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A resolution congratulating WTVF NewsChannel 5 on its 70th Anniversary.
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WHEREAS, the television station we now know as NewsChannel 5 first signed on the air on August 6, 1954, as WLAC-TV, reflecting the initials of the owner of the station, Life and Casualty Insurance Company; and
WHEREAS, in the 1960s, American General Corporation bought both L&C and WLAC-TV. In 1975, American General sold the station and changed the call letters to WTVF; and
WHEREAS, the original studio was located next to the L&C Tower and moved to the current location on James Robertson Parkway in 1968, with bigger offices, two studios, and to accommodate color television; and
WHEREAS, original on-air reporters, anchors, and meteorologists included Chris Clark, Bill Jay, Harry Chapman, Ron Kaiser, Bob Lobertini, Hope Hines, and Oprah Winfrey; and
WHEREAS, in the 1970s and 1980s the station used the Eyewitness News moniker for its newscasts. The current NewsChannel 5 branding and logo have been in use since August 1989. In 1974, WLAC became one of the first network affiliates in the country to use Electronic News Gathering (ENG) to bring live field reports to its viewers; and
WHEREAS, over the years WTVF televised many hit TV shows, including Hee Haw, Night Train, American Bandstand, and Talk of the Town, which premiered on March 19, 1984, and was declared the longest locally produced TV show not only in the Nashville television market, but also the whole nation; and
WHEREAS, NewsChannel 5 WTVF now broadcasts 39 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, which includes morning newscasts from 4am to 7am and the 6pm newscasts for a full hour giving the Nashville and surrounding area complete coverage for news, sports, and specials; and
WHEREAS, through the years the NewsChannel 5 Team has become favorites with the Nashville viewers while keeping all informed of local and international issues as well as weather disasters that have affected the local and surrounding counties in Tennessee and Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize NewsChannel 5 for 70 years of broadcasting in Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as congratulating WTVF NewsChannel 5 on its 70th Anniversary.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.