GREENSBORO, N.C. — On August 18, 1949, WFMY-TV launched its first live television broadcast. The broadcast lasted for four minutes and 25 seconds and was the first in the Piedmont Triad. August 18 is the date WFMY News 2 recognizes as its birthday and this August 18 marks 75 years in operation!
To celebrate, WFMY News 2 is having a birthday party, and the community is invited!
Join us on Sunday, August 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Triad Park for a diamond birthday party! The afternoon will feature a free performance by Eric and the Chill Tones, health screenings from Cone Health's Mobile Screening Van, a spray/play area with a fire truck from the Summerfield Fire Department, and an opportunity to meet and get autographs from past and present members of the WFMY News 2 team.
People will also have the opportunity to buy food from local food trucks -- Backyard Flames, Coolin Out Ice Cream, HomeSlice Pizza, and Kona Ice. Each food truck will be offering special WFMY News 2 turns 75 deals:
- Backyard Flames - Hot dogs for $2.75
- Coolin Out - Treats for $2.75
- HomeSlice - 2 pizza balls for $7.50
- Kona Ice - 2 Klassic cups for $7, and 2 Kiddie cups for $5.
It wouldn't be a 75th birthday party without an opportunity to look back! There will be an area we're calling Memory Lane, showcasing WFMY News 2 memorabilia from over the years. It's going to be a great day and you don't want to miss out!
Bring a chair or towel and your dancing shoes! Prepare for a great day!
Here are the details, one more time:
- Sunday, August 18, 2024
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Triad Park - 9652 W. Market St., Kernersville
- Click here to RSVP
We'll see you there!
WFMY Timeline
November 21, 1946 – The FCC grants the Greensboro News Company permission to operate a commercial FM radio station in Greensboro.
February 1948 – The Greensboro News Company files an FCC application to operate a TV station in Greensboro.
March 14, 1948 – The Greensboro News Company begins regular FM radio broadcasting on WFMY-FM.
June 2, 1948 – The Greensboro News Company is granted a construction permit from the FCC to build a television station with the call letters WFMY-TV, operating on channel 2.
April 10, 1949 – P.T. Hines announces the FCC permit has been granted.
June 17, 1949 – WFMY-TV signs a contract with CBS-TV.
August 18, 1949 (WFMY's Birthday!) – WFMY-TV originates the first live telecast in the Piedmont Triad, a newscast. It was also one of the first to do so in the Carolinas. The newscast lasted for four minutes and 25 seconds.
August 30, 1949 – WFMY-TV successfully completes the first FM-TV simulcast in the Carolinas.
September 22, 1949 - WFMY-TV signs on the air as the 76th commercial station in the country - running regular programs from 7 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
February 1951 - WFMY-TV airs the first locally produced children’s program in the state. The show is called “Six Gun Playhouse” but would later be called “The Old Rebel Show.”
December 1953 - WFMY-FM (the radio station) stops operation.
January 1, 1955 - WFMY-TV moves into its facility in Northeast Greensboro.
March 1956 - WFMY-TV transmits its first local color program.
December 16, 1957 – Lee Kinard’s The Good Morning Show premieres. It was the first local morning show to launch in the country.
October 3, 1960 - WFMY-TV airs its first broadcast of “The Andy Griffith Show.”
February 1967 – WFMY-TV carries its first studio color program.