WPXI
| File:WPXI Logo.svg WPXI logo used since 2004 | |
| Company type | Television station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | WIIC (1957–1981) |
| Founded | September 1, 1957 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | Pittsburgh metropolitan area |
| Owner | Cox Media Group (owned by Apollo Global Management since 2019) |
| Website | www |
WPXI (channel 11) is a television station based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, operating as an affiliate of NBC and owned by Cox Media Group. Its production facilities are located on Evergreen Road within Pittsburgh's Summer Hill district, while its transmitter remains positioned on Television Hill in the Fineview neighborhood, the site of its original broadcasting studio.
Period as WIIC (1957–1981)
The station began operations on September 1, 1957, as Pittsburgh’s second commercial VHF outlet under the call letters WIIC. The Federal Communications Commission granted the construction permit in June 1955 to WIIC Incorporated, a partnership between the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, owner of WWSW radio (970 AM), and the Pittsburgh Radio Supply House, proprietor of WJAS radio (1320 AM). Initially, CBS had arranged for the then-unnamed channel 11 to serve as its exclusive affiliate. However, following delays due to objections from WENS-TV (channel 16, now WINP-TV), CBS ultimately chose to maintain a sole affiliation with KDKA-TV (channel 2), which was Pittsburgh’s only commercial VHF station at that time. Consequently, NBC secured the affiliation agreement with WIIC.
As part of licensing requirements, WJAS radio was sold; NBC acquired this station in August 1957 and subsequently divested its half ownership stake in WIIC. The station’s launch was spearheaded by Bill Cardille, who also hosted original programming such as Studio Wrestling and Chiller Theatre. During its early years, WIIC briefly shared affiliation with the NTA Film Network, alongside local outlets KDKA-TV, WTAE-TV, and public broadcaster WQED.
In 1964, ownership transferred to Cox Enterprises, which exchanged its interest in a Toledo cable system for shares held by Block Communications—the parent company of the Post-Gazette. Under Cox’s stewardship, WIIC became the longest-tenured NBC affiliate among Cox-owned stations after sister stations WSOC-TV and WSB-TV switched their affiliations to ABC during the late 1970s and early 1980s. A notable milestone occurred in 1970 when Eleanor Schano became Pittsburgh’s first solo female anchor for newscasts; she also hosted the public affairs show Face to Face.
By the mid-1970s, Channel 11 adopted the branding "e11even" before transitioning to the "11 Alive" identity around 1977. In 1979, the station broadcasted programming from the Operation Prime Time consortium.
Transition to WPXI (1981–present)
On April 20, 1981, the station changed its call letters to WPXI—representing "Pittsburgh 11," with "XI" denoting the Roman numeral for eleven. Although it officially omits the "-TV" suffix, it has occasionally been promoted as "WPXI-TV." The former WIIC callsign was later assigned to an unrelated low-power independent music video station that is now affiliated with Rev'n.
WPXI became a member of the syndicated MGM/UA Premiere Network beginning November 10, 1984, with the broadcast of Clash of the Titans. The station also served as Pittsburgh’s affiliate for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon under the "Love Network" until the Muscular Dystrophy Association shifted the telethon to ABC (locally WTAE) in 2013; this telethon concluded in 2014. Bill Cardille continued hosting local segments until 2012.
In 2000, Cox Enterprises expanded its portfolio by acquiring WTOV in Steubenville, Ohio, and WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania—both NBC affiliates covering areas overlapping WPXI’s market. Cox standardized these stations’ on-air branding to align with WPXI; WTOV maintained WPXI’s former visual identity until 2010, while WJAC adopted WPXI’s current graphics package in 2011.
During Labor Day weekend of 2007, WPXI moved from its longstanding studios on Television Hill to a newly built facility in Pittsburgh’s Summer Hill neighborhood near Parkway North; however, its transmitter continued operating from Fineview. On October 6 of that year, WPXI commenced broadcasting local newscasts from Summer Hill in high definition—the first Pittsburgh station to do so. Despite initial technical challenges during this transition, WPXI set a technological benchmark that was later emulated by WTAE and KDKA. This HD upgrade included a new set designed by FX Group and graphics crafted by Hothaus Creative.
In October 2008, WPXI unveiled a revamped website developed in partnership with Cox’s digital collaborator Internet Broadcasting. By early November of that year, all Cox stations east of the Mississippi River had adopted this web format; western stations followed suit by December. After ending this partnership in 2011, Cox transitioned web operations internally. WPXI and WSOC-TV were among the last Cox stations to switch over to this updated design by January 2012.
Following Cox Media Group’s sale of WJAC and WTOV—as well as stations in El Paso and Reno—to Sinclair Broadcast Group (owners of local Fox affiliate WPGH-TV) in February 2013, WPXI remained Cox’s only NBC affiliate until 2019. That year Cox acquired Northwest Broadcasting stations KYMA-DT (Yuma), KIEM-TV (Eureka), KPVI-DT (Pocatello), and WNBD-LD (Grenada), which were subsequently sold to Imagicomm Communications in 2022—reestablishing WPXI as Cox’s sole NBC affiliate.
WPXI employs a logo featuring a gold "11" encased within a dark blue circle introduced in 1987. Previously incorporating the NBC Peacock emblem—also used by sister stations WTOV and WJAC—the branding was refreshed in October 2004 to highlight the circular "11" accompanied by a stylized "WPXI" beneath it.
On September 2, 2013, WPXI extended its midday newscast to a full hour at noon, becoming Pittsburgh’s first television station to offer an hour-long noon news program.
Acquisition by Apollo Global Management
On July 24, 2018, Cox Enterprises revealed it was evaluating strategic alternatives for the television assets of Cox Media Group, which could include alliances or mergers with major broadcasting companies. Kim Guthrie, president of Cox Media Group, emphasized that the intention was to pursue a "merger or partnership" rather than a full divestiture.
By February 2019, Apollo Global Management reached an agreement to purchase the stations owned by Cox Media Group along with those from Northwest Broadcasting. The entity was initially set to operate under the name Terrier Media; however, in June 2019, Apollo announced it would also acquire Cox’s radio and advertising divisions, choosing to maintain the Cox Media Group brand. This $3.1 billion deal was finalized on December 17, 2019.
Local Content
Between 1963 and 1983, the station aired Chiller Theater, a late-night Saturday horror movie program hosted by Bill Cardille, affectionately known as "Chilly Billy." Beginning as a solo hosting role, the show evolved in the 1970s to include a supporting cast and a castle-themed set. Cardille introduced horror films and performed comedic sketches, making the program a beloved local fixture until its final broadcast on January 1, 1984. Cardille continued his career as WPXI’s morning and midday weather presenter through the mid-1990s before transitioning to radio work until 2014; he passed away in 2016.
During the 1960s and 1970s, stations such as WIIC leveraged popular regional programming formats including children’s shows and horror-themed broadcasts like Shock Theatre and Big Chuck & Little John.
From 1966 to 1972, WIIC aired Come Alive, a Saturday afternoon music show sponsored by Pepsi. Initially hosted by KQV DJ Chuck Brinkman and later succeeded by WIXZ DJ Terry Lee, the show featured teen dancing segments, Top 10 music countdowns, and performances from local bands.
WIIC also produced Studio Wrestling from its launch until 1973. This weekly live wrestling broadcast operated independently of the National Wrestling Alliance and aired on Saturday nights, garnering strong audience ratings. The program was first hosted by Mal Alberts and subsequently by Bill Cardille. Due to its popularity, the show’s duration expanded from one hour to ninety minutes. It played a pivotal role in launching Bruno Sammartino’s career before he became a two-time WWWF Champion. While WIIC/WPXI discontinued wrestling production after Studio Wrestling, it has continued to air WWF/WWE programming through its affiliation with NBC.
From 1965 to 1967, the station produced Give It a Whirl, a daily afternoon game show hosted by Steve Rizen of KQV radio. Contestants spun a prize wheel, with musician Dom Trimarkie contributing to the "Mystery Tunes" portion of the program.
In terms of children’s programming, WIIC broadcast Cartoon Colorama, which showcased color cartoons hosted by Willie the Duck—a hand puppet who interacted with announcer Don Riggs. Earlier popular shows included Cap'n Jim's Popeye Club, initially hosted by Jim Saunders and later Ted Eckman. Additionally, during the 1960s, the station aired a localized version of The Mickey Mouse Club with By Williams as host.
Between 2022 and 2024, WPXI collaborated with Nexstar Media Group on statewide public affairs programming that aired across Pennsylvania on WPXI as well as Nexstar-operated or owned stations outside Pittsburgh. Since Pittsburgh represents Cox’s only Pennsylvania market without Nexstar ownership or operation, this partnership avoided any market conflicts. Nexstar-produced content also appears on CBS-owned KDKA and its sister station KYW-TV in Philadelphia.
Sports programming
When the Pittsburgh Steelers shifted to the American Football Conference in 1970 following the AFL-NFL merger, channel 11 became the official broadcaster for the team due to NBC's rights to AFC games. This arrangement continued until 1997, after which CBS acquired AFC broadcast rights and most Steelers games transitioned to CBS-owned KDKA-TV; prior to 1970, channel 2 was the primary broadcaster from 1962 through 1969. Although channel 11 aired numerous Steelers contests during their dominant 1970s era—often ranking as top-rated shows in the market—the station's overall ratings remained modest. Currently, WPXI broadcasts Steelers games during NBC’s Sunday Night Football, including coverage of three Super Bowl wins (IX, XIII, XLIII) and an appearance in Super Bowl XXX. In 2022, WPXI secured rights to air Thursday Night Football matchups featuring the Steelers on Prime Video, including a Saturday night wild card playoff game in 2024—the first playoff game exclusively available on Prime Video.
Under NBC’s Major League Baseball contract, WPXI also televised the majority of Pittsburgh Pirates games until 1989, including their World Series triumphs in 1960 and 1971.
Moreover, WPXI acted as a secondary outlet for Pittsburgh Penguins NHL games under NBC’s agreement from the 2005–06 season through 2020–21, covering their Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
Newscasts
WPXI produces a total of 42 hours of local news programming each week, comprising 6½ hours on weekdays, four hours on Saturdays, and 5½ hours on Sundays.
Despite early collaboration with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, channel 11 faced challenges competing against KDKA-TV—locally owned by Westinghouse—and WTAE-TV, which benefited from Hearst Television’s substantial investment in news. Throughout the 1970s, WIIC-TV (later WPXI) trailed both stations amid NBC’s network difficulties. Cox Communications was unable to realign WPXI with ABC in 1978 due to Hearst's ongoing affiliation with WTAE-TV. Without access to sports content like Steelers and Pirates games on NBC, WPXI’s viewership might have dropped below that of PBS member WQED and independent station WPGH-TV.
Following its rebranding to WPXI in 1981, Cox made significant investments in news operations, adopting the "Move Closer to Your World" theme in 1987 along with a dynamic video style influenced by Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV. Coupled with Westinghouse’s acquisition of CBS and shifts at KDKA-TV, WPXI achieved competitive parity with its local rivals by the 1990s. Today, it stands as one of NBC's leading affiliates in major markets, contending closely with KDKA-TV and WTAE-TV within Pittsburgh's competitive landscape.
WPXI introduced several pioneering newscast time slots locally: a 5:30 p.m. newscast initially aired from 1981 to 1984 and was reinstated in 1987; a 5 p.m. newscast emerged in the early 1990s; and weekend morning newscasts replaced Saturday morning cartoons starting September 1990. The success of weekend morning news prompted NBC to expand its Today show to weekends; accordingly, WPXI debuted Weekend Today in September 2012 and added a 4 p.m. newscast in September 2021.
In January 2006, Sinclair Broadcast Group—owner of Fox affiliate WPGH-TV—entered into a news sharing agreement with WPXI after Sinclair eliminated WPGH’s news department. Subsequently, WPXI began producing WPGH’s 10 p.m. newscast titled "Channel 11 News on Fox 53 at Ten." This program airs Sunday through Friday for 45 minutes and Saturdays for half an hour, supplemented by a sports highlight segment on weeknights. In October 2007, WPXI upgraded all broadcasts including this shared newscast to high definition. Further expansion occurred in March 2022 with the addition of a 6:30 p.m. newscast for WPGH and the launch of "Channel 11 Morning News on Fox 53" at 7 a.m. in January 2024.
After retiring "Move Closer to Your World" in the late ’90s, WPXI commissioned original news themes over time—transitioning from "Total Coverage" to "The Tower V.2" following its relocation to the Summer Hill facility—and introduced a new theme in 2014 that remained until January 2024.
Pittsburgh Cable News Channel
On January 1, 1994, the station made its debut in the cable television arena by introducing the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel (PCNC), which was notable for airing Pittsburgh’s inaugural 10 p.m. newscast. The last 10 p.m. edition produced by PCNC was broadcast on January 26, 2006, after which WPXI assumed responsibility for producing WPGH-TV’s 10 p.m. news. In early 2020, Comcast (Xfinity) removed PCNC from its channel lineup, resulting in a substantial decline in viewership. Later, in March 2023, WPXI incorporated PCNC into its digital subchannel offerings.
Ratings
The Pittsburgh market continues to be fiercely competitive in local news, with three prominent stations delivering high-quality newscasts to audiences. As of May 2025, WPXI holds the lead in the critical 25-54 age group during the early morning hours of 5 and 6 a.m., as well as at 4, 5, and 6 p.m., the 10 p.m. slot on WPGH, and the late 11 p.m. newscast. Between 1997 and 1999, WPXI dominated the ratings for the 5 p.m. news, bolstered by the preceding talk show The Jerry Springer Show airing at 4 p.m. By May 2010, WPXI continued to command strong ratings during the early morning (5–6 a.m.) and late evening (10 p.m.) timeframes; however, it experienced lower audience numbers at noon, and during the 4, 5, 6, and 11 p.m. broadcasts where KDKA-TV and WTAE-TV held superiority.
Notable current on-air staff
- Lisa Sylvester – anchor
Notable former on-air staff
- Asa Aarons – consumer reporter (1984–1990)
- Kevin Benson (AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval) – meteorologist (1987–2019)
- Rocky Bleier – sports anchor (1981–1985)
- Julie Bologna – chief meteorologist (1999–2004; 2008–2011)
- Bill Cardille – on-air announcer (1957–2000; first personality on WIIC)
- Beano Cook – commentator (late 1980s)
- Red Donley – sports anchor (1961–1970)
- John Fedko – sports director (1987–2010)
- Pat Finn – weather forecaster/reporter (1979–1983)
- Mark Malone – sports anchor (1990–1993)
- Todd McDermott – morning and noon co-anchor (2010–2012)
- Sam Nover – sports anchor (1970–2001)
- Edye Tarbox – anchor (1987–1989)
Subchannels
The station broadcasts multiple digital subchannels:
| Channel | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Identifier | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.1 | 1080i | 16:9 | WPXI-HD | NBC programming |
| 11.2 | 480i | 16:9 | MeTV | MeTV network |
| 11.3 | 480i | 16:9 | LAFF TV | Laff network |
| 11.4 | 480i | 16:9 | PCNC | Pittsburgh Cable News Channel |
WPXI was a pioneer in Pittsburgh by introducing additional digital subchannel content. On June 21, 2007, it launched WPXI 11 Weather Plus on channel 11.2, offering continuous local and national weather coverage with Scott Harbaugh as lead meteorologist. Subsequently, on October 15, 2007, Retro Television Network (RTV) was added to subchannel 11.3; this programming was also available on sister stations WJAC-TV and WTOV-TV.
Following the closure of NBC Weather Plus in December 2008, WPXI relocated RTV to channel 11.2 and temporarily discontinued broadcasts on channel 11.3. On June 13, 2011, Me-TV replaced RTV on subchannel 11.2.
In an industry first for Pittsburgh stations, WPXI began providing over-the-top content through a dedicated Roku channel starting in 2014; this channel came pre-installed on Roku devices sold locally as part of a collaboration between Cox and Roku. This digital strategy gave WPXI a competitive advantage until March 2020 when KDKA-TV launched CBSN Pittsburgh.
On April 15, 2015, WPXI reintroduced live programming on subchannel 11.3 by launching Laff TV following an extended hiatus after NBC Weather Plus ceased operations.
Analog-to-digital conversion
On June 12, 2009, WPXI discontinued its analog transmission on VHF channel 11, complying with the federally required shift to digital broadcasting across the United States. The station maintained its digital broadcast on UHF channel 48, which was its pre-transition frequency. Significantly, one of the last analog broadcasts was Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, showcasing the Pittsburgh Penguins' championship victory just before the analog signal was turned off. Currently, WPKD-TV transmits digitally using WPXI's former analog channel.
Translators
- WPXI (DRT) channel 34 located in New Castle, Pennsylvania
- WPXI (DRT) channel 24 based in Uniontown, Pennsylvania
In July 2009, WPXI submitted applications to the FCC for three translator stations: channel 21 in Derry Township (which had its permit lapse without use), channel 23 serving Uniontown, and channel 33 in New Castle. The Derry Township translator was intended to cover the entirety of Westmoreland County, while the Uniontown repeater reaches into Pittsburgh’s McKeesport suburb. The New Castle translator partially covers Youngstown, Ohio—geographically closer though still within the Pittsburgh DMA—and functions as a secondary NBC affiliate for that area, delivering MeTV and Laff content alongside primary stations WFMJ-TV and WYFX-LD. Digital tuners present these repeaters and WPXI’s main broadcast under virtual channel 11, reflecting WPXI’s original analog channel number.