WBAL-TV is one of the oldest television stations in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1948, the station has been a fixture in the Baltimore community for over 70 years, providing quality news and entertainment programming for residents of the city and its surrounding areas. Today, WBAL-TV is owned by Hearst Television and is affiliated with the NBC network. It is known for its award-winning local news coverage, innovative programming, and community involvement.
History
WBAL-TV was founded in 1948 by the Baltimore Evening Sun newspaper, which was owned by the A.S. Abell Company. The station was the first in Maryland to receive a commercial television license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and became the second NBC affiliate in the state. WBAL-TV’s first broadcast aired on March 11, 1948, and featured a variety of programs, including news, sports, and entertainment. The station quickly became a popular source of information and entertainment for Baltimore residents.
In 1998, the A.S. Abell Company sold WBAL-TV to Hearst Television, a subsidiary of the Hearst Corporation. Today, Hearst owns and operates 34 television stations in the United States, including WBAL-TV. Under Hearst’s ownership, WBAL-TV has continued to provide high-quality programming and has expanded its reach to include digital and mobile platforms.
News Coverage
WBAL-TV is known for its award-winning local news coverage. The station has won numerous awards for its reporting, including several Edward R. Murrow Awards, which are considered the highest honor in broadcast journalism. WBAL-TV’s news team is led by award-winning journalists Donna Hamilton and Stan Stovall, who have been with the station for over 20 years.
WBAL-TV’s news coverage includes breaking news, weather updates, and investigative reporting. The station’s reporters cover a wide range of topics, including crime, politics, education, and health. WBAL-TV also features special segments on local events and community issues, such as its “Project Community” series, which highlights the work of local organizations and individuals making a difference in the community.
Weather Coverage
WBAL-TV is Baltimore’s leading source for weather updates. The station has a team of meteorologists who provide accurate and timely weather forecasts for the city and surrounding areas. WBAL-TV’s weather coverage includes daily updates on current conditions, as well as detailed forecasts for the coming days.
In addition to its traditional weather coverage, WBAL-TV also offers innovative digital and mobile platforms for weather updates. The station’s website features an interactive radar map, which allows users to track storms in real-time. WBAL-TV’s mobile app also provides weather updates on-the-go, including severe weather alerts and live streaming of weather coverage.
Programming
In addition to its news and weather coverage, WBAL-TV offers a variety of programming for entertainment and education. The station’s daytime lineup features popular shows such as “Ellen,” “Dr. Phil,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” WBAL-TV also broadcasts syndicated programs such as “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.”
In the evenings, WBAL-TV airs network programming from NBC, including popular shows such as “This Is Us,” “The Voice,” and “Saturday Night Live.” The station also features local programming, such as its weekly sports program “Sports Extra” and its “11 TV Hill” news discussion show.
Community Involvement
WBAL-TV is committed to serving the Baltimore community. The station’s community involvement includes partnerships with local organizations and events, as well as charitable giving. WBAL-TV’s annual “Pack the Pantry” food drive raises thousands of pounds of food for local food banks each year. The station also supports organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Maryland Food Bank, and the United Way.
WBAL-TV also sponsors several community events throughout the year, including the Baltimore Running Festival and the Maryland State Fair. The station’s community involvement is a reflection of its commitment to serving Baltimore residents and its dedication to making a difference in the community.
Conclusion
WBAL-TV is a trusted source of news and entertainment for residents of Baltimore and its surrounding areas. The station’s award-winning news coverage, accurate weather updates, innovative programming, and community involvement make it a valuable asset to the Baltimore community. WBAL-TV’s commitment to serving its viewers is a testament to its long-standing legacy in the city and its continued dedication to providing quality programming for years to come.