WCVB first broadcasts.

Operated by Boston Broadcasters Incorporated, a group made up of local investors and community leaders. the station broadcasts on Channel 5. It assumes the license previously granted to the Boston Herald-Traveler, but becomes an ABC network affiliate. The call letters are devised by BBI president Leo Beranek, who writes them on a napkin during lunch at the Locke-Ober restaurant. The “C” stands for channel, the “V” for Roman Numeral five, and the “B” for Boston. The station is purchased by Metromedia in 1982, by the Hearst Corporation in 1986, and by Hearst-Argyle Television in 1997.