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| WPLG | |
|---|---|
| Callsign | WPLG |
| City | Miami, Florida |
| Channel | 10 (VHF) |
| Branding | Local 10 |
| Affiliations | ABC |
| Owner | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Licensee | BH Media Group |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Erp | 100 kW |
| Haat | 300 m |
WPLG is a television station serving the Miami–Fort Lauderdale market in South Florida, operating on VHF channel 10 and affiliated with the American Broadcasting Company. The station is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and is known for its local news coverage, syndicated programming, and community initiatives. WPLG operates from studios in Downtown Miami and transmits from a tower serving a media market that includes Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and parts of Broward County and Palm Beach County.
The station began broadcasting in 1957 during a period of expansion among NBC, CBS, and ABC affiliates across the United States. Early ownership involved interests tied to regional entrepreneurs and connections to national networks like the ABC Television Network. During the 1960s and 1970s the station competed with rivals such as WTVJ, WFOR-TV, and WSVN (TV) for audience share in a market shaped by migration from Cuba, growth in Dade County, and tourism linked to attractions like Miami Beach and events at Everglades National Park. In the 1980s ownership and affiliation changes across the industry—impacted by regulations from the Federal Communications Commission and corporate consolidation trends exemplified by companies like Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Broadcasting—affected station strategies. The station underwent modernization during the 1990s with digital upgrades influenced by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and preparations for the nationwide digital transition mandated by the Federal Communications Commission for the 2009 analog shutoff. In subsequent decades the station aligned its branding with contemporary trends in local journalism as seen at peer stations such as WPLG competitors and adapted to corporate ownership patterns similar to transactions involving Gannett and Nexstar Media Group.
WPLG's schedule combines network programming from ABC, syndicated series similar to offerings on Syndicated television, and locally produced shows. Network blocks include national entertainment like Good Morning America, prime-time dramas historically associated with ABC such as productions by Shondaland and series developed by studios like Disney Television Studios, and sports rights negotiated through entities like ESPN for national coverage. Syndicated fare has often mirrored packages seen on stations such as WPIX and WNYW, while public affairs programming reflects topics of local interest, analogous to coverage in markets like Tampa Bay and Orlando. Special broadcasts have included election night coverage tied to contests for offices in Florida, debates involving statewide figures from Miami-Dade County to Broward County, and cultural events showcasing institutions like the Adrienne Arsht Center and Miami-Dade College.
The station maintains a multi-hour local news operation covering breaking news, weather, and investigative reports. Its newsroom employs producers, anchors, meteorologists, and reporters who cover beats including municipal matters in Miami, transit issues with agencies like Miami-Dade Transit, hurricane tracking affecting locations such as Key West and the Florida Keys, and regional developments tied to ports like PortMiami. The station's weather team uses modeling from sources such as the National Weather Service and collaborates with university researchers at institutions like the University of Miami and Florida International University for specialized reporting. Coverage has intersected with major stories involving figures and entities like Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Ron DeSantis, Hillary Clinton, and major events including Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Irma. The newsroom has adapted to digital platforms parallel to initiatives by outlets like The Miami Herald and Miami New Times.
WPLG transmits digitally on a VHF allotment with technical parameters compliant with Federal Communications Commission licensing. The station completed the analog-to-digital conversion in line with the national transition that affected broadcasters including WJXT and WSVN (TV). Facilities include transmitter sites engineered with equipment from vendors similar to NAB standards and employ emergency alerting systems coordinated with authorities like the National Weather Service and Florida Division of Emergency Management. The station has at times multiplexed digital subchannels in a manner comparable to practices at stations such as WTVJ and WFOR-TV to offer additional content streams.
WPLG participates in community outreach initiatives that mirror civic partnerships seen with organizations such as United Way, American Red Cross, and local nonprofits including Camillus House and Feeding South Florida. The station sponsors public service campaigns on issues intersecting with agencies like Miami-Dade County Public Schools and health institutions such as Jackson Memorial Hospital and Baptist Health South Florida. Fundraising events and telethons have supported cultural entities like the Perez Art Museum Miami and educational programs at Miami Dade College, similar to collaborative efforts by stations across markets like Tampa Bay.
Prominent on-air personalities and alumni have moved between markets and national platforms, following career paths like those of anchors who transitioned to networks such as NBC News, CBS News, and Fox News Channel. Former reporters and meteorologists have joined organizations including The Weather Channel, MSNBC, and local newspapers like The Miami Herald. The roster has featured journalists recognized within industry circles alongside peers from stations such as WPLG competitors and national programs hosted by figures from Good Morning America and World News Tonight.
The station and its staff have received awards analogous to honors from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys), reporting accolades from professional associations like the Society of Professional Journalists, and recognition from civic groups including Chamber of Commerce organizations and local cultural institutions. Investigative pieces and public service campaigns have earned regional awards similar to those bestowed at annual ceremonies in markets like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Category:Television stations in Florida