WSOC-TV: Past and future

Since its founding in April 1957, WSOC-TV's Channel 9 prides itself on commitment to news and information throughout the 22 counties in North and South Carolina it serves. True to its slogan, Covering the Carolinas, WSOC-TV is the proven market leader in news coverage. Live mobile newsrooms based out of Hickory, Gastonia, Salisbury, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, position Channel 9 to cover local stories and breaking news as it happens. WSOC-TV's helicopter, Chopper Nine, is equipped with the latest news gathering technology to cover the market, bringing viewers instant access to breaking news and information.

Along with WSOC-TV's commitment to news, it also provides valuable weather information to its viewers. Using the best technology available, WSOC-TV's team of certified meteorologists have state-of-the-art forecasting tools needed for accurate, dependable, local forecasts. Live Early Warning Doppler 9 Radar tracks approaching storms with pinpoint accuracy. Pinpoint Regional Weather is a specific weather forecast for the geographical areas of the region: the Mountains, the Foothills, the Piedmont, and the Sandhills. All of this weather technology is found right in the Severe Weather Center on the set at Channel 9. Innovation and leadership have always been hallmarks at WSOC-TV. The station has an impact that extends beyond the latest technology to more visible aspects such as comprehensive news coverage and enthusiastic public service involvement.

A PROUD HERITAGE

When WSOC-TV first signed on, Channel 9 operated from temporary studios on Plaza Road Extension before moving to its current site in July 1959. In January of that year, the station had been purchased by Cox Broadcasting of Atlanta, which grew from one newspaper in 1898 to a giant conglomerate of radio and television stations, cable companies, newspapers, and other entertainment enterprises in markets nationwide.

Since 1990, Channel 9 Eyewitness News has been ranked nationally as one of the leading newscasts in the top 30 metered markets, according to Nielsen Media Research ratings. The station has been honored with numerous awards on local, regional, and national levels, including numerous Edward R. Murrow Awards for journalism and Regional Emmy Awards.

INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES

WSOC-TV has been committed to serving the community through innovative news initiatives such as Action 9. Serving the Carolinas for more than 20 years, Action 9 is a consumer advocate for viewers who report unresolved consumer problems. The station's commitment to viewers is also evident through Whistleblower 9 reports, uncovering government waste and wrongdoing. In addition, 9 Investigates is equipped with resources dedicated to long-term investigations-some of which have resulted in local as well as national changes in governmental procedures.

When it comes to community service, WSOC-TV is second to none. For over a decade, WSOC-TV's annual Family Focus community projects have been committed to serving families year-round throughout the Carolinas. Family Focus projects underwrite local primetime specials dealing with family concerns, children, relationships, and family activities. Over a span of five years, the yearly School Tools campaign has provided new school supplies to almost 125,000 students throughout the viewing area. These projects further support the station's commitment to public service and have garnered state, regional, and national recognition. Other special projects and charitable events further reflect the station's commitment to public service.

A STRONG COMBINATION

WSOC-TV's commitment to news and information is helped by resources that include its sister station WAXN-TV, Action 64. Purchased by Cox Broadcasting in 2000, Action 64 is committed to providing the ultimate in alternative entertainment and sports programming. In addition, Action 64 provides another outlet for information to viewers in the area. As a sister station, Action 64 is available to Channel 9 for simulcasting breaking news events, allowing continuing local news coverage while WSOC-TV carries network coverage of larger, nationwide events. Action 64 is one of the few independent television stations committed to a 10 p.m. newscast and is consistently ranked among the top newscasts in the nation on an independent station.

Both WSOC-TV and WAXN-TV are equipped for television's digital broadcasting era. WSOC-TV began digital transmission in October 1999, and WAXN-TV first broadcast a digital signal in 2002. Many television programs broadcast in high definition, and WSOCTV and WAXN-TV are developing both digital programming options and digital data services. Another resource to serving the community -wsoctv.com-continues to embrace new technology and avenues for information distribution.

From its studios at 1901 North Tryon Street, just north of Charlotte's Center City, WSOC-TV has achieved prominence as the primary source of news in the Carolinas. Building on nearly a half century of growth and change, Channel 9 strives to maintain that position through comprehensive news and weather coverage and generous community service. WSOC-TV's mission statement affirms: "The people and enterprises of WSOC-TV are committed to leadership, excellence, and quality service to our communities as the Carolinas' dominant news, information, and communication resource."

Cox Media Group