
WFOR-TV
United States"Your trusted source for South Florida news and weather."
About
WFOR-TV operates as the primary CBS owned-and-operated station serving the Miami-Fort Lauderdale media market. Branded on-air as CBS Miami, the station broadcasts on virtual channel 4 and digital UHF channel 22, anchoring local journalism for residents across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The facility shares its physical footprint with CW affiliate WBFS-TV at studios located on Northwest 18th Terrace in Doral, creating a shared operational hub that streamlines resources between two major network properties. Meanwhile, the broadcast signal originates from a transmitter situated in the Andover neighborhood of Miami Gardens.
The station traces its roots back to September 20, 1953, when it first signed on the air under the ownership of the Miami Herald newspaper company. Originally operating on channel 6, WFOR moved to its current channel 4 assignment following the FCC's reallocation of VHF channels in the late 1950s. Over decades, it evolved from a locally owned entity into a cornerstone of national network news distribution through various ownership changes, including periods under Gannett and Tribune Publishing, before becoming a CBS O&O. This long history positions the station as a vital institution bridging the gap between national CBS content and hyper-local South Florida needs.
As a commercial media organization, WFOR-TV adheres to the network's editorial standards while focusing on issues affecting the region. The station aims to serve as an informational hub, delivering breaking news, investigative reports, and emergency alerts critical to public safety in a region prone to hurricanes and rapid urban growth. Its coverage extends beyond standard reporting to include extensive sports analysis, particularly regarding the Miami Dolphins NFL team, and advanced meteorological forecasting known as NEXT Weather. The station actively maintains a robust digital presence at miami.cbslocal.com and cbsnews.com/miami/, offering live streaming and video on demand alongside traditional over-the-air broadcasting.
Mission
To provide comprehensive local news, weather forecasting, sports coverage, and community journalism to residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. As a CBS affiliate, the station adheres to the network's editorial standards while focusing on hyper-local issues affecting South Florida. It serves as an informational hub delivering breaking news, investigative reports, and emergency alerts critical to public safety in a region prone to hurricanes and rapid urban growth.
History
WFOR-TV first signed on the air on September 20, 1953, originally owned by the Miami Herald newspaper company. The station was founded with the intent of bringing television broadcasting to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, initially operating on channel 6 before moving to its current channel 4 assignment following the FCC's reallocation of VHF channels in the late 1950s. The station has evolved from a locally owned entity into a cornerstone of national network news distribution through various ownership changes, including periods under Gannett and Tribune Publishing, before becoming a CBS O&O.
In recent years, the station has adapted to the changing media landscape by expanding its digital footprint and integrating social media interaction directly into its news gathering process. Coverage includes high-profile local stories such as ICE enforcement impacts in Doral, lawsuits against the state regarding mental health care, and tragic incidents like fatal crashes in Deerfield Beach. These stories reflect the station's ongoing role in holding local institutions accountable and informing the public.
Subdivisions
Broadcast Television
The main over-the-air channel 4 feed serving the South Florida market.
Digital Platforms
Online presence at miami.cbslocal.com and cbsnews.com/miami/ offering live streaming and video on demand.
Social Media
Active engagement across Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube platforms.
Milestones
1953
Station signs on the air as a Miami Herald property on channel 6.
1959
FCC reallocation moves WFOR to channel 4.
1995
Gannett Company acquires the station.
2019
CBS acquires Tribune Publishing, making WFOR a fully owned-and-operated station.
Departments
Sources
Organization Info
- Founded
- September 20, 1953
- Headquarters
- Doral, Florida
- Country
- United States
- Parent
- CBS News and Stations (Paramount Global)
- Type
- Media
- Virtual Channel
- 4
- Digital Channel
- 22
- Network
- CBS
Official Website
miami.cbslocal.com/
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