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6ABC News has been a staple in Philadelphia’s media landscape for decades, delivering news, weather, and sports to millions. But how much do you really know about this iconic station? Did you know that 6ABC was the first to broadcast in color in Philadelphia? Or that its call letters, WPVI-TV, stand for “Philadelphia’s Vision”? From its humble beginnings in 1947 to becoming a leader in local news, 6ABC has a rich history filled with fascinating tidbits. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the area, these 30 facts will give you a deeper appreciation for this beloved station.
History of 6ABC News
6ABC News, also known as WPVI-TV, has a rich history that dates back several decades. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic news station.
- Founded in 1947: WPVI-TV, originally WFIL-TV, began broadcasting on September 13, 1947. It was the second television station in Philadelphia.
- ABC Affiliation: The station became an ABC affiliate in 1958, solidifying its place in the network’s lineup.
- Call Sign Change: In 1971, WFIL-TV changed its call sign to WPVI-TV to reflect its new ownership under Capital Cities Communications.
- Action News Format: WPVI-TV pioneered the “Action News” format in 1970, which emphasized a fast-paced, visually engaging style of news reporting.
- Iconic Jingle: The “Move Closer to Your World” jingle, introduced in 1972, became synonymous with 6ABC News and is still used today.
Notable Personalities
Over the years, 6ABC News has been home to many notable journalists and anchors who have left a lasting impact on viewers.
- Jim Gardner: Jim Gardner has been the face of 6ABC News since 1976, becoming one of the most trusted news anchors in Philadelphia.
- Lisa Thomas-Laury: Lisa Thomas-Laury joined WPVI-TV in 1978 and became a beloved anchor before retiring in 2016.
- Dave Roberts: Meteorologist Dave Roberts was a staple of 6ABC News from 1978 until his retirement in 2009.
- Cecily Tynan: Cecily Tynan, a meteorologist, has been with the station since 1995 and is known for her accurate weather forecasts.
- Rick Williams: Rick Williams has been a key anchor at 6ABC News since 1988, covering major events and stories.
Technological Innovations
6ABC News has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies to enhance its broadcasts.
- First Color Broadcast: WPVI-TV was one of the first stations in Philadelphia to broadcast in color in the early 1960s.
- Digital Transition: The station transitioned to digital broadcasting in 2009, improving picture and sound quality for viewers.
- High-Definition News: In 2006, 6ABC News began broadcasting its newscasts in high definition, providing a clearer and more immersive viewing experience.
- Mobile App: The 6ABC News mobile app, launched in 2010, allows viewers to stay updated on the go with breaking news, weather, and live streaming.
- Social Media Presence: 6ABC News has a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, engaging with viewers and sharing news updates.
Community Involvement
6ABC News is deeply committed to serving the community and has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives.
- Thanksgiving Day Parade: WPVI-TV has broadcast the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1986, making it a beloved holiday tradition.
- Operation 6abc: Save a Life: This annual fire safety campaign, launched in 1992, provides free smoke detectors to residents in need.
- 6abc Loves the Arts: This segment, introduced in 2003, highlights local arts and cultural events, supporting the vibrant arts community in Philadelphia.
- Food Drives: 6ABC News regularly hosts food drives to support local food banks and help those in need.
- Charity Telethons: The station has hosted numerous telethons to raise funds for various charitable causes, including children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts.
Awards and Recognition
6ABC News has received numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding journalism and community service.
- Emmy Awards: The station has won multiple Emmy Awards for its news coverage, including breaking news, investigative reporting, and special segments.
- Edward R. Murrow Awards: 6ABC News has been honored with several Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in electronic journalism.
- Peabody Award: In 1977, WPVI-TV received a prestigious Peabody Award for its exceptional public service programming.
- Associated Press Awards: The station has been recognized by the Associated Press for its outstanding news reporting and coverage.
- Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly: 6ABC News has been named “Best Local News” by Philadelphia Magazine multiple times.
Memorable Coverage
6ABC News has covered many significant events and stories that have left a lasting impact on viewers.
- Move Closer to Your World: The station’s coverage of the 1976 Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Philadelphia was widely praised for its thoroughness and accuracy.
- Live Aid Concert: In 1985, WPVI-TV provided extensive coverage of the Live Aid concert held at Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium, raising awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa.
- Papal Visits: The station has covered multiple papal visits to Philadelphia, including Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Francis in 2015.
- 9/11 Attacks: 6ABC News provided comprehensive coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, keeping viewers informed during a time of national crisis.
- Hurricane Sandy: The station’s coverage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was instrumental in keeping residents safe and informed during the devastating storm.
The Final Scoop on 6ABC News
6ABC News has a rich history and continues to be a trusted source for news in Philadelphia. From its early days as WFIL-TV to becoming a leader in local news, 6ABC has always been at the forefront. The station’s commitment to delivering accurate, timely news has earned it a loyal viewership.
Whether it’s breaking news, weather updates, or community stories, 6ABC covers it all. Their team of dedicated journalists and anchors work tirelessly to keep the public informed. With innovations like the Action News format, they’ve set standards in the industry…