changing audience cited as reasons for Webb's departure|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=December 23, 1993|pages=D-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/webb-was-replaced-after-much-research/mqigxxazzijzkrdasjbaycydpaqjakdb_ip-10-166-46-85_1732212793545 D-6]}}</ref> By February 2000, the last ratings survey before the launch of ''First Coast News'', WTLV was within three percentage points of WJXT at 11 p.m. but much further behind in early evening news, where WJXT had double the viewers at 6&nbsp;p.m.{{r|MW000515}}

{{#section:First Coast News|posthist}}

=== Notable staff ===
{{#section:First Coast News|staff}}<!--Staff at WTLV-WJXX at any time after 2000 go in the FCN article-->
* [[Jack Diamond (radio personality)|Jack Diamond]] – part-time weekend weatherman and host of ''Good Morning Jacksonville'' for two months in 1986<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/jack-diamond-new-cohost-jacksonville/apoitfyttbydhdtvugyerjgwmddvuwxe_ip-10-166-46-189_1731006674393|date=October 30, 1986|title=Jack Diamond new cohost of 'Jacksonville'|work=The Florida Times-Union|page=C-7|first=Nancy|last=McAlister}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-morning-show-co-host-leaving/sbugkbdkzxxocenkcnetteuvorpwryqo_ip-10-166-46-103_1731007248734|page=C-2|title=TV-12 morning show co-host is leaving|date=December 24, 1986|work=The Florida Times-Union|first=Nancy|last=McAlister}}</ref>
* [[Nick Gregory]] – meteorologist, 1981<ref>{{Cite news|first=Dave|last=Montoro|page=E-4|work=The Florida Times-Union|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/jacksonvilles-tv-weathermen-are-pretty-fair/yjfyosqphevvcqfjgmcmcmrxdfothsye_ip-10-166-46-89_1731008397922|title=Jacksonville's TV weathermen are pretty fair|date=June 16, 1981}}</ref>
* [[Morris Jones (television journalist)|Morris Jones]] – anchor, 1981–1983<ref name="FTU830108">{{Cite news|page=C-1|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/morris-jones-leave-tv-12-washington-dc/mbyrmsvltuwupdlnypbquteimmgaqtci_ip-10-166-46-71_1719592020188|first=Dave|last=Montoro|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=January 8, 1983|title=Morris Jones to leave TV-12 for Washington, D.C.|access-date=June 28, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180109/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/morris-jones-leave-tv-12-washington-dc/mbyrmsvltuwupdlnypbquteimmgaqtci_ip-10-166-46-71_1719592020188|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Lopez (meteorologist)|Jennifer Lopez]] – weekend meteorologist, 1997–2000<ref name="Palm970929">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-britt-may-get-old-na/168367290/|date=September 29, 1997|page=2D|first=Thom|last=Smith|title=BRITT may get old name back|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|location=West Palm Beach, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 19, 2025}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref name="Orla000910">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-short-attention-spa/168367197/|date=September 10, 2000|page=F2|title=Short Attention Span Surfer|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 19, 2025}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
* [[Joan Lovett]] – co-host of ''Good Morning Jacksonville'', 1986<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/people-are-waking-good-morning-jacksonville/tgzysvofsbzbhaijvthjczrpoklbfqem_ip-10-166-46-120_1742452050231|pages=C-1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/good-morning-jacksonville-tries-represent-everything-thats-going/rdlmzhtangmkaymctiznknxorqedwhki_ip-10-166-46-169_1742452212765 C-5]|first=Nancy|last=McAlister|via=GenealogyBank|title=People are waking up to 'Good Morning Jacksonville'|date=August 7, 1986|work=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref>–1988{{r|JaxJ880708}}
* [[Curt Menefee]] – weekend sports anchor, 1991–1992<ref name="Fort920613">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-can-ktvt-sports/159486480/|date=June 13, 1992|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-smith/159486559/ E10]|first=Steven|last=Cole Smith|title=Can KTVT sports anchor take the Texas heat?|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|location=Fort Worth, Texas|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2024}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
* [[Lynne Russell]] – anchor, 1978–1979<ref>{{cite news|page=C-1|first=Dave|last=Montoro|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-anchor-lynne-russell-leave-soon/phvogwaygebopbzrsxlovmlthvlvsmyq_ip-10-166-46-169_1719708987034|date=May 30, 1979|work=The Florida Times-Union|title=TV-12 anchor Lynne Russell to leave soon|access-date=June 30, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180109/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-12-anchor-lynne-russell-leave-soon/phvogwaygebopbzrsxlovmlthvlvsmyq_ip-10-166-46-169_1719708987034|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Roseanne Tellez]] – reporter and substitute anchor, 1988–1990<ref>{{Cite news|title=Terkel, Moyers will salute foe of '50s blacklist|work=Chicago Sun-Times|first=Robert|last=Feder|author-link=Robert Feder|page=47|date=July 19, 1990}}</ref><!--find source for years-->
* [[Harmon Wages]] – sports anchor, 1986–1988<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Associated Press|work=DeLand Sun News|page=2B|title=Wages resigns as sportscaster|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wages-resigns-sportscaster/eyrcltajnwplhswjwvvwocjnqpncfmvt_ip-10-166-46-115_1723526032716|date=June 2, 1988|access-date=August 13, 2024|archive-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180225/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wages-resigns-sportscaster/eyrcltajnwplhswjwvvwocjnqpncfmvt_ip-10-166-46-115_1723526032716|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Toni Yates]] – weekend anchor, 1986–1987<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1990 |title=TV-4 names new weekend co-anchors |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/title/rycrligtwyjsqfmdncjfekvnrdbvsxdt_ip-10-166-46-132_1739073774762 |access-date=February 9, 2025 |work=Florida Times-Union |page=E-2 |publication-place=Jacksonville, Florida |via=[[GenealogyBank.com]]}}</ref>

==Technical information==
===Subchannels===
WTLV's transmitter is located on Anders Boulevard on the south side of Jacksonville.{{r|FCC-LMS-65046}} Its signal is [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels of WTLV<ref>{{cite web|title=RabbitEars TV Query for WTLV|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTLV#station|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=September 6, 2021|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080026/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTLV#station|url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.1
| [[1080i]] || rowspan=8| [[16:9]] || WTLV-HD || [[NBC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.2
| rowspan=7| [[480i]] || Antenna || [[Antenna TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.3
| Crime || [[True Crime Network]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.4
| Quest || [[Quest (American TV network)|Quest]] → [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]] (soon)
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.5
| ShopLC || [[Shop LC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.6
| HSN || [[HSN]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.7
| Comet || [[Comet (TV network)|Comet]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 12.8
| Charge || [[Charge! (TV network)|Charge!]]
|}

===Analog-to-digital conversion===
WTLV began broadcasting a digital signal on [[VHF]] channel 13 on April 17<ref>{{cite book|chapter=WTLV-DT|date=2006|title=Television & Cable Factbook|page=A-490}}</ref> or May 2, 2000, making it the first to do so in Jacksonville.{{r|MW000515}} On June 12, 2009, WTLV ended regular programming on its analog signal, on [[VHF]] channel 12, as part of the [[Digital television transition in the United States|federally mandated transition from analog to digital television]];<ref>{{Cite news|page=C-12|first=Mark|last=Basch|title=Digital switch goes smoothly: "The whole industry has prepared so well," a station manager says|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=June 13, 2009}}</ref> for a short time thereafter, the analog signal broadcast a nightlight service to provide transition information.<ref>{{cite news|title=Last night to prepare for switch to all digital signals|first=Mark|last=Basch|work=The Florida Times-Union|page=A-1|date=June 11, 2009}}</ref> The digital signal remained on channel 13.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> In 2024, WTLV was approved to move its signal to the [[UHF]] band on channel 33.{{r|wtlv33}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Jacksonville TV}}
{{NBC Florida}}
{{NBC Georgia}}
{{Tegna}}
{{City of Jacksonville}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wtlv}}
[[Category:1957 establishments in Florida]]
[[Category:Antenna TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Charge! (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Comet (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:NBC affiliates]]
[[Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates]]
<!-- [[Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates]] -->
[[Category:Tegna Inc.]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1957]]
[[Category:Television stations in Jacksonville, Florida|TLV]]
[[Category:True Crime Network affiliates]]
[[Category:Wometco Enterprises]]