View source for WUAB

{{Short description|Television station in Lorain, Ohio}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WUAB
| logo = WUAB 2025 CW.svg
| logo_upright = .6
| logo_alt = At top left and at an angle, "Cleveland's" in black script lettering. Underneath this, a red box with white "43" lettering. At the bottom right corner of the red box is The CW logo in white.
| location = [[Lorain, Ohio|Lorain]]–[[Cleveland]], Ohio
| country = United States
| city = Lorain, Ohio
| digital = 10 ([[VHF]]), shared with [[WOIO]]{{r|WUABWOIOshare}}
| virtual = 43
| translator = 18 (UHF) [[Akron]]
| branding = Cleveland's 43; ''19 News''
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''43.1:''' [[The CW]] / [[Rock Entertainment Sports Network|RESN]]<!-- → [[MyNetworkTV]] (eff. 9/1/2025)-->|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[Gray Media]]
| licensee = Gray Television Licensee, [[LLC]]
| sister_stations = WOIO, [[WTCL-LD]], [[WOHZ-CD]]
| airdate = {{start date and age|1968|9|15|p=y|br=y}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 43 ([[UHF]], 1968–2009)|'''Digital:''' 28 (UHF, 1998–2018)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|[[Independent station|Independent]] (1968–1995)|[[The WB]] (1995–1997)|[[UPN]] (1995–2006)|[[MyNetworkTV]] (2006–2018)}}
| callsign_meaning = "[[United Artists Broadcasting]]"
| erp = 30 kW
| haat = {{convert|333|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 8532
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|22|45|N|81|43|11|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.cw43.tv/}}
}}
'''WUAB''' (channel 43) is a [[television station]] licensed to [[Lorain, Ohio]], United States, serving the [[Cleveland]] area as an affiliate of [[The CW]]. It is owned by [[Gray Media]] alongside [[CBS]] affiliate [[WOIO]] (channel 19), [[Telemundo]] affiliate [[WTCL-LD]] (channel 6) and [[independent station]] [[WOHZ-CD]] (channel 22). All four stations have studios on the ground floor of the [[Reserve Square]] building in [[Downtown Cleveland]]. WUAB transmits over WOIO's full-power spectrum via a [[channel sharing agreement]]<ref name="WUABWOIOshare">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite web |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f915eaa0135015f0c98d9373059&id=25076f915eaa0135015f0c98d9373059&goBack=N |title=Modification of a Licensed Facility for DTV Application |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=Licensing and Management System |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022213509/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f915eaa0135015f0c98d9373059&id=25076f915eaa0135015f0c98d9373059&goBack=N |url-status=live }}|{{Cite web |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f916097f7ff0160dc8293883b7b&id=25076f916097f7ff0160dc8293883b7b&goBack=N |title=License To Cover for DTV Application |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=Licensing and Management System |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022213509/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f916097f7ff0160dc8293883b7b&id=25076f916097f7ff0160dc8293883b7b&goBack=N |url-status=live }}}}</ref> and both stations share transmitter facilities in suburban [[Parma, Ohio|Parma]].

Founded in 1968 by the [[United Artists]] film studio, from which its call sign is derived from, WUAB was originally one of two [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) independent stations to sign on in the Cleveland market, doing so eight months after [[Kaiser Broadcasting]]'s [[WKBF-TV]] signed on. Prevailing over WKBF-TV in a seven-year-long battle for advertisers and audience, WUAB became one of the highest-rated UHF independent stations in the country by 1971, aided by a strong lineup of off-network reruns, feature films, sporting events, and popular local talent. Purchased by [[Gaylord Broadcasting]] in 1977, WUAB bolstered its sports presence as the over-the-air home for [[Cleveland Indians]] and [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] telecasts in 1980 and established a news department in 1988, with a cable television footprint spanning multiple states.

The station was acquired by [[Stephen J. Cannell]] in 1990 but taken over by WOIO owner [[Malrite Communications]] in 1994 via a [[local marketing agreement]], taking effect at the same time WOIO became the market's CBS affiliate and helping provide that station with a news service. A charter affiliate for both [[UPN]] and [[The WB]] from 1995 to 1997, WUAB became an exclusive UPN affiliate until the network's 2006 closure, subsequently linking up with [[MyNetworkTV]] in 2006 and The CW in 2018. Acquired outright by Malrite's successor [[Raycom Media]] in 2000, WUAB and WOIO have been in Gray Television's portfolio from 2019 onward, adding startup Telemundo affiliate WTCL-LD as a third station in 2022. With a pending removal of CW programming in September 2025, WUAB has added local sports programming from [[Rock Entertainment Sports Network]], a joint venture between Gray and [[Rock Entertainment Group]].

== History ==
=== Application and construction ===
United Artists Broadcasting, owned by [[United Artists|the film studio of the same name]], was the first of three applicants to file paperwork for a new television station on channel&nbsp;65 in Cleveland, having done so on March 22, 1963.<ref name="wuab-hc">{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=86979 |title= History Cards for WUAB|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} ([[Wikipedia:WikiProject Radio Stations/History Cards|Guide to reading History Cards]])<!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref> The allocation was one of two designated by the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) for commercial broadcasting on the [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) in Cleveland proper; prior [[Planning permission|construction permits]] granted to radio stations [[WJMO|WERE]] and [[WHK (AM)|WHK]] in 1953<ref name="AkronB19530619p 38">{{Cite news |date=June 19, 1953 |title=Cleveland's WERE Gets TV Permit |page=38 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153651/clevelands-were-gets-tv-permit/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014210/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153651/clevelands-were-gets-tv-permit/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="AkronB19531204p 2">{{Cite news |date=December 4, 1953 |title=WHK To Have TV Station |page=36 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153692/whk-to-have-tv-station/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014210/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153692/whk-to-have-tv-station/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> were never built and revoked in 1960.<ref name="Newark19600220p25">{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1960 |title=FCC Acting To Cancel Permits To TV Stations |page=25 |newspaper=The Newark Advocate |agency=Associated Press |location=Newark, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110183125/fcc-acting-to-cancel-permits-to-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110183125/fcc-acting-to-cancel-permits-to-tv/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> United Artists had filed to construct television stations in Cleveland, [[Houston]] and [[Boston]], but the film studio having been a defendant in a civil [[United States antitrust law|antitrust lawsuit]] related to ''[[United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc.]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Rose Productions v. Loew's Incorporated, 141 F. Supp. 257 (S.D.N.Y. 1956) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/141/257/1480614/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716191037/http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/141/257/1480614/ |archive-date=July 16, 2017 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}</ref> led the FCC to state it would reflect on "requisite qualifications" over the studio's fitness to own a television station, despite the lawsuit occurring ten years beforehand.<ref name="UA-FCC-hearing">{{Cite magazine |date=December 30, 1963 |id={{ProQuest|1014463410}} |title=UA TV application set for hearing |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-12-30-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=85 |issue=27 |page=39 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151243/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-12-30-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> The other two applicants for the channel were a group headed by [[WQMX|WDBN]] owner Ted Niarhos<ref name="CPD19630508p29">{{cite news |last=Reesing |first=Bert J. |date=May 8, 1963 |title=Bidder for Channel 65: Cleveland Telecasting Gets Up 'Steam' |page=29 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//svjpntcnugomzpbngcfdvwfdgxojjczz_wma-gateway010_1664142740356 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014214/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//svjpntcnugomzpbngcfdvwfdgxojjczz_wma-gateway010_1664142740356 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> and Superior Broadcasting Co., majority-controlled by area businessman Frank V. Mavec.<ref name="CPD19630923p21">{{cite news |date=September 23, 1963 |title=Draft Notice of Publication (Superior Broadcasting Corporation) |page=21 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pevokmeonamgdyfbjaxuamulosaklkqy_wma-gateway008_1663035763520 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014256/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//pevokmeonamgdyfbjaxuamulosaklkqy_wma-gateway008_1663035763520 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref><ref name="AkronB19650809p 17">{{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=Philip |date=August 9, 1965 |title=FCC May Settle Akron CATV Tiff |page=B1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110185135/fcc-may-settle-akron-catv-tiff/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014245/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110185135/fcc-may-settle-akron-catv-tiff/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A [[comparative hearing]] between the applicants began in late December 1963.{{r|UA-FCC-hearing}} Early in the proceedings, United Artists requested that the FCC determine if projected operating deficits by the other two applicants lasted beyond the first year;<ref>{{Cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1014476829}} |date=September 28, 1964 |title=To change or not to change? Three commissioners hear oral argument on whether financial-qualification standards, applied to UHF's, should be amended |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-09-28-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=67 |issue=13 |page=103 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151356/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-09-28-BC.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> in response, the commission requested each applicant demonstrate an ability to survive against established VHF competition over the first three years<ref name="UHFapp-go-round">{{Cite magazine |date=April 5, 1965 |id={{ProQuest|1014498445}} |title=The UHF application go-round: Ultravision, Superior ask application of new order; UA agreement would leave it in Lorain, remove it in Boston |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-04-05-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=68 |issue=14 |pages=95–96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151503/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-04-05-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> and revised their financial qualification policy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 5, 1965 |id={{ProQuest|1014485544}} |title=3 months become a year for applicants: FCC sets new financial qualification policy and extends it to include AM, FM, VHF and UHF |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-07-05-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=69 |issue=1 |pages=30–31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708125735/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-07-05-BC.pdf |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> United Artists abruptly withdrew from the hearing process for the channel 65 license by amending their application to request channel&nbsp;31 in [[Lorain, Ohio]],{{r|wuab-hc}} unused after a permit for WEOL-TV held by [[WEOL]] radio failed to be built after years of delays.<ref name="LorJo19561023p4">{{cite news|date=October 23, 1956|title=Editorial: Television Maneuvers|page=4|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AMNEWS&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Aimage%252Fv2%253A17C7A73A72EFB355%2540EANX-NB-1882F830F4D9B1DA%25402435770-188122080299F9B1%25403%2Fhlterms%3AWEOL|newspaper=The Lorain Journal|location=Lorain, Ohio|access-date=November 16, 2022|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110040410/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A17C7A73A72EFB355%40EANX-NB-1882F830F4D9B1DA%402435770-188122080299F9B1%403&hlterms=WEOL&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|Newark19600220p25}} The Niarhos-led group concurrently withdrew their bid.{{r|UHFapp-go-round}} A May 1965 realignment of UHF allocations<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-308698A1.pdf |title=Federal Communications Commission 31st Annual Report For the Fiscal Year 1965: With summary and notation of subsequent important developments |publisher=United States Government Printing Office |year=1965 |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=111–112 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308044806/https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-308698A1.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> saw United Artists's permit request for channel&nbsp;31 moved to 43{{r|wuab-hc}} and Superior's permit request for channel&nbsp;65 moved to 61.{{r|AkronB19650809p 17}} Both companies were awarded construction permits in the spring of 1966.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 7, 1966 |title=United Artists gets ch. 43 Lorain, Ohio |id={{ProQuest|1505598213}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-03-07-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=70 |issue=10 |page=61 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151533/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-03-07-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Superior sold their permit to a joint venture between itself and [[Kaiser Broadcasting]],<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine|date=May 8, 1967 |title=For the Record |page=101 |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=72 |issue=19 |id={{ProQuest|1014496340}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151231/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}|{{cite magazine|date=May 8, 1967 |title=Kaiser has option to buy out Superior |id={{ProQuest|1014521414}} |page=66 |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=72 |issue=19 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151231/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1967/1967-05-08-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}}}</ref> which launched [[WKBF-TV]] on January 19, 1968.<ref name="CPD19680120p12">{{cite news |date=January 20, 1968 |title=Channel 61 Is on Air Today |page=12 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220626/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref>

=== United Artists ownership ===
[[File:WUAB_First_167_Days_ad.jpg|thumb|1969 industry ad taken out by WUAB noting their immediate ratings success "against [[WKYC|NBC]], [[WJW (TV)|Storer]]... [[WEWS-TV|Scripps-Howard]]... and [[WKBF-TV|Kaiser]]."|upright=0.95]]
WUAB was signed on by United Artists on September 15, 1968,<ref name="AkronB19680913p 43">{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=September 13, 1968 |title=WUAB (43) Joins The TV Family |page=D3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110317467/wuab-43-joins-the-tv-family/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223333/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110317467/wuab-43-joins-the-tv-family/ |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> following WKBF-TV as the second commercial UHF station in Cleveland proper and the fifth full-power UHF station in the market.<ref name="AkronB19671214p 49">{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=December 14, 1967 |title=UHF Entry: Channel 61, Jan. 1 Air Date For Cleveland's WKBF |page=B23 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521724/uhf-entry-channel-61-jan-1-air-date/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521724/uhf-entry-channel-61-jan-1-air-date/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WUAB used the WKBF-TV transmitter tower in Parma; the installation of the WUAB antenna on the tower several days prior forced WKBF-TV to be off the air for an extended period of time.{{r|AkronB19680913p 43}} As their studio facility near [[Parmatown Mall]] was still under construction, WUAB operated out of a [[semi-trailer]] next to an adjacent Parma [[bowling alley]],<ref name="CPD19690413p16E">{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=April 13, 1969 |title=Channels 43 and 61: Local UHF Stations Fight for Viewers |page=16-E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//vznqvlwqhmmttxjaatfcmwrnnomnkdsv_wma-gateway011_1664310895124 |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223336/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//vznqvlwqhmmttxjaatfcmwrnnomnkdsv_wma-gateway011_1664310895124 |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> with some studios inside the alley's [[Nursery (room)|nursery]]. Marty Sullivan, one of the station's first [[Continuity (broadcasting)|announcers]], later recalled how a restroom adjacent to the main announcer booth had a warning sign, "Do not use [[Bippy]] when announcer is in booth".<ref name="AkronB19780611p 272">{{Cite news |last=Faris |first=Mark |date=June 11, 1978 |title=Super Host |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110697495/super-host-p2/ 27] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal TV Preview |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110697453/super-host/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110697453/super-host/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WVIZ's [[Brook Park, Ohio|Brook Park]] studios were also used by WUAB.{{r|AkronB19680913p 43}} WUAB's lack of any physical assets in Lorain proper and film studio ownership was met with criticism by the ''[[Lorain Journal]]'' editorial board, which asked, "Why call it a Lorain station? Why give Lorain's TV franchise to outsiders who want to operate outside of Lorain? Why not give Lorain people an opportunity to operate a TV station in Lorain, to serve Lorain?"<ref name="LorJo19680605p4">{{cite news|date=June 5, 1968|title=Editorial: The Strange FCC and Lorain|page=4|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AMNEWS&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Aimage%252Fv2%253A17C7A73A72EFB355%2540EANX-NB-18863C8A6B5B0E1D%25402440013-1885C116855AD37D%25403-1885C116855AD37D%2540%2Fhlterms%3AWUAB|newspaper=The Lorain Journal|location=Lorain, Ohio|access-date=November 16, 2022|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110040410/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A17C7A73A72EFB355%40EANX-NB-18863C8A6B5B0E1D%402440013-1885C116855AD37D%403-1885C116855AD37D%40&hlterms=WUAB&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref>

The less-than-optimal working arrangement while permanent studios were being constructed severely limited WUAB's local output;{{r|CPD19690413p16E}} by comparison, WKBF-TV boasted an array of local programming<ref name="CPD19690119p6G">{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=January 19, 1969 |title=Channel 61: The Impact of the First Year |page=6-G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042454/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bsiikfrvvfxaddcyxvwmqcwiyqhkwwdd_wma-gateway018_1664160117717 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> and launched a news service.<ref name="BME196802Kaiser">{{Cite magazine |date=February 1968 |title=How the Independents Program: Kaiser's Us and WOR-TV are doing counter programming. It all started with Metromedia. |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BME/60s/BM-E-1968-02.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcast Management/Engineering |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=29–31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925042232/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Broadcast-Engineering/BME/60s/BM-E-1968-02.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> The combined Cleveland–[[Akron]]–[[Canton, Ohio|Canton]] [[television market]] was ranked in 1968 as the eighth-largest in the United States,<ref name="CPD19680519p7G">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 19, 1968 |title=Channel 61 Aims at Aug. 12 for Debut of 10 p.m. News |page=7-G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jobblmpzgtbzlebifxuxrasjdvowiumh_wma-gateway009_1662872154062 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> with the industry taking notice over the two competing UHF stations with well-financed ownership and substantial investment.{{r|CPD19690413p16E}} Befitting its ownership by a film studio, WUAB placed an emphasis on feature films with a prime time showcase dubbed the ''UA Star Movie''.<ref name="CPD19710131p11F">{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=January 31, 1971 |title=WUAB-TV Now One of Nation's Top UHF Stations |page=11-F |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//gkxubeblmndixbqdoqtuznpvkidphafh_wma-gateway020_1664311077677 |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223335/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//gkxubeblmndixbqdoqtuznpvkidphafh_wma-gateway020_1664311077677 |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Even with the existing limitations facing the station, WUAB successfully claimed a significant portion of WKBF-TV's audience by the spring of 1969.{{r|CPD19690413p16E}} ''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' critic William Hinckley retrospectively noted WUAB almost immediately entered the marketplace with better overall programming than WKBF-TV, promptly dividing the available audience.<ref name="CPD19750420p8Ga">{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=April 20, 1975 |title=Channel 61's seven-year UHF effort hit only fool's gold... |page=8-G |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ekqobnnbqqwbznfjgkixgrsvgaqamxrn_wma-gateway008_1662872336037 |url-status=live |access-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220619/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ekqobnnbqqwbznfjgkixgrsvgaqamxrn_wma-gateway008_1662872336037 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref>
[[File:Superhost_publicity_shot.jpg|thumb|Marty Sullivan as [[Superhost]].|alt=At left, a full body portrait of the "Superhost" character (similar in design to Superman, with a triangular shield on his chest with "SH". Other distinguishing marks are a red nose and a lavalier microphone around his neck. At top right, an autograph from Sullivan (reading "Super Host"). At middle right, "super host" in two lines of text. At bottom right, "WUAB 43 Lorain Cleveland" in the Transamerica-United Artists typeface.]]
WUAB's studios were completed in June 1969,{{r|wuab-hc}} with the next few months proving to be a turning point. [[Linn Sheldon]], who joined WKBF-TV to host an afternoon movie in August 1968,<ref name="AkronB19680801p 48">{{Cite news |date=August 1, 1968 |title=Heavy On Sports At WAKR-TV |page=B12 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110213975/heavy-on-sports-at-wakr-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042453/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110213975/heavy-on-sports-at-wakr-tv/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> left that station to join WUAB on December 1, 1969, reviving the acclaimed children's show "Barnaby" which he originated at [[WKYC|KYW-TV]].<ref name="CPD19691108p7D">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=November 8, 1969 |title=Switches to Channel 43: Hey Kids, 'Barnaby' Is Returning Dec. 1 |page=7-D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wjzvyltrglppsguzmhpvrcfstyqmdtyj_wma-gateway014_1664161162996 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926042453/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wjzvyltrglppsguzmhpvrcfstyqmdtyj_wma-gateway014_1664161162996 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Several weeks earlier, a Saturday afternoon [[science fiction film]] showcase ''Mad Theatre'' launched, hosted by Sullivan under the [[Superhost]] persona.{{r|CPD19691108p7D}} Sullivan created the character accidentally during rehearsals for a performance by [[The Four Lads]] when the audience reacted positively to his [[Contortion|facial contortions]]; he then adopted a nasal vocalization to distinguish from his announcer voice.{{r|AkronB19780611p 272}} Another staff announcer, [[Jack Reynolds (broadcaster)|Jack Reynolds]], began emceeing [[professional wrestling]] tapings at the station in 1969.<ref name="CPD20081017a">{{cite news |last=Baranick |first=Alana |date=October 17, 2008 |title=Jack Reynolds, hosted wrestling show with Jesse Ventura |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2008/10/jack_reynolds_hosted_wrestling.html |accessdate=October 23, 2008 |archive-date=October 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024050658/https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2008/10/jack_reynolds_hosted_wrestling.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Alice Weston, recognized as the first female television host in Cleveland, became the station's public affairs director<ref name="AkronB19950910p 18">{{Cite news |last=Murphey |first=Fran |date=September 10, 1995 |title=Awards runneth over |page=B2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110702609/awards-runneth-over/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110702609/awards-runneth-over/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a talk show host.<ref name="AkronB19720510p 25">{{Cite news |last=Jaycox |first=Betty |date=May 10, 1972 |title=About Town: This Time I Was Two Places At Once |page=C1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110702793/about-town-this-time-i-was-two-places/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110702793/about-town-this-time-i-was-two-places/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An emphasis was also placed on sports, as WUAB carried [[Ohio State Buckeyes football]] and [[Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball|men's basketball]],<ref name="AkronB19681119p 24">{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1968 |title=TV, Radio Coverage Of Prep Finale |page=B4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110329187/tv-radio-coverage-of-prep-finale/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928023926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110329187/tv-radio-coverage-of-prep-finale/ |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football]]{{r|AkronB19680913p 43}} and [[Cleveland Barons (1937–1973)|Cleveland Barons]] broadcasts.<ref name="AkronB19690311p 22">{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=March 11, 1969 |title=A $10,000 Principle |page=B2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66763315/a-10000-principle-fred-anthony-joins/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185403/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66763315/a-10000-principle-fred-anthony-joins/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A daily early-afternoon movie showcase, the ''Prize Movie'', launched with Reynolds as host,{{r|CPD20081017a}} with [[WHKW|WGAR]] personality [[John Lanigan (broadcaster)|John Lanigan]] taking over in 1975.<ref name="LaniganToTampa">{{Cite news |date=February 7, 1984 |title=Lanigan leaving for Tampa |page=D6 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83632519/lanigan-leaving-for-tampa/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817210559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83632519/lanigan-leaving-for-tampa/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="LaniganOpinions">{{Cite web |last=Goodrich |first=Barry |date=December 18, 2017 |title=John Lanigan Isn't Shy About Sharing His Opinions |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/john-lanigan-isn%27t-shy-about-sharing-his-opinions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827041127/https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/john-lanigan-isn%27t-shy-about-sharing-his-opinions |archive-date=August 27, 2021 |access-date=August 27, 2021 |website=[[Cleveland Magazine]] |language=en}}</ref>

At the same time WUAB's fortunes rose, Kaiser Broadcasting began instituting cutbacks at both WKBF-TV and their station group, including the groupwide elimination of local newscasts on November 12, 1970.<ref name="Philad19701113p 17">{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1970 |title=Kaiser to Cut News Service; 60 to Lose Jobs |page=17 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110244468/kaiser-to-cut-news-service-60-to-lose/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926212344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110244468/kaiser-to-cut-news-service-60-to-lose/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> All but one of Kaiser's stations failed to turn a profit after three years of investment, raising industry concerns over the viability of UHF stations.<ref name="KaiserDownToBone">{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1016859451}} |date=November 16, 1970 |title=Down to the bone in Kaiser's news: UHF group gives notice to 50 air journalists in sharp economy move |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=79 |issue=20 |page=51 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151321/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-16-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> WUAB, however, became not only the Cleveland market's leading UHF [[Independent station|independent]] by 1971, but the second-highest rated UHF station in the country behind Boston's [[WSBK-TV]].{{r|CPD19710131p11F}} [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and [[Cleveland Crusaders]] telecasts were added in 1972,<ref name="AkronB19740823p 31">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |date=August 23, 1974 |title=Crusaders, Cavs On TV |page=B3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833444/crusaders-cavs-on-tv/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833444/crusaders-cavs-on-tv/ |url-status=live }}|{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1972 |title=Television For Tonight |page=A24 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833721/television-for-tonight/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215051/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833721/television-for-tonight/ |url-status=live }}|{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Don |date=March 22, 1973 |title=CATV has variety |page=1 |newspaper=The Newark Advocate |location=Newark, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833512/catv-has-variety/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833512/catv-has-variety/ |url-status=live }}}}</ref> but WUAB declined to renew the Cavaliers contract in 1975 over increasing costs.<ref name="AkronB19751023p 25">{{Cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |author-link=Sheldon Ocker |date=October 23, 1975 |title=Blackout: Cavs have fans, but no TV contract |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833160/blackout-cavs-have-fans-but-no-tv/ C17] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833108/blackout-cavs-have-fans-but-no-tv/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110833108/blackout-cavs-have-fans-but-no-tv/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Quote box
| quote = That show was like an early cable station. It went all over the place ... Canada, New York and Pennsylvania. People like [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] and [[Don Rickles]] came on the show. I was walking around in Moscow once and somebody from across the street yelled "What's the ''Prize Movie'' today?"
| author = [[John Lanigan (broadcaster)|John Lanigan]]{{r|LaniganOpinions}}
| align = right
| width = 275px
}}
Kaiser announced a pending shutdown of WKBF-TV on April 8, 1975,<ref name="CPD19750409p1A">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |title=Channel 61 to go off air |pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zlonygvdwsuurqambrnrivzdpcuuglvp_wma-gateway013_1662872241580 6A] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220632/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> after agreeing to sell WKBF's technical and programming assets to United Artists in exchange for a 36&nbsp;percent [[equity stake]] in WUAB.<ref name="WUABonlyU">{{Cite magazine |date=April 14, 1975 |title=Kaiser to quit Cleveland, leaving UA with only U |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=88 |issue=15 |page=52 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926010710/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref><ref name="CPD19781010p7B">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=October 10, 1978 |title=Channel 61 plans a return |page=7-B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qkdvcsbogqsnvxjebeframipsxoxymmb_wma-gateway016_1662873097908 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qkdvcsbogqsnvxjebeframipsxoxymmb_wma-gateway016_1662873097908 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> WKBF-TV operated at a loss throughout the station's entire existence of {{Age in years and days|1968|01|sep=and|19|1975|04|25}}, with Kaiser officials admitting the market could not support more than one UHF independent.{{r|CPD19750409p1A}} In the days prior to the announcement, both WUAB and WKBF-TV management acknowledged negotiations over an asset disposition had been ongoing for "a couple of years".<ref name="AkronB19750404p 53">{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1975 |title=Hint Link Of Chs. 61, 43 |page=D13 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438431/hint-link-of-chs-61-43/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002045258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438431/hint-link-of-chs-61-43/ |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> During a farewell on-air statement,<ref name="CPD19750419p3B">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |title=Stars take mike to aid St. Jude's |page=3B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jcsebasylgqcqvopacwmyympftrcyxgm_wma-gateway001_1662872299118 |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220620/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jcsebasylgqcqvopacwmyympftrcyxgm_wma-gateway001_1662872299118 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> WKBF-TV general manager Alan B. Bennett stated that the sign-on of WUAB impeded consumer demand, in turn placing Kaiser in financial jeopardy, "...&nbsp;and that only one successful (station) must merge."<ref name="LorJoWKBF">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Darlene |date=April 25, 1975 |title=WKBF-TV Signs Off Air |page=43 |work=The Lorain Journal |location=Lorain, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AMNEWS&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Aimage%252Fv2%253A17C7A73A72EFB355%2540EANX-NB-1883EEEBB42072C9%25402442528-1883ED614ADCAF44%254043-1883ED614ADCAF44%2540%2Fhlterms%3A |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 23, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110040410/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A17C7A73A72EFB355%40EANX-NB-1883EEEBB42072C9%402442528-1883ED614ADCAF44%4043-1883ED614ADCAF44%40&hlterms=&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB not only acquired the rights to much of WKBF-TV's programming,<ref name="AkronB19750516p 54">{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1975 |title=Kaiser Takes WUAB Stock |page=B27 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438678/kaiser-takes-wuab-stock/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002045257/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110438678/kaiser-takes-wuab-stock/ |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> but replaced the station in several [[cable systems]] outside of the market, including [[Zanesville]]<ref name="TimesR19750425p11">{{Cite news |date=April 25, 1975 |title=WKBF Ceases Broadcasts, WUAB Substitutes Locally |page=1B |newspaper=The Times Recorder |location=Zanesville, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109488198/wkbf-ceases-broadcasts-wuab/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914071639/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109488198/wkbf-ceases-broadcasts-wuab/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and [[Dover, Ohio|Dover]]/[[New Philadelphia, Ohio|New Philadelphia]].<ref name="DailyR19750603p 11">{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1975 |title=Cable TV gets okay to add 43 |page=B1 |newspaper=The Daily Reporter |location=Dover, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521991/cable-tv-gets-okay-to-add-43/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109521991/cable-tv-gets-okay-to-add-43/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

The WKBF-TV asset sale came at the same time as a possible dial position move for WUAB. After a construction permit for channel&nbsp;19, in place since 1968,<ref name="CPD19690723a">{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=July 23, 1969 |title=Channel 19 Is Having Problems Getting on Air |page=19A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//emvjrqnjkitouirtvqvooprupsjclbbj_wma-gateway008_1664310973134 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027023444/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//emvjrqnjkitouirtvqvooprupsjclbbj_wma-gateway008_1664310973134 |url-status=live }}</ref> was sold to Joseph T. Zingale—a former co-owner of [[WCCR (AM)|WIXY]] and with ownership interests in multiple area professional sports teams<ref name="CPD19720824p11D">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=August 24, 1972 |title=Sale of Permit Brings Hope of Channel 19 on Air in '73 |page=11D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wdybgdcprgoopsqbokxiyzwkkmsgjhoc_wma-gateway016_1666819332170 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128050248/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wdybgdcprgoopsqbokxiyzwkkmsgjhoc_wma-gateway016_1666819332170 |url-status=live }}</ref>—United Artists protested the sale.<ref name="CPD19730118p6E">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=January 18, 1973 |title=Channel 43 Petitions FCC: TV Bid of Mileti's Kin Protested |page=6E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//stirsyccquktavezhyzraxnhvlkezaar_wma-gateway007_1666819607958 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027102110/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//stirsyccquktavezhyzraxnhvlkezaar_wma-gateway007_1666819607958 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite meeting FCC approval,<ref name="CPD19731027p15A">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=October 27, 1973 |title=Dialing Around |page=15A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nthholupdqevjektovoreemrhdlezyup_wma-gateway011_1666819688333 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027020439/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nthholupdqevjektovoreemrhdlezyup_wma-gateway011_1666819688333 |url-status=live }}</ref> Zingale rescinded the purchase in early 1974 due to a pricing dispute.<ref name="CPD19760516pF7">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 16, 1976 |title=Fifth TV Station Could Be Successful |url=http://www.avsforum.com/photopost/data/2223201/5/56/56f5674d_CleveTV51676.jpeg |access-date=March 10, 2015 |location=Cleveland, Ohio |page=FIVE-7 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004222831/https://www.avsforum.com/d1/photopost/data/2223201/5/56/56f5674d_CleveTV51676.jpeg |url-status=live }}</ref> United Artists then offered to purchase the permit in January 1975 with the intent of moving WUAB to channel&nbsp;19,<ref name="CPD19750108p4D">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=January 8, 1975 |title=WUAB to ask for Channel 19 |pages=4D–[https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//niuipktvuevprhetavazdxekjomgkdzs_wma-gateway015_1666819792554 5D] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//vptioybehugxozdckkkmnympaoiipuop_wma-gateway010_1666819734334 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027113633/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//vptioybehugxozdckkkmnympaoiipuop_wma-gateway010_1666819734334 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{r|WUABonlyU}} but Zingale filed a protest against the sale after renewed interest in it.<ref name="CPD19750306p2E">{{cite news |date=March 6, 1975 |title=Zingale again interested in Channel 19 |pages=2E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bwotcrdznleeubwxecjxsuloacnteyla_wma-gateway003_1666819850988 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027105122/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bwotcrdznleeubwxecjxsuloacnteyla_wma-gateway003_1666819850988 |url-status=live }}</ref> An FCC review board revoked the channel&nbsp;19 permit in April 1976 after declining to extend the construction deadline.{{r|CPD19760516pF7}}

=== Gaylord Broadcasting years ===
Citing a decision to leave broadcasting, United Artists sold WUAB to the [[Gaylord Broadcasting Company]] for $10.5&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|10500000|1976}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) in September 1976;<ref name="AkronB19760917p 55">{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1976 |title=WUAB-TV sold to Tampa chain |page=F1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110706031/wuab-tv-sold-to-tampa-chain/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185403/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110706031/wuab-tv-sold-to-tampa-chain/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kaiser, itself in the process of being sold to minority owner [[Field Communications]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1977 |title=Station sales rise with curve of air billings |id={{ProQuest|1014674421}} |page=23 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308042607/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-01-31.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> divested their equity stake in the station.{{r|CPD19781010p7B}} Under Gaylord, WUAB continued its expansion into cable television; when the station signed a three-year contract on October 20, 1979, for [[Cleveland Indians]] broadcasts, its cable footprint reached five states and one million homes.<ref name="AkronB19791021p 32">{{Cite news |date=October 21, 1979 |title=Tribe, WUAB sign TV pact |page=D4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712650/tribe-wuab-sign-tv-pact/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712650/tribe-wuab-sign-tv-pact/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bruce Drennan]] and [[Joe Tait]] were hired to announce WUAB's Indians telecasts<ref name="AkronB19801017p 17">{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1980 |title=Drennan gets new contract |page=B3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712127/drennan-gets-new-contract/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712127/drennan-gets-new-contract/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and called [[Len Barker]]'s [[Len Barker's perfect game|perfect game on May 15, 1981]].<ref name="NewsJo19810514p28">{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1981 |title=Indian items |page=28 |newspaper=News-Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712337/indian-items/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712337/indian-items/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WUABHOF">{{Cite web |last=Muder |first=Craig |title=#CardCorner: 1981 Topps Len Barker |url=https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/topps-1981-len-barker |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=Baseball Hall of Fame |language=en |archive-date=November 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129184101/https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/topps-1981-len-barker |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB then reacquired the local rights to Cleveland Cavaliers broadcasts from [[WJKW-TV]] effective with the [[1980–81 Cleveland Cavaliers season|1980–81 season]],<ref name="AkronB19800903p 54">{{Cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |author-link=Sheldon Ocker |date=September 3, 1980 |title=Cavs play-by-play applicants trickling in |page=F2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712913/cavs-play-by-play-applicants-trickling/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202956/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110712913/cavs-play-by-play-applicants-trickling/ |url-status=live }}</ref> helping to establish a year-round sports presence.<ref name="AkronB19800318p 46">{{Cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |author-link=Sheldon Ocker |date=March 18, 1980 |title=Channel 8 likely to drop Cavs' telecasts next year |page=D2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110713201/channel-8-likely-to-drop-cavs/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202958/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110713201/channel-8-likely-to-drop-cavs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

While WKBF-TV's closure raised doubts about the possibility of a second UHF independent in the market,{{r|CPD19750420p8Ga}} the imminent maturity of [[subscription television]] (STV) technology led a consortium of four Chicago-area companies to sign on [[WCLQ-TV]] (channel 61) on March 3, 1981.<ref name="Var810304">{{Cite news |last=Markey |first=Sanford |date=March 4, 1981 |title=Cleve Indie TVer Bows With 'Deer Hunter' In STV Lease |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |id={{ProQuest|1438303884}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> WCLQ-TV operated at first as a hybrid independent and area affiliate for [[Preview (subscription service)|Preview]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=February 27, 1981 |title=WCLQ Channel 61 debuts Tuesday |page=TV Week 2 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//goawreqehvddtemiwcfbdlvpccilwvnc_wma-gateway011_1662873337083 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//goawreqehvddtemiwcfbdlvpccilwvnc_wma-gateway011_1662873337083 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> but Preview's demise in 1983 forced WCLQ-TV to operate as a full-time independent.<ref name="CPD19830512p9F">{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1983 |title=Preview bows out as viewers decline |page=9F |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//sbsqxvwuchmnhstaypfmstgcshfzlkfs_wma-gateway005_1662873590996 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916032123/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//sbsqxvwuchmnhstaypfmstgcshfzlkfs_wma-gateway005_1662873590996 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref><ref name="AkronB19830512p 57">{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |date=May 12, 1983 |title=Cleveland's Preview to die Aug. 31; Ch. 61 to expand |page=D9 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30948067/clevelands-preview-to-die-aug-31-ch/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30948067/clevelands-preview-to-die-aug-31-ch/ |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> A subsequent ownership change at WCLQ-TV<ref name="CPD19840505p5C">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=May 5, 1984 |title=TV time finally drawing closer for delayed WOIO |page=5C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//syitfbzheyfesbumgpyoqxmfearmmudc_wma-gateway004_1662873912310 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916033731/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//syitfbzheyfesbumgpyoqxmfearmmudc_wma-gateway004_1662873912310 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> resulted in that station aggressively purchasing syndication rights to multiple programs, in turn driving up costs for programs on WUAB in what was later termed "the indie boom".<ref name="AkronB19870222p 25">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=February 22, 1987 |title=TV's 'indy boom' sputters with a short circuit |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484726/tvs-indy-boom-hits-short-circuit/ C2] |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484482/tvs-indy-boom-sputters-with-a-short/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484482/tvs-indy-boom-sputters-with-a-short/ |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Despite WCLQ-TV's aggressiveness, WUAB maintained a position in 1985 as the top-rated independent station in town, buoyed largely by Indians and Cavaliers broadcasts, an extensive film library and well-established local programs.<ref name="AkronB19850822p 50">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=August 22, 1985 |title=New chief old hand at what makes WUAB-Ch. 43 tick |page=D10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110713486/new-chief-old-hand-at-what-makes/ |access-date=October 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004203500/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110713486/new-chief-old-hand-at-what-makes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, [[WOIO]] (channel 19) launched on May 19, 1985, owned by a group with [[Malrite Communications]] as one of the investors,{{r|CPD19840505p5C}} while [[WBNX-TV]] (channel 55) was signed on by the ministry of [[televangelist]] [[Ernest Angley]].<ref name="CPD19850710p11D">{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1985 |title=Angley's TV station will join the crowd |page=11D |work=The Plain Dealer |agency=Associated Press |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wagosribwrdtuyjvntbysiuzoywdimbe_wma-gateway018_1662875136098 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916022111/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wagosribwrdtuyjvntbysiuzoywdimbe_wma-gateway018_1662875136098 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = The competition doesn't bother me, I feel good about it. The {{sic|adrenalin}} is flowing. Look, it either brings out the best in you or you get out of the business.
| author = Michael A. Schuch
| source = WUAB general manager{{r|AkronB19850822p 50}}
| align = right
| width = 260px
}}

The added competition ultimately drove down ratings and advertising rates for all four independent stations, in particular WOIO and WUAB.<ref name="PQ1985659722">{{Cite magazine |last=Datzman |first=Cynthia |date=September 1, 1986 |title=WCLQ's Loss May Spell Gain for Its Independent Competitors |magazine=Crain's Cleveland Business |location=Cleveland, Ohio |volume=7 |issue=35 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|198565972}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> WUAB purchased ''[[Webster (TV series)|Webster]]'' reruns and continued to pay for the show's rights into 1990 despite having removed the program from its schedule years earlier.<ref name="CPD19901223a">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 23, 1990 |title=Channel 43 set to mount a charge |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D4C68474B68 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020655/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D4C68474B68&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> While WOIO immediately made an impact in the local ratings, the station was sold outright to Malrite for an infusion of capital.<ref name="CPD19860722p6C">{{Cite news |last=Chatman |first=Angela D. |date=July 22, 1986 |title=WCLQ owners ask FCC to deny Malrite bid |page=6C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jdusdgbaanqepcxdbmelecztxgkypuee_wma-gateway011_1662874407412 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916042121/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jdusdgbaanqepcxdbmelecztxgkypuee_wma-gateway011_1662874407412 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Finding next to no [[return on investment]] for their aggressive programming purchases and little possibility of profitability,<ref name="CPD19860123p11D">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=January 23, 1986 |title=Future dim, Channel 61 sale looms |page=11D |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xohhlwuvevgergqpvvcdvskqyjibvhhj_wma-gateway012_1662874309492 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916010555/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xohhlwuvevgergqpvvcdvskqyjibvhhj_wma-gateway012_1662874309492 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> WCLQ-TV was sold outright to [[Silver King Broadcasting]] to carry [[HSN]] programming as WQHS,<ref name="CPD19860821p1A">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=August 21, 1986 |title=Channel 61 sold to at-home shopping network |pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//axrsdvlnskxqwnjktfifcbsamalmfkko_wma-gateway003_1662874583278 14A] |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xgyugbzsfijndptuxzcrkafjytuundzm_wma-gateway014_1662874460894 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050327/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xgyugbzsfijndptuxzcrkafjytuundzm_wma-gateway014_1662874460894 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref><ref name="CPD19861225p7F">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbi |date=December 25, 1986 |title=Streisand's HBO special is cozy but a spellbinder |page=7F |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cmxhvwbsofcserccozkmhkrejcqxksaq_wma-gateway016_1662873998785 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050328/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cmxhvwbsofcserccozkmhkrejcqxksaq_wma-gateway016_1662873998785 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> with that station's outgoing ownership ultimately sued into bankruptcy.<ref name="CPD19861025p6B">{{Cite news |last=Chatman |first=Angela D. |date=October 25, 1986 |title=Creditors force TV 61 bankruptcy |page=6B |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ihfwhzmktdjzluumnukjoadspxdjvmno_wma-gateway008_1662874654347 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050328/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ihfwhzmktdjzluumnukjoadspxdjvmno_wma-gateway008_1662874654347 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> WOIO concurrently partnered with the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]] after Gaylord declined to affiliate any of their stations, including WUAB, with the nascent network.<ref name="CPD19860607p5C">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=June 7, 1986 |title=Channel 19's manager backs takeover |page=5C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kihwmuihzkdkxvirsqxigtsxdatarbrw_wma-gateway002_1662874350916 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916033631/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kihwmuihzkdkxvirsqxigtsxdatarbrw_wma-gateway002_1662874350916 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> Another coup for WOIO came with a long-term contract for Cavaliers games in 1988, replacing WUAB.<ref name="AkronB19881001p 2">{{Cite news |last=Pluto |first=Terry |date=October 1, 1988 |title=Tait has made changes in Cavs' radio and TV setups |page=C2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44365134/tait-has-made-changes-in-cavs-radio/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

=== Cannell ownership and lease to Malrite ===
{{Quote box
| quote = If anybody calls, tell 'em Barnaby said hello. And tell them I think that you are the nicest person in the whole world. Just you.
| author = [[Linn Sheldon]]
| source = customary ending to each "Barnaby" episode{{r|CPD19900131a}}
| align = right
| width = 225px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
Two of WUAB's local stalwarts ended their shows at the start of 1990, within weeks of each other. Superhost's final episode aired on January 20, 1990, following a period of declining ratings,<ref name="AkronB19900118p 26">{{Cite news |date=January 18, 1990 |title=Falling ratings claim WUAB's 'Superhost' |page=B6 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110721337/falling-ratings-claim-wuabs-superhost/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020653/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110721337/falling-ratings-claim-wuabs-superhost/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with Marty Sullivan continuing as a booth announcer.<ref name="CPD19900113a">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 13, 1990 |title=NBC warms up curve to throw at baseball |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EFE1C51B858B0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> On January 30, Linn Sheldon announced his retirement after a 41-year career in television,<ref name="CPD19900131a">{{cite news |date=January 31, 1990 |title=Barnaby calling it quits after 41 years on local TV |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D6B3247EAF0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D6B3247EAF0&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> with "Barnaby" concluding its run on March 30;<ref name="CPD19900402p1D">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=April 2, 1990 |title=2 of local TV's best sign off |page=1D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173F008086CE33E8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173F008086CE33E8&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Sheldon's departure was seen as the end to one of the last remaining links to the "Golden Era" for locally produced children's television.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polletta |first=Dan |date=January 21, 2020 |title=Recalling The Golden Age Of Cleveland Children's Television |url=https://www.ideastream.org/news/recalling-the-golden-age-of-cleveland-children-s-television |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=Ideastream Public Media |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029172431/https://www.ideastream.org/news/recalling-the-golden-age-of-cleveland-children-s-television |url-status=live }}</ref> The week before Sheldon's final "Barnaby" show, Gaylord announced the sale of WUAB to Cannell Communications, headed by television producer [[Stephen J. Cannell]] and former WUAB general manager William Schwartz, for $60&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|60000000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref name="CPD19900329a">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=March 29, 1990 |title=Mood is up at changing Channel 43 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA894161244C0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA894161244C0&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DailyO19900321p23">{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1990 |title=Gaylord to Sell Station |page=23 |newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman |location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110721401/gaylord-to-sell-station/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020652/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110721401/gaylord-to-sell-station/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While Cannell became famous for creating multiple television series during the 1980s, his purchase of WUAB occurred during a downturn for his production company, with only two programs in active production.<ref name="AkronB19901004p 5">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=October 4, 1990 |title=New owner changes Channel 43 management |page=B10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110721375/new-owner-changes-channel-43-management/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020654/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110721375/new-owner-changes-channel-43-management/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The changes at WUAB were not limited to the station itself: the FCC's passage of [[syndication exclusivity]] regulations began affecting the station's cable footprint, with Columbus cable systems acknowledging WUAB was a "trouble spot" for likely [[Blackout (broadcasting)|blackouts]].<ref name="TCD19891229p1C">{{cite news |last=Keller |first=Julie |date=December 28, 1989 |title=Cable clouded by Syndex rules |page=1C |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |location=Columbus, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F11B86AA286B285F8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11B86AA286B285F8&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Cannell.jpg|thumb|upright=0.68|Stephen J. Cannell|alt=refer to caption]]
Despite the departures of Sheldon and "Superhost" and the sale of the station, WUAB continued aggressively competing against WOIO, with newly appointed general manager Brooke Spectorsky calling WUAB "a sleeping giant... that has been throttled back by previous owners".{{r|CPD19901223a}} In 1988, the station launched ''Kidsland'' for the station's children's programming, hiring Liz Hermann as a continuity host in February 1990.<ref name="CPD19900213a">{{cite news |last=Freeh |first=John |date=February 13, 1990 |title=Television stations woo kids for their loyalty, buying power |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D2372831378 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020655/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D2372831378&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB began carrying ''[[The Disney Afternoon]]'' program block in the fall of 1990 as ''Kidsland''{{'s}} centerpiece.<ref name="CPD19900903a">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 3, 1990 |title=New news-related shows highlight lineup |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA8A5C633B520 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020655/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA8A5C633B520&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kidsland'' was established at the same time that WOIO set up a similar kids' club, but WOIO ultimately folded their club into [[Fox Kids]] and declined to hire an in-studio host.{{r|CPD19900213a}} The station also picked up local rights to the [[Prime Time Entertainment Network]] in 1993<ref name="CPD19930120p6G">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 20, 1993 |title=New consortium in prime-time arena |page=6G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F806FD7DFD10E70 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> and the [[Action Pack (TV programming block)|Action Pack]] syndication block in 1994.<ref name="CPD19940122p7E">{{cite news |last=Diggs |first=Mitchell |date=January 22, 1994 |title='Capt. Kirk' Shatner in firm command of 'TekWar' premiere |page=7E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |agency=Scripps-Howard |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807C4C523C4176 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020657/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807C4C523C4176&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> As a nod to Cannell's ownership, WUAB acquired reruns to ''[[21 Jump Street]]'' in 1990, displacing ''[[Hee Haw]]'', which WUAB carried throughout the entirety of Gaylord ownership.{{r|CPD19900903a}} WUAB lead news anchor [[Romona Robinson]] also made a [[cameo appearance]] as a news reporter on ''[[The Commish]]'', a series Cannell co-created and produced.<ref name="CPD19921227p7I">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 27, 1992 |title=Stations on a whirlygig ride |page=7I |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F803EFF71D39496 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155447/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F803EFF71D39496&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 23, 1994, WJW-TV owner [[New World Communications]] signed a group-wide affiliation deal with Fox, initiating a wide-ranging [[1994–1996 United States broadcast television realignment|realignment of U.S. television network affiliations]].<ref name="nytbusinessdigest">{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=May 24, 1994 |title=FOX WILL SIGN UP 12 NEW STATIONS; TAKES 8 FROM CBS |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/24/us/fox-will-sign-up-12-new-stations-takes-8-from-cbs.html?pagewanted=4 |access-date=October 22, 2012 |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625021414/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/24/us/fox-will-sign-up-12-new-stations-takes-8-from-cbs.html?pagewanted=4 |url-status=live }}</ref> After initially courting [[WEWS-TV]] owner [[Scripps-Howard]],<ref>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|225338688}} |last=McClellan |first=Steve |date=June 6, 1994 |title=Counterstrike: CBS targets Scripps |volume=124 |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |issue=23 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-06-06.pdf |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151238/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-06-06.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> CBS signed up WOIO as their replacement affiliate in Cleveland despite WOIO not having a news department.<ref name="CPD19940630p1A">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 30, 1994 |title=Channel 19 likely to be CBS choice |page=1A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D27A9E464EE |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020656/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D27A9E464EE&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CPD19940708p1A">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=July 8, 1994 |title=CBS plans to join Channel 19 by Aug. 29 |page=1A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D316A1C8DD3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020656/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D316A1C8DD3&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Two months before the New World-Fox pact was announced, Malrite and Cannell began talks over a [[local marketing agreement]] (LMA) between WOIO and WUAB, with Malrite assuming operational control of WUAB; the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] announced the planned LMA prior to CBS executives meeting with WUAB.<ref name="CPD19940624p1B">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=June 24, 1994 |title=Channels 19 and 43 seek joint operation |page=1B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D20050FD8C9 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> The LMA took effect on August 18, 1994, {{Age in years and days|1994|08|18|1994|09|03}} before WOIO's affiliation switch to CBS.<ref name="CPD19940820p1E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 20, 1994 |title=WOIO fires 8 at TV-43 in takeover |page=1E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D774E46BD4F |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020657/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D774E46BD4F&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Malrite announced plans for new studios at [[Reserve Square]] in [[Downtown Cleveland]]{{r|CPD19940820p1E}} and newscasts for WOIO to be produced by WUAB.<ref name="CPD19941121p9E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=November 21, 1994 |title=Consolidation in TV, radio on rise |page=9E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807DF2D5048876 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020656/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807DF2D5048876&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Much of WOIO's syndicated programming and Cavaliers broadcasts were also transferred to WUAB.{{r|CPD19940820p1E}}<ref name="CPD19940917p2D">{{cite news |last=Manoloff |first=Dennis |date=September 17, 1994 |title=Buckner joins Cavs as analyst |page=2D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D97E13192F8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref>

The changes also resulted in the permanent cancellation of the ''Prize Movie'',<ref name="CPD19940822p3E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 22, 1994 |title=Channel 19 wooing Dufala for newscasts |page=3E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D7994893764 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006020657/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D7994893764&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> which WUAB revived earlier in 1994 after cancelling it in September 1993 to accommodate several new talk shows on the schedule.<ref name="CPD19940108p4E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 8, 1994 |title=Afternoon movie, Lanigan to return |page=4E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807C35E2609A16 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021157/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807C35E2609A16&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Outside of a period from 1984 to 1985 when Dave "Fig" Newton hosted,<ref name="AkronB19851003p 92">{{Cite news |date=October 3, 1985 |title=From Bobby Hill's old girlfriend to Raj's wife |page=E8 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110790036/from-bobby-hills-old-girlfriend-to/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021156/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110790036/from-bobby-hills-old-girlfriend-to/ |url-status=live }}</ref> John Lanigan had been the program's host for 18 years.<ref name="AkronB20140325p A001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=March 25, 2014 |title=Lanigan goes off air soon |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84234030/lanigan-goes-off-air-soon-p2/ A5] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84233999/lanigan-goes-off-air-soon/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

=== Affiliations with UPN and The WB ===
WUAB committed to become a charter affiliate of the United Paramount Network ([[UPN]])—a joint venture between [[Chris-Craft Industries|Chris-Craft]]'s [[United Television]] division and [[Paramount Pictures]]—in November 1993,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=November 15, 1993 |title=WB backs off after Paramount successes |id={{ProQuest|225338913}} |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=123 |issue=46 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-11-15.pdf |access-date=July 14, 2018 |page=10 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308032912/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-11-15.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> over a year before the network launched on January 16, 1995.<ref name="CPD19950107p9E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 7, 1995 |title=WUAB adds new affiliation |page=9E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8083E8ED97ACDE |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172031/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8083E8ED97ACDE&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Several days earlier, on January 6, 1995, WUAB signed up as a charter affiliate of [[The WB]], a venture between [[WarnerMedia|Time Warner]] and [[Tribune Broadcasting]].{{r|CPD19950107p9E}} WUAB made the addition due to both networks launching with limited schedules: UPN on Monday and Tuesday nights and Saturday afternoons and The WB on Wednesday evenings.<ref name="CPD19950121p8E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=January 21, 1995 |title=Newcomers vie to be 5th network |page=8E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8083F7AE961749 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172031/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8083F7AE961749&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Both networks committed to expanding their schedules for the [[1995–96 United States network television schedule|1995–96 television season]] to include an additional night along with children's program blocks ([[UPN Kids]] and [[Kids' WB]]), while UPN took priority on WUAB with WB shows airing at other times.<ref name="CPD19950729p8E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=July 29, 1995 |title=WB, UPN find their TV niche |page=8E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8084E42EA427CA |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172031/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8084E42EA427CA&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = When WUAB started with the [[Cleveland Guardians|Indians]] in 1980, the [[Eagles (band)|Eagles]] had a hit record titled {{'}}''[[The Long Run (album)|The Long Run]]''.{{'}} That's how we feel about this: we're in for the long run.
| author = John Chaffee
| source = president of WUAB operator Malrite Communications{{r|CPD19951026p16A}}
| width = 250px
}}
The [[1995 Cleveland Indians season]], one of the most successful in team history, saw WUAB's viewership jump to a 27 [[audience share]] for their game coverage, a substantial increase from the station's 7 share during [[1992 Cleveland Indians season|the 1992 season]].<ref name="Newark19950703p14">{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1995 |title=Tickets to Indians games becomes hot commodity |page=4B |newspaper=The Newark Advocate |agency=Associated Press |location=Newark, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110881867/tickets-to-indians-games-becomes-hot/ |access-date=October 7, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WUAB signed a new multi-year contract afterwards which included up to 70 Indians telecasts in 1996,<ref name="CPD19951026p16A">{{cite news |date=October 26, 1995 |title=The Scene: The Longer Run |page=16A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8086A77145A5FF |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172031/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8086A77145A5FF&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> further resulting in shows from both networks airing out of pattern.<ref name="CPD19950829p11E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 29, 1995 |title=UPN and WB jump into fall season |page=11E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808535DE44C284 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172031/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808535DE44C284&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CPD19960831p8E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=August 31, 1996 |title=UPN, WB offerings just so-so |page=8E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D334610B4C1 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172031/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D334610B4C1&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> After The WB announced a third night of prime time on Sundays beginning in the fall of 1996, WUAB management suggested WB could become "a weekend network".<ref name="CPD19960515p7E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 15, 1996 |title=WB going to third night in fall |page=7E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808CC9814918FE |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172134/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808CC9814918FE&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Increasingly unable to accommodate programming from both networks and Indians and Cavaliers telecasts, WUAB dropped The WB, with WBNX-TV taking the affiliation on September 1, 1997.<ref name="CPD19970703p4E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=July 3, 1997 |title=Channel 55 to become WB outlet |page=4E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C85FA715BCBE |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172035/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C85FA715BCBE&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|225347251}} |first=Lynette|last=Rice |date=May 19, 1997 |title=TV Talk: WUAB picks UPN, again |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=127 |issue=21 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-05-19.pdf |access-date=July 14, 2018 |page=32 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903141729/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-05-19.pdf |url-status=live }}|{{cite magazine |date=July 7, 1997 |first=Lynette|last=Rice |title=TV Talk: WB sign-up |id={{ProQuest|225342627}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-07-07.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=127 |issue=28 |page=30 |access-date=July 14, 2018 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308032110/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-07-07.pdf |url-status=live }}}}</ref>
[[File:WUAB Hometeam.png|alt=At top, "HOMETEAM" in bold serif lettering with a yellow bar separating a red box underneath with white "43" text inside.|thumb|upright=0.63|"Hometeam 43" logo, 1999–2002.]]
[[Montgomery, Alabama]]-based [[Raycom Media]] purchased Malrite Communications on April 6, 1998, for an undisclosed price; the LMA with WUAB was included in the deal.<ref>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|225364704}} |last=Brown |first=Sara |date=April 8, 1998 |title=Raycom adds stations from Malrite |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=128 |issue=15 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1998/BC-1998-04-08.pdf |access-date=July 17, 2018 |page=44 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308024257/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1998/BC-1998-04-08.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The sale was finalized six months later on September 17.<ref>{{cite news|last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=April 7, 1998 |title=Raycom inks Malrite deal |url=https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/raycom-inks-malrite-deal-1117469531/ |access-date=August 22, 2015 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185408/https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/raycom-inks-malrite-deal-1117469531/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Under Raycom ownership, WUAB and WOIO began identifying as "Hometeam 19" and "Hometeam 43" for both newscasts and entertainment programming.<ref name="CPD20000321p1E">{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=March 21, 2000 |title=Lights, Camera, Attitude: Jack Marschall delivers the news with guy-next-door affability |page=1E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80DB19C2A18D1F |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> On March 11, 2000, after the FCC relaxed rules allowing [[Duopoly (broadcasting)|common ownership]] of two commercially licensed television stations in the same market, Raycom acquired WUAB outright.<ref name="CPD20000311p6E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=March 11, 2000 |title=Raycom finalizes WUAB purchase |page=6E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80DB0FA50709E4 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007041337/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80DB0FA50709E4&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Raycom struggled to turn a profit with WOIO and WUAB and admitted to overpaying for them during [[Collective bargaining|collective bargaining agreement]] negotiations for [[unionized]] behind-the-scenes personnel in 2000, exacerbated by WOIO's newscasts failing to find viewership amid continuous on-air and management turnover.<ref name="CleSceneAppleg2001">{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Thomas |date=March 1, 2001 |title=Satan or Savior? |url=https://www.clevescene.com/news/satan-or-savior-1476345 |access-date=October 25, 2022 |website=Cleveland Scene |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025163335/https://www.clevescene.com/news/satan-or-savior-1476345 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The biggest change for WUAB came on October 18, 2001, when the Cleveland Indians signed an exclusive cable-only deal with [[Fox Sports Ohio]] for the [[2002 Cleveland Indians season|2002 season]], removing over-the-air telecasts entirely.<ref name="AkronB20011019p A001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=October 19, 2001 |title=Tribe's cable deal may limit viewing pleasure |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110842832/tribes-cable-deal-may-limit-viewing/ A9] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110842809/tribes-cable-deal-may-limit-viewing/ |access-date=October 7, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007013237/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110842809/tribes-cable-deal-may-limit-viewing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bill Applegate, who became general manager for the two stations earlier in the year,<ref name="AkronB20010201p 19">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=February 1, 2001 |title=Sweeps cut crazy swath |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110855894/sweeps-cut-crazy-swath/ B1], B3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110855911/sweeps-cut-crazy-swath-p2/ |access-date=October 21, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021191917/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110855911/sweeps-cut-crazy-swath-p2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> publicly hinted at such a deal weeks beforehand as a way for the Indians to increase revenue in a way WUAB could not provide.<ref name="AkronB20010817p A001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=August 17, 2001 |title=Tribe fans could see fewer TV ballgames |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110844605/tribe-fans-could-see-fewer-tv/ A9] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110844575/tribe-fans-could-see-fewer-tv-ballgames/ |access-date=October 7, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007013238/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110844575/tribe-fans-could-see-fewer-tv-ballgames/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a bid to revamp the station's image without the Indians games, WUAB rebranded as "43 The Block" on March 4, 2002, with locally produced comedy skits in between the early-evening lineup.<ref name="CPD20020227pE5">{{cite news |last=Lubinger |first=Bill |date=February 27, 2002 |title=Four new faces hit airwaves on Channel 43 |page=E5 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F12FC88A91471D360 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007041338/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/12FC88A91471D360&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> After a casting call,<ref name="CPD20020114pE1">{{cite news |last=Lubinger |first=Bill |date=January 14, 2002 |title=Calling all hams: 377 wannabe TV stars put personalities on line in tryout for WUAB |page=E1 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F2B29E47AC24B34 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007041338/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F2B29E47AC24B34&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> the station selected four "[[Average Joe|regular Joe]]" comics{{r|CPD20020227pE5}} that included future ''[[How to Boil Water]]'' host [[Jack Hourigan]].<ref name="CPD20030918pF2">{{cite news |last=Crump |first=Sarah |date=September 18, 2003 |title=Fugitive from Cambodia wins salute for land mine efforts |page=F2 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0FDAA05AF8B30C65 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> [[Mike Polk]], a member of the station's promotions department, began contributing to "The Block" segments with his Last Call Cleveland troupe.<ref name="CPD20041210pE1">{{cite news |last=Heaton |first=Michael |date=December 10, 2004 |title=Michael Stanley parody does resonate a bit |page=E1 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F106EA0755A5E7A89 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref><ref name="TMJ20030801a">{{cite news |last=Gatta |first=John Patrick |date=August 1, 2003 |title=Summer Crush 03 |newspaper=The Morning Journal |location=Lorain, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F16E806FE298B6810 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007041338/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/16E806FE298B6810&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== MyNetworkTV affiliation ===
[[File:WUAB CLE 43.png|thumb|WUAB logo as "CLE 43", 2015–2018.|alt=At left, a yellow-orange parallelogram with rounded edges with a cutout triangle shape representing a "play" button symbol. At right, two lines of text, the top row in a light font weight reading "CLE" with the bottom row in a heavy font weight reading "43".]]
On January 24, 2006, UPN parent [[CBS Corporation]] (formed after a split of [[Viacom (1952–2006)|the original Viacom]]) and Time Warner's [[Warner Bros. Entertainment]] division announced the shutdown of UPN and The WB, with some programming moved to a newly created network, [[The CW]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=January 24, 2006 |title=UPN and WB to Combine, Forming New TV Network |newspaper=The New York Times |location=New York City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html|url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017035638/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html |archive-date=October 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Seid |first=Jessica |date=January 24, 2006 |title='Gilmore Girls' meet 'Smackdown'; CW Network to combine WB, UPN in CBS-Warner venture beginning in September |website=CNNMoney.com |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316043531/https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |archive-date=March 16, 2017}}</ref> WBNX-TV signed up as one of The CW's first outside charter affiliates not owned by either CBS or Tribune Broadcasting.<ref>{{cite news |last=Romano |first=Allison |date=March 1, 2006 |title=CW Signs First Five Outside Affils |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/cw-signs-first-five-outside-affils-77609 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185409/https://www.nexttv.com/news/cw-signs-first-five-outside-affils-77609 |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref> To serve former affiliates of either network not selected for The CW—namely its own—[[News Corporation]] announced the creation of [[MyNetworkTV]] on February 22, 2006.<ref>{{cite news |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=February 22, 2006 |title=News Corp. Unveils MyNetworkTV |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/news-corp-unveils-my-network-tv/78935 |url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121350/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/news-corp-unveils-my-network-tv/78935 |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> WUAB affiliated with MyNetworkTV on March 7, 2006, along with other Raycom stations in [[KHII-TV|Honolulu]] and [[WBXH-CD|Baton Rouge]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Romano |first=Allison |date=March 10, 2006 |title=The Distribution Derby |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/distribution-derby-79200 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185409/https://www.nexttv.com/news/distribution-derby-79200 |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref> WUAB's Cavaliers game coverage was reduced in 2006 to several regular season and postseason games in simulcast with Fox Sports Ohio;<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Cleveland Cavaliers Announce New Television Agreements with FSN Ohio and WUAB TV43 |url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/tv_agreement_060830.html |date=August 30, 2006 |publisher=National Basketball Association |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=October 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421190020/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/tv_agreement_060830.html |url-status=live}}</ref> this arrangement ran through the 2018–2019 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jirousek |first=Brandon |date=August 25, 2010 |title=FOX Sports Ohio Announces the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers Telecast Schedule |url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/telecast_100825.html |access-date=October 6, 2022 |publisher=National Basketball Association |language=en |archive-date=December 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201075114/http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/telecast_100825.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jankowski |first=Jonathan |date=October 18, 2018 |title=WUAB will air 5 Cleveland Cavaliers games this season |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2018/10/18/wuab-will-air-cleveland-cavaliers-games-this-season/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=WOIO |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109200116/http://www.cleveland19.com/2018/10/18/wuab-will-air-cleveland-cavaliers-games-this-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

WUAB was renamed "CLE 43" on August 24, 2015, as part of a wide-ranging rebranding effort at both it and WOIO, which concurrently adopted the "Cleveland 19" name. The rebranding was done to abandon Raycom's prior "[[Tabloid journalism|tabloid]]" reputation with ''19 Action News'' in the Cleveland market.<ref name="CPD20150819a">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=August 19, 2015 |title=Channel 19 dropping Action News format, taking its news operation in a new direction |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2015/08/channel_19_taking_its_news_operation_in_a_new_direction.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185409/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2015/08/channel_19_taking_its_news_operation_in_a_new_direction.html |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref>

=== Sale to Gray Television and CW affiliation ===
Raycom agreed to merge their stations, including WOIO and WUAB, with [[Atlanta]]-based [[Gray Television]] on June 25, 2018, in a cash-and-stock merger transaction valued at $3.6&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|3600000000|2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite news |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Gray Television to buy Raycom Media, the owner of Cleveland's WOIO-TV, in $3.65 billion deal |agency=Bloomberg News |url=http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180625/news01/166306/gray-television-buy-raycom-media-owner-clevelands-woio-tv-365-billion |access-date=July 16, 2018 |work=Crain's Cleveland Business |location=Cleveland, Ohio |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716194605/http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180625/news01/166306/gray-television-buy-raycom-media-owner-clevelands-woio-tv-365-billion |url-status=live }}|{{cite web |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Gray Buying Raycom for $3.6B |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/gray-buying-raycom-for-3-6b |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810183153/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/gray-buying-raycom-for-3-6b |url-status=live }}|{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Gray Acquiring Raycom For $3.65B, Forming No. 3 Local TV Group |url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/grey-acquiring-raycom-for-3-65-billion-forming-no-3-local-tv-group-1202416667/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826073827/https://deadline.com/2018/06/grey-acquiring-raycom-for-3-65-billion-forming-no-3-local-tv-group-1202416667/ |url-status=live }}}}</ref> The sale was completed on January 2, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2, 2019 |title=Gray Closes On $3.6 Billion Raycom Merger |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/227754/gray-closes-3-6-billion-raycom-merger/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=TVNewsCheck |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103060110/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/227754/gray-closes-3-6-billion-raycom-merger/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the merger announcement, on July 11, 2018, WUAB signed a long-term affiliation contract with The CW, replacing WBNX-TV.<ref name="pd-wuabcw">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=July 11, 2018 |title=WUAB Channel 43 is the new home for the CW |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2018/07/wuab_channel_43_is_the_new_home_for_the_cw.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185410/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2018/07/wuab_channel_43_is_the_new_home_for_the_cw.html |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref> The new WUAB contract took effect on July 16<ref name="tvnc-wuabcw">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=July 11, 2018 |title=WUAB To Be Cleveland's New CW Affiliate |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/wuab-clevelands-new-cw-affiliate/ |website=TVNewsCheck |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185411/https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/wuab-clevelands-new-cw-affiliate/ |url-status=live }}|{{cite news |last=Siegel |first=Stephanie Tsoflias |date=July 11, 2018 |title=WUAB Adds CW Affiliation |website=TVSpy |url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/wuab-no-longer-a-mynetworktv-affiliate/205830 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185912/https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/wuab-no-longer-a-mynetworktv-affiliate/205830/ |url-status=live }}}}</ref> and occurred several months after a [[foreclosure]] process was initiated on WBNX-TV parent Winston Broadcasting Network from Ernest Angley's ministry,<ref>{{cite news |last=Cantergiani |first=Chris |date=December 18, 2017 |title=Akron televangelist Ernest Angley facing foreclosure on network facility |website=[[WKYC]] |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/summit-county/akron-televangelist-ernest-angley-facing-foreclosure-on-network-facility/95-500468512 |access-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185911/https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/summit-county/akron-televangelist-ernest-angley-facing-foreclosure-on-network-facility/95-500468512 |url-status=live }}</ref> putting the future of that station in doubt.<ref name="abj-wbnxnocw">{{cite news |date=July 11, 2018 |title=Future of Ernest Angley-owned WBNX unclear with The CW moving to Cleveland station |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F16D1B9D6813AAE98 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021158/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/16D1B9D6813AAE98&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, the affiliation switch displaced MyNetworkTV, which was moved to overnights on WOIO's second digital subchannel.<ref name="RabbitEarsWOIO">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web |title=Digital TV Market Listing for WOIO |url=https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WOIO |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=[[RabbitEars]] |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316152604/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WOIO |url-status=live }}|{{cite web |title=Digital TV Market Listing for WUAB |url=https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WUAB |access-date=July 31, 2018 |website=[[RabbitEars]] |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185920/https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WUAB |url-status=live }}}}</ref>

[[File:Josh Cribbs (47929666951) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.59|[[Josh Cribbs]]|alt=refer to caption]]
Under Gray ownership, WUAB has increased production of local programming. Beginning on September 9, 2019, the station began carrying same-day repeats of ''Cribbs in the CLE: Josh and Maria Live'', a WOIO lifestyle talk show hosted by former [[Cleveland Browns|Cleveland Brown]] [[Josh Cribbs]] and wife Maria Cribbs.<ref name="SceneCribbs">{{Cite web |last=Allard |first=Sam |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Josh and Maria Cribbs to Host New Cleveland Talk Show on Channel 19 |url=https://www.clevescene.com/news/josh-and-maria-cribbs-to-host-new-cleveland-talk-show-on-channel-19-30694237 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=Cleveland Scene |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brill |first=Jason |date=September 5, 2019 |title=Cribbs In The CLE Displays The Couple's Dynamic Relationship |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/film-tv/articles/cribbs-in-the-cle-displays-the-couple%27s-dynamic-relationship |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=Cleveland Magazine |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021157/https://clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/film-tv/articles/cribbs-in-the-cle-displays-the-couple%27s-dynamic-relationship |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB added a locally produced [[B-movie]] showcase, ''The Big Bad B-Movie Show'', on October 17, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nickoloff |first=Annie |date=October 13, 2020 |title=The best of bad movies: New WUAB Channel 43 horror hosts premiere 'Big Bad B-Movie Show' this week |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/10/the-best-of-bad-movies-new-wuab-channel-43-horror-hosts-premiere-big-bad-b-movie-show-this-week.html |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807135305/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/10/the-best-of-bad-movies-new-wuab-channel-43-horror-hosts-premiere-big-bad-b-movie-show-this-week.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Created as a stopgap in the wake of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio|COVID-19 pandemic]], ''Big Bad B-Movie'' also became the first locally produced entertainment program on the station in 30 years.<ref name="BigBadUAB">{{Cite web |last=Grzegorek |first=Vince |date=September 8, 2021 |title=The Big Bad B-Movie Show's Laura Wimbels Celebrates New Late-Night Time Slot, Laments What It Means for Some of the Show's Most Loyal Viewers — Prisoners |url=https://www.clevescene.com/news/the-big-bad-b-movie-shows-laura-wimbels-celebrates-new-late-night-time-slot-laments-what-it-means-for-some-of-the-shows-most-loyal-viewers-36517897 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=Cleveland Scene |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en}}</ref> Explaining how the show was greenlit, general manager Erik Schrader told ''[[The New York Times]]'', "We asked ourselves, do we show repeats or something creative?"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Piepenburg |first=Erik |date=October 30, 2020 |title=TV's Horror Hosts: 70 Years of Screams and Cheese |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |location=New York City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/30/arts/television/halloween-tv.html |access-date=October 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818134300/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/30/arts/television/halloween-tv.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After The CW expanded to Saturday night programming, ''Big Bad B-Movie'' was moved to Saturday late nights{{r|BigBadUAB}} where it aired until it was cancelled in late 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elder |first=Anthony |date=December 20, 2022 |title=Laura Wimbels: Most Interesting People 2023 |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/laura-wimbels-most-interesting-people-2023 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Cleveland Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, WUAB partnered with the [[Cleveland Metropolitan School District]] (CMSD) to provide an hour of airtime on weekdays for in-school instructional programming, beginning on April 20, 2020.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=CW43 WUAB to showcase CMSD lessons |url=https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=3062&PageID=9145&ViewID=6446ee88-d30c-497e-9316-3f8874b3e108&FlexDataID=26675 |date=April 17, 2020 |publisher=Cleveland Metropolitan School District |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717210818/https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=3062&PageID=9145&ViewID=6446ee88-d30c-497e-9316-3f8874b3e108&FlexDataID=26675 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2020 |title=Gray Gives Cleveland A Televised Virtual Classroom |url=https://www.rbr.com/gray-gives-cleveland-a-televised-virtual-classroom/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=Radio & Television Business Report |language=en-US |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004192945/https://www.rbr.com/gray-gives-cleveland-a-televised-virtual-classroom/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of the arrangement, WUAB also telecast all high school graduations in the district throughout June 2020, which were conducted virtually.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mosby |first=Chris |date=May 13, 2020 |title=TV Station To Broadcast All Cleveland High School Graduations |url=https://patch.com/ohio/cleveland/tv-station-broadcast-all-cleveland-high-school-graduations |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=Cleveland, OH Patch |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021157/https://patch.com/ohio/cleveland/tv-station-broadcast-all-cleveland-high-school-graduations |url-status=live }}</ref> ''CMSD on CW43'' ended at the start of the 2022–2023 school year, concurrent with the CMSD relaxing most COVID-19 health protocols and fully resuming normal operations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Conor |date=August 17, 2022 |title=Cleveland schools CEO provides updates on COVID protocols, safety measures for new school year |url=https://www.ideastream.org/news/education/2022-08-17/cleveland-schools-ceo-provides-updates-on-covid-protocols-safety-measures-for-new-school-year |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Ideastream Public Media |place=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126025056/https://www.ideastream.org/news/education/2022-08-17/cleveland-schools-ceo-provides-updates-on-covid-protocols-safety-measures-for-new-school-year |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Nexstar Media Group]], owner of WJW, announced its purchase of WBNX-TV in late October 2024, with WBNX set to become the market's CW affiliate again on September 1, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Nexstar Media Group Buys WBNX Cleveland |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-media-group-buys-wnnx-cleveland/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |website=TV News Check |language=en-US}}</ref> Gray Television concurrently announced WUAB's future relaunch as a sports-oriented independent, including play-by-play from the [[Rock Entertainment Sports Network]] (RESN), with MyNetworkTV programming as filler in prime time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark K. |date=October 28, 2024 |title=More Live, Local Sports & My Network Programming On WUAB Cleveland Next Fall |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/more-live-local-sports-my-network-programming-on-wuab-cleveland-next-fall/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |website=TV News Check |language=en-US}}</ref> WUAB carried five Cavaliers regular season games during the second half of the [[2023–24 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2023–2024 season]] by arrangement with [[FanDuel Sports Network Ohio]],<ref name="BallyCavs">{{cite web |title=Cavs Partner with Gray Television to Broadcast Select Games for Free Across Ohio |url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/releases-cavaliers-gray-television-240213 |website=Cavs.com |publisher=[[Cleveland Cavaliers]]|access-date=February 13, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|FanDuel Sports Network Ohio was known as Fox Sports Ohio from 1998 until 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Balderston |first=Michael |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Sinclair, Bally Reveal Bally Sports Rebrand for RSNs |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/sinclair-bally-reveal-bally-sports-rebrand |access-date=January 28, 2021 |website=TVTechnology |language=en}}</ref> and as Bally Sports Ohio from 2021 until 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Tony |title=Bally Sports Detroit set to become FanDuel Sports Network; what you need to know |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2024/10/16/bally-sports-detroit-set-to-become-fanduel-sports-network-what-you-need-to-know/75707857007/ |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Randles |first=Jonathan |date=October 16, 2024 |title=Diamond Seeks Approval to Rebrand From Bally Sports to FanDuel |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2024/10/16/diamond-seeks-approval-to-rebrand-from-bally-sports-to-fanduel/ |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website=BNN Bloomberg |language=en}}</ref>}} repeated for the [[2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2024–2025 season]] as a combined simulcast with RESN and FanDuel.<ref name="CavsRESN25">{{cite web |date=January 21, 2025 |title=Cleveland Cavaliers to air select games on Rock Entertainment Sports Network, WUAB CW43 |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/01/21/cleveland-cavaliers-air-select-games-rock-entertainment-sports-network-wuab-cw43/ |access-date=January 21, 2025 |website=Cleveland19.com |publisher=WOIO}}</ref>

== Programming ==
=== Sports programming ===
WUAB currently features play-by-play coverage and other ancillary programming from the Cleveland Cavaliers, [[Cleveland Monsters]], the [[Cleveland Charge]], [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] and [[St. Edward High School (Ohio)|St. Edward]] high school football. Game coverage for the Cavaliers, Monsters, Charge and St. Edward is simulcast with Rock Entertainment Sports Network,<ref name="v649">{{cite web |date=October 31, 2024 |title=How to Watch Live Broadcasts – St. Edward Athletics |url=https://www.stedwardeagles.com/about/watch-live-broadcasts/ |access-date=January 10, 2025 |website=St. Edward Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cleveland Monsters Announce First Rock Entertainment Sports Network Game Telecast And Return Of Monsters OT Studio Show |url=https://clevelandmonsters.com/news/detail/cleveland-monsters-announce-first-rock-entertainment-sports-network-game-telecast-and-return-of-monsters-ot-studio-show |access-date=October 17, 2024 |publisher=Cleveland Monsters}}</ref> while the Cavaliers and Blue Jackets are also simulcast on [[FanDuel Sports Network Ohio]].{{r|CavsRESN25}}<ref name="v047">{{cite web | last=Winslow | first=George | title=Sinclair, Gray Media to Broadcast Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Games | website=TVTechnology | date=December 20, 2024 | url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/sinclair-gray-media-to-broadcast-columbus-blue-jackets-nhl-games | access-date=January 25, 2025}}</ref>

The station was the over-the-air home for [[Cleveland Indians]] baseball from 1980 to 2001.{{r|AkronB19791021p 32}}{{r|AkronB20011019p A001}} From its launch into the 1980s, WUAB featured [[Ohio State Buckeyes football]] and [[Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball|basketball]],{{r|AkronB19681119p 24}} along with [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football]].{{r|AkronB19680913p 43}}{{r|AkronB19800318p 46}} Channel 43 has carried select hockey games from [[Cleveland Barons (1937–1973)|the first AHL Cleveland Barons]],{{r|AkronB19690311p 22}} the [[Cleveland Crusaders]],{{r|AkronB19740823p 31}} the [[Cleveland Barons (NHL)|NHL Cleveland Barons]],<ref name="AkronB19760923p 47">{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1976 |title=Barons select telecast team |page=E3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111231876/barons-select-telecast-team/ |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111231876/barons-select-telecast-team/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Cleveland Lumberjacks]]<ref name="CPD19921006p2C">{{cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=October 6, 1992 |title=Lumberjacks' Ganchar credits goals to work |page=2C |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F803D6EF315FE2F |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155448/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F803D6EF315FE2F&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> and Monsters.<ref name="CPD20110928pD2">{{cite news |last=Manoloff |first=Dennis |date=September 28, 2011 |title=From off-season to on a mission: Monsters have unfinished business |page=D2 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F13A11A60C4971C20 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155448/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/13A11A60C4971C20&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, the station has telecast [[Cleveland Gladiators]] [[arena football]]<ref name="CPD20150409a">{{cite news |last=Warsinskey |first=Tim |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Cleveland Gladiators vs. Arizona Rattlers: Home opener Saturday is ArenaBowl rematch (photos) |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1549DCBB1CBD6818 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155448/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1549DCBB1CBD6818&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Cleveland Force (1978–1988)|Cleveland Force]] [[indoor soccer]].<ref name="AkronB19800120p 4">{{Cite news |last=Pantages |first=Larry |date=January 20, 1980 |title=Added help sparks Force's victory |page=D4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111234578/added-help-sparks-forces-victory/ |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111234578/added-help-sparks-forces-victory/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19830331p 19">{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=March 31, 1983 |title=Force gets chance to prove a lot in Season No. 3 |page=B3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111234732/force-gets-chance-to-prove-a-lot-in/ |access-date=October 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013155446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111234732/force-gets-chance-to-prove-a-lot-in/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Throughout the 2010s, it served as an affiliate for the [[Raycom Sports]]–operated [[ACC Network (syndication package)|ACC Network]]<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite magazine |date=Spring 2013 |title=Sample TV Affiliate List By State |url=https://raycomsportshistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ThroughPartsofSevenDecades.pdf |access-date=October 13, 2022 |magazine=ACCSports.com |pages=18–19 (8–9) |via=Raycom Sports: An Illustrated History |archive-date=December 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230025948/https://raycomsportshistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ThroughPartsofSevenDecades.pdf |url-status=live }}|{{Cite web |last=Rutherford |first=Mike |date=January 28, 2015 |title=How To Watch Louisville vs. Boston College |url=https://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/1/28/7930223/boston-college-louisville-how-to-watch-television-channel-game-time-2015 |access-date=October 13, 2022 |website=Card Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129061419/https://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/1/28/7930223/boston-college-louisville-how-to-watch-television-channel-game-time-2015 |url-status=live }}|{{Cite web |title=ACC Network Affiliates for Jan. 9, 2018 at 8pm: Syracuse at Virginia |url=http://theacc.com/sports/2017/12/9/acc-network-mbb-180109b.aspx |access-date=October 13, 2022 |website=theacc.com |language=en |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220081913/http://theacc.com/sports/2017/12/9/acc-network-mbb-180109b.aspx |url-status=live }}}}</ref> which returned to the station in 2023 via [[CW Sports]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vannini |first=Chris |date=September 8, 2023 |title=How will college football broadcasts on The CW work? Q&A with network president Dennis Miller |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4842669/2023/09/08/college-football-broadcast-the-cw-network-acc/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, WUAB carried [[Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball]] games.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 12, 2018 |title=6 Cleveland State games to air on CW 43 |url=http://www.csuvikings.com/sports/m-baskbl/2018-19/releases/20181212gy6zzu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402134156/http://www.csuvikings.com/sports/m-baskbl/2018-19/releases/20181212gy6zzu |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |newspaper=Cleveland State University}}</ref>

=== Newscasts ===
Prior to 1988, WUAB staff announcers presented brief news bulletins during program junctions; one of the announcers, Marty Sullivan, famously read bulletins in-between "Superhost" tapings by wearing a suitcoat on top of his Superhost costume.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ignizio |first=Bob |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Gimme' That Shoe! - An interview with Marty "Superhost" Sullivan |url=http://www.uttertrash.net/2018/09/gimme-that-shoe-interview-with-marty.html |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=UtterTrash.net |language=en |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128032020/http://www.uttertrash.net/2018/09/gimme-that-shoe-interview-with-marty.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanson |first=Debbie |title=Marty Sullivan {{!}} Superhost {{!}} Cleveland Seniors Profile and Supe Bits |url=https://www.clevelandseniors.com/people/msullivan.htm |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=ClevelandSeniors.com |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512114111/http://www.clevelandseniors.com/people/msullivan.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB committed to establishing a news department in June 1987 with the hiring of Daniel Acklen as news director and intentions to launch a 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast by January 1988,<ref name="AkronB19870604p 65">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=June 4, 1987 |title=Channel 43 wants news viewers who aren't around at 11 |page=B10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827062/channel-43-wants-news-viewers-who/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> the first attempt in the Cleveland market since WKBF-TV's attempt failed in 1970.{{r|KaiserDownToBone}} While the rest of the staff were relative newcomers to Cleveland television—including [[Romona Robinson]], Bob Hetherington and Frank Cariello<ref name="AkronB19880106p 34">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=January 6, 1988 |title='Ten O'Clock News' suffers opening-night jitters |page=D6 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827135/ten-oclock-news-suffers/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215050/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827135/ten-oclock-news-suffers/ |url-status=live }}</ref>—[[Gib Shanley]] was hired as sports director,<ref name="AkronB19871001p 28">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=October 1, 1987 |title=Gib Shanley to become voice of sports on Ch. 43 |page=B8 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110826849/gib-shanley-to-become-voice-of-sports/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215050/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110826849/gib-shanley-to-become-voice-of-sports/ |url-status=live }}</ref> fulfilling Acklen's hope of luring an established market personality to the station.{{r|AkronB19870604p 65}} Existing talent at WUAB, including Indians announcer [[Jack Corrigan (sportscaster)|Jack Corrigan]] and ''Prize Movie'' host John Lanigan, became contributors to the newscast.<ref name="AkronB19880103p 131">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=January 3, 1988 |title=Better to be good than Miss Missouri |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827705/ch-43s-supporting-cast/ 32] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Channels |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827556/better-to-be-good-than-miss-missouri/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215051/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827556/better-to-be-good-than-miss-missouri/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The debut broadcast of ''The Ten O'Clock News'' on January 4, 1988, was marred by technical problems,{{r|AkronB19880106p 34}} but WUAB's ratings for that evening doubled compared to the previous Monday.<ref name="AkronB19880107p 20">{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1988 |title=News helps WUAB to double ratings at 10 p.m. Monday |page=B4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110827232/news-helps-wuab-to-double-ratings-at-10/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> By the fall of 1988, ''[[Akron Beacon Journal]]'' television critic Bob Dyer credited multiple on- and off-air improvements made to the newscast but noted Shanley's veteran presence and 15-minute long sportscasts nearly overshadowed everyone else.<ref name="AkronB19880918p 27">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=September 18, 1988 |title=On at 10, not quite a 10 |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110826987/on-at-10-not-quite-a-10-p2/ C6] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110826933/on-at-10-not-quite-a-10/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215102/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110826933/on-at-10-not-quite-a-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB launched a weekend version of ''The Ten O'Clock News'' by September 1989,<ref name="CPD19890910a">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=September 10, 1989 |title=Two local TV stations figure to enjoy their independence more |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D7BD060CB78 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> and by 1990, the station's $2&nbsp;million investment (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|2000000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) into the news department was fully recouped.{{r|CPD19901223a}} Hetherington was replaced as lead anchor by Jack Marschall in the summer of 1990, with ratings for the newscast repeatedly surpassing expectations.<ref name="CPD19911218p13E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 18, 1991 |title=Amicable parting for Channel 43 and Hetherington |page=13E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8036AAE551C2A3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref>

WUAB began producing two daily newscasts for WOIO on February 6, 1995,<ref name="CPD19950205p1J">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 5, 1995 |title='19 News' debuts: Station promises 'most exciting' broadcast in city |page=1J |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F341526129202DD |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F341526129202DD&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> at 6&nbsp;p.m. and 11&nbsp;p.m. along with their existing 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast under the umbrella brand ''Cleveland Television News''.<ref name="CPD19950222p6E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=February 22, 1995 |title=Marschall gets new pact at 19, 43 |page=6E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80841AD50D6833 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80841AD50D6833&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> WOIO's newscasts originated within the joint newsroom in a style derived heavily from [[CITY-TV]]'s [[CityNews|''CityPulse'']], while WUAB's newscasts came from a separate, more traditional set, both originating from [[Reserve Square]] in [[Downtown Cleveland]].{{r|CPD19950205p1J}} Marschall, Robinson, and Shanley were the only three on-air staffers to work exclusively for WUAB.{{r|CPD19950222p6E}} Beginning in March 1996, WOIO and WUAB's newscasts were rebroadcast on an hour tape-delay over Akron station WAOH-LP (channel&nbsp;29) and [[WOCV-CD|its Cleveland simulcast]] following the dissolution of [[WAKC-TV]]'s news department.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=March 2, 1996 |title=Channel 29 tries to fill Akron's local news slot after WAKC-TV drops news, WAOH makes deal to rebroadcast programs from Cleveland stations |page=C1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EE7D610E20EE574 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204011638/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EE7D610E20EE574&f=basic |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> Gib Shanley left the station at the end of 1996,<ref name="CPD20080407a">{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=David |date=April 7, 2008 |title=Sportscaster Gib Shanley dies at 76 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/04/sportscaster_gib_shanley_dies.html |access-date=October 6, 2022 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109012312/https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/04/sportscaster_gib_shanley_dies.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with [[Jeff Phelps]] as his replacement.<ref name="CPD19961220p11B">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=December 20, 1996 |title=Channel 43 sports anchor Gib Shanley leaving station |page=11B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808DA11C3CAE65 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808DA11C3CAE65&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Robinson left in February 1997 to join WKYC, with Cynthia Tinsley taking over as 10&nbsp;p.m. co-anchor.<ref name="CPD19970515p7B">{{cite news |date=May 15, 1997 |title=WUAB co-anchor to start Monday |page=7B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C5DCB992E056 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C5DCB992E056&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Kimberly Godwin|Kimberly Godwin-Webb]], who in 2021 became the first Black female president of [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]],<ref name="KimGodwinABC">{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Kimberly Godwin makes network history as next president of ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/kimberly-godwin-makes-network-history-president-abc-news/story?id=77075637 |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021045255/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/kimberly-godwin-makes-network-history-president-abc-news/story?id=77075637 |url-status=live }}</ref> served as news director for both stations from 1996 to 1998.<ref name="CPD19960418p7E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=April 18, 1996 |title=WOIO hopes changes foster a new identity |page=7E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808CB00B18ABD9 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 20, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110034120/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0F808CB00B18ABD9&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CPD19980923p2E">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=September 23, 1998 |title=Investigative team at TV-5 disbanded |page=2E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D08E2C8C65D4 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 20, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110035121/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0F80D08E2C8C65D4&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:WOIO WUAB (3422960432).jpg|thumb|upright=1.36|WOIO, WUAB and [[WTCL-LD]]'s studios at Reserve Square in Downtown Cleveland, with former "CBS 19", "''19 Action News''" and "My 43" signage.|alt=Exterior of the southern portion of Reserve Square, consisting of a three-story section including a lower level. The ground level entrance sign reads "WOIO-TV - WUAB-TV RAYCOM MEDIA STATIONS" with logos for "CBS 19", "19 ACTION NEWS" and "MY 43". A full size ad, "19 Action News: Honest, Fair, Everywhere" is at the corner of the building.]]
During this period, WUAB's 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast began trailing WJW's newscast in the ratings, with the spring 1998 [[Nielsen ratings|sweeps period]] showing WJW beating WUAB by a 2–1 margin despite the popularity of Marschall and Tinsley; this was attributed partly to UPN prime time programming providing a weaker than expected lead-in audience, as well as WOIO's news department assuming top priority.<ref name="CPD19980325p2G">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=March 25, 1998 |title=WUAB doing little to help its nightly news |page=2G |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CFB41DE1F271 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172035/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CFB41DE1F271&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB added an 11:30&nbsp;a.m. newscast in October 1997, both as a complement to WOIO's established noon newscast and to help establish an autonomous identity for WUAB,<ref name="CPD19971016p7E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=October 16, 1997 |title=Deja vu: More news, more Feagler |page=7E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CCE7A8B9389E |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172034/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CCE7A8B9389E&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> but this was cancelled in December 1998 due to low ratings.<ref name="CPD19981222p4E">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=December 22, 1998 |title=Poor ratings sink Channel 43 midday newscast |page=4E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D0F0C6CF966B |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172035/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D0F0C6CF966B&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1999, newscasts were branded ''Hometeam 19 News'' and ''Hometeam 43 News'',{{r|CPD20000321p1E}} based on WUAB's "Cleveland's Home Team" slogan,{{r|CPD19971016p7E}} with Marschall assuming lead anchor duties at WOIO.<ref name="CPD19991005p3E">{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=October 5, 1999 |title=Jack Marschall to anchor WOIO and WUAB news |page=3E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D7E79E70BB49 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D7E79E70BB49&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> WUAB began simulcasting WOIO's noon news in 2002, with all "19" branding remaining intact.<ref name="AkronB20020317p C001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=R.D. |date=March 17, 2002 |title=The news about noon news: It's no big deal |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111887153/the-news-about-noon-news-its-no-big/ C4] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111887101/the-news-about-noon-news-its-no-big/ |access-date=October 24, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024014636/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111887101/the-news-about-noon-news-its-no-big/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Newscasts on WOIO and WUAB have used the same branding since May 2002, when all newscasts were renamed ''Action News'',<ref name="CPD20020427pE9">{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=April 27, 2002 |title=Channel 19 springs into Action |page=E9 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F33C21024DA2FCA |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021200/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F33C21024DA2FCA&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> later amended to ''19 Action News''.<ref name="CPD20031205pE7">{{cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie |date=December 5, 2003 |title=TV-3 rivals TV-8 in latest ratings |page=E7 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0FF459437285916C |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021159/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0FF459437285916C&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of an overall rebrand to ''Cleveland 19 News'' in 2015,{{r|CPD20150819a}} WUAB's 10&nbsp;p.m. newscast was moved to a 90-minute block at 9&nbsp;pm, in turn moving MyNetworkTV programming into late evenings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=September 16, 2015 |title=Channel 43 adding a 9 p.m. newscast |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2015/09/channel_43_adding_a_9_pm_newscast.html#incart_river |url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185914/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2015/09/channel_43_adding_a_9_pm_newscast.html#incart_river |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref> After affiliating with The CW, the 9&nbsp;p.m. newscast was moved back to a full hour at 10&nbsp;pm{{r|pd-wuabcw}} and a 7&nbsp;a.m. newscast, in place since 2011, was discontinued.<ref name="rbr-wuabcw2">{{cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Adam |date=July 11, 2018 |title=The CW Aligns With Raycom In Cleveland |url=https://www.rbr.com/the-cw-aligns-with-raycom-in-cleveland/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185911/https://www.rbr.com/the-cw-aligns-with-raycom-in-cleveland/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=July 12, 2018 |website=Radio-Television Business Report}}</ref><ref name="CPD20110904pE9">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=September 4, 2011 |title=In a post-'Oprah' world, what's on daytime TV? |page=E9 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F13992F10459C0130 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172038/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/13992F10459C0130&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Newscasts at 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. have since been added at WUAB along with a full reinstatement of the 7 a.m. newscast in June 2022, and in 2023, a 30 minute weather focused newscast was added at 7:30 p.m.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite tweet|number=1387912861893156872|user=samrobertswx|title=Join us on @ClevelandCW43 WUAB News at 7:30 PM! @cfryenewsguy is live by the lakefront for the #NFLDraft. I have a live radar update and a look at your weekend forecast.|author=Samantha Roberts ☀️|date=April 29, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2022}}|{{Cite tweet|number=1460583561401192452|user=CBosley19|title=Good morning from the @cleveland19news #traffic center. See you from the anchor desk for the 11am news on sis station WUAB The CW 43. #freelancelife #goodmorning #tuesdaymotivations #tvnews|author=Catherine Bosley|date=November 16, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2022}}|{{Cite tweet|number=1536747290693718018|user=SmithTVNews|title=📣ANNOUNCEMENT: Starting next week, you're getting MORE #19NewsThisMorning! Our morning show is expanding! Now you can catch #19NewsThisMorning on CBS from 4:30-7am and then 7-9am on CW43. Join me, @Dmaloneytv, @JeffTanchak19, @JamieSullivanTV & @KellyDWeather!|author=Shannon Smith|date=June 14, 2022|access-date=October 6, 2022}}}}</ref>

Since 2019, all newscasts produced for WOIO and WUAB have used the ''19 News'' branding.<ref name="CPD20190420TV">{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=April 20, 2019 |title=Searching for brand identity at local TV stations |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F172ECC242EA53538 |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006021159/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/172ECC242EA53538&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Notable on-air staff ===
==== Current staff ====
* [[Harry Boomer]], senior reporter and host of ''43 Focus''<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Crowder |first1=Rhonda |last2=Andrews |first2=R. T. |date=December 24, 2021 |title=Harry Boomer celebrates 50 years in broadcasting |url=https://therealdealpress.com/2.0/index.php/community/979-harry-boomer-celebrates-50-years-in-broadcasting |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=The Real Deal Press |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en-gb |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226205115/https://therealdealpress.com/2.0/index.php/community/979-harry-boomer-celebrates-50-years-in-broadcasting |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Former staff ====
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Gretchen Carlson]], news anchor<ref name="CPD19971202p5B">{{cite news|last=Feran|first=Tom|date=December 2, 1997|title=WOIO to replace Carlson with a new anchorman|page=5B|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CE239CCA9BB1|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=October 6, 2022|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CE239CCA9BB1&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Jack Corrigan (sportscaster)|Jack Corrigan]], Indians play-by-play, 1985–2001<ref name="AkronB19850408p 55">{{Cite news |date=April 8, 1985 |title=LaMar should be at home describing Indians games |page=13 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Baseball '85 |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110841158/lamar-should-be-at-home-describing/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007041337/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110841158/lamar-should-be-at-home-describing/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Bob Golic]], co-host of ''Tailgate 19''<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2008 |title=The Best and Worst of Cleveland Sports MediaTV; The L-Train Takin' Off |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/71978-the-best-and-worst-of-cleveland-sports-mediatv-the-l-train-takin-off |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317021549/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/71978-the-best-and-worst-of-cleveland-sports-mediatv-the-l-train-takin-off |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Mike Hegan]], Indians color analyst, 1989–2001<ref name="AkronB19890228p 29">{{Cite news |date=February 28, 1989 |title=Indians hire Hegan for television post |page=D1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110842004/indians-hire-hegan-for-television-post/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="NewsJo19890402p25">{{Cite news |last=Lebovitz |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Lebovitz |date=April 2, 1989 |title=Minor leagues make list of future Indians |page=3C |newspaper=News-Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110841756/minor-leagues-make-list-of-future/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007041337/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110841756/minor-leagues-make-list-of-future/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Carl Monday]], investigative reporter<ref name="CPD20181116pA14">{{cite news|date=November 16, 2018|title=Carl Monday exiting Channel 19 news|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F16FBA5AB05A03F20|page=A14|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=October 6, 2022|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172033/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/16FBA5AB05A03F20&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Reggie Rucker]], Indians color analyst, 1982–1984<ref name="AkronB19830311p 27">{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=March 11, 1983 |title=So, who says Channel 43 plays favorites? |page=C5 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110840869/so-who-says-channel-43-plays-favorites/ |access-date=October 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007013242/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110840869/so-who-says-channel-43-plays-favorites/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Chris Van Vliet]], entertainment reporter<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=April 20, 2010 |title='Inside Edition' reveals Cleveland's hottest bachelors |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2010/04/inside_edition_reveals_clevelands_hottest_bachelors.html |accessdate=November 10, 2011 |website=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607032329/http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2010/04/inside_edition_reveals_clevelands_hottest_bachelors.html |url-status=live }}|{{Cite web |url=http://chrisvanvliet.tv/a-big-thank-you/ |title=Van Vliet to Miami |work=Chris Van Vliet.tv |access-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206195545/http://chrisvanvliet.tv/a-big-thank-you/ |url-status=dead }}}}</ref>
{{colend}}

== Technical information ==
=== Subchannels ===
{{#section:WOIO|subs}}
=== Analog-to-digital conversion ===
WUAB discontinued regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 43, on June 12, 2009, as part of the [[Digital television transition in the United States|federally mandated transition from analog to digital television]]. The station's digital signal continued to broadcast on its pre-transition UHF channel 28.<ref>{{cite web |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=March 24, 2012}}</ref>

On February 17, 2017, it was revealed that WUAB's over-the-air spectrum had been sold in the FCC's [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction|spectrum reallocation auction]] for an undisclosed amount;<ref name="WUABSpectrum">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite web |last=Eggerton |first=John |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Raycom Gives Up WUAB Spectrum |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/raycom-gives-wuab-spectrum-163439 |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412164807/https://www.nexttv.com/news/raycom-gives-wuab-spectrum-163439 |url-status=live }}|{{Cite web |last=Eck |first=Kevin |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Raycom Issues Statement about Sole Station Sold in Spectrum Auction |url=https://adweek.it/3dSPC8e |access-date=October 4, 2022 |work=Adweek |language=en-US |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004222834/https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/raycom-issues-statement-about-sole-station-sold-in-spectrum-auction/186046/ |url-status=live }}}}</ref> WUAB remained in operation, [[Frequency sharing|sharing broadcast spectrum]] with WOIO{{r|WUABWOIOshare}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=February 16, 2017 |title=Channel 43 will remain on the air; only its transmitter was sold |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2017/02/channel_43_will_remain_on_the_air_only_its_transmitter_was_sold.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021190259/https://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/2017/02/channel_43_will_remain_on_the_air_only_its_transmitter_was_sold.html |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |access-date=September 7, 2017 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}</ref> using their transmitter at the West Creek Reservation in Parma.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Erin |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Metroparks Trail Challenge: Center Park loop and rubies in the sky at the West Creek Reservation |url=https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/street-level/TrailChallenge3042722.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022214508/https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/street-level/TrailChallenge3042722.aspx |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=FreshWater Cleveland |language=en}}</ref> WUAB was the only station owned by Raycom to participate in the spectrum auction.{{r|WUABSpectrum}} The shared broadcast with WOIO took effect on January 8, 2018, at 2:01&nbsp;am.<ref>{{cite news |title=Attention WUAB CLE 43/Bounce TV Viewers |url=http://www.cleveland19.com/story/35180056/cleveland-19-news-for-roku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209100225/http://www.cleveland19.com/story/35180056/cleveland-19-news-for-roku |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2017}}</ref> Both stations returned to WUAB's former tower in Parma in July 2024 with the installation of a new antenna.<ref name="g293">{{cite web |last=Bingel |first=Julia |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Helicopter installs WOIO-TV's giant new antenna in Parma |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2024/06/06/helicopter-install-woio-tvs-giant-new-antenna-parma/ |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=WOIO 19 News}}</ref>

=== Translator ===
WUAB operates a digital fill-in [[Broadcast relay station#Broadcast translators|translator]] in Akron on [[UHF]] channel 18, serving that section of the Cleveland–Akron–Canton market; this translator was launched for WOIO on August 12, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Application for authority to construct or make changes in a low power TV, TV translator or TV booster station: BDRTCDT - 20100119AED |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1353939&Service=LD&Form_id=346&Facility_id=39746 |access-date=November 8, 2012 |website=licensing.fcc.gov |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165842/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1353939&Service=LD&Form_id=346&Facility_id=39746 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=600|frame-align=left|frame-height=450|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/WUAB}}|text={{ubl|Grade A signal contours for WUAB and associated translator.|{{legend-col |{{legend|#d0170a|WUAB 43.1}} |{{legend|#2E7734|WOIO (DRT) 43.1}} }}}}}}{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.cw43.tv/}}
* {{Commons category-inline|WUAB}}

{{Cleveland TV}}
{{CW Ohio}}
{{Gray TV}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wuab}}
[[Category:1968 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Bounce TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Cleveland Barons broadcasters]]
[[Category:Cleveland Crusaders]]
[[Category:Field Communications]]
[[Category:Gray Media]]
[[Category:Kaiser Broadcasting]]
[[Category:Lorain, Ohio]]
[[Category:Ryman Hospitality Properties]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1968]]
[[Category:Television stations in Cleveland|UAB]]