You’ve seen the "7" logo on every local TV screen from Piqua down to Centerville. It is a staple of the Miami Valley. Honestly, if you grew up here, WHIO-TV is basically the wallpaper of your life. But what most people get wrong about 7 news dayton oh is that it’s just a television station. It's actually a massive, multi-platform machine that includes WHIO Radio and a heavy digital presence that weirdly dominates the ratings year after year.
Ever wonder why they’re always number one? It isn't just luck or having the biggest tower on Germantown Street.
The Weird History of Channel 13
Believe it or not, WHIO didn’t start on channel 7. When they signed on back in February 1949, they were actually channel 13. They were the first to broadcast in Dayton, even though WDTN (then WLWD) had their license granted first. They basically beat everyone to the punch. They didn't move to the "7" spot we know today until 1952 because the FCC decided to shuffle the deck across the Midwest.
The station has been owned by the Cox family since day one. That’s almost unheard of in today's world of corporate mergers. While Apollo Global Management technically bought the group in 2019, they kept the Cox Media Group name because, frankly, it carries a lot of weight in the Miami Valley.
Who is actually on your screen?
If you're looking for 7 news dayton oh, you're probably looking for James Brown or Letitia Perry.
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James Brown is a local legend. He’s a Miami Valley native—born in Wilmington—and he’s been anchoring at WHIO for over twenty years. He’s the guy who always ends the news with, “As always, we appreciate your company.” It’s a small thing, but it’s why people trust him. Then you’ve got Letitia Perry, who literally used to interview her classmates with a stick in third grade at Hickorydale Elementary. That’s not a joke; she’s Dayton through and through.
The team has changed lately, though. Cheryl McHenry, a face people saw for decades, finally retired, leaving a massive hole in the evening lineup. Now you see more of Gabrielle Enright and Nick Foley. On the weather side, Austin Chaney is the Chief Meteorologist now, taking over the StormTracker Doppler Radar duties that keep everyone glued to the screen when the sirens go off in May.
The I-Team and why it matters
Most people don't realize how much the "I-Team" actually does. John Bedell, the lead investigative reporter, has been there since 2010. His reporting has literally led to laws being changed at the Statehouse in Columbus. He’s covered the big stuff: the Oregon District shooting, the 2019 tornadoes, and even the FBI corruption probe at City Hall.
When you search for 7 news dayton oh, you often find these deep investigations into things like local data centers or government spending. It isn't just "car crash and weather" news; it’s the kind of stuff that actually hits your wallet.
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What is happening right now in Dayton?
It is January 2026, and the news cycle is honestly kind of intense. If you’re checking the headlines today, you’re likely seeing:
- The Freeze: A major Cold Weather Advisory just hit the region. Ryan Marando and the weather team are tracking sub-zero wind chills that have already shut down some local schools and even the zoo for Monday.
- Crime at Triangle Park: Police are currently investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning near Ridge Avenue.
- The Spirit EMS Tragedy: The community is still reeling from a fiery crash in Darke County that killed three people, including a local EMS driver.
- Scams: There’s a massive uptick in phone scams targeting bank customers in Centerville and families of people in jail.
They’ve also been covering weird national stuff like the 10% tariffs being threatened over Greenland (yeah, that's still a thing) and how it might impact local manufacturing.
Why people still watch
Local news is dying in a lot of cities. Not here. 7 news dayton oh stays relevant because they’ve integrated everything. They moved into the Cox Media Center on South Main Street years ago, putting the TV station, the radio guys, and the Dayton Daily News all in one building. It’s like a giant news factory.
They reach all the way into Lima, too. Since Lima doesn’t have its own big CBS affiliate, WHIO is the default for most of those folks. That’s a huge geographic footprint for one station in Southwest Ohio.
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Breaking down the subchannels
If you have an antenna, you probably know 7.1 is CBS. But they’ve got more:
- 7.2 (MeTV): This is where you go for MASH* and The Andy Griffith Show. They actually use old WHIO radio jingles from the 70s during the commercials. It’s a weirdly nostalgic trip.
- 7.3 (Laff): Basically just 24/7 sitcoms.
How to actually get the news
Honestly, don't just wait for the 6:00 p.m. broadcast. If you want to stay updated on 7 news dayton oh, the easiest way is their app. It sounds cliché, but their "News Center 7" app is actually faster than their website most of the time.
If you're driving, flip to 1290 AM or 95.7 FM. It’s the same team. Todd Hollst does a show called "The Evening Edge" that’s a bit more casual if you're tired of the heavy "doom and gloom" of the regular news cycle.
Actionable steps for Dayton residents
If you want to make sure you're not missing anything or if you have a story to tell, here is what you should actually do:
- Submit a Tip: If you see something shady, call the I-Team tipline at (937) 535-7777. John Bedell actually looks at these.
- Check the Radar: Use the StormTracker Doppler during spring. Dayton is a magnet for weird weather patterns because of the valley.
- Verify Scams: If someone calls you claiming to be from the Montgomery County Sheriff asking for money, hang up and call the station or the non-emergency line. WHIO reports on these daily for a reason—people keep falling for them.
- Follow specific reporters: Instead of just the main page, follow people like John Bedell or Letitia Perry on social media. You get the "raw" version of the news before it’s edited for the 11:00 p.m. slot.
The landscape of Dayton is changing, especially with the new housing developments and the tech growth near WPAFB. Keeping an eye on the local news is the only way to know why your property taxes just jumped or why that road you use every day is suddenly closed for six months. Stay informed. It’s your city.
Next Steps for You:
You can download the WHIO weather app to get real-time alerts for the current Cold Weather Advisory, or visit their website to see the full list of local school and business closings updated for tomorrow morning.