WTEN

WTEN is a television station licensed to Albany, New York, serving the Capital District and surrounding regions as an affiliate of the ABC network. Owned by Nexstar Media Group, it broadcasts from studios on Northern Boulevard in Albany and transmits from a tower on the Helderberg Escarpment. The station has been a significant source of local news and network programming for the area since the mid-20th century, competing directly with stations like WRGB and WNYT.

History

The station first signed on the air on March 1, 1954, as WCDA, originally operating as a primary affiliate of the NBC network with secondary ties to the now-defunct DuMont Television Network. Founded by the Capitol District Broadcasting Company, its early studios were located in the Rensselaer suburb of Albany. In 1957, following a complex affiliation swap involving WRGB and WNYT, the station changed its call letters to WTEN and switched its primary affiliation to the ABC network, a relationship it has maintained ever since. Ownership changed hands several times over the decades, with notable owners including Evening News Association, Freedom Communications, and Young Broadcasting, before being acquired by its current owner, Nexstar Media Group, in 2019 as part of Nexstar's purchase of Tribune Media's assets.

Programming

As an ABC affiliate, WTEN carries the network's full lineup of programming, including popular daytime shows like General Hospital, syndicated talk shows such as The View, and the network's prime-time schedule featuring series like Grey's Anatomy and Abbott Elementary. The station also airs ABC News programming, including Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and Nightline. Syndicated programming on WTEN has historically included shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, and Inside Edition. The station produces a substantial amount of local news programming, which dominates its non-network schedule.

Technical operations

WTEN broadcasts its digital signal on VHF channel 10 from a transmitter site located on the Helderberg Escarpment in New Scotland, New York, sharing tower facilities with other major Albany stations like WNYT and WRGB. The station is licensed for an effective radiated power of 30 kW and a height above average terrain of 315 meters. WTEN participated in the digital television transition and its signal is carried on cable television providers throughout the region, including Spectrum and Fios. The station is also available on satellite providers such as DirecTV and Dish Network.

News and community involvement

WTEN operates a robust news department, branded as "News10", producing over 30 hours of local newscasts each week from its studios in Albany. Its coverage includes regular broadcasts in the morning, midday, evening, and late-night slots, with a focus on breaking news, weather from its Storm Team 10 meteorologists, and sports through its "Sports Edge" segment. The station is active in community journalism and public affairs, producing special programs on topics relevant to the Capital District and participating in initiatives like Coats for Kids and local food drives. It has won several regional Emmy Awards for its news coverage and investigative reporting.

Notable on-air staff

* **John Gray** – Longtime news anchor and commentator, also known for his column in the Post-Star newspaper. * **Steve Caporizzo** – Veteran meteorologist and host, renowned for his "Pet Connection" segment aiding animal shelters. * **Lydia Kulbida** – Former news anchor and reporter who served with the station for over two decades. * **Elaine Houston** – Award-winning anchor and reporter known for her in-depth features and community focus. * **Jeff Saperstone** – Investigative reporter and anchor who has covered major stories across the region.

Category:Television stations in Albany, New York Category:ABC network affiliates Category:Nexstar Media Group