View source for WQHS-DT

{{short description|Univision TV station in Cleveland}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WQHS-DT
| city =
| logo = WQHS61.png
| logo_alt = At left, the Univision logo, consisting of red, purple, green and blue blocks in the shape of a U. At right, a gray 61 in a sans serif. Separated by a line to the right, in two lines, a gray Univision wordmark in stylized unicase above the word Cleveland in all caps in gray.
| branding = {{lang|es|italic=no|Univision 61}}
| digital = 36 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 61
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''61.1:''' [[Univision]]|'''61.2:''' [[UniMás]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[TelevisaUnivision]]
| licensee = Univision Cleveland [[LLC]]
| location = [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1981|3|3|p=y|br=y}}
| callsign_meaning = Former Home Shopping Network affiliation{{r|CPD19861225p7F}}
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WCLQ-TV (1981–1986)|WQHS (1986–1992)|WQHS-TV (1992–2009)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 61 (UHF, 1981–2009)|'''Digital:''' 34 (UHF, 2003–2019)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|[[Preview (subscription service)|Preview]] (1981–1983)|[[Independent station|Independent]] (1983–1986)|[[HSN]] (1986–2002)}}
| erp = 780 [[kW]]
| haat = {{convert|352|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 60556
| coordinates = {{coord|41|22|58|N|81|42|6|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.univision.com/}}
}}
'''WQHS-DT''' (channel 61) is a [[television station]] in [[Cleveland, Ohio]], United States, broadcasting the Spanish-language networks [[Univision]] and [[UniMás]]. [[Owned and operated]] by [[TelevisaUnivision]], it is the only full-power Spanish-language television station in the state of Ohio. WQHS-DT's studios and transmitter are located on West Ridgewood Drive in suburban [[Parma, Ohio|Parma]].
This station's sign on in 1981 as WCLQ-TV marked the return of broadcasting over channel 61 in Cleveland, a frequency unused since the closure of [[WKBF-TV]] six years earlier. Originally the market outlet for [[subscription television]] service [[Preview (subscription service)|Preview]] along with a general slate of entertainment programming, Preview's 1983 closure forced WCLQ-TV to operate as a full-time [[independent station]] under the ownership of Channel Communications, which aggressively purchased syndicated reruns and movies but consistently ranked near the bottom of the local ratings. With the sign-on of two competing independent stations in 1985 and limited chance for profitability, the station was sold to [[Silver King Broadcasting]], becoming one of the first owned-and-operated outlets for the Home Shopping Network ([[HSN]]) in 1986, when it changed its call sign to the present WQHS. Purchased by Univision in 2002, WQHS has largely operated as a "pass-through" for Univision programming ever since.
== Prior history of channel 61 ==
{{Further information|WKBF-TV}}
A previous license owned by [[Kaiser Broadcasting]] occupied channel 61 as [[WKBF-TV]] from January 1968 to April 1975. It was the first actual [[independent station]] to sign on in Cleveland and was Cleveland's first commercial UHF station. Despite some innovative local programming and an inventory of some popular off-network shows, WKBF struggled for the majority of its existence due to poor revenue growth. The station failed to achieve profitability while competing against rival independent [[WUAB]] (channel 43), which signed on nine months after WKBF in September 1968. In April 1975, Kaiser Broadcasting shut down WKBF-TV, returned the license to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC), and sold off WKBF's assets to WUAB's owner, [[United Artists#United Artists Broadcasting|United Artists Broadcasting]]; Kaiser then purchased a minority ownership in that station, which it retained until WUAB was sold in 1977.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qkdvcsbogqsnvxjebeframipsxoxymmb_wma-gateway016_1662873097908|page=7-B|title=Channel 61 plans a return|date=October 10, 1978|first=Raymond P.|last=Hart|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=September 15, 2022|via=GenealogyBank|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//qkdvcsbogqsnvxjebeframipsxoxymmb_wma-gateway016_1662873097908|url-status=live}}</ref>
== History ==
=== WCLQ-TV (1981–1986) ===
Even though WKBF-TV had largely failed, interest in channel 61 was fueled by the imminent maturity of [[subscription television]] (STV) technology. In January 1977, Cleveland Associates Co.—a consortium of [[Chicago]] firms Froelich Corporation, Balaban Television Corporation, Friedland Corporation, and Bray Corporation—filed an application for a construction permit to build channel 61 as a station that would operate on a hybrid basis. The station would air commercial, advertiser-supported programs during the day and scrambled STV programs to paying subscribers at night.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hart |first=Raymond P. |date=February 1, 1977 |title=61 may be pay TV |page=5-B |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ghnjavcxczfnnkguzhnfarfxnmbnkikg_wma-gateway005_1662873028557 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ghnjavcxczfnnkguzhnfarfxnmbnkikg_wma-gateway005_1662873028557 |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[construction permit]] was awarded by the FCC in 1978, and WCLQ-TV began broadcasting on March 3, 1981, with a special prime time airing of the movie ''[[The Deer Hunter]]'' as its marquee program on launch day.<ref name="Var810304">{{Cite news |last=Markey |first=Sanford |date=March 4, 1981 |title=Cleve Indie TVer Bows With 'Deer Hunter' In STV Lease |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |id={{ProQuest|1438303884}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> Four days later, WCLQ-TV began airing STV programs from [[Preview (subscription service)|Preview]], a division of [[Time Inc.]]'s American Television and Communications, after 8&nbsp;p.m. on weekdays and 7&nbsp;p.m. on weekends; the remaining time was occupied by a general-entertainment independent lineup.{{r|Var810304}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=February 27, 1981 |title=WCLQ Channel 61 debuts Tuesday |page=TV Week 2 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//goawreqehvddtemiwcfbdlvpccilwvnc_wma-gateway011_1662873337083 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//goawreqehvddtemiwcfbdlvpccilwvnc_wma-gateway011_1662873337083 |url-status=live }}</ref> The station even revived a character from the old WKBF-TV—The Ghoul, portrayed by [[Ron Sweed]]—when it added a [[horror movie]] showcase on September 25, 1982.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Jane |date=September 24, 1982 |title=Ghoul is going after local bands |page=Friday 40 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//junkbbzaztmxpvnvvoyrmdjaumyppere_wma-gateway015_1663302892615 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//junkbbzaztmxpvnvvoyrmdjaumyppere_wma-gateway015_1663302892615 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Preview's run on WCLQ-TV initially boasted a subscription base of nearly 35,000 at its peak in February 1982.<ref name="tent">{{cite news|date=May 18, 1983|page=46|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=Time Folds STV Tent In Cleve, Blames Cable, Weak Economy; U.S. Biz Down 21% In 6 Mos.|first=Tom|last=Bierbaum|id={{ProQuest|1438384243}}|via=ProQuest}}</ref> The service carried select [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] games starting with the [[1981–82 Cleveland Cavaliers season|1981–82 season]],<ref name="AkronB19811027p 38">{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |date=October 27, 1981 |title=ABC's No. 2 man departs to produce his own shows |page=C10 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33837965/abcs-no-2-man-departs-to-produce-his/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33837965/abcs-no-2-man-departs-to-produce-his/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with executives mentioning a possible alliance with Cavaliers owner [[Ted Stepien]]'s "Total Entertainment Network" as an additional programming tier.<ref name="AkronB19830821p 134">{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |date=August 21, 1983 |title=Preview management stumbled from the start |page=38 |work=Akron Beacon Journal Channels |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33837834/preview-management-stumbled-from-the/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33837834/preview-management-stumbled-from-the/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ultimately, Preview lost nearly half of their subscription base to cable television systems in the market's affluent suburbs, along with [[piracy]] from different decoder boxes<ref name="AkronB19860821p 40">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=August 21, 1986 |title=24-hour shop-at-home cable service buys Channel 61 |page=C10 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109483651/24-hour-shop-at-home-cable-service-buys/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005053/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109483651/24-hour-shop-at-home-cable-service-buys/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a struggling area economy.<ref name="PQ1438389450">{{Cite magazine |last=Markey |first=Sanford |date=September 12, 1983 |title=Preview Goes Foldo In Cleve., As WCLQ-TV Revamps Sked |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |page=64 |id={{ProQuest|1438389450}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> Preview added a secondary service—the "[[Adult entertainment|adult]]"-themed Niteview—which only attracted half of Preview's subscribers, while the service itself was largely criticized for poor marketing and customer service.{{r|AkronB19830821p 134}} In addition to Preview's struggles, WCLQ-TV faced low ratings and a lack of media exposure, with general manager Gary Brandt publicly musing about ''The Chronicle-Telegram'' in [[Elyria, Ohio|Elyria]] listing the station as "WQLC".<ref name="CPD19830305p4B">{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=March 5, 1983 |title=Channel 61 girds to make its move in ratings |page=4B |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//mnmwadgkcjefipzytwwkdviffhvbryik_wma-gateway017_1662873445966 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050326/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//mnmwadgkcjefipzytwwkdviffhvbryik_wma-gateway017_1662873445966 |url-status=live }}</ref> The station did make a further attempt at local programming with ''Video Arcade'', a daily variety show aimed at older children with various old films, cartoons, [[music video]]s via ''[[Video Jukebox (TV series)|Video Jukebox]]'', and a local version of ''[[TV Powww]]''.<ref name="CPD19830129p3C">{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=January 29, 1983 |title=Channel 61's 'Video Arcade' is nice innovation |page=3C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nljdiexhonjblkjofdotewthxpybwynn_wma-gateway001_1662873424193 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050327/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//nljdiexhonjblkjofdotewthxpybwynn_wma-gateway001_1662873424193 |url-status=live }}</ref>
When Time Inc. announced the closure of Preview in Cleveland on May 12, 1983, the service only had 22,000 subscribers;<ref name="CPD19830512p9F">{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1983 |title=Preview bows out as viewers decline |page=9F |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//sbsqxvwuchmnhstaypfmstgcshfzlkfs_wma-gateway005_1662873590996 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916032123/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//sbsqxvwuchmnhstaypfmstgcshfzlkfs_wma-gateway005_1662873590996 |url-status=live }}</ref> for its final day on August 31, that number dropped to 14,000.{{r|PQ1438389450}} The shutdown announcement caught station executives off guard, as syndicated programming for the coming television season had largely been committed to months earlier.<ref name="AkronB19830512p 57">{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |date=May 12, 1983 |title=Cleveland's Preview to die Aug. 31; Ch. 61 to expand |page=D9 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30948067/clevelands-preview-to-die-aug-31-ch/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30948067/clevelands-preview-to-die-aug-31-ch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WCLQ-TV filled the loss of Preview with a traditional mixture of off-network reruns, movies and ''[[Independent Network News (TV program)|Independent Network News]]'' (anchored by former Cleveland newscaster [[Bill Jorgensen]]); it also picked up ''[[CBS Late Night]]'', which [[WJW (TV)|WJKW]] declined.<ref name="CPD19830903p4C">{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=William |date=September 3, 1983 |title=Channel 61 sheds its 'Preview' shackles |page=4C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xldpyevnvhkbdkkqvhgkchmobibsyodm_wma-gateway010_1662873687094 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916012053/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xldpyevnvhkbdkkqvhgkchmobibsyodm_wma-gateway010_1662873687094 |url-status=live }}</ref> WCLQ-TV also began carrying various sports packages—including [[Big Ten Conference]] football and basketball, [[Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball]], and select ''[[NBA on CBS]]'' games WJKW deferred—but dropped much of these sports packages in the summer of 1985 for schedule consistency.<ref name="CPD19850614p8C">{{Cite news |last=Ewinger |first=James |date=June 14, 1985 |title=Dieken will be rookie in front of TV camera |page=8C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ksorojwtfsotbidblftqfczkhbpqhjeu_wma-gateway017_1662874172085 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050326/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ksorojwtfsotbidblftqfczkhbpqhjeu_wma-gateway017_1662874172085 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ghoul was cancelled in the spring of 1984, attributed to low ratings,<ref name="AkronB19840311p 134">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=March 11, 1984 |title=Dear Mark: Hollywood Mach-up tricks |page=36 |work=Akron Beacon Journal Channels |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109616020/dear-mark-hollywood-mach-up-tricks/ |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109616020/dear-mark-hollywood-mach-up-tricks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but it was later suggested that Brandt dropped it after an on-air skit involving a [[shed]] being set on fire outside of the studios.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Olszewski |first1=Mike |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aj3sCgAAQBAJ |title=Cleveland TV Tales Volume 2: More Stories from the Golden Age of Local Television |last2=Olszewski |first2=Janice |publisher=Gray & Company, Publishers |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-938441-76-9 |edition=1st |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050324/https://books.google.com/books?id=aj3sCgAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Balaban Broadcasting and the other partners in Cleveland Associates sold WCLQ-TV to Channel Communications, a subsidiary of [[Nashville, Tennessee]]–based NASCO, Inc., on May 4, 1984, for $14&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|14000000|1984}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref name="CPD19840505p5C">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=May 5, 1984 |title=TV time finally drawing closer for delayed WOIO |page=5C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//syitfbzheyfesbumgpyoqxmfearmmudc_wma-gateway004_1662873912310 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916033731/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//syitfbzheyfesbumgpyoqxmfearmmudc_wma-gateway004_1662873912310 |url-status=live }}</ref> NASCO, which primarily handled [[National Football League]] merchandise,<ref name="AkronB19860129p 59">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=January 29, 1986 |title=Ch. 61's potential purchaser lining up a 4th network? |page=B10 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109479777/ch-61s-potential-purchaser-lining-up/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005057/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109479777/ch-61s-potential-purchaser-lining-up/ |url-status=live }}</ref> established Channel as a [[Diversification (finance)|diversification]] move, purchasing WCLQ-TV along with two small-market network affiliates—[[KAIT]] in [[Jonesboro, Arkansas]], and [[KPLC]] in [[Lake Charles, Louisiana]]—for a combined $48.8&nbsp;million.<ref name="Tennes19861003p 18">{{Cite news |date=October 3, 1986 |title=NASCO to sell 3 TV stations for $83 million |page=5B |work=The Tennessean |location=Nashville, Tennessee |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60162960/nasco-to-sell-3-tv-stations-for-83/ |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60162960/nasco-to-sell-3-tv-stations-for-83/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Brandt resigned in late April 1985, with Channel director of operations Jack White taking over as interim general manager; rumors among staffers suggested Brandt was not asked to leave willingly.<ref name="CPD19850502p10D">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Mary |date=May 2, 1985 |title=Channel 61 GM is out after programming tiff |page=10D |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//mkyftkwvssdbdfemjxtpzwfhemxsptqo_wma-gateway001_1662873950343 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916033635/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//mkyftkwvssdbdfemjxtpzwfhemxsptqo_wma-gateway001_1662873950343 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a bid to remain competitive, WCLQ-TV acquired syndication rights to ''[[Dallas (1978 TV series)|Dallas]]'', ''[[Simon & Simon]]'' and ''[[The Love Boat]]'' in expensive contracts{{r|AkronB19860821p 40}} and began using [[Ernest P. Worrell]] ([[Jim Varney]]) in promotional spots and [[billboard]]s.<ref name="CPD19840901p3E">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=September 1, 1984 |title=UHF duel to be fought with powerful promos |page=3E |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ubyjpmzshqqeqzgugexaybouadoiziik_wma-gateway002_1662874095621 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916052134/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ubyjpmzshqqeqzgugexaybouadoiziik_wma-gateway002_1662874095621 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later purchases included reruns of ''[[The A-Team]]'' and "lost episodes" of ''[[The Honeymooners]]''.{{r|AkronB19860129p 59}} ''Dallas'' reruns fared poorly, only running on WCLQ-TV for six months before being removed from the schedule entirely.<ref name="AkronB19850526p 109">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=May 26, 1985 |title=Dear Mark: Widower 'Andy Taylor' remarried |page=26 |work=Akron Beacon Journal Channels |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109633724/dear-mark-widower-andy-taylor/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050325/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109633724/dear-mark-widower-andy-taylor/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Quote box
| quote = The explosion of stations was more than the individual markets could absorb. There simply were too many stations and not enough advertising dollars.
| author = Dennis Thatcher
| source = WOIO general manager{{r|AkronB19870222p 25}}
| align = left
| width = 285px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
The summer of 1985 saw both [[WOIO]] and [[WBNX-TV]] sign on as independents: while WBNX-TV was owned by the ministry of [[televangelist]] [[Ernest Angley]] and positioned itself on family-oriented and religious fare,<ref name="CPD19850710p11D">{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1985 |title=Angley's TV station will join the crowd |page=11D |work=The Plain Dealer |agency=Associated Press |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wagosribwrdtuyjvntbysiuzoywdimbe_wma-gateway018_1662875136098 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916022111/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//wagosribwrdtuyjvntbysiuzoywdimbe_wma-gateway018_1662875136098 |url-status=live }}</ref> WOIO was financially backed by [[Malrite Communications]] (owners of [[WHK (AM)|WHK]] and [[WMMS]]) and Metroplex Communications (later owners of [[WNCX]] and [[WJMO|WERE]]).{{r|CPD19840505p5C}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 29, 1988 |id={{ProQuest|1017205707}} |title=Transactions: Metroplex Buys Hometown Cleveland Combo For $11.6 Million |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1980s/1988/RR-1988-07-29.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Radio & Records |issue=748 |page=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322181117/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1988/RR-1988-07-29.pdf |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |access-date=December 19, 2019 |via=World Radio History}}</ref> WCLQ-TV's purchasing of expensive syndicated programming, in turn, increased prices for programming at both WOIO and WUAB substantially.<ref name="AkronB19870222p 25">{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=February 22, 1987 |title=TV's 'indy boom' sputters with a short circuit |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484726/tvs-indy-boom-hits-short-circuit/ C2] |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484482/tvs-indy-boom-sputters-with-a-short/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484482/tvs-indy-boom-sputters-with-a-short/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The addition of competition also drove down ratings and advertising rates, with WOIO charging basic cable rates for a typical commercial.<ref name="PQ198565972">{{Cite magazine |last=Datzman |first=Cynthia |date=September 1, 1986 |title=WCLQ's Loss May Spell Gain for Its Independent Competitors |magazine=Crain's Cleveland Business |location=Cleveland, Ohio |volume=7 |issue=35 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|198565972}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> Driven into a financial crunch, WOIO's ownership group sought to sell outright to Malrite for an infusion of capital by June 1986, permissible by FCC regulations that typically barred common ownership of radio and [[UHF television broadcasting|UHF]] television stations except when the television station was in need of financial assistance. WCLQ-TV filed a petition to deny the sale.<ref name="CPD19860722p6C">{{Cite news |last=Chatman |first=Angela D. |date=July 22, 1986 |title=WCLQ owners ask FCC to deny Malrite bid |page=6C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jdusdgbaanqepcxdbmelecztxgkypuee_wma-gateway011_1662874407412 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916042121/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//jdusdgbaanqepcxdbmelecztxgkypuee_wma-gateway011_1662874407412 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The aggressive approach Channel Communications took with WCLQ-TV failed to yield a positive return on investment, with the station losing "a few million dollars" annually.<ref name="CPD19860123p11D">{{Cite news |last=Riccardi |first=Maria |date=January 23, 1986 |title=Future dim, Channel 61 sale looms |page=11D |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xohhlwuvevgergqpvvcdvskqyjibvhhj_wma-gateway012_1662874309492 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916010555/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xohhlwuvevgergqpvvcdvskqyjibvhhj_wma-gateway012_1662874309492 |url-status=live }}</ref> The May 1985 [[sweeps]] period saw WUAB with 9 percent of viewers, WOIO with 6 percent, and WCLQ-TV with 5 percent,{{r|CPD19850710p11D}} a trend that continued into the fall and spring.{{r|AkronB19860129p 59}} In January 1986, Channel president Brian Byrnes initiated a study with [[Shearson Lehman Brothers]] on possible options for the company, involving the sale of WCLQ-TV.{{r|CPD19860123p11D}} He conceded that NASCO's earnings in 1985 were "not as good" as 1984 but denied suggestions WCLQ-TV was losing over $2&nbsp;million.<ref name="PQ198565437">{{Cite magazine |last=Datzman |first=Cynthia |date=January 20, 1986 |title=Picture at Ch. 61 Fuzzy Amid Sale, Takeover Talk |magazine=Crain's Cleveland Business |location=Cleveland, Ohio |volume=7 |issue=3 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|198565437}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> General manager Jack White claimed Shearson Lehman contacted Channel on behalf of an investor, fueling the possibility of [[Rupert Murdoch]] buying WCLQ-TV for his nascent [[Fox Broadcasting Company]].{{r|AkronB19860129p 59}} Fox, however, opted to partner with WOIO on June 4, 1986, after WUAB parent [[Ryman Hospitality Properties|Gaylord Broadcasting]] declined to affiliate any of their stations with the network.<ref name="CPD19860607p5C">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=June 7, 1986 |title=Channel 19's manager backs takeover |page=5C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kihwmuihzkdkxvirsqxigtsxdatarbrw_wma-gateway002_1662874350916 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916033631/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kihwmuihzkdkxvirsqxigtsxdatarbrw_wma-gateway002_1662874350916 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== The HSN years (1986–2002) ===
{{Quote box
| quote = I wouldn't pretend that this is a profit deal. Channel put a lot more than $1 million in this station. Estimates are that the station won't go into the black until September or October of 1987, and I think Channel was just tired of losing money. At least they didn't want to lose any more money.
| author = Jack White
| source = WCLQ-TV general manager{{r|AkronB19860821p 40}}
| align = right
| width = 275px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
After months of rumors, [[Clearwater, Florida]]–based [[Silver King Broadcasting]], parent company of the Home Shopping Network ([[HSN]]),{{r|NewsJo19861120p30}} purchased WCLQ-TV for $15&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|15000000|1986}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) on August 20, 1986.<ref name="CPD19860821p1A">{{Cite news |last=Frolik |first=Joe |date=August 21, 1986 |title=Channel 61 sold to at-home shopping network |pages=1A, [https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//axrsdvlnskxqwnjktfifcbsamalmfkko_wma-gateway003_1662874583278 14A] |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xgyugbzsfijndptuxzcrkafjytuundzm_wma-gateway014_1662874460894 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050327/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//xgyugbzsfijndptuxzcrkafjytuundzm_wma-gateway014_1662874460894 |url-status=live }}</ref> While technically at a profit, Channel Communications sold WCLQ-TV at a significant loss after making expensive programming purchases, with the earliest estimates of profitability for the station coming sometime in 1987.{{r|AkronB19860821p 40}} The following day, WCLQ-TV withdrew their petition contesting WOIO's sale to Malrite after failing to get support from the other television stations in the market and with the HSN sale rendering it [[Mootness|moot]].<ref name="CPD19860822p15B">{{Cite news |last=Chatman |first=Angela D. |date=August 22, 1986 |title=WCLQ stops fighting Channel 19 sale |page=15B |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//votylnntdkjhidemxexpbbuthyzsbdvo_wma-gateway011_1662874437407 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050327/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//votylnntdkjhidemxexpbbuthyzsbdvo_wma-gateway011_1662874437407 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bud Paxson|Lowell "Bud" Paxson]], co-founder of HSN and co-owner of Silver King, previously announced plans to create a nationwide chain of stations supported by 14 [[owned-and-operated]] outlets (twelve owned outright and two with minority interest, as per FCC regulations) and a network of full-time and part-time affiliates.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 11, 1986 |id={{ProQuest|963265805}} |title=HSN turns its pitch to broadcasting: Company buys three UHF's for S47 million; says stations will form basis of major broadcast group that will air shop-at-home service |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-11.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=111 |issue=6 |pages=57, 59 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151430/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-11.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> WCLQ-TV was the sixth station purchased by Silver King.{{r|CPD19860821p1A}}
WCLQ-TV expanded to 24-hour broadcasting on September 8, 1986, with HSN accounting for 18 hours daily.{{r|CPD19860821p1A}} The remaining six hours of programming—meant to fulfill advertising contracts and provide temporary cash flow<ref name="CPD19861225p7F">{{Cite news |last=Snook |first=Debbi |date=December 25, 1986 |title=Streisand's HBO special is cozy but a spellbinder |page=7F |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cmxhvwbsofcserccozkmhkrejcqxksaq_wma-gateway016_1662873998785 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050328/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//cmxhvwbsofcserccozkmhkrejcqxksaq_wma-gateway016_1662873998785 |url-status=live }}</ref>—included a block of children's programming, ''Honeymooners'' reruns, and a feature movie.<ref name="CPD19860822p14B">{{Cite news |last=Karle |first=Delinda |date=August 22, 1986 |title=WCLQ has lot to sell |page=14B |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kdqjnfjgljmizsdvsseuvdzauaghwnol_wma-gateway001_1662874512254 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050328/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//kdqjnfjgljmizsdvsseuvdzauaghwnol_wma-gateway001_1662874512254 |url-status=live }}</ref> The sale also voided a new contract the station had signed for the Cleveland State Vikings; while White said the games would continue to air during the transition period,{{r|PQ198565972}} the university moved their games to WOIO.<ref name="NewsJo19861120p30">{{Cite news |last=Glasier |first=David S. |date=November 20, 1986 |title=License transfer due: Channel 61 revamp begins taking shape |page=2D |work=News-Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484082/license-transfer-due-channel-61-revamp/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916005043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484082/license-transfer-due-channel-61-revamp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Several cable systems, including [[Warner Cable]] in Akron and Canton, quietly dropped WCLQ-TV in favor of [[QVC|Cable Value Network]].<ref name="AkronB19860910p 76">{{Cite news |date=September 10, 1986 |title=Cowboys/Giants audience fifth for a Monday contest |page=D6 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484228/cowboysgiants-audience-fifth-for-a/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916023902/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109484228/cowboysgiants-audience-fifth-for-a/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WOIO and WUAB also had the option to purchase any syndicated programming dropped by WCLQ-TV.{{r|PQ198565972}}
During the license transfer process, program distributors [[Twentieth Century Fox Television]], [[NBCUniversal Syndication Studios|MCA Television]], and [[Paramount Television]] sued Channel over "billed and unpaid license fees" totaling $387,342 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|387342|1986}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}), forcing Channel into [[Chapter 7 bankruptcy]] on October 24, 1986,<ref name="CPD19861025p6B">{{Cite news |last=Chatman |first=Angela D. |date=October 25, 1986 |title=Creditors force TV 61 bankruptcy |page=6B |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ihfwhzmktdjzluumnukjoadspxdjvmno_wma-gateway008_1662874654347 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050328/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//ihfwhzmktdjzluumnukjoadspxdjvmno_wma-gateway008_1662874654347 |url-status=live }}</ref> later converted to [[Chapter 11]] by November.{{r|NewsJo19861120p30}} [[Embassy Television]] also filed a petition with the FCC against the deal, claiming a loss of over $3&nbsp;million in broken contracts by WCLQ-TV for the production company's situation comedies and movies.<ref name="PQ198562525">{{Cite magazine |last=Datzman |first=Cynthia |date=October 20, 1986 |title=2 Syndicators Shopping to Quash Sale of WCLQ |magazine=Crain's Cleveland Business |location=Cleveland, Ohio |volume=7 |issue=42 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|198562525}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> Channel also owed $10&nbsp;million to bank [[Manufacturers Hanover]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1987 |title=Bankruptcy Court Approves Sale Of Cleveland Outlet To HSN Unit |page=59 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |id={{ProQuest|1286150984}} |via=ProQuest}}</ref> [[Worldvision Enterprises]] later sued Channel for $1.9&nbsp;million in unpaid bills (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1900000|1987}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) in late April 1987.<ref name="CPD19870429p2E">{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1987 |title=WCLQ ex-owner sued over reruns |page=2E |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//otfcnpufkpcxbrojkxzegnolrkwozzzo_wma-gateway019_1662875043679 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |via=GenealogyBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050329/https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings//otfcnpufkpcxbrojkxzegnolrkwozzzo_wma-gateway019_1662875043679 |url-status=live }}</ref> Channel had already sold KAIT and KPLC to [[Cosmos Broadcasting]] in early October 1986, exiting broadcasting altogether.{{r|Tennes19861003p 18}}
Once the sale was finalized on December 24, 1986, the remaining entertainment programming was dropped and the call sign changed to WQHS, reflecting the Silver King/HSN ownership.{{r|CPD19861225p7F}} Mark Dawidziak of the ''Akron Beacon Journal'' later referred to WCLQ-TV's demise as the station falling victim to the end of the "indy boom" within the television industry.{{r|AkronB19870222p 25}} The station carried HSN programming around the clock with one notable exception: for a 13-week period in 1989,<ref name="CPD19890804a">{{Cite news |last=Sowd |first=David |date=August 4, 1989 |title=Lessons on ethnics ignored |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EFEAE52D59C08 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050355/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EFEAE52D59C08&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> WQHS carried a video simulcast of [[WMJI]]'s morning-drive show with [[John Lanigan (broadcaster)|John Lanigan]], a programming experiment tried out at other HSN owned-and-operated stations.<ref name="CPD19890505a">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 5, 1989 |title=Radio + pictures = TV Channel 61 simulcasts 'Lanigan & Webster' show |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173F005D16F0CD80 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050356/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173F005D16F0CD80&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Univision years (2002–present) ===
In the late 1990s, USA Broadcasting (renamed from Silver King in 1998 after a restructuring of [[IAC (company)|HSN, Inc.]] by chairman [[Barry Diller]])<ref name="hsnadds">{{Cite news |date=February 13, 1998 |title=HSN adds to TV fare; is renamed |page=1, Business & Finance |work=The Tampa Tribune |location=Tampa, Florida |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB0F78405CB4019&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1028A39C75C2B899 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> began a years-long rollout to convert its HSN stations into general-entertainment independents using a local programming-heavy format known as "CityVision".<ref>{{cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=January 17, 1999 |title=USA looking at L.A., Chi, others for expansion |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/cityvision-may-export-local-format-1117490304/ |access-date=September 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023054/http://variety.com/1999/tv/news/cityvision-may-export-local-format-1117490304/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first CityVision station, [[WAMI-DT|WAMI]] in [[Miami]], launched in 1998,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Surowiecki |first1=James |author-link=James Surowiecki |last2=de Llosa |first2=Patty |last3=Tarpley |first3=Natasha |date=April 12, 1999 |title=Barry Diller Is No Visionary, But... |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1999/04/12/258103/index.htm |url-status=live |magazine=Fortune Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114191037/http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1999/04/12/258103/index.htm |archive-date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref> and cheaper versions of CityVision were introduced in the [[WUVG-DT|Atlanta]], [[WUTF-TV|Boston]], and [[KSTR-DT|Dallas–Fort Worth]] markets.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=August 10, 1999 |title=USA B'casting gives Dallas a local angle |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/usa-b-casting-gives-dallas-a-local-angle-1117750207/ |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050355/https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/usa-b-casting-gives-dallas-a-local-angle-1117750207/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, after the format failed to take off where it was introduced and the company registered operating losses of $62&nbsp;million in 2000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|62000000|2000}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}), Diller opted to sell the station group to Univision on December 7, 2000, for $1.1&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1100000000|2000}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) in cash.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McClellan |first=Steve |date=December 11, 2000 |id={{ProQuest|225325811}} |title=Univision speaks Barry's lingo: $1.1B |volume=130 |pages=18–19 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |issue=51 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-2000/BC-2000-12-11.pdf |access-date=September 7, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926040502/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-2000/BC-2000-12-11.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CPD20001208p1C">{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=December 8, 2000 |title=Hola, N.E. Ohio; WQHS goes Spanish: TV station is among 13 sold to Hispanic programmer |page=1C |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80DC2EF3A75009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050355/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80DC2EF3A75009&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>
Most of the stations acquired by Univision were in markets with an existing Univision station, in which case the second stations would be used to launch a new network known as [[Telefutura]]. Some were used to launch new Univision stations. However, even compared to Atlanta or Philadelphia—the other markets where Univision purchased its first full-power station as a result of the USA deal—Cleveland had a smaller Hispanic population, with [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]] estimating only 25,000 Hispanic households and 77,000 viewers.{{r|CPD20001208p1C}} As a result, throughout 2001, there was speculation that Univision would attempt to sell WQHS-TV, either to be paired with another Cleveland television station or as an outlet for games of the [[Cleveland Indians]], whose broadcasting contract with WUAB expired after 2001.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 25, 2001 |title=All-Tribe TV? It could be a hit |page=1E |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F12FC86D70E342B60 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050356/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/12FC86D70E342B60&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Even though speculation continued, WQHS-TV joined Univision on January 14, 2002, making it the first Spanish-language broadcast TV station in the region.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=January 5, 2002 |title=Channel 61 says 'Hola' to Hispanic audiences |page=A1 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F2B29DDC4FA4E9D |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050356/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F2B29DDC4FA4E9D&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2005, the [[United Church of Christ]] petitioned the FCC to deny a renewal of WQHS-TV's license over Univision's classification of a [[telenovela]] as [[E/I]] (educational/instructional);<ref>{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Roxanne |date=September 2, 2005 |title=Church challenges 2 station licenses over kids programming |page=E4 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10C648631164D1E0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919050359/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/10C648631164D1E0&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> the case was settled in 2007 with the payment of a $24&nbsp;million fine by the network, covering violations of the law at WQHS and other Univision stations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 29, 2007 |title=FCC Approves Sale of Univision |work=TVTechnology |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-approves-sale-of-univision |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916041854/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-approves-sale-of-univision |url-status=live }}</ref>
Despite 20 years of Univision ownership, WQHS has never produced a full-length local newscast. The first such newscasts in Spanish in the Cleveland market debuted in January 2022 when [[Gray Television]], owner of WOIO and WUAB, launched Telemundo outlet [[WTCL-LD]] (channel 6).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Palmer |first=Kim |date=February 20, 2022 |title=Telemundo Cleveland rolls out Spanish-language station |work=Crain's Cleveland Business |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/media/telemundo-cleveland-rolls-out-spanish-language-station |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916042553/https://www.crainscleveland.com/media/telemundo-cleveland-rolls-out-spanish-language-station |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Technical information ==
=== Subchannels ===
The station's signal is [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WQHS-DT<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WQHS#station|website=[[RabbitEars]]|title=RabbitEars TV query for WQHS|access-date=September 16, 2022|archive-date=September 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916035320/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WQHS#station|url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | 61.1
| rowspan=2|[[720p]] || rowspan=2|[[16:9]] || WQHS-DT || [[Univision]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 61.2
| UNIMAS || [[UniMás]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 61.3
| rowspan=2|[[480i]] || [[4:3]] || GET-TV || [[GET (TV network)|GET]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 61.6
| 16:9 || style="background-color: #f2d1de;"|SHOP LC || style="background-color: #f2d1de;"|[[Shop LC]] [[File:4 rounded rect pink.svg|14px|alt=MPEG-4 video|link=MPEG-4 Part 2]]
|}
{{legend|#f2d1de|Subchannel broadcast with [[MPEG-4 Part 2|MPEG-4 video]]}}
=== Analog-to-digital conversion ===
WQHS shut down its analog signal, over [[UHF]] channel 61, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States [[Digital television transition in the United States|transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts]] under federal mandate. The station's digital signal continued to broadcast on its pre-transition UHF channel 34, using [[virtual channel]] 61.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> WQHS relocated its signal from channel 34 to channel 36<ref>{{cite web |title=Repack Plan |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/repackchannels.php?country=B&mktid=24 |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=[[RabbitEars]]}}</ref> on August 2, 2019, as a result of the [[2016 United States wireless spectrum auction]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Broadcast Incentive Auction: Transition Schedule |url=https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/incentive-auctions/transition-schedule |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710085319/https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/incentive-auctions/transition-schedule |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |access-date=April 16, 2017 |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref><ref name="Repack Table">{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=FCC TV Spectrum Phase Assignment Table |url=http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160749/http://data.fcc.gov/download/incentive-auctions/Transition_Files/Phase_Assignment_Closing_PN.csv |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |format=CSV}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
*[https://www.univision.com/ Univision website]
{{Cleveland TV}}
{{Other Ohio Stations}}
{{Univision Communications}}
{{Major U.S. TV O-O Stations}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wqhs-Dt}}
[[Category:1981 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Dabl affiliates]]
[[Category:Get (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Ion Mystery affiliates]]
[[Category:Nuestra Visión affiliates]]
[[Category:Spanish-language mass media in Ohio]]
[[Category:Spanish-language television stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1981]]
[[Category:Television stations in Cleveland|QHS-DT]]
[[Category:UniMás affiliates]]
[[Category:Univision affiliates]]