Are you curious about who owns Channel 21 in Fort Wayne? Well, the owner of Channel 21 Fort Wayne is none other than Gray Television. Specifically, Gray Television Licensee, LLC is the parent company that owns the station.
Gray Television is also the owner of WPTA, the television station that operates on Channel 21. This means that Gray Television has a significant presence in the Fort Wayne market through its ownership of Channel 21.
Stay tuned to discover more about WPTA and its affiliations in the upcoming sections of this article!
About WPTA and its Affiliations
WPTA is a leading television station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, providing high-quality programming and news coverage to the local community. As the only ABC affiliate in the region, WPTA offers a wide range of popular ABC shows and specials, keeping viewers up-to-date with the latest happenings in entertainment, news, and sports.
But that’s not all.
WPTA is not only an ABC affiliate; it is also affiliated with other major networks, including NBC and MyNetworkTV. This unique combination allows viewers to enjoy a diverse selection of programming, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Owned by Gray Television, a trusted name in the broadcasting industry, WPTA maintains a strong presence in Fort Wayne and continues to deliver top-quality content to its loyal audience. Gray Television is a renowned media company known for its commitment to excellence and dedication to serving local communities.
In addition to operating WPTA, Gray Television also owns WISE-TV, a CW+ affiliate in Fort Wayne. This affiliation strengthens Gray Television’s presence in the market and allows for greater collaboration and resource sharing between the two stations.
WPTA and WISE-TV share studios and a transmitter, located on Butler Road in Northwest Fort Wayne. This streamlined setup enhances operational efficiency and ensures seamless integration between the two stations.
With its strong affiliations and ownership by Gray Television, WPTA is a trusted source of news, entertainment, and information for the residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Viewers can rely on WPTA to deliver engaging and informative content that keeps them connected to their community.
History of WPTA
WPTA, the television station operating on Channel 21 in Fort Wayne, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1957 by Sarkes Tarzian. On September 28, 1957, WPTA made its debut, launching as an ABC affiliate in the Fort Wayne market.
At its inception, WPTA took over all ABC programming in the area from the NBC affiliate WKJG-TV and the CBS affiliate WANE-TV. The station’s call letters, WPTA, were chosen to honor Tarzian’s children, Patricia and Thomas. Initially identified as “Roanoke–Fort Wayne,” WPTA’s main studio was located in Roanoke. However, in the 1970s, the license was officially transferred to Fort Wayne.
Throughout its history, WPTA has experienced several ownership changes, but it has consistently remained on Channel 21. Despite these transitions, the station has maintained its commitment to delivering quality programming and news to the Fort Wayne community.
WPTA Founding and Channel 21 Launch
Founded by Sarkes Tarzian, WPTA launched on September 28, 1957, in Fort Wayne. It took over all ABC programming in the Fort Wayne market from the NBC affiliate WKJG-TV and the CBS affiliate WANE-TV.
The call letters, WPTA, were chosen to honor Tarzian’s children, Patricia and Thomas. Initially identified as “Roanoke–Fort Wayne,” WPTA’s main studio was located in Roanoke. However, in the 1970s, the license was officially transferred to Fort Wayne, solidifying its presence in the local market.
ABC Programming and Affiliations
As an ABC affiliate, WPTA has been a key broadcaster of ABC programming in the Fort Wayne area. It has provided viewers with access to popular ABC shows, news, and sports content, helping to keep the community informed and entertained.
Legacy in the Fort Wayne Market
Throughout its history, WPTA has made significant contributions to the Fort Wayne market. As a long-standing NBC affiliate, WPTA has played a vital role in delivering NBC programming to local viewers, shaping their television experience over the years.
| Year | Ownership Change |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Sold to Combined Communications |
| 1979 | Combined Communications merges with Gannett Company |
| 1983 | Sold to Pulitzer Publishing |
| 1989 | Purchased by Granite Broadcasting |
| 2005 | Sold to Malara Broadcast Group (currently operates through a local marketing agreement with Granite Broadcasting) |
Ownership Changes of WPTA
Throughout its history, WPTA has experienced several changes in ownership. Let’s take a closer look at the different companies that have owned the station:
- Combined Communications – In 1973, WPTA was sold to Combined Communications.
- Gannett Company – Combined Communications later merged with the Gannett Company in 1979, making Gannett the new owner of WPTA.
- Pulitzer Publishing – In 1983, Gannett sold the station to Pulitzer Publishing.
- Granite Broadcasting – WPTA changed hands once again in 1989, when Granite Broadcasting acquired the station.
- Malara Broadcast Group – Finally, in 2005, WPTA was purchased by the Malara Broadcast Group, which currently operates the station through a local marketing agreement with Granite Broadcasting.
These ownership changes have brought different perspectives and strategies to WPTA, shaping its role in the Fort Wayne community. The station has continued to evolve and adapt under various ownerships, maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality news and entertainment to its viewers.
| Owner | Acquisition Year |
|---|---|
| Combined Communications | 1973 |
| Gannett Company | 1979 |
| Pulitzer Publishing | 1983 |
| Granite Broadcasting | 1989 |
| Malara Broadcast Group | 2005 |
Recent Changes and Rebranding
In recent years, WPTA has undergone significant changes in its affiliations and branding, reflecting the dynamic nature of the media landscape. These changes have shaped the station’s identity and further solidified its presence in the Fort Wayne area.
Switch to CW Affiliate
In 2006, WPTA became the CW affiliate for the Fort Wayne market. This transition occurred after WISE-TV, another local station, switched its affiliation to MyNetworkTV. As the CW affiliate, WPTA ensures that viewers in the Fort Wayne area have access to popular CW network programming.
Rebranding as “ABC 21 News”
For over four decades, WPTA has embraced the on-air brand “21 Alive.” This brand has become synonymous with the station’s commitment to delivering local news and information. However, in 2016, WPTA briefly rebranded as “ABC21,” highlighting its affiliation with the ABC network.
But in 2022, under Gray Television’s ownership, WPTA decided to revive the beloved “21 Alive” brand. With a renewed focus on local news coverage, the station returned to using “21 Alive” for its newscasts, which are now titled “ABC 21 News.” This rebranding reaffirms WPTA’s dedication to providing the Fort Wayne community with reliable and engaging news content.
News Operation and Local Programming
At WPTA, we are dedicated to producing high-quality local newscasts and programming for the Fort Wayne area. We understand the importance of providing timely and relevant news to our community, and we strive to deliver accurate and engaging content.
Our commitment to excellence is evident in the improvements we have seen in our local news ratings. We are proud to be a trusted source of information for our viewers, and we are constantly working to enhance our news operation to better serve our audience.
Our news team consists of experienced and respected news anchors who deliver the news with professionalism and integrity. They are dedicated to keeping our viewers informed and engaged.
In addition to our news team, we have a talented weather team that provides accurate and up-to-date forecasts for the Fort Wayne area. Our meteorologists utilize the latest technology and data to ensure our viewers are prepared for any weather conditions.
We also have a sports department that covers local sports events and highlights the achievements of our talented athletes. Whether it’s high school games or professional sports, our sports team brings the excitement of the game to our viewers.
While delivering local news is our priority, we also understand the importance of providing a variety of programming. That’s why we air popular shows like “Dr. Phil,” which provides valuable insights and advice to our viewers.
News Format and Multimedia Journalists
Over the years, we have made changes to our news format and branding to better engage with our audience. We have embraced digital platforms and multimedia journalism to deliver news in different formats, such as videos, articles, and interactive content.
Our news team consists of talented multimedia journalists who are skilled in storytelling across various media platforms. They are dedicated to bringing stories to life and connecting with our audience in a meaningful way.
By combining traditional journalism with innovative approaches, we aim to provide a holistic and immersive news experience for our viewers.
| Benefits of our News Operation | Why Choose WPTA |
|---|---|
| 1. Deep coverage of local news | 1. Trusted source of information |
| 2. Accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts | 2. Professional and experienced news anchors |
| 3. Comprehensive sports coverage | 3. Engaging multimedia journalism |
| 4. Variety of programming, including “Dr. Phil” | 4. Commitment to delivering news in multiple formats |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gray Television is the owner of Channel 21 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The television station operating on Channel 21 is WPTA, which is affiliated with ABC, NBC, and MyNetworkTV. Over the years, WPTA has experienced multiple ownership changes but has remained a trusted source of local news and information for the Fort Wayne community.
Through its rich history, WPTA has provided viewers with quality programming and a dedication to journalism. Despite the ownership transitions, the station has maintained its commitment to delivering accurate and timely news to the Fort Wayne market.
As a part of Gray Television, WPTA is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence in the broadcasting industry. With its affiliation with major networks and a strong local news team, WPTA will continue to serve the community with informative content and reliable reporting.
