View source for WZZM

{{Short description|Television station in Grand Rapids, Michigan}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WZZM
| city = Grand Rapids, Michigan
| logo = WZZM (2018).svg
| logo_alt = An italicized 13 in a condensed bold sans serif, with part of the 3 cut out to insert the ABC network logo. The words "On Your Side" appear to the right of the 13.
| logo_upright = .85
| branding = 13 On Your Side
| digital = 13 ([[VHF]])
| virtual = 13
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''13.1:''' [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = {{ubl|[[Tegna Inc.]]|''(sale to [[Nexstar Media Group]] pending{{r|NexacqTegna}})''}}
| licensee = Combined Communications of Oklahoma, [[LLC]]
| location = [[Grand Rapids]]–[[Muskegon, Michigan]]
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1962|11|1|p=y|br=yes}}
| callsign_meaning = "WZZM" forms an [[ambigram]]
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 13 (VHF, 1962–2009)|'''Digital:''' 39 ([[UHF]], 2002–2009)}}
| erp = 24.5 [[kW]]
| haat = {{convert|324.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 49713
| coordinates = {{coord|43|18|35|N|85|54|45|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.wzzm13.com/}}
}}

'''WZZM''' (channel 13) is a [[television station]] licensed to [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]], United States, serving [[West Michigan]] as an affiliate of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. Owned by [[Tegna Inc.]], the station has studios on 3 Mile Road NW in [[Walker, Michigan|Walker]] (with a Grand Rapids [[United States Postal Service|mailing]] address), and its transmitter is located in [[Grant, Michigan]].

Channel 13 was inserted into Grand Rapids in 1961; station spacing rules of the time required that the transmitter be to the north of the city, closer to [[Muskegon]]. The station went on the air in November 1962 under interim operating authority; four companies jointly owned the station until West Michigan Telecasters was granted the permanent license in 1964 and bought out the others' interim holdings in 1965. Because of the transmitter site restriction, the station did not and does not provide adequate coverage of the southern portion of the market, namely [[Kalamazoo]] and [[Battle Creek]]. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the station sought translators to serve those cities, only to have the proposals turned down in order to protect a new station on channel 41 in Battle Creek, WUHQ-TV (now [[WOTV]]), which also broadcasts ABC but with separate non-network programming. An attempt to combine WZZM-TV and WUHQ-TV failed in 1991, and WOTV is today co-owned with [[WOOD-TV]], the market's [[NBC]] affiliate. Satellite television providers [[Dish Network]] and [[DirecTV]] provide both stations across the entire market, and WZZM is also on cable in Battle Creek.

In local news, the station had a highly regarded news department from the 1960s through the 1980s; its original news director stayed on for the first 25 years of its history. While the station continues to be competitive, particularly in the Grand Rapids area northward, coverage shortfalls in the south and the aggregate nature of the television market have made WOOD-TV the overall market news leader since the 1990s. The station maintains a lit [[weather ball]] displayed near its Walker studios.

==History==
===Assignment of channel 13 to Grand Rapids; construction===
[[File:Amway_Grand_Plaza_Hotel_-_Pantlind_Hotel.jpg|left|thumb|alt=A neoclassical hotel building|The [[Pantlind Hotel]] in downtown Grand Rapids was the first studio location for WZZM.]]
In 1959, the Atlas Broadcasting Company was organized to pursue the addition of a third [[very high frequency]] (VHF) station in West Michigan. It applied to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC), proposing the addition of channel 13 to Grand Rapids. The station would transmit from an area near [[Muskegon]], north of Grand Rapids, where it would be appropriately spaced to [[WSPD-TV]] in [[Toledo, Ohio]], and [[WREX-TV]] in [[Rockford, Illinois]]; FCC regulations required the transmitter to be located at least {{convert|170|mi|km|0}} from competing stations on that frequency. Atlas also proposed moving [[WWTV]] in [[Cadillac, Michigan|Cadillac]] to channel 9, where it would still be appropriately spaced to [[CKLW-TV]] in [[Windsor, Ontario]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ezithpggtziaqfhoiduxzsceofjqrigk_wma-gateway008_1676243741454|title=Would Move Cadillac TV Channel Here|page=13|work=[[The Grand Rapids Press]]|date=November 6, 1959|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314070730/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ezithpggtziaqfhoiduxzsceofjqrigk_wma-gateway008_1676243741454|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC approved this allocation change in 1961; it replaced channel 9 in [[Alpena, Michigan|Alpena]] with channel 6.<ref name="Musk610729">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//oqbmwjjuxgpjfiifbrarylzsumtnthsz_wma-gateway015_1676244670679|page=13|date=July 29, 1961|title=Channel 13 at Grand Rapids: New TV Station Will Serve Area|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|access-date=February 13, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314080915/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//oqbmwjjuxgpjfiifbrarylzsumtnthsz_wma-gateway015_1676244670679}}</ref> The placement of the channel at Grand Rapids attracted interest even before the insertion was final. By the end of 1960, three groups had incorporated with an eye toward filing for channel 13, including West Michigan Telecasters—consisting of 24 shareholders with Lewis V. Chamberlain, Jr. as president—whose final application was filed in October 1961.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//skmqiwytppnjqicgjvvykyehshvkrsap_wma-gateway019_1676240993567|page=26|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=New Group Seeks TV: Bids for Allocation Of Channel by FCC|date=December 15, 1960|access-date=February 13, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003916/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//skmqiwytppnjqicgjvvykyehshvkrsap_wma-gateway019_1676240993567}}</ref> One of the shareholders was [[L. William Seidman]], then on the board of directors of [[Grand Valley State College]] and later chairman of the [[Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]].{{r|GRP611227}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/bill-seidman-exfdic-chair_n_203213.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106151754/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/bill-seidman-exfdic-chair_n_203213.html|archive-date=November 6, 2012|agency=Associated Press|title=Bill Seidman, Ex-FDIC Chairman, Dead|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=May 13, 2009}}</ref> Some of the stockholders were from Muskegon; the group promoted the northerly transmitter site as a bonus, noting that there were no local stations in Muskegon and that other communities such as [[Grand Haven]] and [[Holland, Michigan|Holland]] were also underserved.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//afxvjkrwrehcpwldardhwlrmsvnbigps_wma-gateway009_1676241032488|page=15|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|title=Third Group Seeks Local TV Channel|date=October 27, 1961|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003836/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//afxvjkrwrehcpwldardhwlrmsvnbigps_wma-gateway009_1676241032488|url-status=live}}</ref> West Michigan was one of six applicants to file by the end of 1961, alongside Atlas (which also owned Grand Rapids–area radio station [[WSLI (AM)|WMAX]]); Grand Broadcasting Company, which counted former [[WJRW|WLAV]] and [[WOOD-TV|WLAV-TV]] owner Leonard Versluis among its stockholders as well as former FCC counsel Mary Jane Morris; Major Television Company; MKO Broadcasting Company; and Peninsular Broadcasting Company.<ref name="GRP611227">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//elugbwnbzrghhkqwojnzpskhltmhgmqa_wma-gateway015_1676241137700|work=The Grand Rapids Press|first=Kurt|last=Luedtke|author-link=Kurt Luedtke|title=Who's Going to Win Down-to-the-Wire Contest for New TV Station Here?|page=10|date=December 27, 1961|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003735/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//elugbwnbzrghhkqwojnzpskhltmhgmqa_wma-gateway015_1676241137700|url-status=live}}</ref> 

In its order assigning channel 13 to Grand Rapids, the FCC indicated its willingness to accept proposals for interim operating authority to hasten the construction of the station. This meant that the [[comparative hearing]] process and construction would run in parallel. Days after filing its permanent bid, West Michigan Telecasters also proposed interim operating authority.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//eiajpzwfpciqrmnyqujwlyowjibqmfee_wma-gateway016_1676241077088|page=14|date=October 31, 1961|title=Seek OK On Interim TV Station|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003916/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//eiajpzwfpciqrmnyqujwlyowjibqmfee_wma-gateway016_1676241077088|url-status=live}}</ref> Major and Atlas both withdrew in August 1962; the four remaining contenders formed Channel 13, Grand Rapids, Inc., which received interim authority that same month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kkaabnxwjjldwibyehepeybmwzxrrtxd_wma-gateway010_1676241188962|page=16|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 2, 1962|title=Quits Local TV Race: Major Television Out as Applicant|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003917/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kkaabnxwjjldwibyehepeybmwzxrrtxd_wma-gateway010_1676241188962|url-status=live}}</ref> The interim station originally chose the call letters WIIM-TV, but [[WJIM-TV]] in [[Lansing]] objected, resulting in the choice of WZZM as the call sign.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1962/1962-10-08-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|page=82|date=October 8, 1962|title=To lessen confusion, it's WZZM-TV|id={{ProQuest|1014457501}}|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131025739/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1962/1962-10-08-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction rapidly proceeded, and from studios in the [[Pantlind Hotel]] downtown, WZZM made its first broadcast on November 1, 1962, an ABC affiliate from the start.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tdpkufccbzmhrqeaoziwybxnbjxcxzhm_wma-gateway005_1676241934515|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=November 1, 1962|title=Channel 13 Goes on Air: Festivities Mark Broadcasts Tonight|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314070723/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tdpkufccbzmhrqeaoziwybxnbjxcxzhm_wma-gateway005_1676241934515|url-status=live}}</ref>

While WZZM was on the air, the applicants wrangled at the FCC over permanent authority to run it. In May 1963, an FCC hearing examiner gave Grand Broadcasting Company the nod in his initial decision, citing its superior integration of ownership and management, a comparative criterion analyzing the involvement of owners in station operations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//osgonlolnbpbuyrpihisquhesydkwkca_wma-gateway009_1676241346326|title=Backs Firm For Channel: FCC Aide Urge Grand Co. Award|page=13|date=May 21, 1963|work=The Grand Rapids Press|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003746/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//osgonlolnbpbuyrpihisquhesydkwkca_wma-gateway009_1676241346326|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC itself, however, instead selected West Michigan Telecasters in April 1964, citing its principals' involvement in civic affairs and research into local public service programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ngimavrnzouestevfnxabyanzacemjma_wma-gateway004_1676241401664|date=April 25, 1964|page=13|title=West Michigan Telecasters Gets U.S. Nod for Channel 13|work=The Grand Rapids Press|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003748/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ngimavrnzouestevfnxabyanzacemjma_wma-gateway004_1676241401664|url-status=live}}</ref> The company then settled with the other applicants, ultimately paying them between $360,000 and $390,000 apiece,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tqhldlccsqqgetfclijliphlfggcvnpv_wma-gateway003_1676241761489|date=May 19, 1965|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|title=Losing Bidders For Channel 13 Get $360,000|page=37|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> and on January 25, 1965, it became the sole owner of WZZM.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cmopcfgvornjjwgcymvrkptliilasryn_wma-gateway003_1676241833331|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|title=Sign Pact To Operate Channel 13|date=January 25, 1965|page=13|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> After the award, West Michigan Telecasters proceeded with its plans to build a studio in Muskegon.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xlwwcjbxunlqclzteoyhubltsbqnyisc_wma-gateway011_1676241788506|page=28|title=WZZM Studio Shaping for May 1 Opening|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|date=March 11, 1965|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref>

After a plan to merge with Basic Communications Inc. and ''Eccentric'' magazine in [[Birmingham, Michigan]], fell through,<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1505789183}}|page=51|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=Basic a Merger Dropout; And Then There Were Two|date=March 19, 1969}}</ref> West Michigan Telecasters merged with two publishing companies in 1969 to form Synercom Communications Corporation.{{r|Ludi730310}} In 1971, WZZM-TV finally left the Pantlind and moved to purpose-built studios. The {{Convert|38500|ft2|m2|adj=on}} facility also housed [[WLHT-FM|WZZM-FM]], which West Michigan Telecasters had acquired in 1966,<ref name="Holl661128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529197/company-buys-radio-station-in-grand-rapi/|date=November 28, 1966|page=22|agency=UPI|title=Company Buys Radio Station in Grand Rapids|newspaper=The Holland Evening Sentinel|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529197/company-buys-radio-station-in-grand/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> and the station's production arm.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Back Stage|id={{ProQuest|963140743}}|page=3|date=July 30, 1971|title=WZZM To Open New Broadcast Center Aug. 9}}</ref> Synercom then spun West Michigan Telecasters and the WZZM stations out as its own company in 1973, including Elinor Bunin Productions, a New York City film production house.<ref name="Ludi730310">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529570/grand-rapids-tv-station-sold/|date=March 10, 1973|page=2|title=Grand Rapids TV Station Sold|newspaper=The Ludington Daily News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063704/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529570/grand-rapids-tv-station-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

===Wometco and Price ownership===
West Michigan Telecasters entered into an agreement to sell WZZM-TV to [[Wometco Enterprises]] for $14 million in 1976, with WZZM-TV becoming Wometco's fourth television property.<ref name="Miam760902">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530068/wometco-to-buy-grand-rapids-station/|date=September 2, 1976|page=3P|title=Wometco to buy Grand Rapids station|newspaper=The Miami News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530068/wometco-to-buy-grand-rapids-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The acquisition closed in January 1978;<ref name="Miam780125">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530340/florida-notes/|date=January 25, 1978|page=10A|first=Florida|last=Tucker|title=Florida notes|newspaper=The Miami News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063720/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530340/florida-notes/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> WZZM-FM was split from the television station by West Michigan Telecasters and sold to separate interests.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-12-19.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=December 19, 1977|pages=32–33|title=Changing Hands|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131032346/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-12-19.pdf|id={{ProQuest|1016895120}}|url-status=live}}</ref> Wometco was then taken private in a [[leveraged buyout]] by [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]] (KKR) in 1984.<ref name="Stat840413">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530566/ny-investment-firm-acquires-wometco/|date=April 13, 1984|page=10-D|first=Norman|last=Black|agency=Associated Press|title=N.Y. Investment Firm Acquires Wometco|newspaper=The State|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530566/ny-investment-firm-acquires-wometco/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->

KKR then sold the station to Price Communications, owned by [[Robert Price (attorney)|Robert Price]], in 1985; the deal was the largest acquisition for the company to date.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|397917107}}|title=Wometco Will Sell TV Station to Price Communications|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=May 1, 1985}}</ref> Price then sold its four stations to Northstar Television Group in 1989 for $70 million; Northstar was a joint venture of Osborn Television and Desai Capital, the largest stakeholder in Price.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-07-03.pdf|page=72|id={{ProQuest|1016936862}}|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|date=July 3, 1989|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131030945/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-07-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Three of Northstar's four stations were acquired by Argyle Television Holdings II in 1994; the original Argyle Television had been sold earlier in the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-09-12.pdf|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=September 12, 1994|title=Argyle buys three North Star stations|id={{ProQuest|225329323}}|page=42|first=Harry A.|last=Jessell|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131025936/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-09-12.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Gannett/Tegna ownership===
In 1996, the [[Gannett Company]] acquired [[Multimedia, Inc.]]. This created conflicts for the company in [[Cincinnati]] and [[Oklahoma City]], where Multimedia had a newspaper-TV station combination and a TV station-cable system combination that were not permissible under FCC rules of the time. As a result, Gannett agreed to a trade with Argyle. Gannett sent Argyle the Cincinnati and Oklahoma City stations ([[WLWT]] and [[KOCO-TV]]) in exchange for $20 million; [[WGRZ]] in [[Buffalo, New York]]; and WZZM-TV.<ref name="Buff961121">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118535455/gannett-to-sell-gazette-in-deal-to-acqui/|date=November 21, 1996|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118535561/gannett-spokesman-says-deal-means-stab/ A10]|first=Dale|last=Anderson|title=Gannett to sell Gazette in deal to acquire Ch. 2|newspaper=The Buffalo News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064227/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118535455/gannett-to-sell-gazette-in-deal-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> In 1999, after a 33-year run, the station ceased producing its local children's show, ''[[Bozo's Big Top]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/bozos-big-top-coming-down-wzzm-tv-drops-show-after-33-year-run-clowning-continues/libztxrfauljatfavyvwklyupkfqhmkv_ip-10-166-46-150_1714245799500|first=Lisa Ann|last=Williamson|pages=A1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/bozo-clowns-show-shuts-down-after-33-year-run/vkjlhqytduhctkhkfwwhsvcrejorpuog_ip-10-166-46-126_1714245705641 A4]|title=Bozo's Big Top coming down: WZZM-TV drops the show after 33-year run, but clowning continues|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 17, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|page=A1|first=Terri|last=DeBoer|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=Local children's host Maranda will be switching channels: WOOD-TV's parent company hires her but has not fully defined her role.|date=December 16, 2000}}</ref>

[[File:WZZM weatherball, Grand Rapids, MIchigan.png|thumb|upright|The WZZM 13 Weatherball|alt=A large steel sphere with neon tubes lit in green, mounted high on a pole bearing the WZZM logo, at night]]
From 1967 to 1987, a [[weather ball]] sat atop the Michigan National Bank building in Grand Rapids, utilizing 288 colored neon lights to convey forecast precipitation or changes in temperature, until it was removed because its weight had caused structural damage. The station located the stainless steel ball in a scrapyard in Kalamazoo in 1999 and applied to authorities in Walker to mount a {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} pole to display it near its studios in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=A25|first=Lawrence R.|last=Heibel|title=Weather ball may sit on pole by station: WZZM TV-13 is seeking a zoning variance to build the new home for the stainless steel sphere|date=March 28, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Weather Ball gets green light for move|date=June 28, 2002|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=D3|first=Lawrence R.|last=Heibel}}</ref> New neon tubes were fitted atop the restored weather ball, which returned to service in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Snapper|title=Weather ball resurrected, ready to flash forecasts: The icon returns to the area skyline 16 years after it was removed from the top of a downtown bank building|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=A21|date=April 10, 2003}}</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. WZZM was 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>

===Pending sale to Nexstar Media Group===
In August 2025, [[Nexstar Media Group]] agreed to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion.<ref name="NexacqTegna">{{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=TVNewsCheck |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> In Grand Rapids, Nexstar already owns [[WOOD-TV]], [[WOTV]], and [[WXSP-CD]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McVicar |first=Brian |date=August 12, 2025 |title=Report: Nexstar in talks to acquire Tegna, possibly affecting West Michigan TV stations |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/08/report-nexstar-in-talks-to-acquire-tegna-possibly-affecting-west-michigan-tv-stations.html |access-date=August 19, 2025 |work=[[MLive]] |language=en-US |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==The Battle Creek–Kalamazoo problem==
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-height=340|frame-width=240|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/WZZM}} |text=WZZM's transmitter is farther north than most stations in the market, and its signal ''(contour map pictured)'' does not cover Battle Creek or Kalamazoo.}}
The FCC reckoned channel 13 as a Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo station when it inserted the allocation,<ref name="Musk610729"/> and for most regional viewers the sign-on of WZZM gave West Michigan full service from all three networks; the market was already served by Grand Rapids–based NBC affiliate WOOD-TV and Kalamazoo-based [[CBS]] affiliate [[WWMT|WKZO-TV]]. However, WZZM's transmitter was located further north than its competitors. While the northerly location was necessary to insert channel 13 in the area in the first place, it left much of the market's southern portion without even a fringe signal from the station. Bill Tompkins of ''[[The Battle Creek Enquirer|The Battle Creek Enquirer and News]]'' wrote that local viewers found WZZM "about as elusive as a flying saucer" when it began broadcasting. While WZZM officials insisted that Battle Creek was firmly within its service area, only a "small and lucky" few viewers received a watchable signal from channel 13, and Kalamazoo viewers reported getting only marginal coverage at best from WZZM. Since WOOD-TV and WKZO-TV removed ABC programs from their schedules when WZZM came into service, viewers in this area had to depend on part-time carriage of ABC programs by the stations in the [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]–[[Jackson, Michigan|Jackson]] market.<ref name="Batt621114">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-few-enjoy-channel/143509909/|date=November 14, 1962|page=4:4|first=Bill|last=Tompkins|title=Few Enjoy Channel 13: Time Needed to Adjust Both Sets and Stations|newspaper=The Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 17, 2024|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317004407/https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-few-enjoy-channel/143509909/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> In 1964, WZZM was authorized to construct a translator on channel 12 in Kalamazoo,<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014485997}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-08-17-BC.pdf|date=August 17, 1964|page=98|title=For the Record|work=Broadcasting|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131024101/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-08-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and the next year, it applied to build one on channel 83 in Battle Creek. This was simultaneous with Mary Jane Morris, who had been involved with one of the losing bids for channel 13, filing with James Searer to build a full-service station in Battle Creek on channel 65.<ref name="Batt651106">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118525872/channel-65-tv-sought-for-city/|date=November 6, 1965|page=3|title=Channel 65 TV Sought For City|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118525872/channel-65-tv-sought-for-city/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> That translator went on the air on channel 74 in January 1968,<ref name="Batt680124">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969585/channel-74-plans-to-begin-full-operation/|date=January 24, 1968|page=5|title=Channel 74 Plans To Begin Full Operations Friday|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969585/channel-74-plans-to-begin-full/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> but the FCC then ordered it to cease broadcasting in early March in the context of a battle with the permittee for a full-power station on Battle Creek's channel 41. The commission expressed concern that the WZZM translator could be detrimental to the establishment of the proposed full-service station.<ref name="Batt680307">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969550/channel-74-off-air/|date=March 7, 1968|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969557/channel-off-air/ 2]|title=Channel 74 Off Air|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064244/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969550/channel-74-off-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> This was particularly acute because the channel 41 permittee, BCU-TV, proposed to affiliate with ABC, while WZZM-TV contended it had the rights to ABC in the Battle Creek area.<ref name="Batt680123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526354/suit-snags-uhf-development-here/|date=January 23, 1968|page=3|title=Suit Snags UHF Development Here|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526354/suit-snags-uhf-development-here/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> West Michigan Telecasters reached a deal with BCU-TV to buy the channel 41 permit in October 1968.<ref name="Batt681022">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526049/chances-for-new-tv-here-brighten/|date=October 22, 1968|page=1|title=Chances for New TV Here Brighten|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215070952/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526049/chances-for-new-tv-here-brighten/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

However, that same week, a second local group, Channel 41, Inc., filed a competing application to propose a local station, with Searer defecting from BCU-TV to become one of its leaders.<ref name="Batt681025">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662478/2-stations-seek-use-of-channel-41/|date=October 25, 1968|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662552/2-stations-seek/ 2]|title=2 Stations Seek Use of Channel 41|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065110/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662478/2-stations-seek-use-of-channel-41/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The FCC canceled BCU-TV's construction permit and West Michigan Telecasters's attempt to buy it on September 8, 1969. It then accepted the application of Channel 41, Inc., for filing;<ref name="Batt690908">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969626/permit-for-uhf-station-canceled/|date=September 8, 1969|page=A-12|first=Jerry|last=Moskal|title=Permit for UHF station canceled|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065055/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969626/permit-for-uhf-station-canceled/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> ten days later, West Michigan Telecasters abandoned its attempt to pursue channel 41 in favor of seeking a relocation of its transmitter from [[Grant, Michigan|Grant]] to [[Hudsonville, Michigan|Hudsonville]], improving the signal in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.<ref name="Batt690918">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646732/another-bidder-for-channel-41-gives-up/|date=September 18, 1969|page=A-9|title=Another bidder for Channel 41 gives up|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065105/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646732/another-bidder-for-channel-41-gives-up/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> However, the spacing considerations that resulted in the northerly location of WZZM in the first place were an insurmountable obstacle; the FCC denied the proposal because it would have been too close to the channel 13 station in Toledo.<ref name="Batt701205">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526932/channel-41-upheld-in-fcc-plea/|date=December 5, 1970|page=B-6|title=Channel 41 upheld in FCC plea|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064708/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526932/channel-41-upheld-in-fcc-plea/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

Channel 41, Inc., received its construction permit in July 1970<ref name="Batt700731">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663712/channel-41-gets-building-permit-station/|date=July 31, 1970|page=A-1|title=Channel 41 gets building permit: Station here still negotiating with ABC for program rights|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065059/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663712/channel-41-gets-building-permit/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> and went on the air as [[WUHQ-TV]] on July 24, 1971. The Battle Creek cable system removed WZZM-TV from its lineup to accommodate the new ABC affiliate; in spite of the competition, WUHQ-TV depended on WZZM to receive ABC network programming.<ref name="Batt710721">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527193/heres-how-to-pick-it-up-channel-41-goe/|date=July 21, 1971|page=A-1|first=Jay|last=Berger|title=Here's how to pick it up: Channel 41 goes on air at 3:30 p.m. Saturday|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527193/heres-how-to-pick-it-up-channel-41/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The FCC then ordered WZZM-TV to cease using its Kalamazoo translator on February 7, 1972.<ref name="Batt720130">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527613/wzzm-tv-loses-appeal-on-uhf/|date=January 30, 1972|page=B-9|title=WZZM-TV loses appeal on UHF|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527613/wzzm-tv-loses-appeal-on-uhf/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> WZZM-TV was restored to Battle Creek cable in 1975 over objections from WUHQ-TV,<ref name="Batt750122">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527828/wzzm-joins-cable-tv-lineup/|date=January 22, 1975|page=B-1|title=WZZM joins cable TV lineup|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527828/wzzm-joins-cable-tv-lineup/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> then discontinued in 1986 along with two out-of-market network affiliates.<ref name="Batt860111">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528004/wolverine-to-drop-3-network-affiliates/|date=January 11, 1986|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528051/wolverine/ 2A]|first=Elaine|last=Kulhanek|title=Wolverine to drop 3 network affiliates|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528004/wolverine-to-drop-3-network-affiliates/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

In 1990, WZZM owner Northstar Television announced it had entered into a merger agreement with Channel 41, Inc., the owner of WUHQ-TV, which would have seen WUHQ-TV and WZZM share almost all programming with the exception of split local news programming. John Lawrence, president of WUHQ, said at the time, "It is now appropriate that ABC service in this market be combined."<ref name="Batt900807">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528166/two-abc-affiliates-agree-to-merge/|date=August 7, 1990|page=3A|first=David|last=Carlton|title=Two ABC affiliates agree to merge|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528166/two-abc-affiliates-agree-to-merge/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The FCC approved of the merger in June 1991, with Northstar announcing a plan to continue airing separate news coverage,<ref name="Batt910628">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528465/stations-to-expand-coverage/|date=June 28, 1991|page=4A|title=Stations to expand coverage|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528465/stations-to-expand-coverage/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> but a planned August closing was delayed<ref name="Batt911003">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528551/mark-and-bill-back-on-the-air/|date=October 3, 1991|page=1B|first=Will|last=Kowalski|title=Mark and Bill back on the air|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528551/mark-and-bill-back-on-the-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and never took place. WUHQ-TV's owners then signed an agreement for WOTV (channel 8) to provide news coverage for channel 41,<ref name="Batt911031">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528635/tv-news-for-bc-channel-8-to-provide-l/|date=October 31, 1991|page=1A|first=Matt|last=McCallum|title=TV news for B.C.: Channel 8 to provide local news for 41|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064711/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528635/tv-news-for-bc-channel-8-to-provide/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> part of an 11-year time brokerage agreement in which WOTV assumed many of the station's operating functions but not ownership.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014758658}}|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-11-04.pdf|first=Joe|last=Flint|date=November 4, 1991|title=11-year time brokerage deal for Michigan TV's|page=32|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131032725/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-11-04.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WUHQ-TV then changed its call sign to WOTV in June 1992 when WOTV became [[WOOD-TV]].<ref name="Batt920527">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528712/wuhq-tv-changing-call-letters-june-1/|date=May 27, 1992|page=3A|title=WUHQ-TV changing call letters June 1|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528712/wuhq-tv-changing-call-letters-june-1/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

[[Dish Network]] began offering local channel service in the market in 2002 and offers WZZM and WOTV in all areas.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 26, 2002|title=Long-sought local channels added to dish services Echostar, DirecTV |first=Terri|last=DeBoer|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=B5}}</ref> WZZM was readded to several [[Comcast]] systems in southwest Michigan, including Battle Creek, in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/31215/wzzm-expands-cable-coverage-in-sw-michigan|title=WZZM Expands Cable Coverage in SW Michigan|work=TVNewsCheck|date=April 14, 2009|access-date=September 21, 2013|archive-date=September 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923084221/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/31215/wzzm-expands-cable-coverage-in-sw-michigan|url-status=live}}</ref>

==News operation==
WZZM currently produces 32 hours of local news each week (with five hours each weekday, three hours on Saturdays and four hours on Sundays).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wzzm13.com/tv-listings | title=TV Listings - 13 on Your Side ABC &#124; 13 on Target Weather &#124; True Crime &#124; Quest }}</ref>

[[File:"Good Evening Grand Rapids" (3006323150).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Four people seated at a news desk on a set|On the set of WZZM's newscasts in 2008]]
WZZM's original news director, Jack Hogan—who was the first voice heard on the station when it started—held the post for more than 25 years until Price Communications owner Robert Price fired him in February 1988. During Hogan's tenure, the station was a stop on the careers of journalists including sportscaster [[John Keating (sportscaster)|John Keating]] (known as Steve Knight in Grand Rapids), future ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' executive editor [[Kurt Luedtke]], and reporters [[Jay Schadler]] and [[Martha Teichner]]. In spite of its coverage shortfalls, WZZM was West Michigan's revenue leader for most of its history through the 1980s.{{r|empire}} In the late 1970s, it surpassed WOTV (channel 8) in local news viewership for the first time,<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 30, 1979|page=13-C|first=Mary|last=Kramer|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=Channel 8 Reverses Trend In TV News Program Ratings|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-8-reverses-trend-tv-news-program-ratings/zdymgzyrcjhmyomolrndrxgvzrssphal_ip-10-166-46-167_1702936528850 }}</ref> becoming the regular number-one by the early 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/not-flashy-leaders-ratings/jvkupukgdckmzptpubvwkmapdorwfihz_ip-10-166-46-120_1714245445639|page=3H|first=Mark|last=Newman|title=Not Flashy, But Leaders In Ratings|date=September 25, 1983|work=The Grand Rapids Press}}</ref> It was nationally respected: the Associated Press said in 1980 that "WZZM has a quality news operation that should be the envy of many stations in larger markets", while it won six straight "News Station of the Year" honors within Michigan from [[United Press International]].{{r|GRBJ880523}} After the Price purchase, the station experienced several high-profile defections to other stations.<ref name="empire">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|216744389}}|title=WZZM: Price Empire Financed by Junk Bonds|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|page=1|date=June 6, 1988|first=Mark|last=Lagerkvist}}</ref> Hogan's firing came less than two weeks after the [[1988 Republican Party presidential primaries|1988 Michigan Republican presidential caucus]]. Price, a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], demanded information on delegate counts; from New York City, he ordered Hogan out of bed and to station offices to keep him informed until 3 a.m., accused the station's staff of poor reporting despite not having seen its coverage, and threatened to fire the entire news department.<ref name="GRBJ880523">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|216739809}}|title=WZZM: What Price News?|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|page=1|date=May 23, 1988|first=Mark|last=Lagerkvist}}</ref>

The 1990s brought changes to the newsroom. The station debuted an hour-long morning news program in 1992<ref>{{Cite news|page=E3|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wzzm-launches-morning-news-program/tnijgnyixqhhcsazmyfcouxqpozxgywo_ip-10-166-46-183_1714243589688|title=WZZM launches a morning news program|first=Ruth|last=Butler|date=October 11, 1992|work=The Grand Rapids Press}}</ref> and a 5:30 p.m. newscast in February 1993.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wzzm-tv-hopes-new-addition-combines-information-and-fun/ovavidoibnndzpctqjgqnfnnmanhjhxd_ip-10-166-46-74_1714243657427|date=January 31, 1993|work=The Grand Rapids Press|first=Ruth|last=Butler|page=F10|title=WZZM-TV hopes new addition combines information and fun}}</ref> However, WOOD-TV became the news leader in the highly fragmented market: though WZZM-TV was stronger within the immediate Grand Rapids area, WOOD's availability in the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek area more than offset the Muskegon and northern area coverage unique to channel 13. WOOD-TV's sales manager likened the advertising sales power of his competitor to "a vehicle with two wheels" because of its inability to cover the full market.<ref>{{Cite news|page=2|first=Dan|last=Calabrese|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|id={{ProQuest|216722019}}|date=April 12, 1993|title=TV News ratings spur battle for ad support}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|213624287}}|title=Grand Rapids, Mich.|pages=16–21|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|work=Mediaweek|date=July 30, 2001}}</ref> Another obstacle, particularly with older viewers, was that WOOD-TV predated WZZM in Grand Rapids by more than a decade.<ref>{{cite news|title=Area TV news battle lines drawn|page=14|first=Dan|last=Calabrese|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|date=February 1, 1993|id={{ProQuest|216721191}} }}</ref> In 2016, WZZM added eight and a half hours a week of new newscasts, including morning and noon news extensions and a 5 p.m. newscast.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/problem-solving-western-michigan-154363|title=Problem-Solving in Western Michigan|first=Jonathan|last=Kuperberg|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007225927/https://www.nexttv.com/news/problem-solving-western-michigan-154363|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2004, the station debuted a 5 p.m. talk show, ''Take Five Grand Rapids''.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Terri|last=DeBoer|page=E3|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=New show aims to get people talking|date=March 7, 2004}}</ref> The program was originally produced outside the news department, mixing features and sponsored segments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/new-rules-syndication-78566|title=The New Rules Of Syndication|first1=Jim|last1=Benson|first2=Allison|last2=Romano|first3=John M.|last3=Higgins|date=January 20, 2006|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.nexttv.com/news/new-rules-syndication-78566|url-status=live}}</ref> The show was moved to 4:30 p.m., retitled ''Take Five & Company'', and then moved to an hour at 9 a.m. in 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ratings 101: Making sense of 'the book'|first=Colleen|last=Pierson|page=E2|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=September 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=TV changes in Grand Rapids: Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Regis & Kelly and Take 5|first=John|last=Gonzalez|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 25, 2008}}</ref> It was replaced with a new hour-long program known as ''My West Michigan'' in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Todd|last=Chance|title=WZZM-13 to launch 'My West Michigan' on weekday mornings to replace 'Take Five'|date=August 18, 2015|work=The Grand Rapids Press}}</ref> The program was put on a continuing hiatus in July 2020 because of [[COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan|COVID-19]]-related restrictions that made the show's format unworkable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wzzm13.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/my-west-michigan/my-west-michigan-team-says-goodbye-for-now/69-3682d142-5686-4936-8a70-fb77be69a000|title=My West Michigan team says goodbye for now|first=Denise|last=Pritchard|website=WZZM|date=July 24, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.wzzm13.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/my-west-michigan/my-west-michigan-team-says-goodbye-for-now/69-3682d142-5686-4936-8a70-fb77be69a000|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Technical information==

===Subchannels===
WZZM is broadcast from a tower in [[Grant, Michigan]].{{r|FCC-LMS-49713}} The station's signal is [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WZZM<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WZZM#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for WZZM|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315021350/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WZZM#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" | 13.1 
| [[720p]] || rowspan=9| [[16:9]] || WZZM 13 || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.2 
| rowspan=8| [[480i]] || WX || 13 On Your Side Weather Network
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.3 
| Crime || [[True Crime Network]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.4 
| Quest || [[Quest (American TV network)|Quest]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.5 
| The365 || [[365BLK]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.6 
| Outlaw || [[Outlaw (TV network)|Outlaw]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.7 
| QVC || [[QVC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.8 
| ShopLC || [blank]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.9 
| StartTV || [[Start TV]]
|}

===Analog-to-digital conversion===
WZZM shut down its analog signal, over [[VHF]] channel 13, on June 12, 2009, as part of the [[Digital television transition in the United States|federally mandated transition from analog to digital television]]. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition [[UHF]] channel 39 to VHF 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>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.wzzm13.com}}

{{Grand Rapids TV}}
{{Northern Michigan TV}}
{{ABC Michigan}}
{{Tegna}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wzzm}}
[[Category:1962 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates]]
[[Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Start TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Tegna Inc.]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1962]]
[[Category:Television stations in West Michigan|ZZM]]
[[Category:True Crime Network affiliates]]
[[Category:Wometco Enterprises]]
[[Category:Mass media in Grand Rapids, Michigan]]