Bay News 9 is a 24-hour regional cable news television channel based in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Owned by Charter Communications under the Spectrum News brand, it focuses on delivering hyper-local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, and sports coverage specific to the region. The network distinguishes itself by providing continuous, non-stop news cycles, positioning itself as a primary source for Floridians seeking real-time information about their local communities. With a commitment to localized reporting, the channel serves as a vital resource for breaking news, public safety alerts, and community-centric storytelling throughout Central Florida's Gulf Coast.
September 24, 1997: Launch of Bay News 9
On September 24, 1997, Bay News 9 officially began its operations, establishing its signature broadcasting style of providing weather updates every ten minutes, known as "on the nines," with increased frequency during severe weather events.
1999: Launch of Health Team 9
In 1999, Bay News 9 established "Health Team 9," a group of medical professionals including doctors Steven Seltzer, Robert DiMasi, Jacentha Buggs, and Linda McClintock, along with psychologist Steve O'Brien, to provide expert medical reporting through segments like "Health Watch" and "Medical Beat."
1999: Launch of Bay News 9 Weather Now
In 1999, the service originally known as Bay News 9 Weather Now was launched to provide local weather forecasts on a 24-hour basis.
March 2002: Launch of Bay News 9 en Español
Created by Elliott Wiser, Bay News 9 en Español launched in March 2002, marking the establishment of the first local, 24-hour Spanish-language news channel in the United States.
2002: Launch of VIPIR Doppler Radar
In 2002, Bay News 9 became the first television station in its broadcast area to implement the VIPIR Doppler weather radar system to enhance meteorological reporting.
2006: Alan Winfield Leaves Full-time Role
In 2006, meteorologist Alan Winfield stepped down from his full-time position at Bay News 9 to transition into a religious ministry, though he maintained a role with the station specifically for hurricane coverage.
2006: Launch of Bay News 9 HD
In the spring of 2006, Bay News 9 launched its high-definition simulcast feed, Bay News 9 HD, which featured a significant graphical overhaul for the network.
March 2008: Bay News 9 News Cycle Revamp
In March 2008, Bay News 9 updated its broadcast format by removing the "Beyond the Bay" segment, which previously aired 42 minutes past the hour. This was replaced by the "Extra" segment moved to 23 minutes past the hour, alongside an increased focus on local news coverage.
December 2008: Staff Changes at Bay News 9
During December 2008, Jen Holloway departed from her anchor position at the station to work as a marketing spokesperson for Bright House Networks, with Erica Riggins subsequently taking over as the weekend morning anchor.
January 5, 2009: Launch of Klystron 9
On January 5, 2009, Bay News 9 launched Klystron 9, an advanced radar system described as the most powerful television radar in the world due to its combination of dual polarimetry, Klystron tube technology, and a 1.25-million watt transmitter.
December 2010: Cross-Market Channel Expansion
In December 2010, Bright House Networks expanded its channel offerings by adding the Orlando-based sister channel News 13 to the Tampa market on digital channel 1213, while simultaneously adding Bay News 9 to its Central Florida systems on digital channel 1209.
2010: Spanish Language Sports Telecasts Begin
In 2010, the channel expanded its programming by introducing Spanish-language telecasts for Major League Baseball games featuring the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, as well as NBA games for the Orlando Magic.
June 2011: Health Segment Rebranding
In June 2011, Bay News 9 revamped its medical programming by replacing the "Medical Beat" segment with "Priority Health," featuring Dr. Randy Shuck, and transitioning "Health Watch" into "Health Headlines" to focus on daily medical news.
July 12, 2011: Launch of InfoMás
The regional Spanish-language news channel InfoMás officially launched on July 12, 2011, serving as a combined service for the Tampa and Orlando markets.
October 20, 2011: Transition to Full HD Broadcasting
On October 20, 2011, Bay News 9 and InfoMás transitioned their news programming to full high definition, incorporating a 16:9 aspect ratio and a new graphics package.
November 20, 2017: Discontinuation of InfoMás
Due to a shift in viewership habits where the local Hispanic population preferred English-language coverage, InfoMás was officially discontinued on November 20, 2017, following Charter's acquisition of the company.
2021: Death of Winter the Dolphin
In 2021, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium dolphin named Winter, whose life was documented via a Bay News 9 website webcam, passed away.
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