[1][2] The channel began operations on January 1, 1993, originally broadcasting out of studios located in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook.

Upon the completion of the merger, CLTV received a new on-air logo, implemented new graphics based on those used by WGN-TV for that station's newscasts and upgraded to high definition broadcasts.

In July 2009, CLTV laid off more than 20 staffers, including on-air personalities Aaron Baskerville, Randi Belisomo and Regina Waldrop.

Before its closure, CLTV reached an estimated 1.8 million households, making it one of the most widely distributed regional cable news channels in the United States.

[7] Three months later on January 19, 2010, Comcast began offering CLTV on digital cable in the company's Rockford and South Bend service areas.

CLTV was unavailable to WOW!, AT&T U-verse, DirecTV, Dish Network, and Verizon Fios subscribers in the Chicago market.