History of WHDH (TV) in Timeline
WHDH is an independent television station based in Boston, Massachusetts, owned by Sunbeam Television. It operates alongside CW affiliate WLVI, sharing studios in downtown Boston. Both stations broadcast from the WHDH-TV tower in Newton, utilizing WHDH's spectrum through a channel sharing agreement. WHDH is a key player in the Boston media landscape.
1957: WHDH call sign used by original occupant of channel 5
From 1957 to 1972, the WHDH call sign was previously used by the original occupant of channel 5, under the ownership of the Boston Herald-Traveler.
1961: WNAC-TV switches to ABC
In 1961, WNAC-TV switched its affiliation from CBS to ABC.
1965: Investigations into RKO General's Practices
In 1965, RKO General, the owner of WNAC-TV, faced numerous investigations into its business and financial practices.
1969: FCC Renews WNAC-TV's License
In 1969, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) renewed WNAC-TV's license, despite investigations into its owner, RKO General.
1972: WHDH call sign used by original occupant of channel 5
From 1957 to 1972, the WHDH call sign was previously used by the original occupant of channel 5, under the ownership of the Boston Herald-Traveler.
1972: WNAC-TV rejoins CBS
In 1972, WNAC-TV rejoined CBS as an affiliate, after having been with ABC.
1973: WNAC-TV Aired Boston Celtics Games
Since 1973, WNAC-TV aired Boston Celtics games via CBS' broadcast contract with the NBA; continuing on WNEV in 1982.
1978: Ellis Helped WCVB Reach #1 in the Ratings
From 1978 to 1982, Tom Ellis helped WCVB reach #1 in the ratings during his tenure there.
1981: RKO General Loses WNAC-TV's License
In 1981, RKO General lost the license for WNAC-TV after its parent company, General Tire, admitted to corporate misconduct. The FCC also stripped RKO of licenses for KHJ-TV and WOR-TV due to dishonesty.
February 1982: FCC Grants Construction Permit to NETV
In late February 1982, the FCC granted the New England Television Corporation (NETV) a construction permit to build a new station on channel 7.
May 21, 1982: RKO Surrenders WNAC-TV's License
On May 21, 1982, RKO General formally surrendered the WNAC-TV license. The station signed off as WNAC-TV for the final time about an hour later.
September 13, 1982: Ellis and Young's Debut on WNEV
On the night of September 13, 1982, Tom Ellis and Robin Young debuted on WNEV and initially beat WCVB and WBZ in the evening news ratings, but viewership dropped off the following week.
1982: Bill O'Reilly Co-Anchored NEWSE7EN Weekend
From 1982 to 1983, Bill O'Reilly co-anchored NEWSE7EN Weekend.
1982: Dave Wright Created the Live at Five Format at ATV
From 1982 to 1986, Dave Wright created the Live at Five format at ATV, where he had hosted it.
1982: WNEV Aired Boston Celtics Games
From 1982, WNEV aired Boston Celtics games via CBS' broadcast contract with the NBA.
1982: Premiere of "Look"
In 1982, NETV launched innovative in-house productions, including "Look," a two-hour late afternoon talk and lifestyle show.
1982: The Hiring of the "Dream Team"
In the Summer of 1982 the 'dream team' of news casters began the WNEV news product in a newsroom cited as being the most technologically advanced.
May 1983: Firing of Win Baker and Bill Applegate
In May 1983, WNEV's station manager, Winthrop "Win" Baker, and his news director Bill Applegate were both fired due to ongoing sagging ratings.
1983: Paula Zahn Co-Anchored with Lester Strong
From 1983 to 1985, Paula Zahn co-anchored with Lester Strong.
1984: WNEV Aired the Celtics' NBA Finals Victory
In 1984, WNEV aired the Boston Celtics' NBA Finals victory.
1984: Premiere of "Morning/Live"
In 1984, WNEV continued producing talk programs with the premiere of "Morning/Live," a half-hour weekday morning talk show hosted by Susan Sikora.
1984: NETV Changed On-Air News Look
In the spring of 1984, NETV moved its on-air news look away from the changes made only two years prior, taking away the anchoring desk from the newsroom and utilizing a backdrop allowing chroma keys and CGI graphics to be placed.
1985: Rehema Ellis Joined as General Assignment Reporter
In 1985, Rehema Ellis joined WNEV as a general assignment reporter.
December 1986: Tom Ellis Left WNEV
In early December 1986, Tom Ellis exited from WNEV after being demoted to reporter.
1986: Mugar's Debt from Buyout
By 1986, David Mugar held nearly $100 million in debt from a buyout, contributing to his strapped financial situation.
1986: Premiere of "Merrill at Midnight"
In 1986, Nancy Merrill, former host of WBZ-TV's People Are Talking, headlined "Merrill at Midnight," a weekend late night entry on WNEV.
1986: Tom Ellis Dethroned
In 1986, Tom Ellis had been dethroned of the male lead anchor position at WNEV
1986: WNEV Aired the Celtics' NBA Finals Victory
In 1986, WNEV aired the Boston Celtics' NBA Finals victory.
1986: Plans Announced for Second Lead Anchor Team
In the spring of 1986, Sy Yanoff and Jeff Rosser announced they would try a second lead anchor team for the weeknight 11 p.m. newscasts in the fall, with Kate Sullivan and Dave Wright taking over both the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts in September.
1986: WBZ-TV Announces End to Lottery Game Broadcasts
Late in 1986, WBZ-TV announced that it would no longer show the Massachusetts State Lottery games, leading to WNEV acquiring the rights.
August 1987: R.D. Sahl Joined Kate Sullivan as New Partner; Launch of 5 PM Newscast
In August 1987, R.D. Sahl joined Kate Sullivan as her new partner on weeknights. At the same time, WNEV became the first Boston station to launch a 5 PM newscast, anchored by Dave Wright and Diana Williams.
August 1987: WNEV Overhauls On-Air Image
In mid-August 1987, WNEV overhauled its on-air image, dropping the "SE7EN" identity for a new logo and launching the "We're All on the Same Team" campaign to bolster news ratings and promote its news-sharing partnership.
August 31, 1987: Lottery Live Debuts on WNEV/WHDH
On August 31, 1987, WNEV/WHDH began broadcasting Lottery Live, the Massachusetts State Lottery games, six nights a week.
1987: CBS Ratings Slump
In 1987, CBS began experiencing a ratings slump, which minimal help to WHDH-TV's news ratings.
1987: Miles O'Brien Arrived at WNEV
In 1987, Miles O'Brien arrived at WNEV as a reporter.
1987: Nancy Merrill show debut
In 1987, Nancy Merrill show debuted, a weekday morning program.
1987: Premiere of "Ready to Go"
In 1987, WNEV premiered "Ready to Go," an hour-long live children's variety show featuring Liz Callaway and Scott Reese.
1987: Robin Young hosts prime time specials and events until 1987.
Until 1987 Robin Young went on to host prime time specials and events on WNEV.
May 1988: Dave Wright Resigned From WNEV
In May 1988, Dave Wright resigned from WNEV. Jeff Rosser also left the station and Jim Thistle took his place.
August 1988: Dawn Hayes Replaces Lynn-Andrea Waugh as Lottery Live Host
In August 1988, Lynn-Andrea Waugh's contract expired and she was replaced by Dawn Hayes, who had been the runner-up in the lottery host competition, as the host of Lottery Live.
September 1988: Live at Five Format Dropped
By September 1988, the Live at Five format was dropped, and the 5 PM to 6 PM block was restructured as a more conventional newscast, anchored by Williams and Lester Strong.
November 1988: Matt Lauer Hosted Talk of the Town
From May to November 1988, Matt Lauer hosted WNEV's mid-morning talk show, Talk of the Town.
1988: Talk of the Town premiere
In 1988, WNEV launched "Talk of the Town," a talk program hosted by Matt Lauer.
1988: Live with Regis and Kelly airs on WHDH
Since it premiered nationally in 1988, Live with Regis and Kelly aired on WHDH.
August 7, 1989: NETV purchases WHDH radio
On August 7, 1989, NETV purchased WHDH radio (850 AM).
September 1989: "Ready to Go" Moves to 7 a.m.
In September 1989, the children's variety show "Ready to Go" moved to the 7 a.m. time slot.
1989: WHDH Delays CBS This Morning
From 1989, WHDH delayed the first hour of CBS This Morning in favor of the children's show Ready To Go.
1989: Miles O'Brien Joined CNN
In 1989, Miles O'Brien left WNEV to join CNN.
1989: WSVN Joins Fox
In 1989, WSVN joined Fox, adopting a visually intensive, fast-paced newscast format developed by Joel Cheatwood.
1989: Bill O'Reilly Anchoring Inside Edition
Since 1989, Bill O'Reilly had been anchoring Inside Edition.
January 1990: WNEV to change call letters to WHDH-TV
In January 1990, Mugar announced that on March 12, WNEV would change its call letters to WHDH-TV, corresponding with its sister radio operation.
March 24, 1990: "Ready to Go" Cut Back to Saturday Broadcasts
On March 24, 1990, WNEV cut the children's variety show "Ready to Go" back to once-a-week Saturday broadcasts only.
1990: Edye Tarbox Became Anchor/Reporter at WHDH
From 1990, Edye Tarbox was an anchor/reporter at WHDH.
1990: Diana Williams Departed for WABC-TV
In 1990, Diana Williams departed for WABC-TV, and Lester Strong anchored the 5 PM hour with Edye Tarbox.
1990: WHDH Aired Red Sox Games and Celtics Games
In 1990, WHDH aired selected Boston Red Sox games and Boston Celtics games via CBS' broadcast contract with the MLB and NBA.
1990: WHDH Renews Lottery Contract
In 1990, due to Lottery Live's high ratings, WHDH renewed its contract with the Massachusetts State Lottery for another three years.
1990: WHDH Delays CBS This Morning
Until 1990, WHDH delayed the first hour of CBS This Morning in favor of the children's show Ready To Go.
1991: Lottery Live Airtime Change
From 1991 until the end of channel 7's lottery contract in 1994, the specialty games were moved down to a 7:58 p.m. airtime, following the closing credits of Jeopardy!.
1991: Launch of Mass Ca$h Lottery Game
In 1991, Mass Ca$h was added to the Massachusetts State Lottery's lineup of games.
1991: "Ready to Go" Canceled
In 1991, WNEV canceled the children's variety show "Ready to Go" outright.
1991: Elimination of WHDH-TV's 5 p.m. Newscast
In 1991, facing a deficit, WHDH-TV eliminated its 5 p.m. newscast for two years.
1991: Strained Relationship Between Mugar and Kraft
In 1991, the relationship between David Mugar and Robert Kraft became strained.
1992: Tom Ellis Hosted Inside Edition Extra
In 1992, Tom Ellis hosted Inside Edition Extra, which appeared on WHDH's daytime schedule.
1992: WHDH Aired Olympic Games
In 1992, WHDH aired Olympic Games while affiliated with CBS.
1992: WHDH Radio Sold to Atlantic Ventures
In 1992, due to financial difficulties, Mugar sold WHDH radio to Atlantic Ventures.
1992: Edye Tarbox's departure from WHDH
Until 1992, Edye Tarbox was an anchor/reporter at WHDH.
April 22, 1993: Agreement to Sell WHDH to Sunbeam Television
On April 22, 1993, David Mugar entered into an agreement to sell WHDH to Sunbeam Television, led by Edmund Ansin.
October 1993: Changes in anchor lineups
In mid-October 1993, Margie Reedy was moved from the main evening newscasts to the Noon and 5:30 p.m. newscasts, and Rehema Ellis was promoted to female lead anchor (at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.) with R.D. Sahl, following Sunbeam's acquisition of the station.
1993: WHDH Sale to Sunbeam
After the sale to Sunbeam in 1993, WHDH's contract with the lottery was not renewed.
1993: WHDH Continued Airing Red Sox Games
From 1990 to 1993, WHDH aired selected Boston Red Sox games as a CBS station via that network's MLB over-the-air broadcast contract.
1993: Jill Stark Substitutes on Lottery Live
From 1993 to 1994, Jill Stark worked as a substitute on Lottery Live on WNEV/WHDH.
1993: Inside Edition on WHDH
Through the end of the 1993-94 season, WHDH programmed the 4 p.m. time slot with Inside Edition.
January 1994: WHDH reinstates weekday morning newscast
In January 1994, WHDH reinstated a weekday morning newscast, titled 7 News Morning Edition, which had been cut by NETV due to financial constraints. Sunbeam hired Kim Khazei and Gerry Grant as anchors. The 5 p.m. newscast, also previously cut by NETV, was restored at the same time.
February 1994: CBS This Morning Dropped by WHDH
In February 1994, WHDH dropped CBS This Morning, which was then picked up by WABU. WHDH then began airing an expanded local morning newscast.
March 6, 1994: Lottery Live Ends Run on WNEV/WHDH
On March 6, 1994, WNEV/WHDH's broadcast of Lottery Live, the Massachusetts State Lottery games, came to an end.
March 7, 1994: Lottery Rights Picked Up by WCVB
On March 7, 1994, lottery rights were subsequently picked up by WCVB, which began airing the nightly drawings, with Dawn Hayes being retained as host.
April 1994: Kim Carrigan joins as female lead anchor
In April 1994, Kim Carrigan, a transplant from Des Moines, Iowa, joined WHDH as female lead anchor alongside R.D. Sahl.
July 1994: R.D. Sahl terminates WHDH contract
In late July 1994, R.D. Sahl reached an agreement to terminate his WHDH contract, following his vocal displeasure with the new tabloid format. His final appearance on 7 News was in early August.
August 2, 1994: WHDH Agrees to Affiliate with NBC
On August 2, 1994, WHDH-TV announced its agreement to affiliate with NBC instead of Fox, citing NBC's stronger news and sports programming.
September 1994: A Current Affair on WHDH
From September 1994 to January 1996, WHDH aired A Current Affair in the 4 p.m. timeslot.
1994: Radio station drops the WHDH callsign
Although the radio station had dropped the WHDH callsign in 1994, channel 7 retained the "-TV" suffix in its call letters until July 8, 2010.
1994: End of Channel 7's Lottery Contract
From 1991 until the end of channel 7's lottery contract in 1994, the specialty games were moved down to a 7:58 p.m. airtime, following the closing credits of Jeopardy!.
1994: Rehema Ellis Became NBC News National Correspondent
In 1994, Rehema Ellis left WNEV to become an NBC News national correspondent.
1994: Robert Kraft became owner of the New England Patriots
In 1994, Robert Kraft became owner of the New England Patriots.
1994: WHDH Aired Olympic Games
In 1994, WHDH aired Olympic Games while affiliated with CBS.
1994: Premiere of Current Extra
In the fall of 1994, the current Extra, a Warner Bros.-produced entertainment magazine, premiered.
January 1995: WHDH switches to NBC and scales back morning newscast
In January 1995, WHDH switched to NBC, scaling back the morning newscast to the 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. timeslot to accommodate Today. The morning newscast was later renamed Today in New England. Husband-and-wife anchors John Marler and Cathy Marshall joined the station.
February 1995: Gerry Grant departs the morning newscast
In February 1995, Gerry Grant left the morning newscast to join the reporting staff of Entertainment Tonight. He was replaced by Alison Gilman in April.
1995: WHDH becomes primary station for New England Patriots and airs MLB Postseason games
In 1995, WHDH became the primary station for the New England Patriots due to NBC's deal to air American Football Conference (AFC) games. Also in 1995, WHDH aired selected MLB Postseason games via NBC's limited rights to MLB's postseason.
January 1996: Deco Drive on WHDH
From January 1996 onwards, WHDH aired WSVN-produced Deco Drive in the 4 p.m. timeslot.
June 1996: Addition of 4 p.m. newscast
In June 1996, WHDH added a half-hour 4 p.m. newscast, giving Strong and Marshall additional anchor duties, as an alternative to previous programming efforts in that timeslot.
1996: WHDH produces Real Life
Between 1996 and 1997, WHDH produced a mid-morning weekday newsmagazine for the NBC network called Real Life.
1996: Randy Price joins WHDH
In 1996, Randy Price joined WHDH, first as a freelance reporter and then as a weekday morning anchor.
February 1997: Randy Price replaces Alison Gilman
In February 1997, Randy Price, former WBZ-TV anchor, replaced Alison Gilman as a weekday morning anchor.
1997: WHDH produces Real Life
Between 1996 and 1997, WHDH produced a mid-morning weekday newsmagazine for the NBC network called Real Life.
1997: Jeffery Derderian joins WHDH
From 1997 to 2003, Jeffery Derderian was a field reporter at WHDH.
August 1998: Randy Price replaces John Marler
In August 1998, Randy Price replaced John Marler at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m.
1998: WBZ-TV Aired Last Olympic Broadcast
In 1998, WBZ-TV aired its last Olympic broadcast.
September 6, 1999: NBC News at Sunrise Ends
On September 6, 1999, NBC News at Sunrise ended. Its successor, Early Today, was carried by WHDH.
September 1999: Extra airs on WHDH
After Hard Copy ended in September 1999, WHDH aired Extra after the 4 p.m. newscast.
1999: Edye Tarbox Worked at Fox News Channel
From 1999, Edye Tarbox, also known as E.D. Hill, worked at Fox News Channel.
2000: WHDH Aired MLB Postseason Games Through NBC's Rights
From 1995 to 2000, WHDH aired selected MLB Postseason games through NBC's limited rights to MLB's postseason.
September 2001: WHDH launches 4:30 p.m. newscast
After Extra moved to 7:30 p.m. in September 2001, WHDH launched a 4:30 p.m. newscast, becoming the second station in Boston to do so.
2002: End of Boston Celtics games airing on WNEV/WHDH via NBC
From 1995 to 2002, Boston Celtics games aired on WNEV/WHDH via NBC.
2002: WHDH's newscast recognized as the best in the U.S.
In 2002, WHDH's newscast was recognized as the best in the U.S. in a study published by the Columbia Journalism Review.
February 2003: Jeffrey Derderian resigns from WHDH
In February 2003, Jeffrey Derderian resigned from WHDH to join WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island.
2004: Launch of TrafficTracker Truck
In 2004, WHDH, in partnership with MetroNetworks, launched the TrafficTracker truck during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
September 14, 2006: Sunbeam Television Purchases WLVI-TV
On September 14, 2006, Tribune Broadcasting sold CW affiliate WLVI-TV to Sunbeam Television for $117.3 million.
December 19, 2006: WHDH takes over production of WLVI's 10 p.m. newscast
On December 19, 2006, WHDH assumed production of WLVI's nightly 10 p.m. newscast, following Sunbeam's acquisition of the station and the subsequent shutdown of WLVI's in-house news department.
2006: WHDH airs Patriots games on NBC Sunday Night Football and Bruins games on NHL on NBC
From 2006, WHDH aired New England Patriots games when they were featured on NBC Sunday Night Football and Boston Bruins games via the NHL on NBC.
2006: WLVI Affiliates with The CW
In 2006, WLVI affiliated with The CW, a ten-year agreement made with then-owner Tribune Broadcasting.
December 13, 2007: TrafficTracker Used During Snowstorm
On December 13, 2007, WHDH continued to use the TrafficTracker during a snowstorm that resulted in paralyzing commutes.
2007: Late newscast viewership
In 2007, the late newscast reached 199,900 viewers.
February 29, 2008: Writer's Guild strike impacts late newscast viewership
On February 29, 2008, it was reported that the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike caused a significant loss in viewers for WHDH's late newscast, which finished at 11 p.m. with fewer viewers than in 2007.
July 29, 2008: WHDH begins broadcasting in high definition
On July 29, 2008, WHDH began broadcasting its newscasts in high definition, becoming the second station in Boston to do so. The station also debuted revised graphics, music, and an updated newsplex.
2008: End of Edye Tarbox's time at Fox News Channel
Until 2008, Edye Tarbox, also known as E.D. Hill, worked at Fox News Channel.
February 2, 2009: WHDH-DT2 begins carrying This TV
On February 2, 2009, WHDH-DT2 began carrying programming from This TV.
April 2, 2009: WHDH Announces It Will Not Air The Jay Leno Show
On April 2, 2009, WHDH announced it would not air "The Jay Leno Show", planning to replace it with a simulcast of the 10 p.m. newscast for WLVI.
June 12, 2009: WHDH shuts down analog signal
On June 12, 2009, WHDH shut down its analog signal, and its digital signal relocated from UHF channel 42 to VHF channel 7, as part of the U.S. transition from analog to digital broadcasts.
June 2009: WHDH changed digital channel
Due to the June 2009 transition, WHDH was the only station in the Boston area market which changed its digital channel. This required a channel map rescan to receive the station.
June 16, 2009: WHDH granted temporary authority to simulcast
On June 16, 2009, WHDH received temporary authority from the FCC to simulcast its programming on UHF channel 42, in addition to VHF channel 7, due to viewer reception issues.
September 15, 2009: FCC approves WHDH's move from channel 7 to channel 42
On September 15, 2009, the FCC approved WHDH's move from channel 7 to channel 42.
November 9, 2009: WHDH terminates operations on VHF channel 7
On November 9, 2009, WHDH terminated operations on VHF channel 7 and permanently operates solely on channel 42. The equipment for the channel 7 digital transmitter was shipped to Miami for use by sister station WSVN.
November 2009: WHDH's 11 p.m. News Viewership Plunges
During the November 2009 sweeps period, viewership for WHDH's 11 p.m. news plunged to third place, a 20% drop from the previous year, due to The Jay Leno Show as its lead-in.
January 10, 2010: NBC Pulls Leno from 10 p.m.
On January 10, 2010, NBC announced it would pull Leno from the 10 p.m. time slot after the 2010 Winter Olympics, moving him back to The Tonight Show.
June 1, 2010: Application to operate at the power level of 1 million watts filed
On June 1, 2010, WHDH filed an application to operate at the power level of 1 million watts.
July 8, 2010: Channel 7 drops "-TV" suffix
On July 8, 2010, channel 7 retained the "-TV" suffix in its call letters.
December 14, 2010: Application to operate at the power level of 1 million watts approved
On December 14, 2010, WHDH's application to operate at the power level of 1 million watts was approved.
August 22, 2011: WHDH launches 9 a.m. newscast
On August 22, 2011, WHDH launched an hour-long 9 a.m. newscast, replacing Live with Regis and Kelly, which moved to WCVB-TV on the same date.
September 12, 2011: Original premiere date of 9 a.m. newscast
Originally slated to premiere on September 12, 2011, the launch date of the newscast was moved up three weeks to August 22, 2011.
2011: WHDH Aired Bruins' Stanley Cup Finals Victory
In 2011, WHDH aired the Boston Bruins' victory in the Stanley Cup Finals via the NHL on NBC.
2012: WHDH Aired the Patriots' Super Bowl XLVI Appearance
In 2012, WHDH aired the New England Patriots' Super Bowl XLVI appearance.
August 31, 2015: NBC Considering Purchasing WHDH
On August 31, 2015, it was reported that NBC Owned Television Stations was considering purchasing WHDH, with its NBC affiliation set to expire at the end of 2016. Meredith Corporation and Nexstar Broadcasting Group were also reportedly interested. Both NBCUniversal and Sunbeam denied these rumors.
September 2015: NBC informs Sunbeam it will not renew affiliation with WHDH
In September 2015, NBC informed Sunbeam that WHDH's affiliation would not be renewed and offered to buy the station for $200 million, which Sunbeam rejected. NBC threatened to shift its programming to WNEU.
October 1, 2015: NBC Considers Moving Affiliation to NECN
On October 1, 2015, it was reported that NBC had considered moving the WHDH affiliation to NECN, a cable channel, rather than to an over-the-air channel, although the company declined to comment.
December 15, 2015: NBCUniversal Reportedly Declines to Renew WHDH Affiliation
On December 15, 2015, it was reported that NBCUniversal had declined to renew its affiliation with WHDH and was beginning the process of building an English-language news operation at WNEU. It was also reported that WHDH meteorologist Pete Bouchard had been poached by NBC for WNEU. WHDH stated it still expected the NBC affiliation to be renewed.
2015: WHDH Aired the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX Victory
In 2015, WHDH aired the New England Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX victory.
January 7, 2016: NBC Confirms End of WHDH Affiliation, Launch of NBC Boston
On January 7, 2016, NBC confirmed that it would cease its affiliation with WHDH effective January 1, 2017, and would launch its owned-and-operated NBC outlet NBC Boston that day. NBCUniversal was evaluating options for over-the-air carriage of the new outlet.
March 10, 2016: Sunbeam Sues Comcast Over NBC Affiliation Move
On March 10, 2016, Sunbeam Television sued Comcast in the District Court for the District of Massachusetts, citing violations of antitrust law and the conditions Comcast agreed to upon its purchase of NBC Universal.
May 16, 2016: Comcast's Request to Dismiss Sunbeam Lawsuit Granted
On May 16, 2016, the court granted Comcast's request to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Sunbeam. Judge Richard Stearn stated WHDH did not have standing to redress Comcast's decision.
June 14, 2016: WHDH Files Notice of Appeal in Comcast Lawsuit
On June 14, 2016, WHDH filed a notice of appeal following the dismissal of its lawsuit against Comcast, with Ansin stating that the station believed "the judge got it all wrong".
August 2016: The CW Affiliation Renewal of WLVI
In August 2016, WLVI's affiliation with The CW was up for renewal, with a possibility that CBS could transfer the affiliation to WSBK-TV if WLVI was unable to renew.
August 16, 2016: Ansin Announces End to NBC Appeal, Expansion of News Programming
On August 16, 2016, Ansin announced he would no longer pursue the appeal against NBC. The station officially announced a planned expansion of its news programming, and the 8 p.m. hour would be filled by syndicated programming.
September 2016: New news set introduction
Following WHDH's decision to drop its objection to the loss of the NBC affiliation, the station announced in September 2016 it would introduce a new news set.
December 20, 2016: WYCN-LD authorized to provide NBC service over Canadian pay-TV
On December 20, 2016, WYCN-LD (as WBTS-LD) was authorized to provide NBC service over Canadian pay-TV.
2016: End of the period between 1992 and 2016 when WHDH aired a total of twelve Olympic Games.
Between 1992 and 2016, WHDH aired a total of twelve Olympic Games.
2016: End of Patriots and Bruins games airing on WHDH via NBC
In 2016, WHDH stopped airing New England Patriots games on NBC Sunday Night Football and Boston Bruins games via the NHL on NBC.
2016: WHDH's NBC affiliation set to expire
In 2016, WHDH's NBC affiliation was set to expire at the end of the year.
December 31, 2016: Final NBC Program Aired on WHDH
On December 31, 2016, the final NBC program aired on channel 7 was New Year's Eve with Carson Daly, which began at 11:30 p.m.
January 1, 2017: WHDH becomes news-intensive independent station
On January 1, 2017, WHDH became a news-intensive independent station after losing its NBC affiliation to WBTS-LD.
January 8, 2018: Channel sharing agreement with WHDH
The channel sharing agreement between WLVI and WHDH started on January 8, 2018.
July 4, 2018: WHDH Simulcasts Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
On July 4, 2018, WHDH began to simulcast the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular yearly with Bloomberg Television, returning the event to local television after a one-year absence.
2018: End of WMFP Subchannel Agreement
In 2018, the agreement between NBC and WMFP to lease a subchannel to provide full-market coverage ended when NBC purchased WYCN-CD.
2019: Shift to physical channel 35
In 2019, WHDH shifted to physical channel 35 in the late-2010s spectrum allocation.
December 22, 2020: WHDH remains on CRTC's list
As of December 22, 2020, WHDH remains on the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)'s list of eligible non-Canadian services and stations that can be distributed in the country.
2025: Agreement to Air Red Sox Spring Training Games
In 2025, WHDH reached an agreement to air four Boston Red Sox spring training games, which streamed on NESN 360.
2025: National Broadcast of Boston Pops Concert Moved to The CW
In 2025, the national broadcast of the Boston Pops concert moved to The CW, but WHDH continued to air the event in the Boston area.
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