WOTV

{{Short description|Television station in Battle Creek, Michigan}}

{{Infobox television station

| callsign = WOTV

| city = Battle Creek, Michigan

| logo = WOTV (2022).svg

| logo_upright = .85

| logo_alt = The ABC logo, a dark gray disc with white circular letters ABC, at left. To the right, a blue gradient circle with an off-white stroke containing an off-white numeral 4, with the bottom stylized to a point.

| image = West Michigan CW 2024.svg

| image_alt = The words "West Michigan" on two lines above the CW logo in orange.

| image_upright = .65

| branding = ABC 4 West Michigan; The CW West Michigan (41.2)

| digital = 17 (UHF)

| virtual = 41

| affiliations = {{ubl|41.1: ABC|41.2: The CW|for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}}}

| owner = Nexstar Media Group

| licensee = Nexstar Media Inc.

| location = {{ubl|Battle Creek–Kalamazoo–|Grand Rapids, Michigan}}

| country = United States

| airdate = {{start date and age|1971|7|24|p=y|br=y}}

| callsign_meaning = Former call letters of WOOD-TV (1972–1992)

| sister_stations = WOOD-TV, WXSP-CD

| former_callsigns = WUHQ-TV (1971–1992)

| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|Analog: 41 (UHF, 1971–2009)|Digital: 20 (UHF, until 2019)}}

| former_affiliations = UPN (secondary, 1995–1999)

| erp = 325 kW

| haat = {{convert|327.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

| facility_id = 10212

| coordinates = {{coord|42|34|15.5|N|85|28|8.9|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}

| licensing_authority = FCC

| website = {{URL|https://www.woodtv.com/abc4}}

}}

WOTV (channel 41) is a television station licensed to Battle Creek, Michigan, United States, serving West Michigan as an affiliate of ABC. Its second digital subchannel serves as an owned-and-operated station of The CW. WOTV is owned by Nexstar Media Group alongside Grand Rapids–licensed NBC affiliate WOOD-TV (channel 8) and Class A MyNetworkTV affiliate WXSP-CD (channel 15). The stations share studios on College Avenue Southeast in Grand Rapids, while WOTV's transmitter is located on South Norris Road in Orangeville Township. WOTV brands itself as ABC 4 West Michigan, based on its channel 4 position on most area cable systems.

Channel 41's existence in Battle Creek is owed to the northerly location of the transmitter of Grand Rapids-based WZZM (channel 13), which signed on in 1962 as a late insertion into the market. Because WZZM's transmitter is north of Grand Rapids in Grant, its signal does not reach Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, or other areas in the southern portion of the market. A group of local businessmen known as Channel 41, Inc., won the construction permit for channel 41 in 1970 after a predecessor unsuccessfully tried to sell out to WZZM; WUHQ-TV signed on in 1971 from studios in the former headquarters building of Fort Custer and has been an ABC affiliate since it began, creating a rare split affiliation. The station's attempts at local news programming were low-rated and inconsistent, with many changes in timing and strategy.

After WZZM's owners could not close on an FCC-approved merger with Channel 41, Inc., in 1991, the company brokered the station's air time to channel 8, which began producing Battle Creek–Kalamazoo news inserts for air on the station. When channel 8 reclaimed the WOOD-TV call letters in 1992, WUHQ-TV became WOTV. The news inserts grew into a separate news operation that continued to exist until it was shut down in 2003, two years after WOOD-TV's then-owner, LIN Television, acquired the station outright. Since then, WOTV has offered ABC programming, a separate slate of syndicated programs, and WOOD-TV's local newscasts. Even though it attracts a fraction of the viewers of WZZM, it continues to provide better signal coverage in the market's southern tier.

The battle for ABC in southern West Michigan

In November 1962, West Michigan gained its third very high frequency (VHF) station when WZZM began broadcasting from Grand Rapids on channel 13 as an ABC affiliate.{{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=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tdpkufccbzmhrqeaoziwybxnbjxcxzhm_wma-gateway005_1676241934515|url-status=live}} On paper, West Michigan now had full service from all three networks; the market was already served by Grand Rapids-based NBC affiliate WOOD-TV and Kalamazoo-based CBS affiliate WKZO-TV. However, the drop-in of channel 13 to Grand Rapids, proposed in 1959 and accepted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1961, came with a technical condition to maintain proper spacing from other stations on channel 13. WZZM had to build its transmitter north of the city, near Muskegon, to satisfy the requirement for the transmitter to be at least {{convert|170|mi|km|0}} from neighboring stations on channel 13.{{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=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063701/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ezithpggtziaqfhoiduxzsceofjqrigk_wma-gateway008_1676243741454|url-status=live}}{{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|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063702/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//oqbmwjjuxgpjfiifbrarylzsumtnthsz_wma-gateway015_1676244670679|url-status=live}} While the channel 13 allocation was billed by the FCC as serving Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids,{{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}} once built, this proved not to be the case. The northerly location of WZZM's transmitter resulted in poor-to-nonexistent coverage in the market's southern tier. Bill Tompkins of The Battle Creek Enquirer and News wrote that Battle Creek viewers found WZZM "about as elusive as a flying saucer",{{r|Batt621114}} and reception in Kalamazoo was similarly poor.{{Cite news|page=19|work=Kalamazoo Gazette|title=For Better Reception Here: Channel 13 Seeks Boost|date=December 20, 1963|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/better-reception-here-channel-13-seeks-boost/wibhskiuhrjidsrrrkhofejowvespgpv_ip-10-166-46-155_1712443932389|via=GenealogyBank}} Since WOOD-TV and WKZO-TV removed ABC programs from their schedule when WZZM came into service, viewers in this area had to depend on the part-time carriage of ABC programs by the stations in the Lansing–Jackson market.{{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}}

In a bid to serve viewers in southern West Michigan, WZZM owner West Michigan Telecasters sought to remedy the shortfall by building translators in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The FCC approved the construction of a channel 12 translator in Kalamazoo in 1964,{{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}} and the next year, the group applied to activate a similar facility on ultra high frequency (UHF) channel 83 in Battle Creek.{{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}} That same year, a partnership known as BCU-TV applied for a new full-service station in Battle Creek on channel 65; partners included Mary Jane Morris and James Searer, who had once applied to own and been interim part-owner of WZZM, as well as supermarket executive Frederik Meijer.{{r|Batt651106}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118661863/uhf-station-okd-operations-to-serve-ba/|date=September 29, 1967|page=1|title=UHF Station OK'd: Operations to Serve Battle Creek Area|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/20230215065113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118661863/uhf-station-okd-operations-to-serve/|url-status=live}} Channel 41 was substituted for channel 65 months later as part of changes to the FCC's UHF table of allocations. BCU-TV sought an affiliation with ABC and suggested a studio site near Augusta.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646243/application-pending-for-new-tv-station-h/|date=August 17, 1966|page=7|title=Application Pending For New TV Station Here|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/20230215065112/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646243/application-pending-for-new-tv-station/|url-status=live}} The FCC granted BCU-TV a construction permit on September 28, 1967.{{r|Batt670929}}

An obstacle continued to loom between WZZM and BCU-TV, as the FCC also approved the construction of a Battle Creek translator for WZZM, now on channel 74. This created an issue because both stations proposed to bring ABC programming to the city.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118661984/two-groups-seek-local-tv-rights/|date=December 13, 1967|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662035/2-groups-seeking/ 2]|first=Stan|last=Kaufman|title=Two Groups Seek Local TV Rights|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/20230215065111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118661984/two-groups-seek-local-tv-rights/|url-status=live}} West Michigan Telecasters sued BCU-TV in Kent County circuit court, seeking $3 million in damages for infringing on what it alleged was its exclusive right to provide ABC programming to West Michigan.{{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 15, 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}} WZZM activated its Battle Creek translator in late January 1968,{{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}} but after the FCC then rescinded its grant for the Battle Creek translator and the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit refused to stay the ruling, West Michigan Telecasters was forced to shut it down in March on grounds that the translator would be detrimental to the BCU-TV station's proposed operation.{{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}}

On October 22, 1968, BCU-TV announced that it had agreed to sell the channel 41 permit, with the call sign WWWU-TV,{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1968/1968-01-08-BC.pdf|date=January 8, 1968|id={{ProQuest|1016841091}}|page=70|title=Call Letter Actions|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131030013/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1968/1968-01-08-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} to West Michigan Telecasters to be used as a satellite station of WZZM, as part of a transfer of stock arranged by Morris.{{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}}

Channel 41, Inc. ownership

Three days later, a group of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek businessmen under the name Channel 41, Inc., announced that it would file for a construction permit of its own to build the station.{{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}} While Morris began the process to dissolve the BCU-TV partnership, Searer had left to become executive vice president of the new Channel 41, Inc., having moved to sever ties as a result of the decision to sell to West Michigan Telecasters.{{r|Batt681025}}{{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}}

The FCC canceled the WWWU-TV 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 and gave BCU-TV and other parties 60 days to file.{{r|Batt690908}} Ten days later, West Michigan Telecasters abandoned its attempt to pursue channel 41 in favor of seeking a relocation of its transmitter to the south.{{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}} Channel 41, Inc., was the sole applicant for the permit,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663061/uhf-broadcasts-by-fall-of-1970/|date=November 30, 1969|page=A-6|first=Stan|last=Kaufman|title=UHF broadcasts by fall of 1970?|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/118663061/uhf-broadcasts-by-fall-of-1970/|url-status=live}} but the firm's plans continued to depend on whether ABC would grant an affiliation—and, thusly, whether WZZM could move its tower south from Grant to Hudsonville, some {{convert|35|mi|km|sp=us}} closer to Battle Creek, thereby eliminating the need for another ABC affiliate in southern West Michigan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663345/controversy-develops-over-channel-13-tv/|date=February 15, 1970|page=A-6|first=Stan|last=Kaufman|title=Controversy develops over Channel 13 TV tower|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/20230215070934/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663345/controversy-develops-over-channel-13-tv/|url-status=live}} The FCC denied the tower move in May 1970 to prevent an "adverse impact on UHF development", another victory for backers of the Battle Creek station.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663641/tower-site-change-denied-by-fcc-for-chan/|date=May 10, 1970|page=A-6|title=Tower site change denied by FCC for Channel 13|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/20230215070937/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663641/tower-site-change-denied-by-fcc-for/|url-status=live}}

File:Fort Custer headquarters building 1953.jpg

Channel 41, Inc., received its construction permit on July 31, 1970.{{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}} From a list of call sign choices, which the station solicited from viewers,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663794/wanna-name-tv-station/|date=August 12, 1970|page=A-11|title=Wanna name TV station?|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/20230215065105/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663794/wanna-name-tv-station/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118647076/41-narrows-name-choices-to-five/|date=September 5, 1970|page=A-3|title='41' narrows name choices to five|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/20230215065108/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118647076/41-narrows-name-choices-to-five/|url-status=live}} the station selected WUHQ-TV, containing a "U" for UHF and "HQ" for headquarters.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646998/channel-41-gets-call-sign-its-wuhq/|date=October 6, 1970|page=A-3|title=Channel 41 gets call sign; It's WUHQ, Battle Creek|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|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/118646998/channel-41-gets-call-sign-its-wuhq/|url-status=live}} At that time, the federal government was turning over surplus land in the Fort Custer Military Reservation to the city of Battle Creek,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118664289/custer-purchase-nears-approval/|date=September 22, 1970|page=A-6|first=Ron|last=Krueger|title=Custer purchase nears approval|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/20230215065114/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118664289/custer-purchase-nears-approval/|url-status=live}} and the city leased the headquarters building to Channel 41, Inc., with an option to buy;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118647020/tv-lease-at-custer-granted/|date=October 6, 1970|page=A-3|title=TV lease at Custer granted|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065116/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118647020/tv-lease-at-custer-granted/|url-status=live}} the station made $400,000 in improvements to install its studios and offices in the structure.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527150/coming-in-on-channel-41/|date=April 25, 1971|page=B-8|first=Jay|last=Berger|title=Coming in on Channel 41|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065119/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527150/coming-in-on-channel-41/|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, negotiations with ABC were not concluded until February 1971 because a to-be-built UHF station in Jackson also sought to be an affiliate.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118647132/channel-41-wins-network-affiliation/|date=February 12, 1971|page=B-1|title=Channel 41 wins network affiliation|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065120/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118647132/channel-41-wins-network-affiliation/|url-status=live}}

WUHQ-TV began broadcasting on the afternoon of July 24, 1971; in addition to network programs—obtained through a feed from WZZM-TV—and syndicated shows, there were also several planned local programs, including local news coverage. The station's dependence on WZZM-TV instead of direct network service meant that some ABC programs were not seen on channel 41 because they were not seen in Grand Rapids, but it was far cheaper than the monthly cost of a line from AT&T.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527193/heres-how-to-pick-it-up-channel-41/|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=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 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}} WUHQ-TV was placed on channel 4 on the Battle Creek cable system, which dropped WZZM-TV from its lineup at that time;{{r|Batt710721}} the Grand Rapids station was later restored in 1975,{{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=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 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}} then discontinued in 1986 along with two out-of-market network affiliates.{{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}}

=Local newscasts=

As WUHQ-TV, channel 41 had an on-again, off-again local news lineup. At launch, the station announced 5:30 and 11 p.m. newscasts to be anchored by radio newsman Roger Thurgaland. However, citing technical mishaps and a news department management felt was not prepared, the station switched to airing 5-minute news capsules in the late afternoon and prime time hours; it also added the ABC Evening News to its lineup as both ABC affiliates in the region began to air the program.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665338/channel-41-revamps-news-spots/|date=August 21, 1971|page=B-5|title=Channel 41 revamps news spots|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/20230215065124/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665338/channel-41-revamps-news-spots/|url-status=live}} A 6:30 p.m. evening newscast was later established, but it was scrapped in January 1975 because the owners felt it was too costly and could not adequately compete with the many news programs available on stations broadcast by the local cable system.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665406/wuhq-to-end-evening-news-show/|date=January 31, 1975|page=B-1|title=WUHQ to end evening news show|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/20230215065126/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665406/wuhq-to-end-evening-news-show/|url-status=live}} In 1980, the station brought back a longform evening local newscast in the form of the 15-minute 41 Early Report at 5:45 p.m.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665513/other-business/|date=September 14, 1980|page=D-2|title=Other Business|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/20230215065102/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665513/other-business/|url-status=live}} This was replaced with a newscast at 6 p.m. in 1982, which was in turn canceled in 1983 to focus efforts on the noon newscast and because of poor ratings against its primary competitor, Kalamazoo-based CBS affiliate WKZO-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665540/poor-ratings-kill-channel-41-evening-new/|date=August 26, 1983|page=A-1|first1=Jim|last1=Styer|first2=Ron|last2=Lietzke|title=Poor ratings kill Channel 41 evening news|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/118665540/poor-ratings-kill-channel-41-evening/|url-status=live}}

A year later, in September 1984, channel 41 returned to the early evening news competition with a 5:30 p.m. newscast, scrapping the noon news program.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665649/poll-led-to-wuhq-decision-to-air-530-p/|date=September 6, 1984|page=B-1|first=Bill|last=Miller|title=Poll led to WUHQ decision to air 5:30 p.m. newscast|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/20230215065118/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665649/poll-led-to-wuhq-decision-to-air-530/|url-status=live}} A 6 p.m. newscast was added in January 1986; it was organized as the more traditional show, with the 5:30 p.m. half-hour given over to more features{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665722/expanded-newscast/|date=December 24, 1985|page=3A|title=Expanded newscast|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/20230215065122/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665722/expanded-newscast/|url-status=live}} and later renamed as 41 Alive with Trudy Yarnell.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665798/early-newscast-on-41-features-tips-call/|date=September 14, 1986|page=TV Preview 2|title=Early newscast on 41 features tips, call-ins|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/20230215065142/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665798/early-newscast-on-41-features-tips/|url-status=live}} The 6 p.m. news was then canceled in January 1987: whereas WOTV (channel 8) was viewed by 28 percent of households, WZZM 27 percent and WWMT 18 percent, the WUHQ-TV news offering was attracting just 2 percent of local viewers at that hour.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665823/channel-41-planning-cutback-in-its-local/|date=January 3, 1987|page=6A|first=Trace|last=Christenson|title=Channel 41 planning cutback in its local, ABC news shows|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/20230215065121/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665823/channel-41-planning-cutback-in-its/|url-status=live}} 41 Alive moved to 5 p.m. before being canceled itself that July, with the local news staff being repurposed as a documentary unit.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665891/wuhq-tv-kills-out-41-alive-at-500/|date=July 25, 1987|page=5A|title=WUHQ-TV kills out '41 Alive at 5:00'|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/20230215065104/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665891/wuhq-tv-kills-out-41-alive-at-500/|url-status=live}} In January 1987, the station also dropped ABC World News Tonight in favor of reruns of WKRP in Cincinnati,{{r|Batt870103}} a decision that was not reversed until July 1989.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665961/world-news-tonight-returns-to-wuhq-tv/|date=June 26, 1989|page=3A|title='World News Tonight' returns to WUHQ-TV|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/20230215065105/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118665961/world-news-tonight-returns-to-wuhq-tv/|url-status=live}}

Without full-length local news, the station focused on cut-ins during Good Morning America, as well as high school football coverage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118648325/all-out-of-time/|date=August 22, 2003|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118648265/wotv-news-team-packs-it-in/ 4A]|first1=Kelly|last1=Carr|first2=Sarah|last2=Chuby|first3=Dana|last3=Carter|title='All out of time'|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065104/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118648325/all-out-of-time/|url-status=live}} In February 1991, Diane King, who had joined the station in 1989 to anchor the news cut-ins and be part of the documentary unit,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666054/business-portfolio/|date=March 12, 1989|page=C-1|title=Business Portfolio|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/20230215065115/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666054/business-portfolio/|url-status=live}} was fatally shot outside her home, having previously told friends that a man had been harassing her.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666197/tv-anchor-slain-friends-report-harassme/|date=February 11, 1991|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666238/murder/ 2A]|first=Mark|last=Mayes|title=TV anchor slain: Friends report harassment|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/20230215065119/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666197/tv-anchor-slain-friends-report/|url-status=live}} Her husband, Bradford King, was convicted of murder the next year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666304/it-just-didnt-add-up-juror-bradford/|date=December 15, 1992|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666335/juror-gun-story-convicted-king/ 5A]|first=Trace|last=Christenson|title='It just didn't add up': Juror: Bradford King's story and his gun convinced the jury that he killed his wife|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/20230215065122/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666304/it-just-didnt-add-up-juror/|url-status=live}} The murder was profiled on a 2004 episode of Forensic Files.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118667815/forensic-files-comes-to-town-court-tv/|date=January 15, 2004|page=3A|first=Sonya|last=Bernard-Hollins|title='Forensic Files' comes to town: Court-TV show taping episode about 1991 murder of news anchor Diane King|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/20230215065122/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118667815/forensic-files-comes-to-town/|url-status=live}}

=WZZM merger attempt=

In 1990, WZZM owner Northstar Television announced it had entered into a merger agreement with Channel 41, Inc. Under the agreement, WUHQ would simulcast WZZM for almost all of the broadcast day, 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." He and his brother, William J. Lawrence, Jr., were to become minority stockholders in Northstar as part of the proposed agreement.{{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}} The FCC approved of the merger in June 1991. According to a filing with the FCC, Northstar intended to air separate news coverage on channel 41 at times when WZZM aired news, though it was unclear how many WUHQ staffers would be retained in the merged operation.{{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}} However, a planned August closing was delayed.{{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}}

Under WOOD-TV management

Northstar's inability to close the merger agreement led Channel 41, Inc., to pursue another method of bolstering the station's operation. On October 31, 1991, it announced that it had entered into an 11-year local marketing agreement with WOTV (channel 8) to consolidate operations and restore some evening news coverage. Of WUHQ-TV's 29 existing employees, 14 were laid off, while four employees were added to produce news inserts for the station's 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.{{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}}{{Cite news|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|id={{ProQuest|1014758658}}|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}} WUHQ-TV then changed its call sign to WOTV on June 1, 1992, when channel 8 became WOOD-TV, reclaiming a call sign it had been forced to change 20 years prior.{{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}} Under the agreement with Channel 41, Inc., WOTV had its own sales, news, and engineering departments by 2001, while WOOD-TV provided programming support and bookkeeping services.{{cite news|title=Grand Rapids, Mich.|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|work=Mediaweek|pages=16–21|via=ProQuest|id={{ProQuest|213624287}}|date=July 30, 2001}}

The news inserts on WOTV grew over time, even as ratings remained low. In 1993, what had been an eight- to ten-minute nightly insert grew to 15 minutes at noon, 6, and 11 p.m., with only weather and sports shared with WOOD-TV.{{Cite news|page=6|title=WOTV enhancing its local news coverage|first=Dan|last=Calabrese|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|id={{ProQuest|216721926}}|via=ProQuest}} This subsequently evolved into full 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts from Battle Creek by 1995, expanding to weekends in 1996.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666577/news-programming-to-expand-on-channel-8/|date=August 20, 1995|page=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666587/channel-8-to-expand-its-news-programming/ 3B]|first=Jenny|last=Williston|title=News programming to expand on Channel 8|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065127/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666577/news-programming-to-expand-on-channel-8/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666604/wotv-expands-its-coverage-to-weekends/|date=March 13, 1996|page=Business Journal 7|title=WOTV expands its coverage to weekends|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/20230215065129/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118666604/wotv-expands-its-coverage-to-weekends/|url-status=live}} A local morning news program was also added and extended to an hour in 1999.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118667072/morning-news-program-extended/|date=October 11, 1999|page=2A|title=Morning news program extended|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/20230215065131/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118667072/morning-news-program-extended/|url-status=live}}

In 2001, WOOD-TV owner LIN Television Corporation acquired WOTV outright from Channel 41, Inc., for $2.25 million.{{Cite web|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=581400&Service=TV&Form_id=314&Facility_id=10212|title=BALCT-20011024AAF Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License|date=October 24, 2001|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065133/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=581400&Service=TV&Form_id=314&Facility_id=10212|url-status=live}} It was able to form the duopoly between network affiliates because the station was ranked sixth in the market.{{Cite news|title=Grand Rapids, Mich.|id={{ProQuest|213657146}}|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|work=Mediaweek|pages=14–24|date=May 26, 2003}} The news ratings were equally anemic. In May 2001, Nielsen Media Research figures showed WOOD-TV, WZZM, and WWMT with the top three 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts in West Michigan. WOOD-TV attracted a 25 share—percent of households using TVs—at 6 and 28 percent at 11; WWMT, the primary competitor for Kalamazoo and Battle Creek news, had a 15 share at 6 and 17 at 11. In comparison, WOTV had a 2 share at 6 and a 3 share at 11.{{r|MW030526}}

=Cancellation of local newscasts=

Citing poor ratings and declining market advertising revenues due to the Iraq War, LIN closed the WOTV newsroom on August 21, 2003, and channel 41 began simulcasting four and a half hours a day of newscasts from WOOD-TV. The conversion of WOTV to a Battle Creek/Kalamazoo bureau for WOOD-TV's news operation led to 24 news personnel being laid off, with just four people remaining to provide news coverage to the WOOD-TV newsroom in Grand Rapids alongside 20 sales, engineering, and office staff.{{r|Batt030822a}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118648356/wotv-news-cut-24-fired-from-bc-tv/|date=August 22, 2003|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118648288/channel-41-closes-local-news-operation/ 7A]|first=Jenny|last=Rode|title=WOTV news cut: 24 fired from B.C. TV station|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065136/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118648356/wotv-news-cut-24-fired-from-bc-tv/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=WOTV 41 News Closes Doors|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|date=August 21, 2003}}{{Cite news|first1=Al|last1=Jones|first2=Chris|last2=Meehan|title=Tough times blamed for news operation's demise|page=A10|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 23, 2003}} The remaining personnel were consolidated to Grand Rapids in 2006, resulting in three further job cuts and the departure of WOTV features reporter Gerry Barnaby.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118667581/wotvwood-consolidation-nearly-completed/|date=December 21, 2006|page=2A|title=WOTV/WOOD consolidation nearly completed|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/20230215065108/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118667581/wotvwood-consolidation-nearly-completed/|url-status=live}} The Fort Custer headquarters building was then donated to a city entity, Battle Creek Unlimited, and later demolished in February 2014.{{cite web |url=http://archive.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20140220/NEWS01/302200008/Fort-Custer-HQ-razed |title=Fort Custer HQ Razed |date=February 20, 2014 |website=battlecreekenquirer.com |publisher=Gannett Company, Inc. |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141019230032/http://archive.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20140220/NEWS01/302200008/Fort-Custer-HQ-razed |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |url-status=dead}}

The 2000s also saw increased coverage overlap between WOTV and WZZM. Satellite television providers Dish Network and DirecTV began offering both stations across the full market in 2002,{{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}} and WZZM was readded to several Comcast systems in southwest Michigan, including Battle Creek, in 2009.{{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}} WZZM continued to receive far higher total-day ratings than WOTV in the market; in 2013, channel 13 had an 8.3 percent total-day share compared to channel 41's 1.9 percent. As a result of this ratings imbalance, the station has adopted unusual marketing strategies. In 2012, it rebranded as "WOTV 4 Women" and refocused its talent and local initiatives around the demographic—an unusual case of a station promoting itself specifically to one gender—after having previously branded as "My ABC".{{cite web |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/493807-A_TV_Station_Just_4_Women.php |title=A TV Station Just '4' Women |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=June 3, 2013 |website=broadcastingcable.com |publisher=NewBay Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017134048/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/tv-station-just-4-women/44068 |archive-date=October 17, 2016 |url-status=dead}}

In 2014, LIN was acquired by Media General.{{cite web |last=Ramakrishnan |first=Sruthi |date=March 21, 2014 |title=Media General to buy LIN Media for $1.6 billion |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linmedia-offer-idUSBREA2K0S720140321 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323042259/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/21/us-linmedia-offer-idUSBREA2K0S720140321 |archive-date=March 23, 2014 |access-date=March 21, 2014 |website=Reuters}} Media General was then acquired by Nexstar Broadcasting Group in 2017.{{cite web |title=Nexstar-Media General: It's A Done Deal |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/91865/nexstarmedia-general-its-a-done-deal |website=TVNewsCheck |access-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017183826/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/91865/nexstarmedia-general-its-a-done-deal?nocookies |archive-date=October 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Nexstar Clinches Deal to Acquire Media General |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/business/dealbook/nexstar-clinches-deal-to-acquire-media-general.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009125934/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/business/dealbook/nexstar-clinches-deal-to-acquire-media-general.html?_r=0 |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=January 27, 2016 |work=The New York Times| date=January 27, 2016 | last1=Picker | first1=Leslie }}{{cite web|url=http://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-broadcasting-group-completes-acquisition-of-media-general-creating-nexstar-media-group-the-nations-second-largest-television-broadcaster/|title=Nexstar Broadcasting Group Completes Acquisition of Media General Creating Nexstar Media Group, The Nation's Second Largest Television Broadcaster|publisher=Nexstar Media Group|date=January 17, 2017|access-date=January 19, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425161607/https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-broadcasting-group-completes-acquisition-of-media-general-creating-nexstar-media-group-the-nations-second-largest-television-broadcaster/|url-status=live}} When Nexstar then acquired Tribune Media in 2019, Tribune's WXMI, the Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids, was spun out as part of the sale.{{cite web|title=Nexstar Selling 19 TVs In 15 Markets For $1.32B|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/232391/nexstar-selling-19-tvs-in-15-markets-for-1-32b/|first=Mark K.|last=Miller|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320194359/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/232391/nexstar-selling-19-tvs-in-15-markets-for-1-32b/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Nexstar to Sell Stations to Tegna, Scripps for $1.32 Billion|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-20/nexstar-to-sell-19-stations-to-tegna-scripps-for-1-32-billion|first=Nabila|last=Ahmed|first2=Anousha|last2=Sakoui|website=Bloomberg News|publisher=Bloomberg, L.P.|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413200225/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-20/nexstar-to-sell-19-stations-to-tegna-scripps-for-1-32-billion|url-status=live}}

A subchannel of WOTV replaced a subchannel of WWMT as the local affiliate of The CW on January 1, 2024.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Nexstar Stations Take Over CW Affiliations in 3 Markets |language=en |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-stations-take-over-cw-affiliations-in-three-markets |access-date=December 24, 2023}}

Technical information

=Subchannels=

The station's signal is multiplexed:

class="wikitable" \|+Subchannels of WOTV{{cite web \|website=RabbitEars \|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WOTV#station \|title=RabbitEars TV Query for WOTV \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055423/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WOTV \|archive-date=March 4, 2016 \|url-status=live}} ! scope = "col" \| Channel ! scope = "col" \| Res. ! scope = "col" \| Aspect ! scope = "col" \| Short name ! scope = "col" \| Programming
scope = "row" \| 41.1 \| 720p \|\| rowspan=4\|16:9 \|\| WOTV \|\| ABC
scope = "row" \| 41.2 \| 1080i \|\| The CW \|\| The CW
scope = "row" \| 41.3 \| rowspan="2"\|480i \|\| CHARGE! \|\| Charge!
scope = "row" \| 41.4 \| SHOP LC \|\| Shop LC

class="wikitable"

|+Subchannels of WOTV{{cite web |website=RabbitEars |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WOTV#station |title=RabbitEars TV Query for WOTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055423/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WOTV |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}

! scope = "col" | Channel

! scope = "col" | Res.

! scope = "col" | Aspect

! scope = "col" | Short name

! scope = "col" | Programming

scope = "row" | 41.1

| 720p || rowspan=4|16:9 || WOTV || ABC

scope = "row" | 41.2

| 1080i || The CW || The CW

scope = "row" | 41.3

| rowspan="2"|480i || CHARGE! || Charge!

scope = "row" | 41.4

| SHOP LC || Shop LC

WOTV is also broadcast in ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) on WXSP-CD and WOLP-CD, which converted to the new format in 2021.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nextgen-tv-goes-live-on-six-grand-rapid-tv-stations|first=Michael|last=Balderston|title=NextGen TV Goes Live on Six Grand Rapids TV Stations|date=May 7, 2021|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119051332/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nextgen-tv-goes-live-on-six-grand-rapid-tv-stations|url-status=live}}

=Analog-to-digital conversion=

WOTV shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 41, on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television; it continued to broadcast on channel 20, using virtual channel 41.{{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}} WOTV was then repacked to channel 17 in 2019.{{r|rei}}