WBRZ 2 is a television station that serves Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas. It is one of the oldest and most respected television stations in the area, providing comprehensive news coverage, weather reports, and sports updates to its viewers.
History
WBRZ 2 began broadcasting in 1955 as WAFB, and at the time, it was the first television station in the Baton Rouge area. The station was owned by the State-Times newspaper, and its studios were located at the newspaper’s offices. In 1969, WAFB was sold to George Collier, Jr., and became a separate entity from the newspaper.
In the late 1970s, WAFB began to face stiff competition from another local television station, WVLA. To stay competitive, WAFB made several changes to its programming, including launching a newscast in the morning and expanding its news coverage. In 1985, the station changed its call letters to WBRZ, which stands for “Baton Rouge’s Zooming TV.”
Ownership
WBRZ 2 is owned by the Manship family, who also own the Baton Rouge Advocate newspaper. The Manships have owned WBRZ since 1995, and they have invested heavily in the station’s operations and facilities. Under their ownership, WBRZ has expanded its news coverage and upgraded its equipment to provide viewers with the best possible viewing experience.
Programming
WBRZ 2 broadcasts a wide range of programming, including news, weather, sports, and entertainment. The station has a strong focus on local news, and its news team works hard to bring viewers the latest and most accurate information about events happening in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.
In addition to its news coverage, WBRZ 2 also provides viewers with weather updates throughout the day. The station has a team of meteorologists who track weather patterns and provide forecasts that are tailored to the specific needs of viewers in the Baton Rouge area.
For sports fans, WBRZ 2 is the go-to station for local and regional sports news. The station covers high school sports, as well as college and professional sports teams in Louisiana and neighboring states. WBRZ 2 also broadcasts LSU football games, which are a major draw for viewers in the area.
Community Involvement
WBRZ 2 is deeply involved in the Baton Rouge community and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of local residents. The station sponsors numerous community events throughout the year, including blood drives, food drives, and toy drives.
WBRZ 2 is also known for its “2une In for Safety” campaign, which promotes safety and preparedness in the event of severe weather or other emergencies. The campaign encourages viewers to stay informed about weather conditions and to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Awards
Over the years, WBRZ 2 has received numerous awards for its news coverage and community involvement. In 2019, the station won a regional Emmy award for its coverage of Hurricane Barry, which hit the Baton Rouge area in July of that year. The station has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and programming.
Conclusion
WBRZ 2 is a respected and well-established television station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that provides viewers with comprehensive news coverage, weather updates, and sports news. The station is deeply committed to the local community and works hard to make a positive impact on the lives of residents. With its experienced news team, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to excellence, WBRZ 2 is a trusted source of information and entertainment for viewers in the Baton Rouge area.