WTOG-TV first began operations on November 4, 1968, broadcasting on UHF channel 44.  Originally owned my Minnesota-based Hubbard Broadcasting Corp., WTOG solidified itself in the Tampa Bay market by being the area's only independent television station.  With broadcast coverage reaching throughout central and southwest Florida, WTOG was billed "Florida's Super Station" and quickly grew into one of the most profitable television stations in the country.  In fact, it was this profitability that drew the attention of future media mogul Ted Turner, who many believed modeled WTBS in Atlanta after WTOG.

Early programming consisted of sitcoms, movies, sports, drama and a 10pm newscast.  Younger audiences tuned into "Kids Club" featuring morning cartoons, while adults couldn't get enough of "Creature Feature" with local host Dr. Paul Bearer and his vault of campy horror movies.  In 1996, WTOG was purchased by Paramount Stations group and soon changed it's on-air branding to UPN 44.  WTOG began broadcasting UPN programming during prime evening hours while continuing with it's traditional independent format during the day.  It was at this time the UPN 44 10 O'Clock News was born, providing the Tampa Bay area with "Live, Local and Late-Breaking" news, before being discontinued in 1998.

In January 2006, CBS and Warner Bros. Entertainment announced plans to form a new 5th network... The CW.  This new broadcasting network would marry the best programs from the UPN and WB networks, such as America's Next Top Model, Gilmore Girls, Everybody Hates Chris and Smallville to name a few.  On September 18th, WTOG officially became CW 44, the CW affiliate for the Tampa Bay market, thus continuing it's legacy as "Tampa Bay's #1 Entertainment Station."