History of WFAA in Timeline
WFAA is a television station in Dallas, Texas, functioning as the ABC affiliate for the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It is owned by Tegna Inc. and is accompanied by KFAA-TV, an independent station that simulcasts WFAA's main channel in high definition. This simulcast exists to address long-term issues related to WFAA's digital VHF signal.
June 26, 1922: WFAA signs on the air
On June 26, 1922, WFAA, the sister radio station to WFAA television, signed on the air and started a time-sharing arrangement with WBAP.
1927: WFAA time-sharing arrangement ends
In 1927, the time-sharing arrangement between WFAA and WBAP, which began in 1922, temporarily ended when WBAP moved to a new frequency.
1929: WFAA resumes time-sharing agreement with WBAP
In 1929, WFAA and WBAP resumed their time-sharing agreement after WBAP moved to 800 kHz.
1931: WFAA Broadcasts Inaugural Ceremony
In 1931, WFAA became the first Texas station to broadcast an inaugural ceremony, that of Texas Governor Ross Sterling.
June 20, 1941: WFAA moves to the Santa Fe Railroad Warehouse
On June 20, 1941, WFAA moved its facilities to the Santa Fe Railroad Warehouse on Jackson Street.
1941: WBAP moves to 820 kHz, settling WFAA time-sharing
In 1941, WBAP moved to its current frequency at 820 kHz, settling the time-sharing arrangement with WFAA.
October 23, 1944: Initial application for television station filed
On October 23, 1944, local businessman Karl Hoblitzelle applied to the FCC for a permit and license to operate a television station on VHF channel 8, marking the first such application in the Southern United States.
October 15, 1945: Experimental FM station W5X1C signs on
On October 15, 1945, WFAA launched experimental FM station W5X1C.
October 5, 1946: WFAA-FM (KERA-FM) signs on
On October 5, 1946, WFAA-FM signed on as KERA-FM, becoming the first FM radio station in Texas.
1947: WFAA and WBAP begin time-sharing on 570 kHz
In 1947, WFAA and WBAP began time-sharing on a second frequency, 570 kHz, which was formerly occupied by KGKO.
1947: WFAA-FM moves to 97.9 FM
In 1947, WFAA-FM moved from its original frequency at 94.3 FM to 97.9 FM.
September 29, 1948: WBAP-TV Signed On Air
On September 29, 1948, WBAP-TV in Fort Worth (now KXAS-TV) signed on the air, almost one year before KBTV launched.
November 1948: FCC Instituted Freeze on New TV Applications
In November 1948, the FCC instituted a freeze on new applications for television station licenses, which lasted for four years.
January 1, 1949: KLEE-TV Debuted
On January 1, 1949, KLEE-TV in Houston (now KPRC-TV) debuted.
September 17, 1949: KBTV Signed On Air
On September 17, 1949, KBTV signed on the air at 8 p.m., inaugurating Channel 8 with a fifteen-minute ceremony and broadcasting for one hour, including its first local program, Dallas in Wonderland. Vice President Alben W. Barkley cut the ribbon to officially launch the station.
December 1949: KDFW co-owned with the Dallas Times-Herald
From December 1949, KDFW was co-owned with the Dallas Times-Herald until 1986, marking one of the newspaper/television broadcasting combinations in the Dallas–Fort Worth market.
1949: KBTV commenced full schedule
In 1949, KBTV commenced its full schedule, broadcasting only four hours of programming per day and operating as a primary affiliate of the DuMont Television Network and a secondary affiliate of the Paramount Television Network.
1949: Establishment of Channel 8 facility ID
The channel 8 facility ID was established in 1949.
January 1950: Belo purchased KBTV
In January 1950, Belo purchased KBTV from Lacy-Potter for $575,000.
March 13, 1950: FCC approved sale of KBTV to Belo
On March 13, 1950, the FCC approved the sale of KBTV to Belo.
1950: WFAA switched primary affiliation to NBC
In 1950, WFAA switched its primary affiliation to NBC and also affiliated with ABC on a secondary basis.
1952: FCC reassigned Channel 12 allocation to Waco
In 1952, after the FCC lifted the freeze on new television station licensing applications, the agency reassigned the Channel 12 allocation to Waco.
1956: KTEN Affiliates with ABC
In 1956, KTEN became affiliated with ABC on a part-time basis.
1958: WFAA used a videotape recorder for broadcasting purposes
In 1958, WFAA became the first television station in the market to use a videotape recorder for broadcasting purposes.
March 1961: Mr. Peppermint Debuted
In March 1961, Jerry Haynes debuted Mr. Peppermint, a local children's program.
April 2, 1961: Station's operations relocated to the WFAA Communications Center Studios
On April 2, 1961, the station's operations were relocated to the WFAA Communications Center Studios in downtown Dallas.
April 4, 1961: WFAA moves to Communications Center
On April 4, 1961, WFAA moved to the WFAA Communications Center at Young and Record Streets.
November 22, 1963: WFAA breaks news of JFK assassination
On November 22, 1963, WFAA was the first station to break the news of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, which occurred near the station's studios. WFAA conducted the first live television interview with Abraham Zapruder.
1965: WFAA-FM settles on permanent broadcast schedule
By 1965, WFAA-FM settled on a permanent broadcast schedule after periods of silence and inconsistent operation.
1969: Belo acquired KFDM-TV in Beaumont
In 1969, Belo acquired KFDM-TV in Beaumont from Beaumont Broadcasting.
January 1970: Launch of News 8 Etc.
In January 1970, WFAA launched News 8 Etc., a 90-minute morning news-talk show that replaced the children's program Mr. Peppermint.
1970: WFAA does not carry American Bandstand
Beginning in 1970, WFAA was one of a handful of ABC stations that did not carry American Bandstand, opting to air public service programming instead.
1970: Mr. Peppermint ended original run on WFAA
In 1970, Mr. Peppermint ended its original nine-year run on WFAA.
1970: WFAA begins full-time transmission on 570 kHz
In 1970, WFAA (AM) began to transmit full-time on 570 kHz, ending the complex time-sharing arrangement with WBAP.
1970: WFAA changes to Middle of the Road music
In 1970, after maintaining an entertainment/variety format for many years, WFAA became a middle of the road (MOR) music station.
October 1971: Gene Thomas' death
In October 1971, anchor Gene Thomas died when a jet-powered dragster he was riding in for a story being produced for the show crashed at speeds of 286 miles per hour (460 km/h) at Dallas International Motor Speedway
September 1972: Texas Country Reporter Originated
In September 1972, Bob Phillips originated Texas Country Reporter on KDFW as the locally produced 4 Country Reporter.
September 16, 1973: WFAA-FM becomes KZEW-FM
On September 16, 1973, WFAA-FM changed to album-oriented rock (AOR) under the call letters KZEW-FM (branded as "The Zoo").
1973: Marty Haag Becomes Executive News Director
In 1973, Marty Haag became WFAA's executive news director.
1973: WFAA switches to a Top 40 format
In 1973, WFAA transitioned from a middle-of-the-road (MOR) music station to a Top 40 format.
1973: Marty Haag brought reporters over to WFAA
In 1973, news director Marty Haag brought over three reporters to WFAA from his previous job as news department head at KWTV in Oklahoma City.
May 1974: Retooling of News 8 Etc. as The AM Show
In May 1974, News 8 Etc. was retooled as The AM Show (later shortened to simply AM).
1974: Sale of KXAS-TV, WBAP, and KSCS
In 1974, Carter Publications sold KXAS-TV, radio stations WBAP (820 AM), and KSCS (96.3 FM) to separate companies, ending their co-ownership with the Star-Telegram.
1974: Texas State Sen. Jim Wade challenged Belo's renewal application
In 1974, Texas State Sen. Jim Wade challenged Belo's renewal application for the Channel 8 license.
November 1975: WFAA preempts Good Morning America
From November 1975 to March 1976, WFAA preempted Good Morning America for the first five months of its run, in favor of the local morning program The AM Show.
1975: Peppermint Place Revived
In 1975, Mr. Peppermint was revived as the half-hour magazine-style educational series Peppermint Place.
March 1976: WFAA continues to preempt Good Morning America
WFAA continued to preempt Good Morning America through March 1976, in favor of the local morning program The AM Show.
November 9, 1976: WFAA adopts news and talk-based schedule
On November 9, 1976, WFAA made its final format change, adopting a news and talk-based schedule and rebranding as "Newstalk 570".
1976: Troy Dungan became chief weather anchor
In 1976, Troy Dungan became chief weather anchor and developed modern-day chroma key techniques for televised weather forecasts, the five-day forecast concept and created the "News 8 Doppler Net".
1977: Pioneering Community Outreach with Wednesday's Child
In 1977, WFAA pioneered community outreach with the "Wednesday's Child" series, profiling children needing adoptive families, descended from a feature segment on News 8 Etc.
1978: Iola Johnson became lead anchor
In 1978, Iola Johnson became the first African American news anchor in Dallas, serving as a lead anchor with Tracy Rowlett.
September 1980: Wednesday's Child on 10 PM Newscast
In September 1980, WFAA's "Wednesday's Child" feature, which profiles children in need of adoptive families, became a weekly feature on the station's 10 p.m. newscast.
1980: WFAA Delays Nightline
From its debut in 1980 until September 1983, WFAA delayed Nightline in favor of late night movie presentations.
1980: Belo acquired WTVC in Chattanooga, Tennessee
In 1980, Belo acquired WTVC in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1980: Demolition of Baker Hotel
In 1980, the Baker Hotel, which was once the location of WFAA's operations, was demolished.
1980: The News 8 Update title started in 1980
WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast was known as The News 8 Update from 1980 to 2012.
March 1983: Dale Hansen Joins WFAA
In March 1983, Dale Hansen joined WFAA from KDFW. He is the host of Dale Hansen's Sports Special.
July 2, 1983: WFAA (AM) call letters changed to KRQX
On July 2, 1983, the call letters of WFAA (AM) were changed to KRQX.
September 1983: Nightline airs in the 10:30 slot
From September 1983 until September 1984, Nightline aired in its then-recommended 10:30 slot on WFAA.
December 1983: Belo acquired the Corinthian Broadcasting subsidiary
In December 1983, Belo acquired the Corinthian Broadcasting subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet, adding six stations to its portfolio.
May 1984: Launch of "Spirit of Texas" image campaign
In May 1984, WFAA launched the "Spirit of Texas" image campaign to commemorate the 1986 sesquicentennial of Texas' independence. The campaign focused on the region's cultural heritage and included a music package by James R. Kirk of TM Productions.
September 1984: WFAA acquires rights to Entertainment Tonight
In September 1984, WFAA acquired the rights to Entertainment Tonight from KDFW, airing it following Nightline.
September 1984: WFAA delayed Nightline
September 1984, WFAA delayed Nightline after acquiring the local syndication rights to Entertainment Tonight.
December 1984: WFAA airs The Edge of Night prior to ABC's morning sitcoms
From the mid-1970s until December 1984, WFAA aired The Edge of Night on a day-behind basis prior to ABC's morning sitcom rerun block, to air feature films after General Hospital.
1984: HD Chopper 8 featured the 1984 logo
HD Chopper 8 (formerly known as Telecopter 8), featured the 1984 dual-outlined "8" logo on its underside.
1986: KTEN switches to primary NBC affiliation
In 1986, KTEN switched to a primary NBC affiliation, reducing ABC programming.
1986: Texas Country Reporter sold into regional syndication
In 1986, Texas Country Reporter was sold into regional syndication, airing on WFAA under the title 8 Country Reporter.
1986: Peabody Award for Investigative Report
In 1986, WFAA won a Peabody Award for an investigative report that led to the Southern Methodist University Mustangs' "death penalty" sanction by the NCAA.
1986: Sale of Dallas Times-Herald
In 1986, the Times Mirror Company sold the Dallas Times-Herald to the MediaNews Group.
1986: Texas Sesquicentennial
In 1986, the sesquicentennial of Texas' independence was commemorated, an event that WFAA's "Spirit of Texas" image campaign was created to celebrate. The "Spirit of Texas" campaign's music was used by KHOU from 1986 to 1989.
1986: Airing of Hoosiers film
In November 2004, WFAA aired the 1986 film Hoosiers instead of the network's telecast of Saving Private Ryan due to concerns over violence and profanity in the latter.
1986: WUSA ownership by Gannett
Since 1986, WUSA in Washington, D.C. was owned by Gannett.
January 1, 1987: Belo sells KRQX and KZEW-FM
On January 1, 1987, Belo sold both KRQX and KZEW-FM.
January 14, 1987: Hill Tower struck by Navy F-4 Phantom
On January 14, 1987, the Hill Tower transmitter facility, jointly owned by WFAA and KDFW, was struck by a Navy F-4 Phantom during training exercises. The jet clipped several guy-wires, but the occupants ejected safely.
1987: WFAA gains local syndication rights to Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune
In 1987, Channel 8 (WFAA) held the local syndication rights to the game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
1987: Launch of News 8 Daybreak
In 1987, WFAA resumed a local morning newscast with the launch of "News 8 Daybreak", an initially 60-minute traditional news program.
September 1989: Nightline and Entertainment Tonight timeslots swapped
In September 1989, WFAA swapped Nightline and ET's respective timeslots.
1989: Gannett enters the Dallas–Fort Worth market
From 1989 to 1997, Gannett owned radio station KOAI/KHKS (106.1) in Dallas.
1989: KHOU ends use of original TM-composed theme
In 1989, KHOU ended its use of the original TM-composed "Spirit of Texas" theme that it had been using since 1986. However, KHOU continued to incorporate the "Spirit" signature in its themes until 2014.
1989: Marty Haag Becomes VP of News Operations for Belo Corporation
In 1989, Marty Haag became the vice president of news operations for Belo Corporation after serving as WFAA's executive news director since 1973.
1989: Completion of new tower
In 1989, a new 1,400-foot-tall tower was constructed southwest of the original Hill Tower facility after it was struck by a Navy F-4 Phantom in 1987. The candelabra mast of the former tower was dismantled, and new transmitters were installed.
December 1991: Belo acquires Dallas Times-Herald
In December 1991, Belo acquired the Dallas Times-Herald, which subsequently ended publication. KDFW was co-owned with the Dallas Times-Herald from 1949 until 1986.
1991: End of TM Productions theme usage
In 1991, WFAA stopped using the TM Productions music package that had been used for its newscasts since 1984's "Spirit of Texas" campaign launch. However, the seven-note signature of the TM Productions theme was carried in subsequent news themes.
September 1992: WFAA airs Loving on a day-behind basis
Following the midday newscast's expansion into an hour-long broadcast in September 1992, WFAA aired Loving on a day-behind basis until it was canceled in 1996.
1992: "WFAA 1992 News Theme"
In 1992, WFAA used the "WFAA 1992 News Theme" which carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature. The theme was used from 1992 to 1996.
September 12, 1994: Good Morning Texas Debuts
On September 12, 1994, WFAA premiered the talk, entertainment, and lifestyle program "Good Morning Texas", hosted by Scott Sams and Deborah Duncan.
1994: KHOU Uses "American Spirit" Theme
In 1994, KHOU began using the custom John Hegner-composed "American Spirit" theme, which incorporated the "Spirit" signature. The theme was used from 1994 to 2000.
1994: KTEN adds Fox affiliation
In 1994, KTEN added an additional primary affiliation with Fox, further reducing ABC-provided content.
1994: Family First (F1) Initiative Begins
In 1994, WFAA began conducting town hall meetings across North Texas through its Family First (F1) initiative, which remains a significant part of its community service commitment.
September 1995: WFAA starts clearing NYPD Blue
In September 1995, WFAA began clearing NYPD Blue at the start of its third season, after having previously preempted the show due to violent content, profanity and partial nudity.
1995: Peabody Award for The Peavy Investigation
In 1995, WFAA was honored with a Peabody Award for The Peavy Investigation, a series of reports into insurance purchases involving the Dallas Independent School District.
July 1996: Peppermint Place Ended
In July 1996, Peppermint Place ended its collective 30-year run.
1996: HD Chopper 8 featured the 1996 logo
HD Chopper 8 (formerly known as Telecopter 8), featured the 1984–1996 dual-outlined "8" logo on its underside.
1996: Cancellation of The City
In 1996, WFAA aired The City (previously reformatted as Loving) on a day-behind basis until the soap opera was canceled.
1996: "News 8 Now" branding
In 1996, WFAA started using the branding "News 8 Now" for promotional content and as an alternative program-specific title for the station's newscasts.
1996: "The Spirit" Music Package
In 1996, WFAA used "The Spirit" music package, composed by Stephen Arnold Music. The package carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature and was used from 1996 to 2000.
January 1997: WFAA airs Politically Incorrect later than recommended
From January 1997 until its cancellation in July 2002, WFAA aired Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher a half-hour later than its then-recommended 11:05 p.m. Central time slot.
1997: Gannett exits the Dallas–Fort Worth market
From 1989 to 1997, Gannett owned radio station KOAI/KHKS (106.1) in Dallas.
1997: WFAA airs Port Charles on Tuesday through Saturday early mornings
From 1997 to 2004, WFAA carried Port Charles on Tuesday through Saturday early mornings.
1997: Belo acquired ten additional stations
In 1997, Belo added ten additional stations through its merger acquisition of the Providence Journal Company.
February 27, 1998: First Digital TV Signal Broadcast on VHF Channel
On February 27, 1998, at 2:17 pm, WFAA became the first television station in the United States to broadcast its digital television signal on a VHF channel, beginning test broadcasts on VHF channel 9.
April 1998: WFAA becomes default ABC station for areas near Red River
In April 1998, when KTEN disaffiliated from ABC, WFAA began serving as a default ABC station for areas near and south of the Red River within the Sherman–Ada market, through its existing availability on cable providers.
September 1998: WFAA Separates Saturday Morning Lineup
In September 1998, WFAA separated its Saturday morning children's program lineup, then known as Disney's One Saturday Morning, into two blocks around the Saturday edition of News 8 Daybreak. The first two hours were delayed by one week, airing from 5 to 7 a.m., while the final three hours continued to air live from 9 a.m. to noon.
1999: Belo purchased ABC affiliate KVUE in Austin
In 1999, Belo purchased ABC affiliate KVUE in Austin from the Gannett Company.
1999: The KBTV call sign used on a station in Port Arthur, Texas
Since 1999, the KBTV call sign has been used on a station in Port Arthur, Texas.
2000: "Custom WFAA-TV News Package"
In 2000, WFAA used the "Custom WFAA-TV News Package", composed by Stephen Arnold Music. The package carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature and was used from 2000 to 2004.
2001: Original company changes its name
From 1865 to 2001, the original company was named A. H. Belo Corporation, before the Belo split.
July 2002: WFAA continues airing Politically Incorrect
From January 1997 until its cancellation in July 2002, WFAA aired Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher a half-hour later than its then-recommended 11:05 p.m. Central time slot.
September 2002: WFAA Timeshifts ABC Kids Programs
In September 2002, following the rebranding as ABC Kids, WFAA began timeshifting some programs. The 8 a.m. hour programs aired instead on a three-hour delay during the 11 a.m. hour. WFAA aired the remaining two hours in pattern from the ABC off-air feed.
2002: Peabody Award for Fake Drugs, Real Lives
In 2002, WFAA received a Peabody Award for the investigative report series "Fake Drugs, Real Lives", which exposed confidential informants planting fake drugs near Mexican immigrants.
January 2003: WFAA airs Jimmy Kimmel Live! later than recommended
Beginning with its January 2003 premiere, WFAA aired Jimmy Kimmel Live! a half-hour later than its then-recommended time slot.
November 2004: WFAA declines to air Saving Private Ryan
In November 2004, WFAA was among the ABC-affiliated stations that declined to air the network's telecast of Saving Private Ryan due to concerns over violence and profanity. Instead, the station aired The Oprah Winfrey Show and the 1986 film Hoosiers.
2004: WFAA airs Port Charles on Tuesday through Saturday early mornings
From 1997 to 2004, WFAA carried Port Charles on Tuesday through Saturday early mornings.
2004: Use of "News Matrix" and "Evolution" music packages
In 2004, WFAA began using a variation of Stephen Arnold Music's "News Matrix" (from 2004 to 2005) and "Evolution" (from 2004 to 2007) music packages. Both packages carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
2004: WFAA launches digital subchannel
In 2004, WFAA launched a digital subchannel on virtual channel 8.2, initially known as "Xpress 8.2".
2004: Peabody Award for State of Denial
In 2004, WFAA won a Peabody Award for "State of Denial", a series investigating improprieties in the Texas Workers Compensation Commission.
2004: Lifetime Achievement George Foster Peabody Award for Marty Haag
In 2004, former news director H. Martin "Marty" Haag was honored with a special Lifetime Achievement George Foster Peabody Award shortly before his death.
January 1, 2005: TXCN switches to repackaged newscasts
On January 1, 2005, TXCN switched to a format primarily consisting of repackaged newscasts and in-house weather segments, resulting in layoffs.
July 20, 2005: Announcement of secondary studio facility
On July 20, 2005, Belo announced an agreement with Hillwood Capital to build a secondary studio facility in the Plaza Towers complex in Victory Park.
August 2005: WFAA-DT2 relays WWL-TV coverage of Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, WFAA-DT2 relayed wall-to-wall coverage from New Orleans sister station WWL-TV for Hurricane Katrina.
2005: Use of "News Matrix" music packages
In 2005, WFAA used a variation of Stephen Arnold Music's "News Matrix" music package. The package carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature and was used from 2004 to 2005.
2005: WFAA drops Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune
In the fall of 2005, after eighteen years, WFAA dropped Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! from its schedule, with both series moving to KTVT.
2006: Use of "Propulsion" music package
In 2006, WFAA started using the "Propulsion" music package composed by 615 Music. The package carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature and was used from 2006 to 2014.
January 2007: Opening of secondary studio facility
In January 2007, WFAA's secondary studio facility opened in the Plaza Towers complex in Victory Park. The facility houses a street-level studio for news programming and the talk show Good Morning Texas.
February 2, 2007: Broadcasts in High Definition
On February 2, 2007, WFAA began broadcasting its newscasts and other local programs in high definition, becoming the first station in the Dallas–Fort Worth market to do so on a regular basis.
October 1, 2007: Belo announces split of broadcasting and newspaper interests
On October 1, 2007, Belo announced plans to split its broadcasting and newspaper interests into two independent companies. WFAA would remain with the broadcasting entity, which retained the Belo Corporation name.
2007: End of "Evolution" music package usage
In 2007, WFAA ended using the "Evolution" music package. The package carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature and was used from 2004 to 2007.
2007: Peabody Award for Investigative Stories
In 2007, WFAA won a Peabody Award for four investigative stories: "Money for Nothing", "The Buried and the Dead", "Television Justice", and "Kinder Prison".
2007: Troy Dungan leaves the channel
Troy Dungan, developed modern-day chroma key techniques for televised weather forecasts, the five-day forecast concept and created the "News 8 Doppler Net", leaves the channel in 2007.
2008: WFAA-DT2 relays coverage of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
In 2008, WFAA-DT2 relayed coverage from WWL-TV for Hurricane Gustav and from KHOU for Hurricane Ike.
June 12, 2009: Analog Signal Shutdown
On June 12, 2009, at 12:03 pm, WFAA shut down its analog signal as part of the federally mandated transition to digital television. The station aired a retrospective narrated by Pete Delkus before ceasing transmission.
December 23, 2009: Application to Increase Transmitter Power
On December 23, 2009, WFAA filed an application to the FCC to increase its transmitter's effective radiated power (ERP) due to difficulties in maintaining adequate over-the-air reception of the channel 8 digital signal.
2009: Airing repeats of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
In 2009, WFAA aired repeats of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' first season that ABC aired during the 2009–10 season
2009: Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award's Gold Baton
In 2009, WFAA became the first local station to receive the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award's Gold Baton, for its commitment to investigative journalism regarding corruption and waste.
May 1, 2010: KTEN launches ABC subchannel
On May 1, 2010, the Sherman–Ada market regained its own ABC station when KTEN launched a digital subchannel affiliated with the network.
August 28, 2010: ABC Drops Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
On August 28, 2010, ABC dropped the program Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Until then, WFAA aired a double run of the show on a one-week delay from 5 to 6 am.
November 2010: WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast slid from first place
During the November 2010 sweeps, WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast slid from first place for the November 2010 sweeps to a relatively distant second
2010: Peabody Award for Bitter Lessons
In 2010, WFAA received a Peabody Award for "Bitter Lessons", an investigation into government-funded career schools.
February 2011: WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast during the February 2011 sweeps period
During the February 2011 sweeps period WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast slid from first place to a relatively distant second
April 30, 2011: WFAA subchannel becomes AccuWeather Channel affiliate
On April 30, 2011, the WFAA subchannel became an affiliate of The Local AccuWeather Channel.
May 2011: WFAA's 10 p.m. news regained its position as the market's No. 1 late newscast
During the May 2011 sweeps period, WFAA's 10 p.m. news regained its position as the market's No. 1 late newscast in total viewers and adults 25–54.
September 12, 2011: WFAA airs Kimmel directly following Nightline
On September 12, 2011, WFAA began airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! directly following Nightline, as intended by ABC.
September 2011: End of out-of-pattern airings
Until September 2011, WFAA aired several programs within the block significantly out of pattern.
September 27, 2011: WFAA replaces All My Children with The Chew
On September 27, 2011, WFAA replaced All My Children with The Chew in its 11 a.m. slot.
2012: The News 8 Update title ended in 2012
WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast was known as The News 8 Update from 1980 to 2012.
June 13, 2013: Gannett announces acquisition of Belo
On June 13, 2013, the Gannett Company announced that it would acquire Belo for $1.5 billion.
September 12, 2013: Debut of 4 PM Newscast
On September 12, 2013, WFAA debuted an hour-long weekday 4 p.m. newscast.
2013: Belo merged with the Gannett Company
In 2013, Belo merged with the Gannett Company.
July 2014: WFAA gains new sister stations through Gannett purchase
In July 2014, WFAA gained new sister stations in nearby markets through Gannett's purchase of six television stations owned by the London Broadcasting Company, which based its broadcasting properties exclusively within Texas.
August 5, 2014: Gannett announces split into broadcast and print media companies
On August 5, 2014, Gannett announced that it would split its broadcast and print media properties into separate publicly traded companies.
2014: Switch to "This is Home" package
On August 27, 2014, WFAA discontinued its longtime "Spirit" signature after three decades and switched to Gari Media Group's standardized "This is Home" package for Gannett stations.
February 26, 2015: Cable One removes WFAA from Sherman and Denison systems
On February 26, 2015, Cable One removed WFAA from its Sherman and Denison systems due to a clause in its retransmission agreement with KTEN.
June 29, 2015: Finalization of Gannett split, WFAA becomes part of Tegna
On June 29, 2015, the corporate separation of Gannett was finalized, and WFAA became part of Tegna, which assumed ownership of the original company's non-publishing assets.
June 2016: Good Morning Texas hosts
As of June 2016, "Good Morning Texas" is co-hosted by Erin Hunter and Jane McGarry.
2017: WFAA-DT2 relays KHOU coverage of Hurricane Harvey
In 2017, WFAA-DT2 relayed coverage from Houston sister station KHOU for Hurricane Harvey.
September 10, 2018: WFAA moves midday newscast and carries GMA Day
On September 10, 2018, WFAA moved its midday newscast to 11 a.m. to carry GMA Day (now GMA3: What You Need To Know) at noon.
January 20, 2020: WFAA subchannel launches "WFAA Two"
On January 20, 2020, the WFAA subchannel ended its affiliation with The Local AccuWeather Channel and began broadcasting in-house weather programming under the name "WFAA Two".
September 2020: WFAA Broadcasts Newscasts
As of September 2020, WFAA broadcasts 36+1⁄2 hours of locally produced newscasts each week.
September 25, 2020: Tegna acquires KMPX
On September 25, 2020, Tegna acquired KMPX (channel 29, now KFAA-TV) from Estrella Media. The sale was completed on November 20, with KMPX moving operations into WFAA's Communications Center Studios.
2020: Good Morning Texas Extra added
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an extended version of "Good Morning Texas" was added to the 2 p.m. schedule called "Good Morning Texas Extra", replacing Sister Circle.
February 22, 2022: Tegna to be acquired by Standard General and Apollo Global Management
On February 22, 2022, Tegna announced that it would be acquired by Standard General and Apollo Global Management for $5.4 billion, with WFAA and KMPX being resold to Cox Media Group as part of the deal.
May 2022: Uvalde School Shooting Coverage and Jimmy Kimmel Preemption
In May 2022, WFAA extended its newscast to cover the Uvalde school shooting, leading to a partial preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live! due to preset commercial breaks. The monologue was later made available online.
May 22, 2023: Sale of Tegna cancelled
On May 22, 2023, the sale of Tegna to Standard General and Apollo Global Management was cancelled.
2023: Agreement to air Dallas Mavericks games
In 2023, WFAA's parent company Tegna Inc. announced an agreement to air 10 Dallas Mavericks games during the 2023–24 NBA season.
January 2024: New deal with the Mavericks announced
In January 2024, Tegna announced a new deal with the Mavericks beginning with the 2024-25 NBA season after they terminated their contract with Bally Sports, in which WFAA would simulcast 15 games.
September 2024: Deal Signed with Dallas Mavericks
In September 2024, Tegna announced a deal with the Dallas Mavericks to move the team's local broadcasts to its television stations, with some games simulcast on WFAA.
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