WINK-TV is a CBS-affiliated television station located in Fort Myers, Florida. It was founded in 1954 as the first television station in Southwest Florida and has been serving the community for over 67 years.
The station was originally owned by the Fort Myers Broadcasting Company and broadcasted with only 100 watts of power. However, over the years, WINK-TV has undergone several changes and upgrades, both in terms of technology and ownership. In the late 1950s, the station increased its power to 1000 watts, allowing it to reach a larger audience in Southwest Florida.
Throughout its history, WINK-TV has been committed to providing its viewers with the latest local and national news, weather updates, and entertainment programming. In the 1960s and 1970s, the station began to expand its local programming offerings, including a popular daily news show, “WINK News at Sunrise,” which is still broadcasted today as WINK News. WINK-TV also became known for its coverage of local sports, including high school and college football games.
In the 1980s, WINK-TV underwent a major change as it was sold to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., a private equity firm. The new ownership allowed WINK-TV to continue to grow and expand its reach, as it invested in the latest technology and expanded its local news coverage. WINK-TV became the first television station in Southwest Florida to broadcast in digital and HD, allowing it to provide its viewers with the highest quality news and entertainment programming.
WINK-TV has also been dedicated to giving back to the community it serves. Over the years, the station has supported numerous local charities and non-profit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the United Way, and the Southwest Florida Food Bank. WINK-TV has also been a major sponsor of local events and festivals, including the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival and the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair.
In recent years, WINK-TV has continued to evolve and expand its reach, both in Southwest Florida and beyond. The station has launched a website and mobile app, allowing viewers to access its programming and news coverage anytime, anywhere. WINK-TV has also continued to invest in its local news coverage, including expanding its investigative reporting and launching a new consumer watchdog program to help protect the residents of Southwest Florida.
WINK-TV has been a vital part of the Fort Myers community for over 67 years. Its commitment to providing high-quality news, weather updates, and entertainment programming, as well as its dedication to giving back to the community, have made it one of the most trusted and respected television stations in Southwest Florida. As WINK-TV continues to evolve and expand its reach in the years to come, it is sure to remain a cornerstone of the Fort Myers community for many years to come.