Deborah Martinelli

WAVY-TV, Channel 10, signed on the air September 1, 1957, as the NBC affiliate in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Originally started by Tidewater Teleradio as an offshoot to their radio station, WAVY-AM (now known as WGH-AM), WAVY-TV was purchased in 1968 by LIN Broadcasting, Inc. On December 19, 2014, Media General closed on its business combination with LIN, creating one of the nation’s largest multimedia companies. Media General operates 71 television stations in 48 markets, along with the industry’s leading digital media business. Since its inception, WAVY-TV has set the standard in Hampton Roads television. It was the first local station to broadcast in “living color” (1957); the first to utilize a helicopter in its news gathering activities (1982); and the first to broadcast in stereo (1985). WAVY-DT signed on March 22, 2001: the first digital station in Hampton Roads! In 2008, we began broadcasting in High Definition – proving again that we are in the forefront in the industry. WAVY-TV also leads the way in local News broadcasts. It was the first local station to offer 90 minutes of local evening news (1994); the first to broadcast a 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM newscast (1992); and the first to offer a Saturday Morning newscast (1995). In 1995, WAVY-TV entered into a local marketing agreement with Hampton Roads’ independent station, WVBT (now also known as FOX 43). On January 31, 2002, LIN Television purchased FOX 43. WAVY and FOX 43’s Online Component WAVY.com is Hampton Roads’ #1 TV website, known and respected for breaking news, weather sports, and streaming video. The site serves as the interactive portal for The Hampton Roads Show with live streaming and online chat. WAVY.com is 10 On Your Side, 24/7. WAVY.com is a powerhouse in digital media on multiple platforms: mobile, social media networks, blogging, email and text alerts. FOX43TV.com is Hampton Roads’ website for both local and national entertainment news.