From its beginnings 67 years ago, Flint’s WJRT-TV Channel 12 stood apart from the other local television stations that signed on to serve mid-Michigan in the 1950s.
Recognizing the value of owning a VHF (Very High Frequency) station in the coveted Channels 2–13 range—rather than a weaker UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signal in Channels 14–83—several major media companies competed fiercely for what would be the last opportunity to operate a VHF station serving Flint and the surrounding central Michigan region.
Flint was the largest city in the United States without its own television station in 1958. As a result, there was tremendous anticipation—and massive viewership—when “Channel 12” signed on and brought the ABC Television Network to the area from studios at 2302 Lapeer Road in Flint. Coincidentally, that building had been constructed in 1954 for Flint’s first television station, WTAC-TV Channel 16, which operated for less than a year.
Detroit’s WJR-AM radio station owners, Goodwill Stations, applied for the Channel 12 license in 1952. Over the next six years, the company battled Flint’s WFDF-AM owners, Trebit Corporation, and W.S. Butterfield Theatres for the coveted allocation.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ultimately carved Flint out of the Detroit television market.
Instead, Channel 12 would serve a northern and central Michigan region that included Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Owosso, Mount Pleasant, the Thumb Area, and—initially—Michigan’s capital, Lansing. Lansing later became its own television market.
WJRT-TV Channel 12 went on the air at 5 p.m. on Oct. 12, 1958, but the FCC imposed strict operating guidelines on Goodwill Stations. For its first 10 years, Channel 12 was legally required to produce 55 hours of local programming each week—an obligation unmatched by any other local station. The station also regularly aired special news programs and locally produced features.
From 1958 through 1968, WJRT-TV produced a wide array of local shows, including Almanac, Bozo’s Big Top, Colonel Gyro from Outer Space, Folkswingers, The Late Thrill Show, Mr. Magic, Theatre of Thrills, Rae Deane and Friends, Romper Room with Miss Margie, and TV Bingo.
Station employees and local performers contributed to this lively and often inventive lineup, which greeted large audiences daily—from early mornings to late nights.
One example was Mr. Magic, hosted by Channel 12 announcer Earl Frank Cady. Cady took magic lessons specifically for the role, hosting the daily program from 1960 to 1967. Scouting, school, and church groups of children appeared on the show each afternoon, where Mr. Magic presented cartoons, games, prizes, and magic tricks.
In 1967, Mr. Magic was replaced by Bozo’s Big Top, with Cady now donning the costume of the officially licensed Bozo the Clown. The hugely popular program—beloved by children and teens alike—aired five days a week until 1979, according to the Channel 12 Wikipedia page.
Rae Deane and Friends was another daily favorite, patterned after the nationally known Kukla, Fran & Ollie. Once again, Frank Cady operated the puppets—Montgomery Lion and Dilly Mahatmashmu—while local teacher Rae Deane served as hostess from 1961 to 1968.
Perhaps the most memorable Channel 12 program was Theatre of Thrills. Airing late Friday nights from 1963 to 1967, the show featured classic black-and-white horror, monster, and science-fiction films produced on modest budgets from the 1930s through the 1950s. The program was hosted by the menacing “guardian of the ghouls,” Christopher Coffin—a character portrayed by WJRT announcer Reed Farrell. It left a lasting impression on local viewers.
After fulfilling its 10-year programming requirement, WJRT was no longer obligated to produce extensive local entertainment shows. While this shift was a relief for some, it proved disheartening for many loyal viewers.
By 1972, nearly all locally produced features had disappeared.
As of 2024, WJRT-TV broadcasts approximately 37 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, according to Wikipedia. In addition to ABC network programming, the station now carries six subchannels, including MeTV, Catchy Comedy, Start TV, Heroes & Icons, Bounce TV, and MeTV Toons. Where television stations once signed off around midnight, Channel 12 now broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Over the years, WJRT has had several high-profile owners, including The Walt Disney Company and the ABC Television Network.
Today, WJRT-TV Channel 12 is owned by the Allen Media Group, which purchased the station for a reported $70 million in 2021.
In June 2025, Allen Media Group announced it would explore “strategic options,” including a possible sale of its television stations—WJRT among them—amid financial challenges and rising debt, according to Wiki.
