{{Short description|Television station in Miami}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = WPLG | city = Miami, Florida | logo = WPLG Local 10 (2014, without ABC logo).svg | logo_upright = .7 | location = Miami–Fort Lauderdale, Florida | country = United States | branding = Local 10 | digital = 10 (VHF) | virtual = 10 | affiliations = {{ubl|'''10.1:''' Independent|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} | owner = Berkshire Hathaway | licensee = WPLG, Inc. | airdate = {{Start date|1961|11|20}}{{efn|Several station histories trace its establishment to August 2, 1957, when predecessor WPST-TV began broadcasting.{{r|wplghist}} However, WPST-TV had no continuity of ownership or facilities with WLBW-TV.}} | callsign_meaning = in memory of former ''Washington Post'' publisher Phillip Leslie Graham | former_callsigns = WLBW-TV (1961–1970) | former_affiliations = ABC (1961–2025) | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 10 (VHF, 1961–2009)|'''Digital:''' 9 (VHF, 1999–2009)}} | erp = 156 kW | haat = {{convert|309|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id = 53113 | coordinates = {{coord|25|58|1|N|80|12|42|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = {{URL|https://www.local10.com/}} }}
'''WPLG''' (channel 10) is an independent television station in Miami, Florida, United States. It is the sole television property owned by holding company Berkshire Hathaway. WPLG's studios are located on West Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Pembroke Park, and its transmitter is located in Miami Gardens, Florida.
WPLG signed on the air as WLBW-TV on November 20, 1961, as the replacement for WPST-TV, which was forced to shut down by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) following the revelation of bribery undertaken with one of the commissioners to secure that station's license. L. B. Wilson, Inc., was found to be the only bidder for the original channel 10 license not to have engaged in coercive action, and was thus awarded a temporary permit to begin telecasting. While WPST-TV's license was revoked in July 1960, WLBW-TV had to wait for nearly a year to finally sign on using entirely different facilities, but hired multiple former WPST-TV staffers and acquired the ABC affiliation WPST-TV held.
Sold to Post-Newsweek Stations in 1969, WLBW-TV was renamed WPLG the following year in honor of Philip Leslie Graham. Led by on-air talent including Ann Bishop, Dwight Lauderdale, Bryan Norcross, Michael Putney and Calvin Hughes, WPLG's news department emerged in the 1970s as a leader in local television ratings and has maintained that position ever since. WPLG has been owned by Berkshire Hathaway since 2014, when Post-Newsweek (renamed Graham Media Group) divested it, but continues to maintain infrastructure and logistical ties to its previous ownership. After refusing to accept ABC's demands for increased reverse compensation, it disaffiliated from the network in August 2025; ABC moved to a subchannel of WSVN.
==Prior history of channel 10== {{Further|WPST-TV}} The first station to broadcast on channel 10 in the Miami market was WPST-TV, owned by Public Service Television, the broadcasting subsidiary of National Airlines (NAL). WPST-TV was the second ABC affiliate in the Miami market, having assumed it from UHF station WITV.<ref name="Fort570616">{{Cite news |last=Nash |first=Shirley |date=June 16, 1957 |title=WPST-TV To Debut Aug. 1 |page=7-B |newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94986913/wpst-tv-to-debut-aug-1/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215201732/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94986913/wpst-tv-to-debut-aug-1/ |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WPST-TV first signed on the air on August 2, 1957,<ref name="MiamiN19570802p11">{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1957 |title=WPST Begins Broadcasting |page=1A |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103659387/wpst-begins-broadcasting/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103659387/wpst-begins-broadcasting/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> from a transmitter tower and facilities purchased from Storer Broadcasting when their UHF outlet, WGBS-TV, was taken off the air. A gala grand opening celebration for a purpose-built studio facility on Biscayne Boulevard took place on January 17, 1958.<ref name="Miam580116">{{Cite news |date=January 16, 1958 |title=Channel 10 Plans Dedication Friday Of New TV Studios |page=3B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95270268/channel-10-plans-dedication-friday-of-ne/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611041101/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95270268/channel-10-plans-dedication-friday-of/ |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Miam580118">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack E. |date=January 18, 1958 |title=Channel 10 Throws Door Open |page=8-B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103779132/channel-10-throws-door-open/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615115719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103779132/channel-10-throws-door-open/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The same day, Drew Pearson's syndicated newspaper column alleged unethical behavior among FCC commissioner Richard A. Mack and Miami attorney Thurman A. Whiteside, working on behalf of National Airlines, who bribed the commissioner to help obtain the broadcast license.<ref name="MiamiH19580117p6">{{Cite news |last=Pearson |first=Drew |author-link=Drew Pearson (journalist) |date=January 17, 1958 |title=Merry-Go-Round: FCC Quiz 'Too Hot To Handle' |page=6A |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103669396/merry-go-round-fcc-quiz-too-hot-to/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103669396/merry-go-round-fcc-quiz-too-hot-to/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
Investigations by the House Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight and a rehearing on the WPST-TV license award by retired judge Horace Stern revealed a pattern of influencing behavior among three of the four bidders for the license, as well as lobbyists and legislators aligned with the bidders after learning of Mack's vote. Mack resigned his position<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,863055-1,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018063630/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,863055-1,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |title=You Are to Be Pitied |publisher=Time |access-date=February 14, 2009 | date=March 10, 1958}}</ref> and was later arrested with Whiteside on three counts of influence peddling, fraud and conspiracy.<ref name="DailyN19580926p98">{{Cite news |last=Healy |first=Paul |date=September 26, 1958 |title=U.S. Indicts Mack & Whiteside In Florida TV Channel Award |pages=2, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96207565/us-indicts-mack-whiteside-in/ 6] |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96207506/us-indicts-mack-whiteside-in/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96207506/us-indicts-mack-whiteside-in/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Stern, who was acting as an independent examiner on the FCC's behalf, recommended on December 1, 1958, that WPST-TV's license be revoked.<ref name="MiamiH19581202p1">{{Cite news |last=Oberdorfer |first=Don |date=December 2, 1958 |title=NAL Hold On Ch. 10 Seen Lost |pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103857130/nal-hold-on-ch-10-seen-lost-p2/ 2A] |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103857123/nal-hold-on-ch-10-seen-lost/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616143225/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103857123/nal-hold-on-ch-10-seen-lost/ |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="MiamiN19581201p31">{{Cite news |date=December 1, 1958 |title=Revoke Ch. 10, Prober Urges |page=1A |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103857106/revoke-ch-10-prober-urges/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616143226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103857106/revoke-ch-10-prober-urges/ |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The FCC agreed on July 14, 1960, revoking the license and awarding a temporary four-month operating permit to Cincinnati-area broadcaster L. B. Wilson, Inc., the only bidder for the license not to be implicated in the scandal, effective immediately on WPST-TV's closure.<ref name="Miam600714">{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1960 |title=FCC Revokes License of Miami Channel 10: Improper Conduct Charged |page=Helicopter 1 |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103704694/fcc-revokes-license-of-miami-channel/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618043029/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103704694/fcc-revokes-license-of-miami-channel/ |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1960 |title=FCC moves on influence cases: Takes Miami from National Airlines, will examine Boston ch. 5 |pages=42, 44 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1960/BC-1960-07-18.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151720/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1960/BC-1960-07-18.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref>
L. B. Wilson, Inc. had been one of the four applicants for the channel in 1953.<ref name="Miam530324">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96126113/4th-applicant-in-field-for-tv-channel-10/|date=March 24, 1953|page=14-A|title=4th Applicant In Field for TV Channel 10|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618185445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96126113/4th-applicant-in-field-for-tv-channel-10/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Owner of radio station WCKY in Cincinnati, its namesake was L. B. Wilson of that city, who wintered in Miami Beach. He died of a heart attack on October 28, 1954, in a Cincinnati hotel suite;<ref name="Cinc541029">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103988769/l-b-wilson-is-dead-suffers-heart-atta/|date=October 29, 1954|page=1|title=L. B. Wilson Is Dead; Suffers Heart Attack At His Suite In Hotel|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-date=July 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703164527/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103988769/l-b-wilson-is-dead-suffers-heart/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --><ref name="Miam541029">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96130121/greater-miami-deaths-l-b-wilson-63/|date=October 29, 1954|page=8-B|title=Greater Miami Deaths: L. B. Wilson, 63, Winter Resident|newspaper=Miami Daily News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618185446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96130121/greater-miami-deaths-l-b-wilson-63/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> this was credited with weakening the credibility of his business's application.<ref name="Broadcasting19570211p7">{{Cite news |date=February 11, 1957 |title=Owner-Management Integration Wins Miami V for Nat'l Airlines |volume=52 |page=7 |work=Broadcasting |issue=6 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-02-11-BC.pdf |access-date=June 12, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151458/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-02-11-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Wilson's will split his stake in the business. One half went to his widow, Constance, and was voted on by three executives: Charles H. Topmiller, who had worked for Wilson for 24 years; Jeannette Heinze, Wilson's secretary of 23 years; and Thomas A. Welstead, manager of WCKY's office in New York City. The other went to Wilson's brother, Hansford; the three executives and another employee; and three friends, one of whom was Sol Taishoff, the publisher of ''Broadcasting'' magazine.<ref name="Cinc541106">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103988557/wcky-control-goes-to-wilson-associated-u/|date=November 6, 1954|page=1|title=WCKY Control Goes To Wilson Associated Under $2 Million Will|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-date=July 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703164527/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103988557/wcky-control-goes-to-wilson-associated/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
== History ==
===A new channel 10=== [[File:From_your_new_channel_10.jpg|left|thumb|This "statement of policy" ad was published in newspapers on WLBW-TV's first day of operations.<ref name="MiamiH19611120p32">{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1961 |title=A statement of policy from your new channel 10 |page=8B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95859307/a-statement-of-policy-from-your-new/ |access-date=July 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235927/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95859307/a-statement-of-policy-from-your-new/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]] As the temporary license granted to L. B. Wilson, Inc. was basically a "license by default",<ref name=":0" /> replacement station WLBW-TV was quickly assembled by company president Charles Topmiller, who assumed the role upon his death in 1954 (and which the call sign was selected in tribute).<ref name="MiamiN19600715p19">{{Cite news |last=Schiner |first=Sanford |date=July 15, 1960 |title=Don't Touch Dial, New 10 Owner Says |page=C1 |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96141329/dont-touch-dial-new-10-owner-says/ |access-date=June 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Separate studio facilities and transmitter towers needed to be secured due to NAL founder/CEO George T. Baker refusing to sell any of WPST-TV's assets,<ref name="MiamiN19600726p18">{{Cite news |last=Schnier |first=Sanford |date=July 26, 1960 |title=Equipment Delay: Channel 10 2 'Owners' Shadow Box |page=6B |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96156494/equipment-delay-channel-10-2-owners/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96156494/equipment-delay-channel-10-2-owners/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> valuing the studio building at more than five times the market value.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 29, 1960 |title=More Miami Time: FCC extends deadlines in Miami, Boston cases |volume=59 |pages=62, 64–65 |work=Broadcasting |issue=9 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1960/BC-1960-08-29.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151331/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1960/BC-1960-08-29.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> WPST-TV was originally given a date of September 15, 1960, to vacate the airwaves<ref name="Miam600714" /> and allow for WLBW-TV to broadcast, but a series of appeals filed by Baker delayed the process substantially, with the FCC temporarily suspending the order.<ref name="FortLa19600921p 9">{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1960 |title=FCC Temporarily Suspends WSPT-TV (sic) Transfer Order |page=10A |newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News |agency=Associated Press |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103754518/fcc-temporarily-suspends-wspt-tv-sic/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235918/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103754518/fcc-temporarily-suspends-wspt-tv-sic/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WLBW-TV was given authority to transmit a test pattern during the overnight hours, doing so starting in November 1960,<ref name="FortLa19601113p 75">{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Joe |date=November 13, 1960 |title=Alas, Alack—'It' Is Back! |page=11E |newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103692986/alas-alackit-is-back/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235925/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103692986/alas-alackit-is-back/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> operating on a standby basis employing a minimum of staffers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1961 |title=National gets walking papers in Miami: WPST-TV told to get off Ch. 10 by Nov. 20 for Wilson takeover |volume=61 |pages=42–43 |work=Broadcasting |issue=17 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-10-23-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151616/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-10-23-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}</ref>
After Baker exhausted his appeals with the U.S. Supreme Court denying a ''writ of certiorari'' to Judge E. Barrett Prettyman's ruling affirming the FCC's revoking order on October 9, 1961,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1961 |title=Court backs FCC on Ch. 10: Order clears way for Miami tv award to Wilson; losers may undertake further legal moves |volume=61 |pages=58, 60 |work=Broadcasting |issue=2 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-07-10-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151303/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-07-10-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}</ref><ref name="MiamiN19611009p19">{{Cite news |last=Schnier |first=Sanford |date=October 9, 1961 |title=High Court Paves Way For Ch. 10 Transfer |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103770314/high-court-paves-way-for-ch-10/ 5A] |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103770269/high-court-paves-way-for-ch-10-transfer/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103770269/high-court-paves-way-for-ch-10-transfer/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the commission imposed a new deadline of 3 a.m. on November 20, 1961.<ref name="MiamiH19611019p31">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack |date=October 19, 1961 |title=Wilson Takes Over: Channel 10 Shift Set for Nov. 20 |page=C1 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103776782/wilson-takes-over-channel-10-shift-set/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103776782/wilson-takes-over-channel-10-shift-set/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WPST-TV's last day of operations on November 19 featured an on-air editorial delivered by Baker<ref name="Miam611118">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack E. |date=November 18, 1961 |title=George T. Baker to Say Farewell to 'Old' 10 |page=15-A |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95858637/george-t-baker-to-say-farewell-to/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052904/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95858637/george-t-baker-to-say-farewell-to/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> decrying the FCC's verdict and rejected the allegations levied against the station.<ref name="Miam611120a">{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1961 |title=A Public Statement from WPST-TV Channel 10 Miami, Fla. (ad) |page=11A |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95860146/a-public-statement-from-wpst-tv-channel/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224043705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95860146/a-public-statement-from-wpst-tv-channel/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Baker's editorial was reprinted in newspapers the next day<ref name="Miam611120a2">{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1961 |title=A Public Statement from WPST-TV Channel 10 Miami, Fla. (ad) |page=11A |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95860146/a-public-statement-from-wpst-tv-channel/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224043705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95860146/a-public-statement-from-wpst-tv-channel/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> alongside a "statement of policy" advertisement taken out by WLBW-TV.{{r|MiamiH19611120p32}} The marquee outside the former WPST-TV studios continued to be turned on every night for nearly 18 months after closure as a sign of defiance by Baker,<ref name="MiamiN19611130p36">{{Cite news |date=November 30, 1961 |title=Baker's TV Hope Still Burns |page=10C |newspaper=The Miami News |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95857533/bakers-tv-hope-still-burns/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224220437/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95857533/bakers-tv-hope-still-burns/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> only turning it off after agreeing to sell the building.<ref name="Miam630503">{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1963 |title=Baker to Sell TV Property |page=10-B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158627/baker-to-sell-tv-property/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224040455/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158627/baker-to-sell-tv-property/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The former WPST-TV transmitter site was repurchased by Storer,<ref name="Miam640826">{{Cite news |date=August 26, 1964 |title=Bill Bayer Invites Humphrey to Show |page=4-B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96220349/bill-bayer-invites-humphrey-to-show/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223015721/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96220349/bill-bayer-invites-humphrey-to-show/ |archive-date=February 23, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and later reused for WAJA-TV.<ref name="Miam671114">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack E. |date=November 14, 1967 |title=Channel 23 Goes on Air Today |page=1-B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95271724/channel-23-goes-on-air-today/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218063308/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95271724/channel-23-goes-on-air-today/ |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Despite this severe license discontinuity and little connection between the two other than the ABC affiliation, what is now WPLG claims the National Airlines station's history as its own.<ref name="wplghist">{{cite web |url=http://www.local10.com/station/269339/detail.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926234316/http://www.local10.com/station/269339/detail.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |title=Local 10 News' Beginnings |access-date=February 14, 2009}}</ref> [[File:WLBW TV show "For Women Today".jpg|thumb|WLBW-TV ''For Women Today'' hosts Molly Turner and Gerry Burke with Luciana Pignatelli.]] The first program to be seen on the new WLBW-TV was a short dedication led by Topmiller and short talks by a priest, a rabbi, and a minister.<ref name="Miam611120">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95858326/wlbw-tv-takes-over-channel-10/|date=November 20, 1961|page=1A|title=WLBW-TV Takes Over Channel 10|newspaper=The Miami News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083829/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95858326/wlbw-tv-takes-over-channel-10/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> The studio facilities proved cramped from the start: in reviewing the first day of operations, which included a debate among Miami mayoral candidates, news and children's programs, ''The Miami News'' television critic Kristine Dunn noted that WLBW-TV already needed "more studio space, more storage space and more office space".<ref name="Miam611121a">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95858813/wlbw-in-the-swim/|date=November 21, 1961|page=7B|title=WLBW 'In The Swim'|newspaper=The Miami News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95858813/wlbw-in-the-swim/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Some of the people who were shown on WPST-TV moved to the new station, including Bill Bayer (whose public affairs program ''Important'' became ''Miami Press Conference'' after the change).<ref name="Miam611119">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95857694/wlbw-goes-into-operation-monday/|date=November 19, 1961|page=TV Amusements Guide 3|first=Kristine|last=Dunn|title=WLBW Goes Into Operation Monday|newspaper=The Miami News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224043703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95857694/wlbw-goes-into-operation-monday/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Molly Turner, who had previously hosted a mid-morning interview show on WPST-TV,<ref name="MiamiH19600805p29">{{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=Phil |date=August 5, 1960 |title=Ch. 10 Fires 19, Drops 3 Hours Broadcast Time |page=B1 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96156614/ch-10-fires-19-drops-3-hours/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235913/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96156614/ch-10-fires-19-drops-3-hours/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> was hired by WLBW-TV to host a daily variety show modeled after ''The 50/50 Club'' with Ruth Lyons, a popular program in Cincinnati.<ref name="MiamiH19611029p158">{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1961 |title=Ch. 10's Big Switch |page=21 |newspaper=The Miami Herald Fun In Florida |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158387/ch-10s-big-switch/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158387/ch-10s-big-switch/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It was also the first station in Miami to feature a weather girl, Virginia Booker.
However, with an initial operating authority to run for four months, L. B. Wilson, Inc., had to face competitors nearly immediately. In February 1962, the FCC opened the door to competing applications against Wilson's bid for a full-term license for WLBW-TV.<ref name="Fort620215">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158494/channel-10-bids-asked/|date=February 15, 1962|page=10|title=Channel 10 Bids Asked|agency=UPI|newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News|location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083826/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158494/channel-10-bids-asked/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> In addition to Wilson, former WPST-TV owner Public Service Television applied (only to have its bid deemed unacceptable for filing), as did a group of former WPST-TV employees organized as the South Florida Television Corporation;<ref name="Miam620220">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158523/3-to-apply-to-operate-channel-10/|date=February 20, 1962|page=10-B|first=Jack|last=Anderson|title=3 to Apply To Operate Channel 10|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083825/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158523/3-to-apply-to-operate-channel-10/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Civic Television, headed by Charles Crandon; and the Miami Television Company, whose stakeholders included a string of local civic leaders.<ref name="Miam620428">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158543/a-business-whos-who-4th-miami-group/|date=April 28, 1962|page=7-D|title=A Business Who's Who: 4th Miami Group Seeks Channel 10|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083838/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158543/a-business-whos-who-4th-miami-group/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> FCC hearing examiner H. Gifford Irion objected to South Florida Television in his initial decision, issued at the end of 1963, because of its experience and civic participation;<ref name="Miam631228">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158683/macdonald-to-get-ch-10/|date=December 28, 1963|page=1|title=MacDonald To Get Ch. 10?|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618045209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158683/macdonald-to-get-ch-10/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> but in July 1964, the full FCC opted to disagree on the examiner's choice and awarded a full-term license to Wilson on a 4–1 vote.<ref name="Miam640731">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158740/channel-10-license-tv-control-fight/|date=July 31, 1964|page=2-A|first=James|last=Robinson|title=Channel 10 License: TV Control Fight Won by Operator|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224043833/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158740/channel-10-license-tv-control-fight/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
With its long-term prospects more secure, WLBW-TV began to plan for the future. In 1964, it began airing local color programming from film and tape. In 1965, the station acquired a parcel of land at Biscayne Boulevard and NE 39th Street to construct a purpose-built, color-equipped facility with two studios.<ref name="Miam650518">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158795/channel-10-planning-move-into-new-home/|date=May 18, 1965|page=5-C|first=Jack E.|last=Anderson|title=Channel 10 Planning Move Into New Home|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083837/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158795/channel-10-planning-move-into-new-home/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Construction began that fall,<ref name="Miam651110">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158845/new-tv-studio-wlbw-starts-building/|date=November 10, 1965|page=6B|title=New TV Studio: WLBW Starts Building|newspaper=The Miami News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158845/new-tv-studio-wlbw-starts-building/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> and the studio formally opened in March 1967,<ref name="Fort670224">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158898/how-bout-that/|date=February 24, 1967|page=29E|title=How 'Bout That?|newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News|location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083824/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158898/how-bout-that/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> allowing the station to broadcast local programs, including the dance show ''Saturday Hop'', in color. The station became known as "Colorvision 10".
===Post-Newsweek ownership=== In March 1969, L. B. Wilson, Inc., announced the $20 million sale of WLBW-TV and WCKY radio (which it had owned for 40 years) to the Washington Post Company's Post-Newsweek Stations division for $20 million.<ref name="Miam690306">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158972/to-washington-post-channel-10-sold-for/|date=March 6, 1969|page=1-A|first=Jack|last=Anderson|title=To Washington Post: Channel 10 Sold For $20 Million|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96158972/to-washington-post-channel-10-sold-for/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> It was the first broadcasting purchase for the ''Post'' since acquiring WJXT in Jacksonville in 1953.<ref name="Fort690306">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159002/miamis-wlbw-tv-channel-10-station/|date=March 6, 1969|page=9D|first=Joe|last=Rukenbrod|title=Miami's WLBW-TV, Channel 10: Station Sold For $20 Million|newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News|location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083836/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159002/miamis-wlbw-tv-channel-10-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1969/1969-03-10-BC.pdf|pages=40, 42|title=Metromedia, Post-Newsweek expand|work=Broadcasting|date=March 10, 1969|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212825/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1969/1969-03-10-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC approved in September 1969,{{r|hc}} and one of the Wilson ownership's last acts was to deliver $250,000 in bonus checks to WLBW and WCKY employees with a year or more of tenure.<ref name="Miam691113">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159074/channel-10-mails-out-fat-bonuses-to-125/|date=November 13, 1969|page=4-B|first=Herb|last=Kelly|title=Channel 10 mails out fat bonuses to 125|newspaper=The Miami News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083829/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159074/channel-10-mails-out-fat-bonuses-to-125/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> News of Post-Newsweek's first changes came at the end of the year.<ref name="Miam691231">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159139/new-owners-shake-up-ch-10-taylor/|date=December 31, 1969|page=4-D|first=Jack E.|last=Anderson|title=New Owners Shake Up Ch. 10; Taylor, Harnish Lose Shows|newspaper=The Miami Herald|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083838/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159139/new-owners-shake-up-ch-10-taylor/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Miam691230">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159118/channel-10-shakeup-starts/|date=December 30, 1969|page=5A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159109/channel-10-shakeup-starts/ 6A]|first=Herb|last=Kelly|title=Channel 10 shakeup starts|newspaper=The Miami News|location=Miami, Florida|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083831/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96159118/channel-10-shakeup-starts/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> On March 16, 1970,<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=86769 |title= History Cards for WPLG|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards)<!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref> the station's call letters were changed to the current WPLG, the calls were chosen in honor of Philip L. Graham, husband of ''Washington Post'' publisher Katharine Graham, who died by suicide in 1963.{{r|Miam691231}} Similarly to L. B. Wilson, Graham also had local connections to the area: the oldest son of Ernest R. Graham, he had been a longtime resident of Miami and was the brother to former Florida senator Bob Graham.<ref name="FortLa19700227p70">{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1970 |title=From WLBW To WPLG: Station Changing Call Letters |page=10F |newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103702747/from-wlbw-to-wplg-station-changing/ |access-date=July 2, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703030336/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103702747/from-wlbw-to-wplg-station-changing/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
WPLG adopted its current "10" logo, which features four stripes of differing colors within the "0" that represent a sunset, in 1982.
120x120px|thumb|left|WPLG logo, used from 1999 to 2004. On January 1, 1989, the Miami–Fort Lauderdale market underwent a three-way network affiliation swap that saw CBS affiliate WTVJ (channel 4) becoming an NBC owned-and-operated station; independent station and charter Fox affiliate, WCIX (channel 6) becoming a CBS owned-and-operated station; and NBC affiliate WSVN (channel 7) becoming a Fox affiliate (although they initially promoted themselves as an independent). WTVJ and WCIX later swapped channel positions on September 10, 1995, as compensation for an affiliation deal involving Group W, with WCIX moving to channel 4 as WFOR-TV and WTVJ moving to channel 6. Neither transaction affected WPLG, which retained its ABC affiliation as well as its channel 10 allocation. As a result, it was the only television station in the Miami–Fort Lauderdale market that retained the same network affiliation throughout its history until August 2025. Possibly because of this consistency, WPLG remains one of the highest-rated stations in South Florida. In 2004, WPLG began branding itself as "Local 10" under the branding standardization adopted by Post-Newsweek for its stations.
From April 2007 to May 2009, WPLG was South Florida's most-watched English-language television station according to Nielsen; this can partially be attributed to its availability on Comcast's West Palm Beach system, which in turn had a potentially negative effect on the ratings for that market's ABC affiliate, WPBF. However, Comcast removed WPLG from its West Palm Beach area systems on April 13, 2011. After the May 2009 ratings period, the station switched to a single anchor format for its evening newscasts; WPLG's total-day viewership fell behind CBS-owned WFOR, which took the #1 position among the market's English-language stations. However, WPLG remains tied with WSVN for second/third.
On July 18, 2008, Post-Newsweek Stations announced that it would purchase WTVJ for $205 million. The purchase would have created a duopoly between WTVJ and WPLG, duopolies involving two "Big Three" stations ordinarily would be prohibited under the FCC's media ownership rules, which do not allow duopolies involving two of a market's four highest-rated stations in terms of audience share; however during the May 2008 Nielsen ratings period, WPLG ranked in first place and WTVJ ranked sixth in total-day viewership, allowing the possibility of a purchase. Under the proposal, WTVJ would have merged its operations with WPLG at the studio facility (which was under construction at the time) on Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Pembroke Park.<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/605477.html "WPLG-ABC 10 owner may buy WTVJ-NBC 6"]. ''Miami Herald'', July 15, 2008.</ref> However, the sale was cancelled on December 23, 2008, with NBC Universal and The Washington Post Company citing poor economic conditions and the lack of approval by the FCC.<ref name="wtvj-salecancel">{{cite news|url=http://www.nbc6.net/news/18348386/detail.html|title=Sale Of WTVJ To The Washington Post Company Terminated|date=December 23, 2008|work=NBC6.net|access-date=December 24, 2008|archive-date=February 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203205806/http://www.nbc6.net/news/18348386/detail.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:On WPLG Channel 10 in Miami (4879436832).jpg|thumb|2010 U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek (right) being interviewed at the news studio]]
On March 28, 2009, WPLG relocated its studio facilities from 3900 Biscayne Boulevard to the new Pembroke Park facility. As a result of this relocation, all of the South Florida market's "Big Three" network stations are based outside of the Miami city limits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justnews.com/video/18815011/index.html|title=Inside Local 10's New Home|website=JustNews|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302125925/http://www.justnews.com/video/18815011/index.html|archive-date=March 2, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justnews.com/slideshow/slideshows/18956965/detail.html|title=Local 10's New Home: 3401 Hallandale Beach Blvd|website=JustNews|access-date=April 9, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===Sale to Berkshire Hathaway=== In 2013, the Washington Post Company sold the ''Washington Post'' to Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos; the company retained most of the other non-newspaper assets, including the Post-Newsweek broadcast outlets, and renamed itself Graham Holdings.
On March 12, 2014, Graham Holdings announced that it would sell WPLG to the BH Media subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway in a cash and stock deal. Berkshire Hathaway and its chairman, Warren Buffett, had been longtime stockholders in Graham Holdings; the sale of WPLG included a large majority of Berkshire Hathaway's shares in Graham Holdings.<ref name="bh-warren">{{cite web|title=Warren Buffett Buys Post-Newsweek's WPLG|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/warren-buffett-buys-post-newsweeks-wplg/|work=TVNewsCheck|date=March 12, 2014|access-date=June 4, 2022|archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116082841/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/warren-buffett-buys-post-newsweeks-wplg/|url-status=live}}</ref> To maintain continuity following the consummation of the purchase, BH Media entered into agreements with Post-Newsweek Stations (renamed Graham Media Group in July 2014) to continue providing the station with access to its centralized digital media, design, and traffic services after the sale's completion.<ref>[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101641893&qnum=5060©num=1&exhcnum=2 "Exhibit 7 – Exchange Agreement"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090734/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101641893&qnum=5060©num=1&exhcnum=2 |date=March 4, 2016 }}, ''CDBS Public Access'', Federal Communications Commission, Retrieved April 21, 2014.</ref> The sale was finalized on June 30.<ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1642663&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=53113 Consummation Notice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714131834/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1642663&Service=DT&Form_id=905&Facility_id=53113 |date=July 14, 2014 }}, ''CDBS Public Access'', Federal Communications Commission, Retrieved July 2, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20140706174252/http://www.ghco.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62487&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1944087&highlight= Graham Holdings and Berkshire Hathaway Complete Deal for Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire WPLG-TV], Press Release, Graham Holdings Company, July 1, 2014, Retrieved July 2, 2014.</ref>
=== ABC disaffiliation and switch to independent === WPLG's affiliation agreement expired at the end of 2024, but the station continued to carry ABC programming pending negotiations with ABC's parent, The Walt Disney Company. The station later announced its disaffiliation from ABC on March 20, 2025, and would become an independent effective August 4, ending a nearly 64-year relationship with the network.<ref name=":222">{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=David |date=March 20, 2025 |title=WPLG-TV Local 10 cutting ties to ABC network. WSVN-Channel 7 to pick up programming |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/03/20/wplg-tv-local-10-cutting-ties-to-abc-network-after-69-years-as-two-sides-fail-to-renew-affiliation-deal/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref> WPLG president E. R. Bert Medina said in a statement the station could not afford the increased reverse compensation fees demanded by Disney without laying off employees and compromising the quality of its news department. Medina also argued that WPLG's ABC affiliation was being devalued by simulcasts of live events on "other platforms".<ref name=":32">{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=March 20, 2025 |title=Warren Buffett's Only TV Station Loses ABC Affiliation as Disney Finds New Miami Partner |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wplg-miami-loses-abc-affiliation-disney-abc-miami-sunbeam-1236169307/ |accessdate=March 21, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321200452/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wplg-miami-loses-abc-affiliation-disney-abc-miami-sunbeam-1236169307/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":222" />
ABC affiliated with WSVN, which established "ABC Miami" on its second digital subchannel.<ref name="m989">{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Barry |date=March 21, 2025 |title=How the ABC affiliate change in South Florida will affect sports fans. What to know |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article302525184.html |access-date=March 25, 2025 |work=The Miami Herald |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321225256/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article302525184.html |url-status=live }}</ref> WPLG became a news-intensive independent with 93 hours of local newscasts per week.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=March 20, 2025 |title=Warren Buffett's Only TV Station Loses ABC Affiliation as Disney Finds New Miami Partner |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wplg-miami-loses-abc-affiliation-disney-abc-miami-sunbeam-1236169307/ |accessdate=March 21, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=David |date=March 20, 2025 |title=WPLG-TV Local 10 cutting ties to ABC network. WSVN-Channel 7 to pick up programming |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/03/20/wplg-tv-local-10-cutting-ties-to-abc-network-after-69-years-as-two-sides-fail-to-renew-affiliation-deal/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321184859/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/03/20/wplg-tv-local-10-cutting-ties-to-abc-network-after-69-years-as-two-sides-fail-to-renew-affiliation-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TVNC250328">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=March 28, 2025 |title=WPLG Miami Announces News Expansion |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/wplg-miami-announces-news-expansion/ |access-date=March 30, 2025 |website=TVNewsCheck |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328214204/https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/wplg-miami-announces-news-expansion/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To provide the transmission bandwidth necessary in order for ABC Miami to start, the ATSC 3.0 arrangement between WPLG and WSVN was terminated on July 28.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2025 |title=The Future of Local 10: Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.local10.com//station/2025/05/19/the-future-of-local-10-frequently-asked-questions/ |access-date=July 21, 2025 |website=WPLG |language=en}}</ref>
==Programming== ===''Dr. Phil'' on WPLG=== In 2004, WPLG announced it had won a bidding war to air ''Dr. Phil'' and ''Judge Judy'' starting in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=Big Changes at WPLG|url=http://www.sfltv.com/2004/big-changes-at-wplg/|website=SFLTV|publisher=Jimmy|access-date=September 6, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140906160049/http://www.sfltv.com/2004/big-changes-at-wplg/|archive-date=September 6, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the station had a contractual stipulation not to air ''Dr. Phil'' in direct competition with ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'', also produced by Harpo Productions. WPLG's only option was to cancel its 5 p.m. newscast, forgoing its time slot to ''Dr. Phil'', preceded by ''Judge Judy'' at 4 p.m. This became the station's final decision.
Initially having moderate ratings, the change ended up being successful as WPLG ranked number 1 in the 5 p.m. time slot, beating out its competitors' 5 p.m. newscasts, and was able to tone viewers into its 6 p.m. newscast.<ref name="DrPhil">{{cite web|title=Dr. Phil good for WPLG health|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-12-01/business/0611300852_1_wb-and-upn-sign-off-station-rating|website=Sun-Sentinel|publisher=Tom Jicha|access-date=September 6, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804050209/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-12-01/business/0611300852_1_wb-and-upn-sign-off-station-rating|archive-date=August 4, 2018}}</ref> This change was so successful that other local stations in the Miami and West Palm Beach markets started airing syndicated programming in place of local newscasts, such as WPTV, WTVJ, and WPBF. But by 2011, ''Dr. Phil''{{'}}s ratings had declined and WPLG announced that the show would move back to WFOR, replacing ''Oprah'' which had ended its 25-year run shortly beforehand.<ref>{{cite web|title=WPLG Brings Back 5pm Newscast|url=http://www.sfltv.com/2011/wplg-brings-back-5pm-newscast/|website=SFLTV|access-date=September 6, 2014|archive-date=September 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906222735/http://www.sfltv.com/2011/wplg-brings-back-5pm-newscast/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===News operation=== {{Expand section|further information on Local 10 News department|date=May 2010}} thumb|175x175px|Chuck Dowdle In addition to local newscasts, WPLG produces the hour-long political discussion program ''This Week in South Florida'', which debuted in 1990 and airs Sundays at 11:30 a.m. From the show's inception until his retirement on December 18, 2022, the program was hosted by senior political reporter Michael Putney. Glenna Milberg, who has co-moderated the show since 2014, became the sole leader of the program upon Putney's retirement.<ref>{{cite news|last=Man|first=Anthony|title=Michael Putney readies to leave after more than three decades at WPLG-Ch. 10s 'This Week in South Florida'|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-michael-putney-this-week-in-south-florida-television-20221216-lyyy67uatzca7avfjaxw652iby-story.html|publisher=South Florida Sun-Sentinel|accessdate=December 18, 2022}}</ref>
In 1979, WPLG deployed the first helicopter in the Miami market used for newsgathering, known as "Sky 10". The station became well known from 1976 to 1982 for its popular anchor team of Glenn Rinker, Ann Bishop, sports anchor Chuck Dowdle and meteorologist Walter Cronise. In 1982, the station adopted the ''Eyewitness News'' format for its newscasts, which was used until its news branding was changed to the generic ''Channel 10 News'' in 2001; that year, Rinker left for another position in Orlando and was replaced as evening co-anchor by Mike Schneider. Schneider and Bishop remained paired as the station's lead anchor team until 1986, when Schneider left to become the 5:30 and 11 p.m. co-anchor at CBS flagship station WCBS-TV in New York City and was replaced by general assignment reporter Dwight Lauderdale (who had been working at WPLG since 1976); Lauderdale's appointment as anchor made him the first African-American to anchor a nightly newscast in the South Florida market, and he remained the station's primary evening co-anchor until his retirement in 2008.
By 1985, WPLG had surpassed rival WTVJ (channel 4, now on channel 6) in the ratings and would dominate the ratings for over ten years. Ann Bishop would continue to serve as co-anchor for the station's evening newscasts until 1995, when she moved to a part-time position at the station until she died from colon cancer in 1997. Don Noe joined WPLG in 1979 and was one of Miami's most popular chief meteorologists (Walter Cronise having moved to the morning newscasts) up until his retirement in 2007; Chuck Dowdle, meanwhile, had left by 1986 for fellow ABC station WSB-TV in Atlanta; his slot was filled by Khambrel Marshall, who later moved to WCIX/WFOR and then to WPLG's former sister station in Houston, KPRC. Since 1993, WPLG has used several versions of Gari Media Group's "The One and Only" news music package, which took its name from a longtime slogan originally used by the station from 1979 to 1999 and was revived in 2014.
On March 28, 2009, in conjunction with the station's relocation to its Pembroke Park studios, WPLG became the third Miami station to begin broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition. On August 22, 2011, WPLG debuted an hour-long newscast at 5 p.m., which replaced ''Dr. Phil'' after it moved back to WFOR-TV; the station had produced an early evening newscast in that timeslot previously until it was replaced by ''Dr. Phil'' in 2006.<ref>[https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/in-miami-wplg-returning-local-news-to-5-p-m/19629/ In Miami, WPLG Returning Local News to 5 p.m.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906034532/http://www.adweek.com/tvspy/in-miami-wplg-returning-local-news-to-5-p-m/19629 |date=September 6, 2017 }}, ''AdWeek'', August 17, 2011. Retrieved June 4, 2022</ref><ref name="DrPhil"/> On January 13, 2014, WPLG added an hour-long newscast at 4 p.m. weekdays, which competes against an existing hour-long newscast in that slot on WSVN.<ref>[http://www.sfltv.com/2013/4pm-newscast-coming-wplg-new-set-works/ 4pm Newscast Coming to WPLG; New Set in the Works] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126120047/http://www.sfltv.com/2013/4pm-newscast-coming-wplg-new-set-works/ |date=January 26, 2014 }}, ''SFLTV'', December 31, 2013.</ref> On April 27, 2014, WPLG expanded ''This Week in South Florida'' to one hour, retaining its 11:30 a.m. timeslot on Sundays.<ref>[http://www.local10.com/station/this-week-in-south-florida-expands-to-1-hour/25554472 'This Week in South Florida' expands to 1 hour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427204823/http://www.local10.com/station/this-week-in-south-florida-expands-to-1-hour/25554472 |date=April 27, 2014 }}, WPLG, April 18, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.</ref> On August 13, 2018, WPLG added a half-hour 3 p.m. weekday newscast; later that fall, it expanded to a full hour.
On March 10, 2021, it was announced that WPLG would start producing newscasts (under the ''Local 10 News'' branding) for WSFL-TV, allowing the latter to restore news content in some form to the station after the discontinuation of ''NewsFix'' in September 2018. ''Local 10 News'' on WSFL-TV began on June 1, 2021, with a two-hour extension of their weekday morning newscast from 7 to 9 a.m., and a nightly newscast during the 10 p.m. hour.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=March 10, 2021|title=WPLG And WSFL Partner On New Newscasts|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/wplg-and-wsfl-partner-on-new-newscasts/|access-date=|website=TVNewsCheck|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201053/https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/wplg-and-wsfl-partner-on-new-newscasts/|url-status=live}}</ref> WSFL later replaced the WPLG-produced morning newscast with Scripps News' ''Morning Rush'' from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on May 6, 2024.
As part of becoming an independent station, WPLG increased its news output from 56 to 93 hours a week. The weekday morning news was extended to 11 a.m., and a weeknight prime time news block from 9 to 11 p.m. (which included the 10 p.m. newscast that formerly aired on WSFL) was added.{{r|TVNC250328}}
===Sports programming=== Following the announcement WPLG would become an independent, WPLG announced agreements with Fort Lauderdale United FC, of the USL Super League, and HBCU Go, which features college football and men's college basketball from the MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, CIAA, and GCAC conferences.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WPLG, HBCU GO announce multi-year media partnership to broadcast HBCU football and men’s basketball in South Florida|url=https://www.local10.com/station/2025/07/10/wplg-hbcu-go-announce-multi-year-media-partnership-to-broadcast-hbcu-football-and-mens-basketball-in-south-florida/|website=Local10|date=July 10, 2025|access-date=July 16, 2025|archive-date=July 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715111807/https://www.local10.com/station/2025/07/10/wplg-hbcu-go-announce-multi-year-media-partnership-to-broadcast-hbcu-football-and-mens-basketball-in-south-florida/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2025, WPLG announced an agreement with the NBA's Miami Heat to simulcast 12 regular season games. As part of the deal, WPLG will also air 12 games featuring the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat's NBA G League affiliate.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mackey|first=Ryan|title=WPLG Local 10 and Miami Heat announce comprehensive partnership|url=https://www.local10.com/sports/2025/10/20/wplg-local-10-and-the-miami-heat-announce-comprehensive-partnership/|work=Local10.com|date=October 20, 2025|access-date=October 20, 2025}}</ref>
====Notable current on-air staff==== <!-- Notable in general means having a wiki article --> * Louis Aguirre – anchor * Calvin Hughes – anchor * Will Manso – sports director; also heard during coverage of Miami Hurricanes football on WQAM (560 AM)
====Notable former on-air staff==== <!-- Notable in general means having a wiki article --> {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} * Morry Alter – host of ''The Morry Story'' (1980s) * Jack Barry – host of local game show ''Hole in One'' in 1962<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Coin Golf Unit Gets Exposure on Florida TV|magazine=Billboard|date=June 2, 1962|page=42|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PhcEAAAAMBAJ&q=Hole+in+One+Jack+Barry+game+show&pg=PT10|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210031546/https://books.google.com/books?id=PhcEAAAAMBAJ&q=Hole+in+One+Jack+Barry+game+show&pg=PT10|url-status=live}}</ref> * Ann Bishop (1970–1995) * Susan Candiotti * Jimmy Cefalo – sports anchor * Liz Cho * Bertha Coombs<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/bertha-coombs/|title=Bertha Coombs Profile|date=March 12, 2010|publisher=CNBC|access-date=July 13, 2012|archive-date=December 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205022624/http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838196/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Victoria Corderi<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/x5088.xml |title=Victoria Corderi |access-date=July 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222053450/http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/x5088.xml |archive-date=February 22, 2012 }}</ref> * Roy Firestone * Megan Glaros * Carlos Granda * Larry King<ref name="FortLa19611117p45">{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Joe |date=November 17, 1961 |title=So, What's New In Television? New Channel 10 |page=3D |newspaper=Fort Lauderdale News |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103776937/so-whats-new-in-television-new/ |access-date=June 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103776937/so-whats-new-in-television-new/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * Steve Kroft (1977–1980) * Dwight Lauderdale (1976–2008) * Max Mayfield – Hurricane Specialist (2007–2019) * Bryan Norcross – Hurricane Specialist (1983–1990 and 2018–2022) * Charles Perez – anchor/reporter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/charles-perez-takes-blowtorch-coworkers-wabc-ch-7-new-book-article-1.154321|title=Charles Perez takes blowtorch to former coworkers at WABC/CH. 7 in new book|last=Huff|first=Richard|date=January 28, 2011|work=New York Daily News|access-date=March 10, 2013|archive-date=January 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115112429/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/charles-perez-takes-blowtorch-coworkers-wabc-ch-7-new-book-article-1.154321|url-status=live}}</ref> * Walter Perez – reporter * Michael Putney – senior political reporter and host of ''This Week in South Florida'' (1989–2022) * Rob Schmitt * Richard Schlesinger * Mike Schneider – 6 and 11 p.m. anchor * Jon Scott – anchor * Molly Turner{{r|MiamiH19611029p158}} * Lisa Willis – reporter, fill-in anchor (2001) {{div col end}}
==Technical information==
===Subchannels=== WPLG broadcasts from a transmitter facility in Miami Gardens, Florida.{{r|FCC-LMS-53113}} Its signal is multiplexed: {| class="wikitable" |+ Subchannels of WPLG<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WPLG#station |title=RabbitEars TV Query for WPLG |website=RabbitEars |access-date=January 21, 2016 |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409233520/https://rabbitears.info//market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WPLG#station |url-status=live }}</ref> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 10.1 | 720p || WPLG || Main WPLG programming |- ! scope = "row" | 10.2 | rowspan=2| 480i || Me TV || MeTV |- ! scope = "row" | 10.3 | H & I || Heroes & Icons |}
WPLG previously carried LATV on its second digital subchannel; the Spanish language network was replaced by MeTV on April 24, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/me-tv-lands-affiliation-wplg-miami/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915104529/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/56981/metv-lands-affiliation-wplg-miami|url-status=live|archive-date=September 15, 2012|title=Me-TV Lands affiliation WPLG Miami|website=TVNewsCheck|date=January 24, 2012|access-date=June 4, 2022}}</ref> On January 24, 2013, Post-Newsweek Stations entered into an affiliation agreement to carry the Live Well Network on digital subchannels of WPLG and its then-Orlando sister station WKMG-TV; both stations added the network in April 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/post-newsweek-pair-signs-live-well-43862|title=Post-Newsweek Pair Signs On With Live Well|website=NextTV|date=January 24, 2013|access-date=June 4, 2022|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604051740/https://www.nexttv.com/news/post-newsweek-pair-signs-live-well-43862|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Analog-to-digital conversion=== WPLG shut down its analog signal, on VHF channel 10, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition VHF channel 9 to channel 10 for post-transition operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds |access-date=March 24, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.justnews.com/technology/19732752/detail.html |title=It's D-TV Day for Analog - Technology News Story - WPLG Miami |access-date=June 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614072803/http://www.justnews.com/technology/19732752/detail.html |archive-date=June 14, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Three other local stations (WSVN, WPXM-TV and WLTV-DT) also moved their digital signals to their former analog channel allocation, requiring viewers to rescan their digital tuners. WPLG and WSVN are the only Miami stations that continue to broadcast on the VHF band.
== Out of market coverage == WPLG is one of four Miami-based TV stations that are viewed on cable in The Bahamas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TV Channel listings {{!}} TV Guide {{!}} REVTV |url=https://www.rev.bs/tv-guide/ |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=REV |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822133320/https://www.rev.bs/tv-guide/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commons category}} *{{Official website|https://www.local10.com/}} *[http://www.metvmiami.com/ MeTVMiami.com] – MeTV Miami official website
{{Miami TV}} {{Florida English TV}} {{Berkshire Hathaway}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wplg}} Category:1961 establishments in Florida Category:2014 mergers and acquisitions Category:Berkshire Hathaway Category:Heroes & Icons affiliates Category:Independent television stations in the United States Category:MeTV affiliates Category:Television channels and stations established in 1961 PLG