Originally signed on the air on February 1, 1958 as WLOF-TV (standing for "We Love Orlando, Florida") as an ABC affiliate on VHF channel 9 and for years, the station was owned by the Mid-Florida Television Corporation, which was a consortium of local investors. At its infancy employed an on-screen feline mascot whose tail curved to form the "9" that was the station's analog channel position.
195?-196?
196?-196?
1961–1963
WFTV
1963–1967
Channel 9 changed its callsign to the current WFTV in 1963.
1967–1988
12th anniversary (1970)
"We're the One" ID (1978–1979)
"Come on Along!" ID (1982–1983)
"You'll love it on Channel 9!" ID (1985–1986)
"Together on Channel 9" ID #1 (1986–1987)
"Together on Channel 9" ID #2 (1986–1987)
Station ID (May 1986)
In 1984, the station was purchased by the SFN Companies. SFN in turn sold the station to Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises in 1985.
1Stations owned by CMG but operated by News-Press & Gazette Company under an shared services agreement. 2CMG operates this station, but it is owned by Hoffman Communications, Inc. under joint sales and shared services agreements. 3Sale of this station to Standard General pending FCC approval. 4Sale of these stations to Imagicomm Communications pending FCC approval.