WXIN — Mediated Wiki

{{Short description|Television station in Indianapolis}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} {{For|the unlicensed college radio station|WXIN (Rhode Island College)}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = WXIN | logo = WXIN (2020).svg | logo_alt = From left: A red box containing a silvery Fox logo, next to a blue, squarish box containing a silver sans serif numeral "59". | logo_size = 220px | branding = Fox59 | digital = 22 ([[UHF]]) | virtual = 59 | affiliations = {{ubl|'''59.1:''' [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} | owner = [[Nexstar Media Group]] | licensee = [[Tribune Media Company]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/draftcopy/25076ff36ff69e94016ffdd98dc778cd|title=Commercial Broadcast Stations Biennial Ownership Report (FCC Form 323)|date=January 31, 2020|pages=11|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308105205/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/draftcopy/25076ff36ff69e94016ffdd98dc778cd|url-status=live}}</ref> | location = [[Indianapolis]], Indiana | country = United States | founded = {{start date|1983|07|12}} | airdate = {{start date|1984|02|01}} | callsign_meaning = Intended as a memory aid to distinguish from other stations, with "IN" for Indiana{{r|Munc850810}} | sister_stations = [[WTTV|WTTV/WTTK]]; ''Tegna:'' [[WTHR]], [[WALV-CD]] | former_callsigns = {{ubl|WSMK (CP, 1982–1983)|WPDS-TV (1983–1985)|WXIN-TV (August 1985)}} | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 59 (UHF, 1984–2009)|'''Digital:''' 45 (UHF, 1999–2019)}} | former_affiliations = [[Independent station|Independent]] (1984–1986) | erp = 1,000 [[kW]] | haat = {{convert|304|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id = 146 | coordinates = {{coord|39|53|20|N|86|12|7|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=WXIN|display=inline, title}} | licensing_authority = [[FCC]] | website = {{URL|https://fox59.com/}} }}

'''WXIN''' (channel 59) is a [[television station]] in [[Indianapolis]], Indiana, United States, affiliated with the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network. It is owned by [[Nexstar Media Group]] alongside [[CBS]] affiliates [[WTTV|WTTV/WTTK]] (channels 4 and 29); Nexstar's [[Tegna Inc.|Tegna]] subsidiary owns [[NBC]] affiliate [[WTHR]] (channel 13) and [[low-power broadcasting#Television|low-power]], [[Class A television service|Class A]] [[MeTV]] affiliate [[WALV-CD]] (channel 46). WXIN and WTTV share studios on Network Place (near 71st Street and [[I-465]]) in northwestern Indianapolis; WXIN's transmitter is located on West 73rd Street (or Westlane Road) on the northern outskirts of the city.

Channel 59 debuted as [[independent station]] WPDS-TV on February 1, 1984, broadcasting from studios on [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian Street]]. Majority-owned by [[Anacomp, Inc.]], it was named for its founding owners: Ron Palamara, Chris Duffy, and [[Melvin Simon|Melvin]] and [[Herbert Simon (real estate)|Herbert Simon]]. The station dabbled in production of local programs including a newscast, a late-night talk show, and a children's program. Within a year, the partners sold the station to [[Outlet Communications]], which changed the call sign to WXIN in 1985 to reduce confusion with [[PBS]] and [[TBS (American TV channel)|WTBS]]. An aggressive program purchasing policy and the financial troubles of WTTV, its chief competitor, made the station more competitive in the market, and the station joined Fox at its creation in 1986.

After more than two years on the market and an abortive sale to locally based [[Emmis Communications]], Chase Broadcasting purchased WXIN in 1990. The station began airing a 10 p.m. newscast in 1991, but it was not until [[Tribune Broadcasting]] ownership that it grew beyond late news. A morning newscast debuted in 1999, and from 2004 to 2014, the station tripled its weekly news output with new and expanded newscasts in nearly every key daypart. Tribune acquired WTTV in 2002 and moved both stations the next year to their present studios in northwest Indianapolis. WTTV became a CBS affiliate in 2015 with a partially separate news operation.

==History== ===WPDS-TV: Construction and early years=== The first group to express interest in channel 59 in Indianapolis was a group backed by [[Clint Murchison Jr.|Clint Murchison]], who proposed [[subscription television]] (STV) operation for the channel in 1978.<ref name="Indi780406">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-planning-another-p/145277669/|date=April 6, 1978|page=23|first=Richard K.|last=Shull|title=Planning Another Pay-TV System Here|newspaper=[[The Indianapolis News]]|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414064329/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-planning-another-p/145277669/|url-status=live}}</ref> The group, Channel 59 of Indiana, formally filed that July.<ref name="Indi780720">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-firm-asks-fcc-for/145277707/|date=July 20, 1978|page=9|first=David|last=Rohn|title=Firm Asks FCC For Pay TV System|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414064826/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-firm-asks-fcc-for/145277707/|url-status=live}}</ref> United Television Corporation of Indiana (owned by United Cable) filed the next month with a similar plan.<ref name="Indi780811">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2d-firm-wants-chan/145277724/|date=August 11, 1978|page=29|title=2d Firm Wants Channel 59 Here For Pay Video|newspaper=[[The Indianapolis Star]]|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414033959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2d-firm-wants-chan/145277724/|url-status=live}}</ref> That December, Indianapolis Television—a consortium of [[Simon Property Group|shopping mall]] and [[Indiana Pacers]] co-owner [[Melvin Simon]], his brother Fred, and Gerald Kraft—filed for channel 59.<ref name="Indi781228">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-simon-applies-for/145277730/|date=December 28, 1978|page=15|title=Simon Applies For Channel 59|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034021/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-simon-applies-for/145277730/|url-status=live}}</ref> A fourth application, from Indianapolis 59 (subsidiary of a young [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]), was also received.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Annuals/Archive-BC-YB-IDX/80s-OCR-YB/1981-YB/1981-BC-YB-OCR-Page-0203.pdf|page=C-184|title=TV Applications|work=Broadcasting Yearbook|date=1981|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414060804/https://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Annuals/Archive-BC-YB-IDX/80s-OCR-YB/1981-YB/1981-BC-YB-OCR-Page-0203.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Indianapolis Television Corporation secured the channel in 1981 under the terms of a settlement with the other applicants, reimbursing its competitors a combined $128,300 in the process.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1981/BC_1981__50th_Color.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=October 12, 1981|id={{ProQuest|962735689}}|page=112|title=Indianapolis TV proceeding|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414060727/https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1981/BC_1981__50th_Color.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> While it, too, had proposed subscription programming, changes in technology and the industry led the firm to hold off on building an STV outlet<ref name="Indi820719">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-new-technology-hur/145277781/|date=July 19, 1982|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-more-about-local-c/145277774/ 15]|first=Richard K.|last=Shull|title=New Technology Hurts 2 Local Cable TV Firms|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034003/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-new-technology-hur/145277781/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ultimately find the concept unviable.{{r|names}} The permit, initially with the call sign WSMK,<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=86786 |title= History Cards for WXIN|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} ([[Wikipedia:WikiProject Radio Stations/History Cards|Guide to reading History Cards]])</ref> soon changed hands. In 1983, 80 percent of the stock in the company was sold to local computer services company [[Anacomp, Inc.]]; Melvin retained 10 percent, while his other brother, [[Herbert Simon (real estate)|Herbert Simon]], bought a 10-percent stake. The $800,000 acquisition produced capital to be invested in the construction of the station.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-07-25.pdf|page=88|id={{ProQuest|1014711134}}|title=Changing Hands|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|date=July 25, 1983|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414060826/https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-07-25.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Anacomp was headed by Ron Palamara, while one of the vice presidents in Anacomp was Chris Duffy, who had been the general manager at [[WTHR]] for five years before joining Anacomp in 1981. The reconfigured ownership group, known as USA Communications, changed channel 59's call letters to WPDS-TV, after Palamara, Duffy and Simon's initials.<ref name="names">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43769169/new_station_familiar_names/|title=New Station, Familiar Names|work=The Indianapolis News|page=17|first=Richard K.|last=Shull|date=March 18, 1983|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065336/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-new-station-famil/43769169/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Palamara had promised the station would be on air for New Year's Eve 1983; due to weather delays, that turned into [[Chinese New Year]]'s Eve when WPDS-TV signed on February 1, 1984.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43769106/|access-date=February 7, 2020|title=One New Year's Eve About Like Another|page=15|work=Indianapolis News|first=Richard K.|last=Shull|date=January 26, 1984|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-one-new-years-eve/43769106/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43769134/happy_chinese_new_year/|title=Happy (Chinese) New Year|work=Indianapolis News|date=February 1, 1984|page=11|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-happy-chinese-ne/43769134/|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally operating as an [[independent station]], channel 59 maintained a general entertainment programming format featuring [[animated cartoon|cartoons]], [[feature film|movies]], classic [[sitcom]]s and [[drama series]]. The station originally operated from studios located at 1440 North [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian Street]] along Indianapolis's "Media Row", which had previously been occupied by [[WFYI (TV)|WFYI]].<ref name="Indi830712">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-tv-scene-channel/111159206/|date=July 12, 1983|page=11|first=Julia|last=Inman|title=TV Scene: Channel 59 gets green light|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034512/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-tv-scene-channel/111159206/|url-status=live}}</ref> Under USA Communications, the station had a heavy emphasis on local programming. The station produced ''59er Diner'', a local kids' show, plus exercise, [[gospel music|gospel]], and stand-up comedy programs,<ref name="Indi010420">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-retiring-duffys-g/145278130/|date=April 20, 2001|page=E7|first=Marc D.|last=Allan|title=Retiring Duffy's glad he stuck with job choice|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-retiring-duffys-g/145278130/|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a late-night talk show, ''Night Talk with Dick Wolfsie''.<ref name="Indi840816">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-midnight-show-for/145278058/|date=August 16, 1984|page=33|title=Midnight show for WPDS|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034501/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-midnight-show-for/145278058/|url-status=live}}</ref> A local news department also featured in channel 59's early months, including a half-hour 9 p.m. newscast; due to low ratings, this was scaled back to periodic news updates at the end of August.<ref name="Indi840831">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-daytime-reports-to/145278194/|date=August 31, 1984|page=31|first=Dennis|last=Hanshew|title=Daytime reports to continue: WPDS to drop nightly news|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-daytime-reports-to/145278194/|url-status=live}}</ref> Duffy told Richard K. Shull of ''The Indianapolis News'', "I made a strategic error in how viewers perceive us. They see us as an entertainment vehicle. They look to the network stations for news."<ref name="Indi840830">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-thats-all-there-i/145278209/|date=August 30, 1984|page=9|title=That's All There Is, Folks|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414034453/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-thats-all-there-i/145278209/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===WXIN: Outlet ownership=== Palamara, Duffy, and Simon sold the station to [[Outlet Communications]] (through its Atlin Communications subsidiary) in a deal announced in October 1984 and completed in February 1985. The $22 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|22000000|1985}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP}}) transaction was touted by Duffy as among the largest for a TV station in its first year of operation.<ref name="Indi841012">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-channel-59-sold-fo/145278250/|date=October 12, 1984|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-sold/145278258/ 12]|first=Eric B.|last=Schoch|title=Channel 59 sold for $22 million|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035003/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-channel-59-sold-fo/145278250/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Indi850202">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-outlet-takes-over/145278289/|date=February 2, 1985|page=33|title=Outlet takes over city's Channel 59|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-outlet-takes-over/145278289/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station's call letters were then changed to the current WXIN on August 10, 1985, a decision precipitated not by the ownership change but by a desire to avoid confusion (particularly in ratings diaries) with the similar-sounding cable channel [[TBS (American TV channel)|WTBS]] and [[PBS]].<ref name="Jour850716">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108595984/wpds-makes-name-change-to-avoid/|date=July 16, 1985|page=C-3|first=John|last=Norberg|title=WPDS makes name change to avoid confusion on cable|newspaper=Journal and Courier|location=Lafayette, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=August 30, 2022|archive-date=August 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830180246/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108595984/wpds-makes-name-change-to-avoid/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Munc850810">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108595995/indy-station-gets-a-more-memorable-name/|date=August 10, 1985|page=T-2|first=Keith|last=Roysdon|title=Indy station gets a more memorable name|newspaper=Muncie Evening Press|location=Muncie, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=August 30, 2022|archive-date=August 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830180258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108595995/indy-station-gets-a-more-memorable-name/|url-status=live}}</ref> Under Outlet, the station maintained its competitiveness with established Indianapolis-market independent station [[WTTV]]; the station touted a total audience share of 7%, which it claimed was among the largest for a new independent in a top-35 market (beaten by [[KTXH]] in Houston and [[WBFS-TV]] in Miami).<ref name="Indi860424">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-without-sniglets/145278420/|date=April 24, 1986|page=15|first=Richard K.|last=Shull|title=Without 'sniglets,' Hall can be fun|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-without-sniglets/145278420/|url-status=live}}</ref>

WXIN became an affiliate of the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]] when the network launched on October 9, 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=44–45|title=Fox network begins to take shape|id={{ProQuest|963254490}}|work=Broadcasting|date=August 4, 1986|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-04.pdf|access-date=March 11, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127014659/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-04.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> With aggressive program purchases, the station eroded WTTV's market share<ref name="Indi870623">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-new-tv-stations-f/83884749/|date=June 23, 1987|pages=21, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-tv-wmcc/83884802/ 25]|title=New TV station's future cloudy|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065847/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-new-tv-stations-f/83884749/|url-status=live}}</ref> and moved ahead in the early evening time slot of 6–8 p.m.,<ref name="Indi881018">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-new-owner-investin/145278531/|date=October 18, 1988|page=C-2|first=Christopher|last=Barton|title=New owner investing in Channel 4|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035908/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-new-owner-investin/145278531/|url-status=live}}</ref> aided by that station's multi-year bankruptcy.<ref name="Indi880702">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-emmis-seeks-waiver/145278510/|date=July 2, 1988|page=B-5|first=Bill|last=Koenig|title=Emmis seeks waiver to keep station|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035939/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-emmis-seeks-waiver/145278510/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, these purchases were expensive and accumulated debt.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jill|last=Rush|work=[[Indianapolis Business Journal]]|title=Channel 59 on Sale Block Again|date=December 28, 1987|id={{ProQuest|220600114}} }}</ref>

In December 1987, Outlet Communications put WXIN and [[WATL]] in [[Atlanta]] on the market to repay debt from the related company that owned both stations' licenses, Atlin Communications.<ref name="Indi871229">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-local-tv-station-w/145278476/|date=December 29, 1987|page=C-8|title=Local TV station WXIN up for sale|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035907/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-local-tv-station-w/145278476/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 1988, [[Emmis Communications]], an Indianapolis-based radio station group owner, announced it would purchase the Indianapolis station for $17.5 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|17500000|1988}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), marking its first television property.<ref name="Indi880517">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-locally-owned-emmi/145278557/|date=May 17, 1988|pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxin/145278565/ C-4]|first=Christopher|last=Barton|title=Locally owned Emmis to buy WXIN for $17.5 million|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-locally-owned-emmi/145278557/|url-status=live}}</ref> Emmis, which had twice attempted to buy WTTV, needed a waiver from the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) to own WXIN as well as local radio station [[WLHK|WENS]].{{r|Indi880702}} Outlet's directors rebuffed the offer because its $15 million bid for WATL was seen as too low.<ref name="Indi880706">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-directors-reject-e/145278516/|date=July 6, 1988|page=B-6|first=Bill|last=Koenig|title=Directors reject Emmis' bid for WXIN|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035931/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-directors-reject-e/145278516/|url-status=live}}</ref> Emmis sued seeking damages and to compel Atlin to sell WXIN to it,<ref name="Indi880729">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-emmis-sues-over-wx/145278524/|date=July 29, 1988|page=B-4|title=Emmis sues over WXIN sale|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414035908/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-emmis-sues-over-wx/145278524/|url-status=live}}</ref> but the lawsuit was dismissed in federal court.{{r|Indi890810}} During the attempted Emmis purchase, WXIN acquired the rights to telecast [[Indiana Pacers]] basketball road games; these had been telecast since 1974 by WTTV.<ref name="Indi880603">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-local-stations-in/145278504/|date=June 3, 1988|page=B-5|first=Jeff|last=Hittler|title=Local stations in sports programming war|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065818/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-local-stations-in/145278504/|url-status=live}}</ref> The relationship lasted five seasons, concluding in 1993 when WXIN was no longer able to air the team due to its commitment to Fox network programming, which had grown as the network offered more programming to its affiliates.<ref name="Indi930626">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-syrupy-show-pours/145329855/|date=June 26, 1993|page=C9|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=Syrupy show pours it on to laud athletes|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065831/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-syrupy-show-pours/145329855/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Chase and Renaissance ownership=== The Atlin sale process came to an end in 1989, as Outlet agreed to sell WXIN and WATL, plus two radio stations in Washington, D.C., to Chase Broadcasting of [[Hartford, Connecticut]], for $120 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|12000000|1989}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP}}). The purchase made Chase, which already owned [[WTIC-TV]] in Hartford and was buying [[KDVR]] in [[Denver]], the largest single owner of Fox-affiliated stations<ref name="Indi890810">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-connecticut-firm-t/145278543/|date=August 10, 1989|page=C-1|first=Bill|last=Koenig|title=Connecticut firm to buy Channel 59|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065833/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-connecticut-firm-t/145278543/|url-status=live}}</ref> when it was concluded in March 1990.<ref name="Indi900328">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-news-trends-distur/145326379/|date=March 28, 1990|page=A-11|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=News trends disturb TV reporter|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065847/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-news-trends-distur/145326379/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1991, Chase Broadcasting announced it would sell some or all of its properties in order to invest in new business ventures in Eastern Europe after the end of the [[Cold War]], particularly successful cable television systems in Poland.<ref name="Hart911001">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107933426/chase-firm-seeks-partner-or-buyer-in/|date=October 1, 1991|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107933455/chase-seeks-partner-buyer-in-media/ D5]|first1=Stephen M.|last1=Williams|first2=James|last2=Endrst|title=Chase firm seeks partner or buyer in media holdings|newspaper=Hartford Courant|location=Hartford, Connecticut|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=August 23, 2022|archive-date=August 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823050429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107933426/chase-firm-seeks-partner-or-buyer-in/|url-status=live}}</ref> Four of its five Fox affiliates, including WXIN, were sold to [[Renaissance Communications]] of [[Greenwich, Connecticut]].<ref name=hc-saletorenaissance>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Stephen M.|last2=Lender|first2=Jon|title=Chase agrees to sell WTIC-TV to rival|url=https://www.courant.com/1992/09/05/chase-agrees-to-sell-wtic-tv-to-rival/|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=[[Hartford Courant]]|date=September 5, 1992|archive-date=October 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024002146/http://articles.courant.com/1992-09-05/news/0000112877_1_stations-wtic-fm-renaissance|url-status=live}}</ref> Renaissance tamped down rumors that WXIN and WTTV would be brought under common operation, either via a [[local marketing agreement]] or the Fox affiliation moving outright to WTTV paired with a donation of channel 59.<ref>{{Cite news|title=NYC Firm Makes Play for Ch. 59|date=July 6, 1992|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|id={{ProQuest|220609559}}|first=Steve|last=Kukolla}}</ref> These rumors surfaced again in 1996, when [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]—having just acquired WTTV—was rumored as an acquirer for WXIN and the Renaissance group.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ellen|last=Perrone|id={{ProQuest|220601894}}|title=Sinclair may add WXIN 59 to stable|url=http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1P3-9616752/sinclair-may-add-wxin-59-stable|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721114231/http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1P3-9616752/sinclair-may-add-wxin-59-stable|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2015|newspaper=[[Indianapolis Business Journal]] |date=April 22, 1996|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>

===Tribune ownership=== [[Chicago]]-based [[Tribune Broadcasting]] bought Renaissance's television properties for $1.13 billion on July 7, 1996.<ref>{{cite web|id={{ProQuest|225355958}}|first=Elizabeth A.|last=Rathbun|title=Tribune's renaissance: $1.13-billion purchase of six more TVs brings broadcaster into one-third of U.S. homes|url=http://business.highbeam.com/3610/article-1G1-18460556/tribune-renaissance-113billion-purchase-six-more-tvs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912075108/http://business.highbeam.com/3610/article-1G1-18460556/tribune-renaissance-113billion-purchase-six-more-tvs|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 12, 2014|periodical=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|publisher=[[Reed Business Information|Cahners Business Information]]|date=July 8, 1996|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>

Tribune acquired WTTV and its [[satellite station]] in [[Kokomo, Indiana|Kokomo]], WTTK (channel 29), from Sinclair on April 29, 2002;<ref>{{cite web|title=Tribune Co. lands duopoly in Indy with WTTV buy|url=http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-85933942/tribune-co-lands-duopoly-indy-wttv-buy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814031420/http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-85933942/tribune-co-lands-duopoly-indy-wttv-buy|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2014|newspaper=[[Indianapolis Business Journal]] |date=April 29, 2002|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> this created the market's first television [[Duopoly (broadcasting)|duopoly]] under current FCC regulations with WXIN when the purchase was finalized on July 24.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tribune wraps up purchase of WTTV|url=http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-90138021/tribune-wraps-up-purchase-wttv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814035743/http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-90138021/tribune-wraps-up-purchase-wttv|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2014|newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |date=July 29, 2002|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> With WXIN already at capacity in its existing building,{{r|IBJ021202}} the company began investigating new sites for a larger facility, leaving behind Meridian Street, the "media row" home to all of the city's other major TV stations.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Stations may merge offices on north side|id={{ProQuest|220616762}}|page=5|first=Katie|last=Maurer|date=July 15, 2002|work=Indianapolis Business Journal}}</ref> By year's end, zoning approval had been obtained for a site inside Intech Park on the northwest side of Indianapolis.<ref name="IBJ021202">{{cite news|title=Tribune Co. stations eye Intech Park location|page=11|first=Andrea|last=Muirragui Davis|date=December 2, 2002|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|id={{ProQuest|220619275}} }}</ref> Construction began in January 2003, and the {{convert|51200|ft2|m2|adj=on}} facility was completed at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news|title=WXIN-TV Channel 59 and WTTV-TV Channel 4 are making their move|id={{Gale|A112023573}}|url=http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-112023573/wxintv-channel-59-and-wttvtv-channel-4-making-their|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203745/http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-112023573/wxintv-channel-59-and-wttvtv-channel-4-making-their|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2014|newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |date=December 22, 2003|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>

Beginning in 2003, WXIN was the broadcast home for the state lottery game show ''[[Hoosier Millionaire]]'', which had aired on WTTV. As part of the move, the show's hosts were changed to Cody Stark and [[Catt Sadler]], who presented morning show ''Fox 59 a.m.'' at the time.<ref name="Indi030329">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-hoosier-millionai/102072237/|date=March 29, 2003|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-millionaire/102072233/ B5]|first=Marc D.|last=Allan|title='Hoosier Millionaire' jumping to new station, dumping hosts|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414065827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-hoosier-millionai/102072237/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Hoosier Millionaire'' was canceled by the [[Indiana Lottery]] in 2005 due to declining ticket sales.<ref name="Indi051015">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-hoosier-millionai/102072212/|date=October 15, 2005|page=B7|title='Hoosier Millionaire' signing off Nov. 19|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414070446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-hoosier-millionai/102072212/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, the station picked up the rights to the [[Indianapolis Colts]] coaches' shows;<ref>{{cite news|title=Colts, Tribune sign deal to air shows on WXIN: WISH makes own adjustments in wake of change|url=http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-147057385/colts-tribune-sign-deal-air-shows-wxin-wish-makes-own|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721103540/http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1G1-147057385/colts-tribune-sign-deal-air-shows-wxin-wish-makes-own|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2015|newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |date=May 29, 2006|access-date=June 19, 2014|id={{ProQuest|220632916}}|first=Anthony|last=Schoettle}}</ref> The shows later returned to [[WISH-TV]]. Beginning in 2015, WXIN and WTTV acquired the rights to all Colts preseason games and coaches' shows.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Colts change TV broadcast partner to WXIN/WTTV|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=January 5, 2015|id={{Gale|A398627644}} }}</ref>

WTTV became a CBS affiliate on January 1, 2015. It broadcast dedicated local newscasts using some of the same staff.<ref>{{Cite news|title=WTTV may go after big-name talent to join news team|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=October 6, 2014|page=7|first=Anthony|last=Schoettle|id={{ProQuest|1609320681}} }}</ref>

===Sale to Nexstar Media Group=== After a failed attempt by Sinclair Broadcast Group to acquire Tribune Media,<ref>{{cite news|title=Tribune Media pulls out of Sinclair Broadcast merger|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-tribune-sinclair-merger-ended-20180809-story.html|first=Christopher|last=Dinsmore|newspaper=[[Baltimore Sun]]|publisher=[[Tribune Publishing]]|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406070148/https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-tribune-sinclair-merger-ended-20180809-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nexstar Media Group announced in December 2018 that it would acquire the company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nexstar Announces Deal to Buy Tribune for $6.4B|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nexstar-announces-deal-to-buy-tribune-for-6-4b|first=Jon|last=Lafayette|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable|publisher=NewBay Media|date=December 3, 2018|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405084338/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/nexstar-announces-deal-to-buy-tribune-for-6-4b|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=It's Official: Nexstar Takes Tribune In Billion-Dollar Stock Deal|url=https://www.rbr.com/reuters-nexstar-gets-tribune-in-4-1b-deal/|first=Adam|last=Jacobson|website=Radio-Television Business Report|publisher=Streamline-RBR, Inc.|date=December 3, 2018|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005705/https://www.rbr.com/reuters-nexstar-gets-tribune-in-4-1b-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nexstar To Spin Off $1B In Stations|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/226264/nexstar-buying-tribune-media-6-4-billion/|first1=Harry A.|last1=Jessell|first2=Mark K.|last2=Miller|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|date=December 3, 2018|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005800/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/226264/nexstar-buying-tribune-media-6-4-billion/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nexstar already owned WISH-TV and [[WNDY-TV]] in the Indianapolis market, and due to FCC ownership rules and scrutiny, Nexstar was required to divest two of the stations; the company ultimately elected to sell WISH and WNDY to the owner of [[Bayou City Broadcasting]], in favor of retaining WTTV and WXIN.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indianapolis native buys WISH-TV and WNDY-TV for $42.5 million|last=Ryckaert|first=Vic|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2019/04/08/indianapolis-native-dujuan-mccoy-buying-wish-tv-and-wndy-tv/3398595002/|access-date=April 15, 2019|work=The Indianapolis Star|date=April 8, 2019|archive-date=April 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409154237/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2019/04/08/indianapolis-native-dujuan-mccoy-buying-wish-tv-and-wndy-tv/3398595002/|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal closed on September 19, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=September 19, 2019|title=Nexstar Completes Tribune Acquisition, Sean Compton to Head Programming|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/nexstar-tribune-fcc-deal-complete-compton-1203334923/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920090225/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/nexstar-tribune-fcc-deal-complete-compton-1203334923/|archive-date=September 20, 2019|access-date=September 19, 2019|work=Variety}}</ref>

On June 13, 2024, [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] announced an agreement to become the exclusive broadcaster of the [[IndyCar Series]] beginning in 2025 under a multi-year deal, with all races airing on the Fox network.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2024 |title=IndyCar signs multiyear broadcast deal with FOX |url=https://racer.com/2024/06/13/indycar-signs-multiyear-broadcast-deal-with-fox/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Racer.com |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613144742/https://racer.com/2024/06/13/indycar-signs-multiyear-broadcast-deal-with-fox/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> As a result, local television rights to the [[Indianapolis 500]] moved to WXIN from [[NBC]] affiliate WTHR. Per [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] rules, the live broadcast is [[Blackout (broadcasting)#Indianapolis 500|blacked out]] on channel 59 if the race does not sell out,<ref>{{Cite web |title=FOX Sports CEO on full IndyCar slate on FOX: 'Great halo effect for all motorsports' |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nascar/fox-sports-ceo-indycar-fox-great-halo-effect-all-motorsports |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Fox Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> which it did in [[2025 Indianapolis 500|2025]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fox59.com/news/indy-500-sports/penske-ims-leaders-to-host-significant-indy-500-update/ |title=IMS lifts local blackout for Indy 500, race to air live on FOX59|first1=Matt|last1=Adams|first2=David|last2=Gay|website=FOX59.com|date=May 16, 2025|accessdate=May 16, 2025}}</ref> and [[2026 Indianapolis 500|2026]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2026/05/13/05-12-Indy500-Sellout-IMS|title=Grandstand Sellout Sets Stage for Epic Indianapolis 500 Race Day|website=[[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]|date=May 13, 2026|accessdate=May 14, 2026}}</ref>

On August 19, 2025, Nexstar Media Group agreed to acquire [[Tegna Inc.|Tegna]] for $6.2 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=August 19, 2025 |title=Nexstar Buying Tegna For $6.2 Billion |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-tegna-for-6-2-billion/ |access-date=August 19, 2025 |website=TVNewsCheck |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819205146/https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-buying-tegna-for-6-2-billion/ |archive-date= August 19, 2025}}</ref> In Indianapolis, Tegna already owns WTHR and [[WALV-CD]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Padilla |first=Noe |date=August 19, 2025 |title=Tegna, Nexstar merger would put 3 Indy news stations under 1 company |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2025/08/19/tegna-nexstar-merger-indianapolis-fox59-cbs4-wthr13/85722603007/ |access-date=August 19, 2025 |work=[[The Indianapolis Star]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The deal was approved and completed in March 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2026-03-19 |title=Nexstar Closes Tegna Merger Following FCC And DOJ Approval |url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/fcc-approves-nexstar-tegna-merger-1236760998/ |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> As part of the transaction, Nexstar committed to the divestiture of WTHR within two years, along with five other stations, mostly in markets where the two companies combined held four TV station licenses.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-267A1.pdf|title=Memorandum Opinion and Order|date=March 19, 2026|publisher=Media Bureau, [[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref>

==News operation== In late 1990, WXIN management began analyzing the creation of a local newscast after WTTV discontinued its local news effort.<ref name="Indi901115">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-laughing-it-up-for/145316735/|date=November 15, 1990|page=B-9|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=Laughing it up for horror film|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040653/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-laughing-it-up-for/145316735/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station also discussed contracting [[WISH-TV]] to produce the newscast after WTTV struck a deal to air a newscast produced by [[WRTV]].<ref name="Indi910330">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wish-news-on-wxin/145316872/|date=March 30, 1991|page=C-11|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=WISH news on WXIN?|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wish-news-on-wxin/145316872/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, WTHR offered a 10 p.m. newscast as part of an [[early prime time]] experiment that was performing poorly.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Tracey M.|last=Dooms|title=Film at 11?|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=July 8, 1991|id={{Gale|A11104678}} }}</ref> The station opted to produce its own news effort and hired Jim Sanders from [[WGME]] in [[Portland, Maine]], to serve as news director.<ref name="Indi910628">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-anywhere-she-goes/145316951/|date=June 28, 1991|page=D-11|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=Anywhere she goes, she knows how to act|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-anywhere-she-goes/145316951/|url-status=live}}</ref>

With a news staff of 18,<ref name="Indi910809">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxin-hopes-news-ca/145317016/|date=August 9, 1991|page=D-13|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=WXIN hopes news can out-finesse competition|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040749/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxin-hopes-news-ca/145317016/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Fox 59 Nightcast'' debuted on September 23, 1991, with the anchor team of Bob Donaldson, Caroline Thau, Chris Wright, and Brian Hammons.<ref name="Indi910919">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-59-news-chief-prep/140218349/|date=September 19, 1991|pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-news/140218703/ C-7]|title=59 news chief preparing to deliver 'baby'|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040640/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-59-news-chief-prep/140218349/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wright, a meteorologist, was the first African-American to be a lead anchor on a weeknight newscast in Indianapolis.<ref name="Indi950610">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-wright-to-leave-wx/140219108/|date=June 10, 1995|page=C-1|title=Wright to leave WXIN post: Meteorologist wants more daily newscasts|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-wright-to-leave-wx/140219108/|url-status=live}}</ref> After just two weeks, the program was trimmed to a half-hour in length to appease fans of ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', which had originally been removed to make way for the news hour, and because WTTV recommitted to its newscast from WRTV.<ref name="Indi911005">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxins-10-pm-new/140218691/|date=October 5, 1991|page=C-1|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=WXIN's 10 p.m. news cut back to half hour|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414040641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxins-10-pm-new/140218691/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Fox 59 Nightcast'' was launched days before Chase declared its intention to sell its TV stations, and Steve Hall of ''The Indianapolis Star'' felt the news department was doomed to be cut by any prospective buyer;<ref name="Indi911017">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-nightcast-is-loo/140218734/|date=October 17, 1991|page=B-5|first=Steve|last=Hall|title='Nightcast' is looking more like an outcast|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414070421/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-nightcast-is-loo/140218734/|url-status=live}}</ref> a rival general manager indicated to his employees that he believed WXIN would cancel the newscast within six weeks.{{r|Indi940127}} This did not come to pass. Fox named WXIN its affiliate of the year in 1992, citing ''Nightcast'' as a model for future news startups by Fox affiliates,<ref name="Indi920630">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-indy-stations-big/140218783/|date=June 30, 1992|page=C-5|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=Indy stations big Emmy winners|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414070444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-indy-stations-big/140218783/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the newscast—while second to WTTV's WRTV-produced newscast in total viewership—performed better in key young adult demographics.<ref name="Indi920914">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-6-news-at-10-wil/140218812/|date=September 14, 1992|page=D-2|title='6 News at 10' will broadcast 7 days a week|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041745/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-6-news-at-10-wil/140218812/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1994, the news department expanded into space at 1440 North Meridian previously used by radio station [[WZPL]] as its offices,<ref name="Indi940127">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxin-survives-nays/140218922/|date=January 27, 1994|pages=D-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxin/140218891/ D-2]|first=Steve|last=Hall|title=WXIN survives naysayers and critics by gearing up for 10th anniversary|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041815/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-wxin-survives-nays/140218922/|url-status=live}}</ref> and that October, WXIN surpassed WTTV in 10 p.m. news total ratings for the first time.<ref name="Indi941029">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-channel-59-tops-ou/140219046/|date=October 29, 1994|page=E-4|title=Channel 59 tops out|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041756/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-channel-59-tops-ou/140219046/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thau departed in 1995 and was replaced by Ginger Gadsden, the first Black woman to be the lead anchor of a late-night newscast in the market.<ref name="Indi950711">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-wxin-names-gadsden/140219139/|date=July 11, 1995|page=C-5|first=Marion|last=Garmel|title=WXIN names Gadsden as its new nightly anchor|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041748/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-wxin-names-gadsden/140219139/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Nightcast'' was renamed ''Fox News at 10'' in September 1995.<ref name="Indi950831">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-same-game-differe/140219159/|date=August 31, 1995|page=D-7|first=Marion|last=Garmel|title=Same game, different name at Fox|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041821/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-same-game-differe/140219159/|url-status=live}}</ref> WTTV's WRTV-produced 10 p.m. newscast ceased airing on December 31, 2002, after Tribune's acquisition of that station; it had lived on until that point to help WTTV, which held the Indiana Lottery contract, comply with a provision that required drawing results to be broadcast within a newscast.<ref>{{cite news|title=Channel 6 early news may sign off Dec. 31|first=Andrea|last=Muirragui Davis|date=December 23, 2002|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|id={{ProQuest|220634671}} }}</ref>

WXIN expanded news programming outside its established 10 p.m. slot in April 1999, when it premiered ''Fox 59 a.m.'' Formatted as a mix of news, entertainment and lifestyle features with a looser, "personality-driven" style inspired by morning radio programs, the show initially aired from 6 to 9 a.m.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|225352834}}|first=Dan|last=Trigoboff|title=Wake-up call|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date= December 14, 1998|page=42}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first=Ellen|last=Rettig|url=http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1P3-39192465/channel-59-bets-mornings|id={{ProQuest|220609319}}|title=Channel 59 bets on mornings|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=February 8, 1999|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140627001930/http://business.highbeam.com/5280/article-1P3-39192465/channel-59-bets-mornings|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Indi990408">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-fox-59-am-play/140219380/|date=April 8, 1999|page=E11|first=Steve|last=Hall|title='Fox 59 a.m.' playful but needs work|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041840/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-fox-59-am-play/140219380/|url-status=live}}</ref> The program was reformatted as a more traditional morning newscast in 2004 and grew to beat competing local and national morning news programs in the 25–54 age demographic.<ref name="IBJ120908">{{cite news|url=http://www.ibj.com/morris--fox-59-is-serious-about-local-news/PARAMS/article/36523|first=Greg|last=Morris|title=Fox 59 is serious about local news|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=September 8, 2012|access-date=June 27, 2014|archive-date=March 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314055922/http://www.ibj.com/morris--fox-59-is-serious-about-local-news/PARAMS/article/36523|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2004, Jerry Martin took over as general manager of WXIN; under his tenure and that of successor Larry Delia, the station grew its news output. On April 17, 2006, WXIN expanded its 10 p.m. newscast to one hour, the first in a series of news expansions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://business.highbeam.com/3610/article-1G1-146985558/late-news-gets-earlier|id={{ProQuest|225317902}}|title=Late News Gets Earlier|first=Allison|last=Romano|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=June 12, 2006|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140627002015/http://business.highbeam.com/3610/article-1G1-146985558/late-news-gets-earlier|url-status=dead}}</ref> These included a 5 a.m. hour of the morning newscast in 2008, a 5 p.m. newscast and three-hour weekend morning newscasts in 2010,<ref>{{Cite web|url-status=dead|url=http://www.fox59.com/about/wxin-fox59-adds-newscasts,0,4844087.story|title=Fox59 adds more newscasts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722191450/http://www.fox59.com/about/wxin-fox59-adds-newscasts,0,4844087.story|archive-date=July 22, 2011|work=WXIN|date=June 10, 2010}}</ref><ref name=WXINexpandsnews>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibj.com/wxin-expanding-its-news-programming/PARAMS/article/20455|title=WXIN expanding its news programming|work=[[Indianapolis Business Journal]]|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=July 31, 2010|archive-date=July 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715171503/http://www.ibj.com/wxin-expanding-its-news-programming/PARAMS/article/20455|url-status=live}}</ref> 4:30 and later 4 a.m. hours of the ''Fox 59 Morning News'', an additional hour for the weekend morning newscasts,<ref name="IBJ101101">{{Cite news|first=Marc D.|last=Allan|title=FOX fattens up on news|id={{ProQuest|814779065}}|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=November 1, 2010 }}</ref> a 6 p.m. newscast in 2012,{{r|IBJ120908}} and 7 and 11 p.m. newscasts in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|title=WXIN ups ante in local news arms race: station hires ex-WTHR anchor for 11 p.m. 'NewsPoint'|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|date=May 5, 2014|first=Chris|last=O'Malley|id={{Gale|A368074988}} }}</ref> A station that had produced {{frac|21|1|2}} hours weekly of local news in 2004{{r|IBJ101101}} grew to 66 hours a week of news in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=April 28, 2014 |title=WXIN Indianapolis Adding 7, 11 P.M. News |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/wxin-indianapolis-adding-7-11-pm-news-130753 |access-date=April 14, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009085849/https://www.nexttv.com/news/wxin-indianapolis-adding-7-11-pm-news-130753 |url-status=live }}</ref>

WXIN debuted ''IN Focus'', a Sunday morning program focusing on political and civic issues, on May 10, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=IN Focus: FOX59 launches weekly issues, political program|url=http://fox59.com/2015/05/01/in-focus-fox59-launches-weekly-political-program/|first=Dan|last=Spehler|website=WXIN|publisher=Tribune Media|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=August 22, 2015|archive-date=July 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726142310/http://fox59.com/2015/05/01/in-focus-fox59-launches-weekly-political-program/|url-status=live}}</ref> A new local lifestyle show, ''Indy Now'', was added to the station's schedule at 10 a.m. in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=August 17, 2021 |title=WXIN Indianapolis Debuts Lifestyle Show 'Indy Now' Sept. 13 |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/wxin-indianapolis-debuts-lifestyle-show-indy-now-september-13 |access-date=April 14, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208000132/https://www.nexttv.com/news/wxin-indianapolis-debuts-lifestyle-show-indy-now-september-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Notable current on-air staff === * [[Lindy Thackston]] – weekday morning anchor (2013–2020, since 2021)<ref name="Indi200522">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-fox59-anchor-thack/145330949/|date=May 22, 2020|page=7A|first=Justin L.|last=Mack|title=Fox59 anchor Thackston reveals cancer diagnosis|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414041809/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-fox59-anchor-thack/145330949/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Indi210522">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-fox59s-lindy-thac/145330877/|date=May 22, 2021|page=2A|first=Holly V.|last=Hays|title=Fox59's Lindy Thackston announces on-air return|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414042252/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-fox59s-lindy-thac/145330877/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Notable former on-air staff === * [[Aishah Hasnie]] – investigative reporter, 2011–2019<ref name="Indi190130">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-hasnie-to-leave-fo/145331231/|date=January 30, 2019|page=5A|first=Justin L.|last=Mack|title=Hasnie to leave Fox59 for Fox News|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414042315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-hasnie-to-leave-fo/145331231/|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Sara Snow]] – weekday morning news reporter and fill-in anchor, 2000s<ref name="Indi060215">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-local-tv-alum-host/145331162/|date=February 15, 2006|page=B3|title=Local TV alum hosts cable show|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414042339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-local-tv-alum-host/145331162/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Technical information== [[File:2023 09 09 wttk-wxin 0 (53179454468).jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.5|alt=A red-and-white striped TV tower reaching tall into the sky|The WXIN and WTTK tower in Indianapolis]] ===Subchannels=== WXIN broadcasts from a transmitter on West 73rd Street.{{r|FCC-LMS-146}} The station's signal is [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]: {| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of WXIN<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WXIN|title=TV Query for WXIN|website=RabbitEars.info|access-date=September 20, 2023|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419045520/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WXIN|url-status=live}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]] ! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]] ! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]] ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 59.1 | [[720p]] || [[16:9]] || WXIN-DT || [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] |- ! scope = "row" | 59.2 | rowspan=3| [[480i]] || [[4:3]] || AntTV || [[Antenna TV]] |- ! scope = "row" | 59.3 | rowspan=2| 16:9 || Defy || [[Defy (TV network)|Defy]] |- ! scope = "row" | 59.4 | Charge! || [[Charge! (TV network)|Charge!]] |- style="background-color:#DFEBF6; border-top: 2px solid #003399;" ! scope = "row" | [[WTTV|29.1]] | [[1080i]] || [[16:9]] || WTTK-DT || [[CBS]] ([[WTTK]]) |} {{legend|#DFEBF6|Broadcast on behalf of another station}}

===Analog-to-digital conversion=== WXIN began broadcasting a digital signal on [[UHF]] channel 45 on October 28, 1999.<ref>{{Cite book|page=A-841|chapter=WXIN-DT|title=Television and Cable Factbook|date=2006}}</ref> It shut down its analog signal, over [[UHF]] channel 59, on June 12, 2009—the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States [[Digital television transition in the United States|transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts]] under federal mandate.<ref name="Repu090610">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-republic-making-the-switch-tv-viewe/145332333/|date=June 10, 2009|page=A7|title=Making the switch: TV viewers ready for digital transition|newspaper=The Republic|location=Columbus, Indiana|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 14, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414042313/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-republic-making-the-switch-tv-viewe/145332333/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station's digital signal continued to broadcast on its pre-transition channel 45.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref>

WXIN moved its digital signal from channel 45 to channel 22 on October 18, 2019, as a result of the [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction]].<ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web|url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table|format=CSV|website=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Antenna users must rescan on Oct. 18 to keep watching FOX59 |url=https://fox59.com/news/antenna-users-must-rescan-on-oct-18-to-keep-watching-fox59/ |access-date=April 14, 2024 |website=Fox59 |language=en-US |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324150551/https://fox59.com/news/antenna-users-must-rescan-on-oct-18-to-keep-watching-fox59/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{commons category}} * {{Official website|https://fox59.com/}} * {{ASR|key=130613|number=1030684}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wxin (Tv)}} [[Category:1984 establishments in Indiana]] [[Category:Antenna TV affiliates]] [[Category:Charge! (TV network) affiliates]] [[Category:Defy (TV network) affiliates]] [[Category:Fox Broadcasting Company affiliates]] [[Category:Mass media in Indianapolis]] [[Category:Nexstar Media Group]] [[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1984]] [[Category:Television stations in Indianapolis|XIN]]