WTEN-TV is an ABC-affiliated television station that serves Albany, New York, and the surrounding areas. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group and operates on channel 10. WTEN-TV is one of the oldest television stations in the Albany market, having been on the air since 1953.
History of WTEN-TV
WTEN-TV began broadcasting on October 14, 1953, as WROW-TV, a CBS-affiliated station. However, in 1955, the station was sold to General Electric, which changed the call letters to WTEN-TV and switched the affiliation to ABC. The new owners invested heavily in the station, upgrading the facilities and expanding the programming.
In the 1960s and 1970s, WTEN-TV became known for its local news coverage, with reporters and anchors such as Ernie Tetrault, Bill Buethe, and Elaine Houston becoming household names in the Albany area. The station also had a popular children’s show called “Popeye and Pete,” which aired for over 20 years.
In the 1980s and 1990s, WTEN-TV faced increased competition from other stations in the Albany market, as well as from cable channels such as CNN and ESPN. However, the station continued to invest in its news department, and in 1998, it became the first station in the Albany market to launch a website.
Today, WTEN-TV is a leading source of news and information in the Albany area, with a strong online presence and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and relevant coverage of local events.
Programming on WTEN-TV
WTEN-TV offers a wide range of programming, including news, sports, entertainment, and educational programs. Some of the station’s most popular shows include:
1. News10 at 6:00 PM – This is WTEN-TV’s flagship newscast, which airs every weekday at 6:00 PM. The program features in-depth coverage of local news, weather, and sports, as well as interviews with newsmakers and experts.
2. Good Morning Albany – This is a morning news and entertainment program that airs weekdays from 4:30 AM to 7:00 AM. The show features news updates, weather forecasts, traffic reports, and interviews with local and national celebrities.
3. Jeopardy! – This popular quiz show airs weekdays at 7:30 PM and features contestants competing to answer trivia questions in a variety of categories.
4. Wheel of Fortune – This game show airs weekdays at 7:00 PM and features contestants spinning a wheel to determine how much money they can win by guessing letters in a word or phrase.
5. ABC World News Tonight – This national news program airs weekdays at 6:30 PM and features in-depth coverage of national and international news stories.
In addition to its regular programming, WTEN-TV also airs special events, such as the annual Albany Tulip Festival and the New York State Fair.
Community Involvement
WTEN-TV is deeply committed to serving the community and giving back to those in need. The station regularly partners with local organizations and charities to raise awareness and funds for important causes. Some of the station’s community service initiatives include:
1. Coats for Kids – Every winter, WTEN-TV partners with the Salvation Army to collect new and gently used coats for children in need.
2. Pet Connection – This weekly segment, which airs on Tuesdays during the News10 at 6:00 PM broadcast, features adoptable pets from local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
3. News10 School Spirit – This program highlights local high school sports teams and recognizes their achievements on the field and in the classroom.
4. Storm Tracker 10 Weather Academy – This program brings local students into the station to learn about weather forecasting and meteorology from the station’s team of meteorologists.
Conclusion
WTEN-TV is a trusted source of news and information in the Albany area, with a long history of providing quality programming and community service. The station’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to serving the needs of its viewers make it an important part of the local media landscape. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, weather updates, or entertaining programming, WTEN-TV has something for everyone.