WESH 2 is celebrating 70 years in Central Florida

It was June 11, 1956, when WESH 2 first signed on as a TV station in Central Florida. The station was founded by W. Wright Esch, and originally signed on as an independent channel based in Holly Hill, serving the Daytona Beach area. In 1957, WESH expanded its coverage to Orlando and became an NBC affiliate. Over the years, WESH 2 has covered many major events in Florida, including the Challenger explosion, the opening of Magic Kingdom and countless devastating hurricanes. Through it all, WESH 2 has also emphasized community, and now has more than 40 years of community events like Share Your Christmas and WESH 2 the Rescue. We’ll be celebrating all month long on air and online!A look back at coverage over the years Space Shuttle Challenger, 1986 Original audio 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion 7 crew members killed when Challenger space shuttle exploded off Florida’s coast Challenger explodes off Florida coast Theme parks over the years Construction continues on New Fantasyland in 2012Epcot opens in 1982Exploring Epcot’s impact on Central Florida tourism in 1992 Opening day ceremony of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida in 1998 ‘Terrors of the Deep’: SeaWorld’s marine experience in 1991Man captivates visitors at Gatorland with alligator show in 1960Casey AnthonyDeposition revealed: Casey Anthony asked under oath if she killed daughterWESH 2 reporter Bob Kealing gives insight on Anthony appealHurricanes over the years Hurricane Sandy blasts coastal counties in 2012 Hurricane Sandy hits Daytona Beach in 2012Remembering Hurricane Charley: Storm caused $15 billion in damagesA look back at Hurricane Frances

ORLANDO, Fla. —

It was June 11, 1956, when WESH 2 first signed on as a TV station in Central Florida.

The station was founded by W. Wright Esch, and originally signed on as an independent channel based in Holly Hill, serving the Daytona Beach area.

In 1957, WESH expanded its coverage to Orlando and became an NBC affiliate.

Over the years, WESH 2 has covered many major events in Florida, including the Challenger explosion, the opening of Magic Kingdom and countless devastating hurricanes.