Channel 8 's partnership with the team continued through 1979 , when the Indians moved to then - independent station WUAB ( channel 43 ) .
In 1961 , WJW - TV became the broadcast rights holder of the Cleveland Indians .
Channel 8 's partnership with the team continued through 1979 , when the Cleveland Indians moved to then - independent station WUAB ( channel 43 ) .
In 1961 , WJW - TV became the broadcast rights holder of the Cleveland Indians .