WCAU

WCAU: A Philadelphia Television Station with a Rich History

Imagine a television station that has been broadcasting for over 70 years, through the changing landscape of media in Philadelphia and beyond. WCAU (channel 10) is one such station, owned by NBC and based in the heart of Philadelphia. It’s not just a channel; it’s a story of transitions, partnerships, and resilience.

The Early Days: From CBS to NBC

How did WCAU end up with its current affiliation? The station was originally a CBS affiliate from 1948 until January 1995. However, due to FCC restrictions, it switched to NBC as part of a deal that included selling its AM radio station to CBS. This move marked the beginning of WCAU’s journey with NBC.

The Bidding War and Comcast’s Involvement

Who emerged victorious in the bidding war for WCAU? NBC came out on top after New World Communications pulled out due to Fox’s interest. The deal was official on September 10, 1995, with Viacom selling WTXF-TV to Fox and making the swap happen.

The Comcast Era

How did Comcast’s involvement change things for WCAU? In January 2011, Comcast acquired a majority stake in WCAU’s parent company. By early 2013, they had taken full control. This move solidified the station as locally owned and gave it more autonomy.

The Sister Station Partnership

How did WCAU team up with Telemundo? In March 2013, NBCUniversal announced that it would buy Telemundo affiliate WWSI from ZGS Communications for $20 million. This partnership gave WCAU a duopoly in the market.

The Move to Comcast Technology Center

What changes did WCAU undergo when moving to its new studios? In January 2014, it was announced that WCAU and sister station WWSI would move to the Comcast Technology Center on Arch Street in Center City. This move brought about a fresh start for the station.

Sports Coverage and Local News

How does WCAU handle sports coverage? The station has aired Philadelphia’s major sports teams through its network commitments, including the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers, and more. These commitments often require rescheduling NBC network programs.

The News Operation

What makes WCAU’s news operation stand out? For decades, WCAU was a leader in local news ratings. Its ‘Big News’ format introduced in 1965 helped it maintain its position as the second most-watched station until the late 1970s.

The Transition to Digital

How did WCAU adapt to digital broadcasting? The station shut down its analog signal on June 12, 2009, and signed on its digital signal on December 4, 1998. This transition allowed for better coverage in central and southern New Jersey, as well as parts of Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The Future: Streaming and Partnerships

What new initiatives is WCAU undertaking? The station has launched a new 24-hour streaming channel called ‘NBC Philadelphia News,’ featuring simulcasts and encores of its newscasts. It also introduced its own version of WNBC’s New York Nonstop channel, NBC Philadelphia Nonstop.

The Legacy Continues

What does the future hold for this iconic station? With Fred Shropshire joining as a new anchor and partnerships with Entercom Communications and KYW-AM radio, WCAU is poised to continue its legacy of serving Philadelphia’s news and entertainment needs.

WCAU (channel 10) has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s media landscape for over seven decades. From its early days as a CBS affiliate to its current status as an NBC station, the station has adapted and thrived through various changes in broadcasting. As it continues to evolve with new technologies and partnerships, WCAU remains committed to delivering high-quality news and entertainment to the people of Philadelphia.