Ever wondered about the history behind Fox 2 Detroit? We’re standing right in front of its studios a place steeped in Detroit’s broadcasting legacy.
WJBK-TV first aired on October 24 1948. It was the third television station in Detroit and Michigan. It initially shared affiliations with CBS and DuMont. This made it a significant player in the early days of television.
Initially WJBK operated from Detroit’s Masonic Temple. It later moved to a custom-built studio in the New Center area. This impressive building which now houses the Midnight Golf Program resembled a Southern antebellum mansion. In 1970 the station relocated to its current location in Southfield. This move reflected the broader trend of businesses leaving the city center for the suburbs.
WJBK’s early programming included popular children’s shows. One notable show featured Milky the Clown. Another featured Sagebrush Shorty and his dummy sidekick Skinny Dugan. Jungle-La with wildlife expert Bwana Don Hunt also aired on WJBK. These local productions contributed to WJBK’s early success.
Beyond children’s programming WJBK aired Detroit Tigers baseball games from the 1950s to 1970s. This demonstrated the station’s early commitment to local sports coverage. WJBK also broadcast Detroit Lions games. Its coverage of Lions games continues to this day.
WJBK’s affiliation with CBS lasted until 1994. This long-standing relationship cemented its place as a cornerstone of Detroit broadcasting. In 1994 WJBK switched affiliations to Fox becoming Fox 2 Detroit. This change reflected significant shifts in the television landscape.
The station produced one of Detroit’s first morning talk shows. Ladies Day with Chuck Bergeson ran from 1952 to 1959. It featured games contests and interviews with major stars. This indicates the station’s early commitment to diverse programming.
WJBK also produced its own morning news shows instead of airing CBS morning programs. Good Morning Detroit eventually became Morning Magazine. This demonstrates the station’s belief in providing local content.
Throughout its history WJBK has consistently expanded its news programming. It currently broadcasts numerous hours of locally produced newscasts each week. This makes it a dominant force in local news coverage. WJBK also operates a fleet of news vehicles. It shares a news helicopter with other local stations.
The station’s newscasts have gone through various branding changes. Initially known as TV-2 Eyewitness News they are currently known as Fox 2 News. The switch to Fox saw significant changes in the newscasts’ schedule and format. The station has also produced investigative reports and segments.
WJBK’s iconic past includes notable personalities such as Sir Graves Ghastly. This horror movie host became a cultural icon in Detroit. Many prominent Detroit journalists worked at WJBK. Their contributions shaped the station’s identity and its standing within the community.
WJBK’s history is intertwined with the evolution of broadcasting in Detroit. It has adapted to changing technologies and audience preferences. Today Fox 2 Detroit continues to inform and entertain viewers. It is a testament to its longevity and its place in Detroit’s cultural history.