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{{short description|ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan}} |
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{{Copyedit|article|date=June 2008}} |
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{{good article}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} |
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{{Infobox Broadcast | |
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{{Infobox television station |
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call_letters = WZZM-TV| |
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| callsign = WZZM |
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city = | |
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| city = Grand Rapids, Michigan |
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station_logo = [[Image:WZZM 2009 Logo.png|250px|WZZM 13 Logo]]| |
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| logo = WZZM (2018).svg |
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station_slogan = People Make the Difference| |
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| logo_alt = An italicized 13 in a condensed bold sans serif, with part of the 3 cut out to insert the ABC network logo. The words "On Your Side" appear to the right of the 13. |
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station_branding = ''WZZM 13'' <small>(general)</small><br>''WZZM 13 News'' <small>(newscasts)</small>| |
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| logo_upright = .85 |
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analog = <br>'''WZZM:''' 13 ([[very high frequency|VHF]])| |
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| branding = 13 On Your Side |
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digital = <br>'''WZZM:''' 39 ([[ultra high frequency|UHF]])<br>'''WZZM:''' 13 ([[ultra high frequency|UHF]]) (in 2009)| |
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| digital = 13 ([[VHF]]) |
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subchannels = [[WZZM-TV#Digital Television|(see article)]]| |
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| virtual = 13 |
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other_chs = | |
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| affiliations = {{ubl|'''13.1:''' [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} |
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| owner = [[Tegna Inc.]] |
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network = | |
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| licensee = Combined Communications of Oklahoma, [[LLC]] |
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founded = | |
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| location = [[Grand Rapids]]–[[Muskegon, Michigan]] |
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airdate = [[November 1]], [[1962]]| |
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| country = United States |
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location = [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]]| |
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| airdate = {{start date and age|1962|11|1|p=y|br=yes}} |
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callsign_meaning = [[call letters]] form an [[ambigram]]| |
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| callsign_meaning = "WZZM" forms an [[ambigram]] |
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former_callsigns = | |
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| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 13 (VHF, 1962–2009)|'''Digital:''' 39 ([[UHF]], 2002–2009)}} |
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| erp = 24.5 [[kW]] |
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owner = [[Gannett Company|Gannett Company, Inc.]]| |
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| haat = {{convert|324.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} |
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licensee = Combined Communications Corporation of Oklahoma, Inc.| |
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| facility_id = 49713 |
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sister_stations = | |
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| coordinates = {{coord|43|18|35|N|85|54|45|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} |
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former_affiliations = | |
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| licensing_authority = [[FCC]] |
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effective_radiated_power = 257 [[kilowatt|kW]] (analog)<br>1000 kW (digital)<br>16.5 kW (post-transition)| |
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| website = {{URL|https://www.wzzm13.com/}} |
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HAAT = 324.3 [[metre|m]] (analog)<br>305.4 m (digital)| |
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class = | |
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facility_id = 49713| |
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coordinates = {{coord|43|18|35.4|N|85|54|44.8|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}| |
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homepage = [http://www.wzzm13.com/ www.wzzm13.com]| |
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}} |
}} |
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'''WZZM-TV''', channel 13, is the [[Western Michigan]] affiliate for the [[American Broadcasting Company]]. It is based in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]], broadcasting at 2.5 [[megawatts]] of power from a 324-meter (1064-feet) tower located in [[Newaygo County]], near [[Grant, Michigan|Grant]]. WZZM has been owned by the Gannett Company since 1998. |
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'''WZZM''' (channel 13) is a [[television station]] licensed to [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]], United States, serving [[West Michigan]] as an affiliate of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. Owned by [[Tegna Inc.]], the station has studios on 3 Mile Road NW in [[Walker, Michigan|Walker]] (with a Grand Rapids [[United States Postal Service|mailing]] address), and its transmitter is located in [[Grant, Michigan]]. |
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Although WZZM is the primary ABC affiliate in [[West Michigan]], it primarily serves the northern portion of the [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]] - [[Battle Creek, Michigan|Battle Creek]] - [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]] [[media market]]. Its transmitter is about forty miles (65 km) north of that of other regional channels, so its signal was unavailable in the two southern tiers of Michigan counties except in Kalamazoo until recently. Since [[April]] [[2009]], however, WZZM has been available on most cable systems in Southwest Michigan, although [[WOTV]] is the ABC affiliate for that region. Until then, persons living in counties beyond the access of its signal relied upon television stations in the [[South Bend]]/[[Elkhart, Indiana]] or [[Lansing]] areas for the syndicated programs that WZZM offers. |
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Channel 13 was inserted into Grand Rapids in 1961; station spacing rules of the time required that the transmitter be to the north of the city, closer to [[Muskegon]]. The station went on the air in November 1962 under interim operating authority; four companies jointly owned the station until West Michigan Telecasters was granted the permanent license in 1964 and bought out the others' interim holdings in 1965. Because of the transmitter site restriction, the station did not and does not provide adequate coverage of the southern portion of the market, namely [[Kalamazoo]] and [[Battle Creek]]. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the station sought translators to serve those cities, only to have the proposals turned down in order to protect a new station on channel 41 in Battle Creek, WUHQ-TV (now [[WOTV]]), which also broadcasts ABC but with separate non-network programming. An attempt to combine WZZM-TV and WUHQ-TV failed in 1991, and WOTV is today co-owned with [[WOOD-TV]], the market's [[NBC]] affiliate. Satellite television providers [[Dish Network]] and [[DirecTV]] provide both stations across the entire market, and WZZM is also on cable in Battle Creek. |
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In local news, the station had a highly regarded news department from the 1960s through the 1980s; its original news director stayed on for the first 25 years of its history. While the station continues to be competitive, particularly in the Grand Rapids area northward, coverage shortfalls in the south and the aggregate nature of the television market have made WOOD-TV the overall market news leader since the 1990s. The station maintains a lit [[weather ball]] displayed near its Walker studios. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===Assignment of channel 13 to Grand Rapids; construction=== |
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[[File:Amway_Grand_Plaza_Hotel_-_Pantlind_Hotel.jpg|left|thumb|alt=A neoclassical hotel building|The [[Pantlind Hotel]] in downtown Grand Rapids was the first studio location for WZZM.]] |
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In 1959, the Atlas Broadcasting Company was organized to pursue the addition of a third [[very high frequency]] (VHF) station in West Michigan. It applied to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC), proposing the addition of channel 13 to Grand Rapids. The station would transmit from an area near [[Muskegon]], north of Grand Rapids, where it would be appropriately spaced to [[WSPD-TV]] in [[Toledo, Ohio]], and [[WREX-TV]] in [[Rockford, Illinois]]; FCC regulations required the transmitter to be located at least {{convert|170|mi|km|0}} from competing stations on that frequency. Atlas also proposed moving [[WWTV]] in [[Cadillac, Michigan|Cadillac]] to channel 9, where it would still be appropriately spaced to [[CKLW-TV]] in [[Windsor, Ontario]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ezithpggtziaqfhoiduxzsceofjqrigk_wma-gateway008_1676243741454|title=Would Move Cadillac TV Channel Here|page=13|work=[[The Grand Rapids Press]]|date=November 6, 1959|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314070730/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ezithpggtziaqfhoiduxzsceofjqrigk_wma-gateway008_1676243741454|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC approved this allocation change in 1961; it replaced channel 9 in [[Alpena, Michigan|Alpena]] with channel 6.<ref name="Musk610729">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//oqbmwjjuxgpjfiifbrarylzsumtnthsz_wma-gateway015_1676244670679|page=13|date=July 29, 1961|title=Channel 13 at Grand Rapids: New TV Station Will Serve Area|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|access-date=February 13, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314080915/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//oqbmwjjuxgpjfiifbrarylzsumtnthsz_wma-gateway015_1676244670679}}</ref> The placement of the channel at Grand Rapids attracted interest even before the insertion was final. By the end of 1960, three groups had incorporated with an eye toward filing for channel 13, including West Michigan Telecasters—consisting of 24 shareholders with Lewis V. Chamberlain, Jr. as president—whose final application was filed in October 1961.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//skmqiwytppnjqicgjvvykyehshvkrsap_wma-gateway019_1676240993567|page=26|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=New Group Seeks TV: Bids for Allocation Of Channel by FCC|date=December 15, 1960|access-date=February 13, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003916/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//skmqiwytppnjqicgjvvykyehshvkrsap_wma-gateway019_1676240993567}}</ref> One of the shareholders was [[L. William Seidman]], then on the board of directors of [[Grand Valley State College]] and later chairman of the [[Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]].{{r|GRP611227}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/bill-seidman-exfdic-chair_n_203213.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106151754/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/bill-seidman-exfdic-chair_n_203213.html|archive-date=November 6, 2012|agency=Associated Press|title=Bill Seidman, Ex-FDIC Chairman, Dead|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=May 13, 2009}}</ref> Some of the stockholders were from Muskegon; the group promoted the northerly transmitter site as a bonus, noting that there were no local stations in Muskegon and that other communities such as [[Grand Haven]] and [[Holland, Michigan|Holland]] were also underserved.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//afxvjkrwrehcpwldardhwlrmsvnbigps_wma-gateway009_1676241032488|page=15|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|title=Third Group Seeks Local TV Channel|date=October 27, 1961|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003836/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//afxvjkrwrehcpwldardhwlrmsvnbigps_wma-gateway009_1676241032488|url-status=live}}</ref> West Michigan was one of six applicants to file by the end of 1961, alongside Atlas (which also owned Grand Rapids–area radio station [[WSLI (AM)|WMAX]]); Grand Broadcasting Company, which counted former [[WJRW|WLAV]] and [[WOOD-TV|WLAV-TV]] owner Leonard Versluis among its stockholders as well as former FCC counsel Mary Jane Morris; Major Television Company; MKO Broadcasting Company; and Peninsular Broadcasting Company.<ref name="GRP611227">{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//elugbwnbzrghhkqwojnzpskhltmhgmqa_wma-gateway015_1676241137700|work=The Grand Rapids Press|first=Kurt|last=Luedtke|author-link=Kurt Luedtke|title=Who's Going to Win Down-to-the-Wire Contest for New TV Station Here?|page=10|date=December 27, 1961|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003735/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//elugbwnbzrghhkqwojnzpskhltmhgmqa_wma-gateway015_1676241137700|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In its order assigning channel 13 to Grand Rapids, the FCC indicated its willingness to accept proposals for interim operating authority to hasten the construction of the station. This meant that the [[comparative hearing]] process and construction would run in parallel. Days after filing its permanent bid, West Michigan Telecasters also proposed interim operating authority.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//eiajpzwfpciqrmnyqujwlyowjibqmfee_wma-gateway016_1676241077088|page=14|date=October 31, 1961|title=Seek OK On Interim TV Station|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003916/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//eiajpzwfpciqrmnyqujwlyowjibqmfee_wma-gateway016_1676241077088|url-status=live}}</ref> Major and Atlas both withdrew in August 1962; the four remaining contenders formed Channel 13, Grand Rapids, Inc., which received interim authority that same month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kkaabnxwjjldwibyehepeybmwzxrrtxd_wma-gateway010_1676241188962|page=16|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 2, 1962|title=Quits Local TV Race: Major Television Out as Applicant|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003917/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kkaabnxwjjldwibyehepeybmwzxrrtxd_wma-gateway010_1676241188962|url-status=live}}</ref> The interim station originally chose the call letters WIIM-TV, but [[WJIM-TV]] in [[Lansing]] objected, resulting in the choice of WZZM as the call sign.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1962/1962-10-08-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|page=82|date=October 8, 1962|title=To lessen confusion, it's WZZM-TV|id={{ProQuest|1014457501}}|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131025739/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1962/1962-10-08-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction rapidly proceeded, and from studios in the [[Pantlind Hotel]] downtown, WZZM made its first broadcast on November 1, 1962, an ABC affiliate from the start.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tdpkufccbzmhrqeaoziwybxnbjxcxzhm_wma-gateway005_1676241934515|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=November 1, 1962|title=Channel 13 Goes on Air: Festivities Mark Broadcasts Tonight|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314070723/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tdpkufccbzmhrqeaoziwybxnbjxcxzhm_wma-gateway005_1676241934515|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===1960s=== |
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A local group known as West Michigan Telecasters received a construction permit for channel 9 in [[1961]]. However, in mid-[[1962]], John Fetzer, owner of [[WWTV]] in [[Cadillac, Michigan|Cadillac]], then on channel 13, persuaded the group to swap channel locations. |
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The station officially went on the air on [[November 1]], 1962; at 6:30 p.m.. The station went off the air just twenty minutes later, due to transmitter tube failure, returning to the air ten minutes later. |
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While WZZM was on the air, the applicants wrangled at the FCC over permanent authority to run it. In May 1963, an FCC hearing examiner gave Grand Broadcasting Company the nod in his initial decision, citing its superior integration of ownership and management, a comparative criterion analyzing the involvement of owners in station operations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//osgonlolnbpbuyrpihisquhesydkwkca_wma-gateway009_1676241346326|title=Backs Firm For Channel: FCC Aide Urge Grand Co. Award|page=13|date=May 21, 1963|work=The Grand Rapids Press|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003746/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//osgonlolnbpbuyrpihisquhesydkwkca_wma-gateway009_1676241346326|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC itself, however, instead selected West Michigan Telecasters in April 1964, citing its principals' involvement in civic affairs and research into local public service programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ngimavrnzouestevfnxabyanzacemjma_wma-gateway004_1676241401664|date=April 25, 1964|page=13|title=West Michigan Telecasters Gets U.S. Nod for Channel 13|work=The Grand Rapids Press|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317003748/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ngimavrnzouestevfnxabyanzacemjma_wma-gateway004_1676241401664|url-status=live}}</ref> The company then settled with the other applicants, ultimately paying them between $360,000 and $390,000 apiece,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tqhldlccsqqgetfclijliphlfggcvnpv_wma-gateway003_1676241761489|date=May 19, 1965|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|title=Losing Bidders For Channel 13 Get $360,000|page=37|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> and on January 25, 1965, it became the sole owner of WZZM.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cmopcfgvornjjwgcymvrkptliilasryn_wma-gateway003_1676241833331|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|title=Sign Pact To Operate Channel 13|date=January 25, 1965|page=13|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> After the award, West Michigan Telecasters proceeded with its plans to build a studio in Muskegon.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xlwwcjbxunlqclzteoyhubltsbqnyisc_wma-gateway011_1676241788506|page=28|title=WZZM Studio Shaping for May 1 Opening|work=The Muskegon Chronicle|date=March 11, 1965|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> |
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Sometime in late 1964, WZZM-TV opened a satellite station on Channel 12 in Kalamazoo. |
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After a plan to merge with Basic Communications Inc. and ''Eccentric'' magazine in [[Birmingham, Michigan]], fell through,<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1505789183}}|page=51|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=Basic a Merger Dropout; And Then There Were Two|date=March 19, 1969}}</ref> West Michigan Telecasters merged with two publishing companies in 1969 to form Synercom Communications Corporation.{{r|Ludi730310}} In 1971, WZZM-TV finally left the Pantlind and moved to purpose-built studios. The {{Convert|38500|ft2|m2|adj=on}} facility also housed [[WLHT-FM|WZZM-FM]], which West Michigan Telecasters had acquired in 1966,<ref name="Holl661128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529197/company-buys-radio-station-in-grand-rapi/|date=November 28, 1966|page=22|agency=UPI|title=Company Buys Radio Station in Grand Rapids|newspaper=The Holland Evening Sentinel|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529197/company-buys-radio-station-in-grand/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> and the station's production arm.<ref>{{Cite news|work=Back Stage|id={{ProQuest|963140743}}|page=3|date=July 30, 1971|title=WZZM To Open New Broadcast Center Aug. 9}}</ref> Synercom then spun West Michigan Telecasters and the WZZM stations out as its own company in 1973, including Elinor Bunin Productions, a New York City film production house.<ref name="Ludi730310">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529570/grand-rapids-tv-station-sold/|date=March 10, 1973|page=2|title=Grand Rapids TV Station Sold|newspaper=The Ludington Daily News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063704/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118529570/grand-rapids-tv-station-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> |
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===1970s=== |
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As a result of the swap with WWTV in 1962, WZZM was now short-spaced to WSPD-TV in [[Toledo, Ohio]] (now [[WTVG]]). It had to build its transmitter about 40 miles farther north than the other [[West Michigan]] stations and conform its signal to protect WSPD. As a result, WZZM's signal barely reached Kalamazoo and just missed Battle Creek. Southwestern Michigan viewers had to rely on [[WSJV]] in [[Elkhart, Indiana]], [[WXYZ-TV]] in [[Detroit]], or [[WLS-TV]] in [[Chicago]] for ABC programming until WUHQ-TV (now WOTV) signed on from Battle Creek in [[1971]]. |
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===Wometco and Price ownership=== |
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WZZM certainly had humble beginnings; its first broadcasts were from a banquet room-turned studio at the Pantlind Hotel (now the [[Amway Grand Plaza Hotel]]). Live broadcasts included ''This Morning with Bud Lindeman'', ''Shirley's Show'' and an evening news program, though the station's most notable show in many minds is ''[[Bozo the Clown|The Bozo Show]]'', which was broadcast for more than 30 years. The news program improved in 1971 with the addition of the first weather radar in the West Michigan area, upgraded in 1974 to a computerized color version. |
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West Michigan Telecasters entered into an agreement to sell WZZM-TV to [[Wometco Enterprises]] for $14 million in 1976, with WZZM-TV becoming Wometco's fourth television property.<ref name="Miam760902">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530068/wometco-to-buy-grand-rapids-station/|date=September 2, 1976|page=3P|title=Wometco to buy Grand Rapids station|newspaper=The Miami News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530068/wometco-to-buy-grand-rapids-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The acquisition closed in January 1978;<ref name="Miam780125">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530340/florida-notes/|date=January 25, 1978|page=10A|first=Florida|last=Tucker|title=Florida notes|newspaper=The Miami News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063720/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530340/florida-notes/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> WZZM-FM was split from the television station by West Michigan Telecasters and sold to separate interests.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-12-19.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=December 19, 1977|pages=32–33|title=Changing Hands|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131032346/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-12-19.pdf|id={{ProQuest|1016895120}}|url-status=live}}</ref> Wometco was then taken private in a [[leveraged buyout]] by [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]] (KKR) in 1984.<ref name="Stat840413">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530566/ny-investment-firm-acquires-wometco/|date=April 13, 1984|page=10-D|first=Norman|last=Black|agency=Associated Press|title=N.Y. Investment Firm Acquires Wometco|newspaper=The State|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213063705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118530566/ny-investment-firm-acquires-wometco/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> |
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KKR then sold the station to Price Communications, owned by [[Robert Price (attorney)|Robert Price]], in 1985; the deal was the largest acquisition for the company to date.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|397917107}}|title=Wometco Will Sell TV Station to Price Communications|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=May 1, 1985}}</ref> Price then sold its four stations to Northstar Television Group in 1989 for $70 million; Northstar was a joint venture of Osborn Television and Desai Capital, the largest stakeholder in Price.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-07-03.pdf|page=72|id={{ProQuest|1016936862}}|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|date=July 3, 1989|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131030945/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-07-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Three of Northstar's four stations were acquired by Argyle Television Holdings II in 1994; the original Argyle Television had been sold earlier in the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-09-12.pdf|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=September 12, 1994|title=Argyle buys three North Star stations|id={{ProQuest|225329323}}|page=42|first=Harry A.|last=Jessell|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131025936/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-09-12.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In August 1971, a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art studio was opened in Walker, with Congressman [[Gerald Ford]] presiding over the ceremony. In the following years, WZZM became a formidable force in the Grand Rapids viewing community, gathering high ratings and a reputation as one of the top news programs in the West Michigan area.{{Fact|date=December 2008}} |
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===Gannett/Tegna ownership=== |
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In [[1978]], West Michigan Telecasters sold WZZM to Wometco Enterprises of [[Miami]]. Wometco's stations were sold to [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]] (KKR) in [[1985]]. KKR sold the station to Price Communications in [[1986]]. A local investor, Richard Appleton, formed Northstar Television in [[1989]] and bought WZZM. He tried to buy WUHQ in [[1991]] and turn it into a satellite of WZZM, which would have created a strong combined signal with about 40% overlap. However, the proposed deal fell through at the last minute. Ironically, WUHQ had served as a defacto satellite of WZZM for most of its history; its engineers had to switch to and from WZZM's signal on most occasions before the station was able to buy a network feed from ABC. |
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In 1996, the [[Gannett Company]] acquired [[Multimedia, Inc.]]. This created conflicts for the company in [[Cincinnati]] and [[Oklahoma City]], where Multimedia had a newspaper-TV station combination and a TV station-cable system combination that were not permissible under FCC rules of the time. As a result, Gannett agreed to a trade with Argyle. Gannett sent Argyle the Cincinnati and Oklahoma City stations ([[WLWT]] and [[KOCO-TV]]) in exchange for $20 million; [[WGRZ]] in [[Buffalo, New York]]; and WZZM-TV.<ref name="Buff961121">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118535455/gannett-to-sell-gazette-in-deal-to-acqui/|date=November 21, 1996|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118535561/gannett-spokesman-says-deal-means-stab/ A10]|first=Dale|last=Anderson|title=Gannett to sell Gazette in deal to acquire Ch. 2|newspaper=The Buffalo News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064227/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118535455/gannett-to-sell-gazette-in-deal-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> In 1999, after a 33-year run, the station ceased producing its local children's show, ''[[Bozo's Big Top]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/bozos-big-top-coming-down-wzzm-tv-drops-show-after-33-year-run-clowning-continues/libztxrfauljatfavyvwklyupkfqhmkv_ip-10-166-46-150_1714245799500|first=Lisa Ann|last=Williamson|pages=A1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/bozo-clowns-show-shuts-down-after-33-year-run/vkjlhqytduhctkhkfwwhsvcrejorpuog_ip-10-166-46-126_1714245705641 A4]|title=Bozo's Big Top coming down: WZZM-TV drops the show after 33-year run, but clowning continues|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 17, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|page=A1|first=Terri|last=DeBoer|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=Local children's host Maranda will be switching channels: WOOD-TV's parent company hires her but has not fully defined her role.|date=December 16, 2000}}</ref> |
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[[File:WZZM weatherball, Grand Rapids, MIchigan.png|thumb|upright|The WZZM 13 Weatherball|alt=A large steel sphere with neon tubes lit in green, mounted high on a pole bearing the WZZM logo, at night]] |
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===1990s=== |
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From 1967 to 1987, a [[weather ball]] sat atop the Michigan National Bank building in Grand Rapids, utilizing 288 colored neon lights to convey forecast precipitation or changes in temperature, until it was removed because its weight had caused structural damage. The station located the stainless steel ball in a scrapyard in Kalamazoo in 1999 and applied to authorities in Walker to mount a {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} pole to display it near its studios in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=A25|first=Lawrence R.|last=Heibel|title=Weather ball may sit on pole by station: WZZM TV-13 is seeking a zoning variance to build the new home for the stainless steel sphere|date=March 28, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Weather Ball gets green light for move|date=June 28, 2002|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=D3|first=Lawrence R.|last=Heibel}}</ref> New neon tubes were fitted atop the restored weather ball, which returned to service in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Snapper|title=Weather ball resurrected, ready to flash forecasts: The icon returns to the area skyline 16 years after it was removed from the top of a downtown bank building|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=A21|date=April 10, 2003}}</ref> |
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In [[1995]], the Northstar Television group (WZZM, plus [[WNAC-TV]] in [[Providence, Rhode Island]] and [[WAPT-TV]] in [[Jackson, Mississippi]]) was sold to [[Hearst-Argyle Television|Argyle Television]]. Gannett, WZZM's current owner, bought WZZM and sister station [[WGRZ-TV]] in [[Buffalo, New York]] in January [[1997]] by swapping [[WLWT-TV]] in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]] and [[KOCO-TV]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]] to Argyle. |
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On June 29, 2015, the Gannett Company split in two, with one side specializing in print media and the other side specializing in broadcast and digital media. WZZM was retained by the latter company, named [[Tegna Inc.|Tegna]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Separation of Gannett into two public companies completed|date = June 29, 2015|url = http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|publisher = Tegna|access-date = June 29, 2015|archive-date = July 2, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150702005302/http://www.tegna.com/separation-of-gannett-into-two-public-companies-completed/|url-status = live}}</ref> |
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In the 1990s, WZZM made an array of changes with the new millennium looming. New news vehicles were purchased, a new tape format (Beta SP) was introduced to digitize all media, a new radar receiver and new weather cameras were added across the state, and a new set was built, coinciding with WZZM's introduction of a new logo. In 2003, WZZM first started broadcasting in [[High-definition television|High Definition]]. |
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==The Battle Creek–Kalamazoo problem== |
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For most of its history, the newscast was called ''[[Eyewitness News]]'' until the late 1990s when it was replaced by ''WZZM 13 News''. |
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{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-height=340|frame-width=240|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/WZZM}} |text=WZZM's transmitter is farther north than most stations in the market, and its signal ''(contour map pictured)'' does not cover Battle Creek or Kalamazoo.}} |
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The FCC reckoned channel 13 as a Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo station when it inserted the allocation,<ref name="Musk610729"/> and for most regional viewers the sign-on of WZZM gave West Michigan full service from all three networks; the market was already served by Grand Rapids–based NBC affiliate WOOD-TV and Kalamazoo-based [[CBS]] affiliate [[WWMT|WKZO-TV]]. However, WZZM's transmitter was located further north than its competitors. While the northerly location was necessary to insert channel 13 in the area in the first place, it left much of the market's southern portion without even a fringe signal from the station. Bill Tompkins of ''[[The Battle Creek Enquirer|The Battle Creek Enquirer and News]]'' wrote that local viewers found WZZM "about as elusive as a flying saucer" when it began broadcasting. While WZZM officials insisted that Battle Creek was firmly within its service area, only a "small and lucky" few viewers received a watchable signal from channel 13, and Kalamazoo viewers reported getting only marginal coverage at best from WZZM. Since WOOD-TV and WKZO-TV removed ABC programs from their schedules when WZZM came into service, viewers in this area had to depend on part-time carriage of ABC programs by the stations in the [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]–[[Jackson, Michigan|Jackson]] market.<ref name="Batt621114">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-few-enjoy-channel/143509909/|date=November 14, 1962|page=4:4|first=Bill|last=Tompkins|title=Few Enjoy Channel 13: Time Needed to Adjust Both Sets and Stations|newspaper=The Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=Battle Creek, Michigan|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 17, 2024|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317004407/https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-few-enjoy-channel/143509909/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> In 1964, WZZM was authorized to construct a translator on channel 12 in Kalamazoo,<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014485997}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-08-17-BC.pdf|date=August 17, 1964|page=98|title=For the Record|work=Broadcasting|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131024101/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-08-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and the next year, it applied to build one on channel 83 in Battle Creek. This was simultaneous with Mary Jane Morris, who had been involved with one of the losing bids for channel 13, filing with James Searer to build a full-service station in Battle Creek on channel 65.<ref name="Batt651106">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118525872/channel-65-tv-sought-for-city/|date=November 6, 1965|page=3|title=Channel 65 TV Sought For City|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118525872/channel-65-tv-sought-for-city/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> That translator went on the air on channel 74 in January 1968,<ref name="Batt680124">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969585/channel-74-plans-to-begin-full-operation/|date=January 24, 1968|page=5|title=Channel 74 Plans To Begin Full Operations Friday|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969585/channel-74-plans-to-begin-full/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> but the FCC then ordered it to cease broadcasting in early March in the context of a battle with the permittee for a full-power station on Battle Creek's channel 41. The commission expressed concern that the WZZM translator could be detrimental to the establishment of the proposed full-service station.<ref name="Batt680307">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969550/channel-74-off-air/|date=March 7, 1968|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969557/channel-off-air/ 2]|title=Channel 74 Off Air|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064244/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969550/channel-74-off-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> This was particularly acute because the channel 41 permittee, BCU-TV, proposed to affiliate with ABC, while WZZM-TV contended it had the rights to ABC in the Battle Creek area.<ref name="Batt680123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526354/suit-snags-uhf-development-here/|date=January 23, 1968|page=3|title=Suit Snags UHF Development Here|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526354/suit-snags-uhf-development-here/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> West Michigan Telecasters reached a deal with BCU-TV to buy the channel 41 permit in October 1968.<ref name="Batt681022">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526049/chances-for-new-tv-here-brighten/|date=October 22, 1968|page=1|title=Chances for New TV Here Brighten|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215070952/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526049/chances-for-new-tv-here-brighten/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> |
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However, that same week, a second local group, Channel 41, Inc., filed a competing application to propose a local station, with Searer defecting from BCU-TV to become one of its leaders.<ref name="Batt681025">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662478/2-stations-seek-use-of-channel-41/|date=October 25, 1968|page=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662552/2-stations-seek/ 2]|title=2 Stations Seek Use of Channel 41|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065110/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118662478/2-stations-seek-use-of-channel-41/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The FCC canceled BCU-TV's construction permit and West Michigan Telecasters's attempt to buy it on September 8, 1969. It then accepted the application of Channel 41, Inc., for filing;<ref name="Batt690908">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969626/permit-for-uhf-station-canceled/|date=September 8, 1969|page=A-12|first=Jerry|last=Moskal|title=Permit for UHF station canceled|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065055/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48969626/permit-for-uhf-station-canceled/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> ten days later, West Michigan Telecasters abandoned its attempt to pursue channel 41 in favor of seeking a relocation of its transmitter from [[Grant, Michigan|Grant]] to [[Hudsonville, Michigan|Hudsonville]], improving the signal in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.<ref name="Batt690918">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646732/another-bidder-for-channel-41-gives-up/|date=September 18, 1969|page=A-9|title=Another bidder for Channel 41 gives up|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065105/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118646732/another-bidder-for-channel-41-gives-up/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> However, the spacing considerations that resulted in the northerly location of WZZM in the first place were an insurmountable obstacle; the FCC denied the proposal because it would have been too close to the channel 13 station in Toledo.<ref name="Batt701205">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526932/channel-41-upheld-in-fcc-plea/|date=December 5, 1970|page=B-6|title=Channel 41 upheld in FCC plea|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064708/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118526932/channel-41-upheld-in-fcc-plea/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> |
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''5:30 Edition'' was introduced in 1993. It had soft news features in addition to the day's headlines. Many of its features were phased out and it became a standard newscast by 1997. Many of the features returned in 2004 when ''Take Five Grand Rapids'' premiered, later shortened to ''Take Five''. ''Take Five'' originally aired at 5 p.m. but later moved to 4:30. In late August 2008, it was expanded to an hour, moved to 9 a.m., and renamed ''Take Five and Company''. The Senior Producer of Take Five and Company is Denise Pritchard. |
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Channel 41, Inc., received its construction permit in July 1970<ref name="Batt700731">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663712/channel-41-gets-building-permit-station/|date=July 31, 1970|page=A-1|title=Channel 41 gets building permit: Station here still negotiating with ABC for program rights|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215065059/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118663712/channel-41-gets-building-permit/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> and went on the air as [[WUHQ-TV]] on July 24, 1971. The Battle Creek cable system removed WZZM-TV from its lineup to accommodate the new ABC affiliate; in spite of the competition, WUHQ-TV depended on WZZM to receive ABC network programming.<ref name="Batt710721">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527193/heres-how-to-pick-it-up-channel-41-goe/|date=July 21, 1971|page=A-1|first=Jay|last=Berger|title=Here's how to pick it up: Channel 41 goes on air at 3:30 p.m. Saturday|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527193/heres-how-to-pick-it-up-channel-41/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The FCC then ordered WZZM-TV to cease using its Kalamazoo translator on February 7, 1972.<ref name="Batt720130">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527613/wzzm-tv-loses-appeal-on-uhf/|date=January 30, 1972|page=B-9|title=WZZM-TV loses appeal on UHF|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527613/wzzm-tv-loses-appeal-on-uhf/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> WZZM-TV was restored to Battle Creek cable in 1975 over objections from WUHQ-TV,<ref name="Batt750122">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527828/wzzm-joins-cable-tv-lineup/|date=January 22, 1975|page=B-1|title=WZZM joins cable TV lineup|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer and News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118527828/wzzm-joins-cable-tv-lineup/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> then discontinued in 1986 along with two out-of-market network affiliates.<ref name="Batt860111">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528004/wolverine-to-drop-3-network-affiliates/|date=January 11, 1986|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528051/wolverine/ 2A]|first=Elaine|last=Kulhanek|title=Wolverine to drop 3 network affiliates|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528004/wolverine-to-drop-3-network-affiliates/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> |
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===2000s=== |
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In 2005, the station launched the 13 On Target Weather Network, a weather channel broadcast on Channel 13-2; on [[Comcast]] and [[Charter Communications]] cable systems in West Michigan on channel 247; and on wzzm13.com. My 13 On Target Weather is a customizable e-mail and website service powered by [http://myweather.net/ myweather.net]. It features headlines, weather conditions, and severe weather warnings. |
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In 1990, WZZM owner Northstar Television announced it had entered into a merger agreement with Channel 41, Inc., the owner of WUHQ-TV, which would have seen WUHQ-TV and WZZM share almost all programming with the exception of split local news programming. John Lawrence, president of WUHQ, said at the time, "It is now appropriate that ABC service in this market be combined."<ref name="Batt900807">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528166/two-abc-affiliates-agree-to-merge/|date=August 7, 1990|page=3A|first=David|last=Carlton|title=Two ABC affiliates agree to merge|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064709/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528166/two-abc-affiliates-agree-to-merge/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The FCC approved of the merger in June 1991, with Northstar announcing a plan to continue airing separate news coverage,<ref name="Batt910628">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528465/stations-to-expand-coverage/|date=June 28, 1991|page=4A|title=Stations to expand coverage|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528465/stations-to-expand-coverage/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> but a planned August closing was delayed<ref name="Batt911003">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528551/mark-and-bill-back-on-the-air/|date=October 3, 1991|page=1B|first=Will|last=Kowalski|title=Mark and Bill back on the air|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528551/mark-and-bill-back-on-the-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> and never took place. WUHQ-TV's owners then signed an agreement for WOTV (channel 8) to provide news coverage for channel 41,<ref name="Batt911031">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528635/tv-news-for-bc-channel-8-to-provide-l/|date=October 31, 1991|page=1A|first=Matt|last=McCallum|title=TV news for B.C.: Channel 8 to provide local news for 41|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064711/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528635/tv-news-for-bc-channel-8-to-provide/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> part of an 11-year time brokerage agreement in which WOTV assumed many of the station's operating functions but not ownership.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|1014758658}}|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-11-04.pdf|first=Joe|last=Flint|date=November 4, 1991|title=11-year time brokerage deal for Michigan TV's|page=32|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131032725/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-11-04.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WUHQ-TV then changed its call sign to WOTV in June 1992 when WOTV became [[WOOD-TV]].<ref name="Batt920527">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528712/wuhq-tv-changing-call-letters-june-1/|date=May 27, 1992|page=3A|title=WUHQ-TV changing call letters June 1|newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118528712/wuhq-tv-changing-call-letters-june-1/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> |
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[[Image:wzzm13-logo-2006.png|thumb|right|100px|WZZM's longtime logo, utilized through most of the 1990's until September 2008. In the final years of this logo it was redesigned to feature a glossy finish to match the new ABC 'glass ball' logomark.]] |
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[[Dish Network]] began offering local channel service in the market in 2002 and offers WZZM and WOTV in all areas.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 26, 2002|title=Long-sought local channels added to dish services Echostar, DirecTV |first=Terri|last=DeBoer|work=The Grand Rapids Press|page=B5}}</ref> WZZM was readded to several [[Comcast]] systems in southwest Michigan, including Battle Creek, in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/31215/wzzm-expands-cable-coverage-in-sw-michigan|title=WZZM Expands Cable Coverage in SW Michigan|work=TVNewsCheck|date=April 14, 2009|access-date=September 21, 2013|archive-date=September 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923084221/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/31215/wzzm-expands-cable-coverage-in-sw-michigan|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In early spring of 2006, WZZM finalized a major station over-haul, complete with a new logo, graphics, and promotional campaign, in order to recover from low viewership and to compete with first place West Michigan station [[WOOD-TV|WOOD]] (Channel 8). |
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==News operation== |
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In late September 2006, WZZM announced on air through a series of commercials that the morning newscast with Derek Francis, Lauren Stanton, and Hally Vogel beat number one morning newscast "Daybreak" on WOOD-TV8, according to recent [[Nielsen Ratings|Nielsen ratings]]. |
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WZZM currently produces 32 hours of local news each week (with five hours each weekday, three hours on Saturdays and four hours on Sundays).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wzzm13.com/tv-listings | title=TV Listings - 13 on Your Side ABC | 13 on Target Weather | True Crime | Quest }}</ref> |
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[[File:"Good Evening Grand Rapids" (3006323150).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Four people seated at a news desk on a set|On the set of WZZM's newscasts in 2008]] |
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On September 14, 2006, WZZM premiered a local HDTV special ''Great Lakes Adventure'' [http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=59846]. Lee Van Ameyde and Juliet Dragos host the special about [[Sleeping Bear Dunes]], [[Mackinac Island]], [[Mackinac Bridge]], as well as Michigan's wine country, and charter boats. It re-aired on December 4, 2006, and is available for purchase. The opening sequence can be seen on the show's webpage. [http://www.wzzm13.com/hd_special.aspx] |
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WZZM's original news director, Jack Hogan—who was the first voice heard on the station when it started—held the post for more than 25 years until Price Communications owner Robert Price fired him in February 1988. During Hogan's tenure, the station was a stop on the careers of journalists including sportscaster [[John Keating (sportscaster)|John Keating]] (known as Steve Knight in Grand Rapids), future ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' executive editor [[Kurt Luedtke]], and reporters [[Jay Schadler]] and [[Martha Teichner]]. In spite of its coverage shortfalls, WZZM was West Michigan's revenue leader for most of its history through the 1980s.{{r|empire}} In the late 1970s, it surpassed WOTV (channel 8) in local news viewership for the first time,<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 30, 1979|page=13-C|first=Mary|last=Kramer|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=Channel 8 Reverses Trend In TV News Program Ratings|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/channel-8-reverses-trend-tv-news-program-ratings/zdymgzyrcjhmyomolrndrxgvzrssphal_ip-10-166-46-167_1702936528850 }}</ref> becoming the regular number-one by the early 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/not-flashy-leaders-ratings/jvkupukgdckmzptpubvwkmapdorwfihz_ip-10-166-46-120_1714245445639|page=3H|first=Mark|last=Newman|title=Not Flashy, But Leaders In Ratings|date=September 25, 1983|work=The Grand Rapids Press}}</ref> It was nationally respected: the Associated Press said in 1980 that "WZZM has a quality news operation that should be the envy of many stations in larger markets", while it won six straight "News Station of the Year" honors within Michigan from [[United Press International]].{{r|GRBJ880523}} After the Price purchase, the station experienced several high-profile defections to other stations.<ref name="empire">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|216744389}}|title=WZZM: Price Empire Financed by Junk Bonds|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|page=1|date=June 6, 1988|first=Mark|last=Lagerkvist}}</ref> Hogan's firing came less than two weeks after the [[1988 Republican Party presidential primaries|1988 Michigan Republican presidential caucus]]. Price, a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], demanded information on delegate counts; from New York City, he ordered Hogan out of bed and to station offices to keep him informed until 3 a.m., accused the station's staff of poor reporting despite not having seen its coverage, and threatened to fire the entire news department.<ref name="GRBJ880523">{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|216739809}}|title=WZZM: What Price News?|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|page=1|date=May 23, 1988|first=Mark|last=Lagerkvist}}</ref> |
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The 1990s brought changes to the newsroom. The station debuted an hour-long morning news program in 1992<ref>{{Cite news|page=E3|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wzzm-launches-morning-news-program/tnijgnyixqhhcsazmyfcouxqpozxgywo_ip-10-166-46-183_1714243589688|title=WZZM launches a morning news program|first=Ruth|last=Butler|date=October 11, 1992|work=The Grand Rapids Press}}</ref> and a 5:30 p.m. newscast in February 1993.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/wzzm-tv-hopes-new-addition-combines-information-and-fun/ovavidoibnndzpctqjgqnfnnmanhjhxd_ip-10-166-46-74_1714243657427|date=January 31, 1993|work=The Grand Rapids Press|first=Ruth|last=Butler|page=F10|title=WZZM-TV hopes new addition combines information and fun}}</ref> However, WOOD-TV became the news leader in the highly fragmented market: though WZZM-TV was stronger within the immediate Grand Rapids area, WOOD's availability in the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek area more than offset the Muskegon and northern area coverage unique to channel 13. WOOD-TV's sales manager likened the advertising sales power of his competitor to "a vehicle with two wheels" because of its inability to cover the full market.<ref>{{Cite news|page=2|first=Dan|last=Calabrese|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|id={{ProQuest|216722019}}|date=April 12, 1993|title=TV News ratings spur battle for ad support}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|213624287}}|title=Grand Rapids, Mich.|pages=16–21|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|work=Mediaweek|date=July 30, 2001}}</ref> Another obstacle, particularly with older viewers, was that WOOD-TV predated WZZM in Grand Rapids by more than a decade.<ref>{{cite news|title=Area TV news battle lines drawn|page=14|first=Dan|last=Calabrese|work=Grand Rapids Business Journal|date=February 1, 1993|id={{ProQuest|216721191}} }}</ref> In 2016, WZZM added eight and a half hours a week of new newscasts, including morning and noon news extensions and a 5 p.m. newscast.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/problem-solving-western-michigan-154363|title=Problem-Solving in Western Michigan|first=Jonathan|last=Kuperberg|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007225927/https://www.nexttv.com/news/problem-solving-western-michigan-154363|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In 2007, WZZM started promoting three websites co-produced with the Gannett newspapers in Michigan: MichiganMoms.com (now MomsLikeMe.com), MichiganSmartShopper.com, and MyMitten.com. |
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In 2004, the station debuted a 5 p.m. talk show, ''Take Five Grand Rapids''.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Terri|last=DeBoer|page=E3|work=The Grand Rapids Press|title=New show aims to get people talking|date=March 7, 2004}}</ref> The program was originally produced outside the news department, mixing features and sponsored segments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/new-rules-syndication-78566|title=The New Rules Of Syndication|first1=Jim|last1=Benson|first2=Allison|last2=Romano|first3=John M.|last3=Higgins|date=January 20, 2006|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.nexttv.com/news/new-rules-syndication-78566|url-status=live}}</ref> The show was moved to 4:30 p.m., retitled ''Take Five & Company'', and then moved to an hour at 9 a.m. in 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ratings 101: Making sense of 'the book'|first=Colleen|last=Pierson|page=E2|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=September 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=TV changes in Grand Rapids: Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Regis & Kelly and Take 5|first=John|last=Gonzalez|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=August 25, 2008}}</ref> It was replaced with a new hour-long program known as ''My West Michigan'' in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Todd|last=Chance|title=WZZM-13 to launch 'My West Michigan' on weekday mornings to replace 'Take Five'|date=August 18, 2015|work=The Grand Rapids Press}}</ref> The program was put on a continuing hiatus in July 2020 because of [[COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan|COVID-19]]-related restrictions that made the show's format unworkable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wzzm13.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/my-west-michigan/my-west-michigan-team-says-goodbye-for-now/69-3682d142-5686-4936-8a70-fb77be69a000|title=My West Michigan team says goodbye for now|first=Denise|last=Pritchard|website=WZZM|date=July 24, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213064710/https://www.wzzm13.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/my-west-michigan/my-west-michigan-team-says-goodbye-for-now/69-3682d142-5686-4936-8a70-fb77be69a000|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Digital Television== |
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The station's digital signal, currently UHF 39, is multiplexed: |
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==Technical information== |
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===Subchannels=== |
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The station's signal is [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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|+Subchannels of WZZM<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WZZM#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for WZZM|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315021350/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WZZM#station|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]] |
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! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]] |
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! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]] |
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! scope = "col" | Short name |
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! scope = "col" | Programming |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.1 |
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! Virtual<br>Channel |
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| [[720p]] || rowspan=9| [[16:9]] || WZZM 13 || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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! [[Video resolution|Video]] |
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! [[Aspect ratio|Aspect]] |
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! Programming |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.2 |
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| 13.1 || [[720p]] || [[16:9]] || Main WZZM programming / ABC [[HDTV|HD]] |
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| rowspan=8| [[480i]] || WX || 13 On Your Side Weather Network |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.3 |
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| 13.2 || [[480i]] || [[4:3]] || 13 On Target Weather Network |
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| Crime || [[True Crime Network]] |
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|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.4 |
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| Quest || [[Quest (American TV network)|Quest]] |
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|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.5 |
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| Crime || [[True Crime Network]] |
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|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.6 |
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| Outlaw || [[Outlaw (TV network)|Outlaw]] |
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|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.7 |
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| QVC || [[QVC]] |
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|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.8 |
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| ShopLC || [[Shop LC]] |
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|- |
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! scope = "row" | 13.9 |
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| StartTV || [[Start TV]] |
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|} |
|} |
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===Analog-to-digital conversion=== |
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On [[June 12]], [[2009]], WZZM-TV will remain on channel 13 when the analog to digital conversion is complete.<ref name="Analog to Digital">http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-138A2.pdf</ref> |
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WZZM shut down its analog signal, over [[VHF]] channel 13, on June 12, 2009, as part of the [[Digital television transition in the United States|federally mandated transition from analog to digital television]]. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition [[UHF]] channel 39 to channel 13.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> |
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==Programming== |
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As a Gannett-owned television station WZZM continues to carry the entire ABC television lineup. |
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''Theater 13'' is the umbrella title for movies the station airs. |
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WZZM-13 is one of the first station in Michigan to produce and broadcast local TV commercials and promotions in High Definition. They also are the first station to air segments like their popular high school franchise '13 On Your Sidelines' in High Definition. |
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==News== |
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===Slogans=== |
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* "On Your Side" (2009-present) |
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* "West Michigan's Most Trusted Information Center" (2008-present) |
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* "Wake up to a better morning." & "Come home to a better evening." (current) |
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* "The Most Accurate Forecast in West Michigan" (current) |
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* "Mornings Are Better" (current) |
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* "People Make the Difference" (current) |
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* "The Breaking News Leader" (2006) |
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* "The Severe Weather Leader" (2006) |
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* "WZZM Means Business" (2003) |
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* "The WZZM 13 News Difference" (2003-2004) |
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* "Feel the Difference" (1998-2003) |
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* "13 Works for You" and "Working for You" (1996-1997) |
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* "WZZM-TV 13, Your EYEWITNESS NEWS STATION" (1970-1990). |
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===Partners=== |
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*[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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*[[USA Today]] |
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*[[Gannett]] |
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*[[Careerbuilder]] |
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*[[Captivate Networks]] |
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*[[Grand Haven Tribune]] |
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*[[The Daily News (Greenville)]] |
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===Awards=== |
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Over the years, WZZM has received numerous awards for journalistic excellence. Some of these include: |
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* '''[[United Press International]]'s''' ''Michigan News Station of the Year'', 1980-1985. |
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* '''Michigan Association of Broadcasters'''' ''Best Newscast'' and ''Best Coverage of Spot News'' awards, 1998 |
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* '''Michigan Association of Broadcasters'''' ''Station of the Year'' award, 2002. |
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* '''Michigan Television News Photographers Association'''' ''Station of the Year'' award, 2002. |
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==Weather== |
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===On Target Forecast=== |
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The WZZM 13 team of meteorologists holds themselves accountable with a well-known target. The meteorologist reviews his or her forecast every day from the previous day in comparison to the actual weather. If they were exactly right, an arrow shoots and hits the bulls eye. If they were only a degree or two off, it is called a "Very Close" forecast. If they were 3-5 degrees off or if they were wrong in their prediction of sunlight or precipitation, it is called a "Close" forecast. If they were more incorrect than that, it is called a "Try Again," and the arrow shoots past the target completely. |
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The WZZM 13 weather radar is often called "13 X-RAD 3D". It combines the power of 3 National Weather Service Doppler radars to produce a 3D radar image. |
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===Advance Newspapers=== |
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Meteorologist George Lessens writes a weekly column for [[Advance Newspapers]]. The column includes the forecast for the upcoming week, as of February 2006. It originally had a review of the previous week. |
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===Weatherball=== |
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[[Image:WZZM 13 Weatherball.jpg|thumb|The WZZM 13 Weatherball.]]The original [[weatherball]] was perched on top of the [[Michigan National Bank]] building in downtown [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]]. The colors it displayed were representative of the coming weather pattern. A poem was written about the weatherball's colors: |
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::''Weatherball red, warmer weather ahead.'' |
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::''Weatherball blue, cooler weather in view.'' |
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::''Weatherball green, no change foreseen.'' |
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::''Colors blinking bright, rain or snow in sight.'' |
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However, due to questions about its stability, it was removed in 1987, after 20 years of existence. WZZM located the weatherball, which had resided in a [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]] junkyard since its removal, and purchased it in 1999. In 2002, plans were announced to refurbish the stainless steel ball, and add new neon lights. The weatherball was perched on a 100-foot (30 m) monopole, and was lit on [[May 7]], [[2003]]. It is visible from both [[Interstate 96]] and [[U.S. Highway 131]], the two major freeways in the area. |
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Shortly after the reintroduction of the WZZM 13 Weatherball, a contest was held where viewers submitted video recordings of songs to coincide with the meanings of the weatherball. The winner chosen had their song on a new commercial that aired to inform the viewership of the significance of the colors. The winners were Dale Ray Schumaker and Allison Rae Schumaker of Holland, MI with their jingle, "Know Before You Go". "DJ Dale" Schumaker and Allison Rae Schumaker are prominent hit songwriters. |
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On June 5, 2008, the Weatherball was struck by lightning for the first time in its history. The lightning scrambled the electronics of the Weatherball, causing it to glow in a rainbow of colors. The Weatherball was after wards turned off for repairs. |
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The station also has a costumed character mascot of the Weatherball named "Blinkie". A similar weatherball is also located on the Citizen's Bank building in [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]]. |
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===Weather Chaser=== |
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[[Image:WZZMWeatherChaser.jpg|right]]The Weather Chaser was introduced in 2001. It is a mobile version of the in-studio weather office capable of live broadcasts from anywhere in the broadcast area. During severe weather, the meteorologist using the Chaser can track and report storm conditions on location. It has not been mentioned on air in recent months but as late as August 2006 was spotted at the [[Unity Christian Music Festival]] in [[Muskegon, Michigan]] being used as a live shot vehicle for the meteorologist. |
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===Weather Deck=== |
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The weather deck is a [[deck (building)|deck]] set up for weather reports. Most weather reports are done outside, except when the weather makes it unsafe for the meteorologist to go outside, such as severe weather situations. The weather deck was introduced in 1999. From 1995 to 1999, the evening meteorologist reported from the parking lot. Once a week, the noon newscast has a "Weather Deck Guest" segment - a live interview from the deck. |
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==Sports== |
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WZZM started expanded coverage of [[high school]] football in 1995 with ''Friday Night Football''. A few years later, the name was changed to ''13 On Your Sidelines''. |
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During the 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. newscasts, a meteorologist does a weather report from the "Game of the Week" location with Blinkie the Weatherball mascot. During the 6:00 p.m. newscast, the "Game of the Week" is previewed. |
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The 11:00 p.m. newscast is shortened to one news segment and one weather segment. During the weather segment, cheerleaders join the meteorologist on the weather deck. |
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The current format for ''13 On Your Sidelines'' is: |
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*"Game of the Week" |
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*Reports on 12 other games, giving a total of 13. |
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*The in-studio audience is composed of [[cheerleaders]] and [[marching band]]s. |
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*[[Scoreboard]] segments announcing the results of all other games. |
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*Commentary on the 13 games. |
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*Ticker showing scores from all sports, not just high school football. |
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*Other sports news. |
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==WZZM 13's Healthy You== |
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<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:HealthyYou.jpg|thumb|The WZZM 13 Healthy You Logo.]] --> |
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WZZM 13's ''Healthy You'' debuted on Sunday June 24th, 2007. |
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The show airs every Sunday at 11:00am and is hosted by weekend anchor and health reporter Valerie Lego. In September 2008, it began airing Saturdays at 7:30pm in addition to the Sunday morning time slot [http://www.wzzm13.com/news/health/healthy_you.aspx] |
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==Take Five & Company== |
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Take Five & Company, originally named Take Five Grand Rapids, is a live talk and entertainment show on WZZM weekdays at 9:00 a.m. (from its premiere in early 2004 to September 2005, it originally aired at 5:00 p.m.). It is hosted by Catherine Behrendt, Stephanie Webb, and Tara Kuhnlein. |
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Its slogan is "Learn a little. Live a little. Have some fun." It has some of the same [[soft news]] features that were on ''5:30 Edition'' in the 1990s, such as [[film|movie]] reviews and [[cooking]] segments. |
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A key segment of this series is "Rescue My Home", which is similar to ''[[Extreme Makeover: Home Edition]]''. Several times a year, a house is chosen for the makeover of a specific room. In early 2005, there was an "Extreme Mini-Makeover," which is similar to ''[[Extreme Makeover]]''. In addition to a week's worth of segments about the project, they air primetime "Rescue My Home" specials. Past projects included the [[living room]], [[bedroom]], and the [[yard]]. |
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In addition to segments about [[gardening]], cooking, being a mother, healthy lifestyle, movies, [[restaurants]], money management, and auto maintenance, the show features celebrity interviews and performances by local artists and national artists who are visiting Grand Rapids. |
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In 2008, Take Five begun a new segment, called the '''Take Five Book Club'''. Each month a book is revealed. Then, on the first Monday of the next month, there is a discussion about the book. Take Five teamed up with The Book Nook & Java Shop in Montague to work on the book club. |
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On August 25, 2008, when Take Five moved to its new 9:00 am time slot following ''[[Good Morning America]]'' the show expanded from a half hour to one hour, displacing ''[[Live With Regis And Kelly]]'', which had held the 9:00 am time slot at WZZM for more than 20 years. However, Live With Regis and Kelly was picked up by [[WWMT]]. [http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1210166159242351.xml&coll=6]. |
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==Major personalities== |
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===''Take Five & Company''=== |
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* Catherine Behrendt - Host of ''Take Five''. She joined the station in 1987. During the 1990s, she anchored the news in the morning and noon. She is also the head of the Community and Local Programming Department. |
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* Tara Kuhnlein - Co-Host of ''Take Five''. Former intern in the Local Programming Department. |
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* Stephanie Webb - Co-Host and reporter for ''Take Five''. She does many interviews with celebrities and other famous people. She formerly worked at [[WGRD-FM|WGRD]] and [[WXMI-TV|FOX 17]] in Grand Rapids. |
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===''WZZM 13 News''=== |
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====''News Team''==== |
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''Anchors'' |
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** Juliet Dragos - Weeknights at 5:30,6pm, and 11pm |
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** Derek Francis - Weekdays Morning News and ''Super Saver'' Reporter. |
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** Valerie Lego - Weekends 6pm and 11pm, Health Reporter, Host of WZZM 13's Healthy You |
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** Jennifer Pascua - Weekend Morning News and Weekday Morning news Reporter[http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=59641]. |
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** Lauren Stanton - Weekdays Morning News and Noon ''Try It Before You Buy It'' Reporter. |
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** Lee VanAmeyde - Weeknights at 5:30,6pm, and 11pm |
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''WZZM 13 On Target Weather Team'' |
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** George Lessens - Chief Meteorologist Monday-Thursday 5:30, 6pm and 11pm and Sunday 6:30pm and 11pm |
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** Joe Kopecek - Meteorologist 5:30 and Fridays 6pm and 11pm rotates Saturdays at 6pm and 11pm, ''Journey with Joe''. |
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** Linda Paige - Weekend Morning News and rotates Saturdays 6pm and 11pm Meteorologist, Science Reporter. |
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** Hally Vogel - Morning News and Noon Meteorologist. |
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''WZZM 13 Sports Team'' |
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** Tom Clyde - Sports Director Weeknights at 6pm and 11pm. |
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** Dan Harland - Sports reporter/fill in anchor |
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** David Solano - Weekend at 6pm and 11pm. |
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''WZZM 13 Traffic Time'' |
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** Dave Kaechele - Traffic |
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''13 On Your Sidelines'' |
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* Fridays at 11:15pm during [[high school]] [[American football|football]] season. |
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** Tom Clyde - Sports Director |
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** Dan Harland - Anchor |
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** David Solano - Anchor |
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====''Reporters''==== |
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* Angela Cunningham |
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* Phil Dawson |
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* Amy Fox |
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* Lambrini Lukidis |
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* Jon Mills |
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* Nick Monacelli |
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* Steve Patterson |
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* Peter Ross |
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* Sarah Sell |
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====''Former Personalities''==== |
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*[[Jay Schadler]] - worked at WZZM during the 1970s. He currently works at [[ABC News]]. |
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*[[Scott Cohn]] - was at WZZM in the 1980s, and now is with [[CNBC]]. |
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*[[John Keating (sportscaster)|John Keating]] - a sportscaster for [[FSN Detroit]]. However, Keating was known on air as "Steve Knight". |
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*[[Patrice Formby]] - a former anchor at [[CNN]], also was at WZZM in the 1990s. |
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*[[Tom Helmer (sportscaster)|Tom Helmer]] - host of ''BCS Breakdown'' and ''The Official BCS Ratings Show'' on [[Fox Sports Net]], worked at WZZM in the 1990s as the [[sports director]]. |
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== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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* [http://www.michiguide.com/dials/tv/wzzm.html WZZM TV Channel 13 (June 13, 2005). ''Michigan's Radio and TV Broadcast Guide'']. |
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* [http://www.wzzm13.com/company/about_us/aboutus.aspx About WZZM. '''WZZM13.com''']. |
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{{reflist}} |
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* [http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2009/04/14/daily.6/ WZZM Expands Cable Coverage in Southwest Michigan] |
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== |
==External links== |
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* |
* {{Official website|https://www.wzzm13.com}} |
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* [http://www.wzzm13.com/life/programming/local/take_five/default.aspx/ Take Five & Company] |
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* {{TVQ|WZZM}} |
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* {{BIA|WZZM|TV|TV}} |
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{{Grand Rapids TV}} |
{{Grand Rapids TV}} |
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{{Northern Michigan TV}} |
{{Northern Michigan TV}} |
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{{ABC Michigan}} |
{{ABC Michigan}} |
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{{Tegna}} |
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[[Category:ABC network affiliates]] |
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[[Category:1962 establishments in Michigan]] |
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[[Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates]] |
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[[Category:Former Gannett subsidiaries]] |
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[[Category:Local AccuWeather Channel affiliates]] |
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[[Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates]] |
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[[Category:Start TV affiliates]] |
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[[Category:Tegna Inc.]] |
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[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1962]] |
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1962]] |
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[[Category:Television stations in Grand |
[[Category:Television stations in the Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo–Battle Creek market|ZZM]] |
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[[Category:True Crime Network affiliates]] |
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[[Category:Wometco Enterprises]] |
Latest revision as of 03:34, 28 September 2024
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City | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
Channels | |
Branding | 13 On Your Side |
Programming | |
Affiliations |
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Ownership | |
Owner |
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History | |
First air date | November 1, 1962 |
Former channel number(s) |
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Call sign meaning | "WZZM" forms an ambigram |
Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
Facility ID | 49713 |
ERP | 24.5 kW |
HAAT | 324.3 m (1,064 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 43°18′35″N 85°54′45″W / 43.30972°N 85.91250°W |
Links | |
Public license information | |
Website | www |
WZZM (channel 13) is a television station licensed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, serving West Michigan as an affiliate of ABC. Owned by Tegna Inc., the station has studios on 3 Mile Road NW in Walker (with a Grand Rapids mailing address), and its transmitter is located in Grant, Michigan.
Channel 13 was inserted into Grand Rapids in 1961; station spacing rules of the time required that the transmitter be to the north of the city, closer to Muskegon. The station went on the air in November 1962 under interim operating authority; four companies jointly owned the station until West Michigan Telecasters was granted the permanent license in 1964 and bought out the others' interim holdings in 1965. Because of the transmitter site restriction, the station did not and does not provide adequate coverage of the southern portion of the market, namely Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the station sought translators to serve those cities, only to have the proposals turned down in order to protect a new station on channel 41 in Battle Creek, WUHQ-TV (now WOTV), which also broadcasts ABC but with separate non-network programming. An attempt to combine WZZM-TV and WUHQ-TV failed in 1991, and WOTV is today co-owned with WOOD-TV, the market's NBC affiliate. Satellite television providers Dish Network and DirecTV provide both stations across the entire market, and WZZM is also on cable in Battle Creek.
In local news, the station had a highly regarded news department from the 1960s through the 1980s; its original news director stayed on for the first 25 years of its history. While the station continues to be competitive, particularly in the Grand Rapids area northward, coverage shortfalls in the south and the aggregate nature of the television market have made WOOD-TV the overall market news leader since the 1990s. The station maintains a lit weather ball displayed near its Walker studios.
History
[edit]Assignment of channel 13 to Grand Rapids; construction
[edit]In 1959, the Atlas Broadcasting Company was organized to pursue the addition of a third very high frequency (VHF) station in West Michigan. It applied to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), proposing the addition of channel 13 to Grand Rapids. The station would transmit from an area near Muskegon, north of Grand Rapids, where it would be appropriately spaced to WSPD-TV in Toledo, Ohio, and WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois; FCC regulations required the transmitter to be located at least 170 miles (274 km) from competing stations on that frequency. Atlas also proposed moving WWTV in Cadillac to channel 9, where it would still be appropriately spaced to CKLW-TV in Windsor, Ontario.[2] The FCC approved this allocation change in 1961; it replaced channel 9 in Alpena with channel 6.[3] The placement of the channel at Grand Rapids attracted interest even before the insertion was final. By the end of 1960, three groups had incorporated with an eye toward filing for channel 13, including West Michigan Telecasters—consisting of 24 shareholders with Lewis V. Chamberlain, Jr. as president—whose final application was filed in October 1961.[4] One of the shareholders was L. William Seidman, then on the board of directors of Grand Valley State College and later chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.[5][6] Some of the stockholders were from Muskegon; the group promoted the northerly transmitter site as a bonus, noting that there were no local stations in Muskegon and that other communities such as Grand Haven and Holland were also underserved.[7] West Michigan was one of six applicants to file by the end of 1961, alongside Atlas (which also owned Grand Rapids–area radio station WMAX); Grand Broadcasting Company, which counted former WLAV and WLAV-TV owner Leonard Versluis among its stockholders as well as former FCC counsel Mary Jane Morris; Major Television Company; MKO Broadcasting Company; and Peninsular Broadcasting Company.[5]
In its order assigning channel 13 to Grand Rapids, the FCC indicated its willingness to accept proposals for interim operating authority to hasten the construction of the station. This meant that the comparative hearing process and construction would run in parallel. Days after filing its permanent bid, West Michigan Telecasters also proposed interim operating authority.[8] Major and Atlas both withdrew in August 1962; the four remaining contenders formed Channel 13, Grand Rapids, Inc., which received interim authority that same month.[9] The interim station originally chose the call letters WIIM-TV, but WJIM-TV in Lansing objected, resulting in the choice of WZZM as the call sign.[10] Construction rapidly proceeded, and from studios in the Pantlind Hotel downtown, WZZM made its first broadcast on November 1, 1962, an ABC affiliate from the start.[11]
While WZZM was on the air, the applicants wrangled at the FCC over permanent authority to run it. In May 1963, an FCC hearing examiner gave Grand Broadcasting Company the nod in his initial decision, citing its superior integration of ownership and management, a comparative criterion analyzing the involvement of owners in station operations.[12] The FCC itself, however, instead selected West Michigan Telecasters in April 1964, citing its principals' involvement in civic affairs and research into local public service programming.[13] The company then settled with the other applicants, ultimately paying them between $360,000 and $390,000 apiece,[14] and on January 25, 1965, it became the sole owner of WZZM.[15] After the award, West Michigan Telecasters proceeded with its plans to build a studio in Muskegon.[16]
After a plan to merge with Basic Communications Inc. and Eccentric magazine in Birmingham, Michigan, fell through,[17] West Michigan Telecasters merged with two publishing companies in 1969 to form Synercom Communications Corporation.[18] In 1971, WZZM-TV finally left the Pantlind and moved to purpose-built studios. The 38,500-square-foot (3,580 m2) facility also housed WZZM-FM, which West Michigan Telecasters had acquired in 1966,[19] and the station's production arm.[20] Synercom then spun West Michigan Telecasters and the WZZM stations out as its own company in 1973, including Elinor Bunin Productions, a New York City film production house.[18]
Wometco and Price ownership
[edit]West Michigan Telecasters entered into an agreement to sell WZZM-TV to Wometco Enterprises for $14 million in 1976, with WZZM-TV becoming Wometco's fourth television property.[21] The acquisition closed in January 1978;[22] WZZM-FM was split from the television station by West Michigan Telecasters and sold to separate interests.[23] Wometco was then taken private in a leveraged buyout by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) in 1984.[24]
KKR then sold the station to Price Communications, owned by Robert Price, in 1985; the deal was the largest acquisition for the company to date.[25] Price then sold its four stations to Northstar Television Group in 1989 for $70 million; Northstar was a joint venture of Osborn Television and Desai Capital, the largest stakeholder in Price.[26] Three of Northstar's four stations were acquired by Argyle Television Holdings II in 1994; the original Argyle Television had been sold earlier in the year.[27]
Gannett/Tegna ownership
[edit]In 1996, the Gannett Company acquired Multimedia, Inc.. This created conflicts for the company in Cincinnati and Oklahoma City, where Multimedia had a newspaper-TV station combination and a TV station-cable system combination that were not permissible under FCC rules of the time. As a result, Gannett agreed to a trade with Argyle. Gannett sent Argyle the Cincinnati and Oklahoma City stations (WLWT and KOCO-TV) in exchange for $20 million; WGRZ in Buffalo, New York; and WZZM-TV.[28] In 1999, after a 33-year run, the station ceased producing its local children's show, Bozo's Big Top.[29][30]
From 1967 to 1987, a weather ball sat atop the Michigan National Bank building in Grand Rapids, utilizing 288 colored neon lights to convey forecast precipitation or changes in temperature, until it was removed because its weight had caused structural damage. The station located the stainless steel ball in a scrapyard in Kalamazoo in 1999 and applied to authorities in Walker to mount a 100-foot (30 m) pole to display it near its studios in 2002.[31][32] New neon tubes were fitted atop the restored weather ball, which returned to service in 2003.[33]
On June 29, 2015, the Gannett Company split in two, with one side specializing in print media and the other side specializing in broadcast and digital media. WZZM was retained by the latter company, named Tegna.[34]
The Battle Creek–Kalamazoo problem
[edit]The FCC reckoned channel 13 as a Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo station when it inserted the allocation,[3] and for most regional viewers the sign-on of WZZM gave West Michigan full service from all three networks; the market was already served by Grand Rapids–based NBC affiliate WOOD-TV and Kalamazoo-based CBS affiliate WKZO-TV. However, WZZM's transmitter was located further north than its competitors. While the northerly location was necessary to insert channel 13 in the area in the first place, it left much of the market's southern portion without even a fringe signal from the station. Bill Tompkins of The Battle Creek Enquirer and News wrote that local viewers found WZZM "about as elusive as a flying saucer" when it began broadcasting. While WZZM officials insisted that Battle Creek was firmly within its service area, only a "small and lucky" few viewers received a watchable signal from channel 13, and Kalamazoo viewers reported getting only marginal coverage at best from WZZM. Since WOOD-TV and WKZO-TV removed ABC programs from their schedules when WZZM came into service, viewers in this area had to depend on part-time carriage of ABC programs by the stations in the Lansing–Jackson market.[35] In 1964, WZZM was authorized to construct a translator on channel 12 in Kalamazoo,[36] and the next year, it applied to build one on channel 83 in Battle Creek. This was simultaneous with Mary Jane Morris, who had been involved with one of the losing bids for channel 13, filing with James Searer to build a full-service station in Battle Creek on channel 65.[37] That translator went on the air on channel 74 in January 1968,[38] but the FCC then ordered it to cease broadcasting in early March in the context of a battle with the permittee for a full-power station on Battle Creek's channel 41. The commission expressed concern that the WZZM translator could be detrimental to the establishment of the proposed full-service station.[39] This was particularly acute because the channel 41 permittee, BCU-TV, proposed to affiliate with ABC, while WZZM-TV contended it had the rights to ABC in the Battle Creek area.[40] West Michigan Telecasters reached a deal with BCU-TV to buy the channel 41 permit in October 1968.[41]
However, that same week, a second local group, Channel 41, Inc., filed a competing application to propose a local station, with Searer defecting from BCU-TV to become one of its leaders.[42] The FCC canceled BCU-TV's construction permit and West Michigan Telecasters's attempt to buy it on September 8, 1969. It then accepted the application of Channel 41, Inc., for filing;[43] ten days later, West Michigan Telecasters abandoned its attempt to pursue channel 41 in favor of seeking a relocation of its transmitter from Grant to Hudsonville, improving the signal in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.[44] However, the spacing considerations that resulted in the northerly location of WZZM in the first place were an insurmountable obstacle; the FCC denied the proposal because it would have been too close to the channel 13 station in Toledo.[45]
Channel 41, Inc., received its construction permit in July 1970[46] and went on the air as WUHQ-TV on July 24, 1971. The Battle Creek cable system removed WZZM-TV from its lineup to accommodate the new ABC affiliate; in spite of the competition, WUHQ-TV depended on WZZM to receive ABC network programming.[47] The FCC then ordered WZZM-TV to cease using its Kalamazoo translator on February 7, 1972.[48] WZZM-TV was restored to Battle Creek cable in 1975 over objections from WUHQ-TV,[49] then discontinued in 1986 along with two out-of-market network affiliates.[50]
In 1990, WZZM owner Northstar Television announced it had entered into a merger agreement with Channel 41, Inc., the owner of WUHQ-TV, which would have seen WUHQ-TV and WZZM share almost all programming with the exception of split local news programming. John Lawrence, president of WUHQ, said at the time, "It is now appropriate that ABC service in this market be combined."[51] The FCC approved of the merger in June 1991, with Northstar announcing a plan to continue airing separate news coverage,[52] but a planned August closing was delayed[53] and never took place. WUHQ-TV's owners then signed an agreement for WOTV (channel 8) to provide news coverage for channel 41,[54] part of an 11-year time brokerage agreement in which WOTV assumed many of the station's operating functions but not ownership.[55] WUHQ-TV then changed its call sign to WOTV in June 1992 when WOTV became WOOD-TV.[56]
Dish Network began offering local channel service in the market in 2002 and offers WZZM and WOTV in all areas.[57] WZZM was readded to several Comcast systems in southwest Michigan, including Battle Creek, in 2009.[58]
News operation
[edit]WZZM currently produces 32 hours of local news each week (with five hours each weekday, three hours on Saturdays and four hours on Sundays).[59]
WZZM's original news director, Jack Hogan—who was the first voice heard on the station when it started—held the post for more than 25 years until Price Communications owner Robert Price fired him in February 1988. During Hogan's tenure, the station was a stop on the careers of journalists including sportscaster John Keating (known as Steve Knight in Grand Rapids), future Detroit Free Press executive editor Kurt Luedtke, and reporters Jay Schadler and Martha Teichner. In spite of its coverage shortfalls, WZZM was West Michigan's revenue leader for most of its history through the 1980s.[60] In the late 1970s, it surpassed WOTV (channel 8) in local news viewership for the first time,[61] becoming the regular number-one by the early 1980s.[62] It was nationally respected: the Associated Press said in 1980 that "WZZM has a quality news operation that should be the envy of many stations in larger markets", while it won six straight "News Station of the Year" honors within Michigan from United Press International.[63] After the Price purchase, the station experienced several high-profile defections to other stations.[60] Hogan's firing came less than two weeks after the 1988 Michigan Republican presidential caucus. Price, a Republican, demanded information on delegate counts; from New York City, he ordered Hogan out of bed and to station offices to keep him informed until 3 a.m., accused the station's staff of poor reporting despite not having seen its coverage, and threatened to fire the entire news department.[63]
The 1990s brought changes to the newsroom. The station debuted an hour-long morning news program in 1992[64] and a 5:30 p.m. newscast in February 1993.[65] However, WOOD-TV became the news leader in the highly fragmented market: though WZZM-TV was stronger within the immediate Grand Rapids area, WOOD's availability in the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek area more than offset the Muskegon and northern area coverage unique to channel 13. WOOD-TV's sales manager likened the advertising sales power of his competitor to "a vehicle with two wheels" because of its inability to cover the full market.[66][67] Another obstacle, particularly with older viewers, was that WOOD-TV predated WZZM in Grand Rapids by more than a decade.[68] In 2016, WZZM added eight and a half hours a week of new newscasts, including morning and noon news extensions and a 5 p.m. newscast.[69]
In 2004, the station debuted a 5 p.m. talk show, Take Five Grand Rapids.[70] The program was originally produced outside the news department, mixing features and sponsored segments.[71] The show was moved to 4:30 p.m., retitled Take Five & Company, and then moved to an hour at 9 a.m. in 2008.[72][73] It was replaced with a new hour-long program known as My West Michigan in 2015.[74] The program was put on a continuing hiatus in July 2020 because of COVID-19-related restrictions that made the show's format unworkable.[75]
Technical information
[edit]Subchannels
[edit]The station's signal is multiplexed:
Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming |
---|---|---|---|---|
13.1 | 720p | 16:9 | WZZM 13 | ABC |
13.2 | 480i | WX | 13 On Your Side Weather Network | |
13.3 | Crime | True Crime Network | ||
13.4 | Quest | Quest | ||
13.5 | Crime | True Crime Network | ||
13.6 | Outlaw | Outlaw | ||
13.7 | QVC | QVC | ||
13.8 | ShopLC | Shop LC | ||
13.9 | StartTV | Start TV |
Analog-to-digital conversion
[edit]WZZM shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 13, on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 39 to channel 13.[77]
References
[edit]- ^ "Facility Technical Data for WZZM". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
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- ^ "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. May 23, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 29, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
External links
[edit]- 1962 establishments in Michigan
- American Broadcasting Company affiliates
- Former Gannett subsidiaries
- Local AccuWeather Channel affiliates
- Quest (American TV network) affiliates
- Start TV affiliates
- Tegna Inc.
- Television channels and stations established in 1962
- Television stations in the Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo–Battle Creek market
- True Crime Network affiliates
- Wometco Enterprises