History of WFAA in Timeline
WFAA is a television station in Dallas, Texas, serving as the ABC affiliate for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Owned by Tegna Inc., it also operates KFAA-TV, which simulcasts WFAA's main channel in high definition due to signal issues with WFAA's VHF digital signal. WFAA is a key source of news and entertainment for the region.
June 26, 1922: WFAA Signs On
On June 26, 1922, WFAA, the future sister radio station to WFAA television, began broadcasting.
1929: Time-Sharing Resumes
In 1929, WFAA resumed its time-sharing arrangement with WBAP when that station moved to 800 kHz.
1931: Broadcast Inaugural Ceremony
In 1931, WFAA was the first Texas station to broadcast an inaugural ceremony, specifically that of Texas Governor Ross Sterling.
1939: Experimental Trial
In 1939, an experimental trial for the FM radio station was done before it signed on years later.
June 20, 1941: Move to Santa Fe Railroad Warehouse
On June 20, 1941, WFAA moved to facilities atop the Santa Fe Railroad Warehouse on Jackson Street.
1941: WBAP Moves to Current Frequency
In 1941, WBAP moved to its current frequency at 820 kHz, influencing 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 construction permit and license to operate a television station on VHF channel 8, marking the first such application in the Southern United States. Hoblitzelle planned to operate the station out of the Republic Bank building in downtown Dallas.
October 15, 1945: Experimental FM Station W5X1C Signs On
On October 15, 1945, experimental FM station W5X1C signed on the air.
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: Time-Sharing on a Second Frequency Begins
In 1947, WFAA and WBAP initiated time-sharing on a second frequency, 570 kHz, which was previously used by KGKO.
1947: Move to 97.9 FM
In 1947, WFAA-FM moved from its original frequency at 94.3 FM to 97.9 FM.
September 1948: KXAS-TV co-owned with the Star-Telegram
From September 1948, KXAS-TV was co-owned with the Star-Telegram until 1974.
September 29, 1948: WBAP-TV Signed On
On September 29, 1948, WBAP-TV (now KXAS-TV) in Fort Worth, TX signed on. It was the first television station to sign on in Texas, almost one year before KBTV.
November 1948: FCC Instituted Freeze on New Applications
In November 1948, the FCC instituted a freeze on new applications for television station licenses, a moratorium that would last for four years.
September 17, 1949: KBTV Signs On
On September 17, 1949, KBTV signed on the air at 8 p.m. with a fifteen-minute ceremony, launching Channel 8. The first broadcast lasted one hour and included the locally produced variety series Dallas in Wonderland. Vice President Alben W. Barkley cut the ribbon at the launch, which was held in front of a crowd of 5,000.
December 1949: KDFW co-owned with the Dallas Times-Herald
From December 1949, KDFW was co-owned with the Dallas Times-Herald until 1986.
1949: KBTV Commences Full Schedule
In 1949, when KBTV commenced its full schedule on September 18, it broadcast only four hours of programming per day. It was a primary affiliate of the DuMont Television Network and a secondary affiliate of the Paramount Television Network, agreeing to air 4.75 hours of Paramount Television's programming each week.
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. The sale received FCC approval on March 13, 1950, with Belo formally assuming control of Channel 8 on March 17. It was the first television property owned by the Dallas-based company.
March 13, 1950: FCC Approved Sale of KBTV to Belo
On March 13, 1950, the FCC approved Belo's purchase of KBTV. Belo formally assumed control of Channel 8 on March 17, 1950.
1950: WFAA Switches Affiliations
In 1950, WFAA switched its primary affiliation to NBC, and also affiliated with ABC on a secondary basis.
1952: FCC Lifts Freeze
In 1952, the FCC lifted the agency's freeze on new television station licensing applications, which led to the reassignment of Channel 12 to Waco.
1955: DuMont Shuts Down
In 1955, DuMont shut down amid various issues that arose from its relations with Paramount that hamstrung it from expansion.
1956: KTEN sign-on
In 1956, KTEN signed on and was affiliated with ABC on a part-time basis.
September 1, 1957: WFAA Loses NBC Affiliation
On September 1, 1957, WFAA lost its NBC affiliation, as the network awarded WBAP-TV the exclusive affiliation for the Dallas–Fort Worth market as a byproduct of the transmitter relocation and signal boost, leaving Channel 8 as an exclusive affiliate of ABC.
1958: WFAA Uses Videotape Recorder
In 1958, WFAA became the first television station in the market to use a videotape recorder for broadcasting purposes.
March 1961: Mr. Peppermint Debuts
In March 1961, Mr. Peppermint, a local children's program hosted by Jerry Haynes, debuted on WFAA.
April 2, 1961: Station Operations Relocated
On April 2, 1961, the station's operations were relocated to the WFAA Communications Center Studios in downtown Dallas.
April 4, 1961: Move to WFAA 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 Kennedy Assassination
On November 22, 1963, WFAA was the first station to break the news of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas. The station conducted the first live television interview with Abraham Zapruder, who filmed the event.
1965: Permanent Broadcast Schedule
By 1965, WFAA-FM settled on a permanent broadcast schedule after initially signing on and off the air.
1969: Belo Acquired KFDM-TV
In 1969, Belo acquired its second television station when it purchased KFDM-TV in Beaumont from Beaumont Broadcasting.
January 1970: WFAA Launches News 8 Etc.
In January 1970, WFAA launched News 8 Etc., a 90-minute morning news-talk show, replacing the children's program Mr. Peppermint. It was originally hosted by Suzie Humphreys and Don Harris.
1970: Non-Clearance of American Bandstand
Beginning in 1970, WFAA was one of the ABC stations that did not carry American Bandstand, opting to air public service programming instead.
1970: Mr. Peppermint Ended Original Run
In 1970, Mr. Peppermint ended its original nine-year run on WFAA.
1970: WFAA Transmits Full-Time on 570 kHz
In 1970, WFAA (AM) began transmitting full-time on 570 kHz, ending the need to switch between 570 and 820 frequencies with WBAP.
1970: Format Change to Middle of the Road Music
In 1970, WFAA transitioned from an entertainment/variety format to a middle of the road (MOR) music station.
September 1972: Texas Country Reporter Originated on KDFW
In September 1972, Texas Country Reporter originated on KDFW as the locally produced 4 Country Reporter.
September 16, 1973: Call Letter Change to 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 Joins WFAA
In 1973, Marty Haag became WFAA's executive news director.
1973: Format Change to Top 40
In 1973, WFAA switched from a MOR music station to a Top 40 format.
May 1974: News 8 Etc. retools as The AM Show
In May 1974, News 8 Etc. was retooled as The AM Show, later shortened to simply AM.
1974: Carter Publications sold KXAS-TV
In 1974, Carter Publications sold KXAS-TV, WBAP, and KSCS to separate companies.
1974: Challenge to License Renewal
In 1974, Texas State Sen. Jim Wade filed a motion to the FCC, challenging Belo's renewal application for the Channel 8 license and strip it of rights to operate WFAA; Wade's efforts would prove unsuccessful.
November 1975: Preemption of Good Morning America Begins
From November 1975, WFAA preempted Good Morning America for the first five months of its run, in favor of the existing local morning program The AM Show.
1975: Peppermint Place Revived
In 1975, the program Mr. Peppermint was revived as the half-hour magazine-style educational series Peppermint Place.
March 1976: Preemption of Good Morning America Ends
In March 1976, WFAA stopped preempting Good Morning America, which it had been doing for the first five months of its run.
November 9, 1976: Adoption of News and Talk Format
On November 9, 1976, WFAA made its final format change, adopting a news and talk-based schedule as "Newstalk 570".
1976: Troy Dungan Joins WFAA
In 1976, Troy Dungan became chief weather anchor at WFAA, developing modern-day chroma key techniques and the five-day forecast concept.
1977: Community Outreach Pioneered
In 1977, WFAA initiated community outreach with the "Wednesday's Child" series, a feature profiling children in need of adoptive families, evolving from a segment on News 8 Etc.
January 1978: The AM Show ends
In January 1978, The AM Show on WFAA ended.
1978: Iola Johnson Becomes First African American Anchor
In 1978, Iola Johnson became the first African American news anchor in Dallas, serving as a lead anchor with Tracy Rowlett on WFAA.
September 1980: "Wednesday's Child" Becomes Weekly Feature
In September 1980, "Wednesday's Child" became a weekly feature on WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast, after initially being conducted by John Criswell during his time as co-host of the retooled AM.
1980: The News 8 Update
From 1980 to 2012, WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast was known as The News 8 Update.
1980: Delay of Nightline Begins
From its debut in 1980 until September 1983, WFAA delayed Nightline in favor of late night movie presentations.
1980: Belo Purchased WTVC
In 1980, Belo purchased WTVC in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
March 1983: Dale Hansen joins WFAA
In March 1983, Dale Hansen, a longtime sports director, joined WFAA from KDFW. He hosts Dale Hansen's Sports Special on Sunday evenings.
July 2, 1983: Call Letters Changed to KRQX
On July 2, 1983, the call letters of WFAA were changed to KRQX.
September 1983: Nightline Aired in Recommended Slot
From September 1983 until September 1984, Nightline aired in its then-recommended 10:30 slot.
December 1983: Belo Acquired Corinthian Broadcasting
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, created for the 1986 sesquicentennial of Texas' independence. The promotions focused on the region's cultural heritage and included an imaging theme by James R. Kirk of TM Productions.
September 1984: Nightline Tape Delayed
From September 1984, Nightline settled into a half-hour tape delayed airing after the station acquired the local syndication rights to Entertainment Tonight.
September 1984: Acquisition of Entertainment Tonight Rights
In September 1984, Channel 8 acquired the rights to Entertainment Tonight from KDFW, airing it following Nightline.
December 1984: Conclusion of The Edge of Night
From the mid-1970s until December 1984, WFAA aired The Edge of Night, which the network recommended be aired at 3 p.m., on a day-behind basis prior to ABC's morning sitcom rerun block.
1984: WFAA's Telecopter 8
In 1984, WFAA operated a news helicopter, HD Chopper 8 (formerly known as Telecopter 8), which featured the 1984–1996 dual-outlined "8" logo on its underside.
1986: KTEN switches to primary NBC affiliation
In 1986, KTEN switched to a primary NBC affiliation, steadily reducing ABC-provided content.
1986: Texas Country Reporter Syndicated
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 received a Peabody Award for an investigative report that led to the Southern Methodist University Mustangs' "death penalty" sanction by the NCAA.
1986: Texas Sesquicentennial
In 1986, WFAA's 'Spirit of Texas' campaign commemorated the sesquicentennial of Texas' independence.
1986: Times Mirror Company sold the Dallas Times-Herald
In 1986, the Times Mirror Company sold the Dallas Times-Herald to the MediaNews Group.
1986: WFAA Aired the Movie Hoosiers
In November 2004, WFAA aired the movie Hoosiers, originally released in 1986, in place of the movie Saving Private Ryan.
January 1, 1987: Sale of KRQX and KZEW-FM
On January 1, 1987, Belo sold both KRQX and KZEW-FM. KZEW-FM has since changed its calls to KBFB and maintains an urban contemporary format.
January 14, 1987: Hill Tower struck by Navy F-4 Phantom
On January 14, 1987, the Hill Tower transmitter facility in Cedar Hill, 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: Syndication of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune
In 1987, Channel 8 held the local syndication rights to the game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
1987: News 8 Daybreak Launched
In 1987, WFAA resumed local morning newscasts by launching "News 8 Daybreak", initially a 60-minute traditional news program that evolved from local news inserts during World News This Morning.
September 1989: Swap of Nightline and ET Timeslots
In September 1989, WFAA swapped Nightline and ET's respective timeslots, placing Nightline back in its network "live" slot.
1989: Gannett owned radio station KOAI/KHKS
From 1989 to 1997, Gannett owned radio station KOAI/KHKS (106.1).
1989: KHOU discontinued the original TM-composed theme
In 1989, KHOU discontinued the original TM-composed theme. KHOU continued to use themes that incorporated the "Spirit" signature until 2014.
1989: Marty Haag becomes VP at Belo Corporation
In 1989, Marty Haag became vice president of news operations for Belo Corporation.
1989: Construction of new tower completed
In 1989, a new 1,400-foot-tall tower was completed southwest of the original facility after the original tower was struck by a Navy F-4 Phantom in 1987. The old candelabra mast was dismantled and used as an auxiliary facility.
December 1991: Belo acquires the Dallas Times-Herald
In December 1991, Belo acquired the Dallas Times-Herald, which ended publication.
1991: End of TM Productions theme for newscasts
In 1991, WFAA discontinued the use of the TM Productions theme for its newscasts, which had been in use since 1984.
September 1992: Hour-Long Midday Newscast
Following the midday newscast's expansion into an hour-long broadcast in September 1992, WFAA aired Loving on a day-behind basis.
1992: "WFAA 1992 News Theme"
From 1992 to 1996, WFAA commissioned the "WFAA 1992 News Theme" which carried the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
September 12, 1994: Debut of Good Morning Texas
On September 12, 1994, the talk, entertainment, and lifestyle program Good Morning Texas debuted, hosted by Scott Sams and Deborah Duncan.
September 1994: WFAA launches 'Good Evening Texas'
In September 1994, WFAA launched 'Good Evening Texas', a weekly talk show serving as an extension of 'Good Morning Texas'. This was launched as alternate programming, as WFAA preempted NYPD Blue at the time.
1994: KHOU used "American Spirit"
From 1994 to 2000, KHOU used the custom John Hegner-composed "American Spirit", which incorporated the "Spirit" signature.
1994: KTEN adds an additional primary affiliation with Fox
In 1994, KTEN added an additional primary affiliation with Fox.
1994: Family First Initiative Launched
In 1994, WFAA began conducting town hall meetings across North Texas through its Family First (F1) initiative, solidifying its commitment to community service.
September 1995: WFAA begins airing '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 content concerns.
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 Ends
In July 1996, Peppermint Place ended its collective 30-year run. Jerry Haynes hosted a local children's program on the station on-and-off from 1961 to 1996.
1996: WFAA's Telecopter 8 logo
From 1984-1996, WFAA operated a news helicopter, HD Chopper 8 (formerly known as Telecopter 8), which featured the 1984–1996 dual-outlined "8" logo on its underside.
1996: "The Spirit" news theme by Stephen Arnold Music
From 1996 to 2000, WFAA used "The Spirit" news theme composed by Stephen Arnold Music, carrying the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
1996: Branding for News Content
In 1996, the branding "News 8 Now" began to be used for promotional content and as an alternative program-specific title for the station's newscasts.
1996: Cancellation of The City
Until its cancellation in 1996, WFAA aired Loving—which by that time, was reformatted as The City—on a day-behind basis due to its hour-long midday newscast.
January 1997: Airing of Politically Incorrect
From its ABC debut in 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 sold radio station KOAI/KHKS
From 1989 to 1997, Gannett owned radio station KOAI/KHKS (106.1).
1997: Airing of Port Charles
From 1997 to 2004, WFAA carried Port Charles on Tuesday through Saturday early mornings due to its programming schedule.
1997: Belo Merged with Providence Journal Company
In 1997, Belo added ten additional stations through its merger acquisition of the Providence Journal Company.
February 27, 1998: WFAA Begins Digital TV Signal Test Broadcasts
On February 27, 1998, 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 the Red River
In April 1998, when KTEN disaffiliated from ABC, WFAA became a default ABC station for areas near and south of the Red River within the Sherman-Ada market.
September 1998: WFAA modifies Saturday morning children's program lineup
In September 1998, WFAA altered its broadcast pattern for ABC's Saturday morning children's programs,branded as Disney's One Saturday Morning. The station divided the block into two segments, with the first two hours airing on a one-week delay from 5 to 7 a.m., and the final three hours continuing on the "live" network feed from 9 a.m. to noon.
1999: Belo Purchased KVUE
In 1999, Belo purchased ABC affiliate KVUE in Austin from the Gannett Company.
1999: KBTV Call Sign Used 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" by Stephen Arnold Music
From 2000 to 2004, WFAA used the "Custom WFAA-TV News Package" composed by Stephen Arnold Music, carrying the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
2001: Belo Corporation name change
In 2001, the original company changed its name from A. H. Belo Corporation to Belo Corporation.
July 2002: Cancellation of Politically Incorrect
From its ABC debut in 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, WFAA started timeshifting programs featured on ABC Kids, which had rebranded that same month. Some programs aired on a delay, while others continued to air in pattern.
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 evidence in drug cases.
January 2003: Airing of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Starting with its January 2003 premiere, Jimmy Kimmel Live! also aired later than its recommended time slot, following Politically Incorrect's cancellation.
November 2004: WFAA declines to air Saving Private Ryan
In November 2004, WFAA was among the ABC affiliates that declined to air the network's telecast of 'Saving Private Ryan' due to concerns over intense war violence and strong profanity. The station instead aired 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and the 1986 film 'Hoosiers'.
2004: End of Port Charles Airing
From 1997 until 2004, WFAA carried Port Charles on Tuesday through Saturday early mornings throughout that soap's run.
2004: Variations of "News Matrix" and "Evolution" by Stephen Arnold Music
From 2004 to 2005, WFAA used a variation of Stephen Arnold Music's "News Matrix", and from 2004 to 2007, they used "Evolution", both carrying the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
2004: Launch of Digital Subchannel Xpress 8.2
In 2004, WFAA launched a digital subchannel on virtual channel 8.2, initially as a locally programmed format named "Xpress 8.2".
2004: Peabody Award for State of Denial
In 2004, WFAA was awarded a Peabody Award for "State of Denial", a series investigating improprieties in the Texas Workers Compensation Commission.
2004: H. Martin "Marty" Haag Honored Posthumously
Shortly before his death in 2004, former news director H. Martin "Marty" Haag was honored with a special Lifetime Achievement George Foster Peabody Award.
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, leading to layoffs.
July 20, 2005: Belo announces secondary studio facility in Victory Park
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: Coverage of Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, WFAA-DT2 provided wall-to-wall coverage from WWL-TV, its sister station in New Orleans, during Hurricane Katrina.
2005: Variation of "News Matrix" by Stephen Arnold Music
From 2004 to 2005, WFAA used a variation of Stephen Arnold Music's "News Matrix", carrying the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
2005: Drop of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune
In the fall of 2005, WFAA dropped Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! from its schedule, with both series moving to KTVT. Entertainment Tonight replaced Wheel of Fortune.
2006: "Propulsion" news theme by 615 Music
From 2006 to 2014, WFAA used the "Propulsion" news theme composed by 615 Music, carrying the TM Productions theme's seven-note musical signature.
January 2007: Opening of Victory Park studio facility
In January 2007, the 5,000-square-foot facility in Victory Park opened, housing a street-level studio for news and talk shows, as well as news production staff and engineering operations.
February 2, 2007: WFAA Broadcasts Newscasts in High Definition
On February 2, 2007, WFAA began broadcasting its newscasts and local programs in high definition, becoming the first station in the Dallas–Fort Worth market to do so regularly.
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.
2007: End of "Evolution" news theme
In 2007, WFAA ended the use of "Evolution" by Stephen Arnold Music, which had been the news theme since 2004.
2007: Peabody Award for Four 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 WFAA
Troy Dungan served as chief weather anchor at WFAA from 1976 to 2007 and developed modern-day chroma key techniques.
2008: Coverage of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
In 2008, WFAA-DT2 relayed coverage from sister stations WWL-TV for Hurricane Gustav and KHOU for Hurricane Ike.
June 12, 2009: WFAA Shuts Down Analog Signal
On June 12, 2009, WFAA shut down its analog signal on VHF channel 8 as part of the federally mandated transition to digital television, and the station's digital signal relocated from VHF channel 9 to channel 8.
December 23, 2009: WFAA Files Application to Increase Transmitter Power
On December 23, 2009, WFAA filed an application to the FCC to increase its transmitter's effective radiated power to improve over-the-air reception of the channel 8 digital signal.
2009: ABC aired repeats of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
During the 2009-2010 season, ABC aired repeats of the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. WFAA aired these episodes on a one-week delay from 5 to 6 am.
2009: WFAA Receives 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 investigative journalism.
May 1, 2010: KTEN launches ABC subchannel
On May 1, 2010, KTEN launched a digital subchannel affiliated with ABC, providing the Sherman-Ada market with its own ABC station.
August 28, 2010: ABC drops Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
On August 28, 2010, ABC dropped Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Prior to this, WFAA had been airing a double run of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on a one-week delay from 5 to 6 am.
November 2010: WFAA's 10 PM News Slips in Ratings
In November 2010, WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast slid from first place, losing total viewers and the adult 25-54 demographic, which had been ongoing since the mid-1970s.
2010: Peabody Award for Bitter Lessons
In 2010, WFAA was recognized with a Peabody Award for "Bitter Lessons", an investigation into government-funded career schools.
February 2011: WFAA's 10 PM Newscast Falls
During the February 2011 sweeps period, WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast slipped to second place for the first time in at least three decades, marking a significant change in the market's viewership.
April 30, 2011: Affiliation with The Local AccuWeather Channel
On April 30, 2011, the subchannel became an affiliate of The Local AccuWeather Channel.
May 2011: WFAA's 10 PM News Regains Top Position
In May 2011, WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast regained its position as the market's No. 1 late newscast in total viewers and adults 25–54.
September 12, 2011: Airing of 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 WFAA's altered children's program lineup
In September 2011, WFAA ended its practice of airing ABC's Saturday morning children's program lineup out of pattern, which had been in place since September 1998.
September 27, 2011: Replacement of All My Children with The Chew
On September 27, 2011, WFAA replaced the soap opera All My Children with The Chew in its 11 a.m. slot.
2012: The News 8 Update ends
From 1980 to 2012, WFAA's 10 p.m. newscast was known as The News 8 Update.
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: WFAA Debuts 4 p.m. Newscast
On September 12, 2013, WFAA launched an hour-long weekday 4 p.m. newscast, competing with KXAS and KTVT.
2013: Belo Merged with Gannett Company
In 2013, Belo merged with the Gannett Company.
July 2014: WFAA gains new sister stations through Gannett's purchase of London Broadcasting
In July 2014, WFAA gained new sister stations in nearby markets through Gannett's purchase of six television stations owned by London Broadcasting Company.
August 5, 2014: Gannett announces split of broadcast and print media properties
On August 5, 2014, Gannett announced that it would split its broadcast and print media properties into separate publicly traded companies.
August 27, 2014: Switch to "This is Home" package
On August 27, 2014, WFAA discontinued the "Spirit" signature after three decades and switched to Gari Media Group's "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 corporate separation into Tegna and Gannett
On June 29, 2015, the corporate separation was finalized, with WFAA becoming part of Tegna and the new Gannett Company retaining the newspapers.
June 2016: Co-hosts of Good Morning Texas
As of June 2016, Erin Hunter and Jane McGarry were the co-hosts of Good Morning Texas.
2017: Coverage of Hurricane Harvey
In 2017, WFAA-DT2 relayed coverage from sister station KHOU for Hurricane Harvey.
September 10, 2018: Move Midday Newscast to 11 a.m.
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: Launch of WFAA Two
On January 20, 2020, WFAA's 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 36+1⁄2 hours of local newscasts
As of September 2020, WFAA broadcasts 36+1⁄2 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, including weekday, Saturday, and Sunday broadcasts. The station also produces two Sunday evening sports programs.
September 25, 2020: Tegna acquires KMPX
On September 25, 2020, Tegna acquired KMPX (now KFAA-TV) from Estrella Media.
2020: Addition of Good Morning Texas Extra
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an extension 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 announces acquisition 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.
May 2022: Commercials Partially Block Jimmy Kimmel Monologue
In May 2022, WFAA extended its newscast to cover the Uvalde school shooting, resulting in commercials partially blocking a monologue by Jimmy Kimmel due to preset automation. 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 January 2024, WFAA 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
Later in September, Tegna announced a new deal with the Mavericks beginning with the 2024-25 NBA season after they terminated their contract with Bally Sports. The bulk of the games would go on sister station KFAA-TV with WFAA simulcasting 15 games.
September 2024: Deal with Dallas Mavericks
In September 2024, Tegna signed a deal with the Dallas Mavericks to move the team's local broadcasts to its television stations, with most games airing on KFAA-TV and some simulcast on WFAA.
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