Featured Article Summary #5

WSNS-TV is a television station in Chicago that broadcasts in Spanish as the local outlet for the network Telemundo. It is owned by NBCUniversal and shares studios with NBC outlet WMAQ-TV. The station started in 1970 and initially focused on news headlines but later became an independent station that showed movies, local sports, and specialty programming. In 1985, WSNS-TV became Chicago's first full-time Spanish-language outlet. The station faced challenges over its ownership but ultimately survived with the support of its viewers. In 1989, it switched to become a Telemundo affiliate and was purchased outright in 1996. It is now a combined operation with WMAQ. WSNS-TV, a Chicago television station, was approved to be built in 1963 and began broadcasting in 1970. It initially offered a unique format called "instant news" which featured a continuous printed roundup of news headlines, sports scores, and more. However, the format was not successful and the station eventually transitioned to running a variety of programs including talk shows, religious programs, and psychics. WSNS-TV underwent changes in the early 1970s, including airing more classic reruns and movies, extending its broadcast day, and acquiring the television rights to Chicago White Sox baseball. They also began broadcasting Chicago Bulls basketball, World Hockey Association hockey, college basketball, and local professional wrestling. However, the Bulls eventually moved their games to another channel due to falling ratings and sponsorship issues. WSNS-TV later became the broadcast partner for the Chicago Black Hawks hockey team. In November 1975, Video 44 requested permission to operate a subscription television service on WSNS-TV, but the application was delayed by FCC regulations until 1979. Initially partnering with Oak Industries, Video 44 later sold 50% of the company to American Television and Communications (ATC) for over $5 million, but faced opposition from movie studios and ultimately dropped the sale. In March 1980, Video 44 agreed to sell 49% of its joint venture to Capital Cities Communications and Oak, but Capital Cities backed out and Oak purchased the full 49% for $7.5 million. During this period, WSNS also dropped the White Sox from its programming. In 1980, WSNS began offering ON TV subscription programming, which included movies, sports, specials, and adult programming for a monthly fee. A year later, they faced competition from Spectrum and extended their programming hours. The switch to subscription operation proved successful for WSNS, bringing in more revenue and stability. However, their license renewal was challenged by Monroe Communications Corporation, who proposed their own station for Spanish-language programming.