History of KWWL (TV) in Timeline
November 26, 1953: KWWL-TV Signs On
On November 26, 1953, KWWL-TV signed on for the first time after Black Hawk Broadcasting Company won the license for channel 7 in Waterloo after a legal battle with Sonderling Broadcasting.
1980: Black Hawk Merger Agreement
In 1980, Black Hawk Broadcasting Company agreed to merge with Forward Communications, but the FCC required the sale of either KWWL-AM-FM or channel 7 due to ownership rules.
1989: KTIV Sold to QNI
In 1989, KTIV, which was a sibling station to KWWL under Black Hawk/AFLAC, was sold to Quincy Newspapers, Inc. (QNI).
1997: AFLAC Buys KWWL
In 1997, AFLAC acquired KWWL when it purchased the broadcasting division from Black Hawk Broadcasting Company.
November 2004: KWWL-DT2 Becomes NBC Weather Plus Affiliate
In November 2004, KWWL-DT2 began operations as an affiliate of NBC Weather Plus.
July 30, 2005: KWWL Station History Accessed
On July 30, 2005, the KWWL Station History was accessed from KWWL's website.
2005: Raycom Purchases Liberty Corporation
In late 2005, Raycom Media purchased the Liberty Corporation, which led to the subsequent sale of KWWL in 2006.
July 1, 2006: Quincy Newspapers Acquires KWWL
On July 1, 2006, Quincy Newspapers, Inc. (QNI) became the owner of KWWL after Raycom sold the station.
October 7, 2008: NBC Universal to Shut Down Weather Plus
On October 7, 2008, NBC Universal announced that they would shut down the NBC Weather Plus service by December 31, 2008.
December 31, 2008: NBC Weather Plus Service Shutdown
By December 31, 2008, NBC Universal shut down the NBC Weather Plus service.
January 2009: This TV Programming Airs on KWWL-DT2
In January 2009, the subchannel KWWL-DT2 began airing This TV programming.
February 17, 2009: KWWL Shuts Down Analog Signal
On February 17, 2009, KWWL shut down its analog signal on VHF channel 7 as part of the transition to digital broadcasts. The digital signal relocated to VHF channel 7.
June 12, 2009: Original Transition Deadline
June 12, 2009 was the date full-power television stations in the United States were to transition from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate.
April 11, 2010: KWWL Broadcasts Newscasts in High Definition
On April 11, 2010, KWWL became the first station in eastern Iowa and the first QNI station to broadcast its newscasts in high definition, updating its logo at the same time.
November 1, 2010: FCC Grants Construction Permit
On November 1, 2010, the FCC granted KWWL a construction permit for a digital fill-in translator on channel 7 to serve Dubuque.
June 6, 2013: Translator Permit Canceled
On June 6, 2013, the construction permit for KWWL's digital fill-in translator on channel 7 was canceled.
2014: Major Building Renovation
In late 2014, KWWL building underwent a major renovation project which involved extensive interior and exterior work.
April 2016: KWWL to add The CW Programming
In April 2016, KWWL announced that they would add programming from The CW on KWWL-DT2 beginning on September 12, 2016.
September 12, 2016: The CW Programming Added to KWWL-DT2
On September 12, 2016, KWWL-DT2 added programming from The CW, ending its affiliation with This TV.
October 26, 2016: New KWWL Set Debuts
On October 26, 2016, the new KWWL set debuted after renovations, relocating the newsroom and studio to the second floor.
July 2017: Remainder of Departments Move
In July 2017, the remainder of KWWL's departments (Marketing, Sales and Administration) moved to their new location on the first floor.
September 20, 2017: Full Renovation Completed
On September 20, 2017, the full renovation of the KWWL studio building was completed.
2019: Gray Acquires Raycom
In 2019, Gray Television acquired Raycom, the previous owner of KWWL.
January 7, 2021: Quincy Media Put Up For Sale
On January 7, 2021, Quincy Media announced that it had put itself up for sale.
April 29, 2021: Allen Media Group to Acquire KWWL
On April 29, 2021, it was announced that Allen Media Group would acquire KWWL and other Quincy stations for $380 million.
August 2, 2021: The CW Moves to KCRG-DT3
On August 2, 2021, The CW moved to KCRG-DT3, and KWWL replaced The CW with Heroes & Icons.
January 17, 2025: AMG Announces Weather Hub
On January 17, 2025, Allen Media Group announced plans to cut local meteorologist positions from its stations, including KWWL, and replace them with a "weather hub".
