WVLT-TV signed on the air on October 18, 1953, under the original call letters of WTSK-TV and operating on the channel 26 frequency.
WTVK
1954–1956
LOGO MISSING
The call letters changed to WTVK in 1954.
1956–1967
LOGO MISSING
In 1956, WTVK became the ABC affiliate after WBIR-TV signed on to take the CBS affiliation.
1967–1974
1974–1977
1977–1979
1979–1984
On September 17, 1979, WTVK swapped affiliations with WATE-TV and became the NBC affiliate.
1984–1986
Studio entrance, circa 1988 (though the NBC logo on the sign was no longer being used).
1986–1988
1988
On September 10, 1988, WTVK swapped affiliations again with WBIR, taking over the CBS affiliation (therefore rejoining the network since its 1953 sign-on). This logo would be short-lived, as the station would change its channel position and callsign three months later. To anticipate for the switch WTVK debuted a new tagline called WTVK 26 and CBS: together again to reflect the station rejoining CBS.
WKXT-TV
1988–1997
On December 1, 1988, WTVK moved up the dial from UHF channel 26 to VHF channel 8, and changed its call letters to WKXT-TV.
WVLT-TV
1997–2007
In 1996, Gray Communications Systems bought the station, and changed its calls to the current WVLT-TV in 1997. The call letters "VLT" stands for VoLunTeer State, which is Tennessee's official nickname.
1Owned by Branson Visitors TV, Gray holds a 50.1% interest in the company. 2Owned by Schurz Communications, Gray operated KGHZ through an SSA. 3Owned by Entravision Communications, Gray operates KDCU through a JSA. 4Gray operates this station owned by American Spirit Media. 5Gray operates this station owned by Tegna through an SSA. 6The E.W. Scripps Company operates this station through an SSA. 7Gray operates this station owned by Tougaloo College. 8Joint venture with Ryman Hospitality Properties. 9Gray operates this station owned by SagamoreHill Broadcasting through an SSA. 10Sale of this station to an Allen Media Broadcasting pending FCC approval. 11Sale of this station to VCY America pending FCC approval.
