Editing WSVN (section)

== The first WCKT (1956–1962) ==
=== Competing license applicants ===
{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| align             = left
| width             = 175px
| image1            = James M. Cox 1920 (cropped2).jpg
| image2            = John S. Knight on Wall Street with newspaper.jpg
| image3            = Niles_Trammell.jpg
| alt1              = closeup picture of James M. Cox from 1920
| alt2              = A picture of newspaper publisher John S. Knight, holding a folded up newspaper under his left armpit
| caption1          = James M. Cox
| caption2          = [[John S. Knight]]
| caption3          = Niles Trammell
| header            = Biscayne Television Corp. main partners
}}

Due to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) imposing [[FCC#Freeze of 1948|a freeze on additional television licenses]] on September 30, 1948,<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |last=Crater |first=Rufus |date=October 4, 1948 |title=Television Freeze: FCC Action Halted Pending Definite Policy |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |pages=22A, 57 |volume=35 |issue=14 |id={{ProQuest|1040475180}}}}|{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1948 |title=TV Freeze: Generally Approved by Industry |work=Broadcasting |page=28 |volume=35 |issue=15 |id={{ProQuest|1285668301}}}}}}</ref> the Miami market had only one television station in operation during that period: WTVJ, which signed on the air on March 21, 1949.<ref name="Miam520412">{{Cite news|date=April 12, 1952|title=TV Thaw Due But Long Lag Seen In Miami|page=B1|newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94672179/tv-thaw-due-but-long-lag-seen-in-miami/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210203551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94672179/tv-thaw-due-but-long-lag-seen-in-miami/|url-status=live}}</ref> In preparation for the freeze being lifted, [[WIOD]] radio and the ''[[Miami Daily News]]''—jointly controlled by publisher [[James M. Cox]]—filed an application with the FCC for a new station on [[very high frequency]] (VHF) channel 7 on May 26, 1952. WIOD and the ''News'' proposed in the application to build a studio valued at $1.25&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1250000|1952}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) at WIOD's transmission towers on the [[79th Street Causeway (Miami)|79th Street Causeway]].<ref name="Miam520525">{{Cite news|date=May 25, 1952|title=$1,250,000 TV Station Is Proposed By WIOD; New FCC Application Asks Use Of Channel 7|page=1|newspaper=[[The Miami News]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94671982/1250000-tv-station-is-proposed-by/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94671982/1250000-tv-station-is-proposed-by/|url-status=live}}</ref> The WIOD-''News'' application was met with a competing application filed several weeks later by [[WQAM]] owner Miami Broadcasting Company,<ref name="Miam520629">{{Cite news|date=June 29, 1952|title=WGBS Seeks Channel 10 TV Outlet|page=12|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94675009/wgbs-seeks-channel-10-tv-outlet/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210211048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94675009/wgbs-seeks-channel-10-tv-outlet/|url-status=live}}</ref> controlled by ''[[Miami Herald]]'' publisher [[John S. Knight]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 12, 1945|title=Miami-Herald Buys WQAM; Newark News to Get WBYN|volume=28|page=14|work=Broadcasting|issue=7|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1945/1945-02-12-BC.pdf|access-date=January 31, 2020|via=World Radio History|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201150956/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1945/1945-02-12-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Faced with the possibility of protracted competitive hearings before the FCC lasting last two to three years, Cox and Knight withdrew their bids and filed a joint application as Biscayne Television Corporation, operating autonomously from either newspaper and with former [[NBC]] president Niles Trammell as its president.<ref name="Miam521208">{{Cite news|date=December 8, 1952|title=Niles Trammell Heads Joint Move For TV Outlet Here|page=1|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94675344/niles-trammell-heads-joint-move-for-tv/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210211048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94675344/niles-trammell-heads-joint-move-for-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Trammell, who joined NBC in 1929 and parent [[RCA]] in 1923, was credited for developing much of the network's talent<ref name="Miam560729">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack E.|date=July 29, 1956|title=Veteran Heads WCKT|page=H1|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94800381/veteran-heads-wckt/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215005737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94800381/veteran-heads-wckt/|url-status=live}}</ref> and organized Biscayne after convincing Cox and Knight to collaborate rather than compete.{{r|Miam600614}} Biscayne would purchase WIOD from Cox, while Knight would divest WQAM to meet regulatory approval;<ref name="Miam540120">{{Cite news|date=January 20, 1954|title=FCC Sets Hearings On Channel 7 Bids|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94815426/fcc-sets-hearings-on-channel-7-bids/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212204535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94815426/fcc-sets-hearings-on-channel-7-bids/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cox and Knight would each hold 42.5 percent of company stock, with Trammell holding the remaining 15 percent.{{r|Miam550119}}

Despite this new joint venture, the application found itself as one of 12 competing applications for four channel allotments in the market: VHF channels 7 and 10 and [[ultra high frequency]] (UHF) channels 27 and 33.<ref name="Miam530426">{{Cite news|date=April 26, 1953|title=12 TV Applicants Create Jam, Stall New Station Here|page=9|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94636873/12-tv-applicants-create-jam-stall-new/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210225356/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94636873/12-tv-applicants-create-jam-stall-new/|url-status=live}}</ref> In particular, Biscayne Television faced three competing applications for channel 7, including one from two [[Davenport, Iowa]], residents;<ref name="Miam530114">{{Cite news|date=January 14, 1953|title=Group Seeks UHF Video Outlet Here|page=19|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94681669/group-seeks-uhf-video-outlet-here/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210225355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94681669/group-seeks-uhf-video-outlet-here/|url-status=live}}</ref> Florida [[United States Senate|Sen.]] [[George Smathers]] warned of a possibility that Miami might not have another television station sign on before 1958 due to the number of competing applications.{{r|Miam530426}} The number of applicants for a channel 7 license increased to five on December 16, 1953, after [[real estate]] developer Sidney Ansin filed one under the [[Sunbeam Television|Sunbeam Television Corp.]] name. Ansin included a proposal for studios located in Miami's [[Allapattah]] neighborhood and encompassing his existing six-block Park-and-Shop City development dubbed "Television City", with sons Ronald and [[Edmund Ansin]] assisting.<ref name="Miam531216">{{Cite news|date=December 16, 1953|title='Television City' Eyed By Channel 7 Applicant|page=6|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94636504/television-city-eyed-by-channel-7/|access-date=February 10, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210225357/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94636504/television-city-eyed-by-channel-7/|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally a [[shoe maker]] from [[Massachusetts]], Sidney relocated to [[Miami Beach, Florida]], in 1941<ref name="Miam540617">{{Cite news|date=June 17, 1954|title=Channel 7 Hearings Concluding Today|page=4C|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94814052/channel-7-hearings-concluding-today/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215000131/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94814052/channel-7-hearings-concluding-today/|url-status=live}}</ref> and later sold land to [[Mitchell Wolfson]] for WTVJ's transmission tower after the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) rezoned it for broadcasting; this became the source for his interest in the medium.{{r|Miam870525}} Sidney filed an application after consulting a friend in [[Washington, D.C.]],{{r|Miam870525}} and included Ronald and Edmund—both [[Harvard University]] students—when they expressed interest.{{r|Miam540617}}

After the Davenport-based group withdrew their bid,<ref name="Miam540210">{{Cite news|date=February 10, 1954|title=TV Applicants Ask Dismissal|page=6B|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94815741/tv-applicants-ask-dismissal/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212204534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94815741/tv-applicants-ask-dismissal/|url-status=live}}</ref> hearings were scheduled to begin on February 19, 1954, for the four remaining applicants—Biscayne, Sunbeam, East Coast Television Corporation, and South Florida Television Corporation—supervised by FCC examiner James D. Cunningham.{{r|Miam540120}} All four applicants agreed to a timetable of informal conferences with Cunningham so as to reduce the amount of needed testimony to one-tenth of what normal applications called for.<ref name="Miam540220">{{Cite news|date=February 20, 1954|title=Channel 7 Applicants Huddle|page=4A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94852589/channel-7-applicants-huddle/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213061209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94852589/channel-7-applicants-huddle/|url-status=live}}</ref> Biscayne was the first to complete their case in mid-May,<ref name="Miam540518">{{Cite news|date=May 18, 1954|title=FCC Hears Plea By WIOD Chief|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817243/fcc-hears-plea-by-wiod-chief/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213061222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817243/fcc-hears-plea-by-wiod-chief/|url-status=live}}</ref> with Cox and Knight extolling the accomplishments of both the ''News'' and ''Herald''; Cox cited the ''News''{{'}}s coverage of [[Al Capone]]'s 1929 move to Miami, while Knight referenced multiple awards given to the ''Herald'' for public service, with both newspapers being [[Pulitzer Prize]] recipients.<ref name="Miam540519">{{Cite news|date=May 19, 1954|title=First Plea Heard For TV Channel 7|page=5B|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817181/first-plea-heard-for-tv-channel-7/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213061211/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817181/first-plea-heard-for-tv-channel-7/|url-status=live}}</ref> East Coast was primarily represented by Lee Phillips, a former WTVJ employee,<ref name="Miam540602">{{Cite news|date=June 2, 1954|title=FCC Resumes Hearing on Channel 7|page=12A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817124/fcc-resumes-hearing-on-channel-7/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213061213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817124/fcc-resumes-hearing-on-channel-7/|url-status=live}}</ref> while South Florida Television president Jack C. Stein testified that his corporation consisted of Miami-based [[shareholder]]s and was best able to represent the interests of Miamians.<ref name="Miam540609">{{Cite news|date=June 9, 1954|title=South Florida's Quiz Near End On Channel 7|page=7A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817038/south-floridas-quiz-near-end-on/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215000059/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817038/south-floridas-quiz-near-end-on/|url-status=live}}</ref> The last to present, Sidney Ansin stated on Sunbeam's behalf that he believed television "presented a wonderful future" and was described as the organization's "moving spirit".{{r|Miam540617}} All four applicants completed their case summaries by mid-August.<ref name="Miam540817">{{Cite news|date=August 17, 1954|title=TV Applicants File FCC Briefs|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=United Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817089/tv-applicants-file-fcc-briefs/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213061216/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817089/tv-applicants-file-fcc-briefs/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cunningham delivered his recommendation for Biscayne Television on January 18, 1955; in response, Trammell announced the new station's planned affiliation with NBC while also saying, "while it would be improper to anticipate when the commission will confirm Mr. Cunningham's report, Biscayne hopes to be in operation as shortly thereafter as possible."<ref name="Miam550119">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=January 19, 1955|title=New TV Station Gets Nod|pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817343/new-tv-station-gets-nod-p2/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817306/new-tv-station-gets-nod/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213061220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94817306/new-tv-station-gets-nod/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Awarding the license ===
[[File:WCKT_opening_day_ad.jpg|thumb|WCKT's first day of operations took place on July 29, 1956.]]
The FCC's broadcast bureau challenged Cunningham's recommendation of Biscayne due to Cox and Knight's ownership of the city's two daily newspapers, stating it undermined the commission's policy of encouraging diversity in mass media ownership and risked creating a competitive imbalance in the Miami market.<ref name="Miam550224">{{Cite news|date=February 24, 1955|title=FCC Bureau Challenges Miami TV Report|page=9A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94931275/fcc-bureau-challenges-miami-tv-report/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214235102/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94931275/fcc-bureau-challenges-miami-tv-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dade County [[Central Labor Union]] (CLU), the [[American Federation of Labor]] (AFL),<ref name="Miam550315">{{Cite news|date=March 15, 1955|title=AFL Hits 'Monopoly' Of News|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977731/afl-hits-monopoly-of-news/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214232650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977731/afl-hits-monopoly-of-news/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[American Civil Liberties Union]] (ACLU) all filed protests with the FCC, with the CLU's protest citing both newspapers holding anti-labor policies,<ref name="Miam550615">{{Cite news|date=June 15, 1955|title=CLU Hits Anew at TV Request|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94974769/clu-hits-anew-at-tv-request/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214232656/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94974769/clu-hits-anew-at-tv-request/|url-status=live}}</ref> but these were dismissed.<ref name="Miam550503">{{Cite news|date=May 3, 1955|title=Channel 7 Decision Under Study|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94975070/channel-7-decision-under-study/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214232655/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94975070/channel-7-decision-under-study/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC formally awarded the license to Biscayne on January 20, 1956,<ref name="Miam560121">{{Cite news|date=January 21, 1956|title=Channel 7 Award Made|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94972700/channel-7-award-made/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214232651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94972700/channel-7-award-made/|url-status=live}}</ref> by a 5–2 vote among the commissioners.{{r|Miam600612}} Losing applicants East Coast Television, South Florida Television, and Sunbeam filed appeals with the [[United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit|United States Court of Appeals in Washington]] and were joined by a separate joint appeal filed by [[Storer Broadcasting]], owner of [[Fort Lauderdale]]–licensed [[WGBS-TV]] (channel 23), and Gerico Investment, owners of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[WITV (Florida)|WITV]] (channel 17).<ref name="Miam560222">{{Cite news|date=February 22, 1956|title=Four Firms Appeal Channel 7 Award|page=6A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94963104/four-firms-appeal-channel-7-award/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215010027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94963104/four-firms-appeal-channel-7-award/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Storer-Gerico appeal was filed to prevent WCKT's sign-on until the FCC agreed to a policy of allowing only VHF or UHF stations to be built in a given market but was dismissed.<ref name="Miam560310">{{Cite news|last=Colbert|first=Haines|date=March 10, 1956|title=Channel 7 To Start Telecasting In June|pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94637019/channel-7-to-start-telecasting-in-june/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94637009/channel-7-to-start-telecasting-in-june/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214061053/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94637009/channel-7-to-start-telecasting-in-june/|url-status=live}}</ref> Biscayne revealed the WCKT [[call sign]] for their channel 7 license on March 10, 1956, standing for the Cox-Knight-Trammell partnership.<ref name="Miam560318">{{Cite news|last=Roberts|first=Jack W.|date=March 18, 1956|title=Channel 7 To Be One Of Leaders|pages=11, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94964368/channel-7-to-be-one-of-leaders-p2/ 18]:Amusements|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94964304/channel-7-to-be-one-of-leaders/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214231844/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94964304/channel-7-to-be-one-of-leaders/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Confirming Trammell's intentions one year earlier, WCKT would sign on as the market's NBC affiliate, while WIOD was purchased by Biscayne, renamed WCKR and joined the [[NBC Radio Network]].<ref name="Miam560311">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=March 11, 1956|title=Here's the First Look at New WCKT Television Studio|page=9B|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94963752/heres-the-first-look-at-new-wckt/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214232653/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94963752/heres-the-first-look-at-new-wckt/|url-status=live}}</ref> This resulted in the network terminating its existing affiliation with WGBS-TV,<ref name="StorerEquipSale">{{Cite news|date=April 8, 1957|title=Storer's Miami UHF Shuts Down; Equipment Sold to WPST-TV|volume=51|page=9|work=Broadcasting-Telecasting|issue=14|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-04-08-BC.pdf|access-date=December 2, 2017|via=World Radio History|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308025007/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-04-08-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> which was forced to convert into an [[Independent station|independent]].<ref name="Miam560728">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=July 28, 1956|title=Incomplete WCKT Is Impressive|page=20B|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94898498/incomplete-wckt-is-impressive/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213214247/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94898498/incomplete-wckt-is-impressive/|url-status=live}}</ref> Groundbreaking for the new combined radio-television studios at the WCKR transmitter site<ref name="Miam531124">{{Cite news|date=November 24, 1953|title=Huge Radio-TV Station Sought For Miami Area|page=10A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94636236/huge-radio-tv-station-sought-for-miami/|access-date=February 12, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214061051/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94636236/huge-radio-tv-station-sought-for-miami/|url-status=live}}</ref> took place on March 20, 1956; Trammell promised the facility would be completed by June.<ref name="Miam560320">{{Cite news|last=Sosin|first=Milt|date=March 20, 1956|title=TV's New WCKT Building Is Begun|page=7A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94931066/tvs-new-wckt-building-is-begun/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214061049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94931066/tvs-new-wckt-building-is-begun/|url-status=live}}</ref> In order to prevent [[Interference (communication)|interference]] from WCKR's towers, $25,000 worth of [[copper]] [[sheeting]] ({{Inflation|index=US|value=250000|start_year=1956|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}) was installed around the entire building, encasing it to create "a shield within a shield".<ref name="MiamiN19560729p24">{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1956 |title=Huge Studio Of WCKT Can Take Any 'Live' Show Produced Now |page=10B |newspaper=The Miami News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97868391/huge-studio-of-wckt-can-take-any-live/ |access-date=March 22, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The building was still partially unfinished when WCKT took to the air on July 29, 1956, with an open house to the general public set to take place by the fall.{{r|Miam560728}} Promotion manager Bob Nashick had an idea for an extravagant opening ceremony including [[Water skiing|water-skiers]] and [[skydivers]], saying, "I want to see the biggest [[traffic jam]] in history on the Causeway"; this was rejected by management.<ref name="Miam760731">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=July 31, 1976|title=Happy Birthday, Ch. 7; It's Been Twenty Years|page=4B|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94946943/happy-birthday-ch-7-its-been/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214231849/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94946943/happy-birthday-ch-7-its-been/|url-status=live}}</ref> Writing for the ''Herald'', Jack Anderson described the facility as "impressive" but noted the absence of a [[parking lot]], saying, "it would help to have some [[Swiss Alps|Swiss]] [[mountain climbing]] experience to get into the building."{{r|Miam560728}} Dedication of the building took place on November 10, 1956, with multiple dignitaries and politicians in attendance including [[Florida governor]] [[LeRoy Collins]], Sen. George Smathers, FCC chairman [[George McConnaughey]], and commissioner [[John C. Doerfer]]; WCKT and WCKR broadcast the dedication live.<ref name="Miam561111">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack E.|date=November 11, 1956|title=WCKT Dedication Attracts 1,200|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94970431/wckt-dedication-attracts-1200/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214231845/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94970431/wckt-dedication-attracts-1200/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Signing on under Biscayne ===
[[File:WCKT_Peabody_award_1961_ad.jpg|thumb|475x475px|Advertisement promoting WCKT's 1960 Peabody Award, the station's first.]]
At launch, WCKT's newscasts were handled by Gordon Shaw in mornings, news director Charles Harrison in early evenings, and Phil Kelleher in late evenings. The station also boasted "a completely equipped" [[newsroom]] located adjacent to the main studio.<ref name="Miam560729p7H">{{Cite news|date=July 29, 1956|title=Top Newsmen Map Coverage Of South Florida For WCKT|page=7H|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94883872/top-newsmen-map-coverage-of-south/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213205528/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94883872/top-newsmen-map-coverage-of-south/|url-status=live}}</ref> WCKT's debut program was a news bulletin anchored by Shaw. Jack Anderson later wrote in his ''Herald'' column that Shaw continued to smile throughout the bulletin, which included a story on a [[train derailment]].<ref name="Miam570803">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=August 3, 1957|title=WCKT Came A Long Way in a Year Of Operation; Looks to Fall, Winter|page=22A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94888383/wckt-came-a-long-way-in-a-year-of/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213205518/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94888383/wckt-came-a-long-way-in-a-year-of/|url-status=live}}</ref> The news team had radio backgrounds: Harrison was a distinguished reporter at [[Philadelphia]]'s [[WFIL]], Shaw and Kelleher were WQAM veterans, and assistant news director Gene Strul was previously WIOD's news director.{{r|Miam560729p7H}} Under Harrison's guidance, WCKT produced its first long-form [[documentary]]—''Whispered Menace'', about [[sex psychology]] and [[Sexual abuse|molesters]]—that premiered on August 7, 1957.{{r|Miam570803}} This documentary helped WCKT win its first national award by the [[Radio-Television News Directors Association]] for outstanding televised news story, citing the station "having courage to use a news story on sexual psychopaths"; ''Whispered Menace'' was also screened at area schools and [[PTA meeting]]s.<ref name="Miam571113">{{Cite news|date=November 13, 1957|title=National Honor Won By WCKT|page=9B|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94887914/national-honor-won-by-wckt/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213205519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94887914/national-honor-won-by-wckt/|url-status=live}}</ref> After Harrison left WCKT in October 1957, veteran [[CBS News]] correspondent [[Bill Shadel]] was hired as his replacement.<ref name="Miam571024">{{Cite news|date=October 24, 1957|title=WCKT Names Newsman|page=10A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94890268/wckt-names-newsman/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214235058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94890268/wckt-names-newsman/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Miam5710242">{{Cite news|date=October 24, 1957|title=WCKT Gets Bill Schadel|page=4D|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94899138/wckt-gets-bill-schadel/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215000220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94899138/wckt-gets-bill-schadel/|url-status=live}}</ref> Within the station's first year, WCKT succeeded in achieving ratings parity against WTVJ and [[WPST-TV]]:{{r|Miam570803}} WPST's launch was expedited when WGBS-TV shut down on April 13, 1957, and Storer sold off the station's assets to WPST owner [[National Airlines (1934–1980)|National Airlines]] after they won the Miami channel 10 permit.<ref name="Miam570406">{{Cite news|date=April 6, 1957|title=WGBS-TV Sells Out To NAL|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94891583/wgbs-tv-sells-out-to-nal/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213205526/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94891583/wgbs-tv-sells-out-to-nal/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|StorerEquipSale}}

[[File:Wayne_Fariss.jpg|left|thumb|254x254px|Wayne Fariss]]
Bill Shadel left the station by May 1958 to join [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] after that network reportedly "made him an offer he couldn't resist".<ref name="Miam580514">{{Cite news|date=May 14, 1958|title=Shadel Quits Ch. 7|page=9B|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94899079/shadel-quits-ch-7/|access-date=February 13, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214061054/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94899079/shadel-quits-ch-7/|url-status=live}}</ref> WCKT hired Wayne Fariss from [[WTVT]] in [[Tampa, Florida]], where he had been that station's first newscaster,{{r|Miam621230}} to be lead anchorman starting on June 30, 1958.<ref name="Miam580619">{{Cite news|last=Rau|first=Herb|date=June 19, 1958|title=Dateline Miami|page=1B|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94931213/dateline-miami/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214061048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94931213/dateline-miami/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fariss competed against top-rated [[Ralph Renick]] at WTVJ, who in the August 1959 [[Arbitron ratings]] held a 23.8 share{{efn|According to [[Nielsen Media Research]], a share is a percentage of the total number of households with a television set in use that are tuned to a television network, station or program at a given time. A rating is a percentage of the total population tuned into a specific television network, station or program.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nielsen Media Research's Glossary of Media Terms|at=Glossary Search ''Share''|url=http://www.nielsenmedia.com/glossary/index.htm|author=Nielsen Media Research|access-date=November 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713105550/http://www.nielsenmedia.com/glossary/index.htm|archive-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref>}} at 6:30&nbsp;p.m; this prompted WCKT to move Fariss's early-evening newscast to 6&nbsp;p.m., in between the station's late-afternoon movie<ref name="Miam591007">{{Cite news|last=Dunn|first=Kristine|date=October 7, 1959|title=News, Fords Buck Renick|page=7B|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94984463/news-fords-buck-renick/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215050326/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94984463/news-fords-buck-renick/|url-status=live}}</ref> hosted by [[Bob Clayton]].<ref name="MiamiH19650830p29">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack E. |date=August 30, 1965 |title=Bob Clayton Ending Miami Commitments |page=5B |newspaper=The Miami Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96207793/bob-clayton-ending-miami-commitments/ |access-date=March 12, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Fariss and reporter Ben Silver were selected by Gov. Collins to be a part of a fact-finding tour of the [[Soviet Union]] in June 1959, with Fariss providing reports to the station via radio and telephone.<ref name="Miam590607">{{Cite news|date=June 7, 1959|title=WCKT Staff Men Will Join Russia In Collins Group|page=13:Amusements Guide|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94980190/wckt-staff-men-will-join-russia-in/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215045945/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94980190/wckt-staff-men-will-join-russia-in/|url-status=live}}</ref> The station won the [[Peabody Award]] on April 19, 1961, for its coverage of the [[Cuban Revolution]] and its local ramifications including several long-form documentaries,<ref name="Miam610419">{{Cite news|date=April 19, 1961|title=WCKT-TV Honored for Cuban News|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74591292/wckt-tv-honored-for-cuban-news/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215000224/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74591292/wckt-tv-honored-for-cuban-news/|url-status=live}}</ref> which was the first time a Florida radio or television station won the award.<ref name="Miam610418">{{Cite news|date=April 18, 1961|title=WCKT-Ch. 7 Wins Peabody For Specials|page=8B|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95026462/wckt-ch-7-wins-peabody-for-specials/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215225025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95026462/wckt-ch-7-wins-peabody-for-specials/|url-status=live}}</ref> Silver's reporting of the [[Battle of Santa Clara]] in particular, alongside NBC newsman [[Herb Kaplow]] and Ed Scott, was so well received by the [[26th of July Movement]] that they regarded Silver as one of their own.<ref name="Miam590103">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=January 3, 1959|title=TV and Radio Covered Cuba Like a Blanket|page=4E|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95036906/tv-and-radio-covered-cuba-like-a-blanket/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215210514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95036906/tv-and-radio-covered-cuba-like-a-blanket/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fariss's newscasts were additionally translated in [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and simulcast over local radio beginning in 1962, with his scripts [[translated]] and [[Language interpretation|interpreted]] in real time.<ref name="Miam620807">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack E.|date=August 7, 1962|title=Fariss' News Reports Due in Spanish, Too|page=14A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74575739/farris-news-reports-due-in-spanish-too/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215011543/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74575739/farris-news-reports-due-in-spanish-too/|url-status=live}}</ref> While Fariss was originally said to deliver newscasts via notes instead of a prepared script,<ref name="Miam5806192">{{Cite news|date=June 19, 1958|title=Tampan Gets News Job At WCKT|page=13A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94984180/tampan-gets-news-job-at-wckt/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215011543/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94984180/tampan-gets-news-job-at-wckt/|url-status=live}}</ref> he eventually allowed producer David Choate to assist with any advance preparation and [[copy editing]]; Fariss was regarded as Renick's chief competition by the end of 1962.<ref name="Miam621230">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack E.|date=December 30, 1962|title=Portrait of A TV Newscaster, p2|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94985294/portrait-of-a-tv-newscaster/ 6]–7:Sunday Magazine|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74576052/portrait-of-a-tv-newscaster-p2/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215040439/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74576052/portrait-of-a-tv-newscaster-p2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite signing on, the legal battle over the WCKT license continued for nearly a full year. The Washington Court of Appeals temporarily set aside the grant of channel 7 to Biscayne on March 14, 1957, citing the FCC's failure to question any possible adverse effect from Trammell's past ties with NBC that could benefit the network. Trammell was considered by the court to be "the key figure" and "vital '[[Middle management|middle man]]'" in Biscayne's operations.<ref name="Miam570315">{{Cite news|date=March 15, 1957|title=Court Sets Aside Channel 7 Grant|page=16A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977283/court-sets-aside-channel-7-grant/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214235157/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977283/court-sets-aside-channel-7-grant/|url-status=live}}</ref> The court's ruling did not suspend or affect WCKT's license, with the FCC rejecting any proposal filed to order the station to do [[Dark (broadcasting)|dark]].<ref name="Miam570614">{{Cite news|date=June 14, 1957|title=FCC Directs Channel 7 To Stay On Air|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977153/fcc-directs-channel-7-to-stay-on-air/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214231847/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977153/fcc-directs-channel-7-to-stay-on-air/|url-status=live}}</ref> Biscayne's license grant was reaffirmed by the FCC on June 21, 1957, by a 4–2 vote.{{r|Miam590404}} The FCC gave Biscayne a [[Demerit (school discipline)|demerit]] for "possible [[conflict of interest]]" with regards to Trammell but still considered the company to be the "best qualified applicant" for the license.<ref name="Miam570622">{{Cite news|date=June 22, 1957|title=Biscayne Television Corp. Grant Reaffirmed By FCC|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94976966/biscayne-television-corp-grant/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214231850/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94976966/biscayne-television-corp-grant/|url-status=live}}</ref> The license application file was closed by the commission that December.<ref name="Miam571205">{{Cite news|date=December 5, 1957|title=FCC Closing File On Grant Of Channel 7|page=13A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977596/fcc-closing-file-on-grant-of-channel-7/|access-date=February 14, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215005748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94977596/fcc-closing-file-on-grant-of-channel-7/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== FCC ethics violations and ramifications ===
{{Quote box
| quote = "[John S.] Knight told me he knew the license had been awarded to Biscayne Television before it was announced by the FCC," said [Stephen J.] Angland. The attorney said he asked [Niles] Trammell if he had talked to any of the commissioners while the case was pending. He said Trammell replied: "I guess I made the rounds. I don't guess I missed anybody."
| author = Paul Einstein
| source = ''The Miami News''{{r|Miam580602}}
| align = right
| width = 300px
| qalign = left
| salign = right
}}
The [[House Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight]] was organized in July 1957 to investigate the practices of federal regulatory agencies.<ref name="Miam580216">{{Cite news|date=February 16, 1958|title=Leading Miamians Embroiled In FCC Probe|page=19|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94696111/leading-miamians-embroiled-in-fcc-probe/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041127/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94696111/leading-miamians-embroiled-in-fcc-probe/|url-status=live}}</ref> FCC chairman John C. Doerfer disclosed during a [[cross-examination]] on February 5, 1958, that a 1956 golf trip taken by [[Civil Aeronautics Board]] chairman James R. Durfee was paid in full by an undisclosed airline. Doerfer's testimony came as four of the seven commissioners were accused of misconduct and favoritism.<ref name="Palm580206">{{Cite news|date=February 6, 1958|title=Probers Told Airline Paid For CAB Chief's Golf Trip|page=6|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|agency=United Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94696513/probers-told-airline-paid-for-cab/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041129/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94696513/probers-told-airline-paid-for-cab/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bernard Schwartz, recently fired as subcommittee [[counsel]]<ref name="Miam5802162">{{Cite news|date=February 16, 1958|title=Meet Ex-Prober Bernard Schwartz: He Set Off Washington Fireworks|page=21|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94700125/meet-ex-prober-bernard-schwartz-he-set/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94700125/meet-ex-prober-bernard-schwartz-he-set/|url-status=live}}</ref> after alleging the committee was "trying to [[Whitewashing (censorship)|whitewash]]" behavior by [[Eisenhower administration]] officials, told reporters an unnamed commissioner (later identified as Richard Mack) engaged in [[bribery]] regarding an unspecified license application dispute.{{r|Miam580216}}

Schwartz testified under oath that Mack was paid several thousand dollars by Thurman A. Whiteside, a lawyer National Airlines retained as a "[[Fixer (person)|fixer]]", according to Schwartz.{{r|Miam580218}} Newspaper columnist [[Drew Pearson (journalist)|Drew Pearson]] reported Whiteside's payment, made before Mack became a commissioner, enabled him to rule in favor of the airline for the channel 10 license. This overruled a prior recommendation given by an independent examiner to the FCC that said the channel 10 license should be granted to [[WQVN|WKAT]] owner A. Frank Katzentine.<ref name="MiamiH19580117p6">{{Cite news |last=Pearson |first=Drew |author-link=Drew Pearson (journalist) |date=January 17, 1958 |title=Merry-Go-Round: FCC Quiz 'Too Hot To Handle' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103669396/merry-go-round-fcc-quiz-too-hot-to/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103669396/merry-go-round-fcc-quiz-too-hot-to/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=June 13, 2022 |newspaper=The Miami Herald |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Mack previously endorsed Katzentine for the channel 10 license in letters written to the FCC in 1951, while a Florida state employee.<ref name="Miam580218">{{Cite news|date=February 18, 1958|title=Did Mack 'Jilt' Katzentine on TV Station?|page=1|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94698748/did-mack-jilt-katzentine-on-tv/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041125/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94698748/did-mack-jilt-katzentine-on-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Miam580222">{{Cite news|date=February 22, 1958|title=Legislators Assail Wire-Pulling: FCC Ethics Code Urged|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709591/legislators-assail-wire-pulling-fcc/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211061419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709591/legislators-assail-wire-pulling-fcc/|url-status=live}}</ref> Whiteside testified several days later that Mack was a part-owner of Stembler-Shelden Insurance, which handled the insurance for both WPST-TV<ref name="Miam580302">{{Cite news|date=March 2, 1958|title=Political Weather Turning Stormy For Ike: Farm Policy, His Inaction Draw Attack|page=B1|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94701595/political-weather-turning-stormy-for/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041131/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94701595/political-weather-turning-stormy-for/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Biscayne Television. Trammell called the Mack connection "a complete surprise", claimed Whiteside had been opposed to Biscayne's channel 7 license bid, and said Biscayne was insured by Stembler-Shelden due to Florida law requiring the company to have a locally-based insurer.<ref name="Miam580225">{{Cite news|last=Wise|first=David|date=February 25, 1958|title=Mack Link Surprises Trammell|page=8|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=New York Herald Tribune|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94691900/mack-link-surprises-trammell/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041133/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94691900/mack-link-surprises-trammell/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) was also called in by the subcommittee to help with the investigation.{{r|Miam580216}}

Subcommittee attorney Stephen J. Angland's testimony on June 2, 1958, revealed that Knight and Trammell met with two [[Florida Power & Light]] officials—chairman McGregor Smith and vice-president Ben Fuqua—who in turn approached Mack on Biscayne's behalf.<ref name="Miam580603">{{Cite news|date=June 3, 1958|title=Pressure Is Usual, FCC Prober Finds|pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94704307/pressure-is-usual-fcc-prober-finds-p2/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94704256/pressure-is-usual-fcc-prober-finds/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041130/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94704256/pressure-is-usual-fcc-prober-finds/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fuqua, who was a personal friend of Mack, engaged in 29 telephone conversations with him over a two-year span.<ref name="Miam580602">{{Cite news|last=Einstein|first=Paul|date=June 2, 1958|title=Pressure Put On Mack For Channel 7 Is Told|pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94703318/pressure-put-on-mack-for-channel-7-is/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94703280/pressure-put-on-mack-for-channel-7-is/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041129/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94703280/pressure-put-on-mack-for-channel-7-is/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mack then contacted ''Herald'' associate editor John D. Pennekamp inquiring about the character of Biscayne's officials, which Pennekamp saw as "disjointed" on Mack's end and a potential tip off of the commission's actions.<ref name="Miam600614">{{Cite news|date=June 14, 1960|title=Editor Says Mack Asked His Advice|page=3B|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94702334/editor-says-mack-asked-his-advice/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041125/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94702334/editor-says-mack-asked-his-advice/|url-status=live}}</ref> John S. Knight also approached President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], Ohio senator [[John W. Bricker]], and previous FCC chairman George McConnaughey about applying political pressure to help Biscayne's application;{{r|Miam580602}} McConnaughey, Doerfer, and Mack all voted in favor of Biscayne and to reaffirm the license.<ref name="Miam590404">{{Cite news|date=April 4, 1959|title=Channel 7 Award Is Reopened|page=A1|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=United Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709085/channel-7-award-is-reopened/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211061416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709085/channel-7-award-is-reopened/|url-status=live}}</ref> Angland's investigation found three of the four final applicants for the channel 7 license, including Biscayne, went outside of normal procedures,{{r|Miam580602}} with Sunbeam being the only one that went through proper protocol.<ref name="Tamp600612">{{Cite news|date=June 12, 1960|title=FCC Orders Inquiry Into Miami TV Cases|page=9A|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|agency=Associated Press|location=St. Petersburg, Florida|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94710139/fcc-orders-inquiry-into-miami-tv-cases/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211061418/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94710139/fcc-orders-inquiry-into-miami-tv-cases/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Miam610316">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=March 16, 1961|title=Ch. 7 Switched; New Station OKd|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74592196/ch-7-switched-new-station-okd/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211152629/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74592196/ch-7-switched-new-station-okd/|url-status=live}}</ref> Subcommittee counsel Robert W. Lishman believed that internal pressure by applicants to the commission was present in nine contested TV licenses across the country.{{r|Miam580603}}

=== Hearings and revocation ===
{{Quote box
| quote = If I had been allied with the ''[Miami] Herald'' and had not disclosed this to the FCC we would have been subject to loss of our licenses... I thought there were very serious implications to the untrue rumor, and I felt that as a member of the FCC, [Richard] Mack should know the facts.
| author = James M. Cox{{r|Tamp600625}}
| align = right
| width = 300px
| qalign = left
| salign = right
}}

The FCC decided to reopen the process for the channel 7 license on April 3, 1959, with hearings in Philadelphia on conflict of interests among the commissioners.{{r|Miam590404}}<ref name="Miam600612">{{Cite news|date=June 12, 1960|title=Channel 7 Probe Opens Tomorrow|page=9A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94721335/channel-7-probe-opens-tomorrow/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211201310/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94721335/channel-7-probe-opens-tomorrow/|url-status=live}}</ref> These hearings were conducted Mack had resigned under pressure from President Eisenhower{{r|Miam580222}} and was indicted with Whiteside on charges of [[influence peddling]], fraud and [[Conspiracy (criminal)|conspiracy]] regarding the WPST-TV license.{{r|Tamp600612}} The first trial resulted in a [[hung jury]];<ref name="Miam590711">{{Cite news|date=July 11, 1959|title=Mack Trial In Fall? Lone Juror's Conscience May Mean New Hearing In Miami|page=3A|newspaper=The Miami News|agency=United Press International|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709870/mack-trial-in-fall-lone-jurors/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709870/mack-trial-in-fall-lone-jurors/|url-status=live}}</ref> while Mack was too ill to be retried, Whiteside was acquitted but committed suicide.<ref name="Miam611117">{{Cite news|last=Dunn|first=Kristine|date=November 17, 1961|title=Goodby Sunday To WPST-TV|page=3B|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709964/goodby-sunday-to-wpst-tv/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211061416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94709964/goodby-sunday-to-wpst-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Former [[Pennsylvania Supreme Court]] justice [[Horace Stern]] presided as FCC examiner and scheduled hearings to begin on June 13, 1960.<ref name="Miam600317">{{Cite news|date=March 17, 1960|title=Channel 7 Hearing Set in June|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94728126/channel-7-hearing-set-in-june/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234527/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94728126/channel-7-hearing-set-in-june/|url-status=live}}</ref> Stern was appointed to examine potential misconduct by the FCC surrounding all disputed or contested licenses,<ref name="Fort600727">{{Cite news|date=July 27, 1960|title=Three Firms Deny Channel 7 'Influence'|page=3A|newspaper=[[Fort Lauderdale News]]|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94728762/three-firms-deny-channel-7-influence/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215003632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94728762/three-firms-deny-channel-7-influence/|url-status=live}}</ref> and said the investigation was "... a matter of public justice".{{r|Miam600317}} Two weeks before the hearings started, Angland suffered a fatal heart attack, but his extant findings and prior testimony were admitted as evidence.{{r|Miam600612}} Under [[oath]], Trammell admitted to speaking multiple times with FCC commissioners but denied exerting [[undue influence]] and stated that the talks were to inform the agency of his resignation from NBC.<ref name="Miam6006142">{{Cite news|last=Engelke|first=C.B.|date=June 14, 1960|title=Trammel Tells Role In Channel 7 Grant|pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94730393/trammel-tells-role-in-channel-7-grant/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=United Press International|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94730359/trammel-tells-role-in-channel-7-grant/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215000015/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94730359/trammel-tells-role-in-channel-7-grant/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cox testified to speaking on the phone with Mack in December 1955, regarding rumors of a ''[[sub rosa]]'' arrangement between the ''News'' and ''Herald'' that Cox feared threatened not only the Biscayne bid but the licenses of his other broadcast assets.<ref name="Tamp600625">{{Cite news|date=June 25, 1960|title=Hearing On Miami TV Channel Award Ends|page=9A|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|agency=United Press International|location=St. Petersburg, Florida|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94720294/hearing-on-miami-tv-channel-award-ends/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234513/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94720294/hearing-on-miami-tv-channel-award-ends/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the hearings concluded, FCC general counsel proposed revoking WCKT's license and disqualifying Biscayne, South Florida Television and East Coast Television from participating in any subsequent license applications.{{r|Miam600727}} All three companies denied any wrongdoing,{{r|Fort600727}} while Sunbeam requested a specific finding declaring they were "completely innocent" and the other applicants disqualified themselves.<ref name="Miam600727">{{Cite news|date=July 27, 1960|title=Channel 7 Bidders Disclaim Any Wrongdoing|page=4A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94739815/channel-7-bidders-disclaim-any/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211201312/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94739815/channel-7-bidders-disclaim-any/|url-status=live}}</ref> Stern issued his ruling on September 14, 1960, agreeing with the general counsel's proposals and affirming them in his recommendations,<ref name="Miam600914a">{{Cite news|date=September 14, 1960|title=Revoke License For Channel 7, U.S. Judge Asks|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94742250/revoke-license-for-channel-7-us/ 8A]|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94742213/revoke-license-for-channel-7-us/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211201306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94742213/revoke-license-for-channel-7-us/|url-status=live}}</ref> with Sunbeam the recipient of a new license by default.{{r|Miam870525}} Sidney Ansin was "delighted" at the ruling but unsure if it meant Sunbeam would be awarded a new license outright with no bidding process.<ref name="Miam600914b">{{Cite news|date=September 14, 1960|title=Sunbeam Expected Chance|pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94742311/sunbeam-expected-chance-p2/ 8A]|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94742283/sunbeam-expected-chance/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211201309/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94742283/sunbeam-expected-chance/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC revoked WPST-TV's license on July 14, 1960, and awarded a replacement license to [[WCKY (AM)|WCKY]] owner L.B. Wilson, Inc., the only bidder for the channel 10 license not disqualified, but FCC chairman [[Frederick W. Ford]] said that new license was short-term and meant to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting if another bidding process took place.<ref name="Miam600715">{{Cite news|last=Kraslow|first=David J.|date=July 15, 1960|title=FCC Switches Ch. 10 Permit To Ohio Firm|pages=1A-[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94741699/fcc-switches-ch-10-permit-to-ohio/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94741648/fcc-switches-ch-10-permit-to-ohio-firm/|access-date=February 11, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234511/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94741648/fcc-switches-ch-10-permit-to-ohio-firm/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a year-long review, WCKT's license was officially revoked by the FCC on July 26, 1961, but the ruling was held in [[abeyance]] to allow Biscayne an opportunity to appeal.<ref name="Miam610727">{{Cite news|date=July 27, 1961|title=FCC Lifts Channel 7 Franchise|page=1A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95028165/fcc-lifts-channel-7-franchise/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216043304/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95028165/fcc-lifts-channel-7-franchise/|url-status=live}}</ref> Biscayne's petition for reconsideration was rejected by the FCC, which reaffirmed the ruling on May 10, 1962, via a 5–1 vote.<ref name="Miam620510">{{Cite news|date=May 10, 1962|title=FCC Turns Down Channel 7 Appeal|page=2A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95029001/fcc-turns-down-channel-7-appeal/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217034330/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95029001/fcc-turns-down-channel-7-appeal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Robert E. Lee, by that point the only remaining commissioner to vote in favor of the Biscayne license in 1956 and 1957,{{r|Miam590404}} was the lone dissenter.{{r|Miam620510}} The FCC's reaffirming stipulated that WCKT's license would remain active for four months but did not provide a definitive date for the Biscayne-Sunbeam changeover.{{r|Miam620510}}

[[File:WCKT_WCKR_studios.jpg|thumb|The "Isle of Dreams" in [[North Bay Village]], home to channel 7's studios and [[WIOD]]'s studios and transmitter towers|275x275px]]
Biscayne president Niles Trammell filed an appeal with the [[United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit|U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington]], citing the station's Peabody Award and industrial acclaim.<ref name="Miam620608">{{Cite news|last=Dunn|first=Kristine|date=June 8, 1962|title=Ch. 7 Appeals FCC Decision|page=8B|newspaper=The Miami News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95033131/ch-7-appeals-fcc-decision/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215204915/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95033131/ch-7-appeals-fcc-decision/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the May 21, 1962, issue of ''[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]'' reported Biscayne proposed donating WCKT's license and assets to the [[University of Miami]], which would be leased back to Sunbeam; Sunbeam regarded the FCC ruling as a new license outright.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 21, 1962|title=Closed Circuit: Miami's ch. 7 status|volume=62|page=5|work=Broadcasting|issue=21|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1962/1962-05-21-BC.pdf|access-date=February 15, 2021|via=World Radio History|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308041143/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1962/1962-05-21-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Sidney Ansin confirmed that the proposal was suggested two months earlier but was rejected amid plans to construct a separate transmitter tower and studios.<ref name="Miam620523">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=May 23, 1962|title=Ch. 7 Transfer To UM Proposed|page=18A|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95033276/ch-7-transfer-to-um-proposed/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215204923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95033276/ch-7-transfer-to-um-proposed/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the court appeal still being on file, Trammell announced on November 14, 1962, that Biscayne agreed to sell off WCKT's non-license assets to Sunbeam, while WCKR was resold back to the Cox family.<ref name="Miam621115">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack E.|date=November 15, 1962|title=Channel 7 Sale Is Proposed|pages=1A–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95032847/channel-7-sale-is-proposed-p2/ 2A]|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95032813/channel-7-sale-is-proposed/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217034334/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95032813/channel-7-sale-is-proposed/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the agreement, [[James M. Cox Jr.]] and John S. Knight pledged their share of the proceeds to the University of Miami, with an initial $400,000 [[down payment]] and an additional $1.4&nbsp;million over several years; university president [[Henry King Stanford]] announced the funds would help bolster its scientific education and research programs.<ref name="Miam621220">{{Cite news|last=Mann|first=Pete|date=December 20, 1962|title=University Windfall Going to Research|page=C1|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95033589/university-windfall-going-to-research/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215204921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95033589/university-windfall-going-to-research/|url-status=live}}</ref> The $3.4&nbsp;million sale was approved on December 5, 1962, with Biscayne dropping all remaining challenges and appeals.<ref name="Miam621206">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=December 6, 1962|title=Sale of TV Channel 7 Gets Approval of FCC|page=10B|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74589415/sale-of-tv-channel-7-gets-approval-of/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216055338/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74589415/sale-of-tv-channel-7-gets-approval-of/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ansin retained all on- and off-air personnel, including existing station manager Charles Kelly, and re-used the WCKT call sign for the new license.<ref name="Miam621116">{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=November 16, 1962|title=If Channel 7 Sale Okd: $2 Million Gift Headed for UM?|page=C1|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74549171/if-channel-7-sale-okd-2-million-gift/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215204919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74549171/if-channel-7-sale-okd-2-million-gift/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ownership of the island was partitioned between WCKT and WCKR, with shared parking, a [[security guard]] booth and an agreement not to build anything else on the island without the other owner's consent.<ref name="Miam080424">{{Cite news|last=Fraga|first=Lazaro|date=April 24, 2008|title=Local TV station fights high rise|page=4:Neighbors|newspaper=The Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95035421/local-tv-station-fights-high-rise/|access-date=February 15, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215222933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95035421/local-tv-station-fights-high-rise/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BizJor20210310">{{Cite web|last=Bandell|first=Brian|date=March 10, 2021|title=WSVN owner Sunbeam buys neighboring property for $29M|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2021/03/10/wsvn-owner-buys-north-bay-village-property.html|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=South Florida Business Journal|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310160109/https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2021/03/10/wsvn-owner-buys-north-bay-village-property.html|url-status=live}}</ref>