If you’ve ever searched for local news in Tallahassee, chances are you’ve come across WTXL, better known as ABC 27. As one of the region’s most reliable news stations, WTXL plays a vital role in delivering up-to-date coverage on everything from severe weather to high school sports and state politics. But what exactly is this, and why does it matter in 2025?
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore:
- The full history of WTXL-TV
- How it covers the Tallahassee and Big Bend region
- Its evolution into a digital-first station
- Community initiatives and major programs
- How it stacks up against local competitors
Let’s dive in.
What Is WTXL?
WTXL-TV is an ABC-affiliated television station that serves Tallahassee, Florida, and surrounding areas, including the Big Bend of Florida and parts of South Georgia. It’s commonly referred to as ABC 27, based on its virtual channel.
Key facts:
- Call Sign: WTXL-TV
- Network: ABC (American Broadcasting Company)
- Owner: The E.W. Scripps Company
- Broadcast Region: North Florida and Southern Georgia
- Main Studios: Midway, FL (just outside Tallahassee)
As of 2025, WTXL is the second-largest television news provider in the area—competing closely with WCTV (CBS) and WFSU (PBS).
A Brief History of WTXL
It began its journey as WECA-TV and officially launched on September 16, 1976, as the first full-time ABC affiliate in the Tallahassee market. Here’s a timeline of major milestones:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Station launched as WECA-TV |
| 1984 | Renamed WTXL-TV after being sold to Tallahassee 27 LP |
| 2005 | Purchased by Calkins Media |
| 2017 | Acquired by Raycom Media |
| 2019 | Became part of The E.W. Scripps Company |
Over the years, WTXL has expanded its newsroom, added high-definition broadcasts, launched mobile apps, and diversified content through digital subchannels. From its humble beginnings to now being part of a media powerhouse (Scripps), WTXL has continued to evolve with changing viewer needs.
Coverage Area and Audience
It’s coverage footprint extends across:
- Tallahassee Metropolitan Area
- Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla Counties
- Thomasville and Bainbridge (South GA)
- Rural Big Bend communities
Its signal reaches over 400,000+ potential households, making it a significant regional source of daily news and alerts.
Audience Demographics:
- Age: 25–65
- Interests: Weather updates, education news, politics, community events
- Platforms: TV, mobile app, YouTube, Roku
Subchannels and Programming Lineup
It isn’t just one channel—it’s a multi-network broadcaster, hosting several subchannels that cater to diverse viewers.
| Channel | Network | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 27.1 | ABC | News, sports, entertainment |
| 27.2 | Bounce TV | Black culture & drama |
| 27.3 | Grit | Westerns and action |
| 27.4 | Ion Mystery | Crime & investigation |
| 27.5 | Court TV | Real court cases |
| 27.6 | Busted | True crime |
| 27.7 | HSN | Shopping |
This lineup allows WTXL to appeal to various niches—from news junkies to crime doc fans and shoppers.
WTXL Newsroom: Local Coverage That Matters
WTXL produces 28.5 hours of local news programming each week. Its newsroom focuses on issues that matter to everyday Floridians and Georgians.
Core Coverage Areas:
- Local politics (e.g., Tallahassee City Commission)
- Education (FSU, FAMU, and local school districts)
- Public safety (crimes, missing persons, traffic)
- Weather & severe storm alerts
- Community events and fundraisers
Their broadcast segments include:
- ABC 27 Morning News (4:30 AM to 7:00 AM)
- ABC 27 News at Noon
- ABC 27 News at 6:00 PM
- ABC 27 News at 11:00 PM
Severe Weather Coverage & “First to Know” Alerts
Florida is often affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. It’s “First to Know Weather” team plays a crucial role in keeping residents safe and informed.
Chief Meteorologist:
- Elizabeth Copeland, certified meteorologist with years of experience in hurricane tracking and disaster forecasting.
Coverage Highlights:
- Hurricane Idalia (2023): Real-time radar tracking and shelter announcements.
- Tornado Warnings in Leon County: Preemptive alerts and damage assessment.
- Wildfire Seasons: Air quality reports and evacuation maps.
Their in-house meteorologists use dual radar systems, interactive weather maps, and mobile alerts to provide hyperlocal updates.
📱 WTXL Digital Transformation
It has embraced a digital-first approach, ensuring viewers can access the latest news on any device.
WTXL Mobile App (iOS and Android)
- Live stream local newscasts
- Breaking news push alerts
- Severe weather tracking
- Video-on-demand
- Community event calendars
The app boasts a 4.6+ rating on both platforms and over 50,000 downloads.
Online Reach:
- Website: wtxl.com
- Facebook: 150K+ followers
- YouTube Channel: Regular uploads with tens of thousands of views
- Newsletter: Daily digest with top headlines
This digital expansion has helped WTXL stay competitive and attract a younger, mobile-driven audience.
Community Engagement
Beyond the newsroom, it is deeply involved in the community. The station often sponsors and promotes local initiatives like:
- “ABC 27 Gives Back” Campaigns
- Fundraisers for local shelters and hospitals
- Education-focused partnerships with FAMU & FSU
- Back-to-school supply drives
- Holiday food and toy distributions
By focusing on impact storytelling and uplifting community heroes, it earns trust far beyond just broadcasting.
How WTXL Compares to WCTV and Other Local Stations
| Station | Network | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| WTXL (ABC 27) | ABC | Diverse programming, weather alerts, digital app |
| WCTV (CBS) | CBS | Legacy brand, strong political reporting |
| WFSU (PBS) | PBS | Educational and public broadcasting |
While WCTV often ranks higher in traditional TV ratings, WTXL is closing the gap through its digital strategy and community-driven journalism.
In fact, during hurricane season or high school football playoffs, it often outperforms its rivals in streaming views and social media interactions.
Interesting Things You Might Not Know About WTXL
- This was one of the last major network affiliates to launch in Florida.
- The station was once the only ABC affiliate owned by Calkins Media nationwide.
- Its weather team uses AI-powered predictive models for forecasting in 2025.
- It supports captioning and ASL content to reach broader audiences.
- It collaborates with schools for media literacy programs.
The Future of WTXL
As part of The E.W. Scripps Company, WTXL is well-positioned to grow in the years ahead. Scripps has already started integrating:
- Cloud-based newsroom production
- AI-generated real-time subtitles
- Voice-search enabled news apps
- Streaming-first news programming via OTT
With this tech stack and a commitment to local content, WTXL aims to remain the top news source in Tallahassee for the next generation.
Final Thoughts: Why this Still Matters
In an age of misinformation, it provides a trusted local voice. Whether you’re checking the weather before work, watching election results, or following local high school sports—WTXL is part of your everyday life in North Florida and South Georgia.
Its consistent growth in mobile, community coverage, and weather leadership makes it a valuable news source worth bookmarking and streaming daily.
