WNIN studios

One year after signing on, WNIN found itself with $59,000 deficit. A community subscription campaign failed to meet its goal, resulting in the station going off the air in 1972. An independent non-profit, community-owned corporation was formed in 1973 for the purpose of reviving the station. A $100,000 gift from the University of Evansville was the turning point that enabled Southwest Indiana Public Television to put WNIN/TV 9 on the air. The first Great Channel 9 Auction both took place in 1974, fueling plans to add a radio station and to eventually relocate both stations to a single new facility. WNIN-TV's first local programs included Ride the Reading Rocket, The Public's Business, and Primetime 9. Through the years, WNIN has hosted many famous on-air guests, from the governor of Indiana to Donny & Marie Osmond. 1980s