WZTV
{{Short description|Television station in Nashville, Tennessee}}
{{distinguish|KTVZ|KZTV|WTVZ}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WZTV
| logo = LOGO WZTV FOX17 solid calls.png
| logo_upright = 1.08
| logo_alt = In a blue frame, three boxes. The upper left box is white and contains the Fox network logo in black. The upper right box is blue and contains a silver 17 in a sans serif. Beneath both in a red box is the lettering "W Z T V Nashville" in white in another sans serif.
| image = WNAB 2024.svg
| image_upright = 0.75
| image_alt = The CW logo in red-orange with the word "Nashville" above it, right-aligned, in a sans serif.
| branding = {{ubl|Fox 17|The CW Nashville (17.2)}}
| digital = 20 (UHF)
| virtual = 17
| affiliations = {{ubl|17.1: Fox|17.2: The CW|for others, see {{Section link||Subchannels}}}}
| airdate = {{Start date and age|1968|08|05|p=y}}{{efn|The station launched as WMCV on August 5, 1968, and remained on the air until March 14, 1971, when its owners left the air for financial reorganization. The station was sold twice before returning to the air on March 6, 1976, as WZTV.}}
| location = Nashville, Tennessee
| country = United States
| callsign_meaning =
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WMCV (1968–1974)|WTLT (1974–1975)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|Analog: 17 (UHF, 1968–2009)|Digital: 15 (UHF, 2001–2019)}}
| owner = Sinclair Broadcast Group
| licensee = WZTV Licensee, LLC
| sister_stations = WNAB, WUXP-TV
| former_affiliations = Independent (1968–1971, 1976–1990)
| erp = 1,000 kW
| haat = {{convert|427|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 418
| coordinates = {{coord|36|15|49.8|N|86|47|38.9|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = FCC
| website = {{ubl|{{URL|https://fox17.com/}}|{{URL|https://cwnashville.tv/}}}}
}}
WZTV (channel 17) is a television station in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, affiliated with Fox and The CW. It is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group alongside MyNetworkTV affiliate WUXP-TV (channel 30) as well as WNAB (channel 58), which Sinclair manages on behalf of Tennessee Broadcasting. The stations share studios on Mainstream Drive along the Cumberland River; WZTV's transmitter is located along I-24 in Whites Creek.
Channel 17 in Nashville was first activated in August 1968 as WMCV, owned by local consortium Music City Video. It was the first ultra high frequency (UHF) station in Nashville and its first independent station, but it was unable to sustain itself financially and left the air in March 1971. Two years later, it was sold at bankruptcy auction to radio executive Bob Hudson, who attempted to return channel 17 to air as WTLT. Had Hudson been able to resume service, channel 17 would have been the first Black-owned television station in the United States. However, an economic downturn prevented him from raising sufficient capital to begin operations, and it fell to Reel Broadcasting Corporation, owned by Robert K. Zelle, to put the station back on air as WZTV in March 1976. In 1980, Zelle sold WZTV to Multimedia, Inc., which used Nashville as a base to distribute country music-related TV series. WZTV also remained the market's leading independent despite competition from two new startups in the decade.
Act III Broadcasting acquired WZTV in 1988 and purchased the Fox affiliation for the Nashville market in 1990, moving it from WCAY-TV (channel 30), where it had been since the network's inception. Act III was purchased in 1995 and became Sullivan Broadcasting, during which time the station began airing a local newscast for the first time. Sinclair purchased the Sullivan stations, including WZTV, in 1998 and has continued to expand the station's local news programming. The CW programming moved to a subchannel of WZTV from WNAB in 2021.
History
=WMCV=
On January 25, 1966, Music City Video, Inc., a consortium of local investors with connections to several local radio stations, applied to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a construction permit to build a new TV station on channel 24 in Nashville.{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/698916ea-451f-db1e-edb2-862fe2130d59|title=FCC History Cards for WZTV|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} The application was spearheaded by Alven S. Ghertner, who proposed to build studios on land he owned that was occupied by a service station. At the time, Nashville had no independent station, nor did it have any stations in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band; the Music City Video station was intended to fill both voids with a heavy emphasis on live programming{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115367523/group-seeks-uhf-station-for-nashville/|date=March 1, 1966|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115367554/group-seeks/ 8]|first=Albert|last=Cason|title=Group Seeks UHF Station For Nashville|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115367523/group-seeks-uhf-station-for-nashville/|url-status=live}} The FCC granted the permit application on July 7, 1966, by which time channel 24 had been switched to channel 17 because of a national overhaul of the UHF table of allocations.{{r|hc}}
WMCV was not built for another two years. In 1968, however, activity increased with the construction of studios and a transmitter facility on 38th Avenue North.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203704/how-new-tv-stations-headquarters-will-l/|date=May 24, 1968|page=42|title=How New TV Station's Headquarters Will Look|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041637/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203704/how-new-tv-stations-headquarters-will/|url-status=live}} There had been turnover in investors in the intervening years,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203559/nashville-business-city-to-get-5th-tv/|date=April 21, 1968|page=10-C|first=Albert|last=Cason|title=Nashville Business: City To Get 5th TV Station|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203559/nashville-business-city-to-get-5th-tv/|url-status=live}} with new investors including congressman Richard Fulton and secretary of state Joe C. Carr, but the station continued to promise a series of new local programs, including a dance show and professional wrestling produced in the studios.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203198/channel-17-air-debut-now-july-22/|date=July 7, 1968|page=6-S|first=Margaret|last=Edds|title=Channel 17 Air Debut Now July 22|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203198/channel-17-air-debut-now-july-22/|url-status=live}} The station began broadcasting on August 5.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204169/channel-17-schedule-a-new-channel/|date=August 4, 1968|page=24-S|title=Channel 17 Schedule: A New Channel!|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070753/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204169/channel-17-schedule-a-new-channel/|url-status=live}} WMCV owned a mobile production unit, the "Jolly Green Giant", which allowed it to produce the first regular local telecasts of high school basketball games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204250/king-of-the-tv-road/|date=February 16, 1969|page=46-S|title=King of the TV Road|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070750/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204250/king-of-the-tv-road/|url-status=live}} Channel 17 also brought viewers such local programs as auto racing from the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203400/all-races-seen-on-channel-17/|date=July 20, 1969|page=Nashville 400 Souvenir 17|title=All Races Seen On Channel 17|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070747/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203400/all-races-seen-on-channel-17/|url-status=live}} interviews with visiting celebrity athletes on Celebrities and Sports,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203239/archie-campbell-chats-with-carroll/|date=January 11, 1970|page=15-S|title=Archie Campbell Chats With Carroll|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070753/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203239/archie-campbell-chats-with-carroll/|url-status=live}} the first regular coverage of Tennessee State University and Fisk University sports, and all-night movies.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203300/reorganization-planned-channel-17-to/|date=March 11, 1971|page=19|title=Reorganization Planned: Channel 17 To Suspend Telecasting|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115203300/reorganization-planned-channel-17-to/|url-status=live}}
However, two and a half years after WMCV began telecasting, Music City Video entered into financial difficulties. It announced it would leave the air on March 14, 1971, for what it hoped would be a period of no longer than 90 days to reorganize or find new investors.{{r|Tenn710311}} Instead of finding new investors and returning to the air, it filed for bankruptcy protection in May 1971 and was adjudicated bankrupt in January 1973. A receiver was appointed and became the licensee.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204310/black-owned-operated-tv-station-nearer/|date=July 10, 1973|page=3|title=Black-Owned, Operated TV Station Nearer|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070738/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204310/black-owned-operated-tv-station-nearer/|url-status=live}}{{r|hc}}
=The "Total Local Television" that wasn't=
On July 9, 1973, a bankruptcy court approved the sale of the WMCV license and some office furniture to the Hudson Broadcasting Corporation, a company owned by local radio executive Bob Hudson. The purchase held the prospect of ensuring the station's place in television history; if he put WMCV back on the air, it would be the first Black-owned television station in the United States.{{r|Tenn730710}}{{cite news|title=Airing sought for Tenn. TV station|work=The Afro-American|location=Washington, D.C.|date=January 1, 1974|page=11|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VismAAAAIBAJ&dq=WMCV&pg=PA2&article_id=3515,16095|via=Google Books|access-date=June 10, 2023}} While Hudson promised to return channel 17 to use by January 1974{{r|aa1974}} and later by June,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204345/first-black-tv-station-closer-to-reality/|date=August 4, 1973|page=26|title=First Black TV Station Closer to Reality|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070752/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204345/first-black-tv-station-closer-to-reality/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204482/wtlt-nashville-national-first/|date=March 31, 1974|page=Showcase 3|first=Natilee|last=Duning|title=WTLT: Nashville, National First|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204482/wtlt-nashville-national-first/|url-status=live}} the FCC did not approve the transaction until July 31, 1974, conditioning approval on a return to service within 90 days.{{r|hc}}
The call letters on the permit were changed to WTLT, for "Total Local Television",{{r|Tenn740331}} on September 6.{{r|hc}} Hudson had previously promised that the station would serve the entire community with a special emphasis on minority issues and also on training minorities for careers in broadcasting,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204446/nations-1st-black-owned-operated-tv/|date=December 16, 1973|page=24-A|first=Alex|last=Bontemps|title=Nation's 1st Black-Owned, Operated TV Station Expected in Nashville Soon|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070800/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204446/nations-1st-black-owned-operated-tv/|url-status=live}} later describing his program lineup as "60 percent Black-oriented, 40 percent other".{{r|Tenn740331}} Work also began on updating equipment, with color cameras being ordered to replace the black-and-white units that WMCV used. The studio also needed attention; when Hudson's team first entered, they found cigar and cigarette butts on the floor, coffee cups untouched since 1971, and a half-opened letter.{{r|hc}}
Hudson's dream, however, ran into unexpected trouble. WTLT was able to broadcast test patterns in February 1975,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204634/ask-showcase/|date=February 16, 1975|page=Showcase 6|title=Ask Showcase|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070749/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204634/ask-showcase/|url-status=live}} and programming and staff had been secured, but Hudson Broadcasting was unable to assemble the capital necessary to begin full-time operations of the station, owing to an ongoing recession, high interest rates, and the unwillingness of banks to support a new speculative television venture.{{r|Tenn750819}} In July 1975, the entire facility was put up for sale, with Bob Hudson telling The Tennessean that his firm was "in the right place at the wrong time".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204672/channel-17-up-for-grabs-again/|date=July 13, 1975|page=Showcase 9|title=Channel 17 Up For Grabs Again|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070757/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204672/channel-17-up-for-grabs-again/|url-status=live}}
=WZTV: The independent years=
Hudson Broadcasting announced the sale of WTLT to Reel Broadcasting Corporation, a company headed by Robert K. Zelle, in August 1975.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204694/late-autumn-signon-date-predicted-for/|date=August 19, 1975|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204722/late-autumn-signon-date-predicted-for/ 5]|first=Albert|last=Cason|title=Late Autumn Signon Date Predicted for Channel 17|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204694/late-autumn-signon-date-predicted-for/|url-status=live}} The FCC granted approval on September 30,{{r|hc}} and the sale closed in early November, with new WZTV call letters selected nearly immediately.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204818/wtlt-tv-slates-new-air-time-for-january/|date=November 8, 1975|page=25|title=WTLT-TV Slates New Air Time for January|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075106/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204818/wtlt-tv-slates-new-air-time-for-january/|url-status=live}} After months of construction and equipment delays, WZTV began broadcasting again on March 6, 1976.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205085/getting-on-air-is-happiness-at-channel/|date=March 7, 1976|page=1-A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205118/getting-on-air-is-happiness-at-channel-1/ 10-A]|first=Alice|last=Alexander|title=Getting on Air Is Happiness At Channel 17|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075120/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205085/getting-on-air-is-happiness-at-channel/|url-status=live}} The program lineup included several professional and college sports packages, syndicated shows, and movies.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204969/saturday-big-day-for-new-ch-17/|date=February 22, 1976|page=Showcase 3|first=Eve|last=Zibart|title=Saturday Big Day For New Ch. 17|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075109/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115204969/saturday-big-day-for-new-ch-17/|url-status=live}} The first program aired was a local show, a game show titled Beat the Bidders and taped at Opryland USA.{{r|Tenn760307}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370504/beat-the-bidders-coming-to-town/|date=January 25, 1976|page=2-F|first=Max|last=York|title='Beat the Bidders' Coming to Town|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075110/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370504/beat-the-bidders-coming-to-town/|url-status=live}} Equally noteworthy was its executive team, which included Michael Thompson—later an owner of independent television stations in Tennessee{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370246/buyer-has-high-hopes-for-ch-30/|date=October 18, 1988|page=1D|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Buyer has high hopes for Ch. 30|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075124/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370246/buyer-has-high-hopes-for-ch-30/|url-status=live}}—as vice president and station manager and general manager Ian "Sandy" Wheeler, who would later start Family Group Broadcasting.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67913542/second-christian-group-seeks-channel-28/|date=September 14, 1977|page=9B|first=John|last=Hall|title=Second Christian group seeks Channel 28|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|location=St. Petersburg, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075122/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67913542/second-christian-group-seeks-channel-28/|url-status=live}}
In December 1978, Reel Broadcasting agreed to sell WZTV to Multimedia, Inc., whose television station holdings consisted of network affiliates in the Midwest and South.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205310/multimedia-makes-plan-to-buy-wztv/|date=December 12, 1978|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205281/multimedia-broadcasting-planning-to-buy/ 6]|first=Laura|last=Eipper|title=Multimedia Makes Plan To Buy WZTV|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075114/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205310/multimedia-makes-plan-to-buy-wztv/|url-status=live}} While WZTV would be the group's only independent, it would be part of a larger Multimedia operation in the city. The company published the monthly Music City News, covering Nashville's country music industry, and it was interested in building a Nashville presence for the production and syndication of country music TV programs.{{r|Tenn781212}} The $7 million sale was not approved until January 1980{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205451/wztv-sale-given-fcc-green-light/|date=January 17, 1980|page=17|first=Albert|last=Cason|title=WZTV Sale Given FCC Green Light|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205451/wztv-sale-given-fcc-green-light/|url-status=live}} and completed in March.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205424/multimedia-completes-acquisition-of-wztv/|date=March 2, 1980|page=19-C|title=Multimedia Completes Acquisition of WZTV|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075108/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205424/multimedia-completes-acquisition-of-wztv/|url-status=live}}
Multimedia's ownership tenure was one for growth for the station. By 1982, the company was attempting to secure additional space for WZTV's operations beyond the increasingly cramped 38th Avenue North plant; as a temporary move, administrative and sales staff were moved into a downtown office building in the MetroCenter area.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205352/ch-17-may-move-onto-enemy-territory/|date=April 22, 1982|page=21|first=Diane|last=Bartley|title=Ch. 17 May Move Onto Enemy Territory|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075109/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205352/ch-17-may-move-onto-enemy-territory/|url-status=live}} In addition, the station improved its technical facilities by agreeing to lease space on WSMV-TV's tower.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205512/ch-17-antenna-will-be-moved-to-ch-4/|date=October 12, 1982|page=29|first=Diane|last=Bartley|title=Ch. 17 Antenna Will Be Moved To Ch. 4 Tower|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075106/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205512/ch-17-antenna-will-be-moved-to-ch-4/|url-status=live}} WZTV was also the television home of Nashville Sounds baseball from 1982 to 1991,{{cite news|last=Russell|first=Keith|date=May 28, 1999|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/1999/03/22/story1.html|title=Deal puts five Sounds home games on TV|work=Nashville Business Journal|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026220428/http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/1999/03/22/story1.html|url-status=live}} and from 1986 to 1989 and again in 1991, it was the television home of Vanderbilt Commodores football.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115408084/vandys-football-telecasts-changed-new/|date=July 8, 1989|page=7-C|first=David|last=Climer|title=Vandy's football telecasts changed: New play-by-play man in place, more games may be shown live|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229224551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115408084/vandys-football-telecasts-changed-new/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115408643/vandy-channel-17-nearing-deal-for-live/|date=July 10, 1991|page=1-C|first=Larry|last=Woody|title=Vandy, Channel 17 nearing deal for live telecasts|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229224551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115408643/vandy-channel-17-nearing-deal-for-live/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115408519/hines-to-announce-vu-football-on-wztv/|date=August 14, 1991|page=2-C|first=Ted|last=Power|title=Hines to announce VU football on WZTV|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229224548/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115408519/hines-to-announce-vu-football-on-wztv/|url-status=live}}
At the same time, a market in which WZTV had been the only independent station suddenly turned competitive. In the span of four months, WFYZ (channel 39) started from Murfreesboro on December 30, 1983,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370777/ch-39-finally-on-the-air/|date=December 31, 1983|page=4-D|first=Diane|last=Bartley|title=Ch. 39 Finally On the Air|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075121/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370777/ch-39-finally-on-the-air/|url-status=live}} and WCAY-TV (channel 30), owned by TVX Broadcast Group, debuted on February 18, 1984.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72652353/channel-30-to-sign-on-this-morning/|date=February 18, 1984|page=1-D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72652376/ch-30-to-sign-on/ 3-D]|first=Diane|last=Bartley|title=Channel 30 To Sign On This Morning|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229075123/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72652353/channel-30-to-sign-on-this-morning/|url-status=live}} WFYZ was purchased by Hudson and renamed WHTN in 1985,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115390839/new-name-look-and-shows-for-39/|date=October 18, 1985|page=6-D|first=Diane|last=Bartley|title=New Name, Look And Shows for 39|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115390839/new-name-look-and-shows-for-39/|url-status=live}} but it lost money, went off the air in April 1986,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115391121/ch-39-off-the-air-again-but-hopes-for/|date=April 22, 1986|page=1D|first=Diane|last=Bartley|title=Ch. 39 off the air again, but hopes for emergency cash|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191301/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115391121/ch-39-off-the-air-again-but-hopes-for/|url-status=live}} and returned the next month in the process of being sold to the Christian Television Network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115391171/channel-39-returns-to-air-with-christian/|date=May 7, 1986|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115391212/channel/ 2]|first=Mike|last=West|title=Channel 39 returns to air with Christian programs|newspaper=The Daily News-Journal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041638/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115391171/channel-39-returns-to-air-with/|url-status=live}}
In 1987, Multimedia announced a commitment to build a new facility in MetroCenter that would end the split of its staff between two offices.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205544/channel-17-plans-new-office-in/|date=January 6, 1987|page=1D|first=Albert|last=Cason|title=Channel 17 plans new office in MetroCenter|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205544/channel-17-plans-new-office-in/|url-status=live}} By 1988, Multimedia's Nashville-based entertainment division was producing and syndicating the Music City News Awards telecast from the Grand Ole Opry and Christmas specials with the Statler Brothers.{{r|Tenn880316}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205832/ch-17-new-flagship-in-act-iii-firm/|date=June 21, 1988|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205869/channel-17/ 3D]|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Ch. 17 new 'flagship' in Act III firm|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191300/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205832/ch-17-new-flagship-in-act-iii-firm/|url-status=live}}
In 1988, Multimedia sold WZTV to Act III Broadcasting, a company owned by Norman Lear. The sale moved WZTV from Multimedia, which owned no other independents, to a broadcasting company that specialized in running such stations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205579/multimedia-act-iii-negotiating-over/|date=January 27, 1988|page=1D|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Multimedia, Act III negotiating over Ch. 17 sale|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205579/multimedia-act-iii-negotiating-over/|url-status=live}} The sale included WZTV as well as the Nashville division of Multimedia, an archive of 4,000 programs, and Multimedia's music publishing business;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205617/norman-lear-related-firm-buys-channel-17/|date=March 16, 1988|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205693/atlanta-area-company-buys-channel-17/ 2A]|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Norman Lear-related firm buys Channel 17|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191309/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205617/norman-lear-related-firm-buys-channel-17/|url-status=live}} Act III described WZTV as its "flagship station" after the purchase.{{r|Tenn880621}} Most of the program archive, consisting of programs produced between 1968 and 1982 by Showbiz Productions, was sold to Willie Nelson the next year for a proposed cable channel, The Cowboy Network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205977/willie-nelson-creates-cowboy-tv-network/|date=September 7, 1989|page=1D|first1=Robert K.|last1=Oermann|first2=Richard|last2=Schweid|title=Willie Nelson creates Cowboy TV Network|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191259/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205977/willie-nelson-creates-cowboy-tv-network/|url-status=live}} Act III also completed the relocation to the Mainstream site in early 1989.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205941/no-rush-for-new-host-of-magazine/|date=January 17, 1989|page=1D|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=No rush for new host of 'Magazine'|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229194302/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115205941/no-rush-for-new-host-of-magazine/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115393719/channel-2-harvesting-good-will/|date=January 31, 1989|page=1E|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Channel 2 harvesting good will|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115393719/channel-2-harvesting-good-will/|url-status=live}}
Meanwhile, in 1986, WCAY-TV had affiliated with the newly launched Fox network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115392826/joan-johnny-to-sock-it-out/|date=October 5, 1986|page=Showcase 14|title=Joan, Johnny to sock it out|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115392826/joan-johnny-to-sock-it-out/|url-status=live}} However, the station initially did not get a substantial ratings boost and continued to trail WZTV in the ratings.{{r|Tenn881018}} Two years later, WCAY was purchased by MT Communications—the MT standing for the same Michael Thompson that had been WZTV's vice president in 1976{{r|Tenn881018}}—and became WXMT in 1989.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115393421/juke-box-available-for-a-fee/|date=October 4, 1989|page=C2|first=Tom|last=Winter|title=Juke Box available for a fee|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191302/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115393421/juke-box-available-for-a-fee/|url-status=live}} However, WXMT's Fox affiliation agreement contained a clause allowing the network to review its affiliation after one year of the station being sold. As Fox was known to prefer to affiliate with the top-rated independent in a market, speculation arose as to how long WXMT could maintain the Fox affiliation in Nashville. It was also becoming apparent that the Nashville market was not large enough for what were essentially two directly competing independent stations—at the time, Fox stations were still generally considered independents.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115206068/ch-17s-owners-trying-to-purchase-ch-3/|date=February 1, 1990|page=1D|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Ch. 17's owners trying to purchase Ch. 30|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041235/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115206068/ch-17s-owners-trying-to-purchase-ch/|url-status=live}} Additionally, Act III openly coveted the Fox affiliation. Act III vice president Bert Ellis stated in 1989 that "we bought ZTV figuring it would eventually get a Fox affiliation", even though Fox's vice president of affiliate relations for the central region characterized such a move as "very unlikely".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115416536/c-span-viewers-are-loyal/|date=September 12, 1989|page=1D|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=C-Span viewers are loyal|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 30, 2022|archive-date=December 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230005228/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115416536/c-span-viewers-are-loyal/|url-status=live}}
=As a Fox affiliate=
On February 6, 1990, after negotiations that had been in progress for a week, Act III acquired the Nashville Fox affiliation and the vast majority of WXMT's programming inventory from MT Communications. With immediate effect, Fox programming, The Disney Afternoon, Cincinnati Reds baseball, and syndicated programs including The Arsenio Hall Show and Star Trek: The Next Generation moved to WZTV;{{cite news|title=TV listings are wrong, but it's not our fault|work=Kentucky New Era|date=February 8, 1990|page=5B|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yfArAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2WkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4834%2C3578903|via=Google News Archive|access-date=June 10, 2023}} WXMT maintained some children's programs and filled much of its air time with the Home Shopping Network. The deal also made Act III the largest owner of Fox affiliates in the United States, with seven.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115206106/ch-17-owner-buys-chunk-of-ch-30/|date=February 6, 1990|page=1D|first=Richard|last=Schweid|title=Ch. 17 owner buys chunk of Ch. 30|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229194303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115206106/ch-17-owner-buys-chunk-of-ch-30/|url-status=live}} Nashville became the first of four markets, all in the South, where Fox moved its affiliation during 1990; of the other three, two (Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis) involved ex-TVX stations.{{Cite news|pages=1, 134|title=Stations find new life after Fox affiliation|first=Alan|last=Salomon|work=Electronic Media|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1991-01-07_10_2_0/page/n3/mode/2up?q=WXMT|date=January 7, 1991}} It also became the third city in which Act III purchased much of another station's programming inventory, having previously done so at stations in Richmond, Virginia, and Buffalo, New York.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115760529/demise-of-wvrn-strengthens-programming/|date=September 16, 1988|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115760545/demise-of-wvrn-strengthens-programming/ C5]|first=Douglas|last=Durden|title=Demise of WVRN strengthens programming lineup of WRLH|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|location=Richmond, Virginia|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106050522/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115760529/demise-of-wvrn-strengthens-programming/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115882358/shuffling-of-channels-29-49-to-result-i/|date=June 27, 1990|page=B-10|first=Alan|last=Pergament|title=Shuffling of Channels 29, 49 to result in shift of programs|newspaper=The Buffalo News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041234/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115882358/shuffling-of-channels-29-49-to-result/|url-status=live}} Less than a year earlier, in July 1989, MT Communications had offered to purchase WZTV's programming inventory, a deal that fell apart late in negotiations.{{r|Tenn900206}}
WZTV was almost affected by an affiliation switch in 1994. New World Communications, a company looking to acquire WSMV-TV, agreed on May 23, 1994, to affiliate most of its stations with Fox, setting off what turned into a multi-year national affiliation realignment.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31849582/deal-sets-scenario-for-wsmv-to-become/|date=May 24, 1994|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31849865/scenario-set-for-ch-4-to-go-fox/ 2A]|first=Sandy|last=Smith|title=Deal sets scenario for WSMV to become Fox affiliate|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229194305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31849582/deal-sets-scenario-for-wsmv-to-become/|url-status=live}} WZTV would have had to find a new affiliation, such as NBC, which Fox would have displaced on WSMV-TV. New World continued to negotiate to acquire WSMV-TV,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395612/the-clock-is-ticking-on-wsmv/|date=June 6, 1994|page=1D|first=Sandy|last=Smith|title=The clock is ticking on WSMV|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229194303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395612/the-clock-is-ticking-on-wsmv/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395479/nashville-station-sought-for-move-to-fox/|date=June 9, 1994|page=B7|first=John|last=Lippman|title=Nashville Station Sought for Move to Fox Network|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041637/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395479/nashville-station-sought-for-move-to/|url-status=live}} but despite being described as a near-done deal, talks fell apart, leaving the affiliation status quo in place in Nashville.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395713/wsmv-is-not-for-saleanymore/|date=June 11, 1994|page=1A|first=Sandy|last=Smith|title=WSMV is not for sale...anymore|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229194307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395713/wsmv-is-not-for-saleanymore/|url-status=live}}
In 1995, Act III was acquired by ABRY Broadcast Partners;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395139/boston-group-buys-wztv-channel-17/|date=June 22, 1995|page=1E|first=Darryn|last=Simmons|title=Boston group buys WZTV-Channel 17|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229194302/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115395139/boston-group-buys-wztv-channel-17/|url-status=live}} the Boston buyout firm named Dan Sullivan, president of the TV division of Clear Channel Communications, to run Sullivan Broadcasting, a joint venture with ABRY to manage the former Act III portfolio.{{Cite web|last=Flint|first=Joe|date=October 2, 1995|title=ABRY choice is clear; Sullivan to top Act III|url=https://variety.com/1995/tv/features/abry-choice-is-clear-sullivan-to-top-act-iii-99128559/|access-date=December 12, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041230/https://variety.com/1995/tv/features/abry-choice-is-clear-sullivan-to-top-act-iii-99128559/|url-status=live}} The next year, Sullivan Broadcasting entered into a local marketing agreement—with an option to buy—to run most of the operations of WXMT, by then a UPN affiliate (renamed WUXP-TV later that year), concurrent with Mission Broadcasting acquiring WXMT's license assets.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115407018/tv-stations-to-share-programming-roof/|date=February 24, 1996|page=1E|first=Bill|last=Carey|title=TV stations to share programming, roof|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229224550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115407018/tv-stations-to-share-programming-roof/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|1505564857}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-03-18.pdf|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 18, 1996|page=39|title=Changing Hands|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229224551/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-03-18.pdf|url-status=live}} A correction listing Mission, not Sullivan, as the buyer ran on March 25, 1996, p. 51, {{ProQuest|1505604488}}. In addition, under Sullivan, WZTV began airing its first local newscast.{{r|Tenn970706}}
In 1998, Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired Sullivan Broadcasting, including WZTV and its agreement to manage WUXP-TV. The deal made the company the largest owner of Fox affiliates outside of the network.{{Cite news|title=Sinclair to purchase Sullivan: Deal could be worth $1 billion, gives firm 14 new TV stations; Most are Fox affiliates; Company continues to gain outlets in mid-size markets|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1998-02-25-1998056040-story.html|access-date=December 12, 2021|first=Mark|last=Ribbing|date=February 24, 1998|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|language=en|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127025218/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1998-02-25-1998056040-story.html|url-status=live}}
On September 20, 2021, WZTV's second digital subchannel became Nashville's affiliate of The CW, inheriting the programming that had been on Sinclair-managed WNAB.{{cite web|url=https://cw58.tv/news/offbeat/cw-nashville-moving-to-172-over-the-air-rescan-tv-on-or-after-sept-20-at-10-am|title=CW Nashville moving to 17.2 over-the-air, rescan TV on or after Sept. 20 at 10 am|first=Adrian|last=Mojica|website=CW58.tv|date=September 14, 2021|accessdate=September 15, 2021|quote=ATTENTION FOX 17, MyTv30 and CW Nashville viewers: If you receive these stations over the air, on September 20 on or after 10 a.m. you will need to rescan your television as CW Nashville's over-the-air signal will move to the WZTV 17.2 channel.|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915160925/https://cw58.tv/news/offbeat/cw-nashville-moving-to-172-over-the-air-rescan-tv-on-or-after-sept-20-at-10-am|url-status=live}}
Local programming
=News operation=
File:Wolf Creek Dam Media Day 2011 (6442157493).jpg in 2011|thumb|right]]
In the 1990s, Fox began to encourage its affiliates to develop local news programs. In response, in 1997, WZTV began hiring anchors and reporters to produce a 9 p.m. newscast in collaboration with Nashville ABC affiliate WKRN-TV. WKRN-TV would not produce the newscast, but it did provide studio space, equipment, and some news stories.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404042/fox-17-plans-9-pm-news/|date=April 11, 1997|page=5B|first=Brad|last=Schmitt|title=Fox 17 plans 9 p.m. news|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229221033/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404042/fox-17-plans-9-pm-news/|url-status=live}} Fox News @ Nine began airing on July 7, 1997; notable among the initial hires was news anchor Ashley Webster, later of the Fox Business Network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404342/faber-comes-home-to-host-fox-news/|date=July 6, 1997|page=Showcase 22|first=Kevin D.|last=Sturdivant|title=Faber comes home to host Fox news|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229221032/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404342/faber-comes-home-to-host-fox-news/|url-status=live}} It was the first full newscast in the time slot in Nashville since the WSMV-produced The Scene at 9 aired on WXMT from 1992 to 1994.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370211/ch-4-ch-30-to-produce-9-pm-fall/|date=May 21, 1992|page=6D|first=Sandy|last=Smith|title=Ch. 4, Ch. 30 to produce 9 p.m. fall news show|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229221133/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115370211/ch-4-ch-30-to-produce-9-pm-fall/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404485/scene-at-9-to-sign-off-the-air/|date=January 25, 1994|page=4D|first=Sandy|last=Smith|title='Scene at 9' to sign off the air|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229221031/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404485/scene-at-9-to-sign-off-the-air/|url-status=live}} Weekend newscasts were initially not included in the agreement, but six months later, on January 4, 1998, the station began airing Sunday night newscasts in response to the popularity of lead-in The X-Files.{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/1998/01/05/daily5.html|date=January 6, 1998|work=Nashville Business Journal|title=WZTV introduces Sunday newscast|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=September 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905075843/http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/1998/01/05/daily5.html|url-status=live}}
The program remained a half-hour in length until July 6, 2000, when WZTV brought news production in-house and expanded it to an hour.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404652/fox-17-hires-news-director-to-shepherd-i/|date=March 31, 2000|page=1E|first=John|last=Shiffman|title=Fox 17 hires news director to shepherd independent newscast|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041638/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404652/fox-17-hires-news-director-to-shepherd/|url-status=live}} Sinclair invested $3 million and increased WZTV's own news staff from six to 43 people.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404727/new-fox-news-is-a-step-up-for-local-affi/|date=July 5, 2000|page=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404790/fox-wztv-expanding-its-local-news-opera/ 2E]|first=John|last=Shiffman|title=New FOX news is a step up for local affiliate|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041639/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115404727/new-fox-news-is-a-step-up-for-local/|url-status=live}}
In 2002, WZTV expanded its local programming with a new, entertainment-oriented morning show, originally titled Tennessee Mornings; the program became a radio simulcast with WLAC in 2004 and expanded to two hours.{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|213640940}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Mediaweek/2005/Mediaweek-2005-04-11.pdf|work=Mediaweek|title=Nashville, Tenn.|date=April 11, 2005|pages=16–22|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930012306/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Mediaweek/2005/Mediaweek-2005-04-11.pdf|url-status=live}} By 2013, when the program was relaunched and retitled Fox 17 This Morning, it had grown to four hours.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115406408/fox-17-morning-show-gets-revamp-monday/|date=September 29, 2013|page=3A|first=Cindy|last=Watts|title=Fox 17 morning show gets revamp Monday|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229221030/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115406408/fox-17-morning-show-gets-revamp-monday/|url-status=live}} A 4:30 a.m. half-hour was added in 2014 alongside a 5:30 p.m. newscast competing against network newscasts on the ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115406342/fox-17-to-expand-local-programming/|date=July 24, 2014|page=4D|first=Alisha|last=Foster|title=Fox 17 to expand local programming|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229221033/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115406342/fox-17-to-expand-local-programming/|url-status=live}}
=Sports programming=
In 2003, WZTV began producing and airing Titans All Access, a weekly half-hour program during football season covering the activities of the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115407843/fox-program-focusing-on-titans-debuts-in/|date=May 24, 2003|page=2C|first=Jim|last=Wyatt|title=Fox program focusing on Titans debuts in fall|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110041639/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115407843/fox-program-focusing-on-titans-debuts/|url-status=live}}
Technical information
=Subchannels=
The station's signal is multiplexed:
| class="wikitable"
! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Aspect ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming | |||
| scope = "row" | 17.1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| scope = "row" | 17.2
| CW || The CW{{r|cwmove}} | |||
| scope = "row" | 17.3
| rowspan="2"|480i || 4:3 || Antenna || Antenna TV | |||
| scope = "row" | 17.4
| 16:9 || ROAR || Roar | |||
| style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;"
! scope = "row" | 30.2 | 480i | 4:3 | Quest | Quest (WUXP-TV) |
{{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}
WZTV hosts a subchannel of WUXP-TV as part of the ATSC 3.0 deployment plan for Nashville, in which WUXP-TV and WNAB broadcast several local stations (including WZTV) in 3.0 format.{{cite news|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nextgen-tv-launches-at-five-nashville-stations|title=NextGen TV Launches at Five Nashville Stations|date=June 24, 2020|first=Michael|last=Balderston|work=TV Technology|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229224551/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nextgen-tv-launches-at-five-nashville-stations|url-status=live}}
=Analog-to-digital conversion=
WZTV shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 17, on February 17, 2009, which was intended to be the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The deadline was moved to June 12, 2009, but the station decided to convert on the original deadline.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29245267|title=TV stations ending analog service on Feb. 17|website=NBC News|agency=Associated Press|date=February 17, 2009|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133814/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/29245267/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/t/list-tv-stations-ending-analog-broadcasts/#.VQrig-FSKu8|url-status=live}} The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 15, using virtual channel 17.{{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}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://fox17.com/}}
- [https://cwnashville.tv/ The CW Nashville website]
{{Nashville TV}}
{{Tennessee TV}}
{{Kentucky TV}}
{{SBGI}}
{{Tennessee Titans}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wztv}}
Category:1968 establishments in Tennessee
Category:Antenna TV affiliates
Category:Fox Broadcasting Company affiliates
Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group
Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates
Category:Television channels and stations established in 1968