History of WAPT in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 25, 2025

WAPT is an ABC-affiliated television station located in Jackson, Mississippi. It is owned and operated by Hearst Television. The station's studios and transmitter are situated on Channel 16 Way in southwest Jackson.

1965: Two groups sought Jackson's channel 16 allocation

In 1965, two groups, John MacLendon, owner of Jackson radio station WOKJ and a station in Birmingham, Alabama, and an affiliate of American Public Life Insurance Company, sought Jackson's channel 16 allocation.

1967: Channel 16 to begin broadcasting in the fall

In 1967, it was stated that channel 16 would begin broadcasting in the fall.

1968: Construction activities underway and negotiating with ABC

In March 1969, American Public Life announced in its 1968 annual report to shareholders that construction activities were underway and WAPT was negotiating with ABC for affiliation.

March 1969: Construction activities underway and negotiating with ABC

In March 1969, American Public Life announced that construction activities were underway and WAPT was negotiating with ABC for affiliation.

September 1, 1970: WLBT and WJTV ceased airing ABC programming

On September 1, 1970, NBC affiliate WLBT and CBS affiliate WJTV ceased airing ABC programming.

October 3, 1970: WAPT began broadcasting

On October 3, 1970, WAPT began broadcasting, carrying a football game between Ole Miss and Alabama that day.

1971: WAPT began producing local news

In early 1971, WAPT began producing local news.

1972: Dick Thames died in a plane crash

In 1972, Dick Thames, the first sports anchor, died in a plane crash while preparing a news story.

1974: Bert Case left WAPT

In 1974, Bert Case, the first news director, left WAPT to work at WLBT.

1976: American Public Life Insurance Company sold WAPT

In 1976, American Public Life Insurance Company sold WAPT to Television America Sixteen for $500,000 and the assumption of $3 million in liabilities.

1987: Price Communications acquired Clay's four-station group

In 1987, Price Communications acquired Clay's four-station group for $60 million.

1988: Station ceased broadcasting weekend newscasts

At the end of 1988, WAPT ceased broadcasting weekend newscasts.

November 1990: WAPT restored weekend news

In November 1990, WAPT restored weekend news.

1991: Appleton runs the station directly

In 1991, Price executive Dick Appleton traveled to Jackson to run the station directly, relieving the general manager, who was recovering from brain surgery.

1992: WAPT began airing a morning newscast

In 1992, WAPT began airing a morning newscast.

September 1993: WAPT declined to carry NYPD Blue

In September 1993, WAPT was among 57 stations that declined to carry "NYPD Blue" due to its content.

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September 1994: Argyle Television II acquired Northstar stations

In September 1994, Argyle Television II announced the acquisition of three of the four Northstar stations.

January 1995: Argyle Television II consummated acquisition of Northstar stations

In January 1995, Argyle Television II consummated the acquisition of three of the four Northstar stations.

January 1995: WAPT reversed its stance on NYPD Blue

In January 1995, WAPT reversed its decision and began airing "NYPD Blue" after changes were made to the show by ABC.

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September 1995: News talent shakeup

In September 1995, Argyle made a major shakeup of the station's news talent after it took over. Anchor Stephanie Bell-Flynt and commentator Cal Adams were fired.

1995: Argyle Television acquired WAPT

In 1995, Argyle Television acquired WAPT. Argyle Television later merged with Hearst in 1997. The station has become more competitive in local news under Hearst ownership.

August 1997: Argyle merged with Hearst Corporation

In August 1997, Argyle merged with the Hearst Corporation's broadcasting unit to form Hearst-Argyle Television.

1997: Argyle merges with Hearst

In 1997, Argyle Television merged with Hearst, resulting in the station becoming more competitive in local news.

2005: WDSU employees relocated to WAPT during Hurricane Katrina

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 19 employees of WDSU relocated to WAPT.

2005: Sacha Baron Cohen appeared as Borat

In 2005, Sacha Baron Cohen appeared as his Borat character in a news interview while secretly filming a segment for the movie of the same name.

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June 12, 2009: WAPT ended regular programming on its analog signal

On June 12, 2009, WAPT ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 16, as part of the transition from analog to digital television.