History of WRAL-TV in Timeline
WRAL-TV is a television station based in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving the Research Triangle area as an NBC affiliate. It is owned and operated by Capitol Broadcasting Company, which has held ownership since the station's founding. WRAL-TV is the flagship station for Capitol Broadcasting.
1938: Capitol Broadcasting Company Licenses WRAL Radio
In 1938, A. J. Fletcher's Capitol Broadcasting Company first licensed WRAL Radio (AM 1240, now WPJL).
1953: WRAL aired farm programs in its newscasts
In 1953, WRAL was one of the first stations in North Carolina to cover agricultural markets and farm news in its regular newscasts. The "Farm Program" aired from 6:00 to 6:15 a.m., and "Regional and Farm News" aired between 12:45 and 12:55 p.m. from Fayetteville.
December 15, 1956: WRAL-TV Begins Broadcasting
On December 15, 1956, WRAL-TV began broadcasting. One of the first programs aired was the movie Miracle on 34th Street.
1957: WNAO-TV Goes Dark
In 1957, WNAO-TV, the Triangle's CBS affiliate, went dark. The affiliation moved to WTVD, which was an ABC affiliate at the time, and WRAL shared ABC with WTVD.
1960: Jesse Helms Becomes Editorialist on WRAL-TV
In 1960, Jesse Helms became an editorialist on WRAL-TV's news broadcasts, contributing conservative commentaries that became both controversial and popular.
1961: Time for Uncle Paul Debuts
In 1961, Time for Uncle Paul, a locally produced children's program starring Paul Montgomery, debuted on WRAL. The show ran until 1981.
August 1, 1962: WRAL Takes ABC Affiliation Full-Time
On August 1, 1962, WRAL-TV took the ABC affiliation full-time, which was unusual for a two-station market. This sharing of ABC with WTVD began when WNAO-TV went dark at the end of 1957.
January 3, 1967: WRAL Continues Carrying The Huntley-Brinkley Report
Until January 3, 1967, WRAL continued to carry The Huntley-Brinkley Report even after taking the ABC affiliation full-time. This lasted until ABC's own evening newscasts expanded to 30 minutes.
1971: NBC Programming Moves to WRDU-TV Full-Time
In 1971, NBC was all but forced to move its programming full-time to WRDU-TV (channel 28, later WPTF-TV and now WRDC).
1972: Jesse Helms Elected to the United States Senate
In 1972, Jesse Helms, who had been an editorialist on WRAL-TV since 1960, was elected to the United States Senate.
1977: ACC Football and Basketball Move to WRAL
In 1977, ACC football and basketball from Raycom Sports moved from WTVD to WRAL, airing on the station until the end of the syndication package in 2019.
1979: WRAL introduced "Sky 5" news helicopter
In 1979, WRAL became the first television station in North Carolina to use a news helicopter, known as "Sky 5". The Hughes 500 helicopter N8624F was painted in the livery of the Royal Saudi Air Force with "Sky 5" graphics.
1981: Time for Uncle Paul Ends
In 1981, Time for Uncle Paul, a locally produced children's program starring Paul Montgomery, voluntarily ended after station management suggested a change to an educational format.
1981: NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Aired on CBS
The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament aired on CBS since 1981. In 1985 it came to WRAL.
March 1985: Capital Cities Communications Purchases ABC
In March 1985, Capital Cities Communications, the owner of WTVD, purchased ABC, resulting in WTVD becoming an owned-and-operated station of that network.
August 4, 1985: CBS Affiliation Moves to WRAL-TV
On August 4, 1985, the CBS affiliation moved to WRAL-TV. Within six months, WRAL-TV had become one of the strongest CBS affiliates in the country.
1985: WRAL Becomes Home for NCAA Tournament
In 1985, when WRAL joined CBS, it became the Triangle's home for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, which had aired on CBS since 1981. Games on WRAL were consistently among the highest-rated programs in the Triangle.
1986: Duke Blue Devils National Championship Appearance
In 1986, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
1987: Steve Wiley began flying for WRAL
In 1987, Steve Wiley began flying for WRAL, operating the news helicopter until his death in 2021.
1988: Duke Blue Devils Final Four Appearance
In 1988, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
December 1989: WRAL Knocked Off Air by Ice Storm
In December 1989, WRAL was knocked off the air when a severe ice storm caused the collapse of the station's 2,000-foot transmitter tower. WRAL returned to the air in three hours by partnering with WKFT-TV.
1989: Duke Blue Devils Final Four Appearance
In 1989, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
October 25, 1990: WRAL Activates New Transmitter Tower
On October 25, 1990, WRAL activated its new, stronger transmitter tower, after the previous one collapsed in December 1989. At this point, WKFT reverted to broadcasting its own programming.
1990: Duke Blue Devils National Championship Appearance
In 1990, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
1991: Duke Blue Devils Win National Championship
In 1991, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship victory during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
1992: Duke Blue Devils Win National Championship
In 1992, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship victory during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
January 1993: WRAL Changes 'The Young and the Restless' Timeslot
In January 1993, WRAL changed the timeslot for 'The Young and the Restless' to 4 p.m. as a lead-in to its 5 p.m. newscast. This was due to the station's sitcom reruns not performing well against The Oprah Winfrey Show on WTVD.
1993: UNC Tar Heels Win National Championship
In 1993, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' national championship win during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
July 1, 1994: Charlie Gaddy Retires
On July 1, 1994, Charlie Gaddy retired from WRAL, where he co-anchored newscasts.
1994: Duke Blue Devils National Championship Appearance
In 1994, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
September 1995: WRAL begins producing newscasts for WRAZ
In September 1995, WRAL began producing newscasts for WRAZ. WRAZ usually simulcasts local breaking news coverage from WRAL, while national breaking news comes from Fox News (WRAZ) and NBC News (WRAL). WRAZ broadcasts a three-hour newscast at 7 a.m. weekdays and a weeknight hour-long/weekend half-hour newscast at 10 p.m.
1995: NBC Moves to WNCN
In 1995, NBC's programming moved to WNCN. However, the station remained in third place in the Triangle ratings for most of its 20-year run with the network.
1995: UNC Tar Heels Final Four Appearance
In 1995, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
June 19, 1996: FCC awarded WRAL-TV experimental high-definition television license
On June 19, 1996, the FCC awarded WRAL-TV the first experimental high-definition television license in the United States.
July 23, 1996: WRAL-HD began digital television operations
On July 23, 1996, WRAL-HD began digital television operations on UHF channel 32 after receiving the experimental license.
1996: WRAL obtains experimental HD transmission license
In 1996, WRAL was the first commercial station to provide high definition programming when it obtained an experimental HD transmission license from the FCC.
September 6, 1997: WRAL-TV broadcasted live sports program in high definition
On September 6, 1997, WRAL-TV was the first in the U.S. to broadcast a live sports program in high definition.
1997: UNC Tar Heels Final Four Appearance
In 1997, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
1997: WRAL received eight Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards
In 1997, WRAL received eight Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards, including those for news excellence, best newscast, best hard news series and investigative reporting.
1998: UNC Tar Heels Final Four Appearance
In 1998, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
1998: WRAL received seven Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards
In 1998, WRAL received seven Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards, including those for best daytime newscast, special event coverage, news magazine, news promotion, public service announcement, and best children's entertainment program.
1999: CBS provided WRAL with HD programming
In 1999, CBS began providing WRAL with a regular schedule of prime time programs in HD after utilizing WRAL-HD in testing its own high-definition programming.
1999: Duke Blue Devils National Championship Appearance
In 1999, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
March 2000: WRAL digital signal moved to channel 53
In March 2000, WRAL's digital signal was moved to channel 53.
October 13, 2000: WRAL aired the world's first all-HD newscast
On October 13, 2000, WRAL aired the world's first all-HD newscast, marking a significant milestone in broadcasting history.
2000: UNC Tar Heels Final Four Appearance
In 2000, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2000: WRAL purchased Bell 407 helicopter for Sky 5
In 2000, WRAL purchased a Bell 407 helicopter for $2 million to use as "Sky 5". The N553HD tail number represents the station's channel and its pioneering role in high-definition broadcasting.
2000: WRAL was awarded nine Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards
In 2000, WRAL was awarded nine Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards including for documentaries on the Cape Light and coverage of the Special Olympics World Games. Jim Goodmon also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
January 28, 2001: WRAL converted all newsgathering and broadcasts to all digital high definition
On January 28, 2001, WRAL converted all of its newsgathering and broadcasts to all digital high definition, including the WRAZ newscasts.
2001: Duke Blue Devils Win National Championship
In 2001, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship victory during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2002: North Carolina Education Lottery Moves Football Friday to Newsroom
In 2002, the arrival of the North Carolina Education Lottery moved Football Friday from WRAL's Studio A to the newsroom.
October 2003: WRAL ends full-time farm reporter position
After the unexpected death of Dan Wilkinson in October 2003, WRAL decided to end the full-time farm reporter position, leading to a reduction in agricultural coverage.
2003: WRAL Does Not Air 'Cupid'
In 2003, the reality show 'Cupid' did not air on WRAL.
2004: Duke Blue Devils Final Four Appearance
In 2004, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2005: UNC Tar Heels Win National Championship
In 2005, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' national championship win during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
February 1, 2006: WRAL Begins Streaming Programming Live on the Internet
On February 1, 2006, WRAL announced it would begin streaming all of its programming live on the internet, signifying advancements in technology-driven delivery of product.
November 17, 2006: WRAL had a special "reunion" newscast for its 50th anniversary
On November 17, 2006, WRAL commemorated its 50th anniversary with a special "reunion" newscast during the 6 p.m. broadcast, featuring Gaddy, Battista, and DeBardelaben reprising their roles alongside Suiter.
2006: WRAL and UNC-TV Co-Produce Parade of Sail Tall Ship Show
In 2006, WRAL and UNC-TV co-produced the Parade of Sail Tall Ship Show in Beaufort.
October 10, 2007: WRAL sports department launched WCMC-FM
On October 10, 2007, the WRAL sports department launched a sports talk radio station, WCMC-FM, which broadcasts in HD Radio and is the only FM sports talk station in the area.
December 3, 2007: WRAL Streams Live Video to Mobile Phones
On December 3, 2007, WRAL became the first local television station to stream live video to mobile phones.
December 18, 2008: Tom Suiter Retires
On December 18, 2008, long time sports anchor Tom Suiter retired from WRAL. He was replaced by Jeff Gravely.
2008: UNC Tar Heels Final Four Appearance
In 2008, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' Final Four appearance during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2008: WRAL and WRAL.com received Emmy awards
In 2008, WRAL and WRAL.com received nine Emmy awards, including the inaugural award in Advanced Media for Interactivity. They also won a bronze Horizon Interactive Award for their online hurricane tracker. Geoff Levine won the National Press Photographer of the Year award.
June 12, 2009: WRAL-TV ended regular programming on its analog signal
On June 12, 2009, WRAL-TV ended regular programming on its analog signal, over VHF channel 5, at 12:55 p.m., transitioning to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The digital signal remained on UHF channel 48, using virtual channel 5.
2009: UNC Tar Heels Win National Championship
In 2009, WRAL aired the UNC Tar Heels' national championship win during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2009: WRAL and UNC-TV Co-Produce Gubernatorial Inauguration
In 2009, WRAL and UNC-TV co-produced the Gubernatorial Inauguration.
2010: Duke Blue Devils Win National Championship
In 2010, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship victory during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
April 2011: Coverage of the April 2011 tornadoes
In April 2011, WRAL provided coverage of the tornadoes that impacted the region, which later contributed to several Emmy awards.
September 13, 2012: WRAL-TV debuted Mobile Emergency Alert System (M-EAS)
On September 13, 2012, WRAL-TV debuted the first Mobile Emergency Alert System (M-EAS) in the United States, allowing emergency information to be distributed to compatible receivers using existing digital television signals.
2012: WRAL received Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards
In 2012, WRAL tied with Nashville station WTVF with 32 nominations and won 11 Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards, including News Excellence, Evening Newscast, Breaking News, and more. Capitol Broadcasting and the A.J. Fletcher Foundation also received the Governor's Award.
2015: Duke Blue Devils Win National Championship
In 2015, WRAL aired the Duke Blue Devils' national championship victory during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
February 29, 2016: WRAL-TV Affiliates with NBC
On February 29, 2016, WRAL-TV became an NBC affiliate, ending its 30-year affiliation with CBS. CBS moved to Goldsboro-licensed WNCN (channel 17) on the same day. This marked channel 5's second period with NBC, having been a primary affiliate at the station's start.
June 29, 2016: WRAL began broadcasting a full-time service using ATSC 3.0
On June 29, 2016, WRAL became the first U.S. television station to begin broadcasting a full-time service using ATSC 3.0 digital television standards, operating under an experimental license from the FCC on UHF channel 39 as WRAL-EX.
2016: WRAL airs Super Bowl 50, Stanley Cup Finals, and Summer Olympics
In 2016, WRAL aired CBS's coverage of Super Bowl 50, and as an NBC station, it carried the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, making it the only television station in the United States to air all three events from different networks in the same year.
2018: WRAL-EX left the air
WRAL-EX left the air in 2018 as a consequence of the FCC's repacking process resulting from a spectrum auction, and has not returned.
October 31, 2019: New set debuted with the noon newscast
In 2019, WRAL moved newscasts into Studio A with upgraded 4K cameras. On October 31, 2019, a new set designed by FX Design Group debuted with the noon newscast, featuring a 20-by-11-foot LED video wall and a smaller curved LED wall near the anchor desk.
2019: WRAL-TV Continues Airing ACC Football/Basketball Until Package Ends
Despite the NCAA Tournament moving to WNCN, WRAL-TV continued to air ACC football and/or basketball until the package ended in 2019 in favor of the ACC Network.
2019: ACC Football and Basketball Package Ends on WRAL
In 2019, the ACC football and basketball package ended on WRAL in favor of the ACC Network, after airing on the station since 1977.
September 11, 2020: Capitol Broadcasting bought WARZ-CD and used it as an ATSC 3.0 multiplex
On September 11, 2020, Capitol Broadcasting bought then-WARZ-CD for $725,000, and has since used the station, now WNGT-CD, as an ATSC 3.0 multiplex for the region.
2020: Chris Lea Becomes Sports Anchor
In 2020, Chris Lea became the sports anchor at WRAL, replacing Jeff Gravely.
February 3, 2021: Death of Steve Wiley
Steve Wiley, who had flown the news helicopter for WRAL since 1987, passed away on February 3, 2021.
January 17, 2022: WNCN Moves 'The Young and the Restless' to 12:30 PM
On January 17, 2022, WNCN moved 'The Young and the Restless' to its traditional 12:30 PM timeslot and introduced its own 4 PM newscast. This followed WRAL-TV rejoining NBC on February 29, 2016, and continuing to air local news at 4 PM.
2022: Wiley's pilots take over Sky 5 operations
As of 2022, the news helicopter Sky 5 is flown by two pilots hired and trained by Steve Wiley, who took over the Sky 5 operations.
2022: David Crabtree and Debra Morgan End Their Run as News Team
In 2022, David Crabtree and Debra Morgan ended their run as part of the longest-running on-air news team in the Triangle.
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