WBEN-TV
Buffalo's first television station, on the air since 1948.
WBEN-TV (channel 4) was a television station in Buffalo, New York, United States. It signed on May 14, 1948, as Buffalo's first television station and the fifth-oldest in New York state. Originally owned by the Butler family along with the Buffalo Evening News and WBEN radio, it was an NBC affiliate at sign-on, adding CBS in January 1949 and remaining with CBS ever since. The station changed its call sign to WIVB-TV on November 1, 1977.
- character_role
- Primary Television Broadcaster (1970-1979)
- affiliation
- CBS (Historically), CW (Current)
- first_appears
- 1970-1979 Era Coverage (primary broadcaster)
- status
- Active Local Broadcaster (no longer Sabres primary)
- key_coverage
- Full Regular Season and Playoff Games (1970-1979)
Lore & Background
WBEN-TV was Buffalo's first television station, signing on May 14, 1948. It originally aired NBC programming, including The Howdy Doody Show hosted by local native Bob Smith. It picked up CBS in January 1949 and also carried secondary affiliations with ABC and DuMont. It lost NBC to WGR-TV in 1954 and ABC to WGR-TV in 1956. The station operated from the Statler Hotel until 1960, then moved to its current Elmwood Avenue studios. The call sign changed to WIVB-TV on November 1, 1977, after the station was sold to Howard Publications.
In Their Own Story
The static of a snowy February night crackles through the TV set as the broadcast cuts to WBEN-TV. In a dimly lit living room, a family huddles around the screen, eyes fixed on the ice where the Sabres are down by one with seconds left. The commentator's voice rises in pitch, echoing off the walls as he describes the rush up the ice. A sudden silence falls over the room as the puck drops into the net, followed instantly by an eruption of sound from the booth that vibrates through the television speakers, mirroring the roar of the crowd at the arena.
Reader's Guide
The station's early shows included Meet the Millers (late 1940s–1970), Fun to Learn, Your Museum of Science, and a December Santa show sponsored by Hengerer's Department Store. In the late 1970s, WBEN/WIVB uplinked sporting events and transmitted American TV into Canada. Its uplink facility was leased by Warner-Amex for Nickelodeon and The Movie Channel until 1981. The station nearly dropped CBS for NBC in 1994, but the deal fell through; it was sold to LIN TV in 1995 and renewed its CBS affiliation. WIVB gained Buffalo Bills rights from WGRZ in 1998.
Did You Know?
- WBEN-TV was Buffalo's first television station, signing on May 14, 1948.
- The station changed its call sign to WIVB-TV on November 1, 1977.
- WBEN-TV's uplink facility was used to transmit Nickelodeon and The Movie Channel in the late 1970s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is WBEN-TV?
WBEN-TV is Channel 10, a local broadcaster that served as the primary television home for the Sabres during their formative years. It brought the roar of Buffalo arenas directly into living rooms across Western New York.
What role did WBEN-TV play in team culture?
The station's broadcast booth became an extension of the fan experience, defining how generations witnessed the team's rise to Stanley Cup Finals. Their coverage captured both the glory and the heartbreak of decades of playoff battles.
When did WBEN-TV begin Sabres coverage?
Major coverage began during the 1970s and 1980s, establishing a cornerstone presence in Buffalo sports broadcasting. This era marked the start of their long history with the franchise's most celebrated moments.
What networks were affiliated with WBEN-TV broadcasts?
Historically, the station operated as a CBS affiliate and collaborated with Fox Sports Networks for specific coverage periods. These affiliations ensured wide distribution of games to local households.
Is WBEN-TV still active in Sabres broadcasting?
Yes, the station remains an active local broadcaster that continues to provide key regular season and playoff game coverage. Its legacy persists as a vital part of how fans experience the team today.
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