“Lights, camera, action” could very well have been the motto here. This is the TV Tower in New York City. It is a landmark with a history intertwined with the evolution of broadcasting.
Let’s journey back to November 5, 1961. WUHF took to the air. The City of New York and the FCC used it to test UHF broadcasts in an urban setting. This experiment involved installing UHF receivers in homes, schools, and businesses. Engineers monitored the reception.
After a successful test year, the city gained full control. The station became WNYC-TV on November 5, 1962. It matched its sister radio stations WNYC. Though commercial, WNYC-TV operated as a non-commercial educational station. It broadcast United Nations meetings and civic affairs programs. A 15-minute newscast, News from City Hall, highlighted municipal government events.
The station also leased airtime to foreign-language broadcasters. In the 1980s, Fujisankei Communications Group and RAI aired programs. WNYC-TV also joined the music video craze. Ralph McDaniels created Video Music Box in 1983. It showcased rap music and hip hop culture.
In 1994, Mayor Rudy Giuliani considered selling WNYC stations. He believed broadcasting was no longer essential for the city. In August 1995, ITT and Dow Jones won the WNYC-TV auction for $207 million. This was the highest price ever paid for a UHF station at the time.
The sale faced complaints. Foreign broadcasters and contributors criticized the decision. On June 30, 1996, WNYC-TV signed off. Twelve hours later, channel 31 reappeared as WBIS. It featured sports, stocks, style, and success. Carolyn Wall supervised the launch.
The new format launched on January 21, 1997. It included a Knicks game. Dow Jones provided business news coverage. ITT offered Knicks and Rangers coverage. WBIS also carried Fox Sports Net programs.
The hybrid format failed. ITT sold its share. Dow Jones sought to sell. Paxson Communications bought WBIS in May 1997 for $225 million. The hybrid format ended in June. WBIS signed off on June 30, 1997. Paxson renamed it WPXN-TV.
On August 31, 1998, WPXN premiered Pax television. NBC bought a stake in Pax in 1999. WNBC and WPXN aired rebroadcasts. The LMA ended in July 2005. NBC sold its stake.
The transmitter facilities were destroyed on September 11, 2001. WPXN returned to the air from a temporary facility. It moved its transmitter to the Empire State Building. On May 9, 2017, WPXN-TV announced it would broadcast from One World Trade Center.
In July 2005, Pax TV became i: Independent Television. On January 29, 2007, it became Ion Television. On September 24, 2020, E. W. Scripps Company acquired Ion Media. The sale was completed on January 7, 2021.
Today, the TV Tower stands as a testament to New York City’s broadcasting journey. It has evolved. It adapted to changing times. Its story reflects the city’s dynamic spirit.