WWJ-TV

Why did CBS, a major network, end up on channel 62 in Detroit? WWJ-TV, channel 62, has a truly unique story. It began as WGPR-TV in 1975, a groundbreaking achievement as the first Black-owned television station in the continental United States. Founded by Dr. William V. Banks and the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, WGPR-TV aimed to showcase Black culture and address community concerns. The station launched with ambitious plans for local programming, including a news department focused on urban issues. WWJ-TV’s early days were marked by both innovation and struggle. The station used videotape for news gathering, a first in Detroit, and launched “The Scene,” a popular dance music program. However, financial difficulties and technical challenges led to cutbacks and the cancellation of some planned shows. Despite these setbacks, WWJ-TV, then WGPR-TV, fostered the careers of many prominent Black media figures, like Pat Harvey and Shaun Robinson. The station’s reliance on paid religious programming and ethnic shows helped it stay afloat. After Banks’s death in 1985, the station faced ownership disputes and further programming shifts. WGPR-TV continued to evolve, showcasing local talent and reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of Detroit. Then, in 1994, a major shakeup in the Detroit television market changed everything. When WJBK-TV switched its affiliation from CBS to Fox, CBS desperately needed a new home. After failing to secure a deal with more established stations, CBS turned to WWJ-TV, then WGPR-TV, as a last resort, purchasing it for $24 million. This marked the end of WGPR-TV’s locally focused programming, which was replaced with CBS network shows and syndicated fare. The station’s call letters changed to WWJ-TV in 1995. CBS invested in upgrading the station’s signal and facilities. Despite efforts to establish a local news department, WWJ-TV struggled to gain traction against established competitors. The station experimented with brief newscasts and morning shows, but these were eventually discontinued. The arrival of CBS News Detroit in 2023, a streaming-first news service, finally brought a full-fledged news operation back to WWJ-TV. From its pioneering beginnings as a Black-owned station to its current role as a CBS affiliate with a focus on streaming news, WWJ-TV’s journey reflects the ever-changing landscape of the television industry.