WTCN had only been a network affiliate since 1979 when ABC defected to KSTP, and WTCN was fortunate enough to win the affiliation over KMSP.  A combination of a poor NBC programming and a parent company (Metromedia) that had little experience in running a network affiliate with a full service news operation.   When Gannett purchased WTCN from Metromedia in 1983, the station not only got new owners but budgets and upper management dedicated to producing winning news.  Being in third place afforded WTCN to do some experimenting.   Paul Douglas' backyard was built in 1983, as well as changing the 6pm news to an hour at 5pm.  The concept had been tried a decade earlier at WCCO, and much like its predecessor WTCN eventually went back to half hour installments.  This is the final broadcast of the News11 hour, aired on Friday June 7th 1985.  Monday, the news would be split up into the 5, 6, and 10 editions as they remain today.  
In addition to news, weather, and sports, News 11 did an investigative story on the crime of Hennepin Avenue's Block E.  Some great images of a notroious district gone but not long forgotten.  

December 10, 2011

2197

1:05:00

Bob Rivard

Summer Friday, June 7, 1985, 1980s, 5:00 PM