WINK-TV unveils new studio to enhance Southwest Florida news coverage

WINK is marking a milestone in our commitment to deliver you the news, weather and information you expect in Southwest Florida.

We’re excited to move into our new studio and building centrally located in Gateway —designed with the latest technology to strengthen our coverage and storytelling.

This move allows us to better serve your needs with faster, clearer, and more connected news for our community. It is also the latest evolution in WINK's long history of serving the community we call home.

WINK-TV, the first television station in Southwest Florida, debuted on March 18, 1954.

Frank Nodine, who helped launch WINK, recalled the early days of the station.

"We were the fourth station on in the State of Florida. I can remember, we used to think we were heroes if we hit our 8 p.m. show at 8:45," said Nodine.

WINK News anchor Lois Thome shared insights about the station's rich history.

"One of the great things about the history of this station being the first station in the market is how much has happened inside this studio. They used to actually drive cars right into here to the studio to do the commercials live. Things have really changed since then," said Thome.

Thome also highlighted the station's growth over the years.

"So, I'm leaving this studio now, which, by the way, is part of the original part of the building first built in the 50s. And this is the section of the newsroom that was part of the original part of the newsroom too, where all of your favorite anchors, reporters and other staff have been working for years. But I want to show you something. This section of the newsroom was the original. It stopped right here when I got here in 1992, that's where it ended. But we have grown so much since then," said Thome.

WINK now broadcasts 13 hours of news each weekday, showcasing significant advancements in programming and technology.

"The advances in technology over the years have been incredible, too. We started shooting on film. Then we, of course, went to video, all different versions. Now everything is computerized. We start shooting with digital video, and it all ends up here in a computer system," said Thome.

Mark Gilson of Fort Myers Broadcasting Co. has overseen the station's growth and strategy for decades.

"We got a great use out of our building we had been in for 70 years," said Gilson.

Brad Dotson, news operations manager, reflected on his personal connection to the station.

"I met my wife in the old building. And it might sound cheesy, but my adult life started in that building. It was my first real job, and I'm forever grateful to the company for always looking out for me," said Dotson.

Dotson's sentiment underscores a deep connection to WINK's past, as the station looks toward the future.

"I remember fax machines being cutting edge; now we are into the digital age. So it's not necessarily looking backwards at what we have done, but it's always staying one step ahead, looking forward of the new technologies, how we can bring the technologies to broadcast, to better serve the community," said Gilson.

As WINK-TV reflects on its 70-year history, it remains committed to innovation and serving the Southwest Florida community.