WJZ-TV — Baltimore Television Station and CBS Affiliate

Origins and early history

WJZ first signed on the air in 1948 under the original call letters WAAM-TV. That early postwar period saw rapid growth in local television service across American cities. In 1957 the station adopted the historic call sign WJZ, reusing a set of letters that had been familiar in earlier New York broadcasting. The change tied the station’s identity to an established broadcast heritage without implying direct continuity of ownership with other stations that have used the WJZ letters.

Network affiliation and transitions

At launch and for many years afterward the station was affiliated with the ABC network. On January 2, 1995, the station switched its primary network affiliation to CBS, a move that reorganized its prime-time and network-news schedule and brought CBS programming to its established audience in Baltimore. Since that switch the station has carried the full lineup of national CBS programs while continuing to produce locally focused news and information content.

News identity, branding and studio changes

Local news has been central to WJZ’s public profile. For many years the station used the "Eyewitness News" branding for its local newscasts, a common format label in American television. On October 23, 2017 the station retired the "Eyewitness News" name and relaunched its news operation under the simpler banner "WJZ News." In August 2018 the station unveiled a redesigned studio and refreshed on-air graphics, introducing a promotional slogan described by the station as "presenting our future".

Programming shifts and schedule changes

WJZ has adjusted its local schedule several times in response to viewer habits and market competition. In August 2018 the station extended its morning newscast earlier, adding a 4:30–7:00 a.m. block and thereby aligning with market trends toward earlier local news. In September 2019 the station introduced a local 7:00 p.m. newscast and moved the network evening newscast to 6:30 p.m., shifting how national and local news hours are arranged for viewers.

Community role and technical notes

• WJZ’s news operation covers city and regional government, weather and traffic, community events and investigative stories important to the Baltimore area.
• The station’s technical operations include digital transmission on its assigned channel and the production facilities required for multiple daily live newscasts and regional programming.
• Observers have noted visual and logo similarities between WJZ and other historically related stations; comparisons have been drawn to the branding used by WBZ-TV in Boston, reflecting shared design influences rather than direct identity.

Key dates and recent milestones

1. 1948 — Station signs on as WAAM-TV.
2. 1957 — Call letters changed to WJZ, adopting a historic broadcast identifier.
3. January 2, 1995 — Affiliation switches from ABC to CBS, reshaping the station’s network schedule.
4. October 23, 2017 — "Eyewitness News" branding replaced by "WJZ News."
5. August 9, 2018 — New studio and on-air look unveiled alongside the station’s new promotional messaging (studio slogan).
6. August 20, 2018 — Morning newscasts expanded to begin at 4:30 a.m.
7. September 9, 2019 — Local 7:00 p.m. newscast launched; the CBS Evening News moved to 6:30 p.m.

People, personnel and partnerships

Like other local television newsrooms, WJZ periodically refreshes on-air talent and behind-the-scenes staff. In August 2018 the station added a morning team member with prior experience at another regional station (WJCL in Savannah). Such hires reflect the station’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its competitive position in morning and evening time slots.

Where to learn more

For current schedules, program listings and community initiatives check the station’s official channels or local listings. WJZ serves viewers in Baltimore, across Maryland and throughout its regional market in the United States.

Notes

This article summarizes widely reported milestones in WJZ-TV’s history and recent changes. For in-depth historical records and corporate ownership details consult media reference sources and official station releases.