View source for WTTE

{{Short description|Television station in Columbus, Ohio}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{For|current information on "Fox 28" in Columbus|WSYX}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WTTE
| location = [[Columbus, Ohio]]
| country = US
| digital = 27 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 28
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''28.1:''' [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]]|'''28.2:''' [[Antenna TV]]|'''28.3:''' [[Get (TV network)|Get]]}}
| owner = [[Cunningham Broadcasting]]
| licensee = Columbus (WTTE-TV) Licensee, Inc.
| operator = [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]] via [[local marketing agreement|LMA]]
| airdate = {{start date and age|1984|6|1|p=y}}
| callsign_meaning = "Television Twenty-Eight"<ref>{{Cite news|pages=D8, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/letters/dicaknbghnvguievugtsvcbadxlhgstf_ip-10-166-46-160_1715218120813 D7]|work=The Columbus Dispatch|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/broadcasters-cant-resist-identifying-themselves-letter/iojxgiwvntrjggijopxqfbrtrdqmfnxa_ip-10-166-46-87_1715218084163|first=Seth|last=Seymour|title=Broadcasters can't resist identifying themselves to the letter|date=August 19, 2003|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040227/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/broadcasters-cant-resist-identifying-themselves-letter/iojxgiwvntrjggijopxqfbrtrdqmfnxa_ip-10-166-46-87_1715218084163|url-status=live}}</ref>
| sister_stations = [[WSYX]], [[WWHO]]
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 28 (UHF, 1984–2009)|'''Digital:''' 36 (UHF, 2002–2019)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|[[Independent station|Independent]] (1984–1986)|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] (1986–2021)|[[UPN]] (secondary, 1995–1997)|[[Kids' WB!]] (secondary, 2000–2001)}}
| erp = 1,000 kW
| haat = {{convert|271|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 74137
| coordinates = {{coord|39|56|14|N|83|1|16|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
}}

'''WTTE''' (channel 28) is a [[television station]] in [[Columbus, Ohio]], United States, serving as a ''de facto'' [[owned-and-operated station]] of the digital multicast network [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]]. It is owned by [[Cunningham Broadcasting]], which maintains a [[local marketing agreement]] (LMA) with [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]—owner of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] and [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] affiliate [[WSYX]] (channel 6)—for the provision of certain services, and is operated from studios on [[U.S. Route 33 in Ohio|Dublin Road]] alongside WSYX and [[The CW|CW]] affiliate [[WWHO]] (channel 53). WTTE's transmitter is located in the [[Franklinton, Columbus, Ohio|Franklinton]] section of Columbus.

WTTE was the third station built by Sinclair. It signed on June 1, 1984, as the first mainstream [[independent station]] in the Columbus market, joining the Fox network at its launch two years later. After years of false starts, it began airing a local newscast in 1996 produced by WSYX, which was then under separate ownership. When Sinclair was able to acquire WSYX from [[River City Broadcasting]] in 1998, it transferred the WTTE license to Glencairn, Ltd.—predecessor to Cunningham—and continued to run it under an LMA. The newscasts on WTTE were the highest-rated produced by the two stations' combined news operation. In 2021, the Fox program stream moved from WTTE to Sinclair-owned WSYX and was replaced on channel 28 by TBD, a Sinclair-owned [[digital multicast television network]].

==Prior attempt to build channel 28==
Peoples Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of Columbus-based insurer [[Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company]] and licensee of radio stations [[WRFD]] and [[WNCI]] in Columbus, was selected for the construction permit for channel 47 in Columbus by a [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) hearing examiner in 1966.<ref>{{Cite news|page=6A|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/examiner-oks-uhf-tv-station/huaxzrleyysprtetrehsqgrhhcrwglvq_ip-10-166-46-77_1715133915412|title=Examiner OKs UHF TV Station|date=March 17, 1966|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=May 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508023205/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/examiner-oks-uhf-tv-station/huaxzrleyysprtetrehsqgrhhcrwglvq_ip-10-166-46-77_1715133915412|url-status=live}}</ref> It then received the permit in May 1967.{{r|Colu680724}} Peoples Broadcasting–renamed [[Nationwide Communications]] later in 1967–intended to name its new station WNCI-TV. NCI applied in January 1968 for a taller tower and higher-power facilities than initially proposed and began lengthy discussions with [[WOSU-TV]] (channel 34), the [[noncommercial educational]] station owned by [[Ohio State University]], to potentially share a tower.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/time-extension-engineering-nci-modification-sought/zaidspexywoogxpqvtkcxvodkiqmltwv_ip-10-166-46-184_1704650024893|page=14B|title=Time Extension, Engineering at NCI: Modification Sought|date=January 5, 1968|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=May 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508023207/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/time-extension-engineering-nci-modification-sought/zaidspexywoogxpqvtkcxvodkiqmltwv_ip-10-166-46-184_1704650024893|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Ohio State had objections about a high-power facility interfering with its [[radio astronomy]] observatory, blotting out weaker signals.<ref name="Colu680724">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wnci-tv-request-controversial-application-moves-slowly/cnxkqagyfytpikwkhmeouedylbvsjflw_ip-10-166-46-74_1704649976398|page=22B|title=WNCI-TV Request Controversial: Application Moves Slowly|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=July 24, 1968|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=January 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110001911/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wnci-tv-request-controversial-application-moves-slowly/cnxkqagyfytpikwkhmeouedylbvsjflw_ip-10-166-46-74_1704649976398|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 1970, the FCC approved a proposal by Nationwide, formulated in conjunction with Ohio State, to make a three-way channel shift to resolve the issue. This moved channel 47 from Columbus to [[Mansfield, Ohio|Mansfield]], whose channel 31 was moved to [[Newark, Ohio|Newark]] for use by [[WGSF (TV)|WGSF]], whose channel 28 allocation was shifted to Columbus for WNCI-TV.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-switches-3-channels-accommodate-nci/ycyymgnxjqjktoononpfuegfmacllugr_ip-10-166-46-81_1715110504687|page=15B|date=January 15, 1970|title=FCC Switches 3 Channels To Accommodate NCI|work=The Columbus Dispatch|agency=Associated Press|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=May 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508021701/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-switches-3-channels-accommodate-nci/ycyymgnxjqjktoononpfuegfmacllugr_ip-10-166-46-81_1715110504687|url-status=live}}</ref> Nationwide entered into an agreement to pay half the cost of a new tower in [[Westerville, Ohio|Westerville]], to be shared by WOSU-TV and WNCI-TV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wosu-tower-funded/cvuymcaifqzgstxjxpnhhkmwhabfpyix_ip-10-166-46-86_1704652795802|page=21A|date=February 28, 1971|title=WOSU Tower Funded|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=January 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110002915/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wosu-tower-funded/cvuymcaifqzgstxjxpnhhkmwhabfpyix_ip-10-166-46-86_1704652795802|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after, Nationwide opted not to construct WNCI-TV in light of a pending rulemaking at the FCC that proposed limiting one company to owning one television station, one radio station, or one newspaper in a market. Nationwide, which already owned AM and FM stations, arranged to sell the permit to the Columbus-based Laurel Broadcasting Company. The FCC approved the transaction at a reported value of $288,000 in August 1971,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-central-ohio-tv-station-may-be-operational-1972/ryqcuaydqkxorlfhvvyntiiqojrvozkl_ip-10-166-46-154_1715110457338|page=21A2|title=New Central Ohio TV Station May Be Operational in 1972|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=August 8, 1971|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=May 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508021701/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-central-ohio-tv-station-may-be-operational-1972/ryqcuaydqkxorlfhvvyntiiqojrvozkl_ip-10-166-46-154_1715110457338|url-status=live}}</ref> but the deal fell through weeks later after the parties reached an impasse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-station-sale-talks-collapse/siaggbuccxfgcwbctgaezumkrvpqdpij_ip-10-166-46-71_1715110409799|page=5A|title=TV Station Sale Talks Collapse|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=August 27, 1971|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=May 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508021700/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-station-sale-talks-collapse/siaggbuccxfgcwbctgaezumkrvpqdpij_ip-10-166-46-71_1715110409799|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
===Early years===
In January 1976, the Commercial Radio Institute (CRI) of [[Baltimore]] announced its intention to file for channel 28. It chose Columbus after passing on prospects in [[Boston]] and [[Louisville, Kentucky]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-uhf-station-planned-city/mqpwrqjwtdttinfsilhvqnuwxxoigoac_ip-10-166-46-142_1715110564849|page=B1|first=Ned|last=Stout|title=New UHF Station Planned for City|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=January 16, 1976|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040205/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-uhf-station-planned-city/mqpwrqjwtdttinfsilhvqnuwxxoigoac_ip-10-166-46-142_1715110564849|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after, a second application was received by Christian Voice of Central Ohio, owner of Christian radio station [[WCVO]] (104.9 FM) in [[Gahanna, Ohio|Gahanna]], which proposed a religious and family-friendly outlet in contrast to the more traditional [[independent station]] format contemplated by the Commercial Radio Institute.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-frequency-grabs/nycrsaucoyavmptqeirwbsqlpjgsqnhy_ip-10-166-46-100_1715110631030|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|page=Guide 11|title=UHF Frequency Is Up For Grabs|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=November 12, 1978|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040205/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/uhf-frequency-grabs/nycrsaucoyavmptqeirwbsqlpjgsqnhy_ip-10-166-46-100_1715110631030|url-status=live}}</ref> FCC administrative law judge David Kraushaar ruled in favor of the Commercial Radio Institute application in October 1979 because Christian Voice of Central Ohio already owned a station in the market.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/92x-hires-programmer-fires-3-staffers/jsjbceyercvsgrhadhniarjrnfrrucou_ip-10-166-46-69_1715110716629|page=C-4|title=92X Hires Programmer, Fires 3 Staffers|first=Bud|last=Wilkinson|date=October 9, 1979|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040225/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/92x-hires-programmer-fires-3-staffers/jsjbceyercvsgrhadhniarjrnfrrucou_ip-10-166-46-69_1715110716629|url-status=live}}</ref> Christian Voice appealed, expressing a desire to sell WCVO if necessary to obtain channel 28.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-license-still-fcc-appeal-process/zanwdikvhxheuxyvyqalskcjnjhgecok_ip-10-166-46-182_1715110768126|page=C-4|title=Channel 28 License Still In FCC Appeal Process|date=May 6, 1980|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040229/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-license-still-fcc-appeal-process/zanwdikvhxheuxyvyqalskcjnjhgecok_ip-10-166-46-182_1715110768126|url-status=live}}</ref> It was unsuccessful in overturning the initial decision at the FCC's review board<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/cvco-bid-channel-28-denied-again-fcc/tbbrxdanrnnntblbznogrxgyywqcwsgz_ip-10-166-46-147_1715110790524|title=CVCO Bid For Channel 28 Denied Again By FCC|page=C-5|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040329/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/cvco-bid-channel-28-denied-again-fcc/tbbrxdanrnnntblbznogrxgyywqcwsgz_ip-10-166-46-147_1715110790524|url-status=live}}</ref> and with the [[United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit]].<ref name="Colu820430">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-still-air/quwosshpfjtvsemsopooilkpzzrcrrgf_ip-10-166-46-184_1715110871356|page=C11|title=Channel 28 still up in the air|date=April 30, 1982|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040343/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-still-air/quwosshpfjtvsemsopooilkpzzrcrrgf_ip-10-166-46-184_1715110871356|url-status=live}}</ref>

Construction on the station, dubbed WTTE, finally began to move ahead in 1983 after the company secured revenue bonds from [[Franklin County, Ohio|Franklin County]]; work to add channel 28 to WOSU-TV's tower began.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ch-28-air-date-delayed-again/qmunqyirpnntdaqowcfywafnvonaadqe_ip-10-166-46-167_1704778152661|page=E7|title=Ch. 28 air date delayed again|date=May 26, 1983|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040802/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ch-28-air-date-delayed-again/qmunqyirpnntdaqowcfywafnvonaadqe_ip-10-166-46-167_1704778152661|url-status=live}}</ref> However, WTTE was bogged down by continual delays. By October, the station was still months away from air, even though CRI had secured a studio site at 6130 Sunbury Road.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/citys-new-uhf-station-hopes-be-air-april/tmlkypsarzdqyuewegwklqeztrptmont_ip-10-166-46-133_1715110928451|page=D7|title=City's new UHF station hopes to be on air by April|date=October 6, 1983|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040705/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/citys-new-uhf-station-hopes-be-air-april/tmlkypsarzdqyuewegwklqeztrptmont_ip-10-166-46-133_1715110928451|url-status=live}}</ref> Wet weather left the tower site muddy and made it impossible to maneuver heavy equipment, leading the station to scrap an April 1984 planned sign-on.<ref name="Colu840323">{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/weather-bogs-down-channel-28-plans/mewxnswsibceqqzpxsemyoznomzjlqlg_ip-10-166-46-135_1704773205140|page=C14|title=Weather bogs down Channel 28 plans|date=March 23, 1984|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040754/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/weather-bogs-down-channel-28-plans/mewxnswsibceqqzpxsemyoznomzjlqlg_ip-10-166-46-135_1704773205140|url-status=live}}</ref>

WTTE began broadcasting on June 1, 1984.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/rape-trial-coverage-examined/uyqlkqbqkknoniafiaadlxsjercdpzoo_ip-10-166-46-101_1715217683631|page=C11|date=June 1, 1984|title=Rape trial coverage examined|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040833/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/rape-trial-coverage-examined/uyqlkqbqkknoniafiaadlxsjercdpzoo_ip-10-166-46-101_1715217683631|url-status=live}}</ref> It was CRI's third station after independent outlets in Baltimore ([[WBFF]]) and [[Pittsburgh]] ([[WPNT|WPTT-TV]]).{{r|Colu840323}} Its format—children's shows, reruns, movies, and religious programs—was familiar to those used to independent stations elsewhere in the country but not so much in Columbus.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-ready-broadcast-after-8-year-struggle/jqvydukhrqkdryewtpwziqnhlkrqypgu_ip-10-166-46-167_1704773243340|date=May 27, 1984|title=Channel 28 ready to broadcast after 8-year struggle|page=D4|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=January 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110002915/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-ready-broadcast-after-8-year-struggle/jqvydukhrqkdryewtpwziqnhlkrqypgu_ip-10-166-46-167_1704773243340|url-status=live}}</ref> It also provided an outlet for programming that the local network affiliates passed up, including sporting events not aired by [[NBC]] affiliate [[WCMH-TV]] (channel 4) and [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] station WTVN-TV (channel 6, now sister station WSYX).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ch-28-carry-usfl-games/jgaliadxbcxrswssyirvfbbppbrkatfi_ip-10-166-46-154_1715111091176|page=13C|title=Ch. 28 to carry USFL games|date=February 1, 1985|first=Jeff|last=Borden|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040833/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ch-28-carry-usfl-games/jgaliadxbcxrswssyirvfbbppbrkatfi_ip-10-166-46-154_1715111091176|url-status=live}}</ref> WTTE joined the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network at its launch in October 1986.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtte-join-fox/hgdcbtuwtwnrtmgacqekyyqfatgptfmu_ip-10-166-46-78_1715111277863|page=11C|title=WTTE to join Fox|work=The Columbus Dispatch|first=David|last=Jones|date=July 3, 1986|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040740/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wtte-join-fox/hgdcbtuwtwnrtmgacqekyyqfatgptfmu_ip-10-166-46-78_1715111277863|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, the Commercial Radio Institute broadcasting division took the name [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]].<ref name="Balt860916">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-briefly/146864364/|date=September 16, 1986|page=10B|title=Briefly|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|location=Baltimore, Maryland|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509040751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-briefly/146864364/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

As early as 1989,<ref>{{Cite news|work=Columbus Business First|title=WTTE-TV Launching News Operation|date=August 21, 1989|first=Stephen|last=Lilly|id={{ProQuest|232363554}} }}</ref> WTTE officials floated the possibility of airing a 10 p.m. newscast, either by setting up an in-house news department or by partnering with another station. In 1990, general manager Mike Quigley told ''[[American City Business Journals|Columbus Business First]]'' that the station was targeting 1991 to debut such a newscast on weeknights, though the $2 million start-up costs had resulted in delays to the plan.<ref>{{cite news|id={{Gale|A8882266}}|first=Robert|last=Reid|date=August 6, 1990|work=Columbus Business First|title=Local TV stations face transition: film at 11}}</ref> A newscast continued to be discussed by Quigley for years. When WCMH-TV debuted a 10 p.m. newscast production on [[WWHO]] (channel 53) in 1994, observers believed it had been hurried to air to spoil a pending joint venture between WTTE and [[CBS]] affiliate [[WBNS-TV]] (channel 10), the market's leading local news station.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wbns-continues-ratings-surge-beats-channels-4-6-combined/lonzxgipvcjcnymtlsfomvtykpcculvb_ip-10-166-46-144_1715218414423|first=Julia|last=Keller|title=WBNS continues ratings surge, beats Channels 4, 6 combined|page=9D|date=May 2, 1994|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509041208/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wbns-continues-ratings-surge-beats-channels-4-6-combined/lonzxgipvcjcnymtlsfomvtykpcculvb_ip-10-166-46-144_1715218414423|url-status=live}}</ref>

WTTE became a secondary affiliate of [[UPN]] when the network launched in January 1995. UPN programs aired in alternative time slots to not conflict with Fox shows. Where UPN shows aired on Monday and Tuesday nights in the network's first year, WTTE presented the network on Saturday and Sunday.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vintage 'Voyager': Deck: New 'Star Trek' series boldly continues space saga|page=8E|first=Julia|last=Keller|work=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref> This arrangement ended in January 1998 after WWHO was sold to [[Paramount Stations Group]], the network's [[owned-and-operated station]]s division, and added UPN programming to its [[The WB|WB]] affiliation.<ref name="MW971110">{{Cite news|title=Amid 'quirky' campaigns, news gushes in rushes|id={{ProQuest|213628547}}|first=Rachel|last=Fischer|date=November 10, 1997|page=21|work=Mediaweek}}</ref>

===Consolidation with WSYX and newscasts===
[[File:WSYX WTTE WWHO.jpg|thumb|right|200px|WSYX/WTTE/WWHO studios in Columbus. "[[Cunningham Broadcasting|Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation]]" is displayed on the bottom row of the front monument sign, signifying the owner of WTTE's license assets.]]

In 1996, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced the purchase of [[St. Louis]]–based [[River City Broadcasting]], which in Columbus owned ABC affiliate WSYX. The deal was soon amended at the behest of federal regulators to omit WSYX, which Sinclair had originally planned to control under a [[local marketing agreement]].<ref name="Balt960514">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-sinclair-to-alter-plan/146880640/|date=May 14, 1996|page=2C|first=Bill|last=Atkinson|title=Sinclair to alter plans to buy firm in St. Louis: Changes in deal prompted by antitrust concerns over Ohio TV station purchase|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|location=Baltimore, Maryland|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509041256/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-sinclair-to-alter-plan/146880640/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> In spite of Sinclair not immediately buying WSYX, the station became very important to WTTE. On September 16, 1996, WSYX began producing a newscast for WTTE, ''Fox News at 10'', from its studios.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fox-news-10-hopes-entertain-inform/gugbqjmnwzbupvwvbitduhbuavtspayw_ip-10-166-46-156_1715111826050|page=3I|first=Julia|last=Keller|title='Fox News at 10' hopes to entertain, inform|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=September 22, 1996|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509041643/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fox-news-10-hopes-entertain-inform/gugbqjmnwzbupvwvbitduhbuavtspayw_ip-10-166-46-156_1715111826050|url-status=live}}</ref> The arrangement was similar to one adopted by Sinclair-owned Fox affiliate [[WDKY-TV]] in [[Lexington, Kentucky]], the year prior.<ref name="BC960819">{{cite news|first=Steve|last=McClellan|title=Sinclair makes news moves|work=Broadcasting & Cable|pages=33–34|id={{ProQuest|225349764}}|date=August 19, 1996}}</ref> It was anchored by Lorene Wagner, a former reporter and anchor for WSYX and WBNS-TV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fox-goosebumps-series-airs-revenge-comics-junkie/ngykflxmnrzxzgypplcolwazhymvfjvt_ip-10-166-46-81_1715111782006|page=9D|title=Fox 'Goosebumps' series airs revenge of the comics junkie|date=September 6, 1996|first=Julia|last=Keller|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509041649/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fox-goosebumps-series-airs-revenge-comics-junkie/ngykflxmnrzxzgypplcolwazhymvfjvt_ip-10-166-46-81_1715111782006|url-status=live}}</ref> While it had a dedicated set and news anchors, it drew on WSYX for weather and sports personalities.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Channel 28 sets 10 p.m. newscast|page=11E|first=Julia|last=Keller|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=August 28, 1996}}</ref>{{r|BC960819}} ''Fox News at 10'' made a strong showing, quickly eclipsing the WCMH-TV–produced WWHO newscast in the ratings.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-has-encouraging-news-ratings-are-upswing-broadcast-10-pm-daily/aiewfkkwfntegjaxkwuylrmxdxjoaeer_ip-10-166-46-140_1715111858346|page=7B|title=Channel 28 has encouraging news: Ratings are on the upswing for the broadcast at 10 p.m. daily|date=March 24, 1997|first=Julia|last=Keller|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509041714/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-28-has-encouraging-news-ratings-are-upswing-broadcast-10-pm-daily/aiewfkkwfntegjaxkwuylrmxdxjoaeer_ip-10-166-46-140_1715111858346|url-status=live}}</ref> The WWHO news was canceled in October 1997, leaving WTTE with the only 10 p.m. news program in Columbus.{{r|MW971110}}

The [[U.S. Department of Justice]] approved Sinclair to acquire WSYX's non-license assets, including its facilities and personnel, in 1998.<ref name="Balt980414">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-us-approves-sinclair/146880766/|date=April 14, 1998|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-sinclair-gets-ok-on-oh/146881047/ 3C]|first=Mark|last=Ribbing|title=U.S. approves Sinclair bid on TV station: It lets Baltimore firm operate ABC affiliate in Columbus, Ohio|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|location=Baltimore, Maryland|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509042151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-us-approves-sinclair/146880766/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->  Sinclair then exercised its option to buy the WSYX license and sold the WTTE license to [[Glencairn, Ltd.]] for $2.3 million.<ref>{{Cite report|title=Annual Report|date=2000|page=35|id={{ProQuest|2198599160}}|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group}}</ref> The deals triggered the consolidation of the two stations in WSYX's facilities and under WSYX's general manager;<ref>{{Cite news|page=7E|title=WSYX general manager chosen to head merger with WTTE-TV|date=June 11, 1998|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wsyx-general-manager-chosen-head-merger-wtte-tv/jgtmwouhkaxdpltbatzfbudukiikeabf_ip-10-166-46-142_1715112659530|first=Tim|last=Feran|work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509042150/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wsyx-general-manager-chosen-head-merger-wtte-tv/jgtmwouhkaxdpltbatzfbudukiikeabf_ip-10-166-46-142_1715112659530|url-status=live}}</ref> Wagner moved to WSYX's evening newscasts and was replaced on WTTE by [[Kirstin Cole]], a WSYX reporter and weekend anchor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/anchor-desk-now-family-affair-wsyx/iunfbwkjakzrhoncjmpqvksilszsaayq_ip-10-166-46-78_1715112721257|first=Tim|last=Feran|work=The Columbus Dispatch|page=8E|title=Anchor desk now family affair at WSYX|date=August 19, 1998|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509042233/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/anchor-desk-now-family-affair-wsyx/iunfbwkjakzrhoncjmpqvksilszsaayq_ip-10-166-46-78_1715112721257|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Fox News at 10'' was expanded to a full hour later in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/two-new-anchors-added-channel-28-newscast/mksxakwmojttppddjlhmtxutifgqeonv_ip-10-166-46-89_1715112715093|title=Two new anchors added to Channel 28 newscast|page=7E|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=August 10, 1998|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509042151/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/two-new-anchors-added-channel-28-newscast/mksxakwmojttppddjlhmtxutifgqeonv_ip-10-166-46-89_1715112715093|url-status=live}}</ref> Local newscasts from both stations were combined under the umbrella brand ''NewsCenter'' in September 1999.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Mediaweek|pages=22–28|title=Columbus|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|id={{ProQuest|213622452}}|date=March 20, 2000}}</ref>

[[File:WTTE28newlogo.PNG|200px|thumb|right|WTTE's final logo as a Fox affiliate, 2000–2021. The logo was slightly modified in 2021 to include the WSYX [[call signs in North America|call sign]] when its intellectual property moved to WSYX 6.3.]]

In April 2000, WWHO dropped [[Kids' WB]] programming entirely; it downgraded its WB affiliation to essentially secondary status in order to air UPN programming in pattern, though it continued to air all WB prime time shows.<ref name=v-wbtoupn>{{cite news|last=Schneider|first=Michael|title=Sharing the wealth|url=https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/sharing-the-wealth-1117776652/|access-date=April 22, 2012|newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=February 22, 2000|quote=With Paramount's WWHO Columbus and WLWC Providence about to make a long-planned switch from the WB to UPN…}}</ref> While WTTE could not pick up the entire children's lineup because of its own [[Fox Kids]] offering, weekday airings of [[Pokémon (TV series)|the ''Pokémon'' anime]] were added to WTTE's schedule under agreement with The WB.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Channel 28 rescues mornings for kids with 'Pokémon' return|page=1C|date=April 27, 2000|work=The Columbus Dispatch|first=Tim|last=Feran}}</ref> 

The ''NewsCenter'' partnership extended to morning news beginning in August 2000, when WTTE debuted a 7 a.m. extension of WSYX's morning newscast.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Channel 28 to add news at 7 a.m.|date=August 5, 2000|page=5E|work=The Columbus Dispatch|first=Tim|last=Feran}}</ref> An 8 a.m. hour was added in 2005, bringing the stations' total morning news output to four hours.<ref>{{cite news|page=4D|date=July 9, 2005|title='NewsCenter' to add morning hours|work=The Columbus Dispatch|first=Tim|last=Feran}}</ref> In 2005, WTTE became the home of [[Ohio Lottery]] drawings under an agreement that saw the lottery pay less than it had been to WBNS-TV.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/06/13/daily32.html|date=June 17, 2005|first=Tony|last=Goins|work=Columbus Business First|title=Lotto moves to WTTE|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509042236/https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/06/13/daily32.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By this time, WTTE's 10 p.m. newscast was the highest-rated news program on either station.<ref>{{Cite news|page=9E|title=All stations find encouragement in Nielsen data for November|date=December 2, 2005|work=The Columbus Dispatch|first=Tim|last=Feran}}</ref> In May 2014, WTTE was the highest-rated Fox affiliate in prime time in the United States, and its 10 p.m. newscast had twice as many viewers as WSYX at 11 p.m.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-eye-ball-ohio-132902|date=August 4, 2014|title=Market Eye: 'Eye' on the Ball in Ohio|first=Michael|last=Malone|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416112706/https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-eye-ball-ohio-132902|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Move of Fox to WSYX subchannel===
[[File:WTTE logo 2021.png|175px|thumb|Logo used from 2021 to 2025.]]
On January 1, 2021, Sinclair quietly sent a letter to cable and satellite providers saying that it had consolidated the Fox affiliations of stations in five markets where it had been on a station operated via an LMA onto Sinclair-owned stations, putting those affiliations directly in Sinclair's control. WTTE was one of the affected stations. While most markets transitioned on that day, the transition of WTTE–Fox's programming schedule onto WSYX's spectrum took place on January 7,<ref name="sbg-nctc">{{cite web|url=https://www.nctconline.org/index.php/members/resources/technical-notices/item/1690-sinclair-acquisition-of-fox-affiliation|title=Sinclair - Acquisition of Fox affiliation|date=January 1, 2021|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group/National Cable Television Cooperative|access-date=December 3, 2021|archive-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203081413/https://www.nctconline.org/index.php/members/resources/technical-notices/item/1690-sinclair-acquisition-of-fox-affiliation|url-status=dead}}</ref> the day WWHO-TV became the market's [[ATSC 3.0]] lighthouse station.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/how-to-make-sure-you-can-keep-receiving-abc-6-fox-28-on-your-tv|website=WSYX|date=January 4, 2021|title=How to make sure you can keep receiving ABC 6 & FOX 28 on your TV|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104232145/https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/how-to-make-sure-you-can-keep-receiving-abc-6-fox-28-on-your-tv|url-status=live}}</ref> On that date, Fox 28 moved to WSYX 6.3. It was broadcast from both WSYX and WTTE until February 3, when WTTE's main signal switched to the Sinclair-owned [[TBD (TV network)|TBD]] network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/fox-28-over-the-air-signal-moves-to-channel-wsyx-63|website=WTTE|title=FOX 28 over-the-air signal moves to channel WSYX 6.3|date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111040132/https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/fox-28-over-the-air-signal-moves-to-channel-wsyx-63|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Technical information==
===Subchannels===
WTTE's transmitter is located in the [[Franklinton, Columbus, Ohio|Franklinton]] section of Columbus.{{r|FCC-LMS-74137}} The station's signal is [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WTTE<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTTE#station|website=[[RabbitEars]]|title=TV Query for WTTE|access-date=February 4, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221234143/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTTE#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" | 28.1 
| rowspan=3|[[480i]] || rowspan=3|[[16:9]] || WTTE || [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]]
|-
! scope="row" | 28.2 
| Antenna || [[Antenna TV]]
|-
! scope="row" | 28.3
| GetTV || [[Get (TV network)|Get]]
|- style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"
! scope = "row" | [[WWHO|53.1]] 
| [[720p]] || rowspan=2|16:9 || WWHO-CW || [[The CW]] ([[WWHO]])
|- style="background-color:#DFEBF6;"
! scope = "row" | [[WWHO|53.2]] 
| 480i || Charge! || [[Charge! (TV network)|Charge!]] (WWHO)
|}
{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}

===Analog-to-digital conversion===
WTTE began broadcasting a digital signal on October 28, 2002.<ref>{{Cite book|chapter=WTTE-DT|page=A-1736|title=Television and Cable Factbook|date=2006}}</ref> It and WWHO were the only full-power television stations in the Columbus market that honored the original [[Digital television transition in the United States|DTV transition date]] of February 17, 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29245267|agency=Associated Press|title=List of TV stations ending analog broadcasts|date=February 17, 2009|work=NBC News|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106052115/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29245267|url-status=live}}</ref> The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 36, using [[virtual channel]] 28.<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>

WTTE relocated its signal from channel 36 to channel 27 on April 9, 2019, as a result of the [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction]].<ref>{{Cite news|website=WSYX|date=March 1, 2019|title=How to make sure you can keep receiving FOX 28 on your TV|url=https://abc6onyourside.com/news/news-links/how-to-make-sure-you-can-keep-receiving-fox-28-on-your-tv|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509042218/https://abc6onyourside.com/news/news-links/how-to-make-sure-you-can-keep-receiving-fox-28-on-your-tv|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web|url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table|format=CSV|website=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
<!-- Keep these links in-sync and not out-of-date with article-->
*[[Channel 27 digital TV stations in the United States]]
*[[Channel 28 virtual TV stations in the United States]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Columbus TV}}
{{Other Ohio Stations}}
{{SBGI}}

[[Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Antenna TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Get (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1984]]
[[Category:Television stations in Columbus, Ohio|TTE]]