CBS 4 Indianapolis (WTTV) is a television station that serves the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The station is owned by CBS Broadcasting Inc. and operates on channel 4. CBS 4 is a part of the CBS Television Network and broadcasts programming from CBS along with local news, weather, and sports.
The station was originally launched as WTTV in 1949 by Sarkes Tarzian, a radio and television pioneer who operated multiple broadcast stations. In the early years, WTTV broadcasted a variety of programs including movies, cartoons, and locally produced shows. The station was also the first in the Indianapolis market to broadcast in color.
In 1979, WTTV became an independent station and continued to broadcast a mix of syndicated programming and local news. However, the station struggled to compete with the other major network affiliates in the market.
In 1995, WTTV was purchased by Paramount Communications, which was later acquired by Viacom. Under Viacom ownership, the station became a UPN affiliate and rebranded as UPN 4. The station continued to broadcast local news and sports along with programming from the UPN network.
In 2006, CBS Corporation, which owns the CBS Television Network, announced that it was acquiring WTTV and would make it the network’s Indianapolis affiliate. The station rebranded as CBS 4 in 2008.
Since becoming a CBS affiliate, CBS 4 has continued to provide local news, weather, and sports coverage along with popular CBS programming such as “NCIS,” “Big Bang Theory,” and “Survivor.”
The station has also launched several new locally produced programs including “CBS 4 This Morning,” a weekday morning news program, and “IN Focus,” a political talk show.
CBS 4 has received multiple awards for its journalism including several regional and national Emmys. The station was also recognized by the Indiana Broadcasters Association as the 2019 Station of the Year.
In addition to its broadcast coverage, CBS 4 also offers online and mobile platforms for viewers to access news and programming. The station’s website, cbs4indy.com, features breaking news, weather forecasts, and video clips from the station’s broadcasts.
CBS 4 has also embraced social media and has a significant presence on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The station uses these platforms to engage with viewers, share news and information, and promote its programming.
Overall, CBS 4 Indianapolis (WTTV) has a rich history in the Indianapolis market and has evolved over the years to become a trusted source for news and entertainment. The station’s commitment to providing quality local news coverage and its partnership with the CBS Television Network have helped make CBS 4 a valuable asset to the Indianapolis community.