WFTC
WFTC, virtual channel 9.2 (UHF digital channel 29), is a MyNetworkTV owned-and-operated television station licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, serving the Twin Cities television market.[1] It is owned by Fox Television Stations, LLC, a subsidiary of Fox Corporation, operating as a duopoly with Fox owned-and-operated station KMSP-TV (channel 9).[1][2] The station's studios are located on Viking Drive in Eden Prairie, with its transmitter situated in Shoreview.[3] WFTC primarily airs programming from the MyNetworkTV network, alongside syndicated content and local news under the FOX 9+ branding as an extension of sister station FOX 9 (KMSP).[4][5] It broadcasts FOX9+ News at 7 p.m. on weeknights, providing the only local over-the-air news in that time slot for the Twin Cities area.[4] The station operates at an effective radiated power of 1,000 kW, covering approximately 13,845 square miles and reaching an estimated population of 3.76 million.[2] The station signed on the air on November 1, 1982, initially as a faith-based station under the call sign WFBT. It became an independent station as KITN in 1984, adopted its current call sign in 1994, and later affiliated with UPN before transitioning to MyNetworkTV in 2006 following the network's launch.[2][5] In 2017, it rebranded from "My 29" to "Fox 9 Plus" to emphasize its integration with FOX 9's programming.[5] The station's license was most recently renewed by the Federal Communications Commission on April 20, 2023, with an expiration date of April 1, 2030.[2]History
WFBT-TV: Faith-based origins (1982–1984)
WFBT-TV signed on the air on October 6, 1982, as an independent UHF television station broadcasting on channel 29 and licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota.[6] The station was established by the Faith Broadcasting Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to evangelical Christian media outreach.[7][8] From its inception, WFBT-TV prioritized a schedule centered on faith-based content, aiming to serve as a family-friendly alternative in the Twin Cities media landscape while incorporating limited secular programming to broaden appeal.[6] The station's initial operations were based out of studios at 7325 Aspen Lane in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, a suburb northwest of Minneapolis.[9] Owned and operated by the Faith Broadcasting Network, WFBT-TV emphasized evangelical programming produced by religious groups, reflecting the non-profit's mission to promote Christian values through broadcasting.[7] Early programming featured a mix of local and national religious content, including live church services, Bible study sessions, and faith-based children's shows designed to engage young audiences with moral and spiritual lessons.[6] Signature offerings included "Rejoice," a musical variety program highlighting gospel performances and inspirational messages, which aired as part of the network's commitment to prime-time religious broadcasting six nights a week.[6] Despite its targeted focus, WFBT-TV encountered financial challenges in its formative years, stemming from a niche audience that struggled to attract sufficient advertisers in a competitive market dominated by established VHF affiliates.[6] The station sought commercial viability by blending religious broadcasts with family-oriented reruns, movies, and news updates, but the specialized format limited broader viewership and revenue growth.[6] These early hurdles underscored the difficulties of sustaining an independent UHF religious outlet in the early 1980s.[10]KITN-TV: Shift to independent entertainment (1984–1988)
In May 1984, the Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation, headed by financier Ivan Boesky, acquired WFBT-TV from Channel 29 Television, Inc. for $12 million in cash plus assumption of liabilities, marking a pivotal shift away from its faith-based origins.[11] The transaction, announced on May 21, 1984, reflected the station's low ratings under previous religious programming, prompting a reorientation toward general entertainment to attract a broader audience in the Twin Cities market.[11] Upon closing the deal, the station adopted the call letters KITN-TV, standing for "Independent Twenty-Nine" but playfully evoking "kitten" in its branding as "The KITN that Roars."[12] This slogan underscored the new emphasis on dynamic, secular content, with promotional efforts including a live 115-pound cougar mascot to symbolize the station's bold transformation and appeal to families and younger viewers.[13] KITN-TV quickly expanded its schedule, introducing a mix of classic movies, off-network sitcom reruns such as I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners, cartoons for afternoon blocks, and limited remaining religious fare, effectively dropping most faith-based programming to reposition as a conventional independent.[10] The programming overhaul, combined with targeted marketing campaigns, fostered initial audience growth in the competitive Minneapolis-St. Paul market, where UHF independents like KITN competed against established VHF outlets.[10] Local hosting segments for children's shows and movie presentations helped build viewer loyalty, drawing on the station's fresh identity to secure syndication deals and boost household penetration during primetime and weekend slots. By late 1984, these efforts had elevated KITN-TV's visibility, setting the stage for further expansion in entertainment and sports acquisitions.[10] In 1985, amid Boesky's emerging legal issues, the Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation sold KITN-TV to Nationwide Communications for an estimated $20–25 million, ensuring continuity in the station's independent trajectory through the remainder of the decade.[14]Fox affiliation and expansion (1988–2002)
In 1988, KITN-TV assumed the Fox affiliation for the Twin Cities market after KMSP-TV relinquished it due to dissatisfaction with the network's early programming slate.[10] This shift positioned KITN as the primary outlet for Fox's primetime lineup, including shows like The Simpsons and Married... with Children, which helped the station transition from its independent roots and attract a younger demographic.[10] Clear Channel Communications acquired KITN-TV from Nationwide Communications for $36 million in 1993, marking a significant investment in the station's operations.[15] Under Clear Channel ownership, the station rebranded as WFTC in 1994, emphasizing its role as the "Fox Twin Cities" affiliate. The acquisition facilitated facility improvements, including enhanced studio capabilities and signal distribution, contributing to gradual market share increases against established ABC, CBS, and NBC outlets as Fox's national profile rose. Programming expanded to include local promotions and specials, bolstering viewer engagement. A pivotal boost came in 1994 when Fox secured National Football Conference broadcast rights, enabling WFTC to air Minnesota Vikings games and drawing substantial local audiences during the NFL season. This period of growth culminated in 2001, when Clear Channel traded WFTC to Fox Television Stations in exchange for NBC affiliate KMOL-TV in San Antonio and ABC affiliate KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City, forming a duopoly with Fox-owned KMSP-TV and paving the way for integrated operations.[16]UPN era and ownership changes (2002–2006)
In September 2002, WFTC underwent a significant affiliation swap with sister station KMSP-TV, as Fox Television Stations decided to move its network programming to the VHF Channel 9 outlet due to KMSP's stronger signal coverage and more favorable dial position compared to WFTC's UHF Channel 29.[17] This change, effective September 8, 2002, returned Fox affiliation to KMSP after a 14-year absence, while WFTC assumed the UPN affiliation previously held by KMSP.[18] The switch coincided with the start of the NFL season, resulting in WFTC losing its local broadcast rights to Minnesota Vikings games, which had been a key asset during its Fox tenure.[19] The affiliation change was preceded by an ownership transaction in 2001, when Clear Channel Communications traded WFTC to Fox Television Stations in exchange for NBC affiliate KMOL-TV in San Antonio, Texas, allowing Fox to establish a duopoly in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market.[20] This acquisition integrated WFTC into Fox's owned-and-operated (O&O) station group, facilitating consolidated operations with KMSP at the latter's Eden Prairie studios.[21] Under Fox ownership, the stations merged their news departments, with WFTC contributing limited resources amid the affiliation uncertainty.[22] As a UPN affiliate, WFTC's programming lineup emphasized the network's core offerings, including WWE SmackDown wrestling on Thursday nights and sitcoms such as The Parkers, which aired in syndication slots.[23] Local content remained minimal, focusing primarily on a half-hour newscast at 10 p.m. produced in partnership with KMSP's expanded news team, which launched shortly before the affiliation switch to provide brief evening updates.[22] By 2006, UPN's viability declined amid industry consolidation, culminating in its merger with The WB to form The CW Television Network, announced in January and finalized with UPN's shutdown on September 15.[24] This left WFTC without a primary network affiliation, briefly operating as an independent station before transitioning to new programming arrangements.[25]MyNetworkTV adoption and recent developments (2006–present)
In 2006, following the merger of UPN and The WB into The CW, WFTC became an affiliate of the newly launched MyNetworkTV, a syndication service owned by Fox Television Stations that emphasized primetime programming including soap operas and reality series.[26] The network's initial lineup featured telenovela-style dramas such as Desire and Fashion House, which aired as limited-run serials five nights a week, alongside reality formats that aimed to fill the gap for stations left without a major network affiliation.[27] This shift marked WFTC's transition from UPN to a more entertainment-focused MyNetworkTV outlet, maintaining its over-the-air broadcast on virtual channel 9.2 while integrating syndicated content to attract evening viewers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market.[28] By 2017, WFTC underwent a significant rebranding to "Fox 9+", aligning it more closely with its sister station KMSP-TV (Fox 9) under common ownership and shared studio facilities in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. This rebranding emphasized cross-promotion and resource sharing within the Fox Television Stations duopoly, including rebroadcasts of KMSP's late-evening newscasts and expanded local programming to enhance viewer retention across both stations.[29] The change reflected a broader strategy to unify branding in markets where Fox owned complementary outlets, positioning WFTC as an extension of the Fox 9 ecosystem for MyNetworkTV and additional content.[28] WFTC has remained under the ownership of Fox Corporation since the 2019 spin-off from 21st Century Fox, which separated the company's broadcast and cable assets into an independent entity focused on news, sports, and entertainment properties.[30] This structure has supported ongoing investments in local programming, including sports broadcasts. In 2023, WFTC (as Fox 9+) secured its first broadcast television deal with the University of St. Thomas, airing select home games for Tommies athletics in football, men's and women's basketball, and hockey, marking a milestone for the NCAA Division I program.[31] That same year, the station added coverage of Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) games, televising at least 12 contests including regular-season matchups and postseason events featuring St. Thomas and other conference teams.[32] Recent developments in 2025 further expanded WFTC's sports portfolio and news offerings. The station announced an agreement to broadcast 11 St. Paul Saints minor league baseball games, including doubleheaders and home contests at CHS Field, building on prior partnerships to bring Triple-A action to local viewers over-the-air.[33] Additionally, as part of Fox Television Stations' coverage of the Coachella Valley Invitational—a preseason soccer tournament featuring MLS and NWSL clubs—WFTC contributed to the network's linear broadcasts of select matches from the February event in Indio, California.[34] In July 2025, as part of a broader expansion by Fox Television Stations, WFTC added a new 7:30–8:00 p.m. weekday news slot, produced in conjunction with KMSP, to deliver extended local coverage amid growing demand for evening updates in the Twin Cities market.[35]Ownership and operations
Current ownership structure
WFTC is owned by Fox Television Stations, LLC, a subsidiary of Fox Corporation, following the completion of The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of certain 21st Century Fox assets in 2019, which resulted in the spin-off of the remaining Fox broadcast and news properties into the independent Fox Corporation.[36] As part of this structure, WFTC operates as a duopoly with its sister station KMSP-TV (channel 9, the Fox owned-and-operated station in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul market), allowing shared resources such as studios, technical facilities, and operational staff to enhance efficiency under unified ownership.[2][37] The station is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to Fox Television Stations, LLC, retaining its longstanding call sign WFTC since its assignment in 1994.[2] This ownership model features centralized management from Fox Television Stations' headquarters in New York City, with local executive oversight provided by regional leadership in the Midwest, including promotions such as the 2025 appointment of a senior vice president for the duopoly.[38][39] WFTC forms part of Fox Corporation's portfolio of 29 full-power owned-and-operated stations across the United States, enabling synergies with the national Fox network for content distribution, advertising, and technological integration.[40][41]Facilities and operations
WFTC shares its studio facilities with sister station KMSP-TV at the Fox 9 Studios, located at 11358 Viking Drive in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.[42][3] This setup allows for integrated production capabilities, including news and programming operations, following the stations' consolidation under Fox Television Stations ownership.[3] The station's transmitter is co-located with KMSP-TV's on the Telefarm Towers in Shoreview, Minnesota, facilitating a unified UHF digital broadcast signal for the Minneapolis–Saint Paul market.[43][44] WFTC employs approximately 100 staff members, with shared news, production, and technical teams across its duopoly partnership with KMSP-TV, enabling efficient resource allocation for daily operations.[45][46] As part of Fox Television Stations, WFTC adheres to corporate operational guidelines that emphasize compliance with federal broadcasting standards, including the production of local content and participation in the Emergency Alert System for public safety announcements.[47][48] The station coordinates community involvement through local events and public service announcements, often in collaboration with KMSP-TV, to support regional initiatives such as violence prevention programs and inclusive community gatherings in Minnesota.[49][50] These efforts leverage ownership synergies with KMSP-TV to enhance outreach and engagement in the Twin Cities area.[3]Programming
Network and syndicated content
WFTC has carried the MyNetworkTV primetime lineup since September 2006, delivering two hours of programming each weeknight from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET, initially focused on original scripted dramas and reality series designed to appeal to a broad audience.[51] Over time, MyNetworkTV evolved into a syndication service, shifting to reruns of established shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Chicago Fire to fill the block, reflecting the network's pivot away from original content in 2009.[52] The station's daytime and early fringe schedule features a mix of syndicated offerings, including court show reruns like Hot Bench and Divorce Court, tabloid talk programs such as TMZ Live, and occasional movies, providing entertainment targeted at stay-at-home viewers and early evening audiences.[53] These selections align with typical MyNetworkTV affiliate strategies, emphasizing cost-effective, high-repeat-value content to complement the primetime block. Weekend programming on WFTC primarily consists of paid programming and infomercials during morning and late-night slots, supplemented by blocks of classic television reruns and lifestyle shows like Raw Travel.[54] Following the 2017 rebranding to Fox 9+, WFTC deepened its operational ties with co-owned Fox affiliate KMSP-TV (channel 9.1), incorporating cross-promotions that highlight shared content and events across both stations to enhance viewer engagement in the Twin Cities market.[29] As a secondary broadcast outlet in the Minneapolis-St. Paul designated market area, WFTC's MyNetworkTV and syndicated programming serves as a complement to primary network affiliates, particularly targeting younger demographics in the 18-49 age range through dynamic, accessible fare.[55] During sports seasons, select syndicated shows may be preempted to accommodate live event coverage on the station.[56]Sports broadcasts
WFTC, known as FOX 9+, has expanded its local sports coverage in recent years, emphasizing partnerships with regional teams and leagues to provide over-the-air access to key events. In 2023, the station entered into a broadcast agreement with the University of St. Thomas to air select home games for the Tommies' football, men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's hockey teams, marking a significant addition to its sports lineup.[57] This partnership was extended in August 2025, continuing coverage of these sports for the 2025-26 season.[58] The station's sports programming also includes college hockey from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). Beginning in the 2023-24 season as part of the St. Thomas deal, WFTC airs select Tommies hockey games, and in 2025, it announced plans to broadcast a minimum of 11 WCHA games overall during the 2025-26 season, further highlighting its commitment to regional amateur athletics.[57][59] In 2025, WFTC added professional baseball to its schedule through an agreement with the St. Paul Saints, the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The station broadcasts 11 home games, including a doubleheader on April 25 against the Indianapolis Indians and other select matchups throughout the season, providing free over-the-air access to fans.[33][60] These broadcasts feature production support from the FOX 9 sports team, including pre- and post-game analysis hosted by station anchors and reporters.[61] Historically, during its UPN affiliation from 2002 to 2006, WFTC carried WWE SmackDown as part of the network's wrestling programming, though the station has since shifted focus to live local sports events rather than syndicated professional wrestling.[62] WFTC occasionally airs Minnesota Vikings-related content, such as the weekly show Vikings Weekly on Friday nights, produced in collaboration with the FOX 9 sports department.[63]Local newscasts
WFTC launched its local news programming in September 2002 following its affiliation switch to UPN, introducing short newscasts including the half-hour UPN 29 News at 10 on weeknights, along with weekend editions, produced in partnership with KMSP-TV's news team.[22] These early broadcasts focused on basic local coverage but were limited in scope compared to major network affiliates. The news operation continued under UPN until the network's dissolution in 2006, after which WFTC briefly aired no original local news before adopting MyNetworkTV. In August 2017, as part of its rebranding to FOX 9+—a programming extension of sister station KMSP-TV (FOX 9)—WFTC debuted the FOX 9+ News at 7 p.m., a 30-minute weekday newscast anchored initially by Naomi Pescovitz and produced by the FOX 9 news team from their shared studios in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.[64] This marked the station's return to regular local news after an 11-year hiatus, positioning it as the only over-the-air 7 p.m. newscast in the Twin Cities market.[29] The current local news lineup on FOX 9+ centers on the FOX 9+ News at 7 p.m. weekdays, which serves as an extension of FOX 9's programming and emphasizes Twin Cities-focused stories, including weather updates from meteorologists like Cody Matz and Jennifer McDermed, traffic reports from Lauren Andrego, and investigative segments led by reporters such as Nathan O'Neal.[61] After Bisi Onile-Ere's departure in 2024, the newscast is anchored by Tim Blotz.[65] The format integrates live reporting, community features, and occasional sports segments to complement FOX 9's broader coverage.[66] An adjacent FOX 9 News at 6:30 p.m. on KMSP feeds into the 7 p.m. show, creating a continuous early-evening block aired across both stations.[65] Newscasts are available for live streaming and on-demand viewing via fox9.com and the FOX LOCAL app, enhancing accessibility for viewers beyond traditional broadcast.[4]Technical information
Digital subchannels
WFTC operates as a full-power digital television station broadcasting on UHF physical channel 29 from the KMSP Tower in Shoreview, Minnesota, with its primary virtual channel mapped to 9.2 following the 2009 analog-to-digital transition. This virtual channel carries MyNetworkTV programming in 720p high definition under the branding "Fox 9 Plus."[2] WFTC's multiplex on physical channel 29 includes a simulcast of sister station KMSP-TV's Fox programming on virtual 9.1. The subchannels include offerings such as Movies! on 9.3, Fox Weather on 9.7, Comet on virtual 23.2, and Antenna TV on virtual 23.6, providing viewers with classic films, weather coverage, science fiction content, and retro television programming, respectively.[2]| Virtual Channel | Physical Channel | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Audio | Programming Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.1 | 29.4 | 720p | 16:9 | DD 5.1 | Fox | Simulcast of KMSP-TV; "Fox 9" branding |
| 9.2 | 29.3 | 720p | 16:9 | DD 5.1 | MyNetworkTV | Primary channel; "Fox 9 Plus" branding |
| 9.3 | 29.5 | 480i | 16:9 | DD 2.0 | Movies! | Classic films from Fox diginet |
| 9.7 | 29.6 | 480i | 16:9 | DD 2.0 | Fox Weather | 24/7 weather service |
| 23.2 | 29.7 | 480i | 16:9 | DD 2.0 | Comet | Science fiction and action from Fox diginet |
| 23.6 | 29.8 | 480i | 16:9 | DD 2.0 | Antenna TV | Classic TV series and sitcoms |