History of WNIT (TV) in Timeline
WNIT is a PBS member television station located in South Bend, Indiana. It is owned and operated by the Michiana Public Broadcasting Corporation. The station's studios are situated in downtown South Bend, specifically at the corner of Lafayette and Jefferson Boulevards. Its transmitter is positioned in the southern part of the city, near the St. Joseph Valley Parkway. As a PBS affiliate, WNIT provides educational and public programming to the Michiana region.
November 1972: Antenna and transmitter purchased
In November 1972, WNIT purchased its antenna and transmitter from KFIZ-TV after that station ceased operations.
February 1974: Station signed on the air
In February 1974, WNIT first signed on the air, using the "-TV" suffix in its call letters.
1989: Call letter suffix change
In 1989 WNIT dropped the "-TV" suffix from their call letters.
February 26, 2008: Transmitter failure reduces signal strength
On February 26, 2008, WNIT's klystron tube failed, reducing the analog signal strength to 15% of its normal power.
March 25, 2008: Analog signal shuts down
On March 25, 2008, WNIT's analog signal, over UHF channel 34, shut down due to transmitter problems, while the digital signal remained active.
September 2008: WSBT moves to new facilities
In September 2008, WSBT moved to new facilities in Mishawaka.
December 17, 2008: WNIT acquires new facility
On December 17, 2008, WNIT acquired WSBT-TV's former studio facility.
January 11, 2009: Fire damages administrative offices
On January 11, 2009, a fire severely damaged WNIT's administrative offices in Elkhart, but broadcast facilities and programming were unaffected.
2009: Analog broadcasting ends
In 2009, WNIT opted to broadcast solely in digital due to the upcoming end of analog broadcasting in the United States.
May 11, 2010: WNIT moves to new studio
On May 11, 2010, WNIT moved to WSBT-TV's former studio in downtown South Bend.
December 2020: Station re-brands as PBS Michiana
In December 2020, WNIT re-branded as PBS Michiana and adopted the current PBS logo.
