Covering Cuba after the Cuban Missile Crisis
FOX 13's Kelly Ring and a crew of journalists were able to enter Cuba to cover the PanAm Games in the 1990s, but they were also able to cover the conditions of everyday Cubans living in poverty.
Cubans suffered as the PanAm Games played on
In 1991, Cuba was trying to establish normalcy on the heels of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, but people living in the communist country were desperate to be in contact with loved ones in the United States – many in the Bay Area. FOX 13 was able to obtain visas to cover the PanAm Games, however, Kelly Ring and her crew were also able to document the living conditions for Cubans.
Roy Leep, pioneering WTVT meteorologist, passes away
Longtime WTVT chief meteorologist Roy Leep, who helped pioneer the use of radar to detect storms and warn viewers, passed away Tuesday at the age of 88.
From 1989: New WTVT studios
After the original 1950s-era building became a bit cramped, WTVT moved into new studios in 1989. We took the opportunity to highlight our involvement in the community, which is still an important part of our business.
From 1985: Big 13 'specialists'
A series of spots from 1985 that highlight the different beats that our reporters covered at the time. See if you can recognize some of them -- despite their classic 1980s hair.
From 1985: Hurricane Elena promo
This storm pummeled the west coast of Florida for several days in 1985 before making landfall to the north. Throughout that time, Roy Leep and the rest of the WTVT team were busy with round-the-clock coverage. Some things never change.
From 1985: Big 13 song
Caution: You may need a napkin to wipe the sap from the screen after watching this 1985 promo. Back in the day, that was one stylish living room.
From 1986: Andy and Roy promo
Andy Hardy and Roy Leep spoke their own languages and had their own styles, as this tongue-in-cheek spot from 1986 shows.
From 1994: Good Day Tampa Bay expands
Sure, it seems like the Good Day team has been helping you start the day forever. But Bill Murphy and Leslie Spencer kicked off the latest version of the show back in 1994.
From 1979: It's a Tradition
One of a series of promos produced in 1979 that highlighted WTVT's experience covering the Tampa Bay area. Take a look at that 1979 set, the old-school yellow graphics, and...those haircuts!
From 1980: Celebrate Big 13
This piece, created for our 25th anniversary, looks at the advances made by both WTVT and the Tampa Bay area during our first quarter-century on the air.
WTVT news opens through the years
The 'open' is the signature element of any TV show, including a newscast. From our simple start back in 1955 to the high-definition open currently in use, it's easy to see the advances in technology just by watching these newscast intros.
From 1985: Walter Cronkite promo
The elder statesman of news took time in 1985 to promote WTVT, then a CBS affiliate. And that's the way it is.
From 2014: John Wilson retires
November 26, 2014 is officially 'John Wilson Day' in the city of Tampa, thanks to a proclamation from the mayor. But we here at WTVT will remember it as the day we sent John off into retirement. John is wrapping up a 50-year career in the broadcast television business, including over 30 years here in the Tampa Bay Area.
WTVT's 50th anniversary
Since our start in a converted Greek restaurant in 1955, WTVT has been a pioneer in broadcast television. Here's a look at our first half-century on the air. Former WTVT employee Mike Clark put together this video as part of our 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.