WOTF-TV

Channel 26 in Daytona Beach began to attract interest from potential operators as early as 1978, when Springfield Television announced its intentions to file for the channel as an independent station.{{Cite news|pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv/whsnvkmxodmjsgqqsozqpfdifexiyitl_ip-10-166-46-170_1718559832730 2A]|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|first=John|last=Carter|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/firm-would-build-new-tv-station-here/moyzyikuxekfceymtnwdveilccdezorl_ip-10-166-46-174_1718559804082|title=Firm Would Build New TV Station Here|date=June 27, 1978}} Springfield never filed, and the channel had no applications for it until Comark Television of Southwick, Massachusetts, applied for channel 26 in December 1979. Comark, a transmitter and antenna manufacturer, was making a foray into station ownership.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/maybe-well-get-another-tv-channel/qsztfmwtpnfajggvbrhelvwznnmyjefl_ip-10-166-46-89_1718559927863|page=1B|first=Mark|last=Lacter|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|agency=States News Service|title=Maybe We'll Get Another TV Channel!|date=March 11, 1980|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221914/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/maybe-well-get-another-tv-channel/qsztfmwtpnfajggvbrhelvwznnmyjefl_ip-10-166-46-89_1718559927863|url-status=live}}

Comark's filing triggered a stampede of competing applications,{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/spirited-race-local-tv-channel-license/emfcqvybvfurlsorghipgeeckpadhffg_ip-10-166-46-140_1718560039701|first=Ronnie|last=Lovler|agency=States News Service|title=Spirited Race On For Local TV Channel License|work=Daytona Beach Evening News|pages=1B, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/license/mvtcibrjhabupubjdqkxwckgdrcszjwx_ip-10-166-46-170_1718560081469 2B]|date=August 29, 1980|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221849/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/spirited-race-local-tv-channel-license/emfcqvybvfurlsorghipgeeckpadhffg_ip-10-166-46-140_1718560039701|url-status=live}} seven in all by the time the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated a comparative hearing in July 1981. Two consisted primarily of local ownership: Daytona Beach Television, headed by state senator Edgar Dunn, and Life Style Broadcasting, led by former Daytona Beach city commissioner Lee Cook. Two others had ownership interests in other Florida stations: Daytona Broadcasting Company—owned by the Kupris family, which owned a TV station in Panama City—and WTWV, Inc., owned by Frank Spain alongside WTVA in Tupelo, Mississippi, and CBS affiliate WTVX in Fort Pierce. This application, unlike the others, specified a CBS affiliate based in nearby New Smyrna Beach. The other three applicants were from out of state: Comark; Daytona Beach Family Television, primarily consisting of ownership interests from Nashville, Tennessee; and Metrovision, Inc., a Black-owned broadcasting firm from Stamford, Connecticut.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-hearing-set-july-22-seven-applicants-competing-new-tv-channel-here/uchgvgmzdyjogwcdbkbgxgwqcqpggalb_ip-10-166-46-174_1718560248639|title=FCC Hearing Set July 22: Seven Applicants Competing For New TV Channel Here|page=1B|work=Daytona Beach Evening News|first=Bob|last=Desiderio|date=July 3, 1981|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221927/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-hearing-set-july-22-seven-applicants-competing-new-tv-channel-here/uchgvgmzdyjogwcdbkbgxgwqcqpggalb_ip-10-166-46-174_1718560248639|url-status=live}}

Issues in the hearing primarily centered around comparative criteria such as integration of ownership and management as well as the technical question of finding a transmitter site that met a {{convert|205|mi|km|adj=on}} distance requirement to WEVU in Naples, also on channel 26.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/seven-firms-vie-operation-channel-26-ownership-still-cloudy/dctywbkllskokrbitaklhtlsuiootevu_ip-10-166-46-114_1718560284010|title=Seven Firms Vie For Operation: Channel 26 Ownership Still Cloudy|page=7B|first=Susan|last=Smith|agency=States News Service|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|date=November 5, 1981|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221805/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/seven-firms-vie-operation-channel-26-ownership-still-cloudy/dctywbkllskokrbitaklhtlsuiootevu_ip-10-166-46-114_1718560284010|url-status=live}} After the hearing, Metrovision dropped out because it felt pursuing the application would be too expensive, while WTWV and Comark cited disadvantages their firms held in the comparative field.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/lawyers-predict-several-years-wait-until-license-granted-third-firm-drops-bid-channel-26-four-others/vokemzxtxwdapxnkflmxhukosgxwkkhn_ip-10-166-46-73_1718560451039|page=1B|first=Jack|last=Fischer|agency=States News Service|title=Lawyers Predict Several Years' Wait Until License Is Granted: Third Firm Drops Bid For Channel 26, Four Others Keep Vying|date=December 8, 1981|work=Daytona Beach Evening News|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221933/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/lawyers-predict-several-years-wait-until-license-granted-third-firm-drops-bid-channel-26-four-others/vokemzxtxwdapxnkflmxhukosgxwkkhn_ip-10-166-46-73_1718560451039|url-status=live}}

In April 1983, FCC administrative law judge John M. Frysiak issued an initial decision favoring a merger of Daytona Beach Television and Daytona Beach Family Television for the license.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-daytona-tv-station-wins-fed-judges-approval/kfizjbtzlrwnqpfwvqhcznomyprxzcrj_ip-10-166-46-88_1718560527454|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|pages=1A, 2A|date=April 26, 1983|title=New Daytona TV Station Wins Fed Judge's Approval|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221904/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/new-daytona-tv-station-wins-fed-judges-approval/kfizjbtzlrwnqpfwvqhcznomyprxzcrj_ip-10-166-46-88_1718560527454|url-status=live}} The losing contenders, Life Style Broadcasting and Daytona Broadcasting Company, challenged the ruling before the FCC review board.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-hear-appeal-arguments-tv-license-case/hmyflfeupzxgimypjkzyfnwtzwpnuews_ip-10-166-46-114_1718560577189|title=FCC To Hear Appeal Arguments In TV License Case|page=2B|first=Jim|last=Hartman|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|date=September 15, 1983|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221905/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/fcc-hear-appeal-arguments-tv-license-case/hmyflfeupzxgimypjkzyfnwtzwpnuews_ip-10-166-46-114_1718560577189|url-status=live}} The board overturned the initial decision and awarded the channel to Life Style because of its superior coverage proposal and more diverse ownership.{{Cite news|title=Washington Watch: New Florida TV|id={{ProQuest|1014699823}}|date=May 7, 1984|page=64|work=Broadcasting}} The proceeding languished until June 1986, when the parties reached a joint settlement agreement granting the construction permit to Life Style.{{Cite news|page=69|title=In Contest|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|963266987}}|date=July 21, 1986}}

Life Style intended to construct the station by mid-1987,{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-station-planned/sdqqmwykqqnyxjalmuyondblolyuujha_ip-10-166-46-69_1718560639778|work=The News-Journal|title=TV Station Planned|page=4C|date=September 4, 1986|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221914/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-station-planned/sdqqmwykqqnyxjalmuyondblolyuujha_ip-10-166-46-69_1718560639778|url-status=live}} but no action was taken until December 1987, when Life Style signed an affiliation agreement to simulcast WAYK (channel 56) in Melbourne and sold it to a partnership of Life Style and WAYK ownership known as Beach Television Partners. The combination of channels 26 and 56 was expected by management to create a large signal covering the full Orlando media market.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/2-tv-stations-apply-form-partnership/tdbmnhgoqrpmyknencqjnhmmtffoepbw_ip-10-166-46-91_1718560856091|page=4C|title=2 TV Stations Apply To Form Partnership|date=December 16, 1987|work=The News-Journal|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221926/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/2-tv-stations-apply-form-partnership/tdbmnhgoqrpmyknencqjnhmmtffoepbw_ip-10-166-46-91_1718560856091|url-status=live}} Tower construction began in April 1988; Volusia County granted a special exemption in spite of protests by pilots that visual flight rules aircraft traffic near the site had grown considerably since the original 1981 authorization.{{Cite news|pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tower/ealygmojclksmaweujbxjkytikavlqbj_ip-10-166-46-170_1718561046165 2A]|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/county-grants-special-exception-tv-tower/oyiniadejmlgjnsczydoagpaahupjrpt_ip-10-166-46-152_1718560996102|first=Gerri|last=Bauer|title=County grants special exception for TV tower|work=The News-Journal|date=May 13, 1988|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221809/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/county-grants-special-exception-tv-tower/oyiniadejmlgjnsczydoagpaahupjrpt_ip-10-166-46-152_1718560996102|url-status=live}}

Channel 26 began broadcasting as WAYQ on September 12, 1988.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-26-set-cable-debut/yftbqwdycntqfuxnxnqyuxvjutahhdwt_ip-10-166-46-137_1718561122332|page=12A|title=Channel 26 set for cable debut|date=October 1, 1988|work=The News-Journal|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221816/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-26-set-cable-debut/yftbqwdycntqfuxnxnqyuxvjutahhdwt_ip-10-166-46-137_1718561122332|url-status=live}} It served to rebroadcast nearly all of WAYK's programming; at the time, the station's programming specialty was sports, including syndicated college basketball and more than 200 baseball games a year.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-pull-plug-on-cablev/149590556/|date=August 19, 1988|page=C-2|first=Bill|last=Marx|title=Pull plug on CableVision to get better selection|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618221809/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-pull-plug-on-cablev/149590556/|url-status=live}} Shortly after debuting, Orlando-based independent station WOFL objected to channel 26's license, claiming that advertisers were told the WAYQ signal reached Orlando when it did not.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-stations-future-air-over-alleged-violations/hqktdahgkvldacbjrtftxcynuefyxoyy_ip-10-166-46-103_1718561096649|page=8B|date=November 8, 1988|title=TV station's future up in the air over alleged violations|work=The News-Journal|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222317/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv-stations-future-air-over-alleged-violations/hqktdahgkvldacbjrtftxcynuefyxoyy_ip-10-166-46-103_1718561096649|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-competitor-wages-si/149448988/|date=November 7, 1988|page=Central Florida Business 22|first=Susan G.|last=Strother|title=Competitor wages signal challenge: Daytona station accused of violating FCC rule|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222434/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-competitor-wages-si/149448988/|url-status=live}}

Not long after the simulcast began, WAYK—which owned half of WAYQ—began to fail financially. The largest cable system in the Orlando area, CableVision of Central Florida, never added WAYK–WAYQ to its lineup on a full-time basis, straining the station's ability to secure advertising revenue. WAYK president Bill Varecha told Florida Today in July 1990, "We have been unable to act as a conventional television station because we can't disseminate over the entire area. Orlando is the meat and potatoes of the marketplace." One stockholder in the company, Harry Handley, started the Star Television Network, which proposed to deliver classic TV shows and infomercials to affiliates including WAYK and WAYQ. In the meantime, Beach Television Partners began seeking investors to assist in providing capital to the struggling stations; on the WAYK side, Robert Rich—former owner of KBJR-TV in Duluth, Minnesota—stepped in as a new manager.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-troubled-waters-palm-bay/127546149/|date=July 15, 1990|pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-palm-bays-wayk-tv-channel/127546108/ 2E]|first=Scott|last=Solomon|title=Troubled waters: Palm Bay's WAYK Television fights for recognition|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222322/https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-troubled-waters-palm-bay/127546149/|url-status=live}} After lenders refused to give the company more time to make payments on broadcast equipment, in August 1990, Beach Television Partners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-independent-tv-stat/149596001/|date=August 11, 1990|pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-weak-advertising-ha/149596039/ C-6]|first=Susan G.|last=Strother|title=Independent TV stations struggle to work out financial problems|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222348/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-independent-tv-stat/149596001/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/texas-firm-makes-bid-revive-tv-station/ewalbkqjdafasbfrxyjaessitmhnfivt_ip-10-166-46-167_1718561620051|work=The News-Journal|title=Texas firm makes bid to revive TV station|pages=1B, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/tv/evwdryielozlxmdrmaveegbrjuhvvbep_ip-10-166-46-78_1718561689215 2B]|first=Donna|last=Callea|date=April 18, 1992|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222426/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/texas-firm-makes-bid-revive-tv-station/ewalbkqjdafasbfrxyjaessitmhnfivt_ip-10-166-46-167_1718561620051|url-status=live}}

WAYK and WAYQ continued to broadcast while in bankruptcy. During this time, the Star Television Network operated, with the two stations among its few affiliates, before running out of cash and ceasing operations in January 1991.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tv-network-signs-of/149596130/|date=January 17, 1991|pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-infomercials-reve/149596227/ C-5]|first=Susan G.|last=Strother|title=TV network signs off — out of cash|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tv-network-signs-of/149596130/|url-status=live}} WAYQ's time on air was soon cut short. On the evening of June 26, 1991, a United States Navy Grumman A-6 Intruder aircraft from Virginia Beach, Virginia, piloted by Michael Wettlaufer, clipped the tower near Pierson on a test run to the Ocala National Forest. It sheared the top beacon and top {{convert|10|ft|m|0}} of the tower, causing the entire transmission line to short. Despite a damaged wing, the Intruder was able to land at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville with no injuries.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-navy-plane-topples/149592126/|date=June 29, 1991|pages=1-A, 8-A|first1=Kevlin|last1=Haire|first2=Craig|last2=Quintana|title=Navy plane topples TV antenna: WAYQ-Channel 26 tower hit during training mission|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-navy-plane-topples/149592126/|url-status=live}} Repairs at first moved slowly because the Navy required that the station obtain three bids for each phase of construction to satisfy its requirements for reimbursement. Losing WAYQ compounded Beach Television Partners's financial problems; the cost of repairs, estimated at $400,000 to $500,000, was dwarfed by the loss in advertising revenue to its operation, even as WAYK remained on the air.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-26-repairs-unlikely-finish-mid-august/stxdatgahbwwjajjdknjuhlvkzdsrqej_ip-10-166-46-73_1718561451693|first=Donna|last=Callea|page=3B|title=Channel 26 repairs unlikely to finish before mid-August|date=July 17, 1991|work=The News-Journal|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222822/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-26-repairs-unlikely-finish-mid-august/stxdatgahbwwjajjdknjuhlvkzdsrqej_ip-10-166-46-73_1718561451693|url-status=live}} In August 1991, the Chapter 11 bankruptcy case was converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation,{{r|Dayt920418}} and the resumption of telecasting became contingent on the resolution of the bankruptcy case and the station's claim against the Navy. The bankruptcy court appointed a trustee,{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/broken-tower-budget-keep-channel-26-air/bimkwxyjgifoggsfdlkpgzcglvoamxjm_ip-10-166-46-100_1718561491984|title=Broken tower, budget keep Channel 26 off the air|page=1B|work=The News-Journal|first=Donna|last=Callea|date=October 14, 1991|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222857/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/broken-tower-budget-keep-channel-26-air/bimkwxyjgifoggsfdlkpgzcglvoamxjm_ip-10-166-46-100_1718561491984|url-status=live}} who moved to separate WAYQ and WAYK and sold the latter station to Robert Rich.{{r|Dayt920418}}

In December 1992, James McCotter agreed to pay $35,000 for WAYQ's license. The tower site and property had been sold separately to the Union Camp Corporation, a prior owner, to satisfy a claim Union Camp held in the bankruptcy proceeding.{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/buyer-found-defunct-tv-stations-license/nskrqjrrktassmdefydzrdyntamdsdas_ip-10-166-46-144_1718561788949|first=Emery|last=Jeffreys|title=Buyer found for defunct TV station's license|work=The News-Journal|date=February 20, 1993|page=4C|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222900/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/buyer-found-defunct-tv-stations-license/nskrqjrrktassmdefydzrdyntamdsdas_ip-10-166-46-144_1718561788949|url-status=live}} McCotter had previously owned the Sun Newspapers chain of weeklies, which shut down in 1990 under financial stress.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-daytona-beach-tv-st/149449057/|date=February 18, 1993|page=C-4|first=Mike|last=Oliver|title=Daytona Beach TV station sold for $35,000|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-daytona-beach-tv-st/149449057/|url-status=live}}

McCotter rebuilt channel 26 on the same site in Pierson and returned it to the air in June 1996 as WNTO. The station's primary source of programming upon its return was National Empowerment Television, which aired conservative news and talk shows.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-daytonas-channel-2/149449193/|date=June 3, 1996|page=Central Florida Business 5|first=Rene|last=Stutzman|title=Daytona's Channel 26 ready to surf on airwaves|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222945/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-daytonas-channel-2/149449193/|url-status=live}} It also aired some programming from the America One network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-interactive-compute/149449318/|date=May 3, 1997|page=E-10|first=Jim|last=Abbott|title=Interactive computer show to debut|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222933/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-interactive-compute/149449318/|url-status=live}} A particular highlight for Orlando-area viewers, beginning in 1998, were selected telecasts of the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball team; these were the only games available to many Orlando households, as SportsChannel Florida was not carried locally.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-devil-rays-to-be-on/149449384/|date=February 27, 1998|page=D-8|first=Dave|last=Cunningham|title=Devil Rays to be on TV 47 games locally|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618222822/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-devil-rays-to-be-on/149449384/|url-status=live}}

Two attempts to raise WNTO's profile never came to fruition. In December 1997, it was announced that channel 26 would broadcast an independently produced Spanish-language newscast, to be called TV Noticias 26.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-spanish-speakers-ge/149442814/|date=December 9, 1997|page=D-3|first=Jim|last=Abbott|title=Spanish-speakers get newscast|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-spanish-speakers-ge/149442814/|url-status=live}} The newscast never launched after a dispute between WNTO and the producers over payment for start-up costs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-newscast-postponed/149449850/|date=December 20, 1997|page=C-1|title=Newscast postponed|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-newscast-postponed/149449850/|url-status=live}} In August 1998, WNTO was announced as the local broadcast carrier for a new regional news channel, Florida's News Channel; while it planned to air via cable in most of the state, Time Warner Cable—owner of Central Florida News 13—was shutting it out as a standalone offering, leading to the plan to place the service on a broadcast station that cable already carried.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-network-focusing-on/149449494/|date=August 4, 1998|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-news-network-will-b/149449466/ B-6]|first=Barry|last=Flynn|title=Network focusing on Florida news launches next month|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-network-focusing-on/149449494/|url-status=live}} The agreement with Florida's News Channel soon soured, and by December 1998, Florida's News Channel had sued licensee Florida Media Broadcasters for breach of contract. It accused WNTO of reneging on agreements by insisting on cash payments not provided for by the original contract; noting that Orlando was a crucial market, it alleged "irreparable harm" at losing its only gateway to Central Florida viewers.{{Cite news|title=No news is bad news for local cable station|first=Paul|last=Dillon|date=January 1, 1999|work=Orlando Business Journal|page=1|id={{Gale|A53697521}} }} Florida's News Channel won a "hefty" out-of-court settlement but was never carried by WNTO, forcing the service to close its Orlando bureau and dismiss nearly a dozen employees.{{Cite news|title=Florida's News Channel struggling: A recent dispute over a broken contract has added to the company's woes|date=November 10, 1999|page=1E|id={{ProQuest|1009006430}}|work=Tallahassee Democrat|first=John|last=Paige}}

Meanwhile, in Orlando, W63BH was authorized as a construction permit in December 1988{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-univision-is-getting-an/149586913/|date=February 3, 1989|page=15E|title=Univision is getting an Orlando affiliate|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-univision-is-getting-an/149586913/|url-status=live}} and began broadcasting in July 1992 from the tower of WCPX-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-spanish-station-to/149586773/|date=June 4, 1992|pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-spanish-station-to/149586838/ C-6]|first=Oscar|last=Suris|title=Spanish station to hit airwaves in Central Florida: Channel 63 will be affiliated with Univision|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-spanish-station-to/149586773/|url-status=live}} It was owned by Bahía Honda, Inc. At the time the permit was obtained, the owners included José Cancela, vice president and general manager of Miami Univision station WLTV, and Joaquín Blaya, the president of Univision.{{r|Miam890203}} By 1992, Cancela and Blaya had both defected to rival network Telemundo; Univision made repeated requests of Cancela and Blaya to divest their ownership in W63BH and W61BL in Tampa, threatening bad industry press for Telemundo as a result of Bahía Honda's owners "preferring" Univision for their own stations.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-owner-of-univision-affi/149587032/|date=November 11, 1992|page=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-affiliate-owner-irks-un/149587077/ 8C]|first=Anne|last=Moncreiff Arrarte|title=Owner of Univision affiliates irks network: Officials cite conflict because executive works for competitor|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-owner-of-univision-affi/149587032/|url-status=live}} W63BH offered a Spanish-language simulcast of WCPX's 6 p.m. newscast.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-sending-a-low-power/138852224/|date=January 17, 1994|pages=Central Florida Business 14, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-low-power-tv/138852283/ 15]|first=Rene|last=Stutzman|title=Sending a low-power signal: Growth in TV segment explodes despite financial challenges|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 16, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223329/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-sending-a-low-power/138852224/|url-status=live}}

In 1995, Bahía Honda sold the Tampa and Orlando Univision low-power stations to Latin Communications Group, which up until then had primarily been a print media company, owning New York City's El Diario La Prensa.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-latin-communication/149587616/|date=July 20, 1995|page=B-1|title=Latin Communications Group Inc. announced...|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223730/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-latin-communication/149587616/|url-status=live}} Channel 63 changed its call sign to WVEN-LP after the sale.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-station-upgrades-s/149442777/|date=February 12, 1996|page=Central Florida Business 9|first=Jim|last=Abbott|title=Station upgrades, seeks audience: Telemundo affiliate made tower a priority|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223743/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-station-upgrades-s/149442777/|url-status=live}} Latin Communications Group merged with EXCL Communications, a Spanish-language radio company, in 1997.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-spanish-signa/138078890/|date=July 8, 1997|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-spanish-signa/138078880/ B-5]|first=Rachel F.|last=Elson|title=Spanish signal grows louder: Latino radio stations riding surge of popularity|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner|location=San Francisco, California|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223731/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-spanish-signa/138078890/|url-status=live}}

EXCL merged with Entravision Communications Corporation in 2000.{{Cite news |title=Entravision Buys Z-Spanish, Files For $615 Million IPO |first=Jeffrey |last=Yorke |work=Radio & Records |pages=1, 16 |date=April 28, 2000 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2000/RR-2000-04-28.pdf |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001131451/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2000/RR-2000-04-28.pdf |url-status=live}} Entravision entered into an agreement to acquire WNTO from Florida Media Broadcasters; its offer was briefly threatened by a dispute with Barbara Laurence, who attempted to obtain a 10-percent stake in WNTO and WHCT-TV in Hartford, Connecticut, by alleging that she found the stations for Entravision.{{cite news|title=Legal battles shadow Entravision IPO|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/legal-battles-shadow-entravision-ipo-87026|access-date=December 24, 2023|newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable|date=June 18, 2000|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421182152/https://www.nexttv.com/news/legal-battles-shadow-entravision-ipo-87026|url-status=live}} On March 1, 2001, the WVEN call sign and Univision programming moved from the low-power channel 63 to the full-power channel 26, increasing Univision's coverage and availability in Central Florida.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-univision-affiliate/149443081/|date=November 30, 2000|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-cable-systems-will/149443099/ C6]|first=Christopher|last=Boyd|title=Univision affiliate to broadcast on new station|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223838/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-univision-affiliate/149443081/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-hispanic-tv-station/149443197/|date=March 1, 2001|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-local-news-program/149443172/ B6]|first=Christopher|last=Boyd|title=Hispanic TV station raises its voice today|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-hispanic-tv-station/149443197/|url-status=live}} The next month, spurred in part by the signal upgrade, Entravision debuted a local news department for WVEN-TV with 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-station-speaks-to-v/149442637/|date=May 13, 2001|page=Lake 4|first=Christopher|last=Boyd|title=Station speaks to viewers: WVEN offers Hispanic perspective with news in Spanish|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-station-speaks-to-v/149442637/|url-status=live}}

Univision itself entered the Orlando market by way of its 2001 purchase of USA Broadcasting, which owned WBSF (channel 43) in Melbourne. That station became part of the new Telefutura (later UniMás) network on January 14, 2002, as WFUO and later WOTF-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-telefutura-network/149392016/|date=January 15, 2002|page=C5|first1=Joseph|last1=Mann|first2=Magaly|last2=Morales|title=Telefutura network is on the air|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223840/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-telefutura-network/149392016/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=5802|website=Consolidated Database System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|title=Call Sign History for WVEN-TV|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223848/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=5802|url-status=live}} That same month, Univision entered into a joint sales agreement with Entravision, whereby Entravision provided local sales and promotional services to the Univision-owned Telefutura stations in six markets: Albuquerque, Boston, Denver, Orlando, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. This agreement was replaced by a new version in 2004.{{Cite web|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/4b6107f6-49c7-6f4f-5519-b1fea73a90a7/5987f294-9237-c1b6-74dd-d425a1addf73.pdf|date=December 22, 2004|title=2004 Marketing and Sales Agreement|website=Online Public Inspection File|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618223738/https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/4b6107f6-49c7-6f4f-5519-b1fea73a90a7/5987f294-9237-c1b6-74dd-d425a1addf73.pdf|url-status=live}}

On December 4, 2017, as part of a realignment affecting five of the six markets, the programming and call signs of WOTF and WVEN-TV were swapped: WOTF-TV and its UniMás programming moved to the Entravision-owned facility using virtual channel 26, while Univision's facility on virtual channel 43 became the new home of WVEN-TV.{{cite web|url=https://noticiasya.com/tampa/2017/11/10/cambios-unimas-univision-2/|title=Cambios programación UniMas y Univisión|date=November 10, 2017|publisher=Entravision Communications|access-date=December 6, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207084325/https://noticiasya.com/tampa/2017/11/10/cambios-unimas-univision-2/|archive-date=December 7, 2017}} Entravision continued to operate WVEN-TV on its new channel 43. After the Entravision agreement concluded at the end of 2021, Univision assumed control of WVEN and WVEA-TV in Tampa effective January 1, 2022.{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/espanol/el-sentinel-in-english/os-ex-english-univision-communications-takes-over-station-20211013-qet4rw4rovhdzjlrgdsmgeqnne-story.html|title=Univision taking over Spanish-language TV stations in Orlando, Tampa|last=Marcial Ocasio|first=Jennifer A.|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 13, 2021|accessdate=October 13, 2021|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618224401/https://playlist.stnvideo.com/player/data/index.php?cmd=loadInitial&session=8Os362ynZr5LMGjK&instance=198706839&version=7.32.20&age=240618&ESG_key=GpGpZ5JX&type=FULL&EXTREF=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2021/10/13/univision-taking-over-spanish-language-tv-stations-in-orlando-tampa/&REF=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2021/10/13/univision-taking-over-spanish-language-tv-stations-in-orlando-tampa/&ogSet=1|url-status=live}}

The station's signal is multiplexed:

WOTF-TV (as WVEN-TV) began digital broadcasting—initially at low power—on April 17, 2003.{{Cite book|title=Television & Cable Factbook|date=2006|chapter=WVEN-DT|page=A-462}} It ended programming on its analog signal, on UHF channel 26, on February 17, 2009, the original date planned for the digital television transition.{{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}} The station's digital signal continued to broadcast on its pre-transition UHF channel 49, using virtual channel 26.{{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}} WVEN-TV was repacked to channel 15 on January 17, 2020, as a result of the 2016 United States wireless spectrum auction.{{Cite news |last=Boedeker |first=Hal |date=January 13, 2020 |title=Viewers who watch by antenna: Time to rescan |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2020/01/13/viewers-who-watch-by-antenna-time-to-rescan/ |access-date=June 15, 2024 |work=Orlando Sentinel |language=en-US |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615074513/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2020/01/13/viewers-who-watch-by-antenna-time-to-rescan/ |url-status=live }}{{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}} (Note: This table was generated in 2017, so search for 131,WVEN-TV.)

{{reflist}}

{{Orlando TV}}

{{Other Florida Stations}}

{{Entravision Communications}}

Category:1988 establishments in Florida

Category:Charge! (TV network) affiliates

Category:Comet (TV network) affiliates

Category:Court TV affiliates

Category:Daytona Beach, Florida

Category:Entravision Communications stations

Category:Grit (TV network) affiliates

Category:LATV affiliates

Category:Television channels and stations established in 1988

OTF-TV