WXTV-DT: Channel 41, History, Schedule, Location, Apps, Awards/Recognitions

WXTV-DT Biography

WXTV-DT is a Spanish-language television station licensed to Paterson, New Jersey, serving the New York City metropolitan area as the flagship Univision affiliate. It first went on air on August 4, 1968, becoming the region’s pioneering Spanish-language broadcaster. Owned by TelevisaUnivision, WXTV-DT operates on virtual channel 41 and digital channel 26, with its transmitter located atop the Empire State Building. Over the decades, it has played a vital role in delivering news, entertainment, together with its sister stations WFUT-DT (UniMás), WADO (AM), and WXNY-FM (FM radio).

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Quick Facts/Bio

History | Background

WXTV-DT, Univision’s flagship station in the New York City area, and licensed to Paterson, New Jersey, officially launched on August 4, 1968, becoming the second Spanish-language television outlet in the New York metropolitan region (WNJU was already on the air). The station went on air from studios at 641 Main Street in Paterson, a property it leased from former mayor Frank X. Graves, Jr. At its launch, the station primarily focused on filmed content from Mexico and Puerto Rico, while also featuring local news and some English-language shows. However, Channel 41 was limited to evening broadcasts, as its transmitter could only operate when the building’s air conditioning and elevators were shut down.

Initially broadcasting on analog channel 41 (UHF), WXTV operated under the call sign WXTV until 2009, when it transitioned to WXTV-DT to reflect its digital status. Over the years, the station underwent several technical upgrades, including shifts in its digital broadcast channels, from UHF channel 40 to channel 30, and eventually settling on digital channel 26 (while still maintaining virtual channel 41). Its transmitter is strategically located atop the Empire State Building, providing expansive coverage across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. It’s worth noting that the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Center did not affect WXTV’s over-the-air signal, as WXTV’s transmitter is located at the Empire State Building. The station’s effective radiated power (ERP) is 215 kW, and its antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) reaches 397 meters (1,302 feet), ensuring robust signal strength throughout the tri-state area.

WXTV-DT is owned by TelevisaUnivision, operating under WXTV License Partnership, G.P. It shares facilities with sister stations such as WFUT-DT (UniMás), WFTY-DT (True Crime Network), WADO (AM radio), and WXNY-FM (FM radio). Historically, WXTV also operated translators in Philadelphia (W35AB) and Hartford, Connecticut (W61AH), extending its reach beyond the New York market during its early years. As one of Univision’s two flagship stations, alongside WLTV-DT in Miami, WXTV-DT has played a central role in shaping Spanish-language television in the U.S.

Newscasts

Channel 41 has consistently delivered news, entertainment, and public affairs programming tailored to Latino audiences. Notably, WXTV launched its local news coverage with half-hour broadcasts airing at 7 and 11 p.m., later shifting to 6 and 11. Between 1981 and 1985, Enrique Gratas served as the station’s news director. In 1999, the station expanded its programming by introducing a one-hour morning newscast, the first Spanish-language morning news show in the New York area.

WXTV-DT produces a full slate of local newscasts under the “Noticias Univision 41” banner. The station airs weekday newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m., with additional morning and weekend editions to serve a broad audience. These broadcasts focus on local, national, and international news, with a strong emphasis on issues affecting the Hispanic community, including immigration, education, public safety, and health. WXTV also collaborates with Univision’s national news division, allowing it to air nationally syndicated segments and breaking coverage from across the U.S. and Latin America.

In addition to traditional broadcasts, WXTV has expanded its digital footprint, offering live streaming, mobile app access, and active social media engagement. Beyond its regular newscasts, WXTV also provides weekday news updates for Altice USA’s News 12 Networks.

Awards and Recognition

The station’s newscasts have earned numerous accolades for journalistic excellence, and its commitment to community-focused content has made it a trusted source of information for millions of viewers. Occasionally, in July 2008, WXTV made history as the first Spanish-language station to sweep all three evening time slots, local newscasts at 6 and 11 p.m., and the national news at 6:30 p.m., during the ratings period. Its 6 p.m. broadcast also led the 25–54 age demographic, outperforming WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, WNJU, WNYW, and WNBC. Additionally, in 2022, WXTV-DT achieved a remarkable milestone by winning 27 Emmy® Awards at the 65th Annual New York Emmy® Awards. These honors spanned a wide range of categories, including News, Sports, Coverage, and Promotion. Among these accolades, the station received the coveted Overall Station Excellence Award.

Recognized Personalities

Damaris Díaz

She is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor whose career began in sports broadcasting. She gained national attention as the New York correspondent for República Deportiva, Univision’s popular sports program, before transitioning into general news and entertainment reporting

Luis Gómez

Luis is a veteran anchor and reporter who has long been associated with WXTV’s evening newscasts. He has covered major events affecting the tri-state area’s Hispanic communities, including immigration policy shifts, public health crises, and political developments.

Roberto Vizcon

He has played a pivotal role as a news director, overseeing editorial strategy and newsroom operations. Under his guidance, WXTV-DT has consistently delivered award-winning coverage, including regional Emmy wins and recognition from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.