Local 10

Local 10
Callsign	WPLG
City	Miami, Florida
Branding	Local 10
Digital	10 (VHF)
Virtual	10
Affiliates	ABC
Owner	Berkshire Hathaway
Founded	1957
Location	Miami–Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Local 10 is the common on‑air brand for the ABC affiliate serving the Miami–Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area. The station traces roots to the late 1950s and has played a major role in broadcasting regional coverage of events involving figures and institutions such as Cuban Revolution, Hurricane Andrew, Elian Gonzalez, Miami Dolphins, Everglades National Park, and Florida International University. Over decades Local 10 has competed with stations owned by NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Telemundo, and Univision Communications while affiliating with networks including American Broadcasting Company and reporting on stories involving Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Marco Rubio, and Jeb Bush.

History

Founded in 1957, the station launched amid competition from established outlets such as WTVJ (Miami), WPLG—later branded differently—and newcomers like WFOR-TV and WSVN (Miami). Early decades saw coverage of Cold War–era immigration waves tied to Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs Invasion, influencing reporting partnerships with entities including The Miami Herald and Miami-Dade County. In the 1980s and 1990s, ownership changes and market consolidation involving companies such as Post-Newsweek Stations and later transactions with media conglomerates echoed national trends exemplified by deals involving Gannett and Tribune Company. During the 1992 Hurricane Andrew recovery and the 2000 United States presidential election recount in Florida, the station's reporting intersected with institutions such as Federal Emergency Management Agency and courts presided over by judges of the Florida Supreme Court. The 21st century brought digital migration and corporate shifts paralleling acquisitions by groups like Berkshire Hathaway.

News Operations

The station operates a newsroom covering municipal and statewide beats that include municipal coverage of Miami City Hall, investigations into law enforcement agencies such as the Miami‑Dade Police Department, and reporting on transportation agencies like Miami‑Dade County Public Schools and Florida Department of Transportation. Its investigative unit has produced stories that involved federal agencies including the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while political coverage has connected to campaigns by figures such as Ron DeSantis and Charlie Crist. The newsroom collaborates with national networks such as ABC News and regional partners including WPLG sister outlets, and competes in ratings with stations owned by NBCUniversal and Telemundo. Technical operations have incorporated standards from the Federal Communications Commission and industry groups like the National Association of Broadcasters.

Programming

Programming mixes network content drawn from American Broadcasting Company—including dramas, morning shows, and sports—and locally produced newscasts, public affairs programs, and specials on topics involving Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami Beach Cultural Institute, Florida International University athletics, and events like the Cuban Day Parade. Sports coverage has featured teams and personalities from the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Florida Panthers, and University of Miami. Special segments have profiled institutions such as Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami School of Medicine, and cultural organizations like the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Lifestyle and consumer reporting have intersected with businesses including Miami International Airport stakeholders, PortMiami, and tourism boards such as Visit Florida.

Digital and Streaming Platforms

The station expanded into digital distribution via a website, mobile apps, and streaming channels interoperable with platforms such as YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Content syndication and live streaming integrate with services like ABC News Live and local OTT initiatives that mirror industry moves by CBS Interactive and NBCUniversal Digital Entertainment. The digital strategy includes partnerships with local online publishers including Miami New Times and collaborations with regional data sources such as Florida Department of Health for public‑service alerts.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Community initiatives have involved partnerships with nonprofit organizations like American Red Cross, Feed the Hungry, and health systems such as Baptist Health South Florida for public health campaigns. The station has hosted voter registration drives in coordination with Miami‑Dade County Supervisors of Elections and coverage tie‑ins with civic institutions including Miami-Dade College, Dade County Public Schools, and community festivals like Calle Ocho Festival. Philanthropic efforts have included sponsorships and storytelling collaborations with cultural centers such as Cuban Museum, HistoryMiami Museum, and educational outreach with organizations like Junior Achievement USA.

Notable Staff and Alumni

On‑air and behind‑the‑scenes personnel have included anchors, meteorologists, and investigative reporters who later moved to national outlets or political roles, connecting careers to institutions such as ABC News, CNN, NBC News, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, and print outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Former staff have been associated with major personalities and events, appearing alongside figures such as Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, and engaging with awards from organizations like the Peabody Awards, Emmy Awards, and Edward R. Murrow Awards. Alumni networks extend to academia and public service with ties to Florida International University and University of Miami programs.

Category:Television stations in Florida