{{Short description|Television station in Lexington, Kentucky}} {{distinguish|3=TVQ (disambiguation)#Television{{!}}TVQ}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = WTVQ-DT | city = | logo = WTVQ2024.svg | logo_size = 220px | logo_alt = On a blue background, the ABC network logo overlapping a white sans-serif numeral 36. Beneath are the words "News Now" in a sans serif, with the Now in yellow, above an underline that is wider on the left side. | branding = ABC 36; ''ABC 36 News Now''; My KY (36.2) | digital = 27 (UHF) | virtual = 36 | affiliations = {{ubl|'''36.1:''' ABC|'''36.2:''' Independent with MyNetworkTV|''for others, see {{Section link||Subchannels}}''}} | country = United States | airdate = {{start date|1968|6|2}} | image = WTVQ-DT2 logo.svg | image_size = 180px | image_alt = A rounded rectangle divided into blue and gray parts with the word "my" in white and a black "KY" in the lower right | location = Lexington, Kentucky | former_callsigns = {{ubl|WBLG-TV (1968–1973)|WTVQ-TV (1973–2009)}} | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 62 (UHF, 1968–1980); 36 (UHF, 1980–2009)|'''Digital:''' 40 (UHF, 2000–2019)}} | owner = E. W. Scripps Company | licensee = Scripps Broadcasting Holdings LLC | sister_stations = WLEX-TV | erp = 487 kW | haat = {{convert|285|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id = 51597 | coordinates = {{coord|38|2|3|N|84|23|39|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|name=WTVQ-DT}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = }}
'''WTVQ-DT''' (channel 36) is a television station in Lexington, Kentucky, United States, affiliated with ABC and MyNetworkTV. It is owned by the E.{{nbsp}}W. Scripps Company alongside NBC affiliate WLEX-TV (channel 18). The two stations share transmitter facilities on the outer loop of Man o' War Boulevard (KY 1425) in the Brighton section of Fayette County, where WTVQ-DT's studios are also located.
The station began broadcasting on channel 62 as WBLG-TV in 1968 and has been an ABC affiliate for its entire history. It changed its call sign to WTVQ in 1973 and moved to channel 36 in 1980. With the exception of most of the 1990s, the station's local newscasts have generally rated third out of the four main TV newsrooms in Lexington. Scripps acquired WTVQ from Morris Multimedia in 2026.
==History== === WBLG-TV ===
==== Construction ==== On October 8, 1965, WBLG-TV, Inc. filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to build a new television station on channel 62, the last commercial frequency available in the Lexington market. WBLG-TV, Inc. was a 50-50 partnership between Lexington-area businessman Roy White and Reeves Broadcasting Corporation. White already owned local radio station WBLG (1300 AM) and would act as the entity's new president and general manager. Reeves chairman J. Drayton Hastie served as the chairman of WBLG-TV, Inc. Reeves owned WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia, and WCBD-TV in Charleston, South Carolina, as well as radio stations in Baltimore. The owners estimated the cost of constructing the station would be in excess of $1 million, and the station would be equipped to broadcast in color from the start.<ref>{{cite news|date=October 8, 1965|title=Firm Seeks Third TV Station Here|page=1|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84217400/firm-seeks-third-tv-station-here/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84217400/firm-seeks-third-tv-station-here/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On June 24, 1966, WBLG-TV's application was designated for hearing alongside a competing application from Kentucky Central Life Insurance Company (owner of WVLK radio).<ref>{{cite news|date=June 25, 1966|title=FCC To Hold TV Hearings|page=12|work=The Lexington Herald and The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84217773/fcc-to-hold-tv-hearings/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84217773/fcc-to-hold-tv-hearings/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on January 27, 1967, Kentucky Central Life announced that it would purchase existing station WKYT-TV (channel 27) from Taft Broadcasting for $2.5 million, signaling its exit from the channel 62 hearing.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 28, 1967|title=Kincaid Buys WKYT-TV|page=1|work=The Lexington Herald and The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84217946/kincaid-buys-wkyt-tv/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060603/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84217946/kincaid-buys-wkyt-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> With no other applicants for the channel 62 allocation, the FCC granted initial approval of the station's application on July 28, 1967.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 29, 1967|title=Initial Okay Given For New TV Station|page=1|work=The Lexington Herald and The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218097/initial-okay-given-for-new-tv-station/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060603/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218097/initial-okay-given-for-new-tv-station/|url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|Architectural rendering of WBLG-TV's original broadcast facilities, still in use by WTVQ-DT today. Meanwhile, the WBLG-TV partnership acquired land at the intersection of Winchester Pike and Bryant Road (now Man o' War Boulevard), which would serve as the new studio and transmitting facilities for the station.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 1, 1967|title=Permit Sought For TV Station|page=25|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218238/permit-sought-for-tv-station/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060557/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218238/permit-sought-for-tv-station/|url-status=live}}</ref> As the area surrounding the proposed site was primarily agricultural in nature, having previously been used as a farm, the land needed to be rezoned before construction could begin.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 19, 1967|title=Board To Hear TV Station's Zone Appeal|page=12|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218374/board-to-hear-tv-stations-zone-appeal/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218374/board-to-hear-tv-stations-zone-appeal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Approval for the rezoning came on November 10, 1967, despite objection from two local residents who lived near the proposed location. Central to their complaints was the proposed {{convert|990|ft|m|0|adj=on}} tower, which they felt was "unsightly"; they were also concerned that the tower might fall. Approval was granted on the condition that the entrance/exit to the station be on Bryant Road only and that screening devices be provided between the station and adjacent residences.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 11, 1967|title=Third Local TV Station Gets Go-Ahead On Zoning|page=7|work=The Lexington Herald and The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218517/third-local-tv-station-gets-go-ahead-on/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060556/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218517/third-local-tv-station-gets-go-ahead-on/|url-status=live}}</ref> The building permit for the actual building then came on December 12, 1967, with approval being granted for a one-story structure on the site, built at a cost of $149,000.<ref>{{cite news|date=December 12, 1967|title=Building Permit Issued For Third Local TV Station|page=6|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218802/building-permit-issued-for-third-local/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84218802/building-permit-issued-for-third-local/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== WBLG-TV signs-on ==== The station launched at 9:30 a.m. on June 2, 1968, as an ABC affiliate, broadcasting from the highest above sea level tower in Kentucky.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 2, 1968|title=Channel 62 To Initiate Broadcasting|page=16|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84219027/channel-62-to-initiate-broadcasting/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827060601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84219027/channel-62-to-initiate-broadcasting/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lexington's then-Mayor Charles Wylie was on hand with White and daughter Barbara to throw the switch that brought the station on the air.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 5, 1968|title=Ceremony Marks Telecast Beginning|page=58|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221489/ceremony-marks-telecast-beginning/|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828091330/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221489/ceremony-marks-telecast-beginning/|url-status=live}}</ref> WBLG-TV originally branded as "The ENTERTAINMENT Channel–62 WBLG-TV".<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=September 5, 1968|title=Channel 62 WBLG-TV Grand Opening (advertisement)|page=58|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84278877/wblg-tv-grand-opening/|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828091331/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84278877/wblg-tv-grand-opening/|url-status=live}}</ref> WKYT, the former primary affiliate of ABC, became the market's CBS affiliate in January, ahead of WBLG-TV's sign-on.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 14, 1968|title=Now – More Eyes Are On Channel 27 And CBS! (advertisement)|page=27|work=Sunday Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221542/now-more-eyes-are-on-channel-27-and/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827100414/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221542/now-more-eyes-are-on-channel-27-and/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the station's eighth week on the air, it had already managed to capture a 30% share of the prime time audience in the market according to a station-commissioned American Research Bureau survey, putting it on par with the other two local stations.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 5, 1968|title=30 Per Cent Of Audience Now Goes To WBLG-TV|page=58|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221523/30-per-cent-of-audience-now-goes-to/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828091356/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221523/30-per-cent-of-audience-now-goes-to/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 7, ''It Takes a Thief'' star Malachi Throne and ''Ed Allen Time'' host Ed Allen appeared at a public open house at the station's studios to officially "Grand Open" WBLG-TV.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news|date=September 5, 1968|title=Malachi Throne To Attend Channel 62 Open House|page=58|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221508/malachi-throne-to-attend-channel-62/|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828091332/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84221508/malachi-throne-to-attend-channel-62/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC granted WBLG-TV its permanent license on August 5, 1970.<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=86994 |title= History Cards for WTVQ-DT|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards)<!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref>
On May 7, 1973, it was announced that WBLG-TV would be sold to New Orleans–based Starr Broadcasting Group, Inc. at a price exceeding $2 million. Starr was headed by company president Peter M. Starr, with William F. Buckley Jr. serving as Starr's chairman of the board. Starr had owned WCYB-TV in Bristol, Virginia, and radio stations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, New Jersey, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas; it was also in the process of purchasing KHVH-AM-TV in Honolulu at the same time. This came after talks to merge Reeves' holdings into Starr failed.<ref>{{cite news|last=Napier|first=Sue|date=May 7, 1973|title=WBLG-TV Sold To Firm Which Owns Broadcast Chain|page=1|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84279419/wblg-tv-sold-to-firm-which-owns-broadcas/|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84279419/wblg-tv-sold-to-firm-which-owns/|url-status=live}}</ref> Control was transferred on November 14, 1973.<ref name="hc" /> WBLG radio was not affected by this sale and was subsequently sold the following summer to North Carolina–based Village Communications.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 18, 1974|title=2 Local Radio Stations Sold|page=15|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84339744/2-local-radio-stations-sold/|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829114149/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84339744/2-local-radio-stations-sold/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== WTVQ-TV ===
==== New owners, new call letters ==== The new owners immediately sought to make their mark on their new purchase. The first such step came when the present WTVQ-TV call letters were adopted on December 20, 1973.<ref name="hc" /> Starr would also move its corporate base of operations to Lexington shortly after the acquisition of WTVQ was completed.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 22, 1977|title=Clark W. Davis new president of Starr Group|page=A-10|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84400879/starr-headquarters-lexington/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830094137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84400879/starr-headquarters-lexington/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1974, WTVQ applied to operate a translator on channel 58 in Frankfort, which at the time was a part of the Louisville market.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=December 15, 1974|title=Translator Bid Made By Ch. 62|page=1 (TV Time supplement)|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84339981/translator-bid-made-by-ch-62/|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829114149/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84339981/translator-bid-made-by-ch-62/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1975, WTVQ became the first television station in Lexington to experiment with 24-hour operations when it aired ''Blockbuster Movie Madness'', which delivered four feature films from the late-evening hours right through the next morning.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=August 16, 1975|title=Movie Fans Can Stay Up Late Again|page=C-1|work=Saturday Herald and Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84340544/movie-fans-can-stay-up-late-again/|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829114149/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84340544/movie-fans-can-stay-up-late-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1978, WTVQ had become Lexington's first television station to implement electronic news gathering and shoot its stories on tape, whereas its competitors were still shooting with film.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=January 2, 1978|title=How Often is TV Coverage 'Lights, Camera, Disruption'|page=B-15|work=The Monday Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84400942/tv-camera-lights-bothersome-at-times/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830094137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84400942/tv-camera-lights-bothersome-at-times/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Move to channel 36; sale to the Disney family ==== However, Starr began to pour the foundation for the biggest move in the station's history: literally. In January 1977, WTVQ petitioned the FCC to allow them to move to channel 36, in a move the station said was needed to evenly compete with WLEX-TV (channel 18) and WKYT-TV. The station noted that channel 62 suffered from technical interference and signal quality issues due to its higher position on the dial. To make the move happen, two unused allocations would need to be moved. Channel 36 would need to be moved from Portsmouth, Ohio, into Lexington; channel 55 would be re-located from Glasgow, Kentucky, to Portsmouth to fill the void, then the soon-to-be-discarded channel 62 allocation would be moved from Lexington to Glasgow. Kentucky Educational Television, the statewide PBS member, initially opposed the move, fearing that they would lose potential viewers who, in tuning to channel 62, had to dial past its station, WKLE, on channel 46 and might have sampled its programming.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=January 23, 1977|title=How About A Ch. 36?|page=2 (TV Spotlight supplement)|work=Sunday Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84381454/how-about-a-ch-36/|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830004002/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84381454/how-about-a-ch-36/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 3, 1979, the move to channel 36 was officially given the green light by the FCC. The FCC gave the station one year from June 4 to make the move. While objections were lodged from potential station owners in the Louisville and Florence areas, they were rejected by the FCC, believing that the public would be better served by having WTVQ on channel 36.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=May 4, 1979|title=Top DJ Murray Moves to WVLK|page=D-2|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84409352/top-dj-murray-moves-to-wvlk/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84409352/top-dj-murray-moves-to-wvlk/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Meanwhile, in May 1978, Starr announced that it would be acquired by Los Angeles–based Shamrock Broadcasting Inc. in a $21.6 million all-cash, all-stock deal. Shamrock was wholly owned by Roy Disney, nephew of Walt and son of Walt's brother Roy.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 9, 1978|title=Starr plans merger with Shamrock Broadcasting|page=7S|work=The Des Moines Register|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401464/starr-plans-merger-with-shamrock/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830113208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401464/starr-plans-merger-with-shamrock/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=May 11, 1978|title=Broadcasters Announce Merger|page=B-7|work=Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401474/broadcasters-announce-merger/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830113206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401474/broadcasters-announce-merger/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC approved the transaction on June 8, 1979,<ref>{{cite news|date=June 9, 1979|title=FCC approves broadcasting plan|page=9|work=The South Bend Tribune|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84405862/fcc-approves-broadcasting-plan/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84405862/fcc-approves-broadcasting-plan/|url-status=live}}</ref> and it closed on July 18.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 19, 1979|title=Broadcasting merger told|page=3-D|work=The Paducah Sun|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84405830/broadcasting-merger-told/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84405830/broadcasting-merger-told/|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal had been held up as Buckley and three other company principals were being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission for defrauding and misleading investors. Buckley agreed to pay back $1.4 million in cash and stock to shareholders and not serve as a director of any publicly traded company for five years. Buckley denied any wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 8, 1979|title=Buckley barred from serving any public firm|page=A-8|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84408665/buckley-barred-from-serving-any-public/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84408665/buckley-barred-from-serving-any-public/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Quote box | quote = "We want to demonstrate that the way things were done here in the past is not the way Shamrock operates." | author = Bruce F. Johnson, Shamrock president and chief executive officer | source = February 1980, outlining the changes the new ownership planned on making to WTVQ<ref name="johnson">{{cite news |date=February 6, 1980 |title='Resignations Lead to Firing of Channel 62's General Manager |page=D-4 |work=The Lexington Herald |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84410408/resignations-lead-to-firing-of-channel/ |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84410408/resignations-lead-to-firing-of-channel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | align = right | width = 250px | quoted = yes | salign = left }}
WTVQ, now under Shamrock, began to prepare for its move to channel 36 by making station wide changes that included the firing of then-general manager Jeff Evans (blamed on heavy turnover in the months following Shamrock's takeover of the station), the first building expansion in the station's history with new equipment (estimated to cost between $1.3 to $2 million), a $300,000 investment into the news department, an expansion of the 5:30 p.m. evening news from a half-hour to a full hour, and a "major emphasis on public affairs and community involvement". Shamrock's president and CEO, Bruce F. Johnson, vowed to "demonstrate that the way things were done here in the past is not the way Shamrock operates".<ref name="johnson" /><ref>{{cite news|date=January 25, 1980|title=WTVQ news director leaving, too|page=D-6|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84410181/wtvq-news-director-leaving-too/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162433/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84410181/wtvq-news-director-leaving-too/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Morale in the newsroom was high; newly hired news director Clark Edwards noticed that "people were going about their jobs with a new drive after the change".<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=February 10, 1980|title=Shamrock Moves Create Broadcast Excitement|page=2 (TV Spotlight supplement)|work=Sunday Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84447738/shamrock-moves-create-broadcast/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052522/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84447738/shamrock-moves-create-broadcast/|url-status=live}}</ref> Longtime weatherman Frank Faulconer, the only on-air personality remaining after the resignations, left for WKYT to help launch the station's new morning show, where he had hoped to "finish out my career".<ref>{{cite news|date=January 23, 1980|title=Frank Faulconer moving to WKYT|page=D-9|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84448315/frank-faulconer-moving-to-wkyt/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84448315/frank-faulconer-moving-to-wkyt/|url-status=live}}</ref> Faulconer worked at WKYT for exactly two days in February before returning to WTVQ and resuming his usual weeknight weather duties.<ref name="Lexi800211">{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=February 11, 1980|title=Who's Minding the Store at Channel 62?|pages=D-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84412008/not-many-familiar-faces-are-left-at-62/ D-6]|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84411972/whos-minding-the-store-at-channel-62/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052523/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84411972/whos-minding-the-store-at-channel-62/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, a setback occurred as new news director Edwards would resign after just ten days on the job. Station officials were concerned that he had been falsifying details about his background – specifically claiming that he had held a doctorate degree in political science. When management asked Edwards to present proof of this, he was unable.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=February 15, 1980|title=Channel 62's News Director Resigns|page=B-5|work=Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84448785/channel-62s-news-director-resigns/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84448785/channel-62s-news-director-resigns/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The change to channel 36 was originally scheduled to take place on June 1 but had to be postponed due to delays from RCA, the manufacturer of the new $1 million channel 36 transmitter.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 2, 1980|title=Channel 62's change to Channel 36 delayed to June 20|page=D-7|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84451485/channel-62s-change-to-channel-36/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052524/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84451485/channel-62s-change-to-channel-36/|url-status=live}}</ref> Finally, on June 21, 1980, WTVQ-TV signed off channel 62 for the last time just after midnight.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=June 20, 1980|title=Lexington's TV Drama Will Be Off The Screen As WTVQ Switches Channels|page=B-10|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71747716/lexingtons-tv-drama-will-be-off-the/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71747716/lexingtons-tv-drama-will-be-off-the/|url-status=live}}</ref> Riggers began removing the channel 62 antenna from the station's tower, and installed the new channel 36 antenna. Management boasted that the new signal, double the power output of the channel 62 signal, would fill-in holes in the station's coverage area. The station claimed that the new 2,150,000-watt signal was the most powerful in the commonwealth. Some areas of Lexington, such as Chevy Chase, would be able to receive a clear signal from the station for the first time ever. CEO Johnson stated that Shamrock was investing over $2 million for these signal improvements. New newscast opening music and on-air imaging would accompany the channel change.<ref>{{cite news|last=Green|first=Gail|date=June 20, 1980|title=Weather a factor in WTVQ switch|page=D-10|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84452180/weather-a-factor-in-wtvq-switch/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052528/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84452180/weather-a-factor-in-wtvq-switch/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Management had hoped to be on the air by Monday, June 23, in time to broadcast that evening's ABC prime time lineup.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=June 22, 1980|title=WTVQ Back On the Air By Monday|page=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84454784/improved-wtvq-expected-to-return-to-air/ B-5]|work=Sunday Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84454544/wtvq-back-on-the-air-by-monday/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052526/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84454544/wtvq-back-on-the-air-by-monday/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the crew realized that the channel 62 antenna was heavier than they realized, which required them to remove it in sections. That, along with high winds on Tuesday, delayed the sign-on of channel 36 to Wednesday, June 25.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=June 26, 1980|title=Test Pattern Signals Start On Channel 36|page=A-3|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84456558/test-pattern-signals-start-on-channel-36/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052520/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84456558/test-pattern-signals-start-on-channel-36/|url-status=live}}</ref> Channel 36 beamed to life for the first time in Lexington at 2:18 p.m. with a test pattern. Forty minutes later, the national anthem was broadcast, completing the move to channel 36.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 26, 1980|title=WTVQ-TV's troubles prove only semi-tough as video void ends|page=A-3|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84454504/wtvq-tvs-troubles-prove-only/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831052528/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84454504/wtvq-tvs-troubles-prove-only/|url-status=live}}</ref> WTVQ's old channel 62 transmitter was sold to a group that intended on starting a new station on channel 61 in Ashland, Kentucky (the transmitter would be retuned for use on that channel).<ref name=":2" /> (Channel 62, which remained allocated to Lexington and was not moved to Glasgow as originally proposed, would later be re-used by short-lived independent station WLKT<ref name="tv2">{{cite news|last=White|first=Susan|date=October 12, 1988|title=Channel 62 to go on the air Saturday after 7-year effort|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71748771/ A12]|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71748706/|access-date=February 21, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71748706/channel-62-to-go-on-the-air-saturday/|url-status=live}}</ref> and subsequent low-power station WBLU-LP.<ref>{{cite news|last=Svokos|first=Heather|date=May 12, 1999|title=UPN voyages onto Lexington's TVs|page=C1|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401091/upn-voyages-onto-lexingtons-tv/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830094141/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401091/upn-voyages-onto-lexingtons-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref>)
Months after the move to channel 36 and improved product, tragedy struck at the station. Twenty-eight-year-old weekend anchor Tom Howell died when his car collided with a city sanitation truck that ran a stop sign. Howell had been with the station less than a year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cropper|first=Carol Marie|date=August 20, 1980|title=Newsman's Death Shocks WTVQ|pages=A-3, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84462592/tv-newsmans-death-stuns-co-workers/ A-4]|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84462542/tom-howell-dies-in-car-crash/|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831141411/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84462542/tom-howell-dies-in-car-crash/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 1981, due to a poor showing in the May ratings book, the station dropped ''Nightline'' and replaced it with reruns of ''All in the Family''.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|last=White|first=Susan|date=June 30, 1981|title=Will Ted Koppel have to stifle himself forever here?|page=D-6|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85308276/will-ted-koppel-have-to-stifle-himself/|access-date=September 14, 2021|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914143036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85308276/will-ted-koppel-have-to-stifle-himself/|url-status=live}}</ref> General manager Bill Service noted that the reruns ABC had previously been programming in the timeslot fared better locally than ''Nightline'' was.<ref name=":3" /> The station received over 75 phone calls and 25 letters from viewers expressing displeasure with the move.<ref name=":4">{{cite news|last=Bailey|first=Marilyn|date=July 21, 1981|title=WTVQ cutting early newscast, bringing back 'Nightline'|page=C-1|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85308650/wtvq-cutting-early-newscast-bringing/|access-date=September 14, 2021|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914143037/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85308650/wtvq-cutting-early-newscast-bringing/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Nightline'' was restored to the schedule on August 17, at a new, later midnight timeslot, with the ''All in the Family'' reruns remaining in the same timeslot to "please both audiences", according to Service.<ref name=":4" />
The station underwent a $2 million renovation starting in 1985 that doubled the existing office space and created all-new technical facilities.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 20, 1985|title=TV station to begin renovation|page=A8|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85394902/tv-station-to-begin-renovation/|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915225716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85394902/tv-station-to-begin-renovation/|url-status=live}}</ref> The expanded facilities were dedicated in April 1986.<ref>{{cite news|last=White|first=Susan|date=May 1, 1986|title=WTVQ-TV expanding facilities and horizons|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85402346/channel-36-expanding-its-facilities/ D3]|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85402264/wtvq-tv-expanding-facilities-and/|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916033852/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85402264/wtvq-tv-expanding-facilities-and/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Possible loss of ABC affiliation ==== On several occasions throughout its history, the ABC network has studied the possibility of moving its affiliation away from WTVQ, even going so far as to enter into discussions with rival stations about relocating its programming there. The first attempt came in the late 1970s, when ABC had become the top-rated television network in the United States. Due to its rising fortunes, the network began to look for stronger affiliates across the country. Lexington was no exception, and in December 1978, ''The Lexington Herald'' reported that ABC had held talks with WKYT about that station potentially returning to ABC after ten years. Nothing ever materialized from those discussions, and WKYT renewed its affiliation with CBS, with WTVQ continuing as Lexington's ABC affiliate. WTVQ had been Lexington's third-rated station since its sign-on and was noted for having marginal production values around this time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=December 18, 1978|title=Talk of Changing Networks Could Help Channel 62|page=C-6|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84404201/talk-of-changing-networks-could-help/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84404201/talk-of-changing-networks-could-help/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=January 28, 1979|title=June Rollins Retires; Three Local Channels Change News Anchors|page=G-14|work=Sunday Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84404744/june-rollins-retires-three-local/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162433/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84404744/june-rollins-retires-three-local/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 1982, top ABC executives visited with WKYT once again, talking with that station's general manager about ending their affiliation with CBS and rejoining ABC.<ref name=":5">{{cite news|last=White|first=Susan|date=September 30, 1982|title=ABC shopping around for a new outlet here?|page=C-6|work=The Lexington Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85328851/abc-shopping-around-for-a-new-outlet/|access-date=September 14, 2021|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914213459/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85328851/abc-shopping-around-for-a-new-outlet/|url-status=live}}</ref> With WKYT turning them down, ABC then turned its sights to WLEX-TV about the possibility of them leaving NBC to join ABC.<ref name=":5" /> Nothing ever came of that either, with WLEX's general manager going so far as to say that his station "hasn't been offered a contract with ABC".<ref name=":5" />
{{Quote box | quote = We have some concerns about WTVQ's performance in the market. We'll just leave it at that. | author = George Newi | source = ABC senior vice president for affiliate relations<ref name="newi">{{cite news|last=White|first=Susan|date=November 2, 1988|title=WDKY seeks to be area ABC affiliate|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85407157/abc/ A5]|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85406991/wdky-seeks-to-be-area-abc-affiliate/|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916033853/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85406991/wdky-seeks-to-be-area-abc-affiliate/|url-status=live}}</ref> | align = left | width = 220px }}
The closest WTVQ came to losing its affiliation came in late 1988, when upstart Fox affiliate WDKY-TV (channel 56), on air since 1986, approached ABC about becoming the new Lexington affiliate.{{r|"newi"}} ABC went as far as to hear formal presentations from it and WLKT on why the network should move to their station.{{r|"newi"}} An optimistic K. David Godbout, WDKY general manager, said "We're doing everything we can to get the affiliation. We're pulling out all the stops."{{r|"newi"}} For his station's part, WTVQ acting general manager Jerry Fox seemed to shrug off WDKY's ploy, saying that he did not "blame them" and adding that if his station was an independent he would "do whatever I could to survive".{{r|"newi"}} When asked why ABC was considering leaving channel 36, George Newi, ABC's senior vice president for affiliate relations matter-of-factly said that "We have some concerns about WTVQ's performance in the market. We'll just leave it at that."{{r|"newi"}} The network was also concerned at the amount of programming WTVQ was regularly preempting.<ref name=":6">{{cite news|last=White|first=Susan|date=January 21, 1989|title=Channel 36 sweetens pot to keep ABC affiliation|page=B1|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71749007/channel-36-sweetens-pot-to-keep-abc/|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916033858/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71749007/channel-36-sweetens-pot-to-keep-abc/|url-status=live}}</ref>
After much deliberation, in January 1989, ABC ultimately agreed to retain WTVQ as its Lexington affiliate. In exchange for keeping the network's programs on its air,<ref name=":6" /> WTVQ pledged to improve its newscasts, preempt less of the network's programming, and increase its promotion of network shows.<ref name=":6" /> Additionally, ABC would no longer pay the station to air its programming, in one of the earliest cases of a network moving away from the longstanding practice of paying its local affiliates to air its programming on an annual basis.<ref name=":6" /> Newi added that all parties "agreed that everything that has happened in the past is in the past".<ref name=":6" />
==== Sale to Park; subsequent merger with Media General ==== On January 30, 1992, Park Communications purchased WTVQ from Shamrock Broadcasting. The $11 million purchase came after the improvements under Shamrock, particularly in the area of news, had pushed the station into a position of second-place contention and improved its reputation.<ref name="Lexi911017">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418632/new-york-media-firm-to-buy-wtvq-tv/|date=October 17, 1991|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418694/ A12]|first=Susan|last=White|title=New York media firm to buy WTVQ-TV|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418632/new-york-media-firm-to-buy-wtvq-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Countering Park's noted image for frugality, Park invested in new equipment for the station.<ref name="Lexi920407">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418755/tv-news-change-in-the-air/|date=April 7, 1992|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418768/ D2]|first=Susan|last=White|title=TV news: change in the air|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418755/tv-news-change-in-the-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
In July 1995, Park Communications was sold to Gary B. Knapp and Donald R. Tomlin Jr., under the name Park Acquisitions. Knapp was a Lexington securities dealer whose bid was backed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama pension fund.<ref name="Lexi950409">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418844/the-700-million-question-who-is-gary-b/|date=April 9, 1995|page=Business Sunday 14–15|first=Jim|last=Jordan|title=The $700 million question: Who is Gary B. Knapp?|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060219/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418844/the-700-million-question-who-is-gary/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Media General purchased Park Acquisitions and its properties (including WTVQ) in January 1997.<ref name="Padu960723">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418963/media-giant-writes-710-million-check/|date=July 23, 1996|page=7|title=Media giant writes $710 million check|newspaper=The Paducah Sun|location=Paducah, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100418963/media-giant-writes-710-million-check/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> On February 26, 2002, it became central Kentucky's first commercial television station to broadcast a digital television signal on UHF channel 40.<ref name="Lexi020502">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419005/stations-missing-hdtv-deadline-bluegras/|date=May 2, 2002|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419036/ C6]|first=Heather|last=Svokos|title=Stations missing HDTV deadline; Bluegrass outlets say they're getting set up|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060219/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419005/stations-missing-hdtv-deadline/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
In 2004, WTVQ, along with Media General ABC affiliates WJBF and WMBB, preempted an uncut Veteran's Day broadcast of the 1998 movie ''Saving Private Ryan'', citing uncertainty over whether the film's obscenities would cause FCC repercussions in light of new commission policy.<ref name="Lexi041112">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113879384/not-airing-private-ryan-tied-to-new/|date=November 12, 2004|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113879394/movie-its-not-clear-what-is-isnt-acc/ C2]|first=Rich|last=Copley|title=Not airing 'Private Ryan' tied to new FCC policy: WTVQ didn't know how agency would react|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 30, 2022}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
==== Morris Multimedia era; sale to Scripps ==== On October 29, 2007, Media General announced that it was exploring the sale of WTVQ and four other stations in order to help reduce debt.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Media General Exploring Sale of Five Television Stations |publisher=Media General |date=October 29, 2007 |url=http://www.mediageneral.com/press/2007/oct29_07.html |access-date=October 30, 2007 |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103070409/http://www.mediageneral.com/press/2007/oct29_07.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Media General announced on March 7, 2008, that it had reached an agreement to sell WTVQ to Morris Multimedia for $16.5 million; it was the largest acquisition in Morris's history.<ref name="Lexi080308">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420029/georgia-media-company-buys-lexingtons-w/|date=March 8, 2008|page=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420163/wtvq-station-trailed-in-ratings/ B2]|first=Scott|last=Sloan|title=Georgia media company buys Lexington's WTVQ: Station will be chain's largest network affiliate|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420029/georgia-media-company-buys-lexingtons/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --><ref>{{cite press release |title=Media General Announces Sale of WTVQ-TV in Lexington, Ky., to Morris Network, Inc. |publisher=Media General |date=March 7, 2008 |url=http://www.mediageneral.com/press/2008/mar7_08.html |access-date=March 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907154421/http://www.mediageneral.com/press/2008/mar7_08.html |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/media-general-completes-sale-of-kentucky-tv/|work=TVNewsCheck|title=Media General completes sale of Kentucky TV|date=May 13, 2008|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060218/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/media-general-completes-sale-of-kentucky-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the time of this acquisition, WTVQ had fallen to fourth place in Lexington, behind WDKY, in revenue.{{r|Lexi080308}}
In 2008, WTVQ launched a subchannel carrying MyNetworkTV, replacing the low-power WBLU-LP, whose poor signal hampered its reach; this became an acute issue when MyNetworkTV became the new broadcast home of WWE's ''Smackdown!''. A 10 p.m. newscast was also aired for a time on the subchannel.<ref name="Lexi091012">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420540/smackdown-hits-lexington-for-tv-taping/|date=October 12, 2009|page=A3, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420535/wwe-local-abc-affiliate-picked-up/ A5]|first=Scott|last=Sloan|title='SmackDown' hits Lexington for TV taping|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420540/smackdown-hits-lexington-for-tv-taping/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->
The E. W. Scripps Company, owner of WLEX-TV, announced it would purchase WTVQ-DT from Morris for $15.8 million on March 4, 2026.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Scripps agrees to purchase WTVQ in Lexington, Kentucky, from Morris Network, Inc. for $15.8 million |url=https://scripps.com/press-releases/scripps-agrees-to-purchase-wtvq-in-lexington-kentucky-from-morris-network-inc-for-15-8-million/ |access-date=2026-03-04 |publisher=The E. W. Scripps Company |language=en}}</ref><ref name="wtvqsale">{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/assignmentDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076f919cae43cf019cbf00afc11c43&id=25076f919cae43cf019cbf00afc11c43&goBack=N|title=Assignments|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=March 26, 2026|accessdate=May 23, 2026}}</ref>
==Local programming== === Newscasts === {{Quote box | title = On WTVQ's early news quality and perception | quote = WTVQ has long had a poor image in the community when it comes to news. When the station first came on the air as channel 62, the news was little more than a joke. It included a news anchor who walked into the newsroom and threw his hat onto a coat rack to begin the evening's newscast. Then there was the sportscaster with the handlebar mustache who knew very little about the major sports but could certainly tell us a lot about rugby. | author = David Reed | source = The Lexington Herald television columnist, June 19, 1981<ref>{{cite news|last=Reed|first=David|date=June 19, 1981|title=Canceling 'Nightline' Will Hurt WTVQ's News Image|page=B8|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85307851/canceling-nightline-will-hurt-wtvqs/|access-date=September 14, 2021|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914140945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85307851/canceling-nightline-will-hurt-wtvqs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | align = right | width = 300px | qalign = left | quoted = yes | salign = right }} WTVQ's newscasts have held many identities over the years, in large part because of their traditional third-place ratings in the market. The ''Lexington Herald'' skewered the station in 1980, just before the move to channel 36, for a "seemingly weak commitment to thorough, accurate news coverage".{{r|Lexi800211}} The station's first weather map was a hand-me-down from Miami; nobody bothered to remove the "low tide" and "high tide" markings from it despite their lack of utility in Kentucky. An attempt to bolster the newscasts by hiring former radio reporter Bill Evenson in the late 1970s was marred by sensationalism: one newscast opened with the phrase, "Kentucky, there's blood on your highways tonight."{{r|Lexi800211}} At that time, the newsroom was wracked by major turnover in personnel.{{r|Lexi800211}} This was also noticeable at the news director position. The station fired its news director in April 1981,<ref name="Lexi810402">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85321667/wtvq-fires-news-director-sander-names-r/|date=April 2, 1981|page=A-3|first=David|last=Reed|title=WTVQ Fires News Director Sander, Names Replacement|newspaper=The Lexington Herald|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85321667/wtvq-fires-news-director-sander-names/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> only to do so again in January 1982.<ref name="Lexi820122">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85330806/news-director-at-wtvq-resigns/|date=January 22, 1982|page=C-6|first=Susan|last=White|title=News director at WTVQ resigns|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85330806/news-director-at-wtvq-resigns/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> It offered the least early evening news of the Lexington stations, and its news staff of 22 compared unfavorably to the 35 and 40 of its competitors.<ref name="Lexi840623">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419479/channel-27-still-tops-in-news-ratings/|date=June 23, 1984|page=D5|first=Susan|last=White|title=Channel 27 still tops in news ratings|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425060220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419479/channel-27-still-tops-in-news-ratings/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
In 1986, WTVQ revamped its local newscasts, expanding its early evening news to an hour and updating its presentation.<ref name="Lexi861013">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85402790/channel-36-unveils-its-new-look/|date=October 13, 1986|page=B3|first=Susan|last=White|title=Channel 36 unveils its new look|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Mon --> The changes failed to move the ratings needle in the first survey.<ref name="Lexi861220">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85403133/ratings-get-mixed-reviews-from-stations/|date=December 20, 1986|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419617/ C10]|title=Ratings get mixed reviews from stations in Lexington|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sat --> However, after poaching lead male anchor John Lindgren from WKYT, an upturn finally began.<ref name="Lexi900830">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419651/channel-36-news-gains-in-ratings/|date=August 30, 1990|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419662/ D12]|first=Susan|last=White|title=Channel 36 news gains in ratings|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Thu --> It began to contend with WLEX for second place,<ref name="Lexi910402">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419708/channel-27-way-ahead-of-ratings/|date=April 2, 1991|page=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419717/ D3]|first=Susan|last=White|title=Channel 27 way ahead of ratings competition|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Tue --> and improvement in news ratings and perception also aided the station's bottom line, as news represented nearly 40 percent of its gross revenue.<ref name="lane">{{cite news|first=Alan I.|last=Kirschenbaum|title=News Wars|work=The Lane Report|date=December 1992|id={{ProQuest|211652566}} }}</ref> It maintained that position for much of the decade, but ratings declined as Lindgren took extended off-air absences to treat colon cancer;<ref name="Lexi000201">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419838/sweeps-ratings-put-wkyt-tv-in-top-news-s/|date=February 1, 2000|page=B5|first=Heather|last=Svokos|title=Sweeps ratings put WKYT-TV in top news spot again|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Tue --> he died in January 2001 at the age of 55.<ref name="Lexi010107">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419917/john-lindgren-19452001-veteran-newscas/|date=January 7, 2001|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100419937/ A10]|first=Heather|last=Svokos|title=John Lindgren 1945–2001: Veteran newscaster loses battle with cancer|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sun -->
In the 2000s and 2010s, the station fell back to a distant third place in local news ratings.<ref name="Lexi120709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100420129/wlex-wins-may-news-ratings-wky-disputes/|date=July 9, 2012|page=C1|title=WLEX wins May news ratings; WKYT disputes survey|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|location=Lexington, Kentucky|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><!-- Mon --> Morris dropped the station's 5 p.m. newscast shortly after taking over in order to air the syndicated show ''Judge Judy'' in hopes of increasing ratings and concentrating news resources elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/wtvq-rules-judy-over-news-33050|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=August 19, 2008|first=Michael|last=Malone|title=WTVQ Rules for Judy Over News|access-date=April 25, 2022|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420111718/https://www.nexttv.com/news/wtvq-rules-judy-over-news-33050|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Non-news === In 1976, WTVQ began producing ''Happy's Hour'', a weekday afternoon children's show that was the last of its kind to air on Lexington television. The show's host, Happy the Clown, was portrayed by staff announcer Tim Eppenstein. He was joined by his sidekick Froggy, a frog puppet portrayed by an unidentified puppeteer. Unlike most local children's shows, ''Happy's Hour'' did not feature a studio audience with area children. The show proved to be a smash success that led to merchandise sales (including T-shirts, bumper stickers, and even the show's theme song on record) and several guest appearances at community events. Due to shifting economics and program philosophies in the local television industry at the time, as well as an ownership change, ''Happy's Hour'' quietly faded away in 1979.<ref>{{cite news|last=Warren|first=Jim|date=January 12, 1988|title='Happy's' was the last of its kind|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401819/happys-hour-was-last-of-its-kind-in/ D4]|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401790/happys-was-the-last-of-its-kind/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830113205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84401790/happys-was-the-last-of-its-kind/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 17, 2020, the station debuted the afternoon talk show ''The Lee and Hayley Show'', featuring former WLEX-TV personalities Lee Cruse and Hayley Harmon. The duo had exited the local NBC affiliate the previous year. Cruse and Harmon produce the show through their own company, with production services provided by WTVQ.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 19, 2019|title=Lee Cruse, Hayley Harmon return to TV … on ABC 36|work=The Lane Report|url=https://www.lanereport.com/119223/2019/11/lee-cruse-hayley-harmon-return-to-tv-on-abc-36/|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828092201/https://www.lanereport.com/119223/2019/11/lee-cruse-hayley-harmon-return-to-tv-on-abc-36/|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2021, the program was airing in Bowling Green on WBKO–Fox and on four additional Morris-owned stations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 20, 2021 |title=The Lee and Hayley Show launches in Macon, Georgia today |language=en-US |work=The Lane Report |url=https://www.lanereport.com/146603/2021/09/the-lee-and-hayley-show-launches-in-macon-georgia-today/ |access-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921095001/https://www.lanereport.com/146603/2021/09/the-lee-and-hayley-show-launches-in-macon-georgia-today/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Notable former on-air staff === * Kenny Rice – sports director, later of NBC Sports<ref>{{cite news|last=Clay|first=John|date=July 29, 1982|title=No matter how you rate him, Rice shoots for the unusual|page=B-1|work=The Lexington Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84411570/no-matter-how-you-rate-him-rice-shoots/|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84411570/no-matter-how-you-rate-him-rice-shoots/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Technical information== ===Subchannels=== WTVQ's transmitter facility is co-sited with its studios on the outer loop of Man o' War Boulevard (KY 1425) in the Brighton section of Fayette County.{{r|FCC-LMS-51597}} The station's signal is multiplexed: {| class="wikitable" |+ Subchannels of WTVQ-DT<ref name="re">{{Cite web|url=https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTVQ|title=RabbitEars query for WTVQ|website=RabbitEars|access-date=April 24, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211105707/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTVQ|url-status=live}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! scope = "row" | 36.1 | rowspan=2| 720p || WTVQ-TV || ABC |- ! scope = "row" | 36.2 | myKY || Independent with MyNetworkTV |- ! scope = "row" | 36.3 | rowspan="6"|480i || TrueCrm || True Crime Network |- ! scope = "row" | 36.4 | MeToons || MeTV Toons |- ! scope = "row" | 36.5 | ion/Mys || Ion Mystery |- ! scope = "row" | 36.6 | QuestTV || Quest |- ! scope = "row" | 36.7 | HSN2 || HSN2 |- ! scope = "row" | 36.8 | Catchy || Catchy Comedy |}
===Analog-to-digital conversion=== WTVQ-TV was the first station in Lexington to broadcast a digital signal in 2002.{{r|Lexi020502}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtvq.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WTVQ%2FPage%2FTVQ_ContentPage&c=Page&cid=1063629687877|title=Understanding HDTV|date=2002|publisher=WTVQ.com|access-date=May 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040203193220/http://www.wtvq.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WTVQ%2FPage%2FTVQ_ContentPage&c=Page&cid=1063629687877|archive-date=February 3, 2004}}</ref> The station shut down its analog signal over UHF channel 36, on February 17, 2009, the original target date on which full-power television stations in the United States were to transition from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate (which was later pushed back to June 12, 2009). The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 40, using virtual channel 36.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds |access-date=March 24, 2012 |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 }}</ref>
===TV spectrum repack=== In the wake of the repacking of television stations out of the 600 MHz band, including channels 38 to 51, WTVQ's digital signal moved from channel 40 to channel 27 in 2019.{{r|re}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://exploreuk.uky.edu/catalog/xt7ngf0msw66/guide Guide to the WBLG Audio Tape Collection, 1954-1977] housed at the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center
{{s-start}} {{succession box | before=none | title=Channel 62 Lexington occupant | years=1968–1980 | after=WLKT | }} {{s-end}}
{{Lexington TV}} {{Kentucky TV}} {{EWS CORP}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wtvq-Dt}} Category:1968 establishments in Kentucky Category:2026 mergers and acquisitions Category:American Broadcasting Company affiliates Category:Catchy Comedy affiliates Category:E. W. Scripps Company television stations Category:Ion Mystery affiliates Category:MyNetworkTV affiliates Category:Quest (American TV network) affiliates Category:Television channels and stations established in 1968 TVQ-DT Category:True Crime Network affiliates