WBTN (channel 6) is a television station in Memphis, TN, affiliated with ABN and owned by Adelphia Communications alongside MyNetworkTV affiliate WWMY-TV.
History[]
Launched in 1964, WBTN became an affiliate of ABN in 1965. After 50 years of solid ownership, it was announced on November 6, 2015, that Champion Digital Broadcasting, the owner of the station has agreed to sell WBTN to Oakhurst Broadcasting. On Jan. 30, 2016, it was announced that Oakhurst Broadcasting (along with Higgins Broadcasting and Island Television) would be merging into Adelphia Communications, thus making WBTN and CW-affiliate WWLM sister stations. WBTN would be the first ABN station that Adelphia will ever own after the merger is complete. In 2015, the duopoly became an triopoly after the launching of MyTV O&O WWMY-TV. However, in 2022, the triopoly came to an end when Adelphia sold WWLM to Imagicomm Communications.
Newscast Themes[]
- WBTN 1964 News Theme (March 19, 1964 – June 22, 1965)
- Now That You're Gone - Chicago (June 22, 1965 – August 13, 1975)
- Part Of Your Life - Mayoham Music (August 13, 1975 – October 21, 1983)
- WCCO 1983 News Theme (October 21, 1983 – August 1, 1986)
- WBTN News Package - Gari Media Group (August 1, 1986 – September 13, 1994)
- Wall To Wall News - Stephen Arnold Music (September 13, 1994 – October 2, 2001)
- WPIX News - Non-Stop Music (October 2, 2001 – September 16, 2011)
- Evolution - Stephen Arnold Music (September 16, 2011 – January 24, 2015)
- Guardian - Stephen Arnold Music (January 24, 2015 – April 16, 2018)
- Canvas - Stephen Arnold Music (April 16, 2018 – present)
Local Programming[]
In addition to airing all programming from the ABN, WBTN airs local programming produced in Memphis. In addition to airing News Ultra HD, WBTN broadcasts the Coach's Show for the University of Memphis Tigers football, and men's and women's basketball teams. WBTN also airs the Knowledge Bowl between Mid-South high school teams.
Hello, Memphis[]
Like all the stations owned by Adelphia, WBTN's slogan is "Hello, Memphis," using the Hello News Jingles from Gari Music.
Lyrics[]
There's a feeling in the air that you can't get anyway except in Memphis
I've seen a thousand yesterdays, and I love the Southern ways of Memphis
Working hand in hand, there's a spirit cross the land We're reaching for the sky
From where the river flows to where the sunset goes, we're all good neighbors passing by
Makes no difference where I go, you're the best hometown I know
Hello, Memphis. Hello Memphis! ABN 6 loves you!
Staff[]
- General Manager: Greg Glover
- News Director: Mike Morgan
- Anchor (Sunrise Memphis): Crystal Wimberly
- Co-Anchor (Sunrise Memphis): Jennifer Smith
- Meteorologist (Sunrise Memphis): Stan Buckley
- Anchor (5:30, Primetime, and 10 Weeknights): Andy McWilliams
- Co-Anchor (5:30, Primetime, and 10 Weeknights): Karen Kohlhass
- Chief Meteorologist (5:30, Primetime, and 10 Weeknights): Jeff Lofton
- Sports Director (5:30, Primetime, 10 Weeknights, host of Sports Xtra Sunday nights): Victor Wheatley
- Anchor (5:30 Saturday, Primetime, and 10 Weekends): Patrick Whitt
- Co-Anchor (5:30 Saturday, Primetime, and 10 Weekends): Marcia Gilmore
- Meteorologist (5:30 Saturday, Primetime, and 10 Weekends): DeAnna Morris
- Sports (5:30 Saturday, Primetime, 10 Weekends, co-host of Sports Xtra Sunday nights and host of The Memphis Coach's Show): Bubba Burnham.
Gallery[]
