WCVB-TV, also known as channel 5, is an ABC-affiliated television station located in Boston, Massachusetts. Owned by Hearst Television, WCVB-TV is the oldest commercial TV station in New England, and operates three digital subchannels. The station broadcasts a variety of programs, including local and national news, sports, weather, lifestyle, and entertainment.
History
WCVB-TV was founded in 1972 by the Department Store mogul Jordan Marsh. With the establishment of UHF channel 5, Marsh assumed the title of chairman for the station. Originally a CBS affiliate, the station was acquired by the Hearst Corporation in 1982 and became an ABC affiliate in 1990. It is the only commercial station in the Boston market to be carried on cable systems in both the United States and Canada.
WCVB-TV was the first station in Massachusetts to use HDTV technology and is currently the only station to use HDTV full-time. In 2000, The Hearst Corporation, the parent company of WCVB-TV, created Oprah & Friends, a 24-hour cable channel that is a sister network to the TV station.
Programming
WCVB-TV broadcasts a variety of programming, including national news, sports, weather, lifestyle, and entertainment. The station’s longest-running program is its nightly 10 o’clock edition of NewsCenter 5. This program has used its current title since 1992 and is hosted by Maria Stephanos and Ed Harding.
The channel also broadcasts a variety of shows in collaboration with the local affiliate of ABC. These include Good Morning America, General Hospital, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and Dancing with the Stars.
In addition to its regular programming, WCVB-TV also supports a number of charitable organizations. The station is a supporter of the United Way, the American Red Cross, and other causes.
Local News
WCVB-TV is committed to providing viewers with the latest news and information about events in Boston and the surrounding area. The station produces a range of news programs and special reports, including local news in the morning and evening; a weekly investigative report; a weekly political report that takes a look at key issues in the Massachusetts State Legislature; and a weekend lifestyle show that focuses on the best places to visit and dine in the area.
The station also produces a weekday morning program that has its own daily segment “Rhode Trip,” which looks at attractions in Rhode Island. Weekday mornings also feature “5 Investigates,” which examines issues that are important to viewers.
In addition to its news programming, WCVB-TV is also home to a number of special programs, including Bay State Weekend and Chronicle, which take viewers on a tour around Massachusetts and tell stories about the state’s history, culture, and people.
Subchannels
WCVB-TV operates three digital subchannels. Channel 5.2 is “NewsCenter Now” which includes local news and weather information. Channel 5.3 is “MeTV” which features classic television shows from the 1950s to the 1990s. And channel 5.4 is “ABC” which broadcasts some of the same shows that appear on the main channel as well as some new and different programming.
Conclusion
As one of the oldest and most respected television stations in the Boston area, WCVB-TV has been a leader in providing viewers with quality programming for over four decades. The station is committed to providing its viewers with a balanced and comprehensive mix of news and entertainment. With three digital subchannels and a variety of local news and special programs, WCVB-TV is a great choice for Boston viewers.