WAOW-TV (Wausau, WI)

WAOW TV-9 made its debut on May 7, 1965, under the ownership of Mid-Continent Broadcasting Co., based in Madison, Wisconsin. The station's first airtime was sold to Citizens State Bank, now known as Associated Bank of Wausau, during its inaugural program, which featured a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins. The tower and transmitter for WAOW TV are situated on Rib Hill, the second highest point in Wisconsin, about 10 miles from the station's downtown location. The station broadcasts at a maximum power of 316 kW. In 1972, Liberty Broadcasting Inc. acquired the Wisconsin TV Network, which included WAOW TV. A significant milestone occurred in 1974 when WAOW TV received FCC approval to raise its tower height by 220 feet, resulting in an expanded coverage area.

Local

English

Television

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Global

#174480

United States

#34562

Arts and Entertainment/TV Movies and Streaming

#970

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FSU announces new option to resume classes following deadly campus shooting. Some say it’s too soon to return

3 days ago | waow.com | Alaa Elassar |Sara Smart

(CNN) — Reid Seybold’s voice shook as he recalled the texts he sent loved ones from the classroom where he barricaded himself, as a barrage of gunshots, screams and sirens turned his university from a picturesque Florida campus into a crime scene. “I love you,” he wrote to his boyfriend and family.
US will abandon Ukraine peace efforts ‘within days’ if no progress made, Rubio warns

6 days ago | waow.com | Alex Stambaugh |Max Saltman |Victoria Butenko |Ross Adkin

(CNN) — The United States could end its efforts on ending the Ukrainian conflict within “days” if there are no signs of progress, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Friday. “If it is not possible to end the war in Ukraine, we need to move on,” he told reporters before departing Paris, where he had held high-level talks with European and Ukrainian officials. “We need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable,” he said.
Hamilton returns to Madison, Overture Center unveils 2025-2026 season

6 days ago | waow.com | Caroline Bach

MADISON (WKOW) -- The Overture Center announced its full 2025-2026 season of shows. Broadway at the Overture includes three Wisconsin premieres and the return of one of the most popular musicals of all time. • Some Like It Hot: Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025• Back to the Future: The Musical: Tuesday, March 10 - Sunday, March 15, 2026 (Wisconsin premiere)• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Tuesday, May 12 - Sunday, May 17, 2026“When I program a season, I’m always thinking about you.
Wisconsin Rapids names Caleb Schroer new Head Hockey Coach

6 days ago | waow.com | Keegan Hewitt

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WAOW) — Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School has appointed Caleb Schroer as the new Head Boy's Hockey Coach. Schroer previously served as an assistant coach for the Red Raiders since in 2020. Schroer, an alumnus of Lincoln High School, played hockey there from 2010 to 2014. After graduation, he continued his hockey career in the NAHL with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Coolee Region Chill, before playing Division I hockey at Northern Michigan University.
In The Lite, Habitat for Humanity named winners at Wausau Chamber's annual Business Expo

1 week ago | waow.com | Brad Hanson

ROTHSCHILD, Wis. (WAOW) -- In The Lite and Wausau's Habitat for Humanity were named winners at the Wausau Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Expo Thursday. In The Lite was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year, while the Wausau Habitat for Humanity was named the 2025 Non-Profit of the year. "It feels amazing. We are really honored. The group of finalists this year was amazing, so to have been chosen, it's an honor.
UPDATE: Driver Identified in Portage County fatal crash

1 week ago | waow.com | Brad Miller

UPDATE (4/17 2:52 p.m.) - The 77-year-old driver has been identified as Eldon Pearson from Almond. ALMOND, Wis. (WAOW) – On Wednesday, April 16, a fatal crash occurred in the Town of Almond. A sedan traveling eastbound on County Highway W crossed the center line, entered the ditch, and hit a tree. The driver, a 77-year-old man from Almond, died at the scene. The Portage County Sheriff's Office reported that no other passengers were in the vehicle.
Brad Paisley to headline free concert at NFL Draft

1 week ago | waow.com | Brad Miller

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WAOW) -- The NFL announced that Brad Paisley will headline a free concert at the NFL draft in Green Bay. The NFL will host Paisley at the concert at the end of the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26. The concert will be held on the draft stage near Lambeau Field after the conclusion of the event Saturday evening after the draft's seventh and final round. Fans who want to attend are encouraged to come early.
One dead in Portage County traffic accident

1 week ago | waow.com | Brad Miller

ALMOND, Wis. (WAOW) – On Wednesday, April 16, a fatal crash occurred in the Town of Almond. A sedan traveling eastbound on County Highway W crossed the center line, entered the ditch, and hit a tree. The driver, a 77-year-old man from Almond, died at the scene. The Portage County Sheriff's Office reported that no other passengers were in the vehicle. Emergency responders including Plover Ambulance and Almond Rescue were on the scene. The crash is still under investigation.
Nine To Five: The Musical comes to Wausau this weekend

1 week ago | waow.com | Brad Miller

WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) -- If you're looking for something to do this weekend, you can never go wrong with some Dolly Parton music. No - Dolly isn't going to be in Wausau, but a show with her music and lyrics will be. Nine to Five: The Musical is coming to Wausau this weekend. It's based on the movie from the early 80s, and features plenty of music by Dolly, as well as a fun story of friendship and revenge. The stars of the show are all having a blast bringing it to life.
Athlete of the Week: Taelyn Jirschele

1 week ago | waow.com | Keegan Hewitt

MOSINEE, Wis. – Mosinee's Taelyn Jirschele is making headlines for the Indians, currently ranked as the number two team in D2. The standout pitcher and infielder possesses a relentless work ethic, yet quiet confidence. Jirschele has become a prominent figure in Mosinee athletics and is recognized as one of the top multi-sport athletes in Wisconsin's Class of 2026. "Just as a little kid I always dreamed about being the star, being the best I possibly could," said Junior Shortstop Taelyn Jirschele.