You're standing there with a massive story, or maybe just a really annoying local problem, and you need to reach the news. But here’s the thing: "Channel 6" isn't just one place. If you're in Philly, you're looking for an ABC powerhouse; if you're in Richmond, it's a CBS affiliate. Calling the wrong one is basically screaming into a void.
Honestly, it’s frustrating. You search for phone number channel 6 news and get a million generic results. You need the specific desk where an actual producer picks up the phone. I’ve been through these directories, and I’ve pulled the direct lines for the biggest Channel 6 stations in the country so you don't have to play phone tag with an automated system.
Philadelphia: 6ABC (WPVI-TV)
This is arguably the most famous "Channel 6" in the world. If you live in the Delaware Valley, you know the theme song by heart. But getting a tip to the desk requires the right digit combo.
For general inquiries, the main switchboard is (215) 878-9700. If you have a breaking news tip and you're on your cell, they have a shortcut: just dial #6abc. That’s a direct line to the people who decide what goes on the 6:00 PM broadcast. If you prefer a traditional toll-free number for tips, use (866) 639-7749.
They also have a very active news desk email: wpvi-tv.newsdesk@abc.com. I’d say call if it’s "happening right now" and email if you have photos or documents.
Orlando: News 6 (WKMG-TV)
In Central Florida, Channel 6 is WKMG, the CBS affiliate. They lean heavily into their "Investigators" brand, so if you’re calling because you feel like you’re being ripped off, you want their specific hotline.
- Main News Desk: (407) 521-1323
- Investigator Hotline: (407) 445-1404
- Front Desk/General: (407) 521-1200
They are big on "Getting Results," so if you leave a message on that investigator line, be specific. Don't just say "I'm mad." Say "I have the receipts."
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Richmond: CBS 6 (WTVR-TV)
WTVR was the first television station in the entire South, which is a cool bit of trivia, but it doesn't help you get on the air. In Richmond, the station is a staple for local coverage.
The main office number is (804) 254-3600. If you're trying to reach the newsroom specifically to report a fire, a crash, or a local event, ask for the "Assignment Desk." They also maintain a newsroom fax at (804) 342-8797, though honestly, who faxes anymore? Still, it’s there if you have a legal document that needs eyes on it.
Milwaukee: FOX6 (WITI-TV)
Milwaukee’s Channel 6 is a FOX affiliate, known for a very busy morning show and deep investigative "Contact 6" segments. If you’re in Wisconsin and need to reach them:
- News Tipline: (414) 214-3696 (or 414-214-FOX6)
- General Station Number: (414) 355-6666
If you have a consumer complaint—like a contractor who took your money and vanished—you specifically want the "Contact 6" team. You can usually reach them via the main number, but they prefer their online submission form for a paper trail.
Albany: CBS 6 (WRGB-TV)
Upstate New York relies on WRGB for everything from Schenectady to Troy. Their headquarters is on Balltown Road, and if you need the newsroom, the number is (518) 346-6666.
I’ve found that WRGB is pretty responsive to community events. If you're calling about a local fundraiser or a neighborhood issue, that main line is your best bet to get through to a producer.
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Portland: KOIN 6 News
In the Pacific Northwest, KOIN is the big player for Channel 6. They are owned by Nexstar, and their newsroom is right in the heart of downtown Portland.
- Newsroom Direct: (503) 464-0797
- Main Office: (503) 464-0600
KOIN is very active on social media, but for a "hard" news tip, that 0797 number is the gold standard.
Central Texas: KCEN 6 News (Waco/Temple/Killeen)
If you’re in the Temple or Waco area, you’re looking for KCEN. They’re an NBC affiliate and cover a massive geographic area.
You can reach their main newsroom at (254) 859-5481. They cover everything from Fort Cavazos to Baylor University, so if your story is in that corridor, this is the number you need.
Why You Can’t Just Google a Single Number
It's kinda weird when you think about it. We live in a world where everything is centralized, but local TV is still very... well, local. The phone number channel 6 news in one state has zero connection to the one in another.
Most of these stations are owned by huge parent companies like Tegna, Nexstar, or Gray Television. However, the newsrooms operate like independent silos. If you call the Philly station with a tip about a fire in Orlando, they’ll probably just laugh (kindly) and hang up.
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How to Actually Get Them to Listen
Look, I’ve talked to assignment editors. They are the most stressed-out people in the building. They have ten screens in front of them, three scanners going, and a producer yelling about a missing graphic.
If you want your call to actually turn into a news story, keep these three things in mind:
- Lead with the "Where" and "What": "I'm at the corner of 5th and Main, and there's a massive water main break flooding the street."
- Visuals Matter: News is a visual medium. If you tell them, "I have clear video of the suspect," you just moved to the front of the line.
- Don't Call During the Broadcast: If the news is on TV right now, don't call the newsroom. Everyone is in the control room or on the floor. Call 30 minutes before the show or an hour after.
What If Nobody Answers?
It happens. Especially on weekends or late at night. If you can't get through via the phone number channel 6 news listed above, your next move is the "Digital Desk."
Almost every station has a "Submit a Tip" link at the very top or very bottom of their website. These go into a software system called a "Wire" that every producer in the building sees. It’s often more effective than a voicemail that might not get checked until Monday morning.
Moving Forward With Your Tip
Now that you have the right number, make sure you have your facts straight before you hit dial.
- Double-check addresses: Don't say "near the Starbucks." There are five Starbucks.
- Get names: If you’re reporting on a person, try to have the correct spelling.
- Stay safe: If you're at the scene of an emergency, don't get in the way of first responders just to talk to the news.
The most effective way to use these numbers is to be brief. Tell them who you are, what's happening, and leave your callback number twice. If it’s a story they can use, they’ll call you back within minutes. If not, don't take it personally—it’s just a busy day at the desk.
Check your local station's "About Us" page one last time if you're in a smaller market not listed here, as these numbers can occasionally change during corporate mergers. Most of the time, the "Newsroom" or "Assignment Desk" extension is the one that will get you a human being.