www.InformNNY.com InformNNY.com is your place for local news and information! WWTI ABC50 first signed onto the air as WFYF in December 1987. Until then, most North Country viewers relied on the over-the-air signal from WUTR in Utica for their ABC programming.
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Putting WFYF on the air was a multi-million dollar investment for several partners, including David James Alteri, who served as General Manager, Steven Fox and Richard Kimball. The station turned out to be under-capitalized for the extended period necessary before advertising revenue could support its operations. The original ownership team dissolved and new station General Manager Shelly Markoff took control. Under Markoff, the station changed its call letters to WWTI. In the face of a national recession, however, it was still tough going for the fledgling station. In early 1991 the station dropped its local newscasts. Greyhound Financial Services, an original investor in the station assumed control operating WWTI with ABC and syndicated programming for the next five years. In 1996 the station was purchased by Robert Smith who also owned television stations in Utica and Elmira, New York as well as in California and Alaska. Then the growth began! In September of 1998 an agreement between WWTI , Warner Brothers and Time Warner Cable allowed WWTI to launch a cable-only Warner Brothers affiliate station, WBWT 31. Warner Brothers later merged with CBS to form the CW Network. The North Country CW as it is now known, is a full power over the air local CW affiliate. The industry trend continued of larger broadcast ownership groups, and in March 2000, Mr. Smith sold the station to Ackerley Communications, which owned a chain of television and radio stations, extensive outdoor advertising, as well as the The Seattle Supersonics of the NBA and the Seattle Storm of the WNBA. David Males, then General Sales Manager, was promoted to General Manager. Becoming a part of The Ackerley Group put WWTI on the cutting edge of technology and digital broadcast. The implementation of Digital Central Casting, controlling commercial and programming playback for many stations from one central location, began by placing a fiber connection between the 7 Ackerley owned TV stations, and WIXT in Syracuse as the central station. This system was later copied and implemented by a number of other broadcast groups as they attempted to steam-line operations and create greater efficiencies and synergies among its holdings. In 2002 Ackerley sold its holding to an even larger company, media giant Clear Channel Communications. In 2009 Newport Television, purchased the television assets of Clear Channel Communications. After becoming a digital-exclusive station, Newport announced on July 19, 2012 that it would sell twelve of its stations, including WWTI, to the Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Mr. Males continues as General Manager today. WWTI ABC50 and The North Country CW continue to bring cutting edge digital broadcast and interactive technology to Northern New York and Southern Eastern Ontario. The stations continue to be immersed into the local communities forming partnerships with The American Cancer Society, The Watertown Teen Center, The American Red Cross, The Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of United States Army,
The Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce and scores of other local Chambers of Commerce.
Operating as usual
Kinney’s is also introducing an exclusive “comfort vaccination experience.”
GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. (WWTI) – Kinney Drugs has opened COVID vaccination appointments for people ages 12 and above, consistent with recent CDC ACIP recommendations. Kinney’s is also introducing an…
Since the FDA announced the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in adolescents 12 to 15 years old, it has brought even better news for summer camps.
Masks will be worn at all times with the exception of eating, and activities like swimming.
The House GOP elected Rep. Elise Stefanik to the House Republican Conference Chair – the No. 3 leadership post.
WASHINGTON (NEWS10) – The House GOP elected Rep. Elise Stefanik to the House Republican Conference Chair – the No. 3 leadership post. Stefanik released the following statement after bei…
It’s the tale of two stances — those who want the vaccine mandates on college campuses and those who don’t or aren’t quite sold on the idea just yet.
As U.S. colleges and universities hope to return to normal, they’re weighing how far they’re willing to go to keep campus safe — to require or not to require students, faculty, and staff to g…
Bloomberg reports that the hackers provided a decryption tool allowing Colonial to restore the disabled network after the payment was made.
The company struck by a ransom attack paid nearly $5 million in ransom funds in the form of cryptocurrency, according to Bloomberg.
Car seat manufacturer Diono is recalling several models of child booster seats that they say could have broken or separated headrests during the event of a crash.
Car seat manufacturer Diono is recalling several models of child booster seats that they say could have broken or separated headrests during a crash.
Governor Andrew Cuomo weighed in on the Centers for Disease Control’s new COVID-19 masking guidance Thursday, saying it was under review by state health officials.
ALBANY, N.Y. (WROC) — Governor Andrew Cuomo weighed in on the Centers for Disease Control’s new COVID-19 masking guidance Thursday, saying it was under review by state health officials. ̶…
Disney’s Jungle Cruise film will debut in theaters and on Disney+ Premier on July 30, Disney announced on Thursday
Disney’s Jungle Cruise film will debut in theaters and on Disney+ Premier on July 30, Disney announced on Thursday. The film will be available to purchase for $29.99 as part of the Disney+ Pr…
A Hummer burst into flames late Wednesday morning right after the driver filled up several gas cans at a station in Citrus County, Florida, firefighters say
Firefighters found four 5-gallon containers filled with gasoline in the back of the Hummer.
The pals are back together again
HBO Max released a teaser trailer for the upcoming reunion of “Friends,” the long-running television sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004.
A female massage therapist spent years reaching out to Ohio State football players, offering sessions that sometimes led to s*xual encounters, according to an investigation released Thursday by the university
COLUMBUS (WCMH) — A female massage therapist spent years reaching out to Ohio State football players, offering sessions that sometimes led to s*xual encounters, according to an investigation releas…
In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing…
In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was in the Bronx Thursday for a coronavirus briefing to update New Yorkers on the state’s ongoing coronavirus response efforts
In his briefing on Wednesday, the governor announced that 50% of New Yorkers 18 and older are now fully vaccinated.
Many questions were raised after New York legalized recreational ma*****na earlier this year
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)- Many questions were raised after New York legalized recreational ma*****na earlier this year. It could take up to two years for the state to iron out every aspect of the law …
Okay, Western New Yorkers, listen up, the Buffalo Zoo is calling on the community to help name new African lion cubs
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Okay, Western New Yorkers, listen up, the Buffalo Zoo is calling on the community to help name new African lion cubs. The zoo says the cubs are growing quickly, and aft…
Local lawmakers are calling on the New York State Department of Health to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility at the Northern Border
ALBANY, N.Y. (WWTI) — Local lawmakers are calling on the New York State Department of Health to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility at the Northern Border. New York State Senator Patty Ritchi…
The man suspected of shooting and wounding three people in Times Square, including a 4-year-old girl, will get a few days to consider extradition from Florida
STARKE, Fla. — The man suspected of shooting and wounding three people in Times Square, including a 4-year-old girl, will get a few days to consider extradition from Florida. At a brief hearing Thu…
Dates have been confirmed for this year's waterfowl hunting season in New York State
NEW YORK (WWTI) — Dates have been confirmed for this year’s waterfowl hunting season in New York State. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced the dat…
The nation's top infectious disease expert urged people to set aside their masks when outside, with the exception of very "unusual" outdoor situations
The nation’s top infectious disease expert urged people to set aside their masks when outside, with the exception of very “unusual” outdoor situations.
Watkins Glen Police and the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office are searching for Devon J. Schulman, 25 of Berkshire, after a hit and run accident that left a 74-year-old man with several broken bones
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WETM) – Watkins Glen Police and the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office are searching for Devon J. Schulman, 25 of Berkshire, after a hit and run accident that left a 7…
To celebrate the class of 2021, Carthage High School is seeking community donations
CARTHAGE, N.Y. (WWTI) — To celebrate the class of 2021, Carthage High School is seeking community donations. Advisors for the Senior Class of Carthage High School and a spring planning commit…
Samaritan Health suspended visitation on one floor of its Summit Village Skilled Nursing Facility on Thursday
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) — Samaritan Health suspended visitation on one floor of its Summit Village Skilled Nursing Facility on Thursday. According to Samaritan Health, it received notice that …
A woman has been charged following an investigation into a fatal car crash that exceeded a year.
MALONE, N.Y. (WWTI) — A woman has been charged following an investigation that exceeded two years into a fatal car crash. New York State Police have confirmed that arrest and charges of Lisa …
Appointments are no longer necessary for COVID-19 vaccinations at Price Chopper/Market 32 locations
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (WWTI) — Appointments are no longer necessary for COVID-19 vaccinations at Price Chopper locations. Price Chopper/ Market 32 announced on Thursday that patients will not be …
A new project has been announced aiming to financially assist local businesses across the North Country
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) — A new project has been announced aiming to financially assist local businesses across the North Country. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirst…
Farmers market goers, mark your calendars!
CARTHAGE, N.Y. (WWTI) — Farmers market goers, mark your calendars! The Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market will officially kick off its 2021 season on May 28. Carthage’s Fa…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday will ease indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places, according to a person briefed on the announcement
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday will ease indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in…
A person attempting to save a group of goslings stuck in a Henrietta roadway was attacked by the grown geese guarding the gaggle, and it was all caught on camera
HENRIETTA, N.Y. (WROC) — A person attempting to save a group of goslings stuck in a Henrietta roadway was attacked by the grown geese guarding the gaggle, and it was all caught on camera. The video…
Don't miss top stories exclusively on #ABC50:
🚁Construction begins for a new hangar at Fort Drum
🎶The Music Education Center moves into a new studio
📚Local author self-publishes book about the St. Lawrence River
😷Experts claim that North Country COVID hesitancy isn't a political issue
Go to www.informnny.com or download the ABC50 app for more!
Every year, the Watertown Family YMCA, along with YMCA's across the country, celebrate Healthy Kids Day.
This year, the Watertown YMCA has extended the day to a week-long challenge
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) — Every year, the Watertown Family YMCA, along with YMCA’s across the country, celebrate Healthy Kids Day. This year, to extend the fun, the Watertown Y has exten…
A dog accused of biting a jogger last summer is headed to a Buffalo animal sanctuary
A judge ruled Wednesday that Vanessa will instead be sent to an animal sanctuary in Darien Center.
President Joe Biden is set to deliver remarks on the Colonial Pipeline incident less than 24 hours after the pipeline restarted operations after it was stalled for days due to a ransomware attack
President Joe Biden is set to deliver remarks on the Colonial Pipeline incident less than 24 hours after the pipeline restarted operations after it was stalled for days due to a ransomware attack.
An upcoming Civil War Roundtable will features tours and previews of this year's Reenactment Weekend in the North Country
MADRID, N.Y. (WWTI) — An upcoming Civil War Roundtable will features tours and previews of this year’s Reenactment Weekend in the North Country. Co-hosted by the St. Lawrence County His…
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to hold a press briefing from the Einstein Loop in the Bronx at 11:30 a.m. Thursday
In his briefing on Wednesday, the governor announced that 50% of New Yorkers 18 and older are now fully vaccinated.
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