Where is wlwt located

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: WLWT is located at 1011 Vermont Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been broadcasting as NBC affiliate channel 5 since its founding on February 27, 1949. It serves the Greater Cincinnati area and is owned by Hearst Television.

Key Facts

WLWT broadcasts from 1011 Vermont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
It first aired on February 27, 1949, making it one of the oldest TV stations in the U.S.
WLWT is an NBC affiliate and operates on digital channel 5
The station serves 22 counties across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
Hearst Television has owned WLWT since 1999

Overview

WLWT, known on-air as News 5, is a television station based in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a key NBC affiliate, it has served the Tri-State region since its launch in 1949, providing local news, weather, and entertainment programming.

Strategically positioned in downtown Cincinnati, WLWT maintains a strong regional presence. Its location enables efficient coverage of major events across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.

Studio address: WLWT operates from 1011 Vermont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, a facility upgraded in 2018 for HD broadcasting.
First broadcast: The station signed on the air on February 27, 1949, becoming the first TV station in Cincinnati.
Channel allocation: WLWT broadcasts digitally on channel 5.1 and is available on most cable systems in the region.
Market size: The Cincinnati market ranks as the 36th largest TV market in the U.S., reaching over 1.2 million households.
Ownership: Since 1999, WLWT has been owned by Hearst Television, a subsidiary of the Hearst Corporation.

How It Works

WLWT operates as a full-service television station with a focus on local journalism and network programming. Its operations combine live broadcasting, digital streaming, and community outreach.

Call Sign: The call letters WLWT stand for “We Lead, We Tell”, adopted in 1953 after initial use of WLW-T.
Transmitter Location: The broadcast signal originates from a 1,000-foot tower on Chickasaw Street in Cincinnati, reaching up to 50 miles.
Power Output: WLWT transmits with an effective radiated power of 1,000 kilowatts, ensuring broad regional coverage.
Digital Transition: The station completed its switch to digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009, in compliance with federal mandates.
Streaming: WLWT offers live streaming via News 5 Now on its website and mobile apps, updated 24/7.
News Team: The station employs over 120 journalists, anchors, and technical staff across its newsroom and field operations.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how WLWT compares to other major stations in the Cincinnati market:

Station	Channel	Affiliation	First Aired	Owner
WLWT	5	NBC	1949	Hearst Television
WKRC-TV	12	CBS	1949	Sinclair Broadcast Group
WCPO-TV	9	ABC	1949	E.W. Scripps Company
WPTI-TV	14	FOX	1984	Nexstar Media Group
WSTR-TV	64	The CW	1998	Cox Media Group

The table highlights WLWT’s status as one of the original broadcasters in Cincinnati. Despite newer competitors, it maintains a top-three audience share in local news ratings, particularly during evening broadcasts. Its long history and investment in HD technology have strengthened viewer loyalty.

Why It Matters

WLWT plays a vital role in informing and connecting the Cincinnati community. Its location and infrastructure enable rapid response to breaking news and severe weather events.

Emergency alerts: WLWT broadcasts NOAA-certified weather alerts and Amber Alerts across 22 counties in three states.
Local impact: The station’s “Community 5” initiative has funded over $2 million in local grants since 2005.
Election coverage: WLWT has provided uninterrupted election night analysis for over 60 years, including presidential and local races.
School outreach: Its “News in Education” program reaches more than 15,000 students annually in regional schools.
Employment: WLWT is one of the largest media employers in downtown Cincinnati, supporting over 120 full-time positions.
Digital growth: Website traffic has grown by 45% since 2020, driven by mobile news consumption.

As media evolves, WLWT continues adapting while maintaining its core mission: delivering accurate, timely information to the people of Southwest Ohio and beyond.