Terre Haute, IN, DMA #152, is the market where Nexstar has dumped Fox, instead of the other way around. WAWV, the new calls replacing WFXW, is set to launch September 1st with its new ABC affiliation.
WAWV is actually owned by Mission Broadcasting, but, like other Mission stations, is in a local agreement with Nexstar for services. Nexstar owns WTWO-TV (NBC) Terre Haute.
“We are thrilled to bring the local ABC affiliate back to the Wabash Valley after a 16-year hiatus. Since the news was first announced to the public on June 28, a steady stream of Valley viewers have reached out to thank us for bringing local ABC back to the region. People remember the high quality programming ABC offered in the past and are excited to once again enjoy the network’s solid line up of primetime programming, critically-acclaimed news, and feature sports, all in HD,” said Tim Sturgess, Nexstar Vice President and General Manager.
”WAWV-TV and WTWO-TV will broadcast the market’s most compelling local news and will feature fresh, innovative programming to address the evolving dynamics of local viewer interests. In addition, our mobile and web services platform, mywabashvalley.com, will offer more opportunities for our viewers to access the information they need and entertainment they want on-the-go. The strength of the ABC Television Network combined with our additional community content will provide a unique multi-platform option for local and national advertisers,” Sturgess added.
Here is the news, programming and primetime lineup announced for the new station:
WAWV-TV will launch a full-hour local newscast WAWV Live at Five anchored by veteran newsman Tom McClanahan, effective September 1. WAWV Live at Five will air weekdays at 5:00 p.m. and bring the most relevant, topical news programming to the Wabash Valley community. In addition to hit ABC shows Good Morning America, The View, One Life to Live and General Hospital, WAWV-TV daytime programming will feature The Chew, a new cooking/lifestyle show that debuts September 26, airing weekdays at 1:00 p.m.
ABC’s primetime lineup includes top-rated shows Dancing With The Stars, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, Castle, America’s Funniest Home Videos as well as the hit sitcom and 6-time Emmy Award winning Modern Family. Tim Allen returns to ABC on Tuesday nights with his new comedy Last Man Standing. Of special interest to WAWV-TV viewers is The Middle, a sure to be hit comedy that takes place in a fictional Indiana town near Terre Haute, airing on Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. Charlie’s Angels also makes a triumphant return to network TV on Thursday nights. Highly anticipated Sunday night favorites include Pan Am, predicted to be one of the new breakout hits of the Fall, and the mythical storyline of Once Upon a Time. All of ABC’s programming will be delivered to viewers in High Definition on WAWV-TV.
ABC Sports will return to the Wabash Valley with high profile sports programming including Saturday Night College Football, NASCAR and NBA Basketball. The most popular sporting event in the market, the Indianapolis 500, will be shown LIVE in the Wabash Valley market and is no longer subject to local blackout rules.
Each Monday-Friday, viewers will still be able to receive their news at 10:00 p.m. as Nexstar Broadcasting will continue to produce the successful Monday through Friday 10:00 p.m. newscast, moving it online to its new home at mywabashvalley.com. This will be the first live, streaming newscast in the Wabash Valley, delivered right to PCs and online devices where viewers can connect and watch in real-time. The online 10:00 p.m. newscast will be innovative, ground-breaking and a technological advancement for Wabash Valley viewers. Nexstar Broadcasting will offer viewers the opportunity to access the same great coverage of local news, weather and sports when they want it and where they want it.
