STATION BIO-
WTOG-TV first began operations on November 4, 1968, broadcasting on UHF channel 44. Originally owned my Minnesota-based Hubbard Broadcasting Corp., WTOG solidified itself in the Tampa Bay market by being the area’s only independent television station. With broadcast coverage reaching throughout central and southwest Florida, WTOG was billed “Florida’s Super Station” and quickly grew into one of the most profitable television stations in the country. In fact, it was this profitability that drew the attention of future media mogul Ted Turner, who many believed modeled WTBS in Atlanta after WTOG.
Early programming consisted of sitcoms, movies, sports, drama and a 10pm newscast. Younger audiences tuned into “Kids Club” featuring morning cartoons, while adults couldn’t get enough of “Creature Feature” with local host Dr. Paul Bearer and his vault of campy horror movies. In 1996, WTOG was purchased by Paramount Stations group and soon changed it’s on-air branding to UPN 44. WTOG began broadcasting UPN programming during prime evening hours while continuing with it’s traditional independent format during the day. It was at this time the UPN 44 10 O’Clock News was born, providing the Tampa Bay area with “Live, Local and Late-Breaking” news, before being discontinued in 1998.
In January 2006, CBS and Warner Bros. Entertainment announced plans to form a new 5th network…The CW. This new broadcasting network would marry the best programs from the UPN and WB networks, such as America’s Next Top Model, Gilmore Girls, Everybody Hates Chris and Smallville to name a few. On September 18th, WTOG officially became CW44, the CW affiliate for the Tampa Bay market. CW44 has rounded out their hit show lineup with Gossip Girl, Hellcats, Supernatural, Nikita and The Vampire Diaries, thus continuing to deliver TV To Talk About.
In January 2011, CW44′s parent company, CBS announced a plan to join local affiliate stations into the same website to provide local viewers with a more streamline location to consume entertainment. The product: CBSTampa.com. Viewers are now able to track their favorite TV shows, check the weather, determine which route is clear for the morning commute, catch up on local and national news, find a local deal for lunch, then find a hot spot in Tampa Bay to kick back when they get off work.
General Contact Information
WTOG-TV CW44
365 – 105th Terrace N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Business hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Monday-Friday
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Telephone: (727) 576-4444
Sales Fax: (727) 577-3799
Promotion Fax: (727) 570-4239
Public Affairs: (727) 570-4458
Immediate Closed Caption Concerns Call 727-576-4357(HELP) or e-mail closedcaptions@wtogtv.com
Written Closed Caption Concerns fax 727-570-4412 or e-mail closedcaptions@wtogtv.com
Advertise With Us
Television is the most powerful advertising medium in the world today. Television has the highest reach potential, reaching 88% of all people each day with sight, sound, motion, and emotion. 80% of adults surveyed believe television has the most persuasive impact of any media.
CW44 offers a variety of marketing and research information to help you strategically plan for your advertising investment. In addition, our in-house production department can work with you to design the right commercial message to meet your needs.
For more information on how CW44 can help build your business, please contact us:
Call 727-570-4217 and ask for Mike Garam in the Sales Department.
Work For Us
Looking for work? Browse our local and national job openings at CBS.
Looking for college credit..? Apply for a CW44 Creative Services internship.
EEO Public File Report
View our 2011 EEO Public File Report here.
Station Contact List
Let us hear from you. Please send your questions and comments using the form below to reach our staff members.
Laura Caruso, General Manager / Vice President / Station Manager / Director of Sales
Greg Blackburn, Creative Services Manager
Mike Garam, Digital Media Sales
Bob Sink, Chief Engineer
Donna Schenkel, Controller
Stephen Tolomeo, Traffic Manager
