Allentown’s independent television powerhouse WFMZ-TV (channel 69) continues to redefine regional journalism with its bold programming moves and hyper-local focus. The station made waves in September 2023 by launching Pennsylvania’s first standalone 8PM newscast – a strategic expansion that fills critical evening news gaps while doubling down on community storytelling.
Primetime News Innovation
The new 30-minute broadcast at 8PM positions WFMZ as the only Philadelphia-market station offering continuous news coverage from 4PM through 10PM. This programming coup comes after the station’s successful 2014 introduction of a 4PM newscast, which now serves as lead-in to its expanded evening lineup. News director Kathy Craine notes: “Our viewers wanted depth beyond headline updates – this slot lets us explore issues shaping Berks County and the Lehigh Valley.”
Decades of Journalism Firsts
- Pioneered Spanish-language news (69 News en Español) in 2003
- First Philadelphia-market HD newscasts (2008)
- Launched nation’s first 24/7 weather multicast channel (2001)
- Developed unique high school sports showcase “The Big Ticket”
The station’s documentary unit continues gaining national recognition, with recent Emmy-nominated works like “Time Bomb: Allentown Gas Explosion” showcasing investigative rigor. Their street-level studio at Allentown’s PPL Center has become a hub for community interaction since its 2015 debut.
Programming That Connects
| Show | Format | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| The Freddy Awards | High school theater competition | 20-year tradition/6K+ participants |
| Business Matters | Panel discussions | #1 business program in market |
| Lehigh Sports Magazine | College athletics coverage | 30-season legacy |
WFMZ’s technical infrastructure continues evolving, with three HD subchannels delivering weather updates and MeTV programming across eastern Pennsylvania. Their strategic translator stations ensure coverage reaches from Philadelphia suburbs to rural Schuylkill County.
“We’re not just reporting news – we’re curating conversations,” says veteran anchor Rob Vaughn. This philosophy fuels WFMZ’s dominance as the Lehigh Valley’s most-watched news source, proving local journalism thrives when rooted in community needs.
