{{Short description|Television station in Akron, Ohio}} {{Redirect-distinguish|WAKR-TV|WKAR-TV}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date=February 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox television station | callsign = WVPX-TV | city = Akron, Ohio | digital = 22 (UHF), shared with WDLI-TV{{r|WDLI WVPX Share}} | virtual = 23 | affiliations = {{ubl|'''23.1:''' Ion Television|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}} | owner = Inyo Broadcast Holdings<br>''(sale to the E. W. Scripps Company pending{{r|InyoToScripps}})'' | licensee = Inyo Broadcast Licenses LLC | location = Akron–Canton–Cleveland, Ohio | country = United States | airdate = {{start date|1953|06|07}} | callsign_meaning = "Pax TV" | sister_stations = WDLI-TV | former_callsigns = {{ubl|WAKR-TV (1953–1986)|WAKC-TV (1986–1998)}} | former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 49 (UHF, 1953–1967), 23 (UHF, 1967–2009)|'''Digital:''' 59 (UHF, until 2009), 23 (UHF, 2009–2019)}} | former_affiliations = {{ubl|ABC (1953–1997)|inTV (1997–1998)}} | erp = 950 kW | haat = {{convert|290.32|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | facility_id = 70491 | coordinates = {{coord|41|3|20|N|81|35|37|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}} | licensing_authority = FCC | website = {{URL|iontelevision.com/}} }}
'''WVPX-TV''' (channel 23) is a television station licensed to Akron, Ohio, United States, serving the Cleveland area as an affiliate of Ion Television. It is owned by Inyo Broadcast Holdings alongside Canton-licensed Bounce TV affiliate WDLI-TV (channel 17), which transmits using WVPX-TV's full-power spectrum via a channel sharing agreement. The two stations share studios on Renaissance Parkway in Warrensville Heights and transmitter facilities on Ohio SR 261 in Norton, Ohio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stations Sharing This Tower... ASRN: 1063363 |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/tower.php?request=site&asrn=1063363 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813113221/https://www.rabbitears.info/tower.php?request=site&asrn=1063363 |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2021 |website=RabbitEars.Info}}</ref>
This station was signed on by S. Bernard Berk's Summit Radio Corporation as WAKR-TV, the television extension of WAKR. WAKR-TV positioned itself with a focus primarily on Akron even as it also covered the Greater Cleveland television market. From their 1953 establishment until 1996, the station was one of two primary ABC affiliates within the Cleveland market, current primary affiliate WEWS-TV being the other. Denied what would have originally been a VHF license, WAKR-TV's competitiveness was negatively impacted throughout this era by financial shortfalls and continuous ratings issues, even with a move from channel 49 to channel 23 in 1967, and eventual market-wide carriage on cable systems. Becoming WAKC-TV in 1986 after WAKR was sold, the station remained in the hands of the Berk family until 1994, when it was sold to home-shopping broadcast chain ValueVision. Under ValueVision, the station retained local programming and its ABC affiliation. A subsequent sale to Paxson Communications resulted in all newscast production ceasing immediately upon consummation on February 28, 1996, and disaffiliation from ABC at years' end; these moves made Akron the largest city in Ohio without a traditional television network affiliate or commercial television newscast.
Renamed WVPX-TV, the station became an owned and operated station for Paxson's Pax TV network on August 31, 1998. When Paxson filed an application to replace WVPX's transmitter with one capable for high-definition television, Akron City Council demanded Paxson restore local news on the station or invest in a television news service for the city; the permit was granted after Paxson made a one-time payment to the city. As part of a larger partnership between Paxson and minority investor NBC, WKYC owner Gannett took over WVPX's operations in 2001 and began producing a daily half-hour Akron newscast. When NBC withdrew their involvement in Paxson in 2005, the newscast was moved to local cable and Paxson (later renamed Ion Media) resumed operating WVPX. Ion Media was sold to WEWS owner E. W. Scripps Company in 2021, resulting in WVPX and WDLI being spun off to Inyo Broadcast Holdings.
== WAKR-TV (1953–1986) == === Frozen out of VHF === {{See also|WAKR}} [[File:FirstMerit Tower (Akron, Ohio).jpg|left|thumb|279x279px|WAKR-TV's original {{Convert|120|foot|m|abbr=|adj=on}} transmitter mast was on the roof of the current Huntington Tower (pictured in 2012).{{r|Huntington Bank Tower}}]] In early December 1947, Summit Radio Corporation, the family-owned business of S. Bernard Berk and owners of WAKR (1590 AM) and WAKR-FM (97.5)—and Allen Simmons, owner of radio station WADC (1350 AM)—filed competing applications with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for what was initially seen as the lone television channel assigned to Akron, originally intended as a VHF license on channel 11.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 15, 1947|title=WAKR, WADC Seek Television License|page=21|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24210363/the_akron_beacon_journal/|access-date=February 5, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206055519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24210363/the_akron_beacon_journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> The applications were filed at the same time WEWS-TV had commenced operations as the first television station in Ohio.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 3, 1948|title=2 Akron Stations Bid for Lone Outlet|id={{ProQuest|1040076795}}|volume=60|page=5|magazine=The Billboard|issue=1}}</ref> Both applications remained under review and went before a commission hearing on July 15, 1948,<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=June 30, 1948|title=This and That|page=23|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43951404/this_and_that/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43951404/this-and-that/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=April 12, 1948|title=Outlook Among TV Grantees, etc.|volume=34|pages=8, 94|work=Broadcasting|issue=15}}}}</ref> and WAKR had gone so far as to make a purchase order for VHF transmitting equipment from RCA,<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 8, 1952|title=TV Grants Now Total 49|id={{ProQuest|1285683206}}|volume=43|pages=65, 65, 97|work=Broadcasting|issue=10}}</ref> before the FCC implemented a freeze on any additional television licenses that September 30, while it studied the possibility of adding additional channels via the UHF band.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Crater|first=Rufus|date=October 4, 1948|id={{ProQuest|1040475180}}|title=Television Freeze: FCC Action Halted Pending Definite Policy|volume=35|page=22A, 57|work=Broadcasting|issue=14}}|{{Cite news|date=October 11, 1948|id={{ProQuest|1285668301}}|title=TV Freeze: Generally Approved by Industry|volume=35|page=28|work=Broadcasting|issue=15}}}}</ref>
After the release of the FCC's ''Sixth Report and Order'' lifted the freeze in 1952, the Commission reassigned the proposed Akron license from a VHF signal to one of two potential UHF signals,<ref name="WADC 2nd">{{Cite news|date=December 10, 1952|title=WADC Asks For 2nd TV Outlet Here|page=34|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8417814/the_akron_beacon_journal/|access-date=February 6, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206055519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8417814/the_akron_beacon_journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> as channel 11 was no longer available in order to protect what would become WTOL in Toledo and WIIC-TV (now WPXI) in Pittsburgh. Moreover, the Commission collapsed both Akron and Canton into the Cleveland market and now limited the combined market to three existing VHF signals—channels 3, 5 and 8 (changed from 4, 5 and 9).<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 19, 1952|title=TV coverage; RTMA predicts expansion|id={{ProQuest|1285687906}}|volume=42|work=Broadcasting|issue=21}}</ref> Summit Radio was awarded the permit for WAKR-TV on channel 49 by September 4, 1952;<ref name="History Cards">{{Cite web|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=85901|title=FCC History Cards for WVPX-TV|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=November 17, 1952|id={{ProQuest|1285707215}}|title=The New Grantees' Commencement Target Dates|volume=43|page=72|work=Broadcasting|issue=20}}</ref> a coin flip determined the winning bid between Summit and WADC as the other frequency available, channel 65, was not considered operable at the time.{{r|Roger Berk Profile}}
With WAKR already housed at the First Central Tower in the city's downtown,{{sfn|Price|2015|p=165}}<ref name="Broadcasting Post-Thaw">{{Cite news|date=June 29, 1953|title=Roundup of Post-Thaw Television: 80 Stations Now In Business|id={{ProQuest|1285699613}}|volume=44|page=72|work=Broadcasting|issue=26}}</ref> a UHF mast was affixed to the top of the building to much fanfare, with onlookers watching from the ground level during the multi-day process,<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 7, 1953|title=Bird? Plane? Nope, TV Show 487 Feet in Air|page=2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66163721/bird-plane-nope-tv-show-487-feet-in/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66163721/bird-plane-nope-tv-show-487-feet-in/|url-status=live}}</ref> and pictures of the tower installation published on the front page of the ''Akron Beacon Journal'' several times.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=MacLeod|first1=Hope|last2=Schlemmer|first2=William D.|date=May 31, 1953|title=TV Rigs Adds 157 Feet To 1st National Tower|pages=1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66164974/tv-rigs-adds-157-feet-to-1st-national/ 2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66164899/tv-rigs-adds-157-feet-to-1st-national/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204924/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66164899/tv-rigs-adds-157-feet-to-1st-national/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=June 7, 1953|title='Way Up Here---|page=1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66163232/way-up-here/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204918/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66163232/way-up-here/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=June 7, 1953|title=---He Snaps A Picture From WAKR-TV Tower|page=1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66163354/-he-snaps-a-picture-from-wakr-tv-tower/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66163354/-he-snaps-a-picture-from-wakr-tv-tower/|url-status=live}}}}</ref> Test transmissions began on June 7, 1953, that consisted solely of a test pattern card featuring the call sign and an illustration of the tower,<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 14, 1953|title=WAKR-TV Begins Telecasting|page=12D|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66202941/wakr-tv-begins-telecasting/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66202941/wakr-tv-begins-telecasting/|url-status=live}}</ref> while appliance stores in the city ran advertisements promoting either new television sets or converter equipment to upgrade existing sets—concurrently promoting the station's upcoming launch.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 25, 1953|title=O'Neil's: Akron's First Big Television Show that will explain all about UHF (Advertisement)|page=15|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66168521/oneils-ad-promoting-wakr-tv-launch/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66168521/oneils-ad-promoting-wakr-tv-launch/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=March 8, 1953|title=Sun Radio/Television: For Better TV Reception in Akron Better See Motorola TV (Advertisement)|page=19D|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66164238/sun-radio-and-television-ad-for-wakr-tv/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66164238/sun-radio-and-television-ad-for-wakr-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> These signal tests continued on a regular set schedule until WAKR-TV formally signed on the air on July 19, 1953.<ref name="WAKR Day One">{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=July 20, 1953|title=Excellent Reception Highlights WAKR-TV|pages=1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66187757/excellent-reception-highlights-wakr-tv/ 2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66187676/excellent-reception-highlights-wakr-tv/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204917/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66187676/excellent-reception-highlights-wakr-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In contrast to the tower construction, the studio operations at the First Central Tower were temporary, as Summit Radio had acquired the former Copley Theatre as a permanent home for the WAKR stations; the building operated as a theater between March 1947 and October 1952.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=February 22, 1953|title=Copley Theater Bought For WAKR-TV Center|page=1-A|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8701843/copley_rd_purchase_1953/|access-date=February 14, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8701843/copley-rd-purchase-1953/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=February 23, 1953|title=At Deadline: WAKR-TV Buys Theatre|id={{ProQuest|1285706267}}|volume=44|page=11|work=Broadcasting|issue=8}}|{{Cite web|title=Copley Theatre, Akron OH|url=https://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/40016.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062246/https://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/40016.html|archive-date=February 7, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020|website=CinemaTour - Cinemas Around the World}}|{{Cite web|title=Copley Theatre in Akron, OH|url=http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/15942|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313070804/https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/15942/|archive-date=March 13, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020|website=Cinema Treasures}}|{{Cite news|date=March 27, 1947|title=Gala Premiere Opening-Copley Theatre (Advertisement)|page=24|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5009884/copley_theatre_opening/|access-date=February 6, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062245/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5009884/copley_theatre_opening/|url-status=live}}}}</ref> As part of the renovations of the theater, a second floor was added solely for office space, while one of the two TV studios featured a large steel turntable floor for set changing purposes;<ref name="Akron's TV-Day">{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=July 12, 1953|title=Next Sunday Is Akron's TV-Day|page=20B|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66196720/next-sunday-is-akrons-tv-day/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204924/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66196720/next-sunday-is-akrons-tv-day/|url-status=live}}</ref> at the time, it was the only such turntable custom-built for a television studio.<ref name="WAKR New Studio">{{Cite news|last=Jaycox|first=Betty|date=November 30, 1953|title=Mask And Wig Club Presents 66th Annual Show Tues., Dec. 29|page=10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69327180/about-town-mask-and-wig-club-presents/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204916/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69327180/about-town-mask-and-wig-club-presents/|url-status=live}}</ref> S. Bernard Berk's wife, Viola Berk, drafted the architectural plans for the new studios, scrapping plans drawn by a professional architect as being "pretty, but not practical".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=February 25, 1953|title=The Town Crier|page=22|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66165279/the-town-crier-viola-berk-designs/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204935/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66165279/the-town-crier-viola-berk-designs/|url-status=live}}</ref> Formally opened that December as the "WAKR Television Center",<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=December 7, 1953|title=Town Crier: TV Hour|page=22|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69327350/town-crier-tv-hour/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204917/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69327350/town-crier-tv-hour/|url-status=live}}</ref> the complex boasted an ultra-modern front lobby and interior designed by Viola Berk,{{r|WAKR New Studio}} and a second floor viewing room with windows where advertisers could watch programs being produced in the studios below.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Samaras|first=Bill|date=December 15, 1953|title=TV's New Akron Home|pages=28, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69328213/tvs-new-akron-home-p2/ 30], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69328238/tvs-new-akron-home-p3/ 33]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Roto Magazine|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69328169/tvs-new-akron-home/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69328169/tvs-new-akron-home/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Focused on Akron === {{Quote box | quote = You at WAKR-TV must always realize, that the people will be greatly influenced by your programs... I'm sure you will realize your duties to these people. | author = The Rev. C. Willard Fetter | source = on WAKR-TV's opening program{{r|WAKR Day One}} | align = left | width = 250px | qalign = left | salign = left }}
[[File:WAKR_TV_sign_on_ad.jpg|thumb|Symbolic of the many issues the station would face, a full-page ad for WAKR-TV's launch contained UHF converter installation instructions.]]WAKR-TV became an ABC-TV affiliate when it signed on, owing to WAKR radio's existing ABC Radio affiliation; Berk attributed the recent merger with United Paramount Theaters to create American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres as a determining factor for the affiliation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=May 24, 1953|title=WAKR-TV Signs With ABC|page=14-E|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44314672/wakrtv_signs_with_abc/|access-date=February 14, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215000003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44314672/wakrtv_signs_with_abc/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|Broadcasting Post-Thaw}} At the same time, ABC-TV was in an aggressive push to sign up as many affiliates as possible to compensate for their lack of competitiveness against CBS-TV, NBC-TV and DuMont.{{r|WAKC ABC Choice}} When WAKR-TV launched, ABC-TV had only secondary affiliations in the Cleveland market on both WXEL (channel 9; later channel 8), then a primary DuMont affiliate, and WEWS-TV (channel 5), then a primary CBS-TV affiliate. WXEL attained the market's CBS affiliation on March 1, 1955,<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 10, 1955|title=CBS-TV big switches|volume=48|page=28|work=Broadcasting|issue=2}}</ref> resulting in WEWS becoming a primary ABC-TV affiliate alongside WAKR-TV.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 22, 1955|title=Lookin' and Listenin'|page=17|work=The Daily Reporter|publisher=Tuscarawas Publishers, Inc.|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69656434/lookin-and-listenin-wews-and-wxel/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69656434/lookin-and-listenin-wews-and-wxel/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Due to both the station's permanent studios still being under construction and ABC not yet programming on a full-time basis, WAKR-TV acquired a film package consisting of high-profile Republic Pictures and United Artists releases to fill airtime via a nightly "double-feature" showcase.<ref name="WAKR Good Films">{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=July 16, 1953|title=WAKR-TV Has Some Good Films|page=24|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66168222/wakr-tv-has-some-good-films/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204918/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66168222/wakr-tv-has-some-good-films/|url-status=live}}</ref> WAKR-TV itself was able to join ABC officially on September 15, 1953, after Ohio Bell Telephone Company technicians completed the installation of receivers for the Bell System-operated relay network.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 8, 1953|title=WAKR Gets Ready For TV Chain|page=25|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69327125/wakr-gets-ready-for-tv-chain/|access-date=February 8, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213042722/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69327125/wakr-gets-ready-for-tv-chain/|url-status=live}}</ref> An additional film package of 20th Century-Fox, Columbia Pictures and David O. Selznick releases was purchased by the station in 1956 and utilized in afternoons and prime time as an early form of counterprogramming against television network fare;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=November 11, 1956|title=Early Evening Movies: WAKR Buys Some Topflight Films|page=6D|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66992433/early-evening-movies-wakr-buys-some/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129203010/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66992433/early-evening-movies-wakr-buys-some/|url-status=live}}</ref> owing to WAKR-TV's flexible schedule, these movies usually ran in complete form, with minimal edits for time.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=February 27, 1957|title=TV Film Men Keep Busy|page=18|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66626392/tv-film-men-keep-busy/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131065652/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66626392/tv-film-men-keep-busy/|url-status=live}}</ref> Milton F. Komito, a director for WMAL-TV in Washington, D.C., who also had produced and directed programs on NBC-TV and ABC-TV, was hired to direct all local productions for the station.{{r|Akron's TV-Day}}{{r|WAKR Good Films}} Komito left in 1955 for a management role at WTAP-TV in Parkersburg, West Virginia,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=May 18, 1955|title=Fine Musical Moments|page=17|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68328635/fine-musical-moments/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130224500/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68328635/fine-musical-moments/|url-status=live}}</ref> eventually returning to the WAKR stations in 1963 as sales manager.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=August 13, 1963|title='Stilled' Voice On TV Scene|page=24|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68329056/stilled-voice-on-tv-scene/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130030927/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68329056/stilled-voice-on-tv-scene/|url-status=live}}</ref> Robert I. Bostian, who replaced Komito as production director, was promoted to program director two months after having joined;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=October 19, 1955|title=Show Titles Confuse|page=28|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66650932/show-titles-confuse/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130023848/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66650932/show-titles-confuse/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bostian would remain a part of WAKR-TV and Summit Radio management through the late 1980s as station vice president<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 20, 1986|title=Art Fleming, 27 others join Akron Radio Hall of Fame|page=A7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68330244/art-fleming-27-others-join-akron-radio/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628221716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68330244/art-fleming-27-others-join-akron-radio/|url-status=live}}</ref> and once summed up the station's purpose by saying, "Our local programming is geared to giving Akron what it wants—news, advertising, announcements and local shows all about Akron."{{r|Akron TV station withers}}
thumb|199x199px|Jack Fitzgibbons|alt=Refer to captionFrom the beginning, WAKR-TV eschewed the Cleveland market proper in favor of Akron and Canton, boasting the only television newscast that focused specifically on both cities, sharing resources with WAKR, which had earned the distinction of being one of the first radio stations in the United States to house an active news department at its 1940 establishment.<ref name="Roger Berk Profile">{{Cite news|date=February 25, 1974|title=Profile: The low visibility of a highly involved broadcaster: Roger Berk|volume=86|page=73|work=Broadcasting|issue=8}}</ref> WAKR personalities began appearing on the television side, including long-time radio staffers Jack Fitzgibbons,<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 12, 2002|title=Jack Fitzgibbons (Obituary)|page=B7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7040543/fitzgibbons_obit/|access-date=February 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062249/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7040543/fitzgibbons_obit/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bill Murphy and Bob Wylie;<ref name="Bob Wylie retirement">{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=September 30, 1979|title=The legend: That's what Bob Wylie's become|page=3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10768176/the_akron_beacon_journal/|access-date=February 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062247/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10768176/the_akron_beacon_journal/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Price|2015|p=166}} indeed, the first live programs over WAKR-TV were a local newscast anchored by Bill Murphy, followed by a Bob Wylie-headlined sportscast.{{r|WAKR Day One}} Jack Fitzgibbons would become the station's lead anchorman and news director alongside his daily radio news reports,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=August 25, 1954|title=Radio And TV News Differs|page=16|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68020919/radio-and-tv-news-differs/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129064239/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68020919/radio-and-tv-news-differs/|url-status=live}}</ref> positions he held until leaving broadcasting in 1969 to become Akron's deputy mayor.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 11, 1969|title=WAKR's Fitzgibbons Named Mayor's Aide|page=B1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7040377/fitzgibbonscity1969/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129023904/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7040377/fitzgibbonscity1969/|url-status=live}}</ref> Future progressive rock radio personality Scott Muni, who was WAKR's evening host from 1956 to 1958, presented the nightly weather report at 6:55 p.m. on WAKR-TV featuring a unique setup allowing him to write the forecast on a pane of glass, then reversed by a mirrored camera, this would directly lead in to his radio program that started at 7:15 pm.<ref name="Muni mirror magic">{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=July 9, 1957|title=Muni's Weather Magic: WAKR Man Uses No Mirrors|page=45|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44096924/munis_weather_magic_wakr_man_uses_no/|access-date=February 12, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204938/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44096924/munis-weather-magic-wakr-man-uses-no/|url-status=live}}</ref> Long-time WAKR midday host Jack Ryan—despite having no background in meteorology<ref name="WAKR Good Evening">{{Cite news|last=Clary|first=Mike|date=June 20, 1976|title=Good Evening... Is Anybody Out There Watching?|pages=6, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66534868/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/ 7], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66534899/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/ 8], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66534923/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/ 9], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66609767/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/ 14], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66609614/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/ 15], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66534964/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/ 16]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Beacon Magazine|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66534812/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204925/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66534812/good-evening-is-anybody-out-there/|url-status=live}}</ref>—later served as WAKR-TV's lead weatherman throughout the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 28, 2018|title=John F. Mulcahey (Obituary)|page=B8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51925613/obituary-for-john-f-mulcahey-aged-93/|access-date=February 20, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204939/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51925613/obituary-for-john-f-mulcahey-aged-93/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Live events and sports coverage heard on WAKR would find itself shown on WAKR-TV. Six days after the station's launch, the station's first live telecast of an outdoor event occurred with coverage of Akron's Sesquicentennial Parade.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 25, 1953|title=Gov. Lausche Leads Sesqui Fete Tonight|page=1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66195138/gov-lausche-leads-sesqui-fete-tonight/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66195138/gov-lausche-leads-sesqui-fete-tonight/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, the station broadcast film of the 1953 Beacon Journal Soap Box Derby and All-American Finals in prime time, with Bob Wylie providing play-by-play.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=July 23, 1953|title=WAKR-TV To Cover The Derby|page=22|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66203712/wakr-tv-to-cover-the-derby/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204929/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66203712/wakr-tv-to-cover-the-derby/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wylie in particular soon became known as the "Voice of the Zips", thanks to the station's broadcasts of Akron Zips football and basketball.{{r|Bob Wylie retirement}} WAKR-TV also touted itself as having broken news of the armistice agreement which formally suspended the Korean War well before any of the Cleveland market stations reported the news.{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} Another alliance existed with the ''Akron Beacon Journal'', as publisher Knight Newspapers—a forerunner of Knight Ridder—held a minority stake in Summit Radio from 1946 to 1977.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=April 15, 1946|title=John S. Knight Buys 45% Interest in WAKR|volume=30|page=30|work=Broadcasting|issue=15}}|{{Cite news|date=May 2, 1977|title=Closed Circuit: Monomedium|volume=92|page=7|work=Broadcasting|issue=18}}}}</ref><ref name="WAKR 50th Anniversary">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=October 14, 1990|title=WAKR has 50 years under its belt: Will past outshine future?|page=F1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43944936/ F5]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43894748/wakr_has_50_years_under_its_belt_will/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204941/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43894748/wakr-has-50-years-under-its-belt-will/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Local music, variety and children's shows === In addition to local news and sports, the station tried producing different programs characteristic of the era, continuing to utilize talent from the radio station. WAKR morning host Torey Southwick became the emcee of an early-evening children's television program on WAKR-TV titled ''The Hinky-Dinks'', which debuted on December 14, 1953, as part of an expansion of the station's broadcast day.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=December 13, 1953|title=TV Show Invites The Kids|page=36D|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66992944/tv-show-invites-the-kids/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131050748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66992944/tv-show-invites-the-kids/|url-status=live}}</ref> Placing an emphasis on participation among the youngsters in the studio audience, ''The Hinky-Dinks'' featured puppetry, pet parades, birthday parties and a circus act on Fridays,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Samaras|first=Bill|date=April 25, 1954|title=The Hinky Dinks|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66905636/the-hinky-dinks-p2/ 2], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66905660/the-hinky-dinks-p3/ 4], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66905688/the-hinky-dinks-p4/ 6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Roto Magazine|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66905611/the-hinky-dinks/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130222943/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66905611/the-hinky-dinks/|url-status=live}}</ref> in addition to Santa Claus reading letters throughout the month of December.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=November 28, 1954|title=TV Makes Song A Hit|page=18D|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68319903/tv-makes-song-a-hit/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Eventually with ABC-TV's ''The Mickey Mouse Club'' as a lead-in,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=September 23, 1955|title=WAKR Extends Telecast Day|page=42|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66992533/wakr-extends-telecast-day/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131003008/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66992533/wakr-extends-telecast-day/|url-status=live}}</ref> the program ended on December 16, 1955, when Southwick left Akron to host mornings at KMBC (980 AM) in Kansas City, Missouri;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=November 16, 1955|title=Town Crier: Once Over Lightly|page=30|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68319522/town-crier-once-over-lightly/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131025043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68319522/town-crier-once-over-lightly/|url-status=live}}</ref> Southwick later presided over similar children's shows in Kansas City on KMBC-TV and KCIT-TV.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 16, 1963|title=Give a Light, Delightful Concert|page=16|work=Kansas City Times|publisher=The Kansas City Star Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68321125/give-a-light-delightful-concert/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130214547/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68321125/give-a-light-delightful-concert/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=November 2, 1969|title=See what you've been missing on KCIT-TV Channel 50 (Advertisement)|page=10G|work=Kansas City Times|publisher=The Kansas City Star Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59166484/see-what-youve-been-missing-on-kcit-tv/|access-date=September 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130234620/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59166484/see-what-youve-been-missing-on-kcit-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Quote box | quote = TV was much more exciting back then—the urgency of it, not knowing what was going to happen... it was live. If you made mistakes, you made mistakes. | author = "Professor Jack" Bennett{{r|Professor Jack}} | align = right | width = 250px | qalign = left | salign = left }}A weekly local music and dance program titled ''The Hop'' aired on the station beginning in 1957 with a succession of WAKR air talent as host; this included Scott Muni, Jack Ryan and Rick (Hudak) Shaw.<ref name="Muni The Hop">{{Cite news|last=Torre|first=Marie|date=April 11, 1958|title=Capt. Video Grounded|page=28|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44300332/capt_video_grounded/|access-date=February 12, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204948/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44300332/capt-video-grounded/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=November 6, 1959|title=The Radio-TV Mailbag: Don't Rap Those Great (?) Singers|page=24|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074867/the-radio-tv-mailbag-dont-rap-those/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130185534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074867/the-radio-tv-mailbag-dont-rap-those/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=February 8, 1962|title=On Your TV Tonight|page=28|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68222505/on-your-tv-tonight-1962-02-08/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129081519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68222505/on-your-tv-tonight-1962-02-08/|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally a cross-promotional vehicle for WAKR's Top 40 format, ''The Hop'' became popular with teenage viewers as a local version of ''American Bandstand'', which WAKR-TV also carried;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lake|first=Richard|date=February 18, 1962|title=Turn On Rock 'n' Head For Cover|pages=2F–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074338/turn-on-rock-n-head-for-cover-p2/ 3F]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074290/turn-on-rock-n-head-for-cover/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130075620/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074290/turn-on-rock-n-head-for-cover/|url-status=live}}</ref> dropped from the schedule at the end of 1961, it was temporarily revived in 1962 thanks to viewer demand.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=January 3, 1962|title=The Radio-Television Mailbag: In Which We Give Hope To The 'Hopless'|page=36|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074815/the-radio-television-mailbag-in-which/|access-date=January 23, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130231710/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68074815/the-radio-television-mailbag-in-which/|url-status=live}}</ref> WAKR-TV also launched ''Akron Tonight''—a late-evening variety show featuring local musical acts and Akron news headlines—on March 30, 1959;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Michelson|first=Herb|date=March 23, 1959|title=Akron's TV 'Livens' Up|page=20|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66571667/akrons-tv-livens-up/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66571667/akrons-tv-livens-up/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Michelson|first=Herb|date=March 31, 1959|title='Tonight' Bows With Class|page=22|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66572049/tonight-bows-with-class/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204951/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66572049/tonight-bows-with-class/|url-status=live}}</ref> the show was briefly reworked the following February into a weekly program presented by WAKR's Charlie Greer.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=February 12, 1960|title=Studio Night-Clubbing: That's Format For 'Akron Tonight'|page=28|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66571829/studio-night-clubbing/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66571829/studio-night-clubbing/|url-status=live}}</ref> Greer had previously hosted a limited-run dance program devoted to big band music over WAKR-TV in 1958.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 13, 1958|title=Adults Get Own Tv Record Hop|volume=55|page=130|work=Broadcasting|issue=15}}</ref> One of the more successful local shows on WAKR-TV was another early-evening children's television program hosted by Jack Boigegrain (known on air as Jack Bennett) under the "Professor Jack" persona, which debuted on February 25, 1963.{{r|WAKR Professor Jack}} Bennett also presented weather reports in the late evenings, billed as the "Weather Profit".<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 28, 1965|title=Professor's 'Profit' Now|page=G17|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66569706/professors-profit-now/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204953/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66569706/professors-profit-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> The program ended on April 1, 1966, after Bennett was denied a raise by station management; this followed a potential hiring by KYW-TV as a replacement for Linn Sheldon falling through due to a subsequent court-ordered ownership change.<ref name="Professor Jack">{{Cite news|last=Price|first=Mark J.|date=March 5, 2000|title=This Place, This Time: Professor Jack|page=19|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Sunday Beacon Magazine|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66603345/this-place-this-time-professor-jack/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204938/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66603345/this-place-this-time-professor-jack/|url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|165x165px|Jerry Healey|alt=Refer to captionStarting with the 1963–64 television season,<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 15, 1963|title=TV Treats of the Week|page=4F|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68022118/tv-treats-of-the-week/|access-date=January 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68022118/tv-treats-of-the-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> WAKR-TV began carrying the entire ABC-TV lineup in pattern with occasional deviations for high school sports and Akron Zips sports coverage;<ref name="Viewing Pattern">{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=October 22, 1963|title=Breaking A Viewing Pattern|page=12|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68022019/breaking-a-viewing-pattern/|access-date=January 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68022019/breaking-a-viewing-pattern/|url-status=live}}</ref> this followed a change in FCC policy that also allowed affiliates to preempt or reschedule network shows at their discretion.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stoyer|first=Lloyd|date=August 25, 1963|title=OK, So What Else Is New?|page=15F|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68022337/ok-so-what-else-is-new/|access-date=January 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204924/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68022337/ok-so-what-else-is-new/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, much of the station's local productions were curtailed, with one of the last local prime time shows being ''Bob Lee Playhouse'', a limited-run weekly variety show in the spring of 1963 hosted by WAKR's Bob Lee.<ref name="WAKR Professor Jack">{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=February 22, 1963|title=Meet 'Professor Jack', 'Boris'|page=22|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66536586/meet-professor-jack-boris/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204941/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66536586/meet-professor-jack-boris/|url-status=live}}</ref> Carrying the ABC lineup in pattern also resulted in WAKR-TV's broadcast schedule largely mirroring fellow ABC primary affiliate WEWS's schedule, although WEWS more freely preempted or rescheduled weaker offerings from the network.{{r|Viewing Pattern}} While WEWS had the larger measured audience by a commanding margin throughout, both stations would continue to fight for each other's viewership.<ref name="WAKC Fade to Black">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=Rich|date=February 26, 2016|title=A fade to black|page=A1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44303364/a_fade_to_black_pt_2/ A4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44302831/a_fade_to_black/|access-date=February 14, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204941/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44302831/a-fade-to-black/|url-status=live}}</ref> One last attempt at a local variety/talk show occurred in the early 1970s with WAKR morning personality and WAKR-TV evening sportscaster Jerry Healey as host.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=November 24, 1972|title=Town Crier: Just Like Being In Hollywood|page=B26|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68465299/town-crier-just-like-being-in-hollywood/|access-date=January 25, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131195554/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68465299/town-crier-just-like-being-in-hollywood/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Jaycox|first=Betty|date=December 28, 1972|title=About Town: Our Judi Is Wearing A Ring|page=A-14|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43948048/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43948048/about-town-our-judi-is-wearing-a-ring/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Jerry Healey Show'' launched on November 27, 1972, at 11 a.m. weekdays<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 26, 1972|title=What's Doing In Daytime|page=7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal TV Preview|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68464839/whats-doing-in-daytime/|access-date=January 25, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131111603/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68464839/whats-doing-in-daytime/|url-status=live}}</ref> and aired until Healey left the stations at the end of 1973;<ref name="Healey Leaving 1st">{{Cite news|date=November 5, 1973|title=Jerry Healey Is Leaving WAKR|page=B-1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44304671/jerry_healey_is_leaving_wakr/|access-date=February 10, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44304671/jerry-healey-is-leaving-wakr/|url-status=live}}</ref> Healey then hosted ''TGIF Party'', a weekly WAKR-TV program on Friday nights throughout the summer of 1974.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=May 31, 1974|title=Jerry Healey's Back: Sam and Serena invite you to his TGIF PARTY (Advertisement)|page=B24|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8974634/haeley_1974/|access-date=February 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233433/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8974634/haeley-1974/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=August 16, 1974|title=Tonight's TV Highlights|page=D5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68465743/tonights-tv-highlights/|access-date=January 25, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131030301/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68465743/tonights-tv-highlights/|url-status=live}}}}</ref>
=== Technical issues and move to channel 23 === {{Multiple image | direction = horizontal | image1 = WAKR-TV_Ch_23_Action_Line_ad.jpg | image2 = Tower of power WAKR 23 1967 ad.jpg | align = right | alt1 = | alt2 = | width2 = 95 | width1 = 67 | footer = Two newspaper ads from November 1967 promoting WAKR-TV's move from channel 49 to 23. }} In promoting the station's sign-on, UHF signals were touted as not being any different from VHF signals in a technical sense,{{r|WADC 2nd}} and S. Bernard Berk provided optimistic words that "about 99.44/100% of the Akron area will receive (WAKR-TV) without difficulty."<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 22, 1953|title=61 TELEVISION STATIONS PLAN OPERATING STARTS BEFORE FALL|volume=44|page=48|work=Broadcasting|issue=25}}</ref> Such sentiment was supported by a study one month after the station launched, showing almost one-third of television sets in the city had been converted to receive UHF, figures much higher than expected for a market serviced by VHF channels.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullison|first=Art|date=August 23, 1953|title=30% Of TV Sets Here Converted|page=18B|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66205668/30-of-tv-sets-here-converted/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204955/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66205668/30-of-tv-sets-here-converted/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this initial optimism, the station immediately ran into issues with poor reception, transmission issues relating to inclement weather conditions, and a lack of adequate UHF channel tuners.{{sfn|Price|2015|p=167}}
Even with passage of the All-Channel Receiver Act, these problems which would not be totally resolved until Summit Radio successfully petitioned the FCC to amend channel allocations between Canton and Akron, allowing WAKR-TV to move to a reassigned channel 23 allocation at higher power.{{sfn|FCC|1966|p=535}} As part of the petition, Summit Radio disclosed that WAKR-TV had amassed a "seven-figure" operating deficit dating back to 1953.{{sfn|FCC|1966|p=534}} This was not exactly new: in a 1961 request to the FCC that Akron should be at the "highest priority" for future potential VHF allocations, Summit Radio declared that channel 49 had "suffered very substantial operating losses" from the beginning.<ref name="VHF For Akron">{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=August 3, 1961|title=VHF For Akron?|page=34|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66755230/vhf-for-akron/|access-date=January 3, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182405/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66755230/vhf-for-akron/|url-status=live}}</ref> The change from channels 49 to 23 took place on December 1, 1967.<ref name="WAKR Tower of Power">{{Cite news|date=December 1, 1967|title=NEW TOWER OF POWER (Advertisement)|page=B8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39633956/the_akron_beacon_journal/|access-date=February 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207063238/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39633956/the_akron_beacon_journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the move, WAKR-TV still lost significant amounts of money for the majority of its existence, relying on profits from WAKR to remain solvent.{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} The former channel 49 allocation would be reassigned for educational use as PBS member station WEAO, using the same transmitter equipment on top of the First Central Tower at their launch.<ref name="Huntington Bank Tower">{{Cite news|last=Mackinnon|first=Jim|date=July 11, 2019|title=Something's missing on downtown skyline|language=en|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51906136/somethings-missing-on-downtown/ B10]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51905915/somethings-missing-on-downtown/|access-date=February 19, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204937/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51905915/somethings-missing-on-downtown/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The changes at WAKR-TV were not just technical: founder S. Bernard Berk died on July 11, 1966, at age 69.<ref name="S Bernard Berk obit">{{Cite news|last=Nichols|first=Kenneth|date=July 11, 1966|title=WAKR's S. Bernard Berk Dies|pages=A-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43947243/berks_persistence_put_wakr_on_air/ A-2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43947199/wakrs_s_bernard_berk_dies/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43947199/wakrs-s-bernard-berk-dies/|url-status=live}}</ref> His widow Viola Berk initially assumed control over Summit Radio<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 26, 1977|title=Broadcaster Viola Berk dies|page=B1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8394596/viola_berk_42677/|access-date=February 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204948/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8394596/viola-berk-4-26-77/|url-status=live}}</ref> then transferred control over in 1970 to son Roger G. Berk,{{r|History Cards}} who had been actively involved with the TV station since its establishment.{{r|Roger Berk Profile}}
=== Geographical disadvantages === While WAKR thrived throughout the 1970s and 1980s, WAKR-TV continued to struggle. Even with the move to channel 23, the Akron and Cleveland markets were collapsed into one, forcing the station to operate in the shadows of the three high-profile VHF stations in the Cleveland market.{{r|WAKR Shadows}} As one of two ABC affiliates broadcasting in the same market, WAKR-TV continued to clear the network's lineup in pattern with next to no deviations.<ref name="WAKC ABC Choice">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=September 8, 1991|title=Area TV viewers get an ABC choice|page=D2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66446038/area-tv-viewers-get-an-abc-choice/|access-date=December 31, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182700/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66446038/area-tv-viewers-get-an-abc-choice/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most notably, this included running ''Good Morning America'' in its entirety from the program's 1975 launch;<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 2, 1975|title=Pick of the Programs: Monday|page=8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal TV Preview|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66474593/pick-of-the-programs-monday-1121975/|access-date=December 31, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66474593/pick-of-the-programs-monday-1121975/|url-status=live}}</ref> WEWS did not carry ''GMA'' until 1978,<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 5, 1978|title=Daytime doings for the week|page=25|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal TV Preview|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66474749/daytime-doings-for-the-week/|access-date=December 31, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66474749/daytime-doings-for-the-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> and until September 1994 only aired the first hour, opting out at 8 a.m. for ''The Morning Exchange''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=August 26, 1994|title='Morning Exchange' moving|page=D26|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66469184/morning-exchange-moving/|access-date=December 31, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182032/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66469184/morning-exchange-moving/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the same time, the carriage of ABC's lineup in its entirety was occasionally seen as a liability for channel 23 whenever WEWS opted to preempt lower-rated or weaker programming.{{r|WAKC ABC Choice}} WAKR-TV, however, did have success carrying a steady amount of paid local and national religious programming, including ''The 700 Club'', which was added to the schedule in 1975.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 19, 1974|title=3 Religious Programs On WAKR|page=H10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52129884/3-religious-programs-on-wakr/|access-date=January 1, 2021|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52129884/3-religious-programs-on-wakr/|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1979, the station aired religious fare for 32 hours every week,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Geiger|first=Peter|date=November 3, 1979|title=Religious report raps Akron area TV, radio stations|page=D1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66574984/religious-report-raps-akron-area-tv/|access-date=January 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204953/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66574984/religious-report-raps-akron-area-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Roger G. Berk having chalked it up to viewer demand.{{r|WAKR Shadows}}
{{Quote box | quote = You have to marvel at Fred (Anthony), keeping spirits up down there in the newsroom, with them not being rated... it's an ego thing. He walks down the street, and people recognize him. 'Hey, Fred,' they say. Ever been out to lunch with him? That ego boost, that recognition, is what keeps the team going. It's sheer guts. | author = Robert Bostian{{r|WAKR Good Evening}} | align = left | width = 275px | qalign = left | salign = left }}
WAKR-TV's audience was often outranked by WEWS in Arbitron and Nielsen ratings diary reports, even in Summit County. Arbitron estimated in 1976 that one percent of all television sets in Summit County were tuned in to the station's 6 p.m. news.{{r|WAKR Good Evening}} By 1991, the ratings service put the estimate at 3 percent for channel 23's 6 p.m. news, and 1 percent for their 11 p.m. news.{{r|WAKC Questions Ratings}} Station management and ownership were frequently critical of how the surveys were set up, with Roger G. Berk stating that Arbitron never had given the station a fair share, while WAKR-TV never formally subscribed to the service, preventing Arbitron from more intently measuring the county;{{r|WAKR Good Evening}} Roger's son Roger G. Berk Jr. would refer to the ratings as "statistically invalid."{{r|WAKC Questions Ratings}} Station manager Robert Bostian once raised the possibility of Akron viewers confusing WEWS for WAKR-TV based on informal phone surveys,<ref name="WAKR Shadows">{{Cite news|last=Coleman|first=Gerri|date=April 16, 1978|title=In the shadow of the monster to the north|pages=4, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44312668/in-the-shadow-of-the-monster-to-the/ 6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal TV Preview|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44312521/in-the-shadow-of-the-monster-to-the/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204940/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44312521/in-the-shadow-of-the-monster-to-the/|url-status=live}}</ref> and also claimed that ratings sampling procedures underestimated the station's overall audience;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bianculli|first=David|date=September 30, 1981|title=Reader, Ch. 23 official object to Ch. 3 bureau slams|page=B7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66619258/reader-ch-23-official-object-to-ch-3/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204943/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66619258/reader-ch-23-official-object-to-ch-3/|url-status=live}}</ref> these allegations would persist into the 1990s.{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}}
right|200px|thumb|1982-83 station identification slide for WAKR-TVA legitimate geographical disadvantage existed for the station. Summit County accounted for 14 percent of the Cleveland area of dominant influence (ADI)—as defined by Arbitron in 1991—and Summit County and the surrounding four counties accounted for one-third of the Cleveland ADI.<ref name="WAKC Questions Ratings">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=July 7, 1991|title=WAKC questions validity of ratings|page=D7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44377762/wakc-questions-validity-of-ratings/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204944/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44377762/wakc-questions-validity-of-ratings/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later analysis by ''Beacon Journal'' columnist Bob Dyer suggested that the newspaper's five-county circulation area would have resulted in the 50th biggest television market in the country, and the Akron metropolitan statistical area ''itself'' could have been the 100th largest television market, on par with El Paso and Savannah's MSAs.<ref name="Life after WAKC">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=June 13, 1999|title=Life after WAKC|pages=4, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634355/life-after-wakc-p2/ 5], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634415/life-after-wakc-p3/ 6], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634505/life-after-wakc-p4/ 7], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634555/life-after-wakc-p5/ 8], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634611/life-after-wakc-p6/ 9], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634675/life-after-wakc-p7/ 12]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Magazine|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634302/life-after-wakc/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204941/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69634302/life-after-wakc/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ratings issues for channel 23, in turn, were reflected in advertising rates for the newscasts that were a fraction of what Cleveland stations would charge for.{{r|WAKR Good Evening}} In 1976, a typical commercial spot on channel 23 only cost $150 for an advertiser compared to $300 for the same spot load on a Cleveland station;{{r|WAKR Shadows}} by the mid-1990s, channel 23 charged $200 while the Cleveland stations charged anywhere between $1,500 to $2,000.{{r|Life after WAKC}} Management referred to the revenue disparity that resulted as a "Catch-23," preventing the station from acquiring any high-profile syndicated programming and having to resort to less-desirable off-network reruns like ''McHale's Navy'' and ''I Dream of Jeannie''.<ref name="Billy Soule KSU">{{Cite news|last=Gilbow|first=Sean|date=August 26, 1985|title=Look out, MTV; here's music video for all|pages=15–16|work=Daily Kent Stater|publisher=Kent State Student Media|url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/cgi-bin/kentstate?a=d&d=dks19850826-01.2.37|access-date=February 6, 2020|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204946/https://dks.library.kent.edu/cgi-bin/kentstate?a=d&d=dks19850826-01.2.37|url-status=live}}</ref>
The station successfully fought to be excluded from market limitations for syndicated programming in 1974 for two years, and after cable television was introduced to the Akron market in 1974, WAKR-TV was placed at the channel 4 position by Warner Cable, a move later attributed for helping the station turn a profit in 1977.<ref name="WAKR Wins Cable">{{Cite news|last=Hershey|first=William|date=October 22, 1977|title=WAKR wins cable numbers game|page=A-10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44004589/wakr_wins_cable_numbers_game/|access-date=February 11, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204953/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44004589/wakr-wins-cable-numbers-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> When a report came out in late 1977 that FCC chairman Charles D. Ferris was reconsidering cable television network nonduplication rules if a significantly viewed station were to seek an exemption from blackouts,<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 19, 1977|title=Ferris thinks nonduplication rule for cable makes FCC look 'ridiculous'|id={{ProQuest|1016896430}}|volume=93|pages=23–25|work=Broadcasting|issue=25}}</ref> Roger G. Berk responded with a letter of concern, disclosing that Summit/Group One had invested more than $2 million into WAKR-TV and suffered losses of over $5 million.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 23, 1978|title=Cablecasting: Akron letter causes dust-up in Washington|id={{ProQuest|1014707013}}|volume=94|page=60|work=Broadcasting|issue=4}}</ref> As the station approached its 25th anniversary in 1978, Robert Bostian told the ''Beacon Journal'' that the station would have ceased operations early on had the Berks not absorbed a significant amount of said losses.{{r|WAKR Shadows}}
=== Becoming a training ground === alt=Refer to caption|thumb|Fred Anthony, Jack Ryan, and Frank DeMarco anchored WAKR-TV's ''Newswatch'' in the late 1970s. Even with the numerous limitations facing the station, local newscast production remained consistent. Fred Anthony joined WAKR as a reporter in 1969, then became news director for both the radio and television stations, and lead anchor for WAKR-TV's 6 p.m. newscast.<ref name="Fred Anthony Obit">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=March 13, 2004|title=Broadcast great Fred Anthony dies|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66694722/broadcast-great-fred-anthony-dies-p2/ A7]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66694454/broadcast-great-fred-anthony-dies/|access-date=January 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204949/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66694454/broadcast-great-fred-anthony-dies/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station won the 1973 Ohio Associated Press award for best regularly scheduled news program,<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 1, 1973|title=WAKR-TV, WHBC Cited|page=A15|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66753992/wakr-tv-whbc-cited/|access-date=January 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204943/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66753992/wakr-tv-whbc-cited/|url-status=live}}</ref> with Anthony receiving credit for helping instill "a renewed sense of pride" among the staffers.{{r|WAKR Good Evening}} WAKR-TV was able to add an 11 p.m. newscast on September 20, 1976,<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 17, 1976|title=WAKR-TV adding 11 p.m. newscast|page=F1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66710662/wakr-tv-adding-11-pm-newscast/|access-date=January 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66710662/wakr-tv-adding-11-pm-newscast/|url-status=live}}</ref> and while Anthony gradually left his on-air position, he remained active in channel 23's operations into the mid-1980s and at WAKR until 1992.{{r|Fred Anthony Obit}} Under Anthony, the news department attained a reputation for hard work and scrappiness, competing against the Cleveland stations with a smaller staff, fewer resources and sometimes equipment shortages;{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} at one point, the news department only had one camera capable of recording sound.{{r|WAKR Good Evening}} Such shortages were not unique. The station ceased telecasting Akron Zips basketball games after the 1968–69 season when their remote unit used for the games—which only functioned in black-and-white—was donated to the university, and a replacement color remote unit was cost-prohibitive.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ocker|first=Sheldon|author-link=Sheldon Ocker|date=March 20, 1979|title=TV could help fans remember Akron U basketball|page=D1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66597959/tv-could-help-fans-remember-akron-u/|access-date=January 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204939/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66597959/tv-could-help-fans-remember-akron-u/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Quote box | quote = It was almost like we're sort of in it together ... working for good video [for an audition tape] instead of money. | author = Mark Nolan{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} | align = left | width = 225px | qalign = left | salign = left }}
Similar to the reputation WAKR developed in the 1940s and 1950s as a "stepping stone" for future famous radio and television announcers,{{r|S Bernard Berk obit}} WAKR-TV became a training ground for future broadcasters. Long-time anchorman Ted Henry began his career as a reporter for both WAKR and WAKR-TV in 1965,<ref name="Ted Henry">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite web|last=Henry|first=Ted|author-link=Ted Henry|date=April 29, 2009|title=People Always Ask Me....|url=https://tedhenryblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/more-more-more/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206232421/https://tedhenryblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/more-more-more/|archive-date=February 6, 2020|access-date=February 6, 2020|website=Ted's Blog|quote=This is something I discovered during my first serious job when I worked at WAKR TV and Radio in Akron. I spent three years there and loved the fact that the sense of discovery with my job changed every day as the news would change.}}|{{cite web|title=Henry's career|url=http://www.spoke.com/people/ted-henry-3e1429c09e597c100386afea|access-date=February 6, 2020|publisher=Spoke|archive-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206232423/http://www.spoke.com/people/ted-henry-3e1429c09e597c100386afea|url-status=live}}}}</ref> as did veteran Cleveland news anchor and reporter Dick Russ in 1976.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 27, 1979|title=Channel 8 gets WAKR's Russ for noon news|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66569749/channel-8-gets-wakrs-russ-for-noon/|access-date=January 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66569749/channel-8-gets-wakrs-russ-for-noon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Future CNN anchor Carol Costello, a Minerva native, got her start at the WAKR stations in 1984 as a reporter, covering the Akron police beat and multiple court trials.<ref name="Carol Costello start">{{Cite news|last=Carney|first=Jim|date=February 27, 2006|title=CNN anchor got her start in Akron area|pages=B1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44309762/cnn_anchor_got_her_start_in_akron_area/ B6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44309529/cnn_anchor_got_her_start_in_akron_area/|access-date=February 12, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204946/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44309529/cnn-anchor-got-her-start-in-akron-area/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} Sportscaster Jeff Phelps began his broadcast career in 1981 co-hosting a weekly program with Kent State Golden Flashes football coach Ed Chlebek on WAKR-TV, in addition to being a color commentator for Kent State football broadcasts on WAKR.<ref name="Jeff Phelps">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=June 23, 1981|title=WAKR to carry some Kent games|page=D2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44874641/wakr_to_carry_some_kent_games/|access-date=February 17, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217202450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44874641/wakr_to_carry_some_kent_games/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=September 8, 1981|title=WAKR-TV to air Kent grid show|page=D3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44875845/wakrtv_to_air_kent_grid_show/|access-date=February 17, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217202451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44875845/wakrtv_to_air_kent_grid_show/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|last=Seaburn|first=John|date=September 18, 1981|title=Kent State, Akron to keep WAKR sportscasters busy|page=C5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44875136/kent_state_akron_to_keep_wakr/|access-date=February 17, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217202450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44875136/kent_state_akron_to_keep_wakr/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=October 24, 1982|title=Phelps leaving WAKR radio|page=E13|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44874507/phelps_leaving_wakr_radio/|access-date=February 17, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217202452/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44874507/phelps_leaving_wakr_radio/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite web|date=February 24, 2018|title=Jeff Phelps|url=https://923thefan.radio.com/hosts/jeff-phelps|access-date=February 9, 2020|website=92.3 The Fan|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109181906/https://923thefan.radio.com/hosts/jeff-phelps|url-status=live}}}}</ref> Denny Schreiner was WAKR and WAKR-TV's sports director prior to joining ESPN as lead play-by-play voice for their PBA Tour coverage.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thom|first=Dan|date=May 29, 2020|title=Schreiner leaves WAKR to do bowling for ESPN|pages=C1, C5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8284321/denny_1986/|access-date=February 10, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204948/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8284321/denny-1986/|url-status=live}}</ref> Future WKYC meteorologist Mark Nolan and future WEWS chief meteorologist Mark Johnson worked together at the station, with Johnson training Nolan.{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} Eventual lead anchor and news director Mark Williamson started his tenure with channel 23 in 1979; one of the first major stories he covered while doing helicopter-based traffic reports for the WAKR stations was the August 2, 1979, plane crash that killed Thurman Munson.<ref name="WAKC Alumni">{{Cite web|last=Bhatia|first=Kabir|date=February 28, 2021|title=WAKC Alumni Look Back, Decades After TV News Left Town|url=https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2016-02-28/wakc-alumni-look-back-20-years-after-tv-news-left-town|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228162617/https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2016-02-28/wakc-alumni-look-back-20-years-after-tv-news-left-town|archive-date=February 28, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2021|website=WKSU|publisher=Kent State University|language=en}}</ref>
One bright spot for the TV station came when WAKR personality Billy Soule became a video jockey on WAKR-TV in 1984, first hosting ''23 Nite Videos'', a Saturday night music video program;<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roteman|first=Jeff|title=KQV Billy Soule Page|url=http://user.pa.net/~ejjeff/billysoule.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062256/http://user.pa.net/~ejjeff/billysoule.html|archive-date=February 7, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020|website=Jeff Roteman's KQV Page}}</ref> this show eventually became ''23 Music Magazine'', a daily program that aired both in late afternoons via tape and was broadcast live in the prime time access hour of 7 p.m., itself compensating for the station's continued inability to acquire syndicated programming.{{r|Billy Soule KSU}} The weeknight program ended in early 1989,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Haferd|first=Laura|date=May 13, 1989|title=Christian rock video show to debut|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66117257/christian-rock-video-show-to-debut-p2/ B3]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66117233/christian-rock-video-show-to-debut/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204944/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66117233/christian-rock-video-show-to-debut/|url-status=live}}</ref> but Soule continued hosting ''23 Nite Videos'' on weekend overnights into the following decade, and won the 1993 Billboard Music Video Award for best pop/adult contemporary regional video program.<ref name="TV-23 In Limbo">{{Cite magazine|last=Russell|first=Deborah|date=July 9, 1994|id={{ProQuest|227032065}}|title=The Eye: VH-1's Honorable Effort; 'TV-23' In Limbo In Akron|volume=106|page=37|magazine=Billboard|issue=28}}</ref> A screenshot taken from a promo for ''23 Music Magazine'' would later be used at the beginning and end of a music video for The Black Keys' 2019 single "Lo/Hi" in an apparent tribute to the show.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Abram|first=Malcolm X|date=March 8, 2019|title=Black Keys release first tune since 2014|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51905709/black-keys-release-first-tune-since/ A6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51905631/black-keys-release-first-tune-since-2014/|access-date=May 22, 2019|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205122/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51905631/black-keys-release-first-tune-since-2014/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== WAKC-TV (1986–1998) ==
=== Separated from radio === {{Quote box | quote = You just deliver the news. And you don't tell people how to think. You don't tell them it's an 'awful' murder. Yeah, it's awful that the kid got run over by the steamroller... we don't ask his mother, 'How do you feel?' I don't do that because you know how she feels, for crissakes. | author = Mark Williamson{{r|Aches of TV 23}} | align = right | width = 250px | qalign = left | salign = left }}
Summit Radio sold off WAKR, WONE-FM, and their radio stations in Dayton, Dallas and Denver—held under the "Group One Broadcasting" subsidiary—to DKM Broadcasting for approximately $60–65 million on July 15, 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 21, 1986|title=Changing Hands: Proposed|volume=111|page=62|work=Broadcasting|issue=3|id={{ProQuest|963279920}}}}</ref> Negotiations between Summit and DKM had been underway for six months prior,<ref name="DKM Buys WAKR">{{Cite news|last1=Dyer|first1=Bob|last2=Roane|first2=Marilyn Miller|date=July 16, 1986|title=Ga. firm to buy WAKR, WONE|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43959344/georgia_firm_to_buy_wakr_wone/ A12]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43959356/ga_firm_to_buy_wakr_wone/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233507/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43959356/ga-firm-to-buy-wakr-wone/|url-status=live}}</ref> and was later attributed as a deal made at the height of the mid-late 1980s junk bond frenzy.{{r|WAKR 50th Anniversary}} WAKR-TV was retained by the Berk family and placed under the "Group One" subsidiary,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Warner|first=Stuart|date=July 24, 1986|title=Warner's Corner: However you spell it, a new name is needed|page=C-1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43959312/however_you_spell_it_a_new_name_is/|access-date=February 9, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233501/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43959312/however-you-spell-it-a-new-name-is/|url-status=live}}</ref> while Roger G. Berk vowed to take Group One into the field of television production and consulting with their Creative Technologies, Inc. firm.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 18, 1986|title=DKM Acquires Eight Group One Stations|pages=1, 8|work=Radio & Records|issue=644}}</ref> Roger G. Berk would retire in 1988 and was succeeded by his son, Roger G. Berk Jr.{{sfn|Ritchey|Miles|1993|pp=45}} Summit Radio had previously filed a trademark for WAKR (since expired) that was transferred to DKM,<ref>{{Cite web|title=WAKR Trademark - Registration Number 1374236 - Serial Number 73540909|url=http://trademarks.justia.com/735/40/wakr-73540909.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221041639/https://trademarks.justia.com/735/40/wakr-73540909.html|archive-date=February 21, 2020|access-date=February 17, 2020|website=trademarks.justia.com|publisher=Justia Trademarks|language=en}}</ref> resulting in WAKR-TV changing its callsign to WAKC-TV that November 3; Roger Berk Jr. chose the calls to allude to the previous identity and to recognize "Akron/Canton" as their area of influence.<ref name="WAKC Meaning">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=July 10, 1988|title=What's in a call letter? Legends, lore behind station names|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66116215/whats-in-a-call-letter-legends-lore/ B6], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66116299/whats-in-a-call-letter-legends-lore/ B7]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66116178/whats-in-a-call-letter-legends-lore/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182232/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66116178/whats-in-a-call-letter-legends-lore/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The terms of the radio station sale called for WAKR and WONE-FM to be moved out of the Copley Road studios, as Summit/Group One retained ownership of the building, both radio stations left the following year.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=April 3, 1987|title=WAKR and WONE radio will move this summer|page=B9|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44369428/wakr_and_wone_radio_will_move_this/|access-date=February 15, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215053342/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44369428/wakr_and_wone_radio_will_move_this/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=August 29, 1987|title=No room for missing a beat|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44828800/no_room_for_missing_a_beat_pt_2/ A5]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44828224/no_room_for_missing_a_beat/|access-date=February 17, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217062645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44828224/no_room_for_missing_a_beat/|url-status=live}}}}</ref> A co-op agreement was also established between the radio stations and WAKC; one WAKR reporter was notably fired due to his displeasure over having to record a video segment for a public affairs program jointly aired on both radio and television.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 1, 1987|title=WAKR fires reporter Dean Griffin|page=C12|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44831295/wakr-fires-reporter-dean-griffin/|access-date=December 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205120/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44831295/wakr-fires-reporter-dean-griffin/|url-status=live}}</ref> WAKR and WAKC also continued co-production of ''Civic Forum of the Air'' in coordination with the Jewish Community Center of Akron;<ref name="Civic Forum 1">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 24, 1992|title=WUAB sportscaster to add intergalactic responsibilities|page=D2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44579035/wuab_sportscaster_to_add_intergalactic/|access-date=February 16, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216053436/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44579035/wuab_sportscaster_to_add_intergalactic/|url-status=live}}</ref> this weekly public affairs program, which aired on Sunday mornings on WAKC throughout this time, debuted on both radio and television on June 4, 1961,<ref name="Civic Forum 2">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=June 4, 1961|title=That 'Export' Image|page=7D|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44577216/civic_forum_of_the_air_debuts/|access-date=February 15, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216053435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44577216/civic_forum_of_the_air_debuts/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=June 9, 1963|title=Civic Forum Marks Anniversary|page=11F|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44577428/civic_forum_marks_anniversary/|access-date=February 16, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216053435/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44577428/civic_forum_marks_anniversary/|url-status=live}}}}</ref> and remains on the WAKR schedule to the present day as ''Forum 360''.<ref name="Forum 360">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite web|title=WAKR - AM Station Profile - FCC Public Inspection Files|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/am-profile/wakr/issues-and-programs-lists/abf0ca9b-0b29-1b90-9038-6a069701733a/|access-date=February 14, 2020|website=publicfiles.fcc.gov|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233556/https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/am-profile/wakr/issues-and-programs-lists/abf0ca9b-0b29-1b90-9038-6a069701733a/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite web|date=January 28, 2020|title=Forum 360: Fun Month in January|url=https://www.jewishakron.org/news/current-news/forum-360-fun-month-in-january|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522190059/https://www.jewishakron.org/news/current-news/forum-360-fun-month-in-january|archive-date=May 22, 2020|access-date=February 14, 2020|website=www.jewishakron.org|publisher=Jewish Community Center of Akron}}}}</ref> Staff were eventually separated, however. Tim Daugherty—who had been hired by Summit/Group One as part of WONE-FM's initial airstaff following its conversion from WAEZ on January 1, 1985<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kelly|first=Nathan|date=March 2010|title=Rock Solid|url=http://digital.ipcprintservices.com/publication/?i=32490&p=1&pp=1&view=issueViewer|access-date=February 6, 2020|website=Akron Life|publisher=digital.ipcprintservices.com|language=en-US|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205125/http://digital.ipcprintservices.com/publication/?i=32490&p=1&pp=1&view=issueViewer|url-status=live}}</ref>—was retained by WAKC as their lead weatherman,<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 9, 1987|title=Network castoffs lead sitcom pack in Nielsen ratings|page=B4|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66117214/network-castoffs-lead-sitcom-pack-in/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205157/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66117214/network-castoffs-lead-sitcom-pack-in/|url-status=live}}</ref> despite minimal on-camera experience and, like Jack Ryan before him, no meteorological background.{{r|WAKC Alumni}} Meanwhile, Carol Costello briefly stayed with the radio stations after WAKC did not offer her a substantial on-air position, ultimately leaving the market altogether.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=March 22, 1987|title=Less news is bad news for WSLR employees|page=D2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66116354/less-news-is-bad-news-for-wslr-employees/|access-date=December 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66116354/less-news-is-bad-news-for-wslr-employees/|url-status=live}}</ref> alt=Refer to caption|thumb|166x166px|Jim Kambrich While the Berks had initially invested the profits from the radio station divestitures into WAKC,{{sfn|Ritchey|Miles|1993|pp=45}} the economic and financial struggles which had impacted the station throughout its existence never improved. WAKC attracted some negative attention for pre-recording their 11 p.m. newscast earlier in the evenings as a cost-saving measure, but that was reversed by 1990.<ref name="Aches of TV 23">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=July 7, 1991|title=The aches of Akron's TV 23|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44377719/the-aches-of-akrons-tv-23-pt-2/ D7]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44377485/the-aches-of-akrons-tv-23/|access-date=December 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205128/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44377485/the-aches-of-akrons-tv-23/|url-status=live}}</ref> The newscast production never evolved from its "no-frills" approach to journalism and began to be seen as an anachronism compared to flashy graphics, "happy talk" and tabloid journalism elements seen on the Cleveland stations, all of which regularly beat WAKC in the ratings in the Akron area by sizable margins.{{r|WAKC No News is Bad News}} Some investments had been made, including teleprompters for the studio cameras and an electronic weather map system, but these had already been put into use by the Cleveland stations years earlier.{{r|Life after WAKC}} A June 17, 1991, incident later recounted in the ''Akron Beacon Journal'' detailed anchor Jim Kambrich—who himself would serve as an anchor at WNYT in Albany, New York, from 1994 to 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=Barlette|first=Kristi Gustafson|date=November 14, 2020|title=Jim Kambrich leaving WNYT|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Jim-Kambrich-leaving-WNYT-15727195.php|access-date=December 26, 2020|website=Times Union|language=en-US|archive-date=December 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215205500/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Jim-Kambrich-leaving-WNYT-15727195.php|url-status=live}}</ref>—concluding his 11 p.m. newscast on set, only to find a reporter and two interns in the newsroom instead watching WJW's newscast, which focused on lead anchor Robin Swoboda's departure from that station.{{r|Aches of TV 23}}
=== ValueVision ownership === {{Quote box | quote = In an era when more and more local broadcasters are worshiping at the Shrine of the Tabloid ... the Berk family and its news managers usually have erred on the side of caution. Far more often than not, they have been responsible, conscientious journalists. It is sad to see yet another local, family-owned broadcasting outlet gobbled up by a faceless, out-of-state conglomerate. | author = Bob Dyer<ref name="WAKC No News is Bad News">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=November 28, 1993|title=No news would be bad news after Channel 23 sale|page=D2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44820998/no-news-would-be-bad-news-after-channel/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205052/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44820998/no-news-would-be-bad-news-after-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> | width = 275px }}
On November 20, 1993, the ''Akron Beacon Journal'' reported that Summit/Group One was in talks to sell off WAKC to a then-undisclosed home shopping network.<ref name="WAKC Home Shopping">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=November 20, 1993|title=Is Akron's WAKC switching to home shopping?|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44824286/is-akrons-wakc-switching-to-home/ C4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44824204/is-akrons-wakc-switching-to-home/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205126/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44824204/is-akrons-wakc-switching-to-home/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three days later, Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based ValueVision announced their $6 million purchase of the station; the deal ended 40 years of continuous ownership by the Berk family.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=November 24, 1993|title=Channel 23 is going shopping|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44820322/channel-23-is-going-shopping-pt-2/ A14]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44819737/channel-23-is-going-shopping/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181824/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44819737/channel-23-is-going-shopping/|url-status=live}}</ref> As ValueVision was a company specializing in home shopping programming and infomercials, the sale immediately raised concerns in local media that WAKC would drop their ABC affiliation and potentially cancel its newscasts; prior to the sale, three newsroom staffers told the ''Beacon Journal'' "everyone in the newsroom has been making tapes" for other prospective employers.{{r|WAKC Home Shopping}} After the sale was announced, ValueVision made a public pledge to keep and expand WAKC's news department,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Allen|first=Dale|date=November 28, 1993|title=With sale of WAKC, airwaves are even more airhead-friendly|page=B3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44826772/with-sale-of-wakc-airwaves-are-even/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44826772/with-sale-of-wakc-airwaves-are-even/|url-status=live}}</ref> while an ABC affiliate representative said they were not notified of the sale beyond existing newspaper articles and that no effort had been made to communicate with them.<ref name="WAKC Not As Simple ABC">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 19, 1993|title=WAKC's future not simple as ABC|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44813886/wakcs-future-not-simple-as-abc-pt-2/ E6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44813713/wakcs-future-not-simple-as-abc/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205125/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44813713/wakcs-future-not-simple-as-abc/|url-status=live}}</ref> Roger G. Berk Jr. took public exception to the speculation over WAKC's future, saying that ValueVision would be able to retain a news operation because it would ''own'' the station, as opposed to affiliates in other markets that had different owners.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Allen|first=Dale|date=December 12, 1993|title=Pending sale of WAKC shows up slim offerings in broadcast news|page=H3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44831871/pending-sale-of-wakc-shows-up-slim/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205146/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44831871/pending-sale-of-wakc-shows-up-slim/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, city councils in Akron and Barberton approved public resolutions that opposed the sale.{{r|WAKC Not As Simple ABC}}
By mid-December, two ValueVision representatives visited the station and made multiple pledges to the staff, including no reduction in newscast output, no layoffs, and that WAKC would not become a 24-hour home shopping channel; other promises even included the establishment of a news bureau in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 15, 1993|title=Saving the local news on WAKC|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44815533/saving-the-local-news-on-wakc-pt-2/ D4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44815253/saving-the-local-news-on-wakc/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205129/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44815253/saving-the-local-news-on-wakc/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the assurances, ''Beacon Journal'' TV columnist Bob Dyer questioned the company's motives based on their prospectus, suggesting that WAKC was bought to help get their home shopping programming on cable thanks to the FCC's "must-carry" regulations for full-power television stations that apply to all cable systems.{{r|WAKC No News is Bad News}} One of those representatives, vice president of broadcast operations Mike Jones, took over as WAKC's vice president and general manager when the deal closed on April 18, 1994;<ref name="WAKC News Revamp">{{Cite news|date=June 2, 1994|title=Channel 23 fills positions in revamped news operation|page=B9|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44807923/channel-23-fills-positions-in-revamped/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205150/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44807923/channel-23-fills-positions-in-revamped/|url-status=live}}</ref> concurrently, ValueVision and ABC came to an agreement on a new affiliate contract for WAKC, effectively keeping the home shopping programming off of the station entirely.<ref name="WAKC VVI Takeover">{{Cite news|date=April 19, 1994|title=ValueVision takes over WAKC|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44808543/valuevision-takes-over-wakc/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44808543/valuevision-takes-over-wakc/|url-status=live}}</ref>
This sudden change again attracted the ire of Bob Dyer, who openly asked in his June 22, 1994, column why their initial plans for WAKC becoming a home shopping outlet of some sort—all of which were publicly announced to investors, the FCC and the Securities and Exchange Commission—had been abandoned with no explanation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=June 22, 1994|title=Channel 23 baffle you? Join crowd|page=D3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44810744/channel-23-baffle-you-join-crowd/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205155/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44810744/channel-23-baffle-you-join-crowd/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed that ABC automatically renewed the affiliation once ValueVision took over via a clause in the existing contract, leaving the new owners with little choice but to continue running the station as an ABC affiliate.<ref name="WAKC No Change Sale">{{Cite news|last=McEnaney|first=Maura|date=August 26, 1995|title=Sale won't change WAKC programs|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44803671/sale-wont-change-wakc-programs-pt-2/ A4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44803177/sale-wont-change-wakc-programs/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182039/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44803177/sale-wont-change-wakc-programs/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ownership change had one definitive casualty: ''23 Nite Videos'' ended production in early June 1994 after ten years, and aired in reruns throughout the summer.{{r|TV-23 In Limbo}} Billy Soule later admitted that ''Nite Videos'' was cancelled because Mike Jones "did not want me on the air, period", and was reassigned to off-air duties that included public affairs.<ref name="Akr19960703pC1">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=July 3, 1996|title=WAKC loses heart and Soule: Longtime channel 23 personality signals goodbye, believing he had reached dead end|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EE7D61BC6D08056&f=basic|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank}}</ref> Likewise, Tim Daugherty left during the transition to return to WONE-FM and WAKR on a full-time basis.<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 23, 1994|title=TV weatherman Daugherty going to radio station|page=C6|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44808335/tv-weatherman-daugherty-going-to-radio/|access-date=December 27, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205107/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44808335/tv-weatherman-daugherty-going-to-radio/|url-status=live}}</ref>
As part of the promised revamp of the news operations, veteran broadcaster Bob Tayek was hired as vice president of news, while existing news director/lead anchor Mark Williamson was also appointed to head a new investigative reporting unit.{{r|WAKC News Revamp}} Rebranded as "The NorthOhio NewsStation" despite retaining a focus on Akron and Canton,<ref name="WAKC Debacle Not All Bad">{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=March 1, 1996|title=Channel 23 News Debacle Not All Bad|page=D3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EE7D5E008EA4E9D|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 4, 2022|via=NewsBank}}</ref> WAKC's 6 p.m. newscast was expanded to one hour on October 31, 1994.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 31, 1994|title=WAKC news is expanding to an hour starting tonight|page=C15|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44812769/wakc-news-is-expanding-to-an-hour/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44812769/wakc-news-is-expanding-to-an-hour/|url-status=live}}</ref> That change, however, took longer than expected to implement and came at the expense of their weekend 11 p.m. newscasts, which were canceled and never reinstated.<ref name="WAKC Your News">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=September 21, 1995|title=WAKC adding an hour of 'news you can use'|pages=C11, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44800240/wakc-adding-an-hour-of-news-you-can/ C13]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44799504/wakc-adding-an-hour-of-news-you-can/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44799504/wakc-adding-an-hour-of-news-you-can/|url-status=live}}</ref> Questions still persisted among the staff about the new owners' commitment to news, while Tayek had assumed most of Mark Williamson's administrative duties.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=October 18, 1994|title=Channel 23 subtracts, adds news|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44812408/channel-23-subtracts-adds-local-news/ B4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44812298/channel-23-subtracts-adds-news/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205123/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44812298/channel-23-subtracts-adds-news/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the changes, viewership remained minimal and the quality was uneven at best; general manager Mike Jones even sent a memo to the staff calling one August 1995 newscast he had viewed "the worst newscast ever produced in the history of broadcasting."{{r|WAKC Your News}} Bob Dyer later likened Jones unfavorably to then-Browns head coach Bill Belichick in his newspaper column, saying that Jones was "the perfect illustration of why people in places like Akron loathe most of what resides inside the Beltway," owing to his weekend commutes to a Washington, D.C., residence.{{r|WAKC Debacle Not All Bad}}
=== Paxson takeover === Faced with operating a station that they could not use for their own programming, ValueVision announced the sale of WAKC on August 25, 1995, to West Palm Beach, Florida-based Paxson Communications, along with WHAI-TV in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for a combined $40 million in cash;<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 1, 1996|title=Briefs: ValueVision International Inc.|page=D3|work=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66028314/briefs-valuevision-international-inc/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205135/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66028314/briefs-valuevision-international-inc/|url-status=live}}</ref> Paxson was already closing in on the purchase of WOAC (channel 67) in Canton,{{r|WAKC No Change Sale}} with their chief financial officer having called that station "our entrée to Cleveland."{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} Paxson was another company that specialized in home shopping, albeit of the infomercial variety, and whose founder co-founded the Home Shopping Network, but planned to retain WAKC's local operations and the ABC affiliation.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 2, 1995|title=Paxson sees bargain at WAKC-TV|page=D2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44804591/paxson-sees-bargain-at-wakc-tv/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205123/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44804591/paxson-sees-bargain-at-wakc-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Those intentions had credibility: Paxson had previously acquired WPBF, ABC's West Palm Beach affiliate, and gradually invested into that station's operations<ref name="Paxson stock boost">{{Cite news|last=McKenney|first=Mitch|date=March 3, 1996|title=Paxson stock gets a boost in wake of telecom laws|page=E1|work=The Palm Beach Post|location=West Palm Beach, Florida|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66027305/paxson-stock-gets-a-boost-in-wake-of/|access-date=December 25, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205139/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66027305/paxson-stock-gets-a-boost-in-wake-of/|url-status=live}}</ref> while Lowell "Bud" Paxson personally came to the studio promising staffers he would "sink more money" into the station's infrastructure.{{r|WilliamsonWarnerBook}} One month after the Paxson sale was announced, on September 25, 1995, WAKC launched an additional hourlong newscast at 5 p.m. titled ''Your News'', which focused on lifestyle topics and stories with a "news you can use" theme.{{r|WAKC Your News}}
{{Quote box | quote = News ceases at this moment. | author = Dean Goodman | source = Paxson Communications president, to the WAKC newsroom on February 28, 1996{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} | width = 200px }}
Hours after the transaction closed on February 28, 1996, Paxson Communications president Dean Goodman entered the newsroom at 1:40 p.m. and tersely said to the staff, "News ceases at this moment."<ref name="WAKC News Ceases">{{Cite news|last1=Heldenfels|first1=R.D.|last2=Hoffman|first2=Steve|last3=Quinn|first3=Jim|last4=Hoiles|first4=Robert|date=February 29, 1996|title=WAKC Kills News: New owner pulls plug, fires at least 15, decision on resuming show is months away, ABC affiliation under review|page=A1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE34D921BEDF|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank}}</ref> Anchor Mark Williamson and videographer Tim Coffey were at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cuyahoga Falls preparing a series on Mormonism;<ref name="Tim Coffey">{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXuaP1VJYD0&t=849 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/NXuaP1VJYD0 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Akron, Ohio: The City Where Commercial Television News Went to Black|date=April 1, 2008|last=Russo|first=Cheri|type=Television production|language=en|publisher=WOUB-TV|place=Athens, Ohio|time=14:09|format=YouTube recording from WNEO/WEAO}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Williamson called the station only to hear an after-hours voicemail greeting, and by the time they returned to the station, fellow employees notified him and Coffey, not the new management.{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} Reporter Steve Litz, later with Dayton's WHIO-TV<ref name="Dayton19960426p27">{{Cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Tom |date=April 26, 1996 |title=Channel 2 tops competitors in Emmy nominations |page=11B |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |location=Dayton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104600387/channel-2-tops-competitors-in-emmy/ |access-date=June 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and Miami's WTVJ,<ref name="MiamiH20140601pND14">{{Cite news |last=Linz Julien |first=Ronni |date=June 1, 2014 |title=Miami Stories: Hard work earns family grand rewards |page=14ND |newspaper=The Miami Herald |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104601131/miami-stories-hard-work-earns-family/ |access-date=June 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> was told by executives while in a hallway, "we're firing you and your co-workers. Go around the place and pass the word to your friends that we won't be needing you people anymore."<ref name="WilliamsonWarnerBook">{{Cite web |last1=Williamson |first1=Mark |last2=Warner |first2=Stuart |date=December 5, 2021 |title=Caught in A 'Catch 23' – The end of local TV News in Akron (An excerpt from ''Akron's Daily Miracle'', copyright 2020 by the University of Akron Press) |url=https://thewritecoach.blog/2021/12/05/caught-in-a-catch-23-the-end-of-local-tv-news-in-akron/ |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Stuart Warner – The Write Coach |language=en}}</ref> Earlier in the day, Williamson admitted to attendees at a senior center that "the station was in turmoil" due to the pending ownership change.<ref name="Akr19960229pA9">{{Cite news|last1=Quinn|first1=Jim|last2=Hoiles|first2=Robert|date=February 29, 1996|title=WAKC gives viewers no word of change|page=A9|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE348C8CA331|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank}}</ref> Dean Goodman later gave a brief interview to other media outlets in the station's lobby, while two armed security guards were already stationed at the entrance, preventing access to the building for any former employees.{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} One videographer who was the station's current "employee of the month" was notified of his firing over the telephone as his 13-month-old daughter was at a hospital being treated for rheumatoid arthritis.{{r|WAKC Debacle Not All Bad}}
No public on-air notice was given, nor were any newscast promos or "NorthOhio News Station" station identifications removed,<ref name="CPD19960229p1A">{{Cite news|last=Oblander|first=Terry|date=February 29, 1996|title=WAKC's new owners fires entire news staff|page=1A|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808C82BB754C60|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank}}</ref> resulting in some viewers expressing surprise over the syndicated ''Today's Health'' airing in place of the 6 p.m. news.{{r|Akr19960229pA9}} Williamson expressed regret over not being able to break the news of the news department's shutdown, saying, "I was looking at that ugly building with that awful decor and thinking how I've been there almost every day for 17 years. And I was just crying my eyes out because I knew I'd never see it like that again."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Quinn|first=Jim|date=March 1, 1996|title=Longtime news anchor denied one last scoop: Mark Williamson off the air after 17-year career. New jobs will come, but now he'll be home at night|page=A4|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE362E745B62|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204072002/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BE362E745B62&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> Williamson's wife, ''Beacon Journal'' columnist Mary Ethridge, disclosed that he was one of several employees that was offered a severance package described as "decent" but not extended to all the fired staffers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ethridge|first=Mary|date=March 2, 1996|title=Dealing with losing your job|page=B1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE3710636D0A|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071916/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BE3710636D0A&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> Then-Akron mayor Don Plusquellic, who subsequently hired Williamson as the communications director for the Akron Public Schools,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rosenberg|first=Arnie|date=April 27, 1996|title=Newsman drops his anchor at City Hall: Mayor recruits a new communications director, formerly with WAKC|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE78CC727BA6|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071918/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BE78CC727BA6&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> compared the shuttering of WAKC's news operations to the closure of the O'Neil's department store seven years earlier, musing "people said it was such a shame, and I asked, 'when was the last time you shopped there?'", alluding to the low ratings that had plagued the newscasts throughout.{{r|WAKC News Ceases}}<ref name="Akron TV station withers">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=Rich|date=September 10, 2000|title=Akron TV station withers in Cleveland's shadow|page=L6|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44311441/akron_tv_station_withers_in_clevelands/|access-date=February 12, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205211/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44311441/akron-tv-station-withers-in-clevelands/|url-status=live}}</ref> Akron's City Council, however, unanimously passed a resolution critical of the firings and the city's loss of local TV newscasts, with one councilman urging a boycott against channel 23.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 5, 1996|title=Council urges boycott of WAKC over firings|page=C4|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE3C1E2AB1F8|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071920/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BE3C1E2AB1F8&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Quote box | quote = You never forget, it's like when JFK was shot... Mark Williamson and I were out at The Church of (Jesus Christ of) Latter-Day Saints out in Cuyahoga Falls...we were getting ready to put this three-part series (on Mormonism) together. We literally walked back in the station and they said, "about ten seconds ago, they (Paxson management) said none of us had jobs." | author = Tim Coffey{{r|Tim Coffey}} | width = 280px }}
The total number of WAKC's 70 employees who were dismissed varied significantly. Paxson management said it was as low as 15, while former staffers said it was between 50 and 60.{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} Later accounts had estimated the firings at 30 on-air and news production people.{{r|Paxson stock boost}}<ref name="WAKC Firings AP">{{Cite news|date=March 1, 1996|title=WAKC-TV axes news department|page=A-2|work=The Times-Reporter|location=Dover, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-mar-01-1996-2147377/|access-date=December 26, 2020|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205115/https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-mar-01-1996-2147377/|url-status=live}}</ref> Williamson claimed that the only people left were "the ones that plug the station in in the morning and make sure the batteries didn't die overnight".{{r|CPD19960229p1A}} Among the fired staffers was operations manager Elwood Edwards, who ValueVision promptly rehired as general manager for KVVV-TV in Houston. Edwards' voice was coincidentally starting to become recognizable as the (then uncredited) "You've Got Mail" voice for America Online's email service.<ref name="Elwood Edwards">{{Cite news|last=Gamboa|first=Glenn|date=November 10, 1997|title=If you've got mail, this guy lets you know|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66068435/if-youve-got-mail-this-guy-lets-you/ A6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66068400/if-youve-got-mail-this-guy-lets-you/|access-date=December 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66068400/if-youve-got-mail-this-guy-lets-you/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, five staffers were retained by Paxson to keep the station operational and to continue with any remaining commercial and public affairs productions, with one staffer tasked to remove any signage relating to "WAKC" throughout the building.{{r|WAKC Alumni}} Billy Soule was also retained and returned to on-camera work fronting a nightly interview program titled ''Community News'', but resigned on June 28, 1996, in order to meet a deadline Paxson had for remaining staffers that wanted a severance package. Soule said about his last day at the station, "After 18 years, there was no one there to say thanks... I felt I had so much more to offer, and nobody wanted it."{{r|Akr19960703pC1}}
=== Moving out of Akron === Dean Goodman and WAKC acting general manager Terry Hanson defended the dissolution of the news department. Hanson said, "we decided this is not the news we want to put on" and were re-evaluating many things{{r|WAKC Firings AP}} but promised more locally produced public affairs shows would air in place of the local newscasts.{{r|CPD19960229p1A}} Goodman stated it would take several months to decide if newscasts could be reinstated, or if WAKC would remain an ABC affiliate.{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} Former viewers called the station and the ''Beacon Journal'' to lodge complaints, with one call likening the cancellation of local news to the Cleveland Browns moving to Baltimore.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=March 1, 1996|title=Who fills news void created by WAKC: Big stations concentrate on region, not just Akron. Other channels are short on cash to do news properly|page=A1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE36655430E5|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 4, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071918/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BE36655430E5&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> Goodman and Hanson publicly made intentions to move WAKC to "a more modern facility", as the current studios were not deemed proper;{{r|WAKC News Ceases}} subsequent general manager Glenn Schiller described the Copley Road studios as "not nice at all... an old, run-down building."<ref name="WAKC Leaves Akron">{{Cite news|date=June 22, 1996|title=WAKC offices to leave Akron|page=A-2|work=The Times-Reporter|location=Dover, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-22-1996-2147317/|access-date=December 26, 2020|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205143/https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-22-1996-2147317/|url-status=live}}</ref> Paxson had consulted Akron officials about replacement sites for both WAKC and WOAC within the city before ultimately filing an application to Warrensville Heights' planning commission on June 21, seeking to rent space next to the studios of WCLV (95.5 FM) in the Cleveland suburb,{{r|WAKC Leaves Akron}}<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 22, 1996|title=Ohio Digest: WAKC applies to move out of Akron|page=3A|work=The Newark Advocate|location=Newark, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66091330/ohio-digest-wakc-applies-to-move-out/|access-date=December 26, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205141/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66091330/ohio-digest-wakc-applies-to-move-out/|url-status=live}}</ref> with WCLV's tower being used as a studio-to-transmitter link.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gamboa|first=Glenn|date=January 15, 1998|title=OmniAmerica buys WCLV land|pages=C7, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229266/omniamerica-buys-wclv-land-p2/ C11]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229180/omniamerica-buys-wclv-land/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229180/omniamerica-buys-wclv-land/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schiller also disclosed with the announcement that Paxson had no plans to revive a news operation for WAKC.{{r|WAKC Leaves Akron}}
News of the station's move to Warrensville Heights upset residents and business owners in the West Akron neighborhood, with city officials worried about the building's vacancy potentially harming plans for the neighborhood's economic redevelopment.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Turnbull|first=Lornet|date=August 9, 1996|title=Station's move a blow to area: TV-23 headquarters building has been an anchor in Copley Road neighborhood for more than 40 years|page=B1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BEEFD81B4898|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 4, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628221737/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EB6BEEFD81B4898&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> Indeed, the former studios were used as storage; a onetime employee broke in to the building several times throughout 1997 to steal $75,000 worth of equipment once used by the news department for resale, only to be discovered by former colleagues who managed a Tallmadge electronics store.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Ed|date=April 3, 1998|title=Former channel 23 employee charged with equipment theft|page=C5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66226722/former-channel-23-employee-charged-with/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205121/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66226722/former-channel-23-employee-charged-with/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Good Shepherd Baptist Church purchased the building in 1998 after their prior sanctuary across the street was destroyed in a fire,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Carney|first=Jim|date=December 26, 1998|title=Building on Faith: Akron church settles into home more than two years after fire|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69637376/building-on-faith-akron-church-settles/ A9]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69637308/building-on-faith-akron-church-settles/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212233942/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69637308/building-on-faith-akron-church-settles/|url-status=live}}</ref> but moved out in 2014 after prolonged flooding and water damage to the building.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jenkins|first=Colette M.|date=September 5, 2015|title=Faith communities form congregation|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69655170/faith-communities-form-congregation-p2/ B3]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69655008/faith-communities-form-congregation/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214132816/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69655008/faith-communities-form-congregation/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vacant from that point until the building was demolished in April 2022,{{r|WAKC Alumni}} signage bearing the "WAKC" name was never fully removed and still graced the building's entrance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gintert|first=Charlotte|date=September 16, 2020|title=Vintage Structures {{!}} WAKR-TV|url=https://thedevilstrip.com/2020/09/16/vintage-structures-wakr-tv/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029012705/https://thedevilstrip.com/2020/09/16/vintage-structures-wakr-tv/|archive-date=October 29, 2020|access-date=December 26, 2020|website=The Devil Strip|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="WVPX Fybush">{{Cite web|last=Fybush|first=Scott|date=May 8, 2015|title=Site of the Week 5/8/15: From Cleveland to Akron|url=https://www.fybush.com/site-20150508/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923094804/https://www.fybush.com/site-20150508/|archive-date=September 23, 2020|access-date=December 26, 2020|website=Fybush.com|language=en-US|via=RadioBB}}</ref> WAKC's news tape archive held a better fate: Schiller arranged for the remaining tapes to be loaned to NBC for conversion to digital, then donated to the Summit County Historical Society at no cost.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 6, 1996|title=Consolation prize: Summit gets TV tapes|page=B3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EE7D5F473F2502D|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 4, 2022|via=NewsBank}}</ref>
In the fall of 1996, the station began branding itself as "ABC 23" and added some additional, newly purchased syndicated programs to its schedule.{{r|Akr19961114pD4}} Despite this, Paxson decided to end WAKC's affiliation at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 1997,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Feran|first=Tom|date=November 14, 1996|title=Channel 23 will cancel affiliation with ABC-TV|page=11B|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D7D50AF1129|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 4, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071924/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0F808D7D50AF1129&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> a decision that even surprised Schiller, who intended to continue operating WAKC as an ABC affiliate from the new Warrensville Heights facility even without local newscasts.<ref name="Akr19961114pD4">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=November 14, 1996|title=WAKC to change format, drop ABC shows: Infomercials, religious programs likely to replace network lineup at end of year. Florida firm's decision surprises Channel 23 manager, pleases Cleveland station|page=D4|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BF5306AFF346|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 4, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071919/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BF5306AFF346&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> The remainder of their general programming inventory was also dropped on December 31 in favor of Paxson's infomercial service inTV (or the Infomall Television Network).<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 27, 1996|title=Tuesday Evening/Wednesday Afternoon|pages=17–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69656253/first-day-of-scheduled-intv-programming/ 18]|work=The News-Messenger TV Week|publisher=Gannett|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69656174/last-night-of-scheduled-abc-programming/|access-date=February 9, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120020025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69656174/last-night-of-scheduled-abc-programming/|url-status=live}}</ref> WEWS general manager Gary Robinson expressed relief at no longer having to compete against WAKC for the same audience, a distinction no other Cleveland station had even as WAKC's prime time ratings were minimal by comparison.{{r|Akr19961114pD4}} Having become largely superfluous, Paxson sold off managerial control of WOAC to Global Broadcasting Services in April 1997 for $23 million, but the deal was delayed after Global entered bankruptcy and was purchased by Shop at Home Network, who completed the transaction, while WOAC's operations remained in Warrensville Heights.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=March 31, 1998|title=Channel 67 is bought, but it will still sell|page=C6, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229481/channel-67-is-bought-but-it-will-still/ C10]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229388/channel-67-is-bought-but-it-will-still/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205215/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229388/channel-67-is-bought-but-it-will-still/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Bolstered by a Supreme Court decision affirming the "must-carry" FCC regulations, Paxson began developing plans for a network anchored by their chain of UHF stations, including WAKC,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wilson|first=Catherine|date=July 6, 1997|title=Court ruling spawns networks|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66242337/court-ruling-spawns-networks-p2/ E3]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66242268/court-ruling-spawns-networks/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205154/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66242268/court-ruling-spawns-networks/|url-status=live}}</ref> announcing the creation of Pax TV on November 18, 1997, following the acquisition of multiple off-network rerun packages.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=November 7, 1997|title=New networks gearing up to get piece of TV pie|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66230067/new-networks-gearing-up-to-get-piece-of/ C8]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229968/new-networks-gearing-up-to-get-piece-of/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205157/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229968/new-networks-gearing-up-to-get-piece-of/|url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, WAKC assumed its current WVPX-TV callsign on January 13, 1998, to reinforce the Pax TV branding, while it was also seen as a symbolic severing of the station's last remaining connection to Akron.<ref name="WAKC to WVPX">{{Cite news|date=January 9, 1998|title=Channel 23 to change call letters to WVPX|page=A1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66228904/wakc-to-change-call-letters-to-wvpx/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205203/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66228904/wakc-to-change-call-letters-to-wvpx/|url-status=live}}</ref> Positioned as a "family-friendly" network consisting mostly of high-profile off-network reruns, Pax TV launched on August 31, 1998, with WVPX as a charter owned-and-operated station, carrying the network's entire schedule.<ref name="WVPX Pax Begins">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=August 14, 1998|title=Family of TV channels about to increase|pages=C1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66230276/family-of-tv-channels-about-to/ C2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66230189/family-of-tv-channels-about-to-increase/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66230189/family-of-tv-channels-about-to-increase/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== WVPX-TV (1998–present) == === Attempts at local news === {{Quote box | quote = ...in trying to get Channel 23 to put on a local newscast, (Akron) city officials are ignoring some unpleasant realities about the way TV works. First of all, a newscast, no matter how simple, isn't made by elves. Someone has to pay for it. | author = R.D. Heldenfels{{r|Akron newscast not cheap}} | width = 250px }}
[[File:DonPlusquellicAtPerkins2011 retouched.jpg|thumb|Don Plusquellic, mayor of Akron from 1987 to 2015|left]]While WAKC's operations was the only such television news department wholly based in Akron, WKYC, WEWS and WJW each have maintained staffed news bureaus in the city.{{r|Aches of TV 23}} WEWS notably entered into a news sharing partnership with the ''Akron Beacon Journal'',{{r|Life after WAKC}} invested in a tower camera from the University of Akron's Bulger Hall to assist with skyline shoots in the event of breaking news coverage, and promised to increase staffing in their bureau.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=April 23, 1998|title=Akron skyline to go on news broadcasts|page=B6|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66228771/akron-skyline-to-go-on-news-broadcasts/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205126/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66228771/akron-skyline-to-go-on-news-broadcasts/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this, multiple community and government officials in Akron had repeatedly expressed their public disappointment in the city no longer having a nightly television newscast ''devoted to'' the city.<ref name="WVPX New Tower">{{Cite news|last=Korte|first=Gregory|date=November 16, 1999|title=Channel 23 wants OK for new tower|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66236507/channel-23-wants-ok-for-new-tower/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66236507/channel-23-wants-ok-for-new-tower/|url-status=live}}</ref> Channel 23's closure of local operations and disaffiliation from ABC had given Akron the dubious distinction of being the largest city in Ohio—and one of the largest cities in the United States after Newark, New Jersey—to not have a commercial television newscast or a traditional "Big Three" network affiliate.<ref name="ABJ TV News Editorial">{{Cite news|date=March 30, 2001|title=Our opinion: And now, the news (Editorial)|page=A14|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66228983/our-opinion-and-now-the-news/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66228983/our-opinion-and-now-the-news/|url-status=live}}</ref> Conversely, WOIO general manager Tony Ballew likened this newfound demand to "''Captain Kangaroo'' Syndrome" when people complained after CBS canceled the long-running children's television show, while the network had made the move due to low ratings, a fate largely similar to WAKC's newscasts.{{r|Life after WAKC}} Several attempts were made to fill the void. Former channel 23 sports anchor Phil Ferguson attempted a time-brokered Akron-centered nightly sports show on WAKC titled ''In The Zone'';<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=March 27, 1996|title=Proposal a boost to local sports: Ferguson wants to return to Channel 23 with weekly half-hour show|page=B1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB6BE53D879C59D|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204071919/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0EB6BE53D879C59D&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> the program only lasted two weeks due to a lack of advertisers.<ref name="Akron newscast not cheap">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=November 17, 1999|title=Akron newscast is no cheap feat|pages=B8, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66236887/akron-newscast-is-no-cheap-feat-p2/ B12]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66236766/akron-newscast-is-no-cheap-feat/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205130/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66236766/akron-newscast-is-no-cheap-feat/|url-status=live}}</ref> Canal Communications, a for-profit group led by the Rev. Raymond Burgess that consisted solely of volunteers,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=August 9, 1997|title=TV sports director goes new direction|page=E2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66286663/tv-sports-director-goes-new-direction/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205146/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66286663/tv-sports-director-goes-new-direction/|url-status=live}}</ref> was established to produce Akron-centered news content on cable-access television with hopes of attaining a low-power television license,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=August 7, 1997|title=Local newscast due in Sept.|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66098947/local-newscast-due-in-sept/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205158/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66098947/local-newscast-due-in-sept/|url-status=live}}</ref> but it had little in the way of financial backing.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=January 15, 1998|title=TV neophytes have big dreams, little money|pages=E1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66284096/tv-neophytes-have-big-dreams-little/ E2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66283983/tv-neophytes-have-big-dreams-little/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205152/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66283983/tv-neophytes-have-big-dreams-little/|url-status=live}}</ref> WAOH-LP (channel 29), a low-power television station with a Cleveland simulcast, started rebroadcasting WOIO and co-owned WUAB's newscasts on an hour tape-delay and promised five-minute Akron-centered segments.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=March 2, 1996|title=Channel 29 tries to fill Akron's local news slot after WAKC-TV drops news, WAOH makes deal to rebroadcast programs from Cleveland stations|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EE7D610E20EE574|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204011638/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EE7D610E20EE574&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> PBS member stations WNEO/WEAO initially considered starting a nightly newscast but deemed it financially impossible after estimates placed the annual cost for such a venture at a minimum of $1.5 million.{{r|Life after WAKC}} WNEO/WEAO instead launched ''NewsNight Akron'', a weekly news and panel discussion program that was subsidized by existing funds provided to the stations;{{r|Akron newscast not cheap}} it aired from 1998 to 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NewsNite|url=https://www.pbswesternreserve.org/local-productions/newsnite/|access-date=December 29, 2020|website=PBS Western Reserve|language=en|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205208/https://www.pbswesternreserve.org/local-productions/newsnite/|url-status=live}}</ref> Former WJW news director and general manager Virgil Dominic even proposed a possible news operation that his Twinsburg-based video production company was willing to produce for broadcast on television or cable, but was solely dependent on securing funding for an extended period.{{r|Life after WAKC}} University of Akron Zips football and basketball highlights, however, were still shown over channel 23 via block programming produced by the university's athletic department.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=August 24, 1997|title=What were these teams thinking?|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229046/what-were-these-teams-thinking/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205157/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229046/what-were-these-teams-thinking/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Quote box | quote = This was our TV station that they packed up and moved out of town, and now they want to climb up on our roof and put an antenna up. I have a problem with that. | author = Michael Williams | source = Akron councilman{{r|WVPX New Tower}} | width = 275px }}
When Paxson submitted a zoning request to the Akron City Council on November 15, 1999, for a replacement {{Convert|963|ft|m|abbr=|adj=on}} high-definition television tower for WVPX—and several other FM stations that used an adjacent tower—the council used the request as leverage, and threatened to deny the permit unless news production was reinstated on the station or an investment would be made into a television news product.{{r|WVPX New Tower}} The existing transmitter for WVPX was nearing the end of its lifespan, with the station having suffered multiple over-the-air signal outages throughout December 1999 and January 2000, at one point having been off-the-air for three times in one week for prolonged periods.<ref name="WVPX Transmitter Woes">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=January 29, 2020|title=Transmitter problems plague local station|page=C6|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66240169/transmitter-problems-plague-local/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66240169/transmitter-problems-plague-local/|url-status=live}}</ref> The council issued the permit after Paxson agreed to make a one-time only payment of $300,000 to the city for local news and public affairs productions.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Korte|first=Gregory|date=December 7, 1999|title=City approves Paxson tower|pages=B1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66281182/city-approves-paxson-tower-p2/ B2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66281116/city-approves-paxson-tower/|access-date=December 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66281116/city-approves-paxson-tower/|url-status=live}}</ref> WVPX used this tower until the FCC's spectrum auction,{{r|WVPX Fybush}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stations Sharing This Tower... ASRN: 1047963|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/tower.php?request=site&asrn=1047963|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812032258/http://rabbitears.info/tower.php?request=site&asrn=1047963|archive-date=August 12, 2017|access-date=February 18, 2020|website=RabbitEars.Info}}</ref> when the station moved to the transmitter of WDLI-TV on September 26, 2018, following the purchase of WDLI-TV's license in a channel sharing agreement.<ref name="WDLI WVPX Share">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web|date=September 25, 2018|title=Consummation Notice|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101792893&formid=905&fac_num=67893|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001185052/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101792893&formid=905&fac_num=67893|archive-date=October 1, 2018|access-date=October 1, 2018|website=CDBS Public Access|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}|{{Cite web |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f91600de630016023bd543928f2&id=25076f91600de630016023bd543928f2&goBack=N |title=Modification of a Licensed Facility for DTV Application |access-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120125559/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f91600de630016023bd543928f2&id=25076f91600de630016023bd543928f2&goBack=N |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |url-status=live }}}}</ref>
=== WKYC alliance and ''Pax 23 News'' === {{further|WKYC#News operation}} thumb|200x200px|The United Building in downtown Akron NBC acquired a 32 percent stake in Paxson Communications on September 16, 1999, worth $412 million in convertible stock; the deal was envisioned on a national scale as NBC potentially utilizing Pax TV as a second television network.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=September 17, 1999|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; NBC Completes Acquisition Of 32% Stake in Paxson|page=C-6|newspaper=The New York Times|location=New York, New York|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/17/business/the-media-business-nbc-completes-acquisition-of-32-stake-in-paxson.html|access-date=October 15, 2012|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104100312/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/17/business/the-media-business-nbc-completes-acquisition-of-32-stake-in-paxson.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the deal, NBC began to encourage the owners of their affiliates to enter into management alliances with Pax TV stations;<ref name="WKYC WVPX JSA">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=October 13, 2000|title=Channel 3 boosts its ties with 23|page=C9|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66242436/channel-3-boosts-its-ties-with-23/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205203/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66242436/channel-3-boosts-its-ties-with-23/|url-status=live}}</ref> in promoting the new transmission tower for WVPX, Paxson executive Dean Thatcher spoke of a forthcoming agreement between WVPX and WKYC's parent company Gannett, which was initially downplayed by WKYC management.{{r|WVPX Transmitter Woes}} A joint sales agreement was announced between Gannett and Paxson that October 12, the terms of which allowed for WKYC's evening newscasts to be replayed later in the evening, and for WKYC to program an additional hour of airtime for WVPX.{{r|WKYC WVPX JSA}}
WKYC subsequently announced on March 28, 2001, the launch of a new newscast produced for WVPX by WKYC's news department but focused on Akron stories, and based at an expanded Akron bureau.<ref name="Pax 23 News Announcement">{{Cite news|last1=Heldenfels|first1=R.D.|last2=Korte|first2=Gregory|date=March 29, 2001|title=Akron to get local TV newscast|pages=B1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66422657/akron-to-get-local-tv-newscast-p2/ B2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66422598/akron-to-get-local-tv-newscast/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66422598/akron-to-get-local-tv-newscast/|url-status=live}}</ref> Launched on June 13, 2001, under the ''Pax 23 News'' banner,<ref name="WVPX Final Hour">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=Rich|date=May 30, 2008|title=Final hour for newscast|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66436653/final-hour-for-newscast-p2/ A3]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66436568/final-hour-for-newscast/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66436568/final-hour-for-newscast/|url-status=live}}</ref> the program was anchored by WKYC's Akron bureau chief Eric Mansfield, with sports and weather provided by Jim Donovan and Mark Nolan, respectively; both Mansfield and Nolan previously worked at WAKC in the early 1990s.{{r|WAKC Fade to Black}} The $300,000 payment provided by Paxson was envisioned by the city of Akron as potential "seed money" for a new television news operation; a seven-member board to manage the funds was considered by Akron mayor Don Plusquellic, but the positions were never filled.{{r|Pax 23 News Announcement}} However, those funds—along with an additional $200,000 in taxpayer funds from both the city and county governments—were provided by the city of Akron to help finance construction of a new facility for WKYC and ''Pax 23 News'' at the United Building in the city's downtown.{{r|ABJ TV News Editorial}} Former WAKC anchor Mark Williamson, in his position as a spokesperson for the city, likened his involvement on the WKYC alliance to "planning your ex-wife's next wedding."{{r|Pax 23 News Announcement}} While ratings for the 6:30 p.m. broadcast were relatively small, production of a 10 p.m. newscast began in January 2003,{{r|WVPX Final Hour}} and WKYC general manager Brooke Spectorsky made known at launch that the station was fully committed to ''Pax 23 News'' for the long-term.{{r|Pax 23 News Announcement}}
{{Quote box | quote = I hope people will see that we tried. We stepped up when nobody was stepping up. | author = Eric Mansfield{{r|WVPX Final Hour}} | width = 200px }}
Paxson formally withdrew the joint sales agreement between WKYC and WVPX on March 25, 2005,<ref name="Pax 23 News in trouble">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=March 26, 2005|title=Akron newscast may be in trouble|pages=D1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66248290/akron-newscast-may-be-in-trouble-p2/ D2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66248174/akron-newscast-may-be-in-trouble/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66248174/akron-newscast-may-be-in-trouble/|url-status=live}}</ref> ending that June 30.<ref name="News on cable">{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=July 1, 2005|title=Newscast off air, on cable|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229890/newscast-off-air-on-cable-p2/ A8]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229745/newscast-off-air-on-cable/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229745/newscast-off-air-on-cable/|url-status=live}}</ref> This action came as NBC and Paxson were engaged in litigation against each other, NBC having filed for a redemption of what was now a $549 million investment in Paxson.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=August 23, 2004|title=MEDIA; NBC Universal And Paxson: An Odd Dance To a Divorce|newspaper=The New York Times|location=New York, New York|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/23/business/media/23pax.html|access-date=October 15, 2012|archive-date=April 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410041756/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/23/business/media/23pax.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Pax TV also had reportedly lost approximately $76 million in 2003, and rumors began to surface that the company could be sold.{{r|Pax 23 News in trouble}} After negotiations between different groups, WKYC reached an agreement with Time Warner Cable to produce the newscasts for the cable company's public access channel, which coincidentally held the "23" position;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heldenfels|first=R.D.|date=July 7, 2005|title=Newscast off air and on Time Warner Cable|page=6|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal 77 South|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229674/newscast-off-air-and-on-time-warner/|access-date=December 30, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205139/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66229674/newscast-off-air-and-on-time-warner/|url-status=live}}</ref> Time Warner Cable also agreed to provide space for WKYC's WeatherPlus digital subchannel.{{r|News on cable}} What became ''Akron/Canton News'' aired on the cable system until May 30, 2008, when insufficient ad revenue and low ratings made the newscast cost-prohibitive.{{r|WVPX Final Hour}}
Concurrent with the termination of the joint sales agreement with WKYC, Pax TV was rebranded as ''i'',{{r|News on cable}} then as Ion Television the following year,<ref>{{cite news|date=February 28, 2006|title=Name change: Paxson becomes Ion Media Networks|newspaper=South Florida Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/02/27/daily20.html|access-date=October 15, 2012|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111019/http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2006/02/27/daily20.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with WVPX carrying the network schedule in pattern with no deviations.
=== Sale to Scripps and resale to Inyo === {{Further|Ion Media}} Ion Media agreed to be acquired by the E. W. Scripps Company—founding owner of onetime competing ABC affiliate WEWS-TV—in a $2.65 billion deal announced on September 24, 2020, with financing provided by Berkshire Hathaway.<ref name="Ion Scripps 2">{{Cite web|date=September 24, 2020|title=Scripps creates national television networks business with acquisition of ION Media|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scripps-creates-national-television-networks-business-with-acquisition-of-ion-media-301137357.html|access-date=December 25, 2020|publisher=E. W. Scripps Company|language=en|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117201201/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scripps-creates-national-television-networks-business-with-acquisition-of-ion-media-301137357.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ion Scripps 1">{{Cite web|last1=Cimilluca|first1=Dana|last2=Lombardo|first2=Cara|date=September 24, 2020|title=E.W. Scripps nears $2.65B takeover of ION Media in Berkshire-backed deal|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/e-w-scripps-nears-2-65b-takeover-of-ion-media-in-berkshire-backed-deal|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 25, 2020|work=The Wall Street Journal|language=en-US|via=Fox Business|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224139/https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/e-w-scripps-nears-2-65b-takeover-of-ion-media-in-berkshire-backed-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> In order to meet regulatory approval on both local and national levels, Scripps concurrently agreed to spin off WVPX and WDLI-TV to Inyo Broadcast Holdings in a $45 million deal that concluded WVPX's status as an owned-and-operated network station.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jacobson|first=Adam|date=December 16, 2020|title=Ion/Scripps' Fourth Amendment: TV Trio Not Going To INYO|url=https://www.rbr.com/ion-scripps-fourth-amendment-tv-trio-not-going-to-inyo/|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=Radio & Television Business Report|language=en-US|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103202710/https://www.rbr.com/ion-scripps-fourth-amendment-tv-trio-not-going-to-inyo/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Mark|date=October 20, 2020|title=Station Trading Roundup: 2 Deals, $45,450,000|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/station-trading-roundup-2-deals-45450000/|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=TV News Check|language=en|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611154657/https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/station-trading-roundup-2-deals-45450000/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the divestiture agreement, Inyo agreed to continue Ion network affiliations for at least seven years,<ref name="ION Inyo sale">{{Cite web|last=Ellis|first=Jon|date=October 14, 2020|title=Scripps May Divest Minneapolis Station as Part of ION Purchase|url=https://www.northpine.com/blog/2020/10/14/scripps-may-divest-minneapolis-station-as-part-of-ion-purchase/|access-date=October 17, 2020|website=NorthPine.com|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020222930/https://www.northpine.com/blog/2020/10/14/scripps-may-divest-minneapolis-station-as-part-of-ion-purchase/|url-status=live}}</ref> while Ion was subsequently combined with Scripps' Katz Broadcasting subsidiary of digital multicasting networks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lafayette|first=Jon|date=November 16, 2020|title=Burgess Ponders What He'll Do After Selling Ion Media|url=https://www.nexttv.com/features/burgess-ponders-what-hell-do-after-selling-ion-media|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=Broadcasting & Cable|language=en|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128204000/https://www.nexttv.com/features/burgess-ponders-what-hell-do-after-selling-ion-media|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the sale to Scripps and divestitures to Inyo were completed on January 7, 2021.<ref name="Ion Iyno Sale Complete">{{Cite web|last=Balderston|first=Michael|date=January 7, 2021|title=Scripps Finalizes Ion Media Acquisition|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/scripps-finalizes-ion-media-acquisition|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107193713/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/scripps-finalizes-ion-media-acquisition|archive-date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2021|website=TVTechnology|publisher=Future US Inc.|language=en}}</ref>
Following the acquisition, Scripps announced the March 1, 2021, closure of several digital multicast networks operated by Ion Media—Ion Plus, Ion Shop and Qubo—in favor of existing Katz Broadcasting networks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Watkins|first=Steve|date=January 19, 2021|title=Scripps lays off more than 100 in wake of acquisition|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/01/19/scripps-lays-off-more-than-100-in-wake-of-acquisit.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 25, 2021|website=Cincinnati Business Courier|publisher=American City Business Journals|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120020111/https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/01/19/scripps-lays-off-more-than-100-in-wake-of-acquisit.html}}</ref> On February 27, WVPX's 23.2 and 23.3 subchannels switched from Qubo and Ion Shop to Grit and Ion Mystery (the latter re-mapped to 23.4) and co-owned WDLI-TV concurrently switched from Ion Plus to Court TV; WVPX 23.5 changed from HSN to Defy TV on July 1.{{r|RabbitEars WVPX}}
Scripps announced its repurchase of all Inyo stations on February 26, 2026.<ref name="InyoToScripps">{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=February 26, 2026 |title=Scripps CEO Adam Symson Renews Contract Through 2029 Amid Company's Major Cost-Cutting Plan, Reacquisition of 23 ION Affiliate TV Stations |url=https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/scripps-ceo-adam-symson-renews-contract-repurchase-ion-stations-1236673479/ |access-date=February 27, 2026 |work=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Notable alumni == *Carol Costello{{r|Carol Costello start}} *Elwood Edwards{{r|Elwood Edwards}} *Lauren Glassberg<ref name="AkronB19930228p 42">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=February 28, 1993 |title=Akron zoo curator has visit with Mr. Rogers, p2 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104601299/akron-zoo-curator-has-visit-with-mr/ D1], D4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104601351/akron-zoo-curator-has-visit-with-mr/ |access-date=June 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> *Ted Henry{{r|Ted Henry}} *Scott Muni{{r|Muni The Hop}}{{r|Muni mirror magic}} *Jeff Phelps{{r|Jeff Phelps}}
== Technical information == === Subchannels === <section begin=subs />The WVPX-TV/WDLI-TV transmitter is located on Ohio State Route 261 in Norton.{{r|FCC-LMS-{{#ifeq:{{PAGENAME}}|WDLI-TV|67893|70491}}}} {| class="wikitable" |+Subchannels of WVPX-TV and WDLI-TV<ref name="RabbitEars WVPX">{{Cite web |title=RabbitEars TV Query for WVPX |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WVPX#station |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220153211/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WVPX#station |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=September 22, 2013}}</ref> ! scope = "col" | License ! scope = "col" | Channel ! scope = "col" | Res. ! scope = "col" | Short name ! scope = "col" | Programming |- ! rowspan = "7" scope = "row" style="border-right: 4px solid #60B0FF;" | WVPX-TV ! scope = "row" | 23.1 | 720p || ION || Ion Television |- ! scope = "row" | 23.2 | rowspan="6" | 480i || CourtTV || Court TV |- ! scope = "row" | 23.3 | BUSTED || Busted |- ! scope = "row" | 23.4 | Mystery || Ion Mystery |- ! scope = "row" | 23.5 | GameSho || Game Show Central |- ! scope = "row" | 23.6 | QVC || QVC |- ! scope = "row" | 23.8 | HSN || HSN |- ! scope = "row" style="border-right: 4px solid #0057AF;" | WDLI-TV ! scope = "row" | 17.1 | 720p || Bounce || Bounce TV |} <section end=subs /> === Analog-to-digital conversion === WVPX-TV shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 23, 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 UHF channel 59, which was among the high band UHF channels (52–69) that were removed from broadcasting use as a result of the transition, to its analog-era UHF channel 23.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and 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>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== Bibliography == {{Refbegin||indent=yes}} * {{cite book |author=Price |first=Mark J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WRQfCgAAQBAJ |title=Lost Akron |year=2015 |publisher=The History Press |location=Charleston, SC |pages=165–168 |isbn=9781625851079 |access-date=December 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205148/https://books.google.com/books?id=WRQfCgAAQBAJ |url-status=live}} * {{cite journal |last1=Ritchey |first1=David |last2=Miles |first2=Thomas |title=WAKR Radio: A History |publisher=The University of Akron |date=October 1993 |url=https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED367977.pdf |journal=School of Communications |access-date=February 7, 2020 |via=Education Resources Information Center |archive-date=March 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304063502/http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED367977.pdf |url-status=live}} * {{cite book |ref={{harvid|FCC|1966}} |author=United States |first=Federal Communications Commission |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L0IvZ7hIoBcC |title=Federal Communications Commission Reports: Decisions and Reports of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States: Volume 4, Second Series, July 1, 1966 to September 30, 1966 |year=1967 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=533–535 |access-date=December 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205201/https://books.google.com/books?id=L0IvZ7hIoBcC |url-status=live}} {{Refend}}
== Documentaries == {{Refbegin||indent=yes}} * {{cite AV media |url=https://woub.org/tv/video-akrontv-doc.html |title=Akron, Ohio: The City Where Commercial Television News Went to Black |date=April 1, 2008 |last=Russo |first=Cheri |type=Television production |language=en |publisher=WOUB-TV |location=Athens, Ohio |access-date=February 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015002203/https://woub.org/tv/video-akrontv-doc.html |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |ref=Russo}}{{Refend}}
== External links == *{{URL|https://iontelevision.com/|Ion Television official website}} *{{Commons category-inline|WVPX-TV}}
{{Cleveland TV}} {{Ohio TV}} {{Authority control}}
Category:1953 establishments in Ohio Category:Akron, Ohio Category:Bounce TV affiliates Category:Court TV affiliates Category:Ion Mystery affiliates Category:Ion Television affiliates Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953 VPX-TV