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{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{for|the Cleveland radio station which identified as WJW from 1928 to 1985|WKNR}}
{{short description|TV station in Cleveland}}
{{Infobox broadcast
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
| call_letters = WJW
{{About|the television station in Cleveland||Fox 8 (disambiguation){{!}}Fox 8}}
| station_logo = ]
{{for|the Cleveland radio station that identified as WJW from 1929 to 1985|WKNR}}
| station_slogan = ''Cleveland's Own'' {{small|(general)}}<br/>''The Most Powerful Name in Local News'' {{small|(news)}}
{{Infobox television station
| station_branding = Fox 8 {{small|(general)}}<br/>Fox 8 News {{small|(newscasts)}}
| callsign = WJW
| digital = 8 (])<br/>]: 8 (])
| logo = Fox 8 logo 2020.webp
| subchannels = 8.1 Fox<br/>8.2 ]
| logo_upright = 1
| other_chs = {{small|21 (]) ]<br/>46 (UHF) ]<br/>(Applications)<br/>31 (UHF) WI9X3Y Cleveland}}
| logo_alt = Two connected shapes: at left, a red rectangle with the FOX wordmark; at right, a blue square with a white stylized 8 and the Fox searchlights in the background.
| affiliations = ]
| branding = Fox 8
| network =
| digital = 8 (])
| country = United States
| virtual = 8
| founded =
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''8.1:''' ]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1949|12|19}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1949|12|17|p=y|br=y}}{{efn|The station began broadcasting on November 28, 1949, to air '']'' on a nightly basis, but for testing purposes.{{r|PlainD19491129p15}}}}
| enddate =
| location = ], ] | location = ], Ohio
| country = United States
| callsign_meaning = '''W'''-"'''J'''ohn F. '''W'''eimer"<br/>{{nowrap|{{small|owner of ]}}}}<ref name="callsign-origin">{{cite web |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_docid=0EDF49D1370B857D&p_docnum=89&p_queryname=NaN&p_product=NewsBank&p_theme=aggregated4&p_nbid=H67D5EHYMTE3OTE2OTQxNy44NjA4MDA6MToxMzoxOTIuMjMyLjMwLjgw |title=Mystery of WJW call letters solved: Grandfather's initials launched station, woman says |accessdate=2007-04-29 |author=Bob Dyer |publisher='']'' |page=B2 |date=1988-08-07}}</ref>
| callsign_meaning = John F. Weimer, founder of ]<ref name="callsign-origin">{{cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=August 7, 1988 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-mystery-of-wjw/85221063/ |title=Mystery of WJW call letters solved: Grandfather's initials launched station, woman says |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
| former_callsigns = WXEL (1949–1956)<br>WJKW-TV (1977–1985)
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WXEL (1949–1956)|WJW-TV (1956–1977; 1985–1998)|WJKW-TV (1977–1985)}}
| former_channel_numbers = '''Analog''':<br/>9 (VHF, 1949–1953)<br/>8 (VHF, 1953–2009)<br/>'''Digital''':<br/>31 (], 1998–2009)
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 9 (VHF, 1949–1953), 8 (VHF, 1953–2009)|'''Digital:''' 31 (], 1999–2009)}}
| owner = ]
| owner = ]
| licensee = WJW License, LLC
| former_affiliations = ]/] (1949–1955)<br/>] (1955–1994) | licensee = Tribune Broadcasting Company II, ]
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|]/] (1949–1955)|] (1955–1994)}}
| effective_radiated_power = WJW: 11 ]<br>WI9X3Y: 430 kW
| HAAT = 342 ] | erp = 11 ]
| haat = {{convert|342|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 73150
| facility_id = 73150
| coordinates = {{coord|41|21|48|N|81|42|58|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41|21|48|N|81|42|57|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = ]
| licensing_authority = ]
| homepage = {{URL|http://fox8.com/}}
| website = {{URL|https://fox8.com/}}
}} }}
'''WJW''' (channel 8) is a ] in ], Ohio, United States, affiliated with the ] network. Owned by ], WJW maintains studios on ] Way (previously South Marginal Road) just northeast of downtown Cleveland near the shore of ], and its transmitter is located in the Cleveland suburb of ].


WJW was the third television station to sign on in Cleveland as WXEL, the first station to be built by Herbert Mayer, founder of the ]. WXEL began on channel 9 on December 17, 1949, two years to the date of ]'s sign-on. Initially a ] affiliate with select ] and ] programs, WXEL placed an emphasis on locally produced programming, originally from their studios and transmitter site in Parma and later from a renovated former movie theatre in ]. Mayer's attempt to build ] stations in ], and ] succeeded in the former and failed in the latter, prompting the sale of Empire Coil—including WXEL—to ] in January 1954, weeks after WXEL moved to channel 8. Storer purchased ] later in 1954, then secured the CBS affiliation for WXEL in March 1955. After WXEL's downtown studios were renovated into a colonial-style building for radio and television, WXEL was renamed WJW-TV.
'''WJW''', channel 8, is a ]-] ] located in and licensed to ], ], ]. Subchannel 8.2 serves as the area affiliate for the classic TV network ]. The station is owned by the ] subsidiary of ]. Its studios are located on South Marginal Road (now ] Way) just northeast of downtown Cleveland near the shore of ], and its transmitter is located in suburban ].


The station was an early career stepping stone for announcer ] and comedian ], who co-hosted the late-morning movie in late 1961 until Conway was discovered by ]. From 1963 to 1966, Anderson portrayed ] '']'', which had widespread popularity and has held a lasting cultural influence. After Anderson's departure, ], ] continued to host a weekly movie and comedy skit program on channel 8 for a combined 41 years. ] and ] co-anchored weeknight newscasts from 1963 to 1967, the first in the industry to market the newscasters, sportscaster and weather presenter as a cohesive on-air team. Dick Goddard became the station's chief meteorologist in 1965; he enjoyed an uninterrupted 51-year tenure recognized as a ] and was frequently regarded as Cleveland's most recognized and trusted media personality. Goddard created the annual ] in ], which the station continues to sponsor, and his on-air advocacy for animal welfare and pet adoption led to improved legislation against animal cruelty in Ohio. Under the direction of Virgil Dominic, channel 8's newscasts attained ratings success throughout the 1980s, particularly with the lead anchor team of ], ], Goddard, and sportscaster ].
==Digital television==
===Digital channels===
The station's digital channel is ]:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! ]
! ]
! ]
! ]
! Programming<ref></ref>
|-
| 8.1 || ] || ] || WJWDT-1 || Main WJW programming / Fox
|-
| 8.2 || ] || ] || WJWDT-2 || ]
|}


WJW-TV became WJKW in 1977 after WJW radio was sold but reclaimed the WJW call sign in 1985. Following Storer's privatization by ] in 1985, WJW has had a succession of owners. After a failed sale to ], businessman ] bought the Storer chain but lost the stations in a bankruptcy brought on by soured ] investments. ], headed by ], acquired WJW and the Gillett group amidst a flurry of purchases across the country. New World then announced ] with ] on May 23, 1994, after the network invested $500&nbsp;million into the company; WJW was the first of these stations to switch to Fox. While initially struggling to adjust to the new Fox affiliation, WJW's ratings recovered substantially, particularly after the network bought WJW and the other New World stations in late 1996. Since Fox sold the station in 2008, WJW has been owned by ], ] and Nexstar.
WJW is an affiliate of ], which is carried on digital subchannel 8.2.<ref name="WJW schedule"/> Channel 8.2 is also carried on several NE Ohio cable systems.


== Signing on as WXEL channel 9 ==
===Analog-to-digital conversion===
]
WJW shut down its analog signal, over ] channel 8, on June 12, 2009, the official date in which full-power television in the United States ] under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition ] channel 31 to VHF channel 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2012-03-24}}</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=November 2012}}</ref>
A practicing lawyer in ], Herbert Mayer became intrigued by manufacturing<ref name="BC521006p54">{{Cite magazine |date=October 6, 1952 |title=Our Respects To: Herbert Mayer |magazine=Broadcasting-Telecasting |pages=54, 62 |volume=43 |issue=14 |id={{ProQuest|1285705812}}}}</ref> and left the profession in 1944<ref name="ColSceneWin11p36">{{Cite magazine |last=Calo |first=Mary Ann |date=Winter 2011 |title=Modernism at the Fringes: Herbert Mayer '29 and the World House Galleries |url=https://issuu.com/colgateuniversity/docs/scene_winter_2011_ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |magazine=Colgate Scene |publisher=] |pages=36–41 |volume=XL |issue=2 |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054312/https://issuu.com/colgateuniversity/docs/scene_winter_2011_ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19520921p161">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=September 21, 1952 |title=Station WXEL Helps Establish Video as Major Medium Here |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-station-wxel-helps-esta/147480227/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041650/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-station-wxel-helps-esta/147480227/ |url-status=live }}</ref> to establish the ] in ], making coils for the ].<ref name="Standa19551102p1">{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1955 |title=Factory Closed By Empire Coil: Storer Co. Negotiates For Sale Of Site |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-factory-closed-by-empi/147273687/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Standard-Star |location=New Rochelle, New York |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513180758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-factory-closed-by-empi/147273687/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As ] ended, the company's factory was converted to manufacture ]s and ] coils for radio sets.<ref name="Standa19540109p1">{{Cite news |date=January 9, 1954 |title=Empire Coil Plant Here Sold: Storer Company Buys TV Stations Also From Mayer |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-empire-coil-plant-here/147260462/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Standard-Star |location=New Rochelle, New York |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513014857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-empire-coil-plant-here/147260462/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Standa19530619p6">{{Cite news |date=June 19, 1953 |title=Industry Takes Its Place In City Of Homes |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-industry-takes-its-pla/147266138/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Standard-Star |location=New Rochelle, New York |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513025249/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-industry-takes-its-pla/147266138/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Inspired by a keynote address from ] chairman ] extolling the potential of television,{{r|BC521006p54}} Mayer sought to expand into broadcasting.<ref name="Standa19471101p8">{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1947 |title=Empire Co. Gets Television O.K. |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-empire-co-gets-televi/147265979/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Standard-Star |location=New Rochelle, New York |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513025245/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-empire-co-gets-televi/147265979/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BC511217">{{cite magazine |date=December 17, 1951 |title=Telefile: WXEL Ends Second Year of Cleveland Service |magazine=Broadcasting-Telecasting |pages=72–74 |volume=41 |issue=25 |id={{ProQuest|1401197747}}}}</ref> Empire Coil applied with the ] (FCC) for a television station on channel 9 in Cleveland on September 27, 1947.<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/1cc67bd8-1367-5182-6429-e3b259fdd6ea|title=History Cards for WJW-TV/WJKW-TV|publisher=]}}</ref> Empire's channel 9 application was one of two additional channels proposed for Cleveland, joining ]'s ] (channel 5) and ]-owned ] (channel 4); five applicants sought the other channel, including the ] and radio stations ], ] and ].<ref name="PlainD19480919p119">{{Cite news |date=September 19, 1948 |title=Five Here Apply for Television |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-five-here-apply-for-tel/147215791/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220621/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-five-here-apply-for-tel/147215791/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19481031p107">{{Cite news |last=Kernan |first=Edward |date=October 31, 1948 |title=TV Broadcasting on 40 Stations, Another 116 Are Being Completed; 312 Applications |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-broadcasting-on-40-s/147230596/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E:Television |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220619/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-broadcasting-on-40-s/147230596/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The FCC granted the ] for Empire on October 30, 1947; land for the station's studios and transmitter site were secured on a ] on Pleasant Valley Road in ], {{Convert|617|ft|m|abbr=out}} above sea level,{{r|Standa19471101p8}}{{r|hc}} thought to be among the highest elevations in ].{{r|BC511217}}<ref name="PlainD19491218p111">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=December 18, 1949 |title=Television Editor Welcomes Channel 9 as 'New Window' |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-television-editor-welco/147269399/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513025245/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-television-editor-welco/147269399/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The FCC ] on issuing any additional television licenses in September 1948<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite magazine|last=Crater|first=Rufus|date=October 4, 1948|id={{ProQuest|1040475180}}|title=Television Freeze: FCC Action Halted Pending Definite Policy|volume=35|page=22A, 57|magazine=Broadcasting|issue=14}}|{{Cite magazine|date=October 11, 1948|id={{ProQuest|1285668301}}|title=TV Freeze: Generally Approved by Industry|volume=35|page=28|magazine=Broadcasting|issue=15}}}}</ref> that consequently delayed WXEL's launch by several months. While it was hoped WXEL could transmit ]s by May 1949,<ref name="PlainD19490204p19">{{Cite news |last=Stephan |first=Robert S. |date=February 4, 1949 |title=Golden Gloves Finals to Be on Video Two Hours Tonight |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-golden-gloves-finals-to/147123980/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220619/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-golden-gloves-finals-to/147123980/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the channel number and thus frequency was now in doubt: Cleveland was originally allocated channels on 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9,{{r|PlainD19481031p107}} but earlier in 1948, FCC and Canadian regulators had proposed moving channel 7 to Akron in exchange for channel 11, and moving channel 9 to ].<ref name="Telegr19480121p2">{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1948 |title=Television Channels May Be Reshuffled |url=https://newspapers.com/article/telegraph-forum-television-channels-may/147215692/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=Telegraph-Forum |location=Bucyrus, Ohio |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220617/https://www.newspapers.com/article/telegraph-forum-television-channels-may/147215692/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By April 1949, this was altered to have channel 9 moved to Canada.<ref name="PlainD19490415p19">{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1949 |title=City's Third TV Station, WXEL, Now Being Completed in Parma, Due to Open in October |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-citys-third-tv-station/147123824/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-citys-third-tv-station/147123824/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|Complicating matters, two applicants were vying for the channel 11 allocation in Akron;<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 3, 1948 |title=2 Akron Stations Bid for Lone Outlet |magazine=] |page=5 |volume=60 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|1040076795}}}}</ref><ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=June 30, 1948|title=This and That|page=23|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43951404/this_and_that/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43951404/this-and-that/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite magazine |date=April 12, 1948 |title=Outlook Among TV Grantees, etc. |magazine=Broadcasting |pages=8, 94 |volume=34 |issue=15}}}}</ref> following the end of the "freeze", this allocation was moved to the ] band on channel 49.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 17, 1952 |title=The New Grantees' Commencement Target Dates |magazine=Broadcasting |page=72 |volume=43 |issue=20 |id={{ProQuest|1285707215}}}}</ref>}} WXEL thus was unable to complete installation of equipment.<ref name="AkronB19490422p 36">{{Cite news |last=Offineer |first=Bee |date=April 22, 1949 |title=New Cable Poses TV Problem |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-new-cable-poses/147216177/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=36 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-new-cable-poses/147216177/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The FCC revised the allotment table by July 1949, adding two additional ] channels to Cleveland;<ref name="PlainD19490714p21">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=July 14, 1949 |title=Proposed FCC Action Would Open New Television Channels Here and Downstate |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-proposed-fcc-action-wou/147227273/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=21 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220624/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-proposed-fcc-action-wou/147227273/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WXEL remained on channel 9.<ref name="PlainD19490918p52">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=September 18, 1949 |title=WXEL, New TV Station, to Open in December; Network Affiliation Not Decided |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-new-tv-station-t/147124365/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=14B |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220619/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-new-tv-station-t/147124365/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The former temporary channel 31 transmitter has remained in a functional, though dormant state since the transition, and Tribune has donated the transmitter to the ], which will be used to test the "Futurecast" ] standard advanced by ] and ] beginning in May 2015, and continuing on for six months, as '''WI9X3Y'''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/84220/cleveland-to-be-site-of-nextgen-test-station|title=Cleveland To Be Site Of Next-Gen Test Station|last=Jessell|first=Henry|date=2 April|publisher=TVNewsCheck|accessdate=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/broadcast-engineering/0029/a-look-inside-the-cleveland-futurecasts-atsc-30-transmission-test/|title=A Look Inside the Cleveland Futurecast's ATSC 3.0 Transmission Test|last=Kovacs|first=Bob|date=13 July|publisher=TVTechnology|accessdate=12 August 2015}}</ref>


WXEL initially had not decided on a primary affiliation and considered having links to multiple networks, similar to how WEWS carried shows from DuMont, ] and ].{{r|PlainD19490918p52}} Russell F. Spiers, one of Herbert Mayer's former professors at ], was hired as WXEL's program director and had living quarters at the station's Parma facilities.{{r|PlainD19490204p19|PlainD19490918p52}} By October, WXEL set a tentative launch date for December 17 and signed up as a primary DuMont affiliate<ref name="PlainD19491106p108">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=November 6, 1949 |title=Radio Stations Overlook Local Happenings; TV Surprise Is In Store |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-radio-stations-overlook/147124797/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=28D |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-radio-stations-overlook/147124797/ |url-status=live }}</ref> along with ABC and CBS shows WEWS did not carry<ref name="PlainD19491026p10">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=October 26, 1949 |title=Life to Stir in Channel 9; Builders Have Acute Comments on Television |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-life-to-stir-in-channel/147124223/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-life-to-stir-in-channel/147124223/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and shows from the ].{{r|PlainD19491218p111}} Regular programming actually began during the station's testing phase on November 28, 1949, when engineers screened DuMont's '']'' on a nightly basis at 7&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="PlainD19491129p15">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=November 29, 1949 |title='Capt. Video' Comes to Television; Marshal Montgomery to Speak From New York Tonight |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-capt-video-comes-to/147124700/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512220618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-capt-video-comes-to/147124700/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first night of programming on December 17, 1949, was mostly impromptu with DuMont star ] serving as ]; during his remarks, Amsterdam repeatedly transposed the call sign by accident as "WEXL".{{r|PlainD19560415p171}}
==History==


] slide|alt=Television text pattern slide in the monochrome "bullseye" test style. Inside the center is a numeric "9"; at top-left in two lines are "WXEL" and "CLEVELAND"; at bottom-right is a globe with a band in the middle, reading "THE WORLD ON VIEW"]]
===WXEL===
Howard Hoffman, formerly with WHK and a onetime singer for the '']'', joined WXEL prior to sign-on as an announcer and weather forecaster.<ref name="CPD491218p126">{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1949 |title=Howard Hoffman, station announcer at WXEL... |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-howard-hoffman-station/160420310/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=16E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="WJWHist1">{{cite web |last=Warner |first=Richard |date=November 2, 2001 |title=The History of Channel 8: Getting Airborne |url=http://www.fox8cleveland.com:80/dynamic/images/stories/history/history1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060327123909/http://www.fox8cleveland.com:80/dynamic/images/stories/history/history1.html |archive-date=March 27, 2006 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=WJW-TV}}</ref> John FitzGerald joined five months after sign-on as an announcer<ref name="PlainD19791216p96">{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=December 16, 1979 |title=Channel 8 lights 30 candles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-lights-30-can/148382283/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=10E– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and nightly sportscaster;<ref name="PlainD19641127p72">{{Cite news |last=Flanigan |first=James B. |date=November 27, 1964 |title=Snap Course Becomes Career for Channel 8's FitzGerald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-snap-course-becomes-car/160454127/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=8, :TV Week |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> FitzGerald remained with the station until the booth announcer position was eliminated in 1982,<ref name="PlainD19820130p49">{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=January 30, 1982 |title=If strike hits WJKW, look for new faces |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-if-strike-hits-wjkw-lo/160392080/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19820203p10">{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1982 |title=On-air employees at Channel 8 agree on three-year contract |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-on-air-employees-at-cha/160392467/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> while Hoffman stayed until his 1986 retirement.<ref name="PlainD19860408p21">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=April 8, 1986 |title=Dollars put before ABC newsy shows on Channel 5 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dollars-put-before-abc/160392391/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Alice Weston joined WXEL in November 1950 from WEWS,<ref name="ABJ501026p28">{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1950 |title=Quiz Shows A Lottery Perhaps? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-quiz-shows-a-lo/45708021/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> hosting a daily ] and cooking show that ] in ] simulcast.{{r|BC511217}} ], then known as Soupy Hines, hosted a daily show on WXEL from 1951 to 1953;<ref name="AkronB19630421p 126">{{Cite news |last=Major |first=Jack |date=April 21, 1963 |title=Soupy Wants Another Show: The Custard Pie Habit Has Him Hooked |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-soupy-wants-ano/160454568/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=14F– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> it was at WXEL that Sales first used the ] gag that became a staple of his comedy routine.{{r|WJWHist1|AkronB19991212p 55}}<ref name="v986">{{cite web |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=October 26, 2009 |title=Soupy Sales got his first pie in the face in Cleveland |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv/2009/10/soupy_sales_got_his_first_pie.html |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer}}</ref>
{{Distinguish2|] in West Palm Beach, Florida}}
The television station launched on December 19, 1949 on channel 9 as '''WXEL''', owned by the Empire Coil Company, a ] manufacturer of radio coils and transformers.<ref>http://home.comcast.net/~kptv/History/history.htm</ref> In its early years, WXEL was a primary ] affiliate, and later became a secondary provider of ] programs, sharing that affiliation with ] (channel 5). WXEL also carried a number of CBS programs that WEWS declined to air.


The station quickly established itself in sports, signing up to carry both ] baseball called by ] and ],<ref name="PlainD19500304p6">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=March 4, 1950 |title=Bob Neal Leaves WGAR Spot; Becomes Sports Director of Station WERE |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-bob-neal-leaves-wgar-sp/160495558/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and ] football called by ].<ref name="PlainD19500916p17">{{Cite news |date=September 16, 1950 |title=Fall Sportscast Schedules, Radio and TV, Should More Than Fill Fans' Cup |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fall-sportscast-schedul/160480799/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=17 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WXEL's Browns coverage was carried over the DuMont network as part of their ].{{r|BC511217}} ] was telecast live from ] and Cranwood Park, along with ] matches from ].<ref name="PlainD19520921p161a">{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1952 |title=WXEL Tops in Sports Coverage |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-tops-in-sports-cov/160818682/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Indians baseball remained on WXEL until 1955, when the team moved to WEWS.<ref name="PlainD19601007p18">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=October 7, 1960 |title=Condon's Column: WJW-TV Will Carry Indians Next Season |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-condons-column-wjw-tv/160454438/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=18 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Warren Guthrie, head of the speech department at ], became WXEL's first newscaster with the nightly ''Your ] Reporter'', which debuted on May 7, 1951, and aired nightly at 11&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="CPD510507p14">{{cite news |last=Condon |first=George |date=May 7, 1951 |title=On the Air: 'New Techniques' Promised in News Series of Western Reserve's Warren Guthrie |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-on-the-air-new-techni/160418915/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Guthrie's newscast was regionally syndicated to a network of stations across Ohio.{{r|BC511217}} For a short time in 1952, ] did live commercial reads for ], which sponsored a nightly news analysis program that directly followed ''Your Sohio Reporter''.{{r|WJWHist1|PlainD19791216p96}}
WXEL also carried an affiliation with the short-lived ], and in fact was one of that network's strongest affiliates. The station aired such Paramount Network programs as ''Hollywood Wrestling'',<ref name="TCT1953">{{cite news|title=Television|date=1953-12-11|work=The Coshocton Tribune|page=14|location=Coshocton, OH}}</ref> ''Bandstand Revue'',<ref name="TCT1955b">{{cite news|title=Television|date=1955-08-27|work=The Coshocton Tribune|page=4|location=Coshocton, OH}}</ref> and ''Time For Beany''.<ref name="NCN1950">{{cite news|date=1950-06-08|work=New Castle News|page=30|location=New Castle, PA}}</ref> During the late 1950s, the station was also briefly affiliated with the ].<ref name="Boxoffice7">{{Cite journal| last = | first = | title = Require Prime Evening Time for NTA Films| journal = Boxoffice| volume = | issue = | page = 13| date = November 10, 1956| url = http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_111056-1| doi = | id =| postscript = <!--None--> }}</ref>


A phased expansion of WXEL's facilities was launched under Empire in 1951: the Pleasant Valley Road studio/transmitter building was first quadrupled in size,<ref name="PlainD19520914p38">{{Cite news |date=September 14, 1952 |title=WXEL's Opening of Studio D Brightens Playhouse Square |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxels-opening-of-studi/147480519/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=38 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041643/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxels-opening-of-studi/147480519/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and the company signed a long-term lease of the former Esquire Theatre on ].{{r|BC511217}} The Esquire, a ] in the city's ] district,<ref name="PlainD19510919p1">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=September 19, 1951 |title=WXEL To Open TV Center in Esquire |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-to-open-tv-center/147563796/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-to-open-tv-center/147563796/ |url-status=live }}</ref> had closed earlier in the year due to competition from television.<ref name="PlainD19510529p12">{{Cite news |last=Pullen |first=Glenn C. |date=May 29, 1951 |title=Stanja Lowe of Play House Marries John Marley, New York Actor-Director; Esquire Closes |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-stanja-lowe-of-play-hou/147562741/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-stanja-lowe-of-play-hou/147562741/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19510603p101">{{Cite news |last=Marsh |first=W. Ward |date=June 3, 1951 |title=Heavy Product, Night Games, Television Take Their Toll |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-heavy-product-night-ga/147564604/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=25D |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043957/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-heavy-product-night-ga/147564604/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While the renovated Esquire was regarded as "Studio D",{{r|PlainD19520921p161}}<ref name="PlainD19520913p4">{{Cite news |date=September 13, 1952 |title=WXEL's Studio to Be Dedicated Tonight as Newest TV Showplace Here |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxels-studio-to-be-ded/147480462/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041651/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxels-studio-to-be-ded/147480462/ |url-status=live }}</ref> this facility became WXEL's main studio, supplanting the Parma plant.{{r|hc}} Mayer additionally created a mascot for WXEL, Little Ajax the Elephant, and wrote a children's book based on the character.{{r|ColSceneWin11p36}}
Following the 1952 release of the ]' s ''Sixth Report and Order'', a realignment of VHF channels in the Midwest forced WXEL to move to channel 8 on December 10, 1953. Its former channel 9 allocation was moved to ] and given to a new station, WSTV-TV (now ]); the switch took place only two weeks before WSTV-TV went on the air.


== Changing to channel 8, Storer, CBS and WJW-TV ==
In 1954 Empire Coil sold two of its television interests—WXEL and ] in ], the United States' first ] station—to ]. George B. Storer, the company's founder and president, was a member of the board of directors of ], and used his influence to take the CBS television affiliation from WEWS in March 1955.<ref>"Westinghouse pays record to buy DuMont's WDTV (TV)." ''Broadcasting - Telecasting'', December 6, 1954, pp. 27-28. </ref><ref> '']'', January 10, 1955, pg. 28.</ref>
]
In the span of {{Age in years, months and days|1953|12|10|1956|04|15}}, every aspect of the station—the channel number, ownership, network affiliation and the call sign—changed. The first change occurred at midnight on December 10, 1953, when WXEL moved from channel 9 to 8.<ref name="PlainD19531209p38">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=December 9, 1953 |title=WXEL Leaves Channel 9 at Midnight Tonight for Channel 8 in Expansion Program |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-leaves-channel-9-a/147576778/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=38 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-leaves-channel-9-a/147576778/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The switchover was dictated by the FCC in their 1952 ''Sixth Report and Order'', which included several allocation revisions; this also affected WNBK, which needed to move to channel 3.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=May 19, 1952 |title=TV coverage; RTMA predicts expansion |magazine=Broadcasting |page=78 |volume=42 |issue=21 |id={{ProQuest|1285687906}}}}</ref> WXEL's move was necessary in order for ] in ], to sign on at channel 9<ref name="DailyT19531203p 1">{{Cite news |date=December 3, 1953 |title=TV Reception To Improve With Change Of Stations |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-tv-reception-to-improve/147572716/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Daily Times |location=New Philadelphia, Ohio |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518044002/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-tv-reception-to-improve/147572716/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19531207p 26">{{Cite news |last=Cullison |first=Art |date=December 7, 1953 |title=WXEL Ups Power, Goes To Channel 8 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wxel-ups-power/147573451/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=24 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wxel-ups-power/147573451/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History Cards for WSTV-TV/WTOV-TV|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/5890d326-0644-1cf3-2f1a-cdfd6596c83b|publisher=]}}</ref> and enabled WXEL to construct a taller tower with an increase in power.<ref name="PlainD19531205p19">{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1953 |title=Station WXEL Moves to Channel 8 and Increases Power on Thursday |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-station-wxel-moves-to-c/147572579/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-station-wxel-moves-to-c/147572579/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Empire began to expand after the FCC's "freeze" was lifted. ] in ], debuted in 1952 as the first commercial UHF station authorized by the agency.<ref name="Kans530123">{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1953 |title=TV-UHF To Be Here: FCC Grants Station License to Empire Coil Company of New Rochelle, N. Y. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108618372/tv-uhf-to-be-here-fcc-grants-station-li/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830204805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108618372/tv-uhf-to-be-here-fcc-grants-station/ |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |page=1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> An additional station, ] in ], signed on the following year, and Empire sought UHF permits in ] and ].<ref name="Kans530614">{{Cite news |last=Kiewit |first=Fred |date=June 14, 1953 |title=The Second Television Station Here Goes Into Action Quickly. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108619362/the-second-television-station-here-goes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830204802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108619362/the-second-television-station-here-goes/ |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |page=3E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>{{r|BC540104}} KCTY's existence was short as two VHF competitors took to the air several months later,<ref name="Kans530803">{{Cite news |date=August 3, 1953 |title=New TV Station on Air: Programming Is Begun by KMBC-TV and WHB-TV. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108623346/new-tv-station-on-air-programming-is-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830204806/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108623346/new-tv-station-on-air-programming-is/ |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |newspaper=The Kansas City Times |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="StJo530927">{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1953 |title=KCMO's TV Is on Air Today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108622917/kcmos-tv-is-on-air-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830204805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108622917/kcmos-tv-is-on-air-today/ |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |newspaper=St. Joseph News-Press |page=36 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> leaving KCTY as a sole DuMont affiliate.<ref name="Kans530830">{{Cite news |date=August 30, 1953 |title=KCTY Signs With Du Mont: UHF Station Here a Basic Affiliate of Network |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108622999/kcty-signs-with-du-mont-uhf-station-her/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830204806/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108622999/kcty-signs-with-du-mont-uhf-station/ |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |page=14B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This, plus a reluctance by the Kansas City market to purchase UHF converters,{{r|TVD540102}} resulted in a nearly $750,000 loss for Empire.{{r|BC540118p5}} On December 31, 1953, Empire sold KCTY to DuMont for $1: the low sale price reflected Mayer's wishes to dispose of the station but reluctance to take it ].<ref name="BC540104">{{cite magazine|date=January 4, 1954 |title=KCTY (TV) Moves from Empire to DuMont for $1 |magazine=Broadcasting |page=7 |volume=46 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|1285702184}}}}</ref><ref name="TVD540102">{{cite news |date=January 2, 1954 |title=DuMont Takes Over Kansas City UHF |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Digest/50s/Television-Digest-1954-01.pdf#page=9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012000128/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Digest/50s/Television-Digest-1954-01.pdf#page=9 |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |work=Television Digest |pages=3–4 |via=World Radio History |volume=10 |issue=1}}</ref> Days later, Empire Coil was sold to ] for $8.5&nbsp;million, including WXEL, KPTV and the New Rochelle factory;{{r|Standa19540109p1}}<ref name="PlainD19540109p1">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=January 9, 1954 |title=WXEL is Sold in $8,500,000 Storer Deal |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-is-sold-in-8500/147436435/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-is-sold-in-8500/147436435/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the sale was attributed to KCTY's financial failure and a decline in Empire's coil manufacturing business.<ref name="BC540118p5">{{cite magazine|date=January 18, 1954 |title=Closed Circuit |magazine=Broadcasting |page=5 |volume=46 |issue=3 |id={{ProQuest|1285706916}}}}</ref>
===WJW-TV (1956&ndash;77)===
Storer changed channel 8's call letters to '''WJW-TV''' on April 15, 1956, to complement Cleveland sister stations {{nowrap|]}} and {{nowrap|]}}—now radio stations ] and ], respectively. All three stations later moved to the former Esquire Theater building at 1630 ], near Playhouse Square.


]
In its early years, the station lagged behind its competitors in producing local programming, perhaps because its studio was located at the transmitter in Parma, while the other stations had studios downtown. A young ], previously at ] radio in ], worked for WXEL starting in 1949. Freed hosted an afternoon movie and performed live commercials for several years before he became the self-titled ''] "]"'' while as an evening host on WJW radio, before moving on to radio jobs in ]. ], then known as Soupy Hines, had a weekday variety program called ''Soup's On'' where he started his pie-in-the-face routines.
Approval was contingent on Storer selling off ] and ] in ], along with the FCC revising ownership limits so a company could own seven television stations, five on VHF; the latter took place in late September.<ref name="PlainD19540924p13">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=September 24, 1954 |title=FCC Ruling Clears Way for Sale of WXEL to Storer Chain... Program Changes Sighted |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fcc-ruling-clears-way-f/147455891/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fcc-ruling-clears-way-f/147455891/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to consummation, Storer purchased WJW for $330,000 on October 8, 1954.<ref name="PlainD19541008p21">{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Tom |date=October 8, 1954 |title=Storer Broadcasting Co. Buys WJW for Reported $330,000 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-storer-broadcasting-co/147456547/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=21 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041656/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-storer-broadcasting-co/147456547/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This paired WJW with a television station. After the FCC removed Cleveland's fourth VHF allocation,<ref name="CPD19510530p36">{{cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=May 30, 1951 |title=WHK Applies For Color TV Permit: Asks Channel 19; Carpenter Hails New Era |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zpdkchbwiarguhlyzkszqdchfbmagqos_wma-gateway016_1666818676886 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027120640/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zpdkchbwiarguhlyzkszqdchfbmagqos_wma-gateway016_1666818676886 |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |newspaper=] |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=36 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> WJW had filed for a UHF license on channel 19 but withdrew after determining it was not economically viable.<ref name="CPD19530930p32">{{cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=September 30, 1953 |title=WJW Drops TV Channel Bid; OK for WHK Expected |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//yuutpbzdquhmultmjxrqvhqowgyeoscw_wma-gateway019_1666818704485 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027035012/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//yuutpbzdquhmultmjxrqvhqowgyeoscw_wma-gateway019_1666818704485 |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=32 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Company president George B. Storer regarded Cleveland as "such a swell market" when explaining the two purchases,<ref name="PlainD19541012p9">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=October 12, 1954 |title=Storer Unveils Future Plans: Snyder Stays at WJW... Mervyn France Joins Board |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-storer-unveils-future-p/147455966/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-storer-unveils-future-p/147455966/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but family ties to the city also existed: a street in the city was named after his great-grandfather, and an ancestor was the first child born in the ].<ref name="PlainD19560415p171">{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=April 15, 1956 |title=Looks to the Days Before WXEL Married Into WJW Family |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-looks-to-the-days-befor/147476590/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1E, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041640/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-looks-to-the-days-befor/147476590/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


]
The station also broadcast a popular and unique 11:00 p.m. newscast, ''The ] Reporter'', featuring a ] speech professor named Warren Guthrie who delivered the entire newscast from memory, speaking directly into the camera long before the days of the ].<ref name = "WJW history"></ref> In 1961, WJW-TV became the broadcast rights holder of the ]. Channel 8's partnership with the team continued through 1979, when the Indians moved to then-independent station ] (channel 43). WJW also carried Indians games that were part of the ], and later, ] network packages of ] games.
Storer's entry into Cleveland immediately set off speculation over a new network affiliation for WXEL, which was now primarily an ABC affiliate with select DuMont programs.{{r|PlainD19540924p13}} Indeed, an affiliation swap was announced between WXEL and WEWS in early December 1954, with WXEL becoming a primary CBS station; in what was regarded as an industry surprise, WGAR renewed their ] contract, and WJW remained with ].<ref name="PlainD19541214p22">{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1954 |title=WGAR Confounds Prophets by Winning C.B.S. Renewal Despite Strong Bid by Storer's WJW |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wgar-confounds-prophets/147455588/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041642/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wgar-confounds-prophets/147455588/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WXEL joined CBS on March 2, 1955.<ref name="PlainD19550227p137">{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1955 |title=Two TV Stations Here to Exchange Network Affiliations Wednesday |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-two-tv-stations-here-to/147456583/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=137 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041638/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-two-tv-stations-here-to/147456583/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The affiliation switch, coupled with the collapse of DuMont, prompted the Browns to have their games televised on a 22-station regional network fed by WEWS beginning with the 1955 season.<ref name="PlainD19550416p20">{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1955 |title=22-Station TV Network Airs Browns |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-22-station-tv-network-a/160496854/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=20 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19560817p12">{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Tom |date=August 17, 1956 |title=Sinatra Sings Another Tune on Ed Sullivan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-sinatra-sings-another-t/160505644/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> While CBS assumed ] in 1956, the Browns kept their separate network arrangement until 1958.<ref name="PlainD19580626p31">{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Russell W. |date=June 26, 1958 |title=Six Browns' Games to Be on WJW-TV |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-six-browns-games-to-be/160508272/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=31 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


Storer renovated WXEL's Euclid Avenue studios to house WJW radio as well as the television station.<ref name="PlainD19550102p10">{{Cite news |date=January 2, 1955 |title=WXEL Plans to Revamp: Remodeling to Include For New Sister WJW |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-plans-to-revamp-r/147455725/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wxel-plans-to-revamp-r/147455725/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A ] design was chosen as it contrasted significantly from the buildings that surrounded it. The interior evoked 1770-era ], accommodating up to 40 different studios for both radio and television. A ] added to the top drew comparison to ], and a ] was built facing the general manager's office.<ref name="PlainD19560415p168">{{Cite news |last=Relihan |first=Cecil |date=April 15, 1956 |title=Architectural Dial Is Set at 1770 by New WJW |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-architectural-dial-is-s/147479113/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516041657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-architectural-dial-is-s/147479113/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The grand opening for the facility coincided with WXEL's renaming to WJW-TV on April 15, 1956;<ref name="PlainD19560401p154">{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Tom |date=April 1, 1956 |title=WGAR to Introduce Five Political Shows |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wgar-to-introduce-five/147514538/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043746/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wgar-to-introduce-five/147514538/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the call sign change and building's dedication was telecast live, including a ] by the ] and Cleveland mayor ] proclaiming "WJW Week" for the city.<ref name="PlainD19560415p165a">{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1956 |title=New Name, New Home: That's the WJW Story |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-name-new-home-tha/147474854/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043755/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-name-new-home-tha/147474854/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mayer intended to reuse the WXEL call sign for a planned UHF station in Boston.{{r|PlainD19560415p171}}{{efn|While this did not happen, the ] station in ], renamed itself ] in 1985; that station's program manager previously worked at the Cleveland WXEL in the early 1950s.<ref name="Palm850130">{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1985 |title=Dusty's Baby Is Growing Fast |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-dustys-baby-is-grow/126625142/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |newspaper=The Palm Beach Post |page=A14 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054313/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-dustys-baby-is-grow/126625142/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} The colonial architecture and façade would soon be implemented at other Storer stations, including ] in ]<ref name="Miam640622">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack E. |date=June 22, 1964 |title=$1 Million Project Planned by WGBS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103794489/1-million-project-planned-by-wgbs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615085244/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103794489/1-million-project-planned-by-wgbs/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |page=7-B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and ]'s ] in ].<ref name="nom">{{citation |last=Macfarlane-Faes |first=Martha |date=March 4, 2016 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: WJBK-TV Studios Building |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/da2474fb-4b4a-4997-a1e8-aabb28b4df79 |access-date=December 8, 2024}}</ref>
On November 16, 1963, approximately 30 WJW radio and TV personalities went on strike, forcing both stations to use supervisory and production personnel in those roles, many from parent company Storer Broadcasting stations in Atlanta and Miami. The main bargaining point was Storer's attempt to institute a new, drastically reduced fee schedule for performers. On November 20, WJW-TV broadcast a taped panel segment that offered the striking performers the opportunity to state its case, since management had presented its side two nights earlier. After nearly reaching agreement on November 23 before talks collapsed, the two sides finally came to an agreement on November 27.


== The Playhouse Square years ==
In September 1963, WJW-TV was one of the first stations to use a two-man news anchor team, ] and ], in the studio together. The newscast was called ''City Camera News'', and reporters were equipped with ] to photograph news events, so that pictures could be quickly broadcast when they returned to the studio.<ref></ref> Station programming also featured ''Adventure Road'' hosted by Jim Doney, which presented filmed travelogues narrated by the filmmakers. Daly and Adair reigned as Cleveland's top news team until June 1967, when Daly was hired away by ] in ]. Adair remained at channel 8 through July 1970, when he joined ] (channel 3), which was then owned by ]. Later in 1964, WJW-TV was the first full CBS affiliate in Ohio, and the first Cleveland TV station, to start local color broadcasts.
WJW-TV became a centerpiece of local programming throughout their time at Playhouse Square. Jim Doney joined the station in 1952 as an announcer and news reader; by December 1962, he became the host of ''Adventure Road'', a daily showcase of filmed ]s and in-studio interviews.<ref name="PlainD19650819p37">{{Cite news |last=Minch |first=John |date=August 19, 1965 |title=Host of 'Adventure Road': Jim Doney Leads 'Walter Mitty' Life |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-host-of-adventure-road/147663424/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=37 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>{{r|PlainD20140910p14}} ''Adventure Road'' became a staple at channel 8 for over 12 years and survived a 1973 schedule realignment where WJW began to carry CBS's daytime lineup on a more consistent basis.<ref name="PlainD19730308p20">{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=March 8, 1973 |title=Channel 8 Changes Signal Closer Use of Network Format |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-changes-signa/147877217/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> After the show ended in 1975, Doney joined ] in ].<ref name="PlainD20140910p14">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=September 10, 2014 |title='Adventure Road' TV host Jim Doney dies at age 88 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-adventure-road-tv-hos/160290262/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=A14 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19770521p26">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 21, 1977 |title=Doney returns on film to talk about polkas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-doney-returns-on-film-t/148151433/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Character actor Ray Stawiarski<ref name="Newsda19741024p196">{{Cite news |last=Kornheiser |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Kornheiser |date=October 24, 1974 |title=A Pole Premieres On LI |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-a-pole-premier/148734647/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) |location=Melville, New York |pages=, 20A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> portrayed ]-wearing children's show host "Franz the Toymaker" beginning in 1964 and running through the rest of the decade.<ref name="AkronB19640216p 81">{{Cite news |last=Major |first=Jack |date=February 16, 1964 |title=He's Got Franz In His Plans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-hes-got-franz/148693611/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=2F, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19680421p140">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=April 21, 1968 |title=Franz Uses Psychology: How to Entertain Children on TV by Really Trying |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-franz-uses-psychology/148693230/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=30E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WJW radio talent additionally appeared on channel 8: ] (known as "Casey on the Mike" at the radio station) hosted ''Cleveland Bandstand'' from 1959 to 1960,<ref name="CPDKasemTimeinCLE">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 15, 2014 |title=Casey Kasem's time "at the mike" in Cleveland did him some good |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2014/06/casey_kasems_time_at_the_mike_in_cleveland_made_lasting_marks.html |access-date=October 20, 2021 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en}}</ref> while morning host Ed Fisher portrayed ] for a local version of '']'' from 1960 to 1968.<ref name="EdFisherObit">{{Cite news |last=Vishnevsky |first=Zina |date=February 4, 1993 |title=Edward Fisher, radio personality and television's Bozo the Clown |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80705BF80F2F71 |access-date=October 13, 2021 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6D |via=NewsBank}}</ref> Cleveland Indians baseball games also returned to channel 8 beginning with the 1960 season.{{r|PlainD19601007p18}}


] was a reporter and anchor for WJW-TV from 1963 to 1967; this advertisement shows him on the scene of a rescue at ] in ].|alt="THIS IS JOEL DALY IN WHIPPS LEDGES!!!" You were there too...with CITY CAMERA!!! Whipps Ledges was the scene of this past week's most dramatic news story. The CITY CAMERA photographers and reporters were there to bring you firsthand reports on the breathtaking vigil and rescue from a cave of 15-year-old Morris Baetzold. The CITY CAMERA newsmen were the first television newsmen on the scene and they remained for over twenty hours bringing you each chapter of this human drama as it unfolded Yes, Joel Daly was in Whipps Ledges. You were too...with CITY CAMERA..."News with the Human Touch." CITY CAMERA... ... Noon .. 6:00 p.m. .. 11:00 p.m. WJW-TV 8.]]
Following Daly's departure, Martin Ross became Adair's on-air news partner for the next three years, then teamed with Murray Stewart when Adair left. The duo worked together until Ross's death from cancer in April 1973. Jeff Maynor had filled in when Ross was undergoing treatment, and continued in that role for the next four months until Jim Hale teamed with Stewart beginning on September 11, 1973. Just over a year later, Stewart asked to be taken off the broadcast, citing health problems, and was later reassigned to the noon news, with Maynor taking his place on the nightly broadcast. Stewart committed suicide on August 3, 1976, overdosing on ] in a suburban Cleveland motel.
] joined WJW in September 1957{{r|PlainD19700716p35}} as an announcer and studio host before switching to the news department the following year.{{r|PlainD19830303p36}} The station launched ''City Camera News'' as a five-minute news roundup directly following Guthrie,<ref name="WJWHist2">{{cite web |last=Warner |first=Richard |date=November 2, 2001 |title=The History of Channel 8: News Takes Hold |url=http://www.fox8cleveland.com:80/dynamic/images/stories/history/history2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060327123909/http://www.fox8cleveland.com:80/dynamic/images/stories/history/history2.html |archive-date=March 27, 2006 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=WJW-TV}}</ref> who eschewed coverage of local news due to being syndicated and did not cover the 1954 ] trial.<ref name="CPD580308p17">{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Russell W. |date=March 8, 1958 |title=Channel Swimmer: Verdict Gets on Air, but It Was Murder! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-swimmer-verdic/160475203/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=17 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ''City Camera''{{'}}s title came from the usage of ] photographs taken at the scene of news events, which were then attached to ] and broadcast on-air.{{r|WJWHist2}} By 1963, Adair was part of the station's 11&nbsp;p.m. news alongside Guthrie, sportscaster FitzGerald and weatherman Hoffman, which began to be promoted on-air as a team.<ref name="PlainD19630504p90">{{Cite news |last=Beam |first=Alvin W. |date=May 4, 1963 |title=Fluidity Reigns on Channel 8's Revamped 11 p.m. News Report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fluidity-reigns-on-chan/148511493/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=14:TV Week |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Guthrie was replaced by WEWS news director ] in September 1963, expanding ''City Camera'' to a half-hour broadcast.<ref name="PlainD19630810p4">{{Cite news |date=August 10, 1963 |title=Guthrie to Leave TV; Daly Moves |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-guthrie-to-leave-tv-da/148511147/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Daly was teamed in-studio with Adair for the 11&nbsp;p.m. news, increasingly competitive in the ratings against ] at KYW-TV<ref name="PlainD19640906p93">{{Cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=September 6, 1964 |title=And Their Ratings Keep Climbing: Ace Newsmen Daly and Adair Mark Banner Year on Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-and-their-ratings-keep/147881731/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and eventually became the market leader, retrospectively described as "the most formidable news team in the city".{{r|PlainD19830303p36}} The 11&nbsp;p.m. news was also the first newscast of any kind to directly combine the weather report and sportscast into the same program, and was the first to utilize the "]" format.{{r|PlainD19791216p96}}


Veteran announcer ], who had increased visibility due to CBS's policy of local announcers calling NFL games for the network, joined WJW in late 1964 as lead sportscaster<ref name="PlainD19641222p42">{{Cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=December 22, 1964 |title=Voice of the Browns: Ken Coleman Joins WJW News Team |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-voice-of-the-browns-ke/160454061/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=42 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but left in 1966 to become the radio voice of the ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1966 |title=Browns Seek Replacement for TV Voice |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-browns-seek-replacement/160470209/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=42 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ABC hired away Daly in 1967 to anchor for ], their ] in ], with Martin Ross taking over for Daly.<ref name="PlainD19670724p34">{{Cite news |last=Flanigan |first=James B. |date=July 24, 1967 |title=Basic Lesson Required: Fulminating Senator Needs Enlightenment |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-basic-lesson-required/147662911/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=34 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Adair left WJW for ] in the fall of 1970, signing a unprecedented four-year contract.<ref name="PlainD19700716p35">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=July 16, 1970 |title=Veteran Newsman to Join Channel 3: WJW-TV Seeking Adair Replacement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-veteran-newsman-to-join/147881650/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Adair's replacement was veteran newsman Murray Stewart; Ross died from cancer in April 1973, while Stewart was moved to the noon news the following year due to declining health.<ref name="PlainD19760804p5">{{Cite news |date=August 4, 1976 |title=Murray Stewart found dead in Beachwood motel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-murray-stewart-found-de/148510254/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Under the anchor team of Jim Hale and Jeff Maynor, WJW's ratings declined significantly against a resurgent WEWS,<ref name="PlainD19830303p36">{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=March 3, 1983 |title=Doug Adair will sign off with admirable record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-doug-adair-will-sign-of/148506081/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> which also adopted a "happy talk" format consulted by ].{{r|AkronB19770710p 1}}
]—the immensely popular Cleveland ].]]
One of the most memorable programs produced by WJW-TV was the Friday late night ] hosted by "]", a character created by ].<ref name = "WJW history" /> Wearing a bad fright ] and phony beard and a pair of sunglasses with only one lens, he interacted with the movies and created an on-going patter and rehearsed skits during the movie breaks. The program began on January 11, 1963 as "Shock Theater" and created a generation of fans who could recite catch phrases such as "Turn Blue", "Stay Sick", "Camera Four" and "Ova Dey." Before Ghoulardi, Anderson had a weekday morning program on channel 8 starting in 1961 called ''Ernie's Place'' with sidekick ] (then credited as "Tom Conway"), that included live skits reminiscent of ].<ref name = "WJW movie hosts"></ref>


A new three-story building was constructed for WJW on South Marginal Drive, near the Lake Erie shoreline, between 1974 to 1975.<ref name="PlainD19740528p12">{{Cite news |date=May 28, 1974 |title=Construction starts today on Channel 8 building |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-construction-starts-tod/147662860/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519044736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-construction-starts-tod/147662860/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When inaugurated on November 2, 1975, the {{Convert|75600|sqft|abbr=out|adj=on}} facility was an upgrade from the prior studios, which only had {{Convert|29000|sqft|abbr=out|adj=on}}; management expressed hope for additional local entertainment programming, and one studio was purpose-built for newscasts.<ref name="CPD751102p101">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=November 2, 1975 |title=Channel 8 crew moves into new quarters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-crew-moves-in/148709702/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11:Five |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
When Anderson left for lucrative voice-over work in ] in September 1966, the Friday night movie slot was succeeded by ''The Hoolihan and Big&nbsp;Chuck Show''—cohosted by ], who did the station weather forecasts as "Hoolihan the Weatherman"; and ], a station engineer who had risen to director and had appeared in some of Ghoulardi's skits. After Bob Wells departed channel 8 in September 1979, his position was filled by local jeweler and ] ], who had also previously performed in skits on the show. The program was renamed as the ''The Big Chuck and Lil' John Show'', and it continued airing on Friday nights before moving to Saturday nights in the early 1990s. The show ended its run on June 16, 2007, as Chuck Schodowski retired after a 47-year career at channel 8. At the time of its conclusion, ''The Big Chuck and Lil' John Show'' had been the only locally produced television show in the Cleveland market that was primarily entertainment, that is not news or informational (Big Chuck & Lil' John have since made a comeback of sorts by hosting a new 30 minute program featuring their classic skits that began 9/10/11).<ref name = "WJW movie hosts" />


== Ernie Anderson and ''Ghoulardi'' ==
===WJKW-TV===
{{main|Ernie Anderson|Ghoulardi}}
The station moved to its present studios at 5800 South Marginal Road on November 2, 1975. While {{nowrap|]}} was sold in the late 1960s, Storer kept {{nowrap|]}} until late 1976. The AM station's new owners were allowed to keep the WJW call letters, forcing channel 8 to change theirs. At the time, the FCC did not allow radio and television stations with different owners to share the same base call letters—this is not the case today. As a result, channel 8 changed its callsign to '''WJKW-TV''' on April 22, 1977. The added "K" did not stand for anything.<ref name = "WJW history" />
A former announcer at WHK and KYW-TV,{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=26–29}} ] joined WJW-TV on July 17, 1961, as host of ''Ernie's Place'', a late-morning movie interlaced with comedy skits.<ref name="PlainD19610713p20">{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Russell W. |date=July 13, 1961 |title=Channel 3 to Have DiSalle Monday Night |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-3-to-have-disal/147514594/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=20 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043757/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-3-to-have-disal/147514594/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19610830p15">{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Russell W. |date=August 30, 1961 |title=Channel 8 to Drop Ed Allen for Movies |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-to-drop-ed-al/147514646/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043746/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-to-drop-ed-al/147514646/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ]—a former KYW copywriter, personality,<ref name="PlainD19590822p17">{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1959 |title=Seek Year's Supply...of Nothing, That Is |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-seek-years-supplyof/147456469/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=17 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-seek-years-supplyof/147456469/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and collaborator with Anderson on commercials{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=26–29}}—was named as co-host.<ref name="DailyT19610715p 9">{{Cite news |date=July 15, 1961 |title=Channel 8 Spices Morning Program Scheduling With "Ernie's Place" |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times/7367264/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Daily Times |location=New Philadelphia, Ohio |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times/7367264/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Conway was hired at WJW on recommendation from Anderson, who falsely claimed he had ] experience; Charles Schodowski, another former KYW staffer now at WJW, was asked by Anderson to do Conway's job.{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=30, 32}} The program ended after ], who visited the station as part of a CBS ] among the affiliates, sent tapes of the duo's material to ], who hired Conway for his talk show.<ref name="AkronB19620114p 164">{{Cite news |last=Lake |first=Richard |date=January 14, 1962 |title=Not Working Paid Off Big: Horatio Alger'd Blush At Tom Conway Story |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-not-working-pai/147542966/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=4F |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517043759/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-not-working-pai/147542966/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19630407p 102">{{Cite news |last=Major |first=Jack |date=April 7, 1963 |title=Ernie Anderson Can't Figure Him Out: Ghoulardi's A Surprise Smash |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-ernie-anderson/147543011/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=2F, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-ernie-anderson/147543011/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When cast in '']'', Tom Conway assumed the ] Tim.<ref name="PlainD19621102p41">{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Russell W. |date=November 2, 1962 |title=Tom Conway Nets Laughs in 'McHale's Navy' |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tom-conway-nets-laughs/147588483/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=41 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043955/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tom-conway-nets-laughs/147588483/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Still under contract at WJW, Anderson focused on voiceover duties, becoming a ] for Millbrook Bread and ].{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=36–37}}


{{Quote box
At the same time, the station hired former WKYC-TV and NBC Radio news anchor Virgil Dominic as its news and public affairs director (a position which he held until 1983 when he became the general manager for WJKW/WJW until his retirement in 1995), and also began to pump considerable money into its news operation. The name of the newscasts even underwent a transition as well, going from ''City Camera News'' to ''Newscenter 8'' around the summer of 1977. Within a year, channel 8 had overtaken longtime leader WEWS as the highest-rated news station in Cleveland – a lead it kept for almost 20 years.
| quote = If you've been fortunate enough to miss Ghoulardi, it is only fair to say that this is a characterization Anderson has been doing for Channel 8 for about three years. As Ghoulardi, he dons a frightwig, goatee and a garment that appears to have been discarded by a city street cleaner. He looks much like a forlorn old goat who has been run out of the herd by a rival.
| author = James Flanigan
| source = ''The Plain Dealer''{{r|PlainD19651021p53}}
| width = 325px
}}


When WJW acquired the local rights to the '']'' library, Anderson was tabbed as host of '']'' under the belief an offbeat gimmick would make people overlook the poor quality of the movies.{{r|AkronB19630407p 102}} Debuting on January 18, 1963,<ref name="petkovic">{{cite news |last=Petkovic |first=John |date=January 12, 2013 |title=Cleveland's Ghoulardi Went On the Air 50 Years Ago and Cast His Spell Over the City |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2013/01/clevelands_ghoulardi_went_on_t.html |accessdate=October 3, 2015 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004230420/http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2013/01/clevelands_ghoulardi_went_on_t.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Anderson's portrayal of Ghoulardi—wearing a white ], fake ] and ] with a ] dialect and anarchist demeanor—attracted largely negative critical reviews<ref name="PlainD19651021p53">{{Cite news |last=Flanigan |first=James B. |date=October 21, 1965 |title=In Spite of Ghoulardi: Ernie's Special Worth a Look |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-in-spite-of-ghoulardi/147597807/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=53 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-in-spite-of-ghoulardi/147597807/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19631014p30">{{Cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=October 14, 1963 |title=Time Running Out on Ghoulardi |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-time-running-out-on-gho/147597543/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=30 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043955/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-time-running-out-on-gho/147597543/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19650826p22">{{Cite news |last=Minch |first=John |date=August 26, 1965 |title=Ghoulardi's Charade Has Become Bigger Than Life |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ghoulardis-charade-has/147597485/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519001746/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ghoulardis-charade-has/147597485/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but quickly became a ratings success and cult favorite, particularly among young children despite the late-night timeslot.<ref name="PlainD19630426p8">{{Cite news |last=Considine |first=Terry |date=April 26, 1963 |title=Child's TV Favorites Lift Some Eyebrows |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-childs-tv-favorites-li/147588272/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-childs-tv-favorites-li/147588272/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At its peak, the show commanded 70 percent of the late-night audience, and the ] reported a 35 percent decrease in ].{{r|petkovic}} Anderson started to utilize Schodowski in comedy skits, including a controversial spoof of '']'' called ''Parma Place'' that played to stereotypes in the suburb's ] community.{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=109–121}} A traveling ] sports team, the "Ghoulardi All-Stars", was organized that frequently played against area professional athletes, first responders and talent from rival stations, all for charity.{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=96, 98–105}} In addition to the Ghoulardi persona, Anderson hosted weather reports during WJW's early-evening newscasts.<ref name="PlainD19640403p41">{{Cite news |date=April 3, 1964 |title=Painesville Station Marks Eighth Year |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-painesville-station-mar/147599317/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=41 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518044004/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-painesville-station-mar/147599317/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19640623p17">{{Cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=June 23, 1964 |title=Two Willoughby Youths Stage Summer Listening Marathon |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-two-willoughby-youths-s/147597768/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=17 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-two-willoughby-youths-s/147597768/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Anderson starred in a half-hour comedy special in October 1965 that drew praise from ''Plain Dealer'' critic James Flanigan, who also said it was "in spite" of Ghoulardi.{{r|PlainD19651021p53}}
=== Back to WJW===
On September 16, 1985, the station reacquired the '''WJW-TV''' callsign (eventually shortened to simply '''WJW'''), as {{nowrap|]}} had changed its callsign following its own transfer of ownership.<ref name = "WJW history" />


After nearly four years portraying Ghoulardi, Anderson resigned from the station in mid-November 1966.<ref name="PlainD19661115p23">{{Cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=November 15, 1966 |title='Ghoulardi' Quitting Cleveland Scene |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ghoulardi-quitting-cl/147599298/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=23 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518044003/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ghoulardi-quitting-cl/147599298/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Anderson had earlier taken a leave of absence from regular tapings to guest in '']'', also starring Conway,{{r|PlainD19661115p23}}<ref name="PlainD19661106p173">{{Cite news |last=Flanigan |first=James B. |date=November 6, 1966 |title=Rango the Wrong Ranger: Conway Thinks New Series Is Big Hit |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-rango-the-wrong-ranger/147599766/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=173 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043954/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-rango-the-wrong-ranger/147599766/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and grew tired of the character amid overtures from Conway and ] to move to ].{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=127–131}} Anderson later gave former fanatic-turned-] ] permission to portray the character as ] ''The Ghoul''.<ref name="AkronB19871211p 24">{{Cite news |last=Galloway |first=Barbara |date=December 11, 1987 |title='Ghoul' lawsuit against 'Son' no scare tactic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522048/ghoul-lawsuit-against-son-no-scare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109522048/ghoul-lawsuit-against-son-no-scare/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=D1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Detroi20190404pA4">{{Cite news |last=Kiska |first=Tim |date=April 4, 2019 |title=The Ghoul, crazed '70s TV horror host, dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217343/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110217343/the-ghoul-crazed-70s-tv-horror-host/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |pages=A4, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Rock bands ], ] and ], along with singer ], comedian ] and filmmaker ], have all cited Ghoulardi as a direct inspiration.{{r|petkovic}}<ref name="w452">{{cite web | last=Petkovic | first=John | title=Ghoulardi at 50: Tim Conway, Jim Jarmusch, Paul Thomas Anderson pay tribute to Cleveland icon | website=cleveland | date=January 12, 2013 | url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv/2013/01/ghoulardi_at_50_tim_conway_jim.html | access-date=May 18, 2024 | archive-date=May 18, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518225347/https://www.cleveland.com/tv/2013/01/ghoulardi_at_50_tim_conway_jim.html | url-status=live }}</ref>{{Sfn|Feran|Heldenfels|5=1997|pp=154, 156–157}}
After Storer Broadcasting was bought out by ] in 1985, the station underwent a series of ownership changes. KKR sold the stations to ] in 1987; shortly thereafter, SCI Television was spun off from Gillett to take over the stations after Gillett's bankruptcy. ] purchased WJW-TV and the other SCI Television stations in 1993. Like most of its sister stations, channel 8 pre-empted portions of the CBS schedule, usually the late morning daytime shows. In the 1990s, WJW-TV and its fellow New World stations prepared to launch their own morning newscasts, and as a result, channel 8 began to pre-empt '']'' as well. The station also gained notoriety in 1993 by being one of the few CBS affiliates to tape-delay the '']'' by half an hour in favor of '']'' reruns. Despite the preemptions, CBS was generally satisfied with WJW, which was one of the network's strongest affiliates.


===Switch to Fox=== == Dick Goddard ==
{{main|Dick Goddard}}
On September 12, 1994, as part of a deal between New World and the ], WJW-TV swapped affiliations with ] (channel 19), taking that station's Fox affiliation.<ref></ref> The station initially expanded its news production to over 40 hours a week, and through the years continued expanding, eventually reaching 65½ hours per week as of 2015.<ref name = "WJW schedule" />
]|alt=Dick Goddard is sitting in a car, holding a large brown-and-orange woolly bear caterpiller puppet in his hands. Next to him is a small dog being held by an assistant off-camera.]]
] began his on-air meteorological career in May 1961 at KYW-TV. A complicated FCC order in June 1965 had KYW-TV become WKYC due to a voided 1956 asset swap between NBC and ] (Group W) for stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia; this resulted in Goddard, under contract to Group W, relocating to Philadelphia and joining the renamed ] there.<ref name="PlainD19650904p40">{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1965 |title=At WJW-TV: Forecaster Goddard to Return Here |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-at-wjw-tv-forecaster-g/147598381/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=40 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043958/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-at-wjw-tv-forecaster-g/147598381/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Unhappy in Philadelphia, Goddard left Group W after several weeks and was courted by WKYC, WEWS and WJW.<ref name="PlainD19650828p30">{{Cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=August 28, 1965 |title=We get letters, Grins & Groans: High Pressure Tactics |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-we-get-letters-grins/147661427/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=30 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519044738/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-we-get-letters-grins/147661427/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Goddard chose WJW as it carried Browns games thanks to CBS's NFL contract; Goddard was the ] for Browns radio broadcasts<ref name="PlainD19681006p186">{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=October 6, 1968 |title='Life on a Rooftop': Shanley, Graner Spark WHK-Video Simulcasts |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-life-on-a-rooftop-sh/147661753/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=18G |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519044734/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-life-on-a-rooftop-sh/147661753/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19911013p 37">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=October 13, 1991 |title=It's a cold job at the top for football announcers |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-its-a-cold-job/147662143/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=D1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519044736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-its-a-cold-job/147662143/ |url-status=live }}</ref> from 1966 to 2011.<ref name="AkronB20200805pA1">{{Cite news |last=Webb |first=Craig |date=August 5, 2020 |title=Local TV legend dies: Former weatherman Dick Goddard, 89, had battled COVID-19 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-local-tv-legend/147661915/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=A1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519044738/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-local-tv-legend/147661915/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ernie Anderson famously claimed he helped lure Goddard to WJW on an "]" for the "Ghoulardi All-Stars", which Goddard also played for.<ref name="DawidziakA">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=August 4, 2020 |title=Dick Goddard, Cleveland TV legend, dies at 89 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/08/dick-goddard-cleveland-tv-legend-dies-at-89.html |accessdate=August 10, 2020 |work=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808220506/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/08/dick-goddard-cleveland-tv-legend-dies-at-89.html |url-status=live }}</ref> While signing a contract on September 3, 1965, Goddard did not debut until March 28, 1966, due to a ] with Group W.<ref name="PlainD19660328p33">{{Cite news |date=March 28, 1966 |title=Something Old, New, Blue: Today's TV Looks Like the Bride's Trousseau |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-something-old-new-blu/147599374/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=33 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-something-old-new-blu/147599374/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Goddard also did weather reports for WJW radio.<ref name="PlainD19690426p24">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=April 26, 1969 |title=Dialing Around |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dialing-around/147602036/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2C |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dialing-around/147602036/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


{{Quote box
Later that year, WJW dropped its "Newscenter 8" branding and adopted a hard-hitting format under the phrase ''"ei<sub><big>8</big></sub>ht is News"'' for the title of its newscasts (the ''"ei<sub><big>8</big></sub>ht"'' logo was itself a revival an old WJW logo used from 1966 until 1977). Consequently, ''"Fox is ei<sub><big>8</big></sub>ht"'' was used by WJW as a generalized branding to promote the station's non-news programming, in particular, those offered through its new Fox affiliation. This accompanied a change in format for harder-edged news; viewers did not respond positively to either the format changes, or the constant branding reinforcement (to the point that a story in the ''Cleveland Plain Dealer'' was titled "Some viewers squawking that ei<sub><big>8</big></sub>ht is enough, already"). They instead turned to the more traditional WEWS; WKYC was likewise busy trying to find an audience after years of being used as NBC's farm system, while WOIO did not present much competition at all. The "ei<sub><big>8</big></sub>ht is News" branding ended upon Fox's purchase of the station, after which it was replaced by "Fox 8 News", which remains the current newscast title for the station today.
| quote = I wasn't Dick Goddard's competition, I was just in the same market at the same time. Cleveland was Dick Goddard's town, and still is.
| author = ], former Cleveland television meteorologist, to Mark Dawidziak{{r|DawidziakA}}
| align = left
| width = 250px
}}


Goddard remained the station's chief meteorologist until retiring on November 22, 2016.<ref name="CPD161122a">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=November 22, 2016 |title=Dick Goddard says tearful goodbye to 55-year career as a Cleveland weather forecaster |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2016/11/dick_goddard_says_tearful_goodbye_to_55-year_career_as_a_cleveland_weather_forecaster.html |accessdate=November 23, 2016 |work=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625123215/http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2016/11/dick_goddard_says_tearful_goodbye_to_55-year_career_as_a_cleveland_weather_forecaster.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His retirement came several months after Goddard's Law, which increased the severity of penalties for animal abuse and cruelty, passed the ] and was signed into law by Ohio governor ];<ref>{{cite press release |title=Kasich Signs Eight Bills |url=http://governor.ohio.gov/MediaRoom/PressReleases/TabId/200/ArticleId/444/language/en-US/kasich-signs-eight-bills-6-13-16.aspx |date=June 13, 2016 |publisher=], ] |access-date=June 13, 2016 |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616013525/http://www.governor.ohio.gov/MediaRoom/PressReleases/TabId/200/ArticleId/444/language/en-US/kasich-signs-eight-bills-6-13-16.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Goddard publicly advocated for animal welfare throughout his career and frequently spotlighted pets at ]s that needed adoption during his weather forecasts.{{r|DawidziakA}} WJW's weather center was renamed for Goddard upon his retirement,{{r|CPD161122a}} as was the street facing the station's current studios.{{r|DawidziakA}} His 51-year tenure at the station (including the interregnum between his contract signing and on-air debut) has been recognized as a ].<ref name="guinnessworldrecords.com">{{Cite web |title=Longest career as a weather forecaster |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-career-as-a-weather-forecaster |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=Guinness World Records |archive-date=March 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319124342/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-career-as-a-weather-forecaster |url-status=live }}</ref>
One triumph for WJW was the morning newscast. Without a national morning show, WJW could produce an all-local 3.5 hour morning newscast. Many Cleveland viewers preferred the local show over the other stations' national broadcasts. This was especially true since WEWS' long-standing '']'' was preempted until 9 a.m. around the same time of the Fox/CBS switch. With the exception of a brief period from late 1994 through late 1995 when it was titled ''Good Day Cleveland'', ''Fox 8 News in the Morning'' has constantly been Cleveland's top rated morning newscast since the time of its debut.


In 1973, Goddard started the ], a day-long festival and parade in ], devoted to the ] and traditional weather folklore. The festival grew in size and eventually overwhelmed the town by the early 1980s, when it moved to ], which hosts up to 100,000 in attendance every year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Crump |first=Sarah |date=May 4, 2009 |title=Dick Goddard is most sunny when it's 70: My Cleveland |url=http://www.cleveland.com/mycleveland/index.ssf/2009/05/dick_goddard_is_most_sunny_whe.html |access-date=April 26, 2012 |work=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007221939/http://www.cleveland.com/mycleveland/index.ssf/2009/05/dick_goddard_is_most_sunny_whe.html |url-status=live }}</ref> WJW continues to be the title sponsor for the Woollybear Festival into the present day.<ref name="s644">{{cite web |last=MacMillan |first=Owen |date=October 8, 2023 |title=51st Annual Woollybear Festival rings in the autumn in Vermilion |url=https://chroniclet.com/news/368189/51st-annual-woollybear-festival-rings-in-the-autumn-in-vermilion/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Chronicle Telegram |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519002638/https://chroniclet.com/news/368189/51st-annual-woollybear-festival-rings-in-the-autumn-in-vermilion/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="k083">{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Gracie |date=September 30, 2022 |title=The annual Woolybear Festival Celebrates its 50th Anniversary |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/things-to-do/articles/the-annual-woolybear-festival-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Cleveland Magazine |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519002638/https://clevelandmagazine.com/things-to-do/articles/the-annual-woolybear-festival-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary |url-status=live }}</ref>
]]]
In 1997 Fox bought New World Communications, making WJW a Fox owned-and-operated station. Fox added stronger syndicated shows as well as stronger off-network sitcoms to the programming mix.


== Hoolihan, Big Chuck and Lil' John ==
In news programming, the station retook the top position from WEWS in 2001. By mid-2002, all of WJW's newscasts placed first. This continued until January 2004, when viewers began turning away from WJW's hard-hitting style to the more traditional WKYC-TV. Even ''Fox 8 in the Morning'' lost its top spot to WKYC's morning newscast for about two months. As a result of the overall decline, WJW replaced long time 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. lead anchors Wilma Smith and Tim Taylor with Bill Martin and Stacy Bell at 10 p.m., hoping the two would attract a younger audience to the program. The change paid off for channel 8, and today its newscasts frequently rank number-one in the ratings.
{{Main|Bob "Hoolihan" Wells|Big Chuck and Lil' John}}
]
After Ernie Anderson's resignation from the station, channel 8 conducted an open audition for the Friday night horror host role.<ref name="PlainD19671222p92">{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Jane |author-link=Jane Scott (rock critic) |date=December 22, 1967 |title=What's Christmas without kielbasy? |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-whats-christmas-withou/147601118/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043954/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-whats-christmas-withou/147601118/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=16:PD Action Tab |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ], known as "Hoolihan the Weatherman",<ref name="PlainD19650718p141">{{Cite news |last=Minch |first=John J. |date=July 18, 1965 |title=Hoolihan Offers Hope: Weather Shows Are 'Overcast' |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hoolihan-offers-hope-w/147598967/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043953/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hoolihan-offers-hope-w/147598967/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> tried out for the role with Charles Schodowski's involvement; management paired them as a team to be Ghoulardi's successors, ''Hoolihan and Big Chuck'', in December 1966.<ref name="PlainD19661225p19">{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1966 |title=Foam Phones, Velvet Voices: What Did Santa Do Here for Area Broadcasters? |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-foam-phones-velvet-voi/147599512/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518043955/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-foam-phones-velvet-voi/147599512/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Schodowski, who was convinced the pairing was a mistake, gradually overcame significant ] while working opposite the more polished Wells.<ref name="PlainD19780820p241">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P |date=August 20, 1978 |title=Channel 8's certain ethnic mastermind |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8s-certain-eth/148386166/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054818/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8s-certain-eth/148386166/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3:TV Closeup |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


Originally retaining the prior show's format of lighting off fireworks, comedy skits and mock music videos to novelty songs, the duo began focusing on comedy slapstick.<ref name="a326">{{cite news |last=Petkovic |first=John |date=December 16, 2016 |title=Cleveland TV legend 'Big Chuck' Schodowski hit the air 50 years ago |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2016/12/cleveland_tv_legend_big_chuck.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealers |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054313/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2016/12/cleveland_tv_legend_big_chuck.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Skits were almost always punctuated with a ] supplied by ],{{Sfn|Schodowski|Feran|2008|pp=110–111}} which became so identified with the show that viewers treated it as a prompt for them to laugh.{{r|WSJ860425p1}} The show had multiple time slot changes: originally on Friday late nights, it was moved to Saturday afternoons, then back to Friday,<ref name="PlainD19690512p67">{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1969 |title=TV-8 to Mix Fun With Message |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8-to-mix-fun-with-me/147960203/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054817/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8-to-mix-fun-with-me/147960203/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=67 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> then to late afternoons when CBS launched '']'' in late night.<ref name="PlainD19690809p12">{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1969 |title=Dialing Around... |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dialing-around/147961413/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dialing-around/147961413/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> After WJW moved ''Merv Griffin'' to late afternoons—being one of several CBS affiliates to do so—Wells and Schodowski were moved back to Friday nights.<ref name="PlainD19700122p27">{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1970 |title=Old Warhorses Reign in Top 20 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-old-warhorses-reign-in/147960275/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054817/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-old-warhorses-reign-in/147960275/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=27 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19700124p25">{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1970 |title=Dialing Around... |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dialing-around/147961447/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dialing-around/147961447/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=25 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Wells became a ] in 1976 and joined ]—an area Christian radio station—as general manager but downplayed his involvement as a horror host, telling the ''Plain Dealer'', "he TV program is intended to be entertainment&nbsp;... I don't believe having fun is anti-Christian."<ref name="PlainD19780528p194">{{Cite news |date=May 28, 1978 |title=Hoolihan's other Partner |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hoolihans-other-partne/148382505/ |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=194 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054817/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hoolihans-other-partne/148382505/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On December 22, 2007, the News Corporation announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell WJW-TV and seven other Fox-owned stations to ], a subsidiary of private equity firm ].<ref></ref> The sale was closed on July 14, 2008.


Wells left the show in August 1979 to become program director and talk show host at ], an upstart Christian TV station in ].<ref name="pdhooliedixie">{{Cite news |date=May 24, 1979 |title=Hoolihan is heading to Dixie |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nkehezrqqieahavtrmzxwjhhsjebmubs_wma-gateway004_1672373285455 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230080214/https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2:122AFBBA107AC9E4@GB3NEWS-1303F869886B5909@2444018-1303A3CF8B69F423@44-1303A3CF8B69F423?clipid=nkehezrqqieahavtrmzxwjhhsjebmubs_wma-gateway004_1672373285455 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |work=] |page=9-C}}</ref> Schodowski selected "Lil' John" Rinaldi, involved with the show since 1972 in skits<ref name="WSJ860425p1">{{Cite news |last=Ansberry |first=Clare |date=April 25, 1986 |title=The Kielbasa Kid Packs a Sausage, Slays Clevelanders --- Skits by Two TV-Show Hosts Win Fans, High Ratings; A Mess on 'Fallacy Island' |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|397982944}}}}</ref> and known for his ],<ref name="PlainD19730311p167">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=March 11, 1973 |title=Ch. 8 Jester Eyes Big-Time Comedy: 'Little John' Sets Sights on Pinnacle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ch-8-jester-eyes-big-t/148542063/ |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3G |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ch-8-jester-eyes-big-t/148542063/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as Wells's successor.<ref name="PlainD19790609p65">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=June 9, 1979 |title=New partner for Big Chuck |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-partner-for-big-chu/148383576/ |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3C |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-partner-for-big-chu/148383576/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Relaunched on September 2, 1979, as '']'',<ref name="PlainD19790902p88">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=September 2, 1979 |title=Big Chuck to get lot of help from little friend |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-big-chuck-to-get-lot-of/148388674/ |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12:FIVE |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-big-chuck-to-get-lot-of/148388674/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the program aired on channel 8 for another 28 years until Schodowski's 2007 retirement, best remembered for the duo's working-class sensibilities and relatable, low-budget humor likened to ].{{r|a326|WSJ860425p1}} Since 2011, the station has aired half-hour ''Big Chuck and Lil' John'' skit compilations shows on the weekends.<ref name="e2162">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=September 4, 2011 |title=Cleveland daytime TV in a post-'Oprah' world |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2011/09/cleveland_daytime_tv_in_a_post-oprah_world.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055343/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2011/09/cleveland_daytime_tv_in_a_post-oprah_world.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On February 1, 2012, WJW redesigned and relaunched its Web site using a format that's also used by the recently redesigned Web sites of its sister stations ] in ] and ] in ]. The new Local TV sites are hosted by ] instead of Tribune Digital (renamed from Tribune Interactive). On July 1, 2013, Local TV announced that its stations would be acquired by ].<ref name=ct-saletotribune>{{cite news|last=Channick|first=Robert|title=Acquisition to make Tribune Co. largest U.S. TV station operator|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story|accessdate=July 1, 2013|newspaper=]|date=July 1, 2013}}</ref> The sale was completed on December 27.<ref>, Tribune Company, 27 December, 2013</ref>


== Ratings success and stability ==
During Fox ownership, WJW was the only (fully) network owned-and-operated station among the "Big 4" networks in the Cleveland area, and was the only Fox-owned station to carry a ] ]. It remains the only Fox television affiliate in existence, as well as one of three current Tribune-owned television stations (alongside Tribune flagship and CW station ] in Chicago, and NBC station ] in Des Moines), to carry such a three-letter call sign.
]
William Flynn took over as general manager for channel 8 in January 1977, having previously led ], Storer's independent in Boston.<ref name="CPD770508p91">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 8, 1977 |title=Will the real Bill Flynn please sit down! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-will-the-real-bill-flyn/148408232/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1, :Five |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> His arrival came as WJW-TV changed their call letters to WJKW-TV on April 22, 1977; this followed the sale of WJW radio to an ]-headed syndicate, which retained usage of the WJW calls.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=September 6, 1976 |title=In Brief... |magazine=Broadcasting |page=30 |volume=91 |issue=10 |id={{ProQuest|1016885483}}}}</ref><ref name="AkronB19770407p 55">{{Cite news |date=April 7, 1977 |title=Ch. 8 changing its call letters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-ch-8-changing/85637114/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B16 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> One of Flynn's first changes was moving the soap opera spoof '']'' from late nights to 7:30&nbsp;p.m.;<ref name="CPD770205p20">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 5, 1977 |title='Mary' to move despite calls |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-mary-to-move-despite/148881694/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the move was extensively criticized and reversed in one month,{{r|AkronB19991212p 55}} and the station took out a full-page newspaper advertisement featuring Flynn.{{r|CPD770508p91}} The controversy led to ''Hoolihan and Big Chuck'' spoofing ''Mary Hartman'' with a series of "Mary Harkski, Mary Hartski" skits, which Flynn encouraged.<ref name="PlainD19770209p2">{{Cite news |last=Sammon |first=Judy |date=February 9, 1977 |title=Today |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-today-mary-hartski/148381674/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602054817/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-today-mary-hartski/148381674/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>{{Sfn|Schodowski|Feran|2008|pp=184–185}} WJKW lost the Cleveland Indians and ] to ] in 1980; Flynn objected to sharing the Indians broadcast rights with a proposed cable outlet,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 7, 1979 |title=Radio-Television: WUAB Gets Cleveland Indians After WJKW's Cable Squabble |magazine=Variety |page=58 |volume=297 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|1286045844}}}}</ref> while the Cavs games had declining ratings.<ref name="AkronB19800318p 46">{{Cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |author-link=Sheldon Ocker |date=March 18, 1980 |title=Channel 8 likely to drop Cavs' telecasts next year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110713201/channel-8-likely-to-drop-cavs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202958/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110713201/channel-8-likely-to-drop-cavs/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=D2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Flynn was later regarded as a "swashbuckler"{{r|AkronB19991212p 55}} and described by Schodowski as "...&nbsp;really brash, devil-may-care, a good drinker, and very much like Ernie Anderson. He had that much an impact."{{Sfn|Schodowski|Feran|2008|p=182}}


Flynn's first major personnel move was hiring former WKYC anchor Virgil Dominic as news director in March 1977.<ref name="AkronB19770208p 2">{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1977 |title=Names ...and faces: Ratings race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-names-and-fa/148154409/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=A2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Dominic came from ] in Atlanta, where he had also been news director.<ref name="PlainD19770224p32">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 24, 1977 |title=What about WABQ? Black community is reassured |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-what-about-wabq-black/148880884/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Addressing the station's last-place ratings against WEWS and WKYC,<ref name="AkronB19770710p 1">{{Cite news |last=Zaidan |first=Abe |date=July 10, 1977 |title=Anchors away: Casualties high in TV rating struggle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-anchors-away-c/148154373/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=A1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Dominic removed Hale and Maynor from anchor duty and declined to renew their contracts.<ref name="PlainD19770701p1">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=July 1, 1977 |title=Sweep: Hale, Maynor out at 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-sweep-hale-maynor-out/148595082/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ], brother of onetime WEWS anchor ], was hired as the new lead anchor, a move that led WJKW to distinguish between the brothers.<ref name="PlainD19770707p1">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=July 7, 1977 |title=Another Hambrick due here |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-another-hambrick-due-he/148493552/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WEWS reporter ] was hired as WJKW's consumer reporter;<ref name="PlainD19770608p32">{{Cite news |last=Vanocur |first=Sander |date=June 8, 1977 |title=Few want the best in television |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-few-want-the-best-in-te/160264591/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> by 1979, Taylor became co-anchor alongside Hambrick.<ref name="PlainD19791204p26">{{Cite news |date=December 4, 1979 |title=Tim Taylor is coanchor on TV-8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tim-taylor-is-coanchor/160264773/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The station became affiliated with ] in early 1978<ref name="PlainD19780508p3">{{Cite news |last=Strassmeyer |first=Mary |date=May 8, 1978 |title=Mary, Mary: It's official |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-mary-mary-its-offici/148492403/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and established an investigation unit with "Fact Finder" Tom Meyer<ref name="CPD19960828p7E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 28, 1996 |title=Meyer leaves TV-8 for 19 and 43 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D303B14542F |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110034120/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D303B14542F&f=basic |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=October 20, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> and "I-Team" reporter ].<ref name="PlainD19800216p55">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 16, 1980 |title=WZAK trims ethnic format |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wzak-trims-ethnic-forma/155484383/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD20010714p43">{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=July 14, 2001 |title=Carl Monday is joining Channel 3 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-carl-monday-is-joining/160186561/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Dick Goddard hosted a local version of '']'' from 1977 to 1978,{{r|PlainD19770521p26}}<ref name="PlainD19781209p27">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=December 9, 1978 |title=WGAR gets FCC approval for testing of AM stereo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wgar-gets-fcc-approval/160266146/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> which was replaced by the local version of '']'' in 1979, with ] as co-host.<ref name="PlainD19800106p83">{{Cite news |date=January 6, 1980 |title='PM Magazine' celebrates volume 1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-pm-magazine-celebrate/148492118/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=9D– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ], a channel 8 feature reporter since 1967, reported on close-to-home travel destinations in the wake of the ];{{Sfn|Zurcher|2010|pp=103–105}}<ref name="ChiG020123p9">{{Cite news |last=Throne |first=Michael |date=January 23, 2002 |title=That's odd... New book sheds light on Ohio's uniqueness |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chillicothe-gazette-thats-odd-new-bo/160292560/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=Chillicothe Gazette |location=Chillicothe, Ohio |page=1B |agency=Gannett News Service}}</ref> his "One Tank Trip" segments proved popular and ran continuously until 2004.<ref name="CPD040724p43">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=July 24, 2004 |title=End of the road for Zurcher's 'One Tank Trips' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-end-of-the-road-for-zur/160292646/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=E1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
==Programming==
Syndicated programming on WJW includes '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' among others.<ref name = "WJW schedule"></ref>


Hambrick left WJKW in November 1981, initially to start a ] for a syndicated newsmagazine<ref name="CPD810806p48">{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=August 6, 1981 |title=Hambrick to leave 8 to produce own show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-hambrick-to-leave-8-to/148310657/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but subsequently became WKYC's lead anchor.<ref name="ABJ850228p32">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=February 28, 1985 |title=WKYC to try hour-long local news minus Hambrick |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wkyc-to-try-hou/89302728/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=C8 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> His replacement was Tana Carli, a former ] who joined the station as a reporter in June 1980.<ref name="CPD800614p29">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=June 14, 1980 |title=Time to set aside her crown |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-time-to-set-aside-her-c/148490203/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="MNJ811016p13">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Anne |date=October 16, 1981 |title=Tana Carli's latest success does at least 4 cities proud |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-journal-tana-carlis-latest-success/160216965/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=News Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The male-female anchor pairing of Taylor and Carli was the first of its kind in Cleveland and signaled an eventual industry standard.{{r|PlainD20051122p35}} Carli left WJKW in December 1983 to be with husband Joseph Diminio, who took over for Flynn as general manager and, after their high-profile marriage, was promoted to lead Storer's television division in Miami.<ref name="CPD831218p101">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=December 18, 1983 |title=Tana Carli: hitching a career to a meteor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tana-carli-hitching-a/160231580/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=7D, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="ABJ850823p19">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=August 23, 1985 |title=Denise D'Ascenzo dumping Ch. 8 for the man she loves |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-denise-dascenz/160229561/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noon anchor ] succeeded Carli as 1984 began; D'Ascenzo's visibility increased when she crossed the picket line during a WJKW technician strike in May 1983 that most on-air staff, including Carli, honored.<ref name="CPD840101p71">{{Cite news |date=January 1, 1984 |title=New anchors step coolly into pressure cookers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-anchors-step-coolly/148251795/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=7D, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19830504p52">{{Cite news |last=Sabath |first=Donald |date=May 4, 1983 |title=Channel 8 is struck |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-is-struck/160304724/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=12D– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ], the son of Ken Coleman, joined WJKW in 1982 and became weeknight sportscaster at year's end;<ref name="PlainD19821018p30">{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=October 18, 1982 |title=Television news series try to round up, corral viewers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-television-news-series/160322205/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> from 1982 to 1985, Coleman split the duties with John Telich, who replaced ] in the role one year earlier.<ref name="PlainD19810326p45">{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Heaton |date=March 26, 1981 |title=Three stations in the running to broadcast Cavs next season |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-three-stations-in-the-r/160321638/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>{{r|PlainD19970308p48}}
=="Cleveland's Own"==
] - who has served as the station's chief ] since 1966.]]
] - who has been a meteorologist at WJW since 1988.]]
WJW-TV has long had the slogan of "Cleveland's Own", promoting how many of its on-air staff grew up in northeast Ohio and have been with the station for 20 years or more.<ref></ref>


The station had the WJW-TV call sign restored on September 16, 1985, after WJW radio was sold again and became ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 11, 1985 |title='Monday Football' with Joe Namath off to super start |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577328/monday-football-with-joe-namath/ |access-date=September 19, 2021 |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Storer made the change out of sentimentality;<ref name="PlainD19850911p74">{{Cite news |date=September 11, 1985 |title=Channel 8 takes WJW call letters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-takes-wjw-cal/148998404/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> even after having the WJKW calls for eight years, the station was still frequently referred to by viewers as "WJW".<ref name="ECT19850914pA6">{{Cite news |last=Gottlieb |first=Ken |date=September 14, 1985 |title=What's in a name? Ask WJKW, er, WJW, er, Channel 8 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-sep-14-1985-2748397/ |access-date=October 12, 2021 |work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram |page=A6 |via=NewspaperArchive}}</ref> One month later, WJW-TV expanded its 6&nbsp;p.m. news to an hour, moving the '']'' to 7&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="PlainD19851029p29">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=October 29, 1985 |title=Show news gets the business |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-show-news-gets-the-busi/160220436/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and coinciding with talent revamps for ''PM Magazine''.<ref name="PlainD19860114p25">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=January 14, 1986 |title=Brugett answers PM Mag's SOS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-brugett-answers-pm-mag/148836553/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Assisted with '']'' as a lead-in, WJW's 6&nbsp;p.m. news overtook WEWS for the top rating in early 1988, matching that station's top-rated 11&nbsp;p.m. news.<ref name="PlainD19880217p65">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbi |date=February 17, 1988 |title=WJW is leader in news at 6 p.m. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-is-leader-in-news-a/148876663/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9G |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19880218p45">{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1988 |title=More good news at WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-more-good-news-at-wjw/148827209/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> A further revamp of ''PM'' paired Jan Jones with musician ]:<ref name="PlainD19871210p95">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbi |date=December 10, 1987 |title=WJW to dump 'P.M. Magazine' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-to-dump-pm-magaz/160226802/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=13G |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> despite increased ratings, ''PM'' was moved to weekends in the fall of 1988, then back to weeknights in January 1990 and renamed ''Cleveland Tonight'' that fall.{{r|PlainD19901231p17}} ''PM'' was credited with helping transition Stanley to a career as a media personality.<ref name="PlainD20120527p15">{{Cite news |last=Soeder |first=John |date=May 27, 2012 |title=Michael Stanley crafts an album from hard losses |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-michael-stanley-crafts/160226549/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=, A15 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WJW also began simulcasting their 6&nbsp;p.m. news on WHK in June 1990.<ref name="AkronB19900624p 72">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=June 24, 1990 |title=Upcoming WWWE purge not a well-kept secret |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-upcoming-wwwe-p/44358742/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=G2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
For instance, Howard Hoffman was the first on-air voice heard at WXEL's sign-on in 1949. Handling a myriad of duties such as newscaster, weatherman and live booth announcer, Hoffman stayed at the station until October 1986. Hoffman's successor, Bill Ward, joined then-WJKW in 1984 and would serve as WJW's main booth announcer until March 2011.


{{Quote box
Cleveland City Hall beat reporter Bob Cerminara and field reporter Neil Zurcher, both of which joined WJW in the late 1960s, stayed until the early 2000s. Zurcher is most famous for the "One Tank Trips" travel series that began in the late 1970s, highlighting vacation destinations close to home due to the energy crisis at that time (the feature continues to this day with different staffers, and Zurcher himself continues a similar feature biweekly in newspaper '']'s'' Automotive advertising section, with an accompanying book series and weblog); he departed the station in August 2004.<ref>{{cite news |first=Julie E |last=Washington |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=End of the road for Zurcher’s 'One Tank Trips' |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=NewsBank&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%201040CC8AC90942CB%20)&p_docid=1040CC8AC90942CB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_queryname=1040CC8AC90942CB&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=X58S4CXHMTIwODM3MTc0Ny41MTI1NjoxOjEyOjE5OC4zMC4yMjguMA&&p_multi=CPDB |work=] |publisher= |date=2004-07-24 |accessdate=2008-04-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Julie E |last=Washington |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Tales from the trips: Zurcher book offers Ohio tidbits and trivia |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=NewsBank&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%2010ACE776B8187762%20)&p_docid=10ACE776B8187762&p_theme=aggregated5&p_queryname=10ACE776B8187762&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=Y65F59FUMTIwODM3MTkwOC4zNzg4MzI6MToxMjoxOTguMzAuMjI4LjA&&p_multi=CPDB |work=] |publisher= |date=2005-06-17 |accessdate=2008-04-16 }}</ref> Feature reporter Gary Stromberg had been with channel 8 since 1977. He announced his retirement on April 1, 2008. Stromberg has since written two books. ''Aren't You That News Man? ''shares stories of his years at Channel 8. ''Every Tiger Has a Tale'' presents the life stories of 48 amazing graduates of Cleveland Heights High over the decades. Sports anchor John Telich has been at WJW since 1981.
| quote = It was a family atmosphere. Tim Taylor was a great mentor to me. Casey and I hit it off immediately. We loved Robin from the get-go, she was so much fun. Goddard would get us food in between shows and we'd tease him about his idiosyncrasies. But it was all in good fun.
| author = John Telich
| source = WJW sports reporter{{r|c020}}
| width = 300px
}}


D'Ascenzo left the station in March 1986 for a job at ] in ]. ] was hired from ] in Miami as her replacement; Swoboda anchored WTVJ's noon news—under the name Robin Cole—directly opposite Carli at ]. WJW management recommended Swoboda use her real last name, feeling it would play well with Cleveland's ethnic community.<ref name="Plai860218">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=February 18, 1986 |title=A familiar look about the new TV face in town |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-a-familiar-look-about-t/148935993/ |access-date=June 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The on-air team of Taylor, Swoboda, Goddard and Coleman met with significant ratings success: by June 1988, WJW was ranked number one at noon, 6 and 11&nbsp;p.m., and the 11&nbsp;p.m. news was the top-rated program in all of Cleveland television.<ref name="CPD880629p31">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 29, 1988 |title=WJW seeks replacement as Robin Swoboda exits |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-seeks-replacement-a/149044039/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |page=11C |publication-place=Cleveland, Ohio |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Local media later described the four as "one of Cleveland's most memorable news teams"{{r|PlainD19971228p155}} and "the ] of Cleveland TV news".<ref name="c020">{{cite web |last=Morona |first=Joey |date=February 6, 2022 |title=Sportscaster John Telich calls it a career after 41 years at WJW Channel 8: 'I've been very blessed' |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/02/sportscaster-john-telich-calls-it-a-career-after-41-years-at-wjw-channel-8-ive-been-very-blessed.html |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer}}</ref> Swoboda was offered a lucrative contract in 1988 to anchor in ]<ref name="CPD880707p60">{{Cite news |last=Strassmeyer |first=Mary |date=July 7, 1988 |title=Mary, Mary: Swoboda wedding plans end |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-swoboda-wedding-plans-e/149050262/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and co-hosted the pilot of a syndicated show alongside ],{{r|CPD880629p31}} but she opted to remain in Cleveland.<ref name="CPD890101p124">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 1, 1989 |title=Three networks served up tubes full of trash |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-three-networks-served-u/148836116/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6H |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Marrying former Browns punter ],{{r|CPD940901p47}} Swoboda left WJW in June 1991 to co-host the NBC show ''Cover to Cover'' with ].{{r|PlainD19910613p65}} Morning anchor Denise Dufala took over for Swoboda and was highly regarded for a friendly, yet serious, on-air demeanor and strong community ties, while ratings for both 6 and 11&nbsp;p.m. saw year-to-year increases.<ref name="CPD920315p129">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbie |date=March 15, 1989 |title=Young anchor settles in at TV-8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-young-anchor-settles-in/149059109/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1H, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
In addition, ] has been chief weatherman since 1966, joining the station after spending the previous five years at WKYC-TV, then known as KYW-TV. Following the reversal of a 1956 station swap with NBC, Westinghouse reacquired WRCV-TV in ] and moved the ] calls there. Goddard went along with nearly all of Westinghouse's former Cleveland staffers, but came back to Cleveland after only a few months. Goddard has said that he joined WJW-TV due to the fact that CBS carried ] games through its contract with the ] (rights to which were ironically lost to WKYC in 1970 upon the team's move to the AFC). Goddard later became the team's ], a position he held until 2011. On February 24, 2011, Dick Goddard turned 80 years old. The station presented a special party live on air during the 6 p.m. newscast. On May 23, 2011, he marked 50 years of being on the air in the Cleveland market. To honor that milestone, the street running in front of the WJW studios was renamed "Dick Goddard Way".<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2012}}</ref>


]
] joined WJW-TV as consumer reporter in the summer of 1977, having been hired away from a similar role at WEWS. The following year, Taylor became ]'s partner on the station's 6 and 11 p.m. evening newscasts. He was one of the station's top anchormen, serving alongside several female anchors (including Tana Carli, Denise D'Ascenzo, ], Denise Dufala and Wilma Smith) until his retirement on December 23, 2005. Taylor's 27-year run as an anchor at WJW was the second longest in Cleveland television history, behind WEWS' Ted Henry. One month prior to Taylor's retirement, a special feature was broadcast during ''Fox 8 News in the Morning'' which reunited him with what was quoted as one of "Cleveland's most successful news teams" during the 1980s—Taylor, Swoboda, Goddard and former sports anchor ]. In many people's eyes (as well as high ratings to back it up), this news team led ''Newscenter 8'' to number one in the Cleveland market.<ref name="youtube.com">{{dead link|date=November 2012}}</ref>
WJW adopted the slogan "Cleveland's Own" in 1989, owing to the station's ratings dominance and homegrown talent, along with increased civic pride among local media;<ref name="CPD891203p149">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 3, 1989 |title=TV butters up city to gloss image |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-butters-up-city-to-g/154901324/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |pages=1H, |publication-place=Cleveland, Ohio |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the moniker was derided in some circles for the station's out-of-town ownership.<ref name="CPD890823p57">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 23, 1989 |title=The game's name is promotion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-the-games-name-is-prom/154899670/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=13E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Aside from a brief de-emphasizing in early 1996,<ref name="CPD960401p43">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=April 1, 1996 |title='Drew,' 'Naked' likely to survive network cuts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-drew-naked-likely/149187021/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the station has continued to use the slogan into the present day.{{r|i774}}


== Ownership instability ==
Taylor's replacement on the 6 p.m. newscast was Lou Maglio, another long-time Cleveland TV newsman.<ref name = "WS HOF"></ref> In November 2006, it was announced that Robin Swoboda was returning once again to host a new hour-long show in the morning (originally titled ''That's Life'', then known as ''The Robin Swoboda Show'', which lasted from 2007-2011 before being revamped as ''New Day Cleveland'' with new hosts). In September 2007, Stefani Schaefer, also a popular Cleveland newscaster, returned to WJW to co-anchor the morning newscasts.
=== KKR buyout and attempted sale to Lorimar ===
Storer Communications was taken private in a $1.6&nbsp;billion ] by ] (KKR), a ]. Completed in December 1985, the buyout was engineered to thwart a ] by ]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Richard W. |date=July 10, 1985 |title=Storer chairman optimistic over buyout of the company |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75431891/storer-chairman-optimistic-over-buyout/ |access-date=April 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami News |page=8A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and an attempted liquidation of the company by dissatisfied shareholders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=David |date=April 29, 1985 |title=Storer shareholders wait for the best offer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75431827/storer-shareholders-wait-for-the-best/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219055450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75431827/storer-shareholders-wait-for-the-best/ |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |page=7:Business/Monday |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> KKR purchased ] the previous year after no succession plan was found following the death of chairman ],<ref name="MiamiN19830204p6">{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=David |date=February 4, 1983 |title=Wometco board names new officers; Wolfson ignored succession in his will |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75392539/wometco-board-names-new-officers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416163751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75392539/wometco-board-names-new-officers/ |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami News |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="MiamiN19830924p1">{{Cite news |last=Sigale |first=Merwin |date=September 24, 1983 |title=Proposed buyer of Wometco is a private giant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75397329/proposed-buyer-of-wometco-is-a-private/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416163752/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75397329/proposed-buyer-of-wometco-is-a-private/ |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami News |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and began the process of dismantling the conglomerate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=James |date=March 15, 1984 |title=Wometco buyout breaks up an institution |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75408556/wometco-buyout-breaks-up-an-institution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331185533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75408556/wometco-buyout-breaks-up-an-institution/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |page=14C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Wometco already owned several television stations in markets where Storer owned cable systems, including WTVJ in Miami, and owned a cable system in Atlanta where Storer owned ]; the FCC's approval was conditional on KKR divesting in these overlapping markets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1985 |title=Storer Communications now part of SCI Holdings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75431657/storer-communications-now-part-of-sci/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219055454/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75431657/storer-communications-now-part-of-sci/ |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami News |page=10A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


KKR originally planned to only sell WTVJ but soon entertained offers for some of the Storer stations.<ref name="MiamiH19860522p736">{{Cite news |last=Foote, Jr. |first=Cornelius F. |date=May 22, 1986 |title=WTVJ owner expects 'bundle' from sale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75456993/wtvj-owner-expects-bundle-from/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411012859/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75456993/wtvj-owner-expects-bundle-from/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |page=15C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> On May 21, 1986, ], producer of '']'', '']'' and '']'' for CBS, agreed to purchase the Storer stations, ], advertising sales division, Washington ] and WTVJ for $1.85&nbsp;billion,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Altaner |first=David |date=May 22, 1986 |title=Lorimar buying WTVJ, 6 other stations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75457095/lorimar-buying-wtvj-6-other-stations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411012857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75457095/lorimar-buying-wtvj-6-other-stations/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |newspaper=South Florida Sun-Sentinel |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |page=D1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19860522p95">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=May 22, 1986 |title=WJW is bought by Lorimar along with 6 other stations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-is-bought-by-lorima/148999550/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> with WTVJ commanding $405&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chrissos |first=Joan |date=July 1, 1986 |title=Lorimar agrees to buy WTVJ, 6 other stations for $1.85 billion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75456940/lorimar-agrees-to-buy-wtvj-6-other/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411012859/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75456940/lorimar-agrees-to-buy-wtvj-6-other/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |page=6D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Lorimar was expected to dismiss Storer's corporate staff, prompting Virgil Dominic—by then WJW station manager{{r|ABJ850823p19}} and Storer's corporate news director—to be transferred back to WJW as news director.<ref name="Atlant19860717p47">{{Cite news |last=Carman |first=John |date=July 17, 1986 |title=The wave of changes at Storer reaches Ch. 5 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-the-wave-of-changes/161050261/ |access-date=December 17, 2024 |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal |page=11C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This deal collapsed by late October 1986 when Lorimar asked to have WTVJ excluded.<ref name="MiamiN19861023p8">{{Cite news |last=Sigale |first=Merwin |date=October 23, 1986 |title=WTVJ ownership uncertain after Lorimar exclusion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75438298/wtvj-ownership-uncertain-after-lorimar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051521/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75438298/wtvj-ownership-uncertain-after-lorimar/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=April 11, 2021 |newspaper=The Miami News |page=8A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Initially attributed to issues financing the deal and reduced ] estimates for WTVJ,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1986 |title=Lorimar drops deal for WTVJ |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75457420/lorimar-drops-deal-for-wtvj/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75457420/lorimar-drops-deal-for-wtvj/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=April 11, 2021 |newspaper=The Palm Beach Post |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="SouthF19861023p 51">{{Cite news |last=Altaner |first=David |date=October 23, 1986 |title=Channel 4 purchase called off |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75522747/channel-4-purchase-called-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411051520/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75522747/channel-4-purchase-called-off/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=April 11, 2021 |newspaper=South Florida Sun-Sentinel |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |page=D1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> it was later revealed that CBS president ] objected to Lorimar purchasing a significant portion of the affiliate base and threatened to disaffiliate all the CBS affiliates in the deal, including WJW.<ref name="ap">{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2017 |title=Alan Perris |url=https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/alan-perris |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219055448/https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/alan-perris |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=April 11, 2021 |website=Television Academy Interviews |language=en}}</ref> WTVJ was put up for sale separately by KKR and ] on January 16, 1987.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Michals |first=Bob |date=January 17, 1987 |title=Miami's CBS affiliate gets new owner—NBC |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75064445/miamis-cbs-affiliate-gets-new/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217034341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75064445/miamis-cbs-affiliate-gets-new/ |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2021 |newspaper=The Palm Beach Post |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
In 2013, Wilma Smith retired after a 17-year stint as one of WJW's main anchors, and was replaced by Tracy McCool, herself a decade-plus veteran of WJW.<ref name = "WS HOF" />


=== George Gillett ownership, debt trouble, and sale rumors ===
Currently, WJW's Sky Fox HD helicopter is the only TV news chopper in Cleveland.<ref></ref>
{{Quote box
| quote = We went from being owned by this family company to being owned by a conglomerate when George {{sic|Gillett|e's}} company bought the Storer stations. came in for the dog and pony show and was very candid with us; he promised to support us, and when one of the employees asked a question he couldn't answer, he would do a tap dance. He was very dynamic.
| author = Kevin Salyer<ref name="a906">{{cite web |last=Warner |first=Richard | date=November 2, 2001 |title=The History of Channel 8: WJW Becomes FOX 8 | website=WJW-TV | url=http://www.fox8cleveland.com:80/dynamic/images/stories/history/history4.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060327123909/http://www.fox8cleveland.com:80/dynamic/images/stories/history/history4.html | archive-date=March 27, 2006 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 29, 2024}}</ref>
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In 1987, ] acquired majority control of the Storer stations;<ref name="PlainD19870417p37">{{Cite news |last1=Chatman |first1=Angela D. |last2=Snook |first2=Debbi |date=April 17, 1987 |title=Storer, Gillett in talks on WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-storer-gillett-in-talk/148876634/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=17B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19870410p16">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbi |date=April 10, 1987 |title=Nashville group negotiating for piece of WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-nashville-group-negotia/149252862/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=18B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the $1.3&nbsp;billion deal was financed through ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richter |first=Paul |date=December 27, 1987 |title=Entrepreneur Builds Broadcast Empire on Debt |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-27-fi-31655-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525024710/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-27-fi-31655-story.html |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=November 7, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> and represented a valuation of nearly 15 times cash flow for the group.{{r|PlainD19891118p30}} KKR maintained 45-percent minority ownership.<ref name="PlainD19900201p51">{{Cite news |date=February 1, 1990 |title=Channel 8 owner avoids bankruptcy at last minute |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-owner-avoids/149072239/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1F |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> To satisfy federal regulations, Gillett's existing station group was spun off to Busse Broadcasting, a company formed by Gillett employees.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 2, 1987 |title=With strings, FCC OK's Gillett buy of Storer TV's |magazine=Broadcasting |page=35 |volume=113 |issue=18 |id={{ProQuest|1016919851}}}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19871022p83">{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1987 |title=FCC puts WJW sale on hold |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fcc-puts-wjw-sale-on-ho/149003642/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11G |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gillett was a major backer of local news production, to the point he called himself a "news junkie", but declined to commit to a larger budget for the station.<ref name="PlainD19871031p7">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbie |date=October 31, 1987 |title=Channel 8's new owner likes news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8s-new-owner-l/149003157/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=19A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Shortly after the takeover, WJW debuted an hour-long morning newscast in February 1988 that included Dufala, sportscaster ] and meteorologist ], the latter arriving from ] in ].<ref name="PlainD19880209p12">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbie |date=February 9, 1988 |title=WJW begins morning news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-begins-morning-news/148946214/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The newscast was seen as complementary to ''].''{{r|PlainD19871210p95}}
==Notable alumni==

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Gillett's purchase of the Storer stations, renamed SCI Television,{{r|PlainD19891118p30}}{{Efn|The subsidiary that held WJW's license was renamed Gillett Communications of Cleveland, Inc.{{r|PlainD19871031p7}}}} was troubled from the start. The junk bonds were raised prior to ]: by November 1987, Gillett recorded a 10:1 debt-to-profit ratio<ref name="AkronB19880615p 18">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=June 15, 1988 |title=New owner may be putting Channel 8 on block: He's looking at buying pro football team |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-new-owner-may-b/147987901/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and faced a $153&nbsp;million loan payment by October 1989.{{r|PlainD19891118p30}}<ref name="PlainD19880618p29">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 18, 1988 |title=Channel 8 reviewing buy bids |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-reviewing-buy/149043393/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Rumors started to emerge of Gillett selling WJW, along with his stations in ], and ].{{r|PlainD19880616p81}} These rumors intensified by June 1988 when Gillett, who formerly had a role with the ], expressed interest in buying the ].<ref name="PlainD19880615p80">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 15, 1988 |title=WJW sale rumor gets no comment |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-sale-rumor-gets-no/149003434/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12G |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Potential buyers included CBS, Group W, a consortium of station employees,<ref name="PlainD19880616p81">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 16, 1988 |title=Workers want to buy WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-workers-want-to-buy-wjw/148997942/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ],{{r|Var880713}} and former WUAB executive William Schwartz.<ref name="PlainD19900616p62">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 16, 1990 |title=Channel 8 could be for sale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-could-be-for/149253265/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> While ownership denied WJW was itself up for sale, they did accept buy bids for review.{{r|PlainD19880618p29}} WJW reportedly had an ] of $190 or $200&nbsp;million,<ref name="Var880713">{{Cite news|work=]|title=Gillett Unloads Four Stations; May Sell More|date=July 13, 1988|pages=44, 57|id={{ProQuest|1438508244}}}}</ref> which market analysts saw as a discount given Cleveland's market size and the station's ratings performance<ref name="PlainD19880616p28">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 16, 1988 |title=Rumored WJW price seems low |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-rumored-wjw-price-seems/149043650/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but also reflected the high price paid for the group.{{r|PlainD19900616p62}} At the same time, Dominic was promoted to president and general manager, replacing C. David Whitaker, who transferred to Gillett's Tampa station, ].<ref name="PlainD19890224p13">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 24, 1989 |title=WJW news chief named to top spot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-news-chief-named-to/148827840/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=13A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
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By June 1989, WJW was officially taken off the market, reportedly due to WJW's ratings and a separate deal to sell his ] station, ],<ref name="PlainD19890419p71">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=April 19, 1989 |title=No problem with your sound, TV-8 just hushing up on sale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-no-problem-with-your-so/148998006/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> falling through.<ref name="AkronB19890616p 6">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=June 16, 1989 |title=WJW-TV off sale block, owner says: High ratings are cited as reason for keeping station |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wjw-tv-off-sale/147987952/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B9 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19890616p12">{{Cite news |date=June 16, 1989 |title=Channel 8 taken off the block |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-taken-off-the/149003335/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gillett's Nashville station ] was sold earlier in the year.<ref name="PlainD19890116p38">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 16, 1989 |title=WJW owners reportedly plan to sell station in Nashville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-owners-reportedly-p/149003036/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gillett boasted that the sale of WSMV was enough to shore up the company's financials,<ref name="PlainD19890117p22">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 17, 1989 |title=Gillett quiets rumors of sale for Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-gillett-quiets-rumors-o/149002976/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but the firm missed the October 1989 loan payment, prompting three creditors to ask the ] in Delaware that SCI Television be placed in involuntary ]<ref name="PlainD19891118p30">{{Cite news |date=November 18, 1989 |title=3 bondholders move to put WJW owner in involuntary bankruptcy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-3-bondholders-move-to-p/149061793/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> while SCI offered a ] exchange.<ref name="PlainD19900113p17">{{Cite news |date=January 13, 1990 |title=TV-8 owner struggles to make payments on buyout debt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8-owner-struggles-to/149253023/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1C– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This exchange offer was agreed to within hours of a deadline placed by the Delaware court.<ref name="PlainD19900131p23">{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1990 |title=TV 8's parent facing deadline |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8s-parent-facing-de/149253129/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Bondholders acquired a 39-percent stake in SCI, while Gillett saw his ownership reduced to 41 percent and KKR's reduced to 15 percent;{{r|PlainD19900201p51}} KKR also cancelled a $190&nbsp;million ] held on SCI.<ref name="PlainD19900206p41">{{Cite news |date=February 6, 1990 |title=SCI freed from bankruptcy threat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-sci-freed-from-bankrupt/149071108/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1F |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Gillett failed to meet a debt payment by August 1990, prompting ] to lower the rating for Gillett Holdings from a C to a D.<ref name="PlainD19900817p56">{{Cite news |date=August 17, 1990 |title=S&P lowers credit on debt of parent of owner of Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-sp-lowers-credit-on-de/148995983/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=16D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
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WJW continued to be a standout for SCI, which was noteworthy given decreased investment in equipment and maintenance.{{r|PlainD19900616p62}} By September 1991, the station cancelled ''Cleveland Tonight'' and laid off all personnel involved, effectively disbanding WJW's local production department; the move was blamed on both Gillett's financial woes and the departure of Swoboda, who took on additional duties with the show before leaving.<ref name="PlainD19910902p29">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 2, 1991 |title=TV-5 special wins a national Emmy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-5-special-wins-a-nat/160227777/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19911031p67">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=October 31, 1991 |title=Channel 8 raises doubt about return of Wagner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-raises-doubt/160226078/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Swoboda's exit also rendered a $75,000 promotional campaign the station shot on film earlier in the year worthless.<ref name="AkronB19911121p 31">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=November 21, 1991 |title=Word has it that Swoboda will join WKYC |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-word-has-it-tha/160225581/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=C1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
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=== Bankruptcy and takeover by Ronald Perelman ===
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WJW was again placed for sale in September 1990 after a second sale attempt for WMAR,<ref name="PlainD19900914p41">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 14, 1990 |title=WJW-TV on the block again |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-tv-on-the-block-aga/148996061/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but no offer materialized.<ref name="PlainD19901231p17">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 31, 1990 |title=TV stations here dial up boom |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-stations-here-dial-u/149009860/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1B, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ] president ] expressed interest in WJW, having offered to buy WKYC from NBC the year before, and the president of ] paid a visit to WJW's studios.<ref name="PlainD19910517p32">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 17, 1991 |title=For-sale rumor is again playing on TV 8 screen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-for-sale-rumor-is-again/149253301/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=12C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gillett's financial pressures continued to mount after the WMAR sale was renegotiated to a lower price and a Denver bankruptcy judge denied any further extensions on a ] filing.<ref name="PlainD19910613p65">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 13, 1991 |title=Debt deadline for parent firm could accelerate sale of TV-8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-debt-deadline-for-paren/149135914/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The ] also negatively impacted television station cash flow and advertising revenue,{{r|PlainD19910517p32}} on top of Gillett's failure to divest assets prior to a decline in station valuation.{{r|PlainD19910613p65}} Facing lawsuits from multiple creditors including ], ] and ], Gillett Holdings filed for Chapter 11 on July 26, 1991.<ref name="PlainD19910627p42">{{Cite news |date=June 27, 1991 |title=Gillett Holdings seeks bankruptcy protection |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-gillett-holdings-seeks/149253529/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> After reaching another agreement with bondholders, Gillett Holdings was restructured in January 1992, with Gillett as a minority owner but maintaining day-to-day operational control.<ref name="PlainD19920123p55">{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1992 |title=Business Briefs: Regional; Gillett status |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-business-briefs-region/149253582/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=55 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
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Investor ], regarded as a ] and the owner of ] and ],<ref name="PlainD19940524p8">{{Cite news |last=King |first=James |date=May 24, 1994 |title=Perelman is close to media kingpin goal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-perelman-is-close-to-me/149126897/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> purchased majority control of SCI Television, including WJW-TV, on February 17, 1993,<ref>{{cite news |last=Fabrikant |first=Geraldine |date=February 18, 1993 |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Perelman Agrees to Acquire Control of SCI Television |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/18/business/the-media-business-perelman-agrees-to-acquire-control-of-sci-television.html |access-date=December 23, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227142310/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/18/business/the-media-business-perelman-agrees-to-acquire-control-of-sci-television.html |url-status=live }}</ref> pushing Gillett out entirely.<ref name="BC19930222p47">{{cite magazine |last=Foisie |first=Geoffrey |date=February 22, 1993 |title=SCI-TV gets a makeover |magazine=Broadcasting |pages=47–48 |volume=123 |issue=8 |id={{ProQuest|1016940173}}}}</ref> The transaction came through a bankruptcy court-approved Chapter 11 reorganization: Perelman's holding company ] made a $100&nbsp;million investment in SCI, which was still burdened by $1.3&nbsp;billion in debt, in exchange for 53 percent of its equity.<ref name="MountV930507p52">{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1993 |title=SCI's bankruptcy plan earns judge's approval |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/mount-vernon-argus-scis-bankruptcy-plan/151582036/ |access-date=November 30, 2024 |work=Mount Vernon Argus |location=White Plains, New York |page=4B |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> WTVT was also included.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 17, 1993 |title=Entertainment: Tampa TV Station Sold |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-17-fi-131-story.html |access-date=October 5, 2020 |newspaper=] |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306224729/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-02-17/business/fi-131_1_cbs-stations |url-status=live }}</ref> After the deal closed, SCI was folded into Perelman's New World Entertainment and renamed ].{{r|PlainD19940524p8}}<ref name="latimes-nwc1994">{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Kathryn |date=June 18, 1994 |title=Broadcasting's Creators of a New World : Perelman, Bevins Credited With Transforming the TV Station Operator |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1994-06-18/business/fi-5603_1_station-operator |access-date=August 10, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306032252/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-06-18/business/fi-5603_1_station-operator |url-status=live }}</ref> This was one of several deals Perelman made in rapid succession, as he then purchased a stake in Genesis Entertainment via ]<ref name="Genesis ownership of Four Star">{{cite news |last=Pendleton |first=Jennifer |date=June 29, 1993 |title=Billionaire May Cast Genesis Into Big Leagues; Television: Ronald O. Perelman's purchase of a 50% interest comes after the Agoura Hills syndicator saw its late-night "Whoopi Goldberg" show canceled. |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1993-06-29/business/fi-8231_1_whoopi-goldberg-show/2 |access-date=November 15, 2017 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=October 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025113431/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-06-29/business/fi-8231_1_whoopi-goldberg-show/2 |url-status=live }}</ref> and directly purchased infomercial producer ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Jay |date=November 15, 1993 |title=Perelman buys into infomercial company |url=https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/perelman-buys-into-infomercial-company-115823/ |access-date=October 5, 2020 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009171816/https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/perelman-buys-into-infomercial-company-115823/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Perelman's takeover of SCI set off speculation regarding the station group's future with CBS, including using them to test future syndicated programming or to form a new network.{{r|BC19930222p47}} The previous June, CBS announced a change in compensation for affiliates, owing to a $200&nbsp;million financial shortfall for the network: affiliates, including WJW, were now being asked to repay as much of 25 percent of the money provided by CBS and also had to pay CBS in order to air specific programs.<ref name="AkronB19920607p 31">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=June 7, 1992 |title=WJW must pay to play CBS shows |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wjw-must-pay-to/45071480/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=D1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This came as WJW was already facing "several hundred thousand dollars" in decreased revenue.<ref name="PlainD19920602p24">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 2, 1992 |title=CBS fee paybacks leave TV-8 up in air |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cbs-fee-paybacks-leave/149058630/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Dominic continued to reiterate support for CBS, saying, "hey are the only network whose only business is the business of broadcasting"{{r|PlainD19920602p24}} and "I think the country would suffer greatly if the network-affiliate system ever goes away".{{r|AkronB19920607p 31}} When CBS debuted '']'' in August 1993, WJW delayed the show until midnight in favor of '']'' reruns, which netted more revenue from local advertising.<ref name="AkronB19930919p 36">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=September 19, 1993 |title=Letterman letters can't sway WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-letterman-lette/85863734/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019041145/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-letterman-lette/85863734/ |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=D2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
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{{Quote box
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| quote = uilding something from the ground up is more fun. The challenge is to take the people we had at ] and blending them here at 8, with people like Goddard, Carl Monday, Tom Meyer, Neil Zurcher—I have all these wonderful weapons at my disposal.
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| author = Andy Fishman
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| source = former WEWS producer, on joining WJW{{r|PlainD19940327p155}}
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}}
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With newfound resources under New World, WJW made a flurry of talent hires, including producer Andy Fishman, entertainment reporter David Moss, and anchor/reporter Lou Maglio, all of whom came to WJW from WEWS.{{r|PlainD19940327p155}} WEWS lead anchor ]—who had been with the station for 17 years and was regarded as a "focal point"—inked a five-year deal with WJW on December 20, 1993, that included co-anchoring the 11&nbsp;p.m. news and a revamped 5&nbsp;p.m. news in the mold of WEWS's ''Live on Five'', which Smith co-anchored and which continually bested WJW in the ratings.<ref name="AkronB19931221p 1">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=December 21, 1993 |title=Channel 8 swipes rival's star: Wilma Smith to switch channels after 16 years |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-channel-8-swipe/147987785/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=A1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Negotiations between Smith and Dominic began in secret after WEWS failed to meet a ] deadline.<ref name="PlainD19931221p1">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 21, 1993 |title=Wilma Smith switches to TV 8: TV 5 news anchor signs a long-term contract with WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wilma-smith-switches-to/149177496/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Smith debuted at the station on April 3, 1994, after a non-compete clause with WEWS was honored, and said of Dominic, "...&nbsp;coming here with Virgil is like a dream come true. He knows what we go through, the insecurities—so understanding, someone I've always admired."<ref name="PlainD19940327p155">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=March 27, 1994 |title=Wilma Smith is primed for April debut on TV-8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wilma-smith-is-primed-f/149164089/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1J, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
*]

== New World and the switch to Fox ==
{{Main|1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment}}
{{Quote box
| quote = I guarantee you one thing. We are not going to be 'Fox 8.' There is no way in the world we are going to become 'Fox 8'. We are 'Cleveland's Own' and 'Newscenter 8,' and we intend to stay that way.
| author = Virgil Dominic
| source = WJW president and general manager{{r|CPD19940529p1C}}
| width = 275px
}}

On May 23, 1994, ] parent ] announced the purchase of a 20&nbsp;percent stake in New World Communications, an investment of $500&nbsp;million.<ref name="ABJ19940524pA1">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=May 24, 1994 |title=Channel 8 to drop CBS for Fox: 40-year affiliation ends in autumn as Fox owner pays $500 million to station's parent. WJW to regain NFL games, lose Letterman. Channels 19, 43 to fight for CBS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-channel-8-to-dr/123747776/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429190117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-channel-8-to-dr/123747776/ |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2023 |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=A1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The deal included a groupwide multi-year affiliation agreement that had the majority of stations owned by—or in the process of being acquired by—New World, switch network affiliations to Fox after existing contracts expired per-station.<ref name="nytbusinessdigest">{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=May 24, 1994 |title=Fox Will Sign Up 12 New Stations; Takes 8 from CBS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/24/us/fox-will-sign-up-12-new-stations-takes-8-from-cbs.html?pagewanted=4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625021414/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/24/us/fox-will-sign-up-12-new-stations-takes-8-from-cbs.html?pagewanted=4 |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |access-date=October 22, 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="BC940530">{{cite magazine |last=Foisie |first=Geoffrey |date=May 30, 1994 |title=Fox and the New World order |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |pages=6, 8 |volume=124 |issue=22 |id={{ProQuest|225327977}}}}</ref> News Corp. chairman ] called the agreement "the largest network affiliation realignment in television history" and said it would "forever change the competitive landscape of network television". WJW's inclusion in the deal meant that their CBS affiliation would end after 39 years.{{r|ABJ19940524pA1}} This came after Fox outbid CBS for broadcast rights to the ] months earlier<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1993 |title=Fox nabs NFC rights from CBS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-fox-nabs-nfc-rights/123569306/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426212333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-fox-nabs-nfc-rights/123569306/ |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |work=The Herald Statesman |location=Yonkers, New York |page=29A |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> and sought to upgrade its affiliate base.<ref name="BC19940110p18">{{Cite magazine |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=January 10, 1994 |title=Fox uses NFL to woo network affiliates |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |page=18 |volume=124 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|1014760905}}}}</ref> Dominic was notified of the deal days in advance and sworn to secrecy; he later told the ''Plain Dealer'', "My mouth fell to my knees. There was five or six seconds of absolute silence after told me. It really was a shock."<ref name="CPD19940529p1C">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 29, 1994 |title=Seismic change |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807CFD67DE8DD1 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429190117/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807CFD67DE8DD1&f=basic |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1C |via=NewsBank}}</ref>

]
WJW was the first of these stations to switch to Fox on September 3, 1994, with outgoing Fox affiliate ] joining CBS;<ref name="CPD19940902p1A">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 2, 1994 |title=Touch that dial! TV turnabout begins tomorrow on Channels 8, 19, 43 |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F3413A60C43494E |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110034117/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F3413A60C43494E&f=basic |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=October 21, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1A |via=NewsBank}}</ref> ] went from WOIO to ].<ref name="CPD19940902p6E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 2, 1994 |title=Channel 55 to air Fox children's shows |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F3413A60A260572 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110034118/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F3413A60A260572&f=basic |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=October 21, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> With the switch, WJW-TV hired multiple personnel and added a ], giving it the largest news staff and news output of any Ohio television station, but notably eschewed directly marketing their incoming Fox affiliation,{{r|CPD19940902p1A}} something Dominic publicly resisted.{{r|CPD19940529p1C}} WOIO had no news department but assumed operational control of WUAB in order to establish one;<ref name="CPD19940820p1E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 20, 1994 |title=WOIO fires 8 at TV-43 in takeover |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D774E46BD4F |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020657/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D774E46BD4F&f=basic |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> Dufala, who already had been replaced by Smith as WJW's 11&nbsp;p.m. co-anchor,{{r|PlainD19940327p155}} signed a contract with WOIO, while WJW re-signed Swoboda to co-anchor the 6&nbsp;p.m. news.<ref name="CPD940901p47">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 1, 1994 |title=Dufala set to drop anchor at TV-19: Channel 8 may sign Swoboda Wagner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dufala-set-to-drop-anch/149147974/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5B |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203202434/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-dufala-set-to-drop-anch/149147974/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WJW's switch came with three months' notice and altered more than 20 hours of programming per day,<ref name="CPD19950920p7E">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 20, 1995 |title=New TV-8 chief sees 'untapped opportunities' |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8085A61D781583 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503194948/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8085A61D781583&f=basic |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> or 87 percent of the schedule.<ref name="CPD19950116p7E">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 16, 1995 |title=Fox-CBS switch still best, exec says |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8083F244B897CB |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503194949/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8083F244B897CB&f=basic |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> Ratings declined in all time slots but especially fell by half for the late-evening news after moving from 11&nbsp;p.m.—a time slot WJW had won consistently since 1981—to 10&nbsp;p.m., but still topped WUAB's newscast.<ref name="CPD19931103p5E">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=November 3, 1994 |title=TV-8 ratings decline with network switch |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807DD82E93D407 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 7, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5E |via=NewsBank |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055324/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807DD82E93D407&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="EM19951030p6">{{Cite magazine |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=October 30, 1995 |title=Cleveland's WJW starting huge news promotion push |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1995-10-30_14_44/page/n5/mode/2up |access-date=May 2, 2023 |magazine=Electronic Media |pages=6, 33}}</ref> WJW's morning show also failed to retain the audience of its lead-in 6&nbsp;a.m. news.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=November 5, 1994 |title=WJW alters morning show to stress news |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807DDC53B5749D |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503194950/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807DDC53B5749D&f=basic |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8E |via=NewsBank}}</ref>

Dominic retired in May 1995: while highly regarded for his "avuncular" stewardship of WJW,{{r|CPD19960215p5E}} the station struggled to maintain its prior news presentation more befitting of a CBS affiliation, a problem encountered by the rest of the New World stations.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=January 20, 1997 |title=Change looms for Fox's New World. |magazine=Electronic Media |pages=32–33}}</ref> Selwyn later said WJW "had the farthest to fall" because it had been so closely tied to CBS.{{r|CPD19950920p7E}} Fox Entertainment president ] said the network was looking at broadening their programming beyond their original target 18–34 demographic, prompted largely by the reluctance of newer affiliates like WJW to identify with Fox.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=July 14, 1995 |title='Growing up' Fox wants to expand audience |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8084CDD62B2118 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=1E |via=NewsBank |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055326/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8084CDD62B2118&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Dominic was replaced by Bob Rowe; under Rowe, previously the general manager of ] in ],{{r|CPD19950920p7E}} the station rebranded in November 1995 to "Fox is Ei8ht" / "Ei8ht is News",{{r|EM19951030p6}} a slogan derided among viewers for its continuous on-air repetition.<ref name="CPD19960215p5E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 15, 1996 |title=TV-8 Chief is all News, News, News |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808C75A8CFE711 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503194950/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808C75A8CFE711&f=basic |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> The morning newscasts were retooled into a three-hour program{{r|EM19951030p6}} which saw its audience double year-over-year during the first month, while WJW saw ratings increases in several dayparts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 5, 1995 |title=CBS is only loser in local ratings |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80879CF8B7E09E |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503194949/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80879CF8B7E09E&f=basic |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9E |via=NewsBank}}</ref>

== Fox ownership ==
] truck with "Fox 8" livery outside the entrance to the NASA ], 1998.|alt=In front of a building entrance, a white truck with a raised large antenna. On the side of the truck, as well as on the driver's side door, are large "FOX 8 WJW CLEVELAND" signs.]]
News Corp. agreed to purchase New World Communications in a $2.5&nbsp;billion deal announced on July 17, 1996, with WJW joining Fox's ]; talks between the two companies stalled earlier in the year but restarted when Perelman pursued a deal for ].<ref name="PlainD19960718p1">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=July 18, 1996 |title=Fox's owner buys WJW Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-foxs-owner-buys-wjw-ch/149218412/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Beginning in August 1996, WJW began rebranding from "Ei8ht is News" to "Fox 8" in preparation for the changeover, the same branding Dominic publicly resisted implementing two years earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 15, 1996 |title=Changes beginning at 'Fox 8' |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D23590EA62F |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503194950/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D23590EA62F&f=basic |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6E |via=NewsBank}}</ref> The nature of the rebranding led some station employees to joke internally, "Fox Ei8ht Us".<ref name="PlainD19961206p25">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 6, 1996 |title=Fox's girlfriend off 'Spin City' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-foxs-girlfriend-off-s/160143655/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203082857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-foxs-girlfriend-off-s/160143655/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = We have to reshape TV-8 because it's a Fox station now. You have a different platform to promote from for shows like '']'' and '']''.
| author = Mike Renda
| source = WJW general manager{{r|PlainD19971228p155}}
| width = 250px
}}

The turnover extended over-the-air. Prior to the start of the November 1996 sweeps, Rowe demoted Casey Coleman from weeknight sportscasting duties in favor of Mark Schroeder; Coleman, who had also been the radio voice of the Browns from 1994 until ],<ref name="PlainD19971228p155">{{Cite news |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=December 28, 1997 |title=Casey Coleman: The sportscaster's ties to Bill Belichick hurt him. Now, he hopes they will pay off |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-casey-coleman-p2/160138736/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=, 9, , , , :Sunday Magazine |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202104545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-casey-coleman-p2/160138736/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was criticized for his close friendship with ] and had been perceived as "negative".<ref name="PlainD19961029p51">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=October 29, 1996 |title=TV-8 replaces Casey Coleman with Schroeder |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8-replaces-casey-col/160144779/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> News director Kathy Williams, who was reportedly upset over Coleman's demotion,{{r|PlainD19971228p155}} left for like duties at WKYC several weeks later, with Rowe tabbing Greg Easterly, a former producer/director at KNXV, as her replacement.<ref name="PlainD19961207p58">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 7, 1996 |title=Visions of city's past on WVIZ |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-visions-of-citys-past/160144731/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=8E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> When the deal closed, Rowe was dismissed and replaced by Mike Renda, a former sales manager at WJW.<ref name="PlainD19970222p21">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 22, 1997 |title=New general manager at Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-general-manager-at/149114599/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Renda and Easterly made a partial reversal of Coleman's demotion, restoring him to the 6&nbsp;p.m. news in early March 1997,<ref name="PlainD19970308p48">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=March 8, 1997 |title=Casey back in lineup on Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-casey-back-in-lineup-on/149149067/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but declined to renew his contract at the end of June.<ref name="AkronB19970611p 23">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=June 11, 1997 |title=Coleman receives pink slip at WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-coleman-receive/160139878/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=C3 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203101347/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-coleman-receive/160139878/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Coleman's replacement was Tony Rizzo, son of former Cleveland television personality ] and the sportscaster for ]'s show at ],<ref name="PlainD19970903p21">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=September 3, 1997 |title=TV-8 hires local radio personality for sports |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8-hires-local-radio/160139788/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> whose on-air persona was seen as a stark contrast to Coleman's.{{r|PlainD19971228p155}}

Robin Swoboda left WJW a second time in early January 1998,<ref name="PlainD19971112p54">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=November 12, 1997 |title=A hunch on Swoboda's replacement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-a-hunch-on-swobodas-re/160173573/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> which she largely attributed to the station's handling of Coleman, saying, "hat's one of the reasons I don't love this business anymore. Casey was Cleveland sports. It's not fair."{{r|PlainD19971228p155}} Wilma Smith was consequently moved from the 5&nbsp;p.m. news—which tied in the ratings against reruns on WUAB and had a poor lead-in with '']''—to 6&nbsp;p.m. opposite Tim Taylor, matching their 10&nbsp;p.m. pairing.<ref name="PlainD19981118p60">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=November 18, 1998 |title=WJW re-signs a more relaxed Wilma Smith |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjw-re-signs-a-more-rel/160176190/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> While seen as "slumbering" against stiff competition from WKYC and WEWS,<ref name="PlainD19980725p42">{{Cite news |date=July 25, 1998 |title=Channel 8 shuffles 5, 6 p.m. co-anchors |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-shuffles-5-6/160175087/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19980808p39">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=August 8, 1998 |title=Channel 3 is tops in news in 4 time slots this summer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-3-is-tops-in-ne/160176068/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203004458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-3-is-tops-in-ne/160176068/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WJW consistently led at 10&nbsp;p.m. and beat WUAB by a 2–1 margin during the February 1998 sweeps.<ref name="CPD19980325p2G">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=March 25, 1998 |title=WUAB doing little to help its nightly news |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CFB41DE1F271 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172035/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CFB41DE1F271&f=basic |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2G |via=NewsBank}}</ref> Ratings improved at 6&nbsp;a.m. and noon by 1999,<ref name="PlainD19990308p41">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=March 8, 1999 |title=WEWS, WJW news shows win February sweeps |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wews-wjw-news-shows-wi/160175750/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204043217/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wews-wjw-news-shows-wi/160175750/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in 2000, WJW was ranked first sign-on to sign-off in multiple key demographics, with the 8&nbsp;a.m. hour competitive against the network morning shows.<ref name="CPD20000619p4E">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 19, 2000 |title=WJW, WEWS have viewers advertisers want most |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80DB77771479E9 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 7, 2023 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=4E |via=NewsBank |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055326/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80DB77771479E9&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Renda credited the stability under Fox ownership for much of the success, saying, "or years we were operating with rubber bands and glue. Fox has given us ]—and we're working for a real broadcaster now."<ref name="AkronB19991212p 55">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=December 12, 1999 |title=WJW celebrates 50th anniversary in broadcasting |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wjw-celebrates/160205920/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=F1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203205942/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-wjw-celebrates/160205920/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The station erected a new tower in 1999 for ]; to alleviate residential concerns, WJW agreed to remove both the existing analog tower and the original 1949 self-supporting tower once the digital tower was activated.<ref name="PlainD19981230p19">{{Cite news |last=Tebben |first=Janet |date=December 30, 1998 |title=Plan for Parma digital-TV tower unwelcome news to neighbors: Channel 8 agrees to remove 2 older ones when new one is up |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-plan-for-parma-digital/149150346/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WJW began digital broadcasts in November 1999 on UHF channel 31.<ref name="PlainD19990615p10">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 15, 1999 |title=Tune into tomorrow today: WKYC becomes first station in northern Ohio to offer digital signal—now all you need is HDTV equipment to view it |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tune-into-tomorrow-toda/160810625/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=, 10A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19991215p58">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 15, 1999 |title=8 turns 50: WJW marks half-century of TV, looks to future |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-8-turns-50-wjw-marks-h/160810361/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=2E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

WJW ranked as the highest-rated Fox affiliate in the country in February 2001, with the station leading in the 25–54 demographic in every newscast,<ref name="PlainD20010321p57">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=March 21, 2001 |title=Channel 8 is cheering over February sweeps |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-is-cheering-o/160186335/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203052031/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-is-cheering-o/160186335/ |url-status=live }}</ref> aided by Fox's primetime lineup and the acquisition of '']'' as a lead-in for 5&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="PlainD20010305p43">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=March 5, 2001 |title=Channels 8 and 5 stand out in February ratings sweeps |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channels-8-and-5-stand/160186754/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9E |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204104011/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channels-8-and-5-stand/160186754/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The success in mornings came alongside increased viewership for morning news industry-wide,<ref name="PlainD20021203p43">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=December 3, 2002 |title=TV wakes up to mornings: The race is on to grab a slice of lucrative a.m. market |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-wakes-up-to-mornings/160187881/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=E1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> while the success at 6 and 10&nbsp;p.m. was attributed to the stability of WJW's anchor team of Smith, Taylor and Goddard; as Taylor told ''The Plain Dealer'', "people in Cleveland abhor change".<ref name="PlainD20020203p115">{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=February 3, 2002 |title=As viewing habits change, stations look for ways to boost the news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-as-viewing-habits-chang/160188897/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=J1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203140634/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-as-viewing-habits-chang/160188897/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2004, WJW faced heightened competition from WKYC, particularly at 5&nbsp;a.m. and 6&nbsp;p.m., and '']'' on WKYC at 5&nbsp;p.m. topped all competing newscasts.<ref name="PlainD20040312p47">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=March 12, 2004 |title=Channel 3 news moves to forefront in February ratings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-3-news-moves-to/160190761/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E5 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> As 2005 began, Smith and Taylor reduced their schedule to anchor solely at 6&nbsp;p.m. by their request, and Bill Martin and Stacey Bell took over anchoring at 10&nbsp;p.m., reflecting WJW's dominance in the late-evening news while also raising the profiles of Martin and Bell.<ref name="PlainD20041119p3">{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2004 |title=Anchors Reed and Smith stand behind decisions |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-anchors-reed-and-smith/160192846/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The change foreshadowed Taylor's retirement at the end of 2005, ending a 40-year career in broadcasting and 27 years at channel 8.<ref name="PlainD20051122p35">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=November 22, 2005 |title=Saying goodbye to 'Cleveland's Own' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-saying-goodbye-to-clev/160196292/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203233901/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-saying-goodbye-to-clev/160196292/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD20051122p37">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=November 22, 2005 |title=Channel 8's Taylor to retire |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8s-taylor-to-r/160196377/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=E1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Lou Maglio replaced Taylor as 6&nbsp;p.m. co-anchor,<ref name="PlainD20060311p49">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=March 11, 2006 |title=Maglio moves up to evening anchor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-maglio-moves-up-to-even/160200613/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E7 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204025808/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-maglio-moves-up-to-even/160200613/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a role he continues to hold.{{r|i774}}

In early 2007, the station launched ''That's Life'', a local late-morning talk show hosted by Swoboda, who returned to WJW for her third stint;<ref name="PlainD20070108p29">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=January 8, 2007 |title=Rebounding Robin: Former anchor Swoboda returns to television |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-rebounding-robin-forme/160203598/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=D1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the show was inspired in part by WEWS's '']'', which Swoboda briefly co-hosted in 1998.<ref name="AkronB20070107p E001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=January 7, 2007 |title=Swoboda returns with new talk show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-swoboda-returns/160196626/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=E1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203043644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-swoboda-returns/160196626/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19980724p 42">{{Cite news |last=Musarra |first=Russ |date=July 24, 1998 |title=Channel 5 revamps a.m. show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-channel-5-revam/160176329/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |page=B5 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ''That's Life'' was also the first locally-produced program in the market to be broadcast in high-definition.{{r|PlainD20070108p29}} By 2010, ''That's Life'' was renamed ''The Robin Swoboda Show''.<ref name="PlainD20100626p27">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=June 26, 2010 |title=Local TV stations win regional Emmys |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-local-tv-stations-win-r/160203513/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E3 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204005154/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-local-tv-stations-win-r/160203513/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Local TV, Tribune and Nexstar ownership ==
]
On December 22, 2007, Fox sold WJW and seven other stations to ] for $1.1&nbsp;billion; the stations were divested so News Corp. could raise additional capital for its $5 billion purchase of ].<ref name="a620">{{cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=June 14, 2007 |title=Fox drops TV stations for Dow bid |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/fox-drops-tv-stations-for-dow-bid-1117966915/ |access-date=November 30, 2024 |website=Variety |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201180859/https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/fox-drops-tv-stations-for-dow-bid-1117966915/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The sale coincided with WJW debuting a news set, logo and graphics more closely tied to ], and the station's website moved to Fox's "myfox" internet platform.<ref name="PlainD20070615p41">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 15, 2007 |title=Fox's parent company will sell WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-foxs-parent-company-wi/160196147/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="AkronB20070615p C009">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=June 15, 2007 |title=Owner of Fox to sell WJW |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-owner-of-fox-to/160196829/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=C9– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Mike Renda was transferred to ], Fox's owned-and-operated station in Philadelphia, and Greg Easterly succeeded him as general manager.<ref name="PlainD20070609p43">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=June 9, 2007 |title=Easterly settles in as new Channel 8 GM |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-easterly-settles-in-as/160197049/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E7 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The sale was finalized on July 14, 2008;<ref>{{cite news |last=Kercheval |first=Nancy |date=December 27, 2007 |title=News Corp. to Sell U.S. TV Stations for $1.1 Billion |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3tNrZzvfKiM |access-date=June 22, 2012 |agency=] |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105185426/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3tNrZzvfKiM |url-status=live }}</ref> up to 25 staffers left the station prior to the sale's close, with some taking early retirement in order to access a benefits package provided by Fox, and the station's ] bureau was closed.<ref name="CPD081012pE7">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie |date=October 12, 2008 |title=I-Team reporter leaps to law firm |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-i-team-reporter-leaps-t/160045690/ |access-date=November 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=E7 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201203203/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-i-team-reporter-leaps-t/160045690/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lead investigative reporter ] left WJW to resume a career in legal work when one colleague in the station's "I-Team" unit was reassigned to consumer reporting and another was promoted to anchor duties.{{r|CPD081012pE7}}

During Local TV ownership, WJW's analog signal was shut down on June 12, 2009, as part of the ]; the station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 31 to VHF channel 8.<ref name="AkronB20090613p B001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=June 13, 2009 |title=It's official. We're a digital broadcast nation |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-its-official/160810872/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=B1, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the 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=March 24, 2012}}</ref> Swoboda left the station in January 2011 after disagreeing over the inclusion of sponsored segments; ''The Robin Swoboda Show'' was replaced with ''New Day Cleveland'', an ] program hosted by David Moss and ],<ref name="l314">{{cite web |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=March 9, 2011 |title=WJW Channel 8 launches revamped midmorning show, 'New Day Cleveland' |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2011/03/wjws_revamped_midmorning_show_launches.html |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519205901/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2011/03/wjws_revamped_midmorning_show_launches.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and has remained on the lineup to the present day.<ref name="i774">{{cite web |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=June 14, 2021 |title=Cleveland Is Rocking and Rolling |url=https://www.nexttv.com/features/cleveland-is-rocking-and-rolling |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022020118/https://www.nexttv.com/features/cleveland-is-rocking-and-rolling |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> The following year, Capel was promoted to morning co-anchor<ref name="AkronB20111214p B001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=December 14, 2011 |title=McCool to become Fox 8 evening anchor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-mccool-to-becom/160197484/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=B1, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204004616/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-mccool-to-becom/160197484/ |url-status=live }}</ref> alongside ], who joined channel 8 in 1979 and became lead morning anchor in 1999.<ref name="PlainD19990529p50">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 29, 1999 |title=Morrow is gone without goodbye, p2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-morrow-is-gone-without/155382637/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=, 6E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Wilma Smith retired on May 22, 2013, ending a 36-year career in television, almost all of it working in the Cleveland market.<ref name="PlainD20130522p1">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Wilma Smith to broadcast her final newscast at 6 p.m. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wilma-smith-to-broadcas/160201185/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203161251/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wilma-smith-to-broadcas/160201185/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD20130523p1">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Wilma Smith says goodbye to Channel 8 viewers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wilma-smith-says-goodby/160201456/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=B1– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
]
] acquired Local TV on July 1, 2013, for $2.75&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Channick |first=Robert |date=July 1, 2013 |title=Acquisition to make Tribune Co. largest U.S. TV station operator |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story |access-date=July 1, 2013 |website=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=July 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704152051/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 27, 2013 |title=Tribune Closes Local TV Holdings Purchase |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72966/tribune-closes-local-tv-holdings-purchase |website=TVNewsCheck |access-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225201342/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/tribune-closes-local-tv-holdings-purchase/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> News expansion furthered under Local TV and Tribune, including weekend morning news in 2011{{r|e2162}} and a 4&nbsp;p.m. newscast in 2013.<ref name="p654">{{cite web |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 5, 2015 |title=Fox 8 adds 'New Day Cleveland's' Natalie Herbick to its 4 p.m. news team |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2015/09/fox_8_adds_a_player_to_4_pm_news_team.html |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=cleveland |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519205859/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2015/09/fox_8_adds_a_player_to_4_pm_news_team.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2014, Easterly was promoted to the general manager role at ], Tribune's flagship station,<ref name="PlainD20140507p2">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=May 7, 2014 |title=TV stations bring in exec from Nashville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-stations-bring-in-ex/160204002/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=A2 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203090150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-stations-bring-in-ex/160204002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while Andy Fishman was elevated that November to the role of news director,<ref name="PlainD20141113p2">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=November 13, 2014 |title=Fishman is Channel 8 news director |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fishman-is-channel-8-ne/160203936/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=A2 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203083728/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-fishman-is-channel-8-ne/160203936/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which he still holds.{{r|i774}} After being rescued from ] in 2013, Amanda Berry joined WJW in 2017 to host regular missing person segments.<ref name="j075">{{cite web |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=February 6, 2017 |title=Amanda Berry will report on missing people for Channel 8 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2017/02/amanda_berry_will_report_on_missing_people_for_channel_8.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520021545/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2017/02/amanda_berry_will_report_on_missing_people_for_channel_8.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

] announced a $3.9&nbsp;billion ] of Tribune Broadcasting on May 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last=Morona |first=Joey |date=May 8, 2017 |title=Tribune Media, owner of WJW Ch. 8, being bought by Sinclair for $3.9 billion |url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/05/sinclair_tribune_media.html |access-date=June 13, 2017 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512071842/http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/05/sinclair_tribune_media.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal raised concerns over the future of WJW's newscasts due to Sinclair's track record of undermining ] at the station level.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=July 30, 2017 |title=Sinclair purchase of WJW Fox 8 triggers concerns about local news content |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2017/07/sinclair_purchase_of_channel_8_triggers_concerns_about_local_news_content.html |access-date=December 19, 2017 |work=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206032044/http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2017/07/sinclair_purchase_of_channel_8_triggers_concerns_about_local_news_content.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sinclair agreed to sell WJW back to Fox Television Stations as part of a seven-station, $910&nbsp;million deal, contingent on the Sinclair-Tribune deal closing,<ref name="foxsinclairdeal">{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=May 9, 2018 |title=21st Century Fox Buys Seven Local TV Stations From Sinclair For $910 Million |url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/21st-century-fox-buys-seven-local-tv-stations-from-sinclair-for-910-million-1202386066/ |access-date=May 9, 2018 |work=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=May 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514012204/http://deadline.com/2018/05/21st-century-fox-buys-seven-local-tv-stations-from-sinclair-for-910-million-1202386066/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="cpd-wjwnosinclair">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Channel 8 will not be sold to Sinclair Broadcast Group |url=https://articles.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2018/04/channel_8_will_not_be_sold_to_sinclair_broadcast_group.amp |access-date=April 25, 2018 |work=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183120/https://articles.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2018/04/channel_8_will_not_be_sold_to_sinclair_broadcast_group.amp |url-status=live }}</ref> but this was nullified when Tribune terminated the merger on August 9, 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last=Shields |first=Todd |date=July 16, 2018 |title=Sinclair and Tribune Fall as FCC Slams TV Station Sale Plan |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-16/fcc-rejects-sinclair-plan-for-tv-station-sales-in-tribune-deal-jjof6bcs |access-date=July 19, 2018 |agency=Bloomberg News |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004022344/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-16/fcc-rejects-sinclair-plan-for-tv-station-sales-in-tribune-deal-jjof6bcs |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=August 9, 2018 |title=Tribune Ends Deal with Sinclair, Files Breach of Contract Suit |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/tribune-ends-deal-with-sinclair-files-breach-of-contract-suit |website=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809182004/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/tribune-ends-deal-with-sinclair-files-breach-of-contract-suit |url-status=live }}</ref> following a rejection of the deal by FCC chairman ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Neidig |first=Harper |date=July 16, 2018 |title=FCC chair rejects Sinclair-Tribune merger |url=https://thehill.com/policy/technology/397194-fcc-chairman-rejects-sinclair-tribune-merger/ |access-date=August 9, 2018 |newspaper=The Hill |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810040155/http://thehill.com/policy/technology/397194-fcc-chairman-rejects-sinclair-tribune-merger |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the Sinclair-Tribune merger collapse, Tribune agreed to be purchased by ] on December 3, 2018, for $6.4&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Nexstar Confirms $4.1B Tribune Media Acquisition To Become Leading Local TV Station Owner |url=https://deadline.com/2018/12/nexstar-tribune-media-acquisition-1202512653/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204130313/https://deadline.com/2018/12/nexstar-tribune-media-acquisition-1202512653/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After the sale closed on September 16, 2019, Fox declined to reacquire WJW despite "high-stakes negotiations" between the two groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=September 19, 2019 |title=WJW Channel 8 appears to be staying in the Nexstar nation of stations |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/09/wjw-channel-8-appears-to-be-staying-in-the-nexstar-nation-of-stations.html |website=The Plain Dealer |access-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917173543/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/09/wjw-channel-8-appears-to-be-staying-in-the-nexstar-nation-of-stations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nexstar subsequently purchased WBNX on October 28, 2024, for an unspecified amount; WBNX will become the Cleveland market's ] affiliate{{Efn|WBNX was previously the Cleveland affiliate for The CW from 2006 until 2018.<ref name="pd-wuabcw">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=July 11, 2018 |title=WUAB Channel 43 is the new home for the CW |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2018/07/wuab_channel_43_is_the_new_home_for_the_cw.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185410/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2018/07/wuab_channel_43_is_the_new_home_for_the_cw.html |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref>}} when the deal closes in September 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Nexstar Media Group Buys WBNX Cleveland |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-media-group-buys-wnnx-cleveland/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |website=TV News Check |language=en-US}}</ref>

{{As of|2021}}, WJW produces up to {{Fraction|12|1|2}} hours of local programming on weekdays.{{r|i774}}

== Notable former on-air staff ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ], Indians play-by-play, 1968<ref name="PlainD19681108p87">{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Heaton |date=November 8, 1968 |title=Channel 8 Seeks Replacement for Sportscaster Mel Allen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-seeks-replace/160781333/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3:TV Week |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], host of ''Electric Avenue'', 1990<ref name="ABJ901125p91">{{Cite news |last=Faris |first=Mark |date=November 25, 1990 |title=Jammin' on 'Electric Avenue' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-jammin-on-ele/160326070/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=G5, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], sportscaster, 1979–1981<ref name="PlainD19790215p86">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 15, 1979 |title=New voices of the Tribe: Castiglione, McLeod at mike |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-new-voices-of-the-tribe/160323261/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], sportscaster, 1982–1989<ref name="PlainD19890918p49">{{Cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=September 18, 1989 |title=Cable job beckons Clevelander Cellini |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cable-job-beckons-cleve/160054648/ |access-date=November 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=11C |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201163152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cable-job-beckons-cleve/160054648/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ], Indians color analyst, 1972<ref name="PlainD19720202p1">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 2, 1972 |title=Rocky Colavito to Broadcast Indians' Games on Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-rocky-colavito-to-broad/160785470/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=1A, |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and 1977<ref name="PlainD19770316p9">{{Cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=March 16, 1977 |title=Colavito choice lacking in logic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-colavito-choice-lacking/160785799/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5F |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], reporter, 1969–1978<ref name="PlainD19781118p15">{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=November 18, 1978 |title=Franken quits Channel 8 in flap over news report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-franken-quits-channel-8/160057299/ |access-date=November 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=15A |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203105809/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-franken-quits-channel-8/160057299/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ], announcer, 1950<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullinson|first=Art|date=November 8, 1950|title=TV Gives Hollywood Shot In Arm: ABC Will Begin To Make Pictures At What Was Vitagraph Film Lot|page=27|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-tv-gives-hollyw/160044596/|access-date=November 30, 2024|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=December 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201233431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-tv-gives-hollyw/160044596/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ], sportscaster, 1966–1968<ref name="PlainD19680510p67">{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Heaton |date=May 10, 1968 |title=Tube 'Voice of the Browns' Is Thing of Past With New Setup |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tube-voice-of-the-brow/160779911/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3:TV Week |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], Indians color analyst, 1973–1976<ref name="PlainD19770315p4">{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1977 |title=Mudcat out of Tribe TV |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-mudcat-out-of-tribe-tv/160785882/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |pages=D1– |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], ''PM Magazine'' reporter/co-host, 1982–1987<ref name="PlainD19850413p31">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=April 13, 1985 |title=Saturday nights come alive |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-saturday-nights-come-al/160777898/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19870325p45">{{Cite news |date=March 25, 1987 |title=UPI again honors Channel 8 news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-upi-again-honors-channe/160777810/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=9E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], sportscaster, 2011–2012<ref>{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Steve |date=March 24, 2011 |title=Vermilion's Allie LaForce nets sports job at Fox 8 |url=http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/03/24/sports/doc4d8abc5fecfcc684315997.txt#photo1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420152854/http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/03/24/sports/doc4d8abc5fecfcc684315997.txt#photo1 |archive-date=April 20, 2012 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |work=The Morning Journal}}</ref>
* ], Browns color analyst, 1962–1967<ref name="PlainD19620630p53">{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Heaton |date=June 30, 1962 |title=Lahr to Lateral Verbal Passes for Browns' Games on Television |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-lahr-to-lateral-verbal/160780475/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=7:TV Week |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], sportscaster, 1969–1972<ref name="PlainD19720804p60">{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Heaton |date=August 4, 1972 |title=John FitzGerald Is Writer's Choice For The New Sports Director on Channel 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-john-fitzgerald-is-writ/160782102/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6:TV Week |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], sportscaster, 1976–1980<ref name="PlainD19761110p2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-today-fred-mcleod-join/160076901/|last=Sammon|first=Judy|date=November 10, 1976|page=2A|title=Today|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 1, 2024|archive-date=December 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203060812/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-today-fred-mcleod-join/160076901/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PlainD19800909p38">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-hires-sportsc/160076927/|date=September 9, 1980|page=8C|title=Channel 8 hires sportscaster|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 1, 2024|archive-date=December 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202174046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-hires-sportsc/160076927/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ], reporter, 1982–1983<ref name="PlainD19830117p32">{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=January 17, 1983 |title=Cable may trim channels when higher tariffs come |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-cable-may-trim-channels/160777496/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=6C |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], anchor, 1993<ref name="PlainD19930209p26">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 9, 1993 |title=Channel 8 hires yet another Robin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-hires-yet-ano/160057903/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=10C |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202232752/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-channel-8-hires-yet-ano/160057903/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PlainD19930911p57">{{Cite news |date=September 11, 1993 |title=WZAK-FM is recipient of 3 Billboard awards |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wzak-fm-is-recipient-of/160057704/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=3E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], anchor, 1986–1994<ref name="PlainD19940310p71">{{Cite news|last=Feran|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8s-odonnell-going/160076065/|date=March 10, 1994|page=17E|title=TV-8's O'Donnell going to NBC News|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 1, 2024|archive-date=December 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201160631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tv-8s-odonnell-going/160076065/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ], anchor/reporter, 1984–1995<ref name="CPD951229p5E">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 29, 1995 |title=WJW's Savidge headed to CNN |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-wjws-savidge-headed-to/160075798/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=5E |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
* ], Indians color analyst, 1964–1967<ref name="PlainD19680121p93">{{Cite news |last=Lustig |first=Dennis |date=January 21, 1968 |title=Tagging All the Bases |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-tagging-all-the-bases/160787539/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=43D |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
{{div col end}} {{div col end}}


== Technical information ==
==References==
]
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

=== Subchannels ===
The station's signal is ]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WJW<ref>{{cite web |title=Digital TV Market Listing for WJW |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WJW |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520004311/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WJW |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope = "col" | ]
! scope = "col" | ]
! scope = "col" | ]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | 8.1
| ] || rowspan="4" | ] || FOX || ]
|-
! scope = "row" | 8.2
| rowspan="3" | ] || ANTENNA || ]
|-
! scope = "row" | 8.3
| COMET || ]
|-
! scope = "row" | 8.4
| CHARGE || ]
|}

=== ATSC 3.0 testing ===
WJW's initial digital transmitter on UHF channel 31 prior to the 2009 digital transition has remained in a functional, though dormant, state. Tribune Broadcasting donated the transmitter to the ], which it used to conduct a six-month test of the ] standard beginning in May 2015 as WI9X3Y.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jessell |first=Henry |date=April 2, 2015 |title=Cleveland To Be Site Of Next-Gen Test Station |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/84220/cleveland-to-be-site-of-nextgen-test-station |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304172740/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/84220/cleveland-to-be-site-of-nextgen-test-station |archive-date=March 4, 2018 |access-date=April 2, 2015 |work=TVNewsCheck}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kovacs |first=Bob |date=July 13, 2015 |title=A Look Inside the Cleveland Futurecast's ATSC 3.0 Transmission Test |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/a-look-inside-the-cleveland-futurecasts-atsc-30-transmission-test |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430115457/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/a-look-inside-the-cleveland-futurecasts-atsc-30-transmission-test |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2015 |work=TVTechnology}}</ref> The transmitter remained active for the duration of the ]—in which the Cleveland Indians played—and broadcast in ] ] with ] audio.<ref>{{cite web |last=Balderston |first=Michael |date=October 26, 2016 |title=World Series Gets ATSC 3.0 Broadcast in Cleveland |url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/atsc3/0031/world-series-gets-atsc-30-broadcast-in-cleveland/279729 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314031143/http://www.tvtechnology.com/atsc3/0031/world-series-gets-atsc-30-broadcast-in-cleveland/279729 |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=November 30, 2024 |website=TVTechnology}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}


=== Bibliography ===
==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* Coughlin, Dan (2010). ''Crazy, With the Papers to Prove It''. Cleveland, OH: Gray & Company, Publishers. ISBN 978-1-59851-068-3
* {{Cite book |last=Coughlin |first=Dan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c4DdAgAAQBAJ |title=Crazy, With the Papers to Prove It |publisher=Gray & Company, Publishers |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-59851-068-3 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}
* Feran, Tom and Heldenfels, Rich (1997). ''Ghoulardi: Inside Cleveland TV's Wildest Ride''. Cleveland, OH: Gray & Company, Publishers. ISBN 978-1-886228-18-4
* {{cite book |last1=Feran |first1=Tom |title=Ghoulardi: Inside Cleveland TV's Wildest Ride |last2=Heldenfels |first2=R.D. |publisher=Gray and Company, Publishers |year=1997 |isbn=1-886228-18-3 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}
* Schodowski, Chuck (2008). ''Big Chuck: My Favorite Stories from 47 Years on Cleveland TV''. Cleveland, OH: Gray & Company, Publishers. ISBN 978-1-59851-052-2
* Zurcher, Neil (2010). ''Tales from the Road: Memoirs from a Lifetime of Ohio Travel, Television, and More.'' Cleveland, OH: Gray & Company, Publishers. ISBN 978-1-59851-064-5 * {{cite book |last=Goddard |first=Dick |title=Six Inches of Partly Cloudy: Cleveland's Legendary TV Meteorologist Takes on Everything–and More |publisher=Gray and Company, Publishers |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59851-066-9 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}
* {{cite book |last1=Schodowski |first1=Chuck |last2=Feran |first2=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TlOm_1pD76wC |title=Big Chuck!: My Favorite Stories from 47 Years on Cleveland TV |publisher=Gray and Company, Publishers |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-59851-052-2 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}
* {{Cite book |last=Zurcher |first=Neil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OrgnyAabcLsC |title=Tales from the Road: Memoirs from a Lifetime of Ohio Travel, Television, and More |publisher=Gray and Company, Publishers |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-59851-064-5 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}
{{Refend}}


==External links== ==External links==
*{{Official website}} * {{Official website|https://fox8.com}}
*{{TVQ|WJW}}


{{Cleveland TV}} {{Cleveland TV}}
{{Fox Ohio}} {{Fox Ohio}}
{{Tribune}} {{NXST TV}}


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Latest revision as of 04:33, 4 January 2025

TV station in Cleveland

This article is about the television station in Cleveland. For other uses, see Fox 8. For the Cleveland radio station that identified as WJW from 1929 to 1985, see WKNR.
WJW
Two connected shapes: at left, a red rectangle with the FOX wordmark; at right, a blue square with a white stylized 8 and the Fox searchlights in the background.
Channels
BrandingFox 8
Programming
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
History
First air dateDecember 17, 1949
(75 years ago) (1949-12-17)
Former call signs
  • WXEL (1949–1956)
  • WJW-TV (1956–1977; 1985–1998)
  • WJKW-TV (1977–1985)
Former channel number(s)
  • Analog: 9 (VHF, 1949–1953), 8 (VHF, 1953–2009)
  • Digital: 31 (UHF, 1999–2009)
Former affiliations
Call sign meaningJohn F. Weimer, founder of WJW radio
Technical information
Licensing authorityFCC
Facility ID73150
ERP11 kW
HAAT342 m (1,122 ft)
Transmitter coordinates41°21′48″N 81°42′57″W / 41.36333°N 81.71583°W / 41.36333; -81.71583
Links
Public license information
Websitefox8.com

WJW (channel 8) is a television station in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, affiliated with the Fox network. Owned by Nexstar Media Group, WJW maintains studios on Dick Goddard Way (previously South Marginal Road) just northeast of downtown Cleveland near the shore of Lake Erie, and its transmitter is located in the Cleveland suburb of Parma, Ohio.

WJW was the third television station to sign on in Cleveland as WXEL, the first station to be built by Herbert Mayer, founder of the Empire Coil Company. WXEL began on channel 9 on December 17, 1949, two years to the date of WEWS-TV's sign-on. Initially a DuMont affiliate with select ABC and CBS programs, WXEL placed an emphasis on locally produced programming, originally from their studios and transmitter site in Parma and later from a renovated former movie theatre in Playhouse Square. Mayer's attempt to build UHF stations in Portland, Oregon, and Kansas City succeeded in the former and failed in the latter, prompting the sale of Empire Coil—including WXEL—to Storer Broadcasting in January 1954, weeks after WXEL moved to channel 8. Storer purchased WJW radio later in 1954, then secured the CBS affiliation for WXEL in March 1955. After WXEL's downtown studios were renovated into a colonial-style building for radio and television, WXEL was renamed WJW-TV.

The station was an early career stepping stone for announcer Ernie Anderson and comedian Tim Conway, who co-hosted the late-morning movie in late 1961 until Conway was discovered by Rose Marie. From 1963 to 1966, Anderson portrayed horror host Ghoulardi, which had widespread popularity and has held a lasting cultural influence. After Anderson's departure, Bob "Hoolihan" Wells, "Big Chuck" Schodowski and "Lil' John" Rinaldi continued to host a weekly movie and comedy skit program on channel 8 for a combined 41 years. Doug Adair and Joel Daly co-anchored weeknight newscasts from 1963 to 1967, the first in the industry to market the newscasters, sportscaster and weather presenter as a cohesive on-air team. Dick Goddard became the station's chief meteorologist in 1965; he enjoyed an uninterrupted 51-year tenure recognized as a Guinness World Record and was frequently regarded as Cleveland's most recognized and trusted media personality. Goddard created the annual Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio, which the station continues to sponsor, and his on-air advocacy for animal welfare and pet adoption led to improved legislation against animal cruelty in Ohio. Under the direction of Virgil Dominic, channel 8's newscasts attained ratings success throughout the 1980s, particularly with the lead anchor team of Tim Taylor, Robin Swoboda, Goddard, and sportscaster Casey Coleman.

WJW-TV became WJKW in 1977 after WJW radio was sold but reclaimed the WJW call sign in 1985. Following Storer's privatization by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in 1985, WJW has had a succession of owners. After a failed sale to Lorimar-Telepictures, businessman George N. Gillett Jr. bought the Storer chain but lost the stations in a bankruptcy brought on by soured junk bond investments. New World Communications, headed by Ronald Perelman, acquired WJW and the Gillett group amidst a flurry of purchases across the country. New World then announced a group-wide affiliation pact with Fox on May 23, 1994, after the network invested $500 million into the company; WJW was the first of these stations to switch to Fox. While initially struggling to adjust to the new Fox affiliation, WJW's ratings recovered substantially, particularly after the network bought WJW and the other New World stations in late 1996. Since Fox sold the station in 2008, WJW has been owned by Local TV LLC, Tribune Broadcasting and Nexstar.

Signing on as WXEL channel 9

Refer to caption
Herbert Mayer, founder of Empire Coil and WXEL

A practicing lawyer in New York City, Herbert Mayer became intrigued by manufacturing and left the profession in 1944 to establish the Empire Coil Company in New Rochelle, New York, making coils for the war effort. As World War II ended, the company's factory was converted to manufacture transformers and RF coils for radio sets. Inspired by a keynote address from RCA chairman David Sarnoff extolling the potential of television, Mayer sought to expand into broadcasting. Empire Coil applied with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a television station on channel 9 in Cleveland on September 27, 1947. Empire's channel 9 application was one of two additional channels proposed for Cleveland, joining Scripps-Howard's WEWS-TV (channel 5) and NBC-owned WNBK (channel 4); five applicants sought the other channel, including the DuMont Television Network and radio stations WHK, WJW and WGAR. The FCC granted the construction permit for Empire on October 30, 1947; land for the station's studios and transmitter site were secured on a knoll on Pleasant Valley Road in Parma, 617 feet (188 m) above sea level, thought to be among the highest elevations in Cuyahoga County.

The FCC implemented a "freeze" on issuing any additional television licenses in September 1948 that consequently delayed WXEL's launch by several months. While it was hoped WXEL could transmit test patterns by May 1949, the channel number and thus frequency was now in doubt: Cleveland was originally allocated channels on 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9, but earlier in 1948, FCC and Canadian regulators had proposed moving channel 7 to Akron in exchange for channel 11, and moving channel 9 to Canton, Ohio. By April 1949, this was altered to have channel 9 moved to Canada. WXEL thus was unable to complete installation of equipment. The FCC revised the allotment table by July 1949, adding two additional UHF channels to Cleveland; WXEL remained on channel 9.

WXEL initially had not decided on a primary affiliation and considered having links to multiple networks, similar to how WEWS carried shows from DuMont, CBS and ABC. Russell F. Spiers, one of Herbert Mayer's former professors at Colgate University, was hired as WXEL's program director and had living quarters at the station's Parma facilities. By October, WXEL set a tentative launch date for December 17 and signed up as a primary DuMont affiliate along with ABC and CBS shows WEWS did not carry and shows from the Paramount Television Network. Regular programming actually began during the station's testing phase on November 28, 1949, when engineers screened DuMont's Captain Video and His Video Rangers on a nightly basis at 7 p.m. The first night of programming on December 17, 1949, was mostly impromptu with DuMont star Morey Amsterdam serving as emcee; during his remarks, Amsterdam repeatedly transposed the call sign by accident as "WEXL".

Television text pattern slide in the monochrome "bullseye" test style. Inside the center is a numeric "9"; at top-left in two lines are "WXEL" and "CLEVELAND"; at bottom-right is a globe with a band in the middle, reading "THE WORLD ON VIEW"
WXEL test pattern slide

Howard Hoffman, formerly with WHK and a onetime singer for the Texaco Star Theater, joined WXEL prior to sign-on as an announcer and weather forecaster. John FitzGerald joined five months after sign-on as an announcer and nightly sportscaster; FitzGerald remained with the station until the booth announcer position was eliminated in 1982, while Hoffman stayed until his 1986 retirement. Alice Weston joined WXEL in November 1950 from WEWS, hosting a daily home economics and cooking show that WSPD-TV in Toledo simulcast. Soupy Sales, then known as Soupy Hines, hosted a daily show on WXEL from 1951 to 1953; it was at WXEL that Sales first used the pie in the face gag that became a staple of his comedy routine.

The station quickly established itself in sports, signing up to carry both Cleveland Indians baseball called by Jimmy Dudley and Jack Graney, and Cleveland Browns football called by Bob Neal. WXEL's Browns coverage was carried over the DuMont network as part of their NFL coverage. Horse racing was telecast live from Ascot Park and Cranwood Park, along with International Boxing Association matches from Cleveland Arena. Indians baseball remained on WXEL until 1955, when the team moved to WEWS. Warren Guthrie, head of the speech department at Western Reserve University, became WXEL's first newscaster with the nightly Your Sohio Reporter, which debuted on May 7, 1951, and aired nightly at 11 p.m. Guthrie's newscast was regionally syndicated to a network of stations across Ohio. For a short time in 1952, Paul Newman did live commercial reads for National City, which sponsored a nightly news analysis program that directly followed Your Sohio Reporter.

A phased expansion of WXEL's facilities was launched under Empire in 1951: the Pleasant Valley Road studio/transmitter building was first quadrupled in size, and the company signed a long-term lease of the former Esquire Theatre on Euclid Avenue. The Esquire, a movie theater in the city's Playhouse Square district, had closed earlier in the year due to competition from television. While the renovated Esquire was regarded as "Studio D", this facility became WXEL's main studio, supplanting the Parma plant. Mayer additionally created a mascot for WXEL, Little Ajax the Elephant, and wrote a children's book based on the character.

Changing to channel 8, Storer, CBS and WJW-TV

Workers raising a 73-foot (22 m) antenna for use on WXEL's new 775 feet (236 m) tower, erected in 1953 when the station moved to channel 8.

In the span of 2 years, 4 months and 5 days, every aspect of the station—the channel number, ownership, network affiliation and the call sign—changed. The first change occurred at midnight on December 10, 1953, when WXEL moved from channel 9 to 8. The switchover was dictated by the FCC in their 1952 Sixth Report and Order, which included several allocation revisions; this also affected WNBK, which needed to move to channel 3. WXEL's move was necessary in order for WSTV-TV in Steubenville, Ohio, to sign on at channel 9 and enabled WXEL to construct a taller tower with an increase in power.

Empire began to expand after the FCC's "freeze" was lifted. KPTV (channel 27) in Portland, Oregon, debuted in 1952 as the first commercial UHF station authorized by the agency. An additional station, KCTY (channel 25) in Kansas City, Missouri, signed on the following year, and Empire sought UHF permits in Indianapolis and Denver. KCTY's existence was short as two VHF competitors took to the air several months later, leaving KCTY as a sole DuMont affiliate. This, plus a reluctance by the Kansas City market to purchase UHF converters, resulted in a nearly $750,000 loss for Empire. On December 31, 1953, Empire sold KCTY to DuMont for $1: the low sale price reflected Mayer's wishes to dispose of the station but reluctance to take it dark. Days later, Empire Coil was sold to Storer Broadcasting for $8.5 million, including WXEL, KPTV and the New Rochelle factory; the sale was attributed to KCTY's financial failure and a decline in Empire's coil manufacturing business.

refer to caption
George B. Storer

Approval was contingent on Storer selling off KGBS and KGBS-TV in San Antonio, along with the FCC revising ownership limits so a company could own seven television stations, five on VHF; the latter took place in late September. Prior to consummation, Storer purchased WJW for $330,000 on October 8, 1954. This paired WJW with a television station. After the FCC removed Cleveland's fourth VHF allocation, WJW had filed for a UHF license on channel 19 but withdrew after determining it was not economically viable. Company president George B. Storer regarded Cleveland as "such a swell market" when explaining the two purchases, but family ties to the city also existed: a street in the city was named after his great-grandfather, and an ancestor was the first child born in the Connecticut Western Reserve.

Ring out the News: News of a New Home in downtown Cleveland...styled in the tradition of our forefathers reminiscent of the courage the determination that has made today’s freedom of communication possible. News of a Redoubled Effort to Serve through the combined facilities of two great modern mediums of mass communication...by two established stations wise in the ways of programming for northern Ohioans. Even as the town crier served the public in the early days of independence, so WJW radio and WJW-TV dedicate their superb new quarters to public service through enlightenment and entertainment. Come and Visit Us Soon! There’s a welcome awaiting you at 1630 Euclid Avenue on Playhouse Square.
April 1956 advertisement marking WXEL's change to WJW-TV and renovated Playhouse Square studios

Storer's entry into Cleveland immediately set off speculation over a new network affiliation for WXEL, which was now primarily an ABC affiliate with select DuMont programs. Indeed, an affiliation swap was announced between WXEL and WEWS in early December 1954, with WXEL becoming a primary CBS station; in what was regarded as an industry surprise, WGAR renewed their CBS contract, and WJW remained with ABC. WXEL joined CBS on March 2, 1955. The affiliation switch, coupled with the collapse of DuMont, prompted the Browns to have their games televised on a 22-station regional network fed by WEWS beginning with the 1955 season. While CBS assumed broadcast rights to the NFL in 1956, the Browns kept their separate network arrangement until 1958.

Storer renovated WXEL's Euclid Avenue studios to house WJW radio as well as the television station. A colonial design was chosen as it contrasted significantly from the buildings that surrounded it. The interior evoked 1770-era Georgian architecture, accommodating up to 40 different studios for both radio and television. A cupola added to the top drew comparison to Independence Hall, and a greenhouse was built facing the general manager's office. The grand opening for the facility coincided with WXEL's renaming to WJW-TV on April 15, 1956; the call sign change and building's dedication was telecast live, including a flyover by the Ohio Air National Guard and Cleveland mayor Anthony Celebrezze proclaiming "WJW Week" for the city. Mayer intended to reuse the WXEL call sign for a planned UHF station in Boston. The colonial architecture and façade would soon be implemented at other Storer stations, including WGBS in Miami and WJBK-TV's studio building in Detroit.

The Playhouse Square years

WJW-TV became a centerpiece of local programming throughout their time at Playhouse Square. Jim Doney joined the station in 1952 as an announcer and news reader; by December 1962, he became the host of Adventure Road, a daily showcase of filmed travelogues and in-studio interviews. Adventure Road became a staple at channel 8 for over 12 years and survived a 1973 schedule realignment where WJW began to carry CBS's daytime lineup on a more consistent basis. After the show ended in 1975, Doney joined KGMB in Honolulu. Character actor Ray Stawiarski portrayed lederhosen-wearing children's show host "Franz the Toymaker" beginning in 1964 and running through the rest of the decade. WJW radio talent additionally appeared on channel 8: Casey Kasem (known as "Casey on the Mike" at the radio station) hosted Cleveland Bandstand from 1959 to 1960, while morning host Ed Fisher portrayed Bozo the Clown for a local version of The Bozo Show from 1960 to 1968. Cleveland Indians baseball games also returned to channel 8 beginning with the 1960 season.

"THIS IS JOEL DALY IN WHIPPS LEDGES!!!" You were there too...with CITY CAMERA!!! Whipps Ledges was the scene of this past week's most dramatic news story. The CITY CAMERA photographers and reporters were there to bring you firsthand reports on the breathtaking vigil and rescue from a cave of 15-year-old Morris Baetzold. The CITY CAMERA newsmen were the first television newsmen on the scene and they remained for over twenty hours bringing you each chapter of this human drama as it unfolded Yes, Joel Daly was in Whipps Ledges. You were too...with CITY CAMERA..."News with the Human Touch." CITY CAMERA... ... Noon .. 6:00 p.m. .. 11:00 p.m. WJW-TV 8.
Joel Daly was a reporter and anchor for WJW-TV from 1963 to 1967; this advertisement shows him on the scene of a rescue at Whipps Ledges in Hinckley Township.

Doug Adair joined WJW in September 1957 as an announcer and studio host before switching to the news department the following year. The station launched City Camera News as a five-minute news roundup directly following Guthrie, who eschewed coverage of local news due to being syndicated and did not cover the 1954 Sam Sheppard trial. City Camera's title came from the usage of Polaroid photographs taken at the scene of news events, which were then attached to cork board and broadcast on-air. By 1963, Adair was part of the station's 11 p.m. news alongside Guthrie, sportscaster FitzGerald and weatherman Hoffman, which began to be promoted on-air as a team. Guthrie was replaced by WEWS news director Joel Daly in September 1963, expanding City Camera to a half-hour broadcast. Daly was teamed in-studio with Adair for the 11 p.m. news, increasingly competitive in the ratings against Bill Jorgensen at KYW-TV and eventually became the market leader, retrospectively described as "the most formidable news team in the city". The 11 p.m. news was also the first newscast of any kind to directly combine the weather report and sportscast into the same program, and was the first to utilize the "happy talk" format.

Veteran announcer Ken Coleman, who had increased visibility due to CBS's policy of local announcers calling NFL games for the network, joined WJW in late 1964 as lead sportscaster but left in 1966 to become the radio voice of the Boston Red Sox. ABC hired away Daly in 1967 to anchor for WBKB-TV, their owned-and-operated station in Chicago, with Martin Ross taking over for Daly. Adair left WJW for WKYC in the fall of 1970, signing a unprecedented four-year contract. Adair's replacement was veteran newsman Murray Stewart; Ross died from cancer in April 1973, while Stewart was moved to the noon news the following year due to declining health. Under the anchor team of Jim Hale and Jeff Maynor, WJW's ratings declined significantly against a resurgent WEWS, which also adopted a "happy talk" format consulted by Frank Magid.

A new three-story building was constructed for WJW on South Marginal Drive, near the Lake Erie shoreline, between 1974 to 1975. When inaugurated on November 2, 1975, the 75,600-square-foot (7,020 m) facility was an upgrade from the prior studios, which only had 29,000-square-foot (2,700 m); management expressed hope for additional local entertainment programming, and one studio was purpose-built for newscasts.

Ernie Anderson and Ghoulardi

Main articles: Ernie Anderson and Ghoulardi

A former announcer at WHK and KYW-TV, Ernie Anderson joined WJW-TV on July 17, 1961, as host of Ernie's Place, a late-morning movie interlaced with comedy skits. Tom Conway—a former KYW copywriter, personality, and collaborator with Anderson on commercials—was named as co-host. Conway was hired at WJW on recommendation from Anderson, who falsely claimed he had television director experience; Charles Schodowski, another former KYW staffer now at WJW, was asked by Anderson to do Conway's job. The program ended after Rose Marie, who visited the station as part of a CBS promotional junket among the affiliates, sent tapes of the duo's material to Steve Allen, who hired Conway for his talk show. When cast in McHale's Navy, Tom Conway assumed the stage name Tim. Still under contract at WJW, Anderson focused on voiceover duties, becoming a pitchman for Millbrook Bread and Ohio Bell.

If you've been fortunate enough to miss Ghoulardi, it is only fair to say that this is a characterization Anderson has been doing for Channel 8 for about three years. As Ghoulardi, he dons a frightwig, goatee and a garment that appears to have been discarded by a city street cleaner. He looks much like a forlorn old goat who has been run out of the herd by a rival.

James Flanigan, The Plain Dealer

When WJW acquired the local rights to the Shock Theater library, Anderson was tabbed as host of Ghoulardi under the belief an offbeat gimmick would make people overlook the poor quality of the movies. Debuting on January 18, 1963, Anderson's portrayal of Ghoulardi—wearing a white fright wig, fake Van Dyke beard and lab coat with a beatnik dialect and anarchist demeanor—attracted largely negative critical reviews but quickly became a ratings success and cult favorite, particularly among young children despite the late-night timeslot. At its peak, the show commanded 70 percent of the late-night audience, and the Cleveland Police Department reported a 35 percent decrease in juvenile crime. Anderson started to utilize Schodowski in comedy skits, including a controversial spoof of Peyton Place called Parma Place that played to stereotypes in the suburb's Polish American community. A traveling intramural sports team, the "Ghoulardi All-Stars", was organized that frequently played against area professional athletes, first responders and talent from rival stations, all for charity. In addition to the Ghoulardi persona, Anderson hosted weather reports during WJW's early-evening newscasts. Anderson starred in a half-hour comedy special in October 1965 that drew praise from Plain Dealer critic James Flanigan, who also said it was "in spite" of Ghoulardi.

After nearly four years portraying Ghoulardi, Anderson resigned from the station in mid-November 1966. Anderson had earlier taken a leave of absence from regular tapings to guest in Rango, also starring Conway, and grew tired of the character amid overtures from Conway and Jack Riley to move to Hollywood. Anderson later gave former fanatic-turned-gofer Ron Sweed permission to portray the character as spiritual successor The Ghoul. Rock bands Pere Ubu, Devo and The Cramps, along with singer Chrissie Hynde, comedian Drew Carey and filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, have all cited Ghoulardi as a direct inspiration.

Dick Goddard

Main article: Dick Goddard
Dick Goddard is sitting in a car, holding a large brown-and-orange woolly bear caterpiller puppet in his hands. Next to him is a small dog being held by an assistant off-camera.
Dick Goddard at the 2008 Woollybear Festival

Dick Goddard began his on-air meteorological career in May 1961 at KYW-TV. A complicated FCC order in June 1965 had KYW-TV become WKYC due to a voided 1956 asset swap between NBC and Westinghouse Broadcasting (Group W) for stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia; this resulted in Goddard, under contract to Group W, relocating to Philadelphia and joining the renamed KYW-TV there. Unhappy in Philadelphia, Goddard left Group W after several weeks and was courted by WKYC, WEWS and WJW. Goddard chose WJW as it carried Browns games thanks to CBS's NFL contract; Goddard was the statistician for Browns radio broadcasts from 1966 to 2011. Ernie Anderson famously claimed he helped lure Goddard to WJW on an "athletic scholarship" for the "Ghoulardi All-Stars", which Goddard also played for. While signing a contract on September 3, 1965, Goddard did not debut until March 28, 1966, due to a non-compete clause with Group W. Goddard also did weather reports for WJW radio.

I wasn't Dick Goddard's competition, I was just in the same market at the same time. Cleveland was Dick Goddard's town, and still is.

Al Roker, former Cleveland television meteorologist, to Mark Dawidziak

Goddard remained the station's chief meteorologist until retiring on November 22, 2016. His retirement came several months after Goddard's Law, which increased the severity of penalties for animal abuse and cruelty, passed the Ohio General Assembly and was signed into law by Ohio governor John Kasich; Goddard publicly advocated for animal welfare throughout his career and frequently spotlighted pets at animal shelters that needed adoption during his weather forecasts. WJW's weather center was renamed for Goddard upon his retirement, as was the street facing the station's current studios. His 51-year tenure at the station (including the interregnum between his contract signing and on-air debut) has been recognized as a Guinness World Record.

In 1973, Goddard started the Woollybear Festival, a day-long festival and parade in Birmingham, Ohio, devoted to the woolly bear caterpillar and traditional weather folklore. The festival grew in size and eventually overwhelmed the town by the early 1980s, when it moved to Vermilion, which hosts up to 100,000 in attendance every year. WJW continues to be the title sponsor for the Woollybear Festival into the present day.

Hoolihan, Big Chuck and Lil' John

Main articles: Bob "Hoolihan" Wells and Big Chuck and Lil' John
Bob Wells and Chuck Schodowski pose in front of a television camera with a large "ei8ht" logo on it. The i in "ei8ht" is dotted with the CBS eye, and above the 8 in small text reads "WJW-TV".
Bob "Hoolihan" Wells and "Big Chuck" Schodowski

After Ernie Anderson's resignation from the station, channel 8 conducted an open audition for the Friday night horror host role. Bob Wells, known as "Hoolihan the Weatherman", tried out for the role with Charles Schodowski's involvement; management paired them as a team to be Ghoulardi's successors, Hoolihan and Big Chuck, in December 1966. Schodowski, who was convinced the pairing was a mistake, gradually overcame significant stage fright while working opposite the more polished Wells.

Originally retaining the prior show's format of lighting off fireworks, comedy skits and mock music videos to novelty songs, the duo began focusing on comedy slapstick. Skits were almost always punctuated with a laugh track supplied by Jay Lawrence, which became so identified with the show that viewers treated it as a prompt for them to laugh. The show had multiple time slot changes: originally on Friday late nights, it was moved to Saturday afternoons, then back to Friday, then to late afternoons when CBS launched The Merv Griffin Show in late night. After WJW moved Merv Griffin to late afternoons—being one of several CBS affiliates to do so—Wells and Schodowski were moved back to Friday nights. Wells became a born-again Christian in 1976 and joined WSUM—an area Christian radio station—as general manager but downplayed his involvement as a horror host, telling the Plain Dealer, "he TV program is intended to be entertainment ... I don't believe having fun is anti-Christian."

Wells left the show in August 1979 to become program director and talk show host at WCLF, an upstart Christian TV station in Clearwater, Florida. Schodowski selected "Lil' John" Rinaldi, involved with the show since 1972 in skits and known for his short stature, as Wells's successor. Relaunched on September 2, 1979, as Big Chuck and Lil' John, the program aired on channel 8 for another 28 years until Schodowski's 2007 retirement, best remembered for the duo's working-class sensibilities and relatable, low-budget humor likened to burlesque. Since 2011, the station has aired half-hour Big Chuck and Lil' John skit compilations shows on the weekends.

Ratings success and stability

I'm Bill Flynn. Believe it or not, the thing I do best is listen. If you don't know by now, I'm the new General Manager of WJKW-TV. You'll notice we changed our name from WJW-TV. We're making a fresh start. With changes already underway. Like our new TV8 logo and a new attitude and operating philosophy. Plus some changes that may surprise you. I have very definite ideas about running a successful television station. I've been doing it for 10 years. And my goal is to make TV8 the best station in town. For your benefit as well as ours. Now I may appear to be hard-nosed, but I'm not bull-headed. I know where our bread is buttered, and to get you to tune in TV8, I have to give you what you want to watch. And no one knows better than you what that is. That's where listening comes in. I found out long ago I can learn more from my ears than I can from my mouth. So I keep my ears open when viewers speak. I need your constructive comments and suggestions if we are going to be number one with you. To prove it we moved Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman back to 11:30 p.m. With 3.5 million of you out there, every suggestion can't bring about immediate, drastic changes, though. Changes require planning. But be assured that a major part of my planning involves listening to you. Believe it. TV8 WJKW-TV
Full-page newspaper ad in April 1977 featuring WJKW general manager William Flynn

William Flynn took over as general manager for channel 8 in January 1977, having previously led WSBK-TV, Storer's independent in Boston. His arrival came as WJW-TV changed their call letters to WJKW-TV on April 22, 1977; this followed the sale of WJW radio to an Art Modell-headed syndicate, which retained usage of the WJW calls. One of Flynn's first changes was moving the soap opera spoof Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman from late nights to 7:30 p.m.; the move was extensively criticized and reversed in one month, and the station took out a full-page newspaper advertisement featuring Flynn. The controversy led to Hoolihan and Big Chuck spoofing Mary Hartman with a series of "Mary Harkski, Mary Hartski" skits, which Flynn encouraged. WJKW lost the Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers to WUAB in 1980; Flynn objected to sharing the Indians broadcast rights with a proposed cable outlet, while the Cavs games had declining ratings. Flynn was later regarded as a "swashbuckler" and described by Schodowski as "... really brash, devil-may-care, a good drinker, and very much like Ernie Anderson. He had that much an impact."

Flynn's first major personnel move was hiring former WKYC anchor Virgil Dominic as news director in March 1977. Dominic came from WXIA-TV in Atlanta, where he had also been news director. Addressing the station's last-place ratings against WEWS and WKYC, Dominic removed Hale and Maynor from anchor duty and declined to renew their contracts. Judd Hambrick, brother of onetime WEWS anchor John Hambrick, was hired as the new lead anchor, a move that led WJKW to distinguish between the brothers. WEWS reporter Tim Taylor was hired as WJKW's consumer reporter; by 1979, Taylor became co-anchor alongside Hambrick. The station became affiliated with Call for Action in early 1978 and established an investigation unit with "Fact Finder" Tom Meyer and "I-Team" reporter Carl Monday. Dick Goddard hosted a local version of Bowling for Dollars from 1977 to 1978, which was replaced by the local version of PM Magazine in 1979, with Jim Finnerty as co-host. Neil Zurcher, a channel 8 feature reporter since 1967, reported on close-to-home travel destinations in the wake of the 1979 energy crisis; his "One Tank Trip" segments proved popular and ran continuously until 2004.

Hambrick left WJKW in November 1981, initially to start a production company for a syndicated newsmagazine but subsequently became WKYC's lead anchor. His replacement was Tana Carli, a former Miss Ohio who joined the station as a reporter in June 1980. The male-female anchor pairing of Taylor and Carli was the first of its kind in Cleveland and signaled an eventual industry standard. Carli left WJKW in December 1983 to be with husband Joseph Diminio, who took over for Flynn as general manager and, after their high-profile marriage, was promoted to lead Storer's television division in Miami. Noon anchor Denise D'Ascenzo succeeded Carli as 1984 began; D'Ascenzo's visibility increased when she crossed the picket line during a WJKW technician strike in May 1983 that most on-air staff, including Carli, honored. Casey Coleman, the son of Ken Coleman, joined WJKW in 1982 and became weeknight sportscaster at year's end; from 1982 to 1985, Coleman split the duties with John Telich, who replaced Jim Mueller in the role one year earlier.

The station had the WJW-TV call sign restored on September 16, 1985, after WJW radio was sold again and became WRMR. Storer made the change out of sentimentality; even after having the WJKW calls for eight years, the station was still frequently referred to by viewers as "WJW". One month later, WJW-TV expanded its 6 p.m. news to an hour, moving the CBS Evening News to 7 p.m. and coinciding with talent revamps for PM Magazine. Assisted with The Phil Donahue Show as a lead-in, WJW's 6 p.m. news overtook WEWS for the top rating in early 1988, matching that station's top-rated 11 p.m. news. A further revamp of PM paired Jan Jones with musician Michael Stanley: despite increased ratings, PM was moved to weekends in the fall of 1988, then back to weeknights in January 1990 and renamed Cleveland Tonight that fall. PM was credited with helping transition Stanley to a career as a media personality. WJW also began simulcasting their 6 p.m. news on WHK in June 1990.

It was a family atmosphere. Tim Taylor was a great mentor to me. Casey and I hit it off immediately. We loved Robin from the get-go, she was so much fun. Goddard would get us food in between shows and we'd tease him about his idiosyncrasies. But it was all in good fun.

John Telich, WJW sports reporter

D'Ascenzo left the station in March 1986 for a job at WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut. Robin Swoboda was hired from WTVJ in Miami as her replacement; Swoboda anchored WTVJ's noon news—under the name Robin Cole—directly opposite Carli at WPLG. WJW management recommended Swoboda use her real last name, feeling it would play well with Cleveland's ethnic community. The on-air team of Taylor, Swoboda, Goddard and Coleman met with significant ratings success: by June 1988, WJW was ranked number one at noon, 6 and 11 p.m., and the 11 p.m. news was the top-rated program in all of Cleveland television. Local media later described the four as "one of Cleveland's most memorable news teams" and "the Mount Rushmore of Cleveland TV news". Swoboda was offered a lucrative contract in 1988 to anchor in San Diego and co-hosted the pilot of a syndicated show alongside Ahmad Rashad, but she opted to remain in Cleveland. Marrying former Browns punter Bryan Wagner, Swoboda left WJW in June 1991 to co-host the NBC show Cover to Cover with Gayle King. Morning anchor Denise Dufala took over for Swoboda and was highly regarded for a friendly, yet serious, on-air demeanor and strong community ties, while ratings for both 6 and 11 p.m. saw year-to-year increases.

In blue script, the letters "WJW" next to a stylized "TV8" in gray. Underneath are two boxes; "Cleveland's" with blue-text-on-white, and "Own" with white-text-on-blue.
WJW logo c. 1989, with the "Cleveland's Own" slogan

WJW adopted the slogan "Cleveland's Own" in 1989, owing to the station's ratings dominance and homegrown talent, along with increased civic pride among local media; the moniker was derided in some circles for the station's out-of-town ownership. Aside from a brief de-emphasizing in early 1996, the station has continued to use the slogan into the present day.

Ownership instability

KKR buyout and attempted sale to Lorimar

Storer Communications was taken private in a $1.6 billion leveraged buyout by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), a merchant banker. Completed in December 1985, the buyout was engineered to thwart a hostile takeover by Comcast and an attempted liquidation of the company by dissatisfied shareholders. KKR purchased Wometco Enterprises the previous year after no succession plan was found following the death of chairman Mitchell Wolfson, and began the process of dismantling the conglomerate. Wometco already owned several television stations in markets where Storer owned cable systems, including WTVJ in Miami, and owned a cable system in Atlanta where Storer owned WAGA-TV; the FCC's approval was conditional on KKR divesting in these overlapping markets.

KKR originally planned to only sell WTVJ but soon entertained offers for some of the Storer stations. On May 21, 1986, Lorimar-Telepictures, producer of Dallas, Knots Landing and Falcon Crest for CBS, agreed to purchase the Storer stations, production company, advertising sales division, Washington news bureau and WTVJ for $1.85 billion, with WTVJ commanding $405 million. Lorimar was expected to dismiss Storer's corporate staff, prompting Virgil Dominic—by then WJW station manager and Storer's corporate news director—to be transferred back to WJW as news director. This deal collapsed by late October 1986 when Lorimar asked to have WTVJ excluded. Initially attributed to issues financing the deal and reduced cash flow estimates for WTVJ, it was later revealed that CBS president Laurence Tisch objected to Lorimar purchasing a significant portion of the affiliate base and threatened to disaffiliate all the CBS affiliates in the deal, including WJW. WTVJ was put up for sale separately by KKR and sold to NBC on January 16, 1987.

George Gillett ownership, debt trouble, and sale rumors

We went from being owned by this family company to being owned by a conglomerate when George Gillette's [sic] company bought the Storer stations. came in for the dog and pony show and was very candid with us; he promised to support us, and when one of the employees asked a question he couldn't answer, he would do a tap dance. He was very dynamic.

Kevin Salyer

In 1987, George N. Gillett Jr. acquired majority control of the Storer stations; the $1.3 billion deal was financed through junk bonds and represented a valuation of nearly 15 times cash flow for the group. KKR maintained 45-percent minority ownership. To satisfy federal regulations, Gillett's existing station group was spun off to Busse Broadcasting, a company formed by Gillett employees. Gillett was a major backer of local news production, to the point he called himself a "news junkie", but declined to commit to a larger budget for the station. Shortly after the takeover, WJW debuted an hour-long morning newscast in February 1988 that included Dufala, sportscaster Dan Coughlin and meteorologist André Bernier, the latter arriving from KARE in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. The newscast was seen as complementary to CBS This Morning.

Gillett's purchase of the Storer stations, renamed SCI Television, was troubled from the start. The junk bonds were raised prior to Black Monday: by November 1987, Gillett recorded a 10:1 debt-to-profit ratio and faced a $153 million loan payment by October 1989. Rumors started to emerge of Gillett selling WJW, along with his stations in Rochester, New York, and Nashville. These rumors intensified by June 1988 when Gillett, who formerly had a role with the Miami Dolphins, expressed interest in buying the Seattle Seahawks. Potential buyers included CBS, Group W, a consortium of station employees, Meredith Broadcasting, and former WUAB executive William Schwartz. While ownership denied WJW was itself up for sale, they did accept buy bids for review. WJW reportedly had an asking price of $190 or $200 million, which market analysts saw as a discount given Cleveland's market size and the station's ratings performance but also reflected the high price paid for the group. At the same time, Dominic was promoted to president and general manager, replacing C. David Whitaker, who transferred to Gillett's Tampa station, WTVT.

By June 1989, WJW was officially taken off the market, reportedly due to WJW's ratings and a separate deal to sell his Baltimore station, WMAR-TV, falling through. Gillett's Nashville station WSMV-TV was sold earlier in the year. Gillett boasted that the sale of WSMV was enough to shore up the company's financials, but the firm missed the October 1989 loan payment, prompting three creditors to ask the United States Bankruptcy Court in Delaware that SCI Television be placed in involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy while SCI offered a debt for equity exchange. This exchange offer was agreed to within hours of a deadline placed by the Delaware court. Bondholders acquired a 39-percent stake in SCI, while Gillett saw his ownership reduced to 41 percent and KKR's reduced to 15 percent; KKR also cancelled a $190 million debit note held on SCI. Gillett failed to meet a debt payment by August 1990, prompting S&P Global Ratings to lower the rating for Gillett Holdings from a C to a D.

WJW continued to be a standout for SCI, which was noteworthy given decreased investment in equipment and maintenance. By September 1991, the station cancelled Cleveland Tonight and laid off all personnel involved, effectively disbanding WJW's local production department; the move was blamed on both Gillett's financial woes and the departure of Swoboda, who took on additional duties with the show before leaving. Swoboda's exit also rendered a $75,000 promotional campaign the station shot on film earlier in the year worthless.

Bankruptcy and takeover by Ronald Perelman

WJW was again placed for sale in September 1990 after a second sale attempt for WMAR, but no offer materialized. WNET president William F. Baker expressed interest in WJW, having offered to buy WKYC from NBC the year before, and the president of Viacom paid a visit to WJW's studios. Gillett's financial pressures continued to mount after the WMAR sale was renegotiated to a lower price and a Denver bankruptcy judge denied any further extensions on a Chapter 11 filing. The early 1990s recession also negatively impacted television station cash flow and advertising revenue, on top of Gillett's failure to divest assets prior to a decline in station valuation. Facing lawsuits from multiple creditors including Apollo Partners, Allstate and Fidelity Investments, Gillett Holdings filed for Chapter 11 on July 26, 1991. After reaching another agreement with bondholders, Gillett Holdings was restructured in January 1992, with Gillett as a minority owner but maintaining day-to-day operational control.

refer to caption
Ronald Perelman

Investor Ronald Perelman, regarded as a corporate raider and the owner of Revlon and Marvel Entertainment, purchased majority control of SCI Television, including WJW-TV, on February 17, 1993, pushing Gillett out entirely. The transaction came through a bankruptcy court-approved Chapter 11 reorganization: Perelman's holding company MacAndrews & Forbes made a $100 million investment in SCI, which was still burdened by $1.3 billion in debt, in exchange for 53 percent of its equity. WTVT was also included. After the deal closed, SCI was folded into Perelman's New World Entertainment and renamed New World Communications. This was one of several deals Perelman made in rapid succession, as he then purchased a stake in Genesis Entertainment via Four Star Television and directly purchased infomercial producer Guthy-Renker.

Perelman's takeover of SCI set off speculation regarding the station group's future with CBS, including using them to test future syndicated programming or to form a new network. The previous June, CBS announced a change in compensation for affiliates, owing to a $200 million financial shortfall for the network: affiliates, including WJW, were now being asked to repay as much of 25 percent of the money provided by CBS and also had to pay CBS in order to air specific programs. This came as WJW was already facing "several hundred thousand dollars" in decreased revenue. Dominic continued to reiterate support for CBS, saying, "hey are the only network whose only business is the business of broadcasting" and "I think the country would suffer greatly if the network-affiliate system ever goes away". When CBS debuted Late Show with David Letterman in August 1993, WJW delayed the show until midnight in favor of Murphy Brown reruns, which netted more revenue from local advertising.

uilding something from the ground up is more fun. The challenge is to take the people we had at 5 and blending them here at 8, with people like Goddard, Carl Monday, Tom Meyer, Neil Zurcher—I have all these wonderful weapons at my disposal.

Andy Fishman, former WEWS producer, on joining WJW

With newfound resources under New World, WJW made a flurry of talent hires, including producer Andy Fishman, entertainment reporter David Moss, and anchor/reporter Lou Maglio, all of whom came to WJW from WEWS. WEWS lead anchor Wilma Smith—who had been with the station for 17 years and was regarded as a "focal point"—inked a five-year deal with WJW on December 20, 1993, that included co-anchoring the 11 p.m. news and a revamped 5 p.m. news in the mold of WEWS's Live on Five, which Smith co-anchored and which continually bested WJW in the ratings. Negotiations between Smith and Dominic began in secret after WEWS failed to meet a right of first refusal deadline. Smith debuted at the station on April 3, 1994, after a non-compete clause with WEWS was honored, and said of Dominic, "... coming here with Virgil is like a dream come true. He knows what we go through, the insecurities—so understanding, someone I've always admired."

New World and the switch to Fox

Main article: 1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment

I guarantee you one thing. We are not going to be 'Fox 8.' There is no way in the world we are going to become 'Fox 8'. We are 'Cleveland's Own' and 'Newscenter 8,' and we intend to stay that way.

Virgil Dominic, WJW president and general manager

On May 23, 1994, Fox parent News Corporation announced the purchase of a 20 percent stake in New World Communications, an investment of $500 million. The deal included a groupwide multi-year affiliation agreement that had the majority of stations owned by—or in the process of being acquired by—New World, switch network affiliations to Fox after existing contracts expired per-station. News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch called the agreement "the largest network affiliation realignment in television history" and said it would "forever change the competitive landscape of network television". WJW's inclusion in the deal meant that their CBS affiliation would end after 39 years. This came after Fox outbid CBS for broadcast rights to the National Football Conference months earlier and sought to upgrade its affiliate base. Dominic was notified of the deal days in advance and sworn to secrecy; he later told the Plain Dealer, "My mouth fell to my knees. There was five or six seconds of absolute silence after told me. It really was a shock."

A blue square with a stylized white 8 inside, underneath the square is "WJW" in black text.
WJW logo used from 1994–1995 during the affiliation switch, eschewing their Fox affiliation.

WJW was the first of these stations to switch to Fox on September 3, 1994, with outgoing Fox affiliate WOIO joining CBS; Fox Kids went from WOIO to WBNX-TV. With the switch, WJW-TV hired multiple personnel and added a local morning show, giving it the largest news staff and news output of any Ohio television station, but notably eschewed directly marketing their incoming Fox affiliation, something Dominic publicly resisted. WOIO had no news department but assumed operational control of WUAB in order to establish one; Dufala, who already had been replaced by Smith as WJW's 11 p.m. co-anchor, signed a contract with WOIO, while WJW re-signed Swoboda to co-anchor the 6 p.m. news. WJW's switch came with three months' notice and altered more than 20 hours of programming per day, or 87 percent of the schedule. Ratings declined in all time slots but especially fell by half for the late-evening news after moving from 11 p.m.—a time slot WJW had won consistently since 1981—to 10 p.m., but still topped WUAB's newscast. WJW's morning show also failed to retain the audience of its lead-in 6 a.m. news.

Dominic retired in May 1995: while highly regarded for his "avuncular" stewardship of WJW, the station struggled to maintain its prior news presentation more befitting of a CBS affiliation, a problem encountered by the rest of the New World stations. Selwyn later said WJW "had the farthest to fall" because it had been so closely tied to CBS. Fox Entertainment president John Matoian said the network was looking at broadening their programming beyond their original target 18–34 demographic, prompted largely by the reluctance of newer affiliates like WJW to identify with Fox. Dominic was replaced by Bob Rowe; under Rowe, previously the general manager of KNXV-TV in Phoenix, the station rebranded in November 1995 to "Fox is Ei8ht" / "Ei8ht is News", a slogan derided among viewers for its continuous on-air repetition. The morning newscasts were retooled into a three-hour program which saw its audience double year-over-year during the first month, while WJW saw ratings increases in several dayparts.

Fox ownership

In front of a building entrance, a white truck with a raised large antenna. On the side of the truck, as well as on the driver's side door, are large "FOX 8 WJW CLEVELAND" signs.
A WJW electronic news gathering truck with "Fox 8" livery outside the entrance to the NASA Glenn Research Center, 1998.

News Corp. agreed to purchase New World Communications in a $2.5 billion deal announced on July 17, 1996, with WJW joining Fox's owned-station division; talks between the two companies stalled earlier in the year but restarted when Perelman pursued a deal for King World. Beginning in August 1996, WJW began rebranding from "Ei8ht is News" to "Fox 8" in preparation for the changeover, the same branding Dominic publicly resisted implementing two years earlier. The nature of the rebranding led some station employees to joke internally, "Fox Ei8ht Us".

We have to reshape TV-8 because it's a Fox station now. You have a different platform to promote from for shows like Melrose Place and Party of Five.

Mike Renda, WJW general manager

The turnover extended over-the-air. Prior to the start of the November 1996 sweeps, Rowe demoted Casey Coleman from weeknight sportscasting duties in favor of Mark Schroeder; Coleman, who had also been the radio voice of the Browns from 1994 until their 1996 move to Baltimore, was criticized for his close friendship with Bill Belichick and had been perceived as "negative". News director Kathy Williams, who was reportedly upset over Coleman's demotion, left for like duties at WKYC several weeks later, with Rowe tabbing Greg Easterly, a former producer/director at KNXV, as her replacement. When the deal closed, Rowe was dismissed and replaced by Mike Renda, a former sales manager at WJW. Renda and Easterly made a partial reversal of Coleman's demotion, restoring him to the 6 p.m. news in early March 1997, but declined to renew his contract at the end of June. Coleman's replacement was Tony Rizzo, son of former Cleveland television personality Jack Reynolds and the sportscaster for John Lanigan's show at WMJI, whose on-air persona was seen as a stark contrast to Coleman's.

Robin Swoboda left WJW a second time in early January 1998, which she largely attributed to the station's handling of Coleman, saying, "hat's one of the reasons I don't love this business anymore. Casey was Cleveland sports. It's not fair." Wilma Smith was consequently moved from the 5 p.m. news—which tied in the ratings against reruns on WUAB and had a poor lead-in with The Rosie O'Donnell Show—to 6 p.m. opposite Tim Taylor, matching their 10 p.m. pairing. While seen as "slumbering" against stiff competition from WKYC and WEWS, WJW consistently led at 10 p.m. and beat WUAB by a 2–1 margin during the February 1998 sweeps. Ratings improved at 6 a.m. and noon by 1999, and in 2000, WJW was ranked first sign-on to sign-off in multiple key demographics, with the 8 a.m. hour competitive against the network morning shows. Renda credited the stability under Fox ownership for much of the success, saying, "or years we were operating with rubber bands and glue. Fox has given us capital—and we're working for a real broadcaster now." The station erected a new tower in 1999 for high-definition television; to alleviate residential concerns, WJW agreed to remove both the existing analog tower and the original 1949 self-supporting tower once the digital tower was activated. WJW began digital broadcasts in November 1999 on UHF channel 31.

WJW ranked as the highest-rated Fox affiliate in the country in February 2001, with the station leading in the 25–54 demographic in every newscast, aided by Fox's primetime lineup and the acquisition of Judge Judy as a lead-in for 5 p.m. The success in mornings came alongside increased viewership for morning news industry-wide, while the success at 6 and 10 p.m. was attributed to the stability of WJW's anchor team of Smith, Taylor and Goddard; as Taylor told The Plain Dealer, "people in Cleveland abhor change". By 2004, WJW faced heightened competition from WKYC, particularly at 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Dr. Phil on WKYC at 5 p.m. topped all competing newscasts. As 2005 began, Smith and Taylor reduced their schedule to anchor solely at 6 p.m. by their request, and Bill Martin and Stacey Bell took over anchoring at 10 p.m., reflecting WJW's dominance in the late-evening news while also raising the profiles of Martin and Bell. The change foreshadowed Taylor's retirement at the end of 2005, ending a 40-year career in broadcasting and 27 years at channel 8. Lou Maglio replaced Taylor as 6 p.m. co-anchor, a role he continues to hold.

In early 2007, the station launched That's Life, a local late-morning talk show hosted by Swoboda, who returned to WJW for her third stint; the show was inspired in part by WEWS's The Morning Exchange, which Swoboda briefly co-hosted in 1998. That's Life was also the first locally-produced program in the market to be broadcast in high-definition. By 2010, That's Life was renamed The Robin Swoboda Show.

Local TV, Tribune and Nexstar ownership

Weeknight anchors Lou Maglio and Tracy McCool, and meteorologist Dontae Jones

On December 22, 2007, Fox sold WJW and seven other stations to Local TV for $1.1 billion; the stations were divested so News Corp. could raise additional capital for its $5 billion purchase of Dow Jones & Company. The sale coincided with WJW debuting a news set, logo and graphics more closely tied to Fox News, and the station's website moved to Fox's "myfox" internet platform. Mike Renda was transferred to WTXF-TV, Fox's owned-and-operated station in Philadelphia, and Greg Easterly succeeded him as general manager. The sale was finalized on July 14, 2008; up to 25 staffers left the station prior to the sale's close, with some taking early retirement in order to access a benefits package provided by Fox, and the station's Columbus bureau was closed. Lead investigative reporter Tom Merriman left WJW to resume a career in legal work when one colleague in the station's "I-Team" unit was reassigned to consumer reporting and another was promoted to anchor duties.

During Local TV ownership, WJW's analog signal was shut down on June 12, 2009, as part of the transition from analog to digital television; the station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 31 to VHF channel 8. Swoboda left the station in January 2011 after disagreeing over the inclusion of sponsored segments; The Robin Swoboda Show was replaced with New Day Cleveland, an infotainment program hosted by David Moss and Kristi Capel, and has remained on the lineup to the present day. The following year, Capel was promoted to morning co-anchor alongside Wayne Dawson, who joined channel 8 in 1979 and became lead morning anchor in 1999. Wilma Smith retired on May 22, 2013, ending a 36-year career in television, almost all of it working in the Cleveland market.

WJW's helicopter, "SkyFox"

Tribune Broadcasting acquired Local TV on July 1, 2013, for $2.75 billion. News expansion furthered under Local TV and Tribune, including weekend morning news in 2011 and a 4 p.m. newscast in 2013. In April 2014, Easterly was promoted to the general manager role at WGN-TV, Tribune's flagship station, while Andy Fishman was elevated that November to the role of news director, which he still holds. After being rescued from years of captivity by Ariel Castro in 2013, Amanda Berry joined WJW in 2017 to host regular missing person segments.

Sinclair Broadcast Group announced a $3.9 billion purchase of Tribune Broadcasting on May 8, 2017. The deal raised concerns over the future of WJW's newscasts due to Sinclair's track record of undermining editorial independence at the station level. Sinclair agreed to sell WJW back to Fox Television Stations as part of a seven-station, $910 million deal, contingent on the Sinclair-Tribune deal closing, but this was nullified when Tribune terminated the merger on August 9, 2018, following a rejection of the deal by FCC chairman Ajit Pai. Following the Sinclair-Tribune merger collapse, Tribune agreed to be purchased by Nexstar Media Group on December 3, 2018, for $6.4 billion. After the sale closed on September 16, 2019, Fox declined to reacquire WJW despite "high-stakes negotiations" between the two groups.

Nexstar subsequently purchased WBNX on October 28, 2024, for an unspecified amount; WBNX will become the Cleveland market's CW affiliate when the deal closes in September 2025.

As of 2021, WJW produces up to 12+1⁄2 hours of local programming on weekdays.

Notable former on-air staff

Technical information

WJW's transmitter tower as seen from a nearby shopping plaza in Parma, Ohio.

Subchannels

The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WJW
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
8.1 720p 16:9 FOX Fox
8.2 480i ANTENNA Antenna TV
8.3 COMET Comet
8.4 CHARGE Charge!

ATSC 3.0 testing

WJW's initial digital transmitter on UHF channel 31 prior to the 2009 digital transition has remained in a functional, though dormant, state. Tribune Broadcasting donated the transmitter to the National Association of Broadcasters, which it used to conduct a six-month test of the ATSC 3.0 standard beginning in May 2015 as WI9X3Y. The transmitter remained active for the duration of the 2016 World Series—in which the Cleveland Indians played—and broadcast in 4K UHD with Dolby AC-4 audio.

Notes

  1. The station began broadcasting on November 28, 1949, to air Captain Video and His Video Rangers on a nightly basis, but for testing purposes.
  2. Complicating matters, two applicants were vying for the channel 11 allocation in Akron; following the end of the "freeze", this allocation was moved to the UHF band on channel 49.
  3. While this did not happen, the PBS station in West Palm Beach, Florida, renamed itself WXEL-TV in 1985; that station's program manager previously worked at the Cleveland WXEL in the early 1950s.
  4. The subsidiary that held WJW's license was renamed Gillett Communications of Cleveland, Inc.
  5. WBNX was previously the Cleveland affiliate for The CW from 2006 until 2018.

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Bibliography

External links

Broadcast television in Northeast Ohio
This region includes the following cities: Cleveland
Akron
Canton
Ashtabula
Mansfield
Sandusky
Reception may vary by location and some stations may only be viewable with cable television
Full power
Low power
Outlying areas
Cable
ATSC 3.0
Defunct
Ohio broadcast television
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
Dayton
Lima
Marietta, OH/Parkersburg, WV
Steubenville, OH/Wheeling, WV
Toledo
Youngstown
Zanesville
See also
List of mass media in Cleveland
Fox network affiliates licensed to and serving the state of Ohio
Primary*
Secondary**
(*) – indicates station is in one of Ohio's primary TV markets
(**) – indicates station is in an out-of-state TV market, but reaches a small portion of Ohio
See also
ABC
CBS
CW
Fox
Ion
MyNetworkTV
NBC
PBS
Other stations in Ohio
Nexstar Media Group
sorted by primary channel network affiliations
ABC
CBS
The CW (O&O)
Fox
MyNetworkTV
NBC
Other stations
TV channels
TV programs
Other assets
Acquisitions
  • Nexstar operates these stations under an SSA.
  • These stations broadcast these networks on their digital subchannels.
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