WTAE by Jason M Bowen Butler PA

WTAE is a television station based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that has been providing news and entertainment to the region for more than six decades. Founded in 1958, the station has gone through numerous changes over the years, evolving into one of the most respected and trusted media outlets in the area.

The Early Years: 1958-1970 WTAE first went on the air on September 14, 1958, as an ABC affiliate, owned and operated by the Hearst Corporation. At the time, the station broadcast in black and white and was one of only three television stations in the Pittsburgh area. In the early years, the station primarily focused on news and sports, with a strong emphasis on local coverage.

Throughout the 1960s, WTAE expanded its programming, adding popular shows such as "The Lawrence Welk Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" to its lineup. The station also became known for its coverage of major news events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War. The 1970s: The Rise of Action News In the 1970s, WTAE made a major shift in its programming, moving away from traditional newscasts and adopting a more action-oriented format. This new format, known as "Action News," featured fast-paced, high-energy coverage of breaking news stories, with a focus on the people and events that were shaping the world around us. The first Action News broadcast aired on September 1, 1970, and it quickly became a hit with viewers. The format was so successful that it was soon adopted by other television stations across the country. During this time, WTAE also began to expand its programming to include more entertainment and lifestyle shows, such as "Dialing for Dollars" and "The Mike Douglas Show." The station also launched a popular local children's program called "Adventure Time."

The 1980s and 1990s: A Changing Landscape The 1980s and 1990s were a time of significant change for WTAE and the television industry as a whole. Cable television and satellite broadcasting began to emerge as major competitors to traditional over-the-air broadcasting, and stations had to adapt to the changing landscape.

In the early 1980s, WTAE began to experiment with new programming formats, launching a nightly news magazine called "PM Magazine" and a late-night talk show called "Pittsburgh 2Day." The station also continued to expand its news coverage, with a focus on investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of local issues.

In the 1990s, WTAE underwent a major ownership change when the Hearst Corporation sold the station to New York-based Argyle Television Holdings. The station also began to invest heavily in its digital infrastructure, launching its first website in 1996.

The Modern Era: 2000-Present In the early 2000s, WTAE continued to evolve, expanding its news coverage to include more lifestyle and human interest stories. The station also launched several new programs, including a daily talk show called "Pittsburgh Today Live" and a weekly sports show called "The Final Word."

In 2011, WTAE became part of the Hearst Television family again when Hearst purchased Argyle Television Holdings. Since then, the station has continued to innovate and adapt to the changing media landscape, expanding its digital footprint and launching new programming formats to meet the needs of its audience.

Today, WTAE remains one of the most respected and trusted media outlets in the Pittsburgh area, with a long history of providing quality news, sports, and entertainment to viewers. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the station continues to adapt and thrive in the years to come.