Founded in 1963 by a group of local investors known as VTEV Associates, ABC6 originally launched under the call letters WTEV. The idea sparked because the region between Providence, Rhode Island, and New Bedford, Massachusetts, needed a third major television station to carry ABC network programs, which were becoming very popular. It was created to fill a gap in the market, ensuring that viewers in Southern New England didn't have to rely on signals from Boston. Today, the station is owned and operated by Standard Media. Today, ABC6 is based in Providence, Rhode Island, and serves the viewers of Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts. They cover a wide variety of topics, including local weather alerts, state politics, and community news. Because they are in New England, they also provide extensive coverage of professional sports, following the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox closely. One interesting fact: A unique fact about ABC6 is the hidden meaning behind its official government name, WLNE. When the station changed its name in 1980 to signal a fresh start, they chose these specific letters to stand for "We Love New England," a phrase that highlights their dedication to the local community.