WOI TV: A Legacy of Innovation and Community Service in Iowa Broadcasting

WOI TV, known as Local 5, is the ABC-affiliated television station serving the Des Moines, Iowa, market. It operates alongside KCWI-TV, a CW affiliate, with both stations sharing studios on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. WOI TV first signed on the air on February 21, 1950, making it Iowa’s second television station and the first in Des Moines.

Historical Background

Owned by Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), WOI TV was the first television station in the United States licensed to a college. The station played a pioneering role in educational broadcasting, offering college-level courses and serving as a model for educational television nationwide. Its early experiments in kinescope recording techniques allowed locally produced programming to be shared with other stations.

Programming and Affiliations

At its inception, WOI TV held affiliations with all four major networks of the time: ABC, CBS, DuMont, and NBC. Over the years, it transitioned to exclusively carrying ABC programming. The station has been known for its commitment to local news, airing its early evening newscast at 5 p.m. instead of the traditional 6 p.m., leading to the slogan, “Where News Comes First.”

Technological Advancements

In its early years, WOI TV utilized a 580-foot tower south of the Iowa State campus for broadcasting. The station was innovative in its use of technology, being among the first to broadcast network programs live and to experiment with recording techniques that preserved broadcasts for future viewing.

Recent Developments

In recent years, WOI TV has continued to evolve. In 2024, meteorologist Bree Sullivan joined the Local 5 Weather team, enhancing the station’s weather coverage.

Additionally, the station has made technical improvements to provide a stronger, clearer signal for antenna users, ensuring better service to its viewers.

Community Engagement

Throughout its history, WOI TV has maintained a strong commitment to the central Iowa community, providing educational content, local news, and public service programming. As it celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2020, the station reflected on its legacy of service and innovation in broadcasting. WOI-TV’s journey from a pioneering educational broadcaster to a modern ABC affiliate underscores its adaptability and enduring dedication to its audience.