WVEN-TV
{{Short description|Television station in Melbourne, Florida}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WVEN-TV
| logo = Univision Orlando (2019).svg
| logo_upright = .75
| logo_alt = The Univision network logo, a 3D compilation of purple, red, green and blue elements that loosely form the letter U. Below it are the words "Univision" and "Orlando" in two lines in a gray sans serif, with the name "Univision" in unicase.
| image = WOTF-TV (2021).svg
| image_alt = The UniMás network logo, the word UNIMÁS in blue in an italic sans serif with some rounded corners, with the word ORLANDO below in another sans serif in red.
| image_upright = 0.7
| location = Melbourne–Orlando, Florida
| country = United States
| city = Melbourne, Florida
| branding = {{ubl|{{lang|es|italic=no|Univision Orlando}} (general)|{{lang|es|Noticias Univision Orlando}} (newscasts)}}
| digital = 22 (UHF)
| virtual = 43
| subchannels =
| affiliations = {{ubl|43.1: Univision|43.7: UniMás|for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}}}
| owner = TelevisaUnivision
| licensee = UniMas Orlando, Inc.
| airdate = {{start date and age|1982|7|5|p=y}}
| callsign_meaning = {{lang|es|Ven}} (Spanish for "come" or "they see")
| sister_stations = WRCF-CD
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WMOD (1982–1988)|WBSF (1988–2001)|WFUO (2001–2002)|WOTF (2002–2003)|WOTF-TV (2004–2009)|WOTF-DT (2009–2017)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|Analog: 43 (UHF, 1982–2009)|Digital: 20 (UHF, until 2009), 43 (UHF, 2009–2020)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|Independent (1982–1988)|HSN (1988–2002)|Telefutura/UniMás (2002–2017)}}
| erp = 1,000 kW
| haat = {{convert|492|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| class =
| facility_id = 5802
| coordinates = {{coord|28|35|12.6|N|81|4|57.5|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline, title}}
| licensing_authority = FCC
| website = {{URL|https://www.univision.com/local/orlando-wven}}
}}
WVEN-TV (channel 43) is a television station licensed to Melbourne, Florida, United States, serving as the Orlando area outlet for the Spanish-language network Univision. It is owned and operated by TelevisaUnivision alongside low-power, Class A UniMás station WRCF-CD (channel 29). The two stations share studios on Douglas Avenue in Altamonte Springs; WVEN-TV's transmitter is located in Bithlo, Florida.
Channel 43 went on the air as WMOD, an English-language independent station, on July 5, 1982. Built by an investor group led by former U.S. representative Louis Frey Jr., the station was the first broadcast TV station in Brevard County. Its early history was pocked with technical and financial trouble; the station's launch was delayed a day due to technical troubles, and signal issues caused many advertisers to flee. A larger signal issue was created when federal aviation authorities refused to allow the station to raise the height of its tower, which would have improved reception in the populous Orlando area.
In 1985, New Jersey–based Press Broadcasting bought WMOD, intending to make it a more highly viewed independent in the Orlando market. It soon struggled with the same signal limitations and began a search for a remedy. In the meantime, it ceded most of the station's airtime, as well as a purchase option, to the Home Shopping Network (HSN). This gave Press time to purchase a construction permit for channel 68 and to set up a future swap to channel 18. HSN assigned its purchase option to Black-owned Blackstar Communications, which took over WMOD in April 1988 and began running it as an all-home shopping station under the new call sign WBSF. Press retained the station's syndicated programming inventory and used it to launch WKCF later that year.
Blackstar sold WBSF to USA Broadcasting in 1998, but a planned change in program format never materialized, and USA Broadcasting sold the station to Univision in 2001. It was one of the USA Broadcasting stations used to start the Telefutura network—precursor to UniMás—on January 14, 2002. The station changed call signs, first to WFUO and then to WOTF-TV. Univision already had a local affiliate in Orlando, WVEN-TV (channel 26), and let its owner, Entravision Communications, handle local sales and promotion for WOTF-TV and Univision-owned Telefutura stations in five other markets. In 2017, in most of these markets, Univision and UniMás switched signals, moving Univision programming to the Univision-owned license even though Entravision continued to handle operations; as a result, WVEN-TV and WOTF-TV exchanged call signs. In Orlando and Tampa, this agreement was wound down at the end of 2021, making WVEN-TV a Univision owned-and-operated station.
History
=Construction and early years=
In February 1979, an investor group led by Louis Frey Jr., a former U.S. representative, announced its intention to seek channel 43 in Melbourne for a new independent station. Brevard County had two local cable channels operate at different points, and other groups had expressed interest in constructing a station.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-frey-seeks-tv-station-in-b/149387730/|date=February 17, 1979|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-frey-seeking-local-tv-here/149387744/ 3B]|first=Jay|last=Silverberg|title=Frey Seeks TV Station In Brevard|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Their application, under the name Southern Broadcasting Corporation, reached the Federal Communications Commission that August;{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-local-tv-station-may-be-on/149387796/|date=August 23, 1979|pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-station-planned/149387808/ 3B]|first=Caesar|last=Andrews|title=Local TV Station May Be on Air by Spring|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} the construction permit was granted in late 1980.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-melbourne-tv-station-clear/149387938/|date=November 30, 1980|pages= 1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-station-to-begin-building/149387954/ 3B]|first=Marla|last=Cone|title=Melbourne TV station cleared for airwaves|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
Southern Broadcasting intended initially to locate the station's tower in west-central Brevard County but could not secure approval there due to nearby airports. The station then received approval from neighboring Osceola County to build a {{convert|1049|ft|m|adj=on}} tower and antenna structure in the Deseret Ranch area, just across the county line, in December 1980. At that time, the station's call sign was announced as WKNA for two of its senior leaders, executive vice president Wharton K. Burgreen and Nelle Ayers.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-10-months-until-air/149387985/|date=December 10, 1980|page=C-1|first=Peggy|last=McLaughlin|title=10 months until air time: TV tower site wins approval|newspaper=Sentinel Star|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Little occurred until early 1982, when Southern Broadcast sold a majority stake in the company to BMS Broadcasting Corporation of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Frey announced the station would debut on July 4.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-melbourne-tv-station-aims/149388038/|date=March 2, 1982|page= 2B|first=Bett|last=Norcross|title=Melbourne TV station aims for July 4 start|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
Channel 43—renamed WMOD before launch—almost made the target date. Just six days before the station was to go on air, a subcontractor began building the tower after the main contractor hired for the job defaulted.{{r|Flor821007}}{{efn|A jury later gave the subcontractor $196,000 after WMOD's ownership breached the contract.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-wmod-loses-196000/149390670/|date=December 14, 1985|page=D-2|title=WMOD loses $196,000 in tower lawsuit|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}}} On July 4, the station attempted to make its first broadcast and failed to do so. The intended live dedication ceremony had to be taped; a satellite dish was inoperable; and while work to correct the transmission line on the station's tower was under way, it was struck by lightning.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-stations-explosive-premie/149388596/|date=July 5, 1982|page= 1B|first=David|last=Dickerson|title=Station's explosive premier a fizzle|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} WMOD made it to air the next night,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-on-wobbly-legs-wmod-hits/149388637/|date=July 6, 1982|page= 1B|first=Chevon|last=Thompson|title=On wobbly legs, WMOD hits airwaves|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} its antenna mounted temporarily at the {{convert|226|ft|m}} level on the mast.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-wmod-cuts-back-lets-13-go/149389130/|date=October 7, 1982|page= 16C|first=Dave|last=Hodges|title=WMOD cuts back, lets 13 go: Programming remains the same — manager|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} That was not fixed until the end of July.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-channel-43-takes-break-to/149388775/|date=July 31, 1982|page= 2B|title=Channel 43 takes break to change antennas|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The station's programming primarily consisted of movies and syndicated reruns.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-channel-43-joins-ca/149388844/|date=August 3, 1982|page=E-1|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Channel 43 joins Cablevision lineup|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
Days before WMOD attempted its first broadcast, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) weighed in on an application by WMOD to extend the tower it had built from {{convert|1000|ft|m}} to {{convert|1500|ft|m}}. This was objected to by some in the local aviation community, because the higher tower would obstruct the visual flight rules flight path from Melbourne Regional Airport to Orlando Executive Airport.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-tv-tower-plan-catching-fla/149388210/|date=May 14, 1982|page= 3B|first=Dave|last=Hodges|title=TV tower plan catching flak from airports|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Even though the Melbourne Airport Authority approved the idea as a way to prevent more towers from clustering in the area,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-support-grows-for-h/149388303/|date=June 11, 1982|page=B-9|first=Peggy|last=McLaughlin|title=Support grows for higher TV tower|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} and Brevard legislators sided with WMOD,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-pilots-say-taller-t/149388367/|date=June 15, 1982|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tower/149388375/ B-5]|first=Peggy|last=McLaughlin|title=Pilots say taller TV tower would pose danger|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} pilots believed the site posed a danger near a trafficked general aviation corridor and noted that many pilots on the route were students or vacationers.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-pilots-oppose-plan-to-buil/149388342/|date=June 15, 1982|page= 2B|first=Dave|last=Hodges|title=Pilots oppose plan to build tall TV tower|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} When the FAA recommended against the higher tower, it struck a blow at channel 43's attempt to improve its reception in greater Orlando and thus increase its potential audience.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-faa-rejects-request/149388451/|date=July 2, 1982|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-station/149388512/ B-4]|title=FAA rejects request for higher TV tower|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Frey appealed,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-frey-appealing-tower-rulin/149388569/|date=July 3, 1982|page= 3B|first=Dave|last=Hodges|title=Frey appealing tower ruling|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} but the FAA upheld its recommendation.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-faa-rules-against-t/149389048/|date=October 5, 1982|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tower/149389067/ B-5]|first=Peggy|last=McLaughlin|title=FAA rules against tower extension for Channel 43: A 2nd station receives approval to build, may|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-faa-shoots-down-appeal-on/149389085/|date=October 6, 1982|page= 1B|first=Mike|last=Thomas|title=FAA shoots down appeal on TV tower|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The agency issued a second ruling to the same effect in December 1983.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-channel-43-loses-bi/149389947/|date=December 13, 1983|page=C-10|title=Channel 43 loses bid to expand tower|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
The poorly executed launch and tower height issues proved detrimental to WMOD. Even though the technical issues were eventually remedied, many advertisers—as many as 90 percent{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-tv-43-after-shaking-off-s/149389495/|date=March 6, 1983|pages=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-wmod-ready-to-expand/149389525/ 2E]|first=Billy|last=Cox|title=TV 43: After shaking off shaky start, WMOD is channeling resources for expansion|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}—canceled their purchases and never returned. In October, just three months after beginning broadcasting, the station cut its expenses by 20 percent and laid off 13 employees.{{r|Flor821007}} In spite of this, WMOD tried several new programming concepts, among them an all-night variety show with movies and comedy routines{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-another-addition-to/149389172/|date=November 9, 1982|page=E-1|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Another addition to the wee hours|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-wacky-is-standard-o/149389764/|date=August 6, 1983|page=F-1|first=Dean|last=Johnson|title=Wacky is standard on 'Late Is Great'|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} and high school football,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-locals-may-miss-junior-super/149388910/|date=September 8, 1982|page=1B|first=Bruce|last=Goldberg|title=Locals may miss Junior Super Bowl|newspaper=The Tribune|location=Melbourne, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} including a live telecast of a state championship game between Titusville and Kissimmee Osceola.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-titusville-osceola/149389319/|date=December 17, 1982|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-preps/149389348/ B-5]|title=Titusville-Osceola matchup one of championship gems|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The high school football broadcasts lost money,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-a-road-trip-for-channel-43/149389284/|date=December 3, 1982|page= 5C|title=A road trip for channel 43, too|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} and a local news block was cut due to poor ratings and increased coverage of Brevard County by the Orlando stations.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-melbourne-channel-w/149389705/|date=June 27, 1983|page=B-1|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=Melbourne channel will cut newscasts|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} By 1984, Orlando independent station WOFL (channel 35) had a market share of 8 percent, while WMOD trailed at 3 percent,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-independents-fight/149390169/|date=December 24, 1984|page=Central Florida Business 3|first=Julia|last=Reed|title=Independents fight for market share: Channels 35, 43 air plans for attracting dollars|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} in spite of an improved programming inventory.{{r|Flor850622}}
=Press Broadcasting ownership and transition to home shopping=
In 1985, Southern Broadcasting sold WMOD to Press Broadcasting, a subsidiary of the Asbury Park Press newspaper in New Jersey, for $7 million in cash and debt. It was the company's first media property outside of its home state.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-new-jersey-firm-to-buy-wmo/149390286/|date=June 22, 1985|page=8C|first=Dave|last=Hodges|title=New Jersey firm to buy WMOD|newspaper=Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Relieving channel 43 of its debt load allowed Press to be more aggressive in purchasing programming.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-independent-station/115759317/|date=February 17, 1986|page=Central Florida Business 27|first=Julia|last=Reed|title=Independent stations joust for position|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} In spite of a $7 million outlay on programming, the company ran into considerable difficulty because WMOD's transmitter site could not provide adequate full-market coverage.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tower-of-power-new/149227362/|date=February 22, 1988|pages=Central Florida Business 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tv/149227325/ 20], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tower-of-power-3/149227398/ 21]|first=Susan G.|last=Strother|title=Tower of Power: New independent stations rise to challenge WOFL's supremacy|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050207/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tower-of-power-new/149227362/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-swap-shop/149226968/|date=November 6, 1987|page=C-1|title=Swap Shop|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-swap-shop/149226968/|url-status=live}} As a result, Press began to pivot its plans for WMOD. In September 1986, it signed an affiliation agreement with the Home Shopping Network (HSN), the first of its kind, to air up to 18 hours a day of home shopping programming;{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-home-shopping-netwo/149359763/|date=September 9, 1986|page= D-8|agency=UPI|title=Home Shopping Network signs pact with WMOD-TV|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Press continued to program the remainder of channel 43's airtime with syndicated programming, but the deal gave HSN the option to buy WMOD at a $5 million valuation in 1988. Earlier that year, HSN had acquired Press's other television station, WSJT-TV in the Philadelphia market.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-wmod-phases-in-shop/149390916/|date=September 18, 1986|pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-wmod/149390962/ B-7]|title=WMOD phases in shop-by-TV format|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
The HSN option gave Press time to find a solution to its signal problems, even as the FAA reached a settlement allowing a taller tower at a site {{convert|1.4|mi|km}} away.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-channel-43-gets-nod-for-hi/149391178/|date=February 3, 1987|page=16C|first=Daniel II|last=Horgan|title=Channel 43 gets nod for higher antenna|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-wmod-will-get-new-t/149359695/|date=February 4, 1987|page=C-1|first=Catherine|last=Hinman|title=WMOD will get new tower: TV station, federal agency work out differences|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The strategy consisted of several acquisitions. In September 1987, Press acquired and immediately donated to Brevard Community College a non-commercial educational station licensed to Cocoa, WRES (channel 18).{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-ch-43-donates-educational/149288496/|date=September 11, 1987|page=1B|first=Roni Bea|last=Kayne|title=Ch. 43 donates educational station to BCC|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050231/https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-ch-43-donates-educational/149288496/|url-status=live}} In the deal, BCC received the TV station facility, $1 million in operating funds, and another $240,000 to forge partnerships with the University of Central Florida (UCF), the Florida Institute of Technology, and public schools.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-bcc-may-soon-have-t/149288919/|date=September 12, 1987|page=34|title=BCC may soon have TV station: Agreement with WMOD awaiting FCC approval|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050232/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-bcc-may-soon-have-t/149288919/|url-status=live}} In exchange, Brevard Community College agreed to eventually swap channels with Press Broadcasting.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-press-donates-money-to/149288680/|date=September 19, 1987|page=A6|title=Press donates money to college|newspaper=Asbury Park Press|location=Asbury Park, New Jersey|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050237/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-press-donates-money-to/149288680/|url-status=live}} Two months later, Press agreed to buy the construction permit for WCLU (channel 68), a new station licensed to Clermont, which became the other half of the proposed swap arrangement.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-swap-shop/149226968/|date=November 6, 1987|page=C-1|title=Swap Shop|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-swap-shop/149226968/|url-status=live}} Robert McAllan, the vice president of broadcasting for Press Broadcasting, declared that the channel 68 permit purchase "culminate[d] a two-year search for improved transmission facilities" for WMOD.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/press-journal-press-broadcasting-applies/149227005/|date=November 8, 1987|page=19A|agency=Associated Press|title=Press Broadcasting Applies For Purchase|newspaper=Press Journal|location=Vero Beach, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 14, 2024|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614050843/https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-journal-press-broadcasting-applies/149227005/|url-status=live}}
=Blackstar Communications and USA Broadcasting ownership=
In December 1987, HSN assigned its option to buy WMOD to Blackstar Communications, a Black-owned firm controlled by John D. Oxendine, which exercised the option. The assignment was part of a larger affiliation agreement that saw Blackstar buy HSN-owned KHSP in Portland, Oregon, and HSN become a silent investor in Blackstar.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-affiliation/149391438/|date=December 3, 1987|page=B-1|title=Affiliation|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The investors in Blackstar, including Wesley S. Williams Jr., were involved with a venture capital fund started by the National Association of Broadcasters.{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|id={{ProQuest|1014722489}}|date=December 21, 1987|page=57|title=Changing Hands}} In April 1988, Blackstar took control of WMOD,{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-tv-43-being-sold-to-air-m/149391494/|date=April 5, 1988|page=16C|first=Irene|last=Klotz|title=TV-43 being sold, to air more Home Shopping|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} and on April 20, it began broadcasting home shopping around the clock.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-wmod-channels-programming/149391597/|date=May 4, 1988|pages=16C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-wmod-shops-for-viewers/149391557/ 15C]|first=Melissa|last=George|title=WMOD channels programming to new type of viewer — shopper|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The call sign changed in May 1988 to WBSF.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-melbourne-tv-station-plans/149391622/|date=August 11, 1988|page=8C|first=Phillip|last=Fiorini|title=Melbourne TV station plans local talk show|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} Press kept the syndicated programming inventory, which it used to launch WKCF on channel 68 in December 1988.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-68-wants-viewers-to/149226433/|date=December 1, 1988|page=E-1|first=Noel|last=Holston|title=68 wants viewers to unplug, tune in|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
Under Blackstar, non-home shopping programming was limited, though the station had a local youth talk show known as Teen Talk and aired several children's series.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/florida-today-financing-executive-leads/149391689/|date=September 23, 1991|page=2E|first=Sarah|last=Randall|title=Financing executive leads local home-shopping station|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} The company acquired a third home shopping station—WBSX-TV in Ann Arbor, Michigan—in 1989.{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/local-tv-station-has-new-owner/gogbcqdytpsbzncxkpvvuxtsmuvvkyhe_ip-10-166-46-103_1710865263176|page=B8|title=Local TV station has new owner|first=Michael|last=Kersmarki|work=The Ann Arbor News|date=July 13, 1989|access-date=April 6, 2024|archive-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406052002/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/local-tv-station-has-new-owner/gogbcqdytpsbzncxkpvvuxtsmuvvkyhe_ip-10-166-46-103_1710865263176|url-status=live}}
By 1998, USA Broadcasting—the owner of HSN—was developing a new television station format known as CityVision, which would emphasize local programming.{{cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=January 17, 1999 |title=USA looking at L.A., Chi, others for expansion |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/cityvision-may-export-local-format-1117490304/ |access-date=September 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023054/http://variety.com/1999/tv/news/cityvision-may-export-local-format-1117490304/ |url-status=live }} When Blackstar began to talk to Paxson Communications Corporation about selling its station in Portland, USA Broadcasting chief Barry Diller intervened, resulting in an agreement that allowed Paxson to buy the Portland station on condition of selling him Paxson's station serving Atlanta for the CityVision format. At that time, USA Broadcasting bought Blackstar's other broadcast properties—WBSF and KEVN-TV in Rapid City, South Dakota—at prices below what the company initially sought.{{Cite news|pages=13–18|work=Broadcasting & Cable|title=CityVision on the move|date=March 16, 1998|id={{ProQuest|225326241}} }} CityVision was intended for a phased launch nationally, and until that time, WBSF continued to air home shopping.{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-cable-stations-to-h/149391715/|date=March 13, 1998|page=B-5|first=Blake|last=Fontenay|title=Cable stations to have all-local programming|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}}
=Univision ownership=
CityVision never came to Orlando. The format failed to take off where it was introduced, and USA Broadcasting registered operating losses of $62 million in 2000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|62000000|2000}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}). Diller opted to sell the station group to Univision on December 7, 2000, for $1.1 billion (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1100000000|2000}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) in cash.{{Cite news |last=McClellan |first=Steve |date=December 11, 2000 |id={{ProQuest|225325811}} |title=Univision speaks Barry's lingo: $1.1B |pages=18–19 |work=Broadcasting & Cable }} At the time, Univision programs aired on a low-power station in Orlando, WVEN-LP (channel 63).{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-univision-expands-i/149391960/|date=December 8, 2000|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-tribune-disney-als/149391931/ C6]|title=Univision expands its reach with USA Network deal|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|location=Orlando, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 16, 2024}} That station, owned by Entravision Communications Corporation, and its programming moved in March 2001 after Entravision acquired the former WNTO-TV (channel 26) in Daytona Beach.{{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}}{{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}}
Most of the USA Broadcasting stations were used by Univision to start a second network. Telefutura launched on January 14, 2002, with channel 43—under the new call sign WFUO—as one of its affiliates.{{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}} The station changed call signs again to WOTF-TV in April 2002.{{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}} 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}} Telefutura rebranded as UniMás in 2013.{{cite news|last1=Malone|first1=Michael|title=UniMas Rebranding to Live Entertainment Destination|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/unimas-rebranding-to-live-entertainment-destination|access-date=May 8, 2019|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=May 7, 2019|language=en-us|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507192325/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/unimas-rebranding-to-live-entertainment-destination|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. 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}}
News operation
Under Entravision and on channel 26, local Univision news debuted in the market in April 2001.{{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}}
Technical information
=Subchannels=
The station's signal is multiplexed:
| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WVEN-TV{{cite web|title=Digital TV Market Listing for WVEN|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WVEN#station|website=RabbitEars|access-date=January 26, 2017}} ! scope = "row" | Channel ! scope = "row" | Res. ! scope = "row" | Aspect ! scope = "row" | Short name ! scope = "row" | Programming | ||
| scope = "row" | 43.1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| scope = "row" | 43.2 | ||
| scope = "row" | 43.3
| rowspan=5| 16:9 || Bounce || Bounce TV | ||
| scope = "row" | 43.4
| Mystery || Ion Mystery | ||
| scope = "row" | 43.5
| Quest || Quest | ||
| scope = "row" | 43.6
| NVSN || Nuestra Visión (soon) | ||
| style="background-color: #E6FFF7;"
! scope = "row" | 43.7 | 720p | Unim-HD | UniMás (WRCF-CD) File:4 rounded rect pink.svg |
{{legend|#E6FFF7|Simulcast of subchannels of another station}}
File:4 rounded rect pink.svg Subchannel broadcast with MPEG-4 video
=Analog-to-digital conversion=
Channel 43, then WOTF-TV, ended programming on its analog signal on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-ready-or-not-d-day-is-n/129481088/|date=June 11, 2009|pages=8C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-networks-push-to-notify-vi/129481060/ 7C]|first=Keilani|last=Best|title=Ready or not, 'D' day is near: Unprepared viewers to be left in the dark as TV switches to digital Friday|newspaper=Florida Today|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=August 5, 2023|archive-date=August 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805173023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-ready-or-not-d-day-is-n/129481088/|url-status=live}} The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 20 to channel 43 for post-transition operations.{{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 22 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 5802, WOTF-TV.)
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Orlando TV}}
{{Florida Spanish Stations}}
{{Univision Communications}}
{{Major U.S. TV O-O Stations}}
Category:1982 establishments in Florida
Category:Get (TV network) affiliates
Category:Ion Mystery affiliates
Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates
Category:Television channels and stations established in 1982