WDEF-TV (Chattanooga, TN)

In the 1950s, various competing businesses came together to secure the first television license for Chattanooga, Tennessee. WDEF-TV began broadcasting on April 25, 1954. At that time, the station provided programs from four major national networks, alongside a variety of local shows. One notable program was hosted by Luther Masingill, a well-known radio personality. He continued to work on both WDEF TV and radio until he passed away in 2014 at the age of 92. Known simply as Luther on air, he boasts an incredible 74-year broadcasting career, covering significant events like the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1942 and the September 11 attacks in 2001. His contributions to the industry earned him two Marconi awards, a spot in the National Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and numerous other accolades.

Local

English

Television

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Ranking

Global

#301492

United States

#70307

Arts and Entertainment/TV Movies and Streaming

#1644

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Monthly visitors

Articles

What's Right With Our Schools: Clumpies Howard

2 days ago | wdef.com | Andrew Harrison

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Some Howard High students just turned a class project into the coolest creation in town. News 12’s Timbrel Williams stopped by the kitchen to see how these young chefs cooked up a flavor that’s now the freezers at Clumpies. It’s a tasty and refreshing example of What’s Right With Our Schools.
Roberts takes stand in own trial, claims Wright called him a racial slur before shooting him

6 days ago | wdef.com | Nick Hill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Darryl Roberts took the stand in his own defense during day three of his own murder trial. He is charged with first degree murder in the September 28, 2023 shooting death of Christopher Wright in front of Patten Towers. Thursday was Darryl Roberts’ defense’s day to present their case here in his murder trial. They called four witnesses including Roberts himself who claimed he was provoked into shooting Wright the night of September 28, 2023.
Local Cleveland company worries about tariffs

1 week ago | wdef.com | Jesse Farley

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — A local business in Cleveland is worried about President Trump’s Tariffs. Scale trains is a local model train company based in Cleveland Tennessee. They are worried that the Tariffs on China could financially cripple their company. Their current prices on their trains vary, but mainly run around $300. They worry their prices could increase to almost $500 just to cover the additional tariff cost.
Driving Our Economy Forward: Flappy Nappies

1 week ago | wdef.com | Kay Blevins

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –Potty -training, it’s a task given to all parents. Tonight, we are learning about a product to help young children transition to the bathroom during training. The product is called Flappy-Nappies. Cloth diapers, if you will, that attach to a separate waist belt. The invention is made right here in Chattanooga. It’s this week’s Driving our Economy Forward. “When my son was born, we actually introduced the potty to him. When he was eight weeks old.
Mayor Wamp's State of the County

1 week ago | wdef.com | Jesse Farley

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Mayor Weston Wamp gave his state of the county address at Soddy Daisy Middle School. The mayor said he wants to focus on the smaller communities in Hamilton county, like Soddy Daisy, and they should get the same love that the city of Chattanooga gets. He also mentioned the upgrades coming to the riverfront and was proud of those future plans. Yet he hopes that same energy goes into smaller areas like east ridge development which is being led by their mayor.
"I WAS SCARED": Prosecution rests in Roberts trial as witness recounts shooting

1 week ago | wdef.com | Nick Hill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Day two of the Darryl Roberts murder trial, was a rather short one. Roberts is charged with first degree murder in the September 2023 shooting death of Christopher Wright in front of Patten Towers.Wednesday morning’s proceedings only lasted a little more than half an hour. This was because the prosecution called one last final witness to the stand before resting their case. Dylan Padgett was having a fun night out with his family at a downtown Chattanooga bar.
Friends take stand on day one of Roberts murder trial

1 week ago | wdef.com | Nick Hill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In September 2023, a prominent Chattanooga businessman was murdered in front of Patten Towers on Market Street. A year and a half later, the trial of the man charged with killing him has begun. After an argument late on the evening of September 28, 2023, Christopher Wright was shot dead. Darryl Roberts is charged with first degree murder in the killing. On Monday we heard more about what led up to their fateful encounter.
Golden Apple Award: Mariah Dahlin, Ooltewah Elementary

1 week ago | wdef.com | Andrew Harrison

COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF) – Patience and kindness are two essential qualities for an elementary school teacher. Mariah Dahlin has plenty of both. Her students at Ooltewah Elementary love her for it. You can see why in this week’s Golden Apple Award. Bethanie Reynolds is the Principal at Ooltewah Elementary School. She says, “Ms. Dahlin is amazing, we have a great kindergarten team, and she has been a fantastic addition to our team. ” Ms. Dahlin remembers, ” I chose teaching.
What's Right With Our Schools: Gordon Lee Middle School Math Achievements

1 week ago | wdef.com | Andrew Harrison

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) – Gordon Lee Middle School is celebrating a big academic win in the math department. Based on last year’s Georgia Milestones, Gordon Lee saw major gains in every middle school math level, including Algebra One. All that adds up to a great example of what’s right with our schools. Bradley Floyd is the Vice Principal at Gordon Lee Middle. He says, “I think a lot of the hard work is from our students themselves, but a lot of it is our incredible teachers.
New jury selected in Roberts trial

1 week ago | wdef.com | Nick Hill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A second jury has been selected in a pending Chattanooga murder trial. Darryl Roberts is charged with first degree murder in the September 2023 shooting death of Christopher Wright. The shooting occurred in front of Patten Towers after the pair got into an argument. The trial was supposed to begin two weeks ago, but had to be delayed due to a court error. The jury had accidentally learned that Roberts is a convicted felon before the trial began.