Editing WOIO (section)

== Previous applicants for channel 19 in Cleveland ==
While WOIO's first broadcast occurred {{Years or months ago|1985|05}}, on May 19, 1985, channel&nbsp;19 in Cleveland was one of several [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) allotments created by the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) in 1952 following a complex realignment of future channel allocations, [[FCC#Freeze of 1948|a process that took nearly five years]]. The combined Cleveland–[[Akron]]–[[Canton, Ohio|Canton]] market already had three [[very high frequency]] (VHF) stations: [[WKYC|WNBK]], [[WEWS-TV]] and [[WJW (TV)|WXEL]],<ref name="AkronB19531204p 2">{{Cite news |date=December 4, 1953 |title=WHK To Have TV Station |page=36 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153692/whk-to-have-tv-station/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014210/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110153692/whk-to-have-tv-station/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> as well as future UHF outlet [[WAKR-TV]] in Akron.<ref name="WAKR Day One">{{Cite news |last=Cullison |first=Art |date=July 20, 1953 |title=Excellent Reception Highlights WAKR-TV |pages=1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66187757/excellent-reception-highlights-wakr-tv/ 2] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66187676/excellent-reception-highlights-wakr-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121204917/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66187676/excellent-reception-highlights-wakr-tv/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Prior to the 1952 allotment table's release, the FCC designated channel&nbsp;19 as Cleveland's lone UHF allotment, which [[WHKW|WGAR]], [[WJMO|WERE]], [[WHK (AM)|WHK]] and [[WKNR|WJW]]—all radio stations that unsuccessfully filed for a VHF license—jointly protested against.<ref name="CPD19510530p36">{{cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=May 30, 1951 |title=WHK Applies For Color TV Permit: Asks Channel 19; Carpenter Hails New Era |page=36 |newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]] |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zpdkchbwiarguhlyzkszqdchfbmagqos_wma-gateway016_1666818676886 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027120640/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zpdkchbwiarguhlyzkszqdchfbmagqos_wma-gateway016_1666818676886 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Agora - Cleveland, OH (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.29|[[WHK (AM)|WHK]], which held an unbuilt permit for WHK-TV from 1953 to 1960, planned to have studios at the WHK Auditorium, now the [[Agora Theatre]].|left]]
WHK owner United Broadcasting Company (the autonomous broadcast arm of the Forest City Publishing Company, parent of ''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' and the ''[[Cleveland News]]'')<ref name="Shaw">{{cite book |last=Shaw |first=Archer H. |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.58361 |title=The Plain Dealer: One Hundred Years in Cleveland |publisher=[[Alfred A. Knopf]]; reissued [[Nabu Press]], 2011 |year=1942 |isbn=978-1179978260 |edition=1st |location=New York, New York |pages=383–384 |quote=These stations are not operated in co-operation with the ''Plain Dealer''. They are not used to promote the interests of the paper. Probably few radio listeners are aware of the ownership of these particular stations. This fact, if it is a fact, accords perfectly with the wishes of the ''Plain Dealer''.}}</ref> applied with the FCC to construct a station on channel&nbsp;19 on May 29, 1951, that would transmit in all-[[Color television|color]]; station president Harry K. Carpenter called the application a "new era" for WHK,{{r|CPD19510530p36}} the first commercially licensed radio station in Ohio.<ref name="CPD19531204p1">{{cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=December 4, 1953 |title=Fifth TV Station Here to Be Erected by WHK |pages=1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//hbrkydtsqifpmxfbifrausstkkmssucu_wma-gateway013_1666818447183 38] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zcycvwkshomtltdlcdssjspkjgquxydw_wma-gateway019_1666818325705 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128064306/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zcycvwkshomtltdlcdssjspkjgquxydw_wma-gateway019_1666818325705 |url-status=live }}</ref> WJW also filed a bid for channel&nbsp;19 but withdrew after determining it would not be economically feasible; WJW owner William O'Neill remarked, "I think I'd rather stay in the radio business and make a little money than go bankrupt with radio and TV;"<ref name="CPD19530930p32">{{cite news |last=Condon |first=George E. |date=September 30, 1953 |title=WJW Drops TV Channel Bid; OK for WHK Expected |page=32 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//yuutpbzdquhmultmjxrqvhqowgyeoscw_wma-gateway019_1666818704485 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027035012/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//yuutpbzdquhmultmjxrqvhqowgyeoscw_wma-gateway019_1666818704485 |url-status=live }}</ref> WJW's interest in the channel 19 license became moot the following year when WXEL parent [[Storer Communications]] purchased WJW and rebranded the TV station under the WJW-TV call sign. A [[construction permit]] was awarded to WHK on December 3, 1953, six months after WERE owner Cleveland Broadcasting was awarded a permit for a station on channel&nbsp;65.{{r|AkronB19531204p 2}} WHK management aimed to sign on WHK-TV from their [[Agora Theatre and Ballroom|Euclid Ave. facilities]], converted from a movie theater with the intent of housing a TV station, by August 1954.{{r|CPD19531204p1}} The proposed WHK-TV remained a permit, however, and when WHK and [[WMMS|WHK-FM]] (100.7) were sold to [[Metromedia|Dumont Broadcasting]] in 1958,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 10, 1958 |title=Closed circuit |id={{ProQuest|1285754426}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-02-10-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=54 |issue=6 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127033325/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-02-10-BC.pdf |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> a deadline extension request for WHK-TV necessitated a hearing for the transaction by the FCC.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 21, 1958 |title=Changing Hands |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-04-21-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=54 |issue=16 |page=58 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108155436/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-04-21-BC.pdf |id={{ProQuest|1401225504}} |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Ultimately unbuilt, the permits for WHK-TV and WERE-TV were two of seven unbuilt UHFs in Ohio, and two of 54 nationwide, that the FCC cancelled on February 19, 1960.<ref name="Newark19600220p25">{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1960 |title=FCC Acting To Cancel Permits To TV Stations |page=25 |newspaper=The Newark Advocate |agency=Associated Press |location=Newark, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110183125/fcc-acting-to-cancel-permits-to-tv/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926014212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110183125/fcc-acting-to-cancel-permits-to-tv/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
[[File:Former Cleveland Mayor argues against proposed rail wage cut. Washington, D.C., Oct. 17. Roy T. Miller, former Mayor of Cleveland, today argues against the proposed rail wage cut for the LCCN2016874162 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.56|[[Ray T. Miller]]|alt=refer to caption]]
Following the failure of the WHK permit, ''The Plain Dealer'' itself filed for an application on July 17, 1962, spurred by passage of the [[All-Channel Receiver Act]],<ref name="CPD19620718p14">{{cite news |date=July 18, 1962 |title=UHF Television License Sought by Plain Dealer |page=14 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tbilnvvhzvdkfeyddvlacspdpybnmcrf_wma-gateway012_1666818888502 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027020453/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tbilnvvhzvdkfeyddvlacspdpybnmcrf_wma-gateway012_1666818888502 |url-status=live }}</ref> but withdrew their bid by that September, with publisher Thomas V. H. Vail citing the economic uncertainty of UHF.<ref name="CPD19620905p12">{{cite news |date=September 5, 1962 |title=PD Withdraws TV Channel Application |page=12 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//gogomoyturckcoxuauxhahzdfxhiewvj_wma-gateway017_1666818957896 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027102114/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//gogomoyturckcoxuauxhahzdfxhiewvj_wma-gateway017_1666818957896 |url-status=live }}</ref> Community Telecasters of Cleveland Inc., led by attorney Charles W. Steadman,<ref name="CPD19641118p40">{{cite news |last=Beam |first=Alvin |date=November 18, 1964 |title=Ch. 19...When? Bill Gordon to Get 'Apartment 19'..IF.. |page=40 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//leeuyysxrqhpgsztmhcsepdbgssymehg_wma-gateway010_1666819202440 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027053538/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//leeuyysxrqhpgsztmhcsepdbgssymehg_wma-gateway010_1666819202440 |url-status=live }}</ref> was the next to file on April 19, 1963, and was soon being joined by another attempt from Cleveland Broadcasting and WERE.<ref name="CPD19771122p4C">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=November 22, 1977 |title='To be or not to be,' that's the question at Channel 19 |page=4C |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xdwinhwtlievzqaiuhrcmrmmkhpukzqj_wma-gateway013_1666820028022 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027014946/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xdwinhwtlievzqaiuhrcmrmmkhpukzqj_wma-gateway013_1666820028022 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cleveland Broadcasting was awarded the permit on November 12, 1964, with president [[Ray T. Miller]] teasing the idea of their station as the flagship of a 40-station regional UHF network,<ref name="CPD19641114p20">{{cite news |date=November 14, 1964 |title=Miller Sketches Plans: 40-Station Network UHF Hope for City |page=20 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ucpefcijkalpktexzqhjotuugpvuojtg_wma-gateway003_1666819133254 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027014943/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ucpefcijkalpktexzqhjotuugpvuojtg_wma-gateway003_1666819133254 |url-status=live }}</ref> and WERE host Bill Gordon was considered for a nighly talk show.{{r|CPD19641118p40}} Construction was delayed after Community Telecasters appealed the permit,{{r|CPD19641118p40}} which Cleveland Broadcasting eventually gave up{{r|CPD19771122p4C}} in part due to Miller's 1966 death<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1966 |title=Ray T. Miller Sr. Is Dead at 73 |pages=1, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ray-t-miller-sr-democratic-warrior-dead/uxqipjxpzstewrfypfgzqtyiavwbbkap_wma-gateway009_1686292256267 8] |work=The Plain Dealer |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/ray-t-miller-sr-dead-73/xrosqzguhtorhsybbaqppigvrqstjehv_wma-gateway003_1686292205714}}</ref> and the eventual sale of the company itself.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 27, 1968 |title=Closed Circuit: Group transfer |id={{ProQuest|1014519700}} |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1968/1968-05-27-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120235124/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1968/1968-05-27-BC.pdf |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Community Telecasters was award a permit of their own on May 22, 1968,<ref name="AkronB19681128p 51">{{Cite news |date=November 28, 1968 |title=New TV Station |page=B1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112068647/new-tv-station/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026203519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112068647/new-tv-station/ |url-status=live }}</ref> dismissing a competing bid from [[WCCR (AM)|WIXY]]-[[WDOK]] owner Westchester Corp.{{r|CPD19690723a}} While the permit was assigned the [[call sign]] WCTF-TV, the construction process stalled with no indication of any potential sign-on date; by comparison, [[Kaiser Broadcasting]] signed on [[WKBF-TV]]<ref name="CPD19680120p12">{{cite news |date=January 20, 1968 |title=Channel 61 Is on Air Today |page=12 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220626/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tjegprzrusyfxvmfgqhiumrmwcdmgzox_wma-gateway008_1662872083680 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref> and [[United Artists]] signed on [[WUAB]]<ref name="AkronB19680913p 43">{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=September 13, 1968 |title=WUAB (43) Joins The TV Family |page=D3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110317467/wuab-43-joins-the-tv-family/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223333/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110317467/wuab-43-joins-the-tv-family/ |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> within months of their respective permits being granted. Moreover, both stations were well-financed with existing program inventories whereas Community Telecasters was a local group with limited funds.<ref name="CPD19690723a">{{cite news |last=Burkhardt |first=Karl R. |date=July 23, 1969 |title=Channel 19 Is Having Problems Getting on Air |page=19A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//emvjrqnjkitouirtvqvooprupsjclbbj_wma-gateway008_1664310973134 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027023444/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//emvjrqnjkitouirtvqvooprupsjclbbj_wma-gateway008_1664310973134 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Joseph T. Zingale.jpg|thumb|upright=0.62|Joseph T. Zingale|alt=refer to caption]]
Joseph T. Zingale, a former partner in Westchester Corp.,{{r|CPD19771122p4C}} offered to purchase the channel&nbsp;19 permit on August 23, 1972, for $300,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|300000|1972}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref name="CPD19720824p11D">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=August 24, 1972 |title=Sale of Permit Brings Hope of Channel 19 on Air in '73 |page=11D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wdybgdcprgoopsqbokxiyzwkkmsgjhoc_wma-gateway016_1666819332170 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128050248/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wdybgdcprgoopsqbokxiyzwkkmsgjhoc_wma-gateway016_1666819332170 |url-status=live }}</ref> Zingale was an investor in several syndicates tied to his cousin [[Nick Mileti]], including the [[Cleveland Indians]],<ref name="AkronB19720306p 23">{{Cite news |last=Patterson |first=Jack |date=March 6, 1972 |title=Tribe Sold: Mileti's Purchase For $9 Million Leaves Many Questions |page=B3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066567/tribe-sold-miletis-purchase-for-9/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026203520/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066567/tribe-sold-miletis-purchase-for-9/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and [[Cleveland Crusaders]], but Zingale said, "...that doesn't necessarily mean anything."{{r|CPD19720824p11D}} He also held ownership stakes in the [[Richfield Coliseum]]<ref name="AkronB19750906p 19">{{Cite news |last=Lally |first=Charles |date=September 6, 1975 |title=Mileti stake cut: Coliseum stock shifts revealed |page=B1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066761/mileti-stake-cut-coliseum-stock-shifts/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026203518/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066761/mileti-stake-cut-coliseum-stock-shifts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[WTAM|WWWE]]-[[WMJI|WWWM]] parent Ohio Communications, both through Mileti,<ref name="AkronB19771023p 43">{{Cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |author-link=Sheldon Ocker |date=October 23, 1977 |title=Cavaliers report profit of $96,569 |page=D3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066646/cavaliers-report-profit-of-96569/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026203520/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066646/cavaliers-report-profit-of-96569/ |url-status=live }}</ref> held a 2.36&nbsp;percent stake in Westchester's successor, [[Globetrotters Communications|Globetrotter Communications]]<ref name="CPD19731027p15A">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=October 27, 1973 |title=Dialing Around |page=15A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nthholupdqevjektovoreemrhdlezyup_wma-gateway011_1666819688333 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027020439/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nthholupdqevjektovoreemrhdlezyup_wma-gateway011_1666819688333 |url-status=live }}</ref> and owned the [[World TeamTennis]] franchise [[Cleveland Nets]].<ref name="CPD19730726p1F">{{cite news |last=Passan |first=Rich |date=July 26, 1973 |title=Cleveland Bounces Into Team Tennis, Gets 13th Pick in Draft |pages=1F, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//oocaqtjkbctgfpmddqzbcfzjajcooyoc_wma-gateway020_1666819556090 3F] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ztbghigkezicwnuqigyspizomfeypbaq_wma-gateway012_1666819491131 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027115120/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ztbghigkezicwnuqigyspizomfeypbaq_wma-gateway012_1666819491131 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19770506p 26">{{Cite news |last=Melody |first=Tom |date=May 6, 1977 |title=Nets a good show, but... |page=B6 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066710/nets-a-good-show-but/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026203519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112066710/nets-a-good-show-but/ |url-status=live }}</ref> United Artists protested the sale, citing these varied ownership interests in multiple professional sports teams, four radio stations and a television station as "a dangerous concentration of power", which Zingale called "a delaying tactic".<ref name="CPD19730118p6E">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=January 18, 1973 |title=Channel 43 Petitions FCC: TV Bid of Mileti's Kin Protested |page=6E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//stirsyccquktavezhyzraxnhvlkezaar_wma-gateway007_1666819607958 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027102110/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//stirsyccquktavezhyzraxnhvlkezaar_wma-gateway007_1666819607958 |url-status=live }}</ref> Retrospectively, Zingale later disclosed he intended on channel&nbsp;19 being "a sports-oriented station".{{r|CPD19780712p4E}} The FCC rejected United Artists' claims and approved the transfer on October 26, 1973, with Zingale planning to launch the station under the WZIN-TV calls{{r|CPD19730726p1F}} "in about a year".{{r|CPD19731027p15A}} Zingale rescinded the purchase in February 1974 due to a price dispute.{{r|CPD19760516pF7}}

United Artists then offered to purchase the existing WCTF-TV permit for $250,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|250000|1975}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) and concurrently applied to change WUAB's dial position from channel&nbsp;43 to 19, both on January 7, 1975; WUAB manager Jack Moffitt claimed channel&nbsp;19 would allow for upgraded reception in neighboring places like [[Lorain, Ohio]], WUAB's [[city of license]].<ref name="CPD19750108p4D">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=January 8, 1975 |title=WUAB to ask for Channel 19 |pages=4D–[https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//niuipktvuevprhetavazdxekjomgkdzs_wma-gateway015_1666819792554 5D] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//vptioybehugxozdckkkmnympaoiipuop_wma-gateway010_1666819734334 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027113633/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//vptioybehugxozdckkkmnympaoiipuop_wma-gateway010_1666819734334 |url-status=live }}</ref> By April, United Artists purchased WKBF-TV's non-license assets from Kaiser, which shut down that station after years of mounting financial losses.<ref name="CPD19750409p1A">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |title=Channel 61 to go off air |pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//zlonygvdwsuurqambrnrivzdpcuuglvp_wma-gateway013_1662872241580 6A] |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923220632/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ayeztagsgmppleuwxkafcgsbxoktuazk_wma-gateway014_1662872204979 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank}}</ref><ref name="WUABonlyU">{{Cite magazine |date=April 14, 1975 |title=Kaiser to quit Cleveland, leaving UA with only U |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=88 |issue=15 |page=52 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926010710/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-04-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> Zingale, however, renewed his intentions to secure the permit<ref name="CPD19750306p2E">{{cite news |date=March 6, 1975 |title=Zingale again interested in Channel 19 |pages=2E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bwotcrdznleeubwxecjxsuloacnteyla_wma-gateway003_1666819850988 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027105122/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//bwotcrdznleeubwxecjxsuloacnteyla_wma-gateway003_1666819850988 |url-status=live }}</ref> and filed a protest against the permit sale.<ref name="CPD19760516pF7">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 16, 1976 |title=Fifth TV Station Could Be Successful |page=FIVE-7 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=http://www.avsforum.com/photopost/data/2223201/5/56/56f5674d_CleveTV51676.jpeg |url-status=live |access-date=March 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004222831/https://www.avsforum.com/d1/photopost/data/2223201/5/56/56f5674d_CleveTV51676.jpeg |archive-date=October 4, 2022}}</ref> An FCC review board refused to extend WCTF-TV's permit deadline in April 1976, effectively taking it away.<ref name="CPD19760428p4B">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=April 28, 1976 |title=Channel 19 pattern is holding a while |page=4B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tokvyvpddbddrnrxhtlrabwkrxbnzlpc_wma-gateway014_1666819924146 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027090552/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//tokvyvpddbddrnrxhtlrabwkrxbnzlpc_wma-gateway014_1666819924146 |url-status=live }}</ref> Community Telecasters then appealed to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit|United States Court of Appeals in Washington]],{{r|CPD19771122p4C}} which upheld the decision in May 1978.<ref name="CPD19780511p11E">{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=May 11, 1978 |title='To be or not to be' is TV-19's question |pages=11E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//mlckgiitwdgnuufwttpnwhpeahuqsfvt_wma-gateway013_1666820091419 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027095102/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//mlckgiitwdgnuufwttpnwhpeahuqsfvt_wma-gateway013_1666820091419 |url-status=live }}</ref>