History of WTVY (TV) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 31, 2025

WTVY is a CBS-affiliated television station located in Dothan, Alabama. It is owned by Gray Media and operates alongside WRGX-LD, a dual NBC/CW+ affiliate. The two stations share studio facilities in downtown Dothan, while WTVY's transmitter is situated in Bethlehem, Florida. As a local television station, WTVY primarily provides news, entertainment, and other programming to the Dothan area.

February 12, 1955: First Broadcast

On February 12, 1955, WTVY made its first broadcast on channel 9, originally as a CBS affiliate.

November 2, 1960: Moved to Channel 4

On November 2, 1960, WTVY moved to channel 4 as a result of an FCC-mandated reallocation of signals to minimize signal interference.

1961: Default CBS Affiliate

Since 1961, WTVY was the default CBS affiliate for Panama City.

1978: Moved to Bethlehem Tower

In 1978, WTVY relocated to its current 1,847-foot tower in Bethlehem to improve its signal, especially in Panama City.

1993: Moved to Houston Hotel Building

In 1993, WTVY relocated its studios to the historic Houston Hotel building in downtown Dothan, with the news studio situated in the former grand ballroom.

1995: Acquired by Benedek Broadcasting

In 1995, Benedek Broadcasting acquired WTVY from Chemical Bank/Dothan Holdings for $28 million.

2002: Sold to Gray Television

In 2002, Benedek Broadcasting announced its exit from broadcasting and sold its television stations, including WTVY, to Gray Television.

2002: Mitch English Joins The Daily Buzz

In 2002, Mitch English who was a weather anchor and news reporter at WTVY became a co-host of the nationally syndicated weekday morning show, The Daily Buzz.

Loading Video...

2002: Sister Station to WJHG-TV

Since Gray bought the station in 2002, WTVY has been a sister station to Panama City's NBC affiliate, WJHG-TV.

June 4, 2012: Began Broadcasting in High Definition

On June 4, 2012, WTVY became the first station in the Dothan market to broadcast local newscasts in high definition.

September 24, 2012: WECP-LD Launched

On September 24, 2012, Gray launched WECP-LD as a Panama City-based CBS affiliate, ending WTVY's status as the CBS affiliate for the Panama City market.