History of KWWL (TV) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2025

KWWL is an NBC-affiliated television station located in Waterloo, Iowa, serving Eastern Iowa. It is owned by Allen Media Broadcasting and has studios in Waterloo and news bureaus/sales offices in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Iowa City. The station's transmitter is situated north of Rowley, Iowa.

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".