WQOW-News 18
Katie Phernetton is a seasoned broadcast professional with extensive experience in news production and on-air talent. Currently serving as the Morning Executive Producer and Anchor at WQOW-News 18 since August 2018, Katie also previously held the role of Daybreak Anchor. Prior to this position, Katie worked at WCWF-WLUK from April 2013 to August 2018 as a Reporter/On-Air Talent and Creative Services Coordinator, where responsibilities included producing a weekly segment and serving as a live reporter for the top morning show in the market. Earlier experience includes athletic communications at Green Bay Phoenix Athletics, sports directing at Phlash TV, and multiple internships at WBAY-TV and Sharp Entertainment. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and has a background in broadcasting from Winona State University.
WQOW-News 18
WQOW-TV is an ABC-affiliated television station in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The station broadcasts its channel 18 DTV signal on UHF RF channel 15. The station is owned and operated by Quincy Newspapers Inc., which also owns WXOW-TV in La Crosse. WQOW-TV airs ABC programming in HD on its primary DTV channel, the CW network on its -2 DTV sub-channel, and ThisTV movie network on its -3 DTV sub-channel. WQOW-TV signed on September 1, 1980. WQOW began broadcasting Digital Television in the fall of 2002 and ceased broadcasting analog television in February 2009. WQOW started airing local newscasts in 1982, which became known as "Newsource 18." Newscasts ceased airing in March 1990, a decision made by previous owners. Local newscasts resumed on WQOW in October 1996 and the station became known as "News 18." Since the new Highway 53 Bypass was set to be constructed on the site of WQOW's former building, the station moved in January 2001 to its current location on Highway 93 immediately south of Interstate 94 in Eau Claire.