WTHR Indianapolis: A Legacy of News Leadership and Sports Broadcasting
WTHR, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, has evolved from a third-place news operation into a dominant force in local media. Known for its commitment to investigative journalism and its deep ties to Indiana's professional and collegiate sports scenes, the station has consistently adapted its programming and technology to serve the Hoosier state.
From the early days of the Eyewitness News format to the adoption of high-definition broadcasting, WTHR has balanced the demands of network affiliation with a strong local identity. Today, as part of the Tegna portfolio, the station continues to provide extensive news coverage and high-profile sports broadcasts.
Key Facts
- News Leadership: Rose from third place in the ratings to become "Indiana's News Leader" by 2002.
- Award-Winning Journalism: Recipient of six national Peabody Awards for investigative reporting.
- Sports Hub: Long-term broadcaster for the Indianapolis 500, Indiana Colts, Pacers, and Fever.
- Tech Pioneer: First Indiana station to broadcast local news in high definition (2006).
- Current Branding: Rebranded as "13 News" in March 2020 following the Tegna acquisition.
Sports Programming Evolution
NFL and the Indianapolis Colts
WTHR's relationship with the Indianapolis Colts began with the team's arrival in 1984. Through NBC's rights to AFC games, the station aired regular season matchups. Over the decades, broadcast rights shifted; while WISH-TV and WTTV handled various AFC and NFC matchups, WTHR maintained its role carrying non-preseason games and the Sunday Night Football package. Notably, the station provided local coverage for Super Bowl XLVI, hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium.
NBA, WNBA, and Collegiate Sports
The station has a storied history with the Indiana Pacers, first carrying games in 1990. After a period as an official sponsor from 2013 to 2016, WTHR is set to carry select Tuesday and Sunday night games starting in the 2025–26 season. Similarly, WTHR has a long-standing tie with the Indiana Fever, serving as a local broadcast home for the team starting in 2024, with 10 of 17 games airing on the station. In collegiate sports, WTHR has carried Big Ten Saturday Night football games for Purdue and Indiana University since 2023.
The Indianapolis 500
In 2019, WTHR regained the local broadcast rights for the Indianapolis 500, ending a long tenure by WRTV. Due to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) policies, the race was typically blacked out locally to encourage attendance, airing later on a tape delay. However, this changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and again in 2021 when a sell-out crowd allowed for a live broadcast. A final live flag-to-flag broadcast occurred in 2024 due to inclement weather delays, marking the end of WTHR's tenure before rights moved to Fox Sports in 2025.
News Operation and Ratings Growth
For its first forty years, WTHR struggled in the ratings, trailing behind WISH and WRTV. This changed in 1996 with the hiring of former CBS News correspondent John Stehr. By 1999, the station's Eyewitness News broadcasts began claiming first place in key timeslots, eventually sweeping all news timeslots by 2002.
The station has been a pioneer in format and technology. It launched its morning show, Sunrise, in 1985 and became the first in the market to expand morning news to weekends in 1993. On November 12, 2006, WTHR became the first Indiana station to broadcast local news in high definition (HD), eventually moving all field video to 1080i resolution by 2007.
Journalistic Excellence and Awards
WTHR is highly regarded for its investigative work, earning six Peabody Awards. These honors recognized reports on faulty tornado sirens ("Cause for Alarm"), pharmacy record disposal ("Prescription Privacy"), job creation claims ("Reality Check"), IRS fraud ("Investigating the IRS"), nonprofit corruption ("Charity Caught on Camera"), and groundwater pollution ("Dangerous Exposure"). Additionally, the station earned multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, including recognition for its coverage of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.
WTHR Programming and Honors Summary
| Category | Details | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| News Volume | ~42 hours weekly | HD transition in 2006 |
| Major Awards | 6 Peabody Awards | Multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards |
| Sports Rights | Colts, Pacers, Fever, Big Ten | Indy 500 (2019–2024) |
| Current Brand | 13 News | Tegna acquisition (2020) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did WTHR become the news leader in Indianapolis?
WTHR began surging in the ratings in 1996 and officially overtook its competitors to finish first in all news timeslots by 2002, adopting the slogan "Indiana's News Leader."
Why was the Indianapolis 500 often blacked out on WTHR?
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway required local blackouts to encourage residents and tourists to attend the race in person, though tape-delayed broadcasts were permitted that evening.
What investigative reports earned WTHR Peabody Awards?
The station won Peabodys for investigations into faulty tornado sirens, improper pharmacy record disposal, exaggerated job creation claims, IRS tax refund fraud, nonprofit corruption, and groundwater pollution.
Which sports teams are currently associated with WTHR?
WTHR currently broadcasts games for the Indiana Fever and the Indianapolis Colts (via NBC), and will carry select Indiana Pacers games starting in the 2025–26 season, as well as Big Ten football for Purdue and Indiana University.
Who is a notable former staff member of WTHR?
Notable former staff include late-night icon David Letterman, who served as a weekend weatherman and host of Freeze Dried Theater and Clover Power.