WFRV Local 5

The official account of WFRV-TV Local 5 News. Green Bay, Fox Valley, Lakeshore, and the Northwoods. Overnight WFRV-TV5 became an integral part of the community.

Early in the 1950s, a group of local Green Bay businessmen met to form Valley Telecasting Company. Upon approval from the Federal Communications Commission, WNAM-TV went on the air on April 25, 1955, from Neenah with test patterns. Shortly thereafter, the call letters were changed to WFRV, which stands for Fox River Valley, and the license was moved to Green Bay. With 100,000 watts of power, Chann

el 5 began broadcast programming at 6:45pm on June 1 as an ABC and Dumont Network affiliate. That evening began with a special dedication program followed by a full night of network shows. Television viewers from as far south as Beaver Dam, north to Marquette, Michigan, and from as far west as Wisconsin Rapids to Port Washington on the western shore of Lake Michigan could pick up Channel 5. From sign-on to sign-off, the finest in television programming was presented to viewers of WFRV-TV5, including such favorites as: “The Adventures Of Rin Tin Tin”; “Ozark Jubilee”, a fast-paced country music variety show featuring Red Foley; the award-winning show “Kukla, Fran And Ollie”; “Break The Bank”, an all-cash quiz show; “Make Room For Daddy”; and America’s best-known rider, “The Lone Ranger”. In 1959, WFRV-TV5 switched network affiliation from ABC to NBC and became part of the “Proud as a Peacock” family. Up to this point, television was still viewed in black and white, then in 1965, WFRV-TV5 became the first station in the area to broadcast in living color. WFRV-TV5 viewers saw change once again in April of 1983 when the station switched affiliations from NBC back to ABC. In 1992, CBS Inc. obtained WFRV-TV and its sister station WJMN-TV in Escanaba, Michigan, thus making Green Bay the smallest television market owned and operated by the broadcast network. At that time, CBS Inc. owned and operated 14 television stations, and its programs are seen on an additional 200 affiliates across the United States. On February 16, 2001, WFRV-TV was the first station in the Green Bay market to go digital on the assigned channel of 56. To improve the signal and antenna strength, on September 30, 2005, WFRV-TV switched digital channels from 56 to 39. WFRV-TV became a part of a world-class company, Liberty Media Corporation, on April 16, 2007. Liberty also owned stakes in the cable channels Court TV, QVC, Starz Entertainment, and even the Atlanta Braves. WFRV was the first broadcast station that they ever owned. And on July 1, 2011, WFRV and WJMN joined the broadcast family of Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., Which today operates 197 television stations across the U. S. Throughout its history, WFRV-TV 5 has always held a strong commitment to the communities it serves, and today it is committed more than ever to be involved, including servicing the viewers with the best possible local news, weather, sports, and entertainment programming.

10/30/2025

Head coach Niko Sila spoke to local media about his ongoing situation.

10/30/2025

His mother told TMZ that the actor passed away at his home after a heart attack.

Story in comments.

10/30/2025

An animal hospital in Wisconsin was quick to the table, helping to save a police K9 in a serious health situation.

10/30/2025

Officials have provided an update on the circumstances surrounding their finding of a man who was reportedly missing since October 25.

SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Shawano County officials have provided an update on the circumstances surrounding the location of a man who was found after being reported missing. According to …

10/30/2025

After losing power and water following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the resort where the couple was staying, they provided an update on their situation.

(WFRV) – John and Heather Hoffman were on an anniversary trip in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa’s path tore through the region, and after providing an update with Local 5, the couple sa…

10/30/2025

A customizable soda shop based out of the Fox Cities is heading up I-41.

10/30/2025

It's undeniable that he's a superstar and he's once again earned some recognition for his greatness—Micah Parsons is the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month.

10/30/2025

The wildfire burned roughly 65 acres, and over 140 first responders were sent to clear the scene.

10/30/2025

With food benefit programs set to stall in just a few days, food pantries throughout Northeast Wisconsin are bracing for an influx of clients. Full story in comments.

10/30/2025

Former Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre has a new podcast and already has his first episode out.

Story in the comments.

10/30/2025

The brand new Kwik Trip officially opened its doors on Thursday and is now the second 'Gen 3' store in Brown County. More details in comments.

10/30/2025

On Wednesday night, a Neenah Police Department officer’s dash cam caught a meteor lighting up the northeast Wisconsin sky.

NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – On Wednesday night, a Neenah Police Department officer’s dash cam caught a meteor lighting up the northeast Wisconsin sky. The Neenah Police Department posted the …

Address

1181 Mason Street
Green Bay, WI
54301

Telephone

+19204375555

Website

https://www.wearegreenbay.com/

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