Hubbry Logo
WATN-TVWATN-TVMain
Open search
WATN-TV
Community hub
WATN-TV
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
WATN-TV
WATN-TV
WATN-TV
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

WATN-TV (channel 24) is a television station in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, affiliated with ABC. It is owned by Tegna Inc. alongside CW/MyNetworkTV affiliate WLMT (channel 30). The two stations share studios at the Shelby Oaks Corporate Park on Shelby Oaks Drive in the northeast section of Memphis; WATN-TV's transmitter is located near Brunswick.

Key Information

Channel 24 in Memphis began broadcasting in September 1978 as WPTY-TV, the first independent station in the Memphis area. It was originally owned by Petry Television, an advertising sales representative for TV stations. Under the station's third owner, Chase Broadcasting, WPTY cemented its status as the leading independent over channel 30 by securing the rights to Memphis State University basketball and the Fox affiliation, which had both been on its competitor. Clear Channel Television purchased WPTY-TV in 1992 and then began programming WLMT in 1993.

In 1995, Fox acquired WHBQ-TV (channel 13), then the ABC affiliate. As a result, WPTY-TV became the ABC affiliate in Memphis and started a local news department, though it has met with little ratings success. Clear Channel spun off its television stations to Newport Television in 2007; when Newport liquidated, channels 24 and 30 were purchased by Nexstar Broadcasting. Nexstar initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the station, moving it to its present studios and changing the call sign to WATN-TV. When Nexstar merged with Tribune Media in 2019, the company kept the higher-rated WREG-TV and spun off WATN–WLMT to Tegna.

History

[edit]

The first proposal for a channel 24 television station in Memphis was made by Connecticut-based Gamma Television Corporation in 1965.[3] Gamma president Al Hartigan promised a station focused on local events and news coverage.[4] Two other applicants also sought channel 24 at this time: John McLendon and a consortium of Victor Muscat and Cliff Ford.[5] The Muscat–Ford group was granted a construction permit by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April 1968, having merged with McLendon's group and paid Gamma in exchange for its withdrawal.[6] Muscat never built the station: he ultimately pled guilty in a legal case involving giving false and misleading information to the FCC, and when the FCC asked him to build the station after the trial concluded, he was unable to sell the permit in a timely manner and surrendered it to the commission.[7]

As an independent station

[edit]

Petry Television, a national advertising sales firm and representative to television stations nationally, applied through subsidiary Delta Television in 1977 for a construction permit to build channel 24. John Serrao, the operations director for Petry, noted that Memphis was the largest market lacking an independent station or a station on the ultra high frequency (UHF) band.[8] The FCC granted the construction permit in December,[9] and by June, construction was under way on studios at 2225 Union Avenue in Memphis.[10]

WPTY-TV began broadcasting on September 10, 1978.[11] In the weeks leading up to its launch, local dealers reported a surge of interest in UHF antennas to receive the new station.[12] The schedule focused on counterprogramming the city's three network affiliates with alternative offerings.[13] It also filled a void in sports coverage: syndicated Southeastern Conference basketball, which appeared on the station's schedule in its first year, had gone unaired in Memphis the year before.[14] In addition, the station offered the live discussion program Memphis Forum.[15]

WPTY was the only independent station in Memphis until April 18, 1983, when TVX Broadcast Group launched WMKW-TV on channel 30.[16] With two independents in town, the stations engaged in competition among themselves,[17] though WPTY led WMKW in the ratings.[18] A year later, Petry sold the station to Robert H. Precht, a former producer of The Ed Sullivan Show, for $13 million; Precht also owned television stations in western Montana.[19] Less than two years later, Precht sold WPTY-TV to Chase Broadcasting, owner of WTIC-TV in Hartford, Connecticut; the original sale price of $12.5 million was discounted to $11.2 million because of the state of some of channel 24's equipment.[20][21]

Fox affiliation

[edit]

In 1989, as part of a process of divesting its smaller-market stations, TVX Broadcast Group sold WMKW-TV to MT Communications, which renamed it WLMT.[22][23] In the span of a year, channel 30 would lose its two main programming attractions to channel 24. First to go was Memphis State University basketball; WPTY-TV presented a proposal to the university that paid three times as much money per game.[24]

The next year, the Fox affiliation came up for renewal, and WPTY-TV intensively lobbied the Fox network; it had stronger ratings than channel 30, drawing a 7.4 percent share of total-day ratings to WLMT's 4.1.[25] On WLMT, some Fox shows had less than half the audience they did in other cities.[26] Fox chose to move its affiliation to channel 24 effective July 1, 1990.[27] Memphis was one of four markets, all in the South, where Fox moved its affiliation during 1990; of the other three, two (Little Rock, Arkansas, and Nashville) involved ex-TVX stations, with the Nashville station losing its Fox affiliation also owned by MT.[28]

Chase Broadcasting announced in 1991 it would sell some or all of its properties in order to invest in new business ventures in Eastern Europe after the end of the Cold War, particularly successful cable television systems in Poland.[29] Three months later, Chase announced the sale of WPTY-TV to Clear Channel Television for $21 million, with WPTY-TV becoming Clear Channel's sixth Fox affiliate and its largest-market station when the new owners took over on April 1.[30][31] Clear Channel fended off a bid by WLMT for Tigers basketball when the rights came up for renewal in 1992;[32] the next year, it assumed most of channel 30's operations under a local marketing agreement (LMA), allowing the once-rivals to pool resources and programming.[33]

Affiliation switch to ABC

[edit]

In May 1994, Fox announced a 12-station affiliation switch agreement with New World Communications in major markets; Fox was actively looking for upgrades from UHF stations like WPTY-TV to stations in the very high frequency (VHF) band. Memphis was not involved in the New World switches, but a rumor circulated and was quickly quashed that the Memphis NBC affiliate, WMC-TV, was seeking to move to Fox; its owner, Ellis Communications, owned four Fox stations, even though Clear Channel had become the second-largest group owner of Fox affiliates.[34] However, in August, Fox made its move by purchasing local ABC affiliate WHBQ-TV (channel 13) from Communications Corporation of America, which had just taken over ownership.[35]

Movement around the switch was initially slow because Fox needed to wait for FCC approval to purchase WHBQ-TV; the FCC at the time was considering petitions from NBC about whether Fox was a foreign-owned entity not allowed to own broadcast stations.[36] As part of a series of attempts to prevent News Corporation, the parent company of Fox, from acquiring additional stations, NBC had filed a request to the FCC to reject a pending trade of Denver's KDVR for Fox-owned KDAF in Dallas, as well as the network's purchase of WFXT in Boston, on the grounds that the company was in violation of foreign ownership rules (which prohibit a foreign-owned company from maintaining more than a 25 percent interest in a U.S. television station). The Memphis deal had still not been filed with the FCC by January 1995, four months after being announced.[37] Foreign ownership had been a sensitive issue for Fox even prior to the New World deal. In 1993, its attempt to acquire WGBS-TV in Philadelphia was derailed after an objection was filed on ownership grounds.[38][39] In the wake of the objection, the FCC opened a foreign ownership review into Murdoch's existing station holdings; had it ruled negatively, a forced ownership change or license loss could have meant the end of the network.[40]

On June 12, 1995, the FCC notified WHBQ-TV that the commission had approved its sale to Fox,[41] which was officially announced the next month.[42][43] By then, channel 13 had already notified ABC that it would disaffiliate from the network on December 1, and WPTY-TV was named as the new ABC affiliate.[41]

To prepare for launching a news operation, Clear Channel purchased a building at 2701 Union Avenue Extended to be renovated to house WPTY–WLMT; this also allowed channel 30 to move in with channel 24.[44] The affiliation switch and launch of local news programming took place December 1, 1995.[45]

In 1999, WPTY-TV took on a secondary affiliation with The WB, airing its prime time programs in late night slots. The WB had no full-time affiliate in Memphis; a local cable channel, "TV Memphis", aired its programming until the WPTY-TV affiliation.[46] WB programs moved to WLMT in 2003.[47]

WPTY-TV and WLMT began digital broadcasting on May 1, 2002.[48] WPTY-TV discontinued regular programming on its analog signal, over channel 24, on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television; it continued to broadcast on channel 25, using virtual channel 24.[49]

Both stations were included in the sale of Clear Channel's television station portfolio to Newport Television, controlled by Providence Equity Partners, for $1.2 billion on April 20, 2007 (equivalent to $1.82 billion in 2024). The sale was made so Clear Channel could refocus around its radio, outdoor advertising and live event units.[50][51] The sale received FCC approval on December 1, 2007; after settlement of a lawsuit filed by Clear Channel owners Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital against Providence to force the deal's completion, consummation took place on March 14, 2008.[52][53]

WATN-TV: Nexstar and Tegna ownership

[edit]

As part of a liquidation of Newport Television's assets, Nexstar Broadcasting Group purchased WPTY-TV and WLMT in a 12-station deal worth $285.5 million (equivalent to $391 million in 2024) on July 19, 2012.[54] Nearly immediately, Nexstar announced that it would move the stations from their aging five-story building in midtown Memphis into a former MCI call center on the city's northeast side.[55] The relocation, in addition to providing more up-to-date facilities for the stations, was done because the impending replacement of the adjacent Poplar Viaduct would create vibrations and noise making the building unsuitable for television production.[56] As part of a major rebrand, WPTY-TV became WATN-TV after moving into the new studios.[57]

In 2019, Nexstar acquired Tribune Media, owner of Memphis CBS affiliate WREG-TV.[58] Nexstar opted to retain WREG-TV (as well as WJKT in Jackson, which had been associated with WATN–WLMT) and sold WATN-TV and WLMT to Tegna Inc.[59] Tegna reintroduced the ABC 24 brand to the station on September 27, 2021, with a new logo.[60]

News operation

[edit]

WPTY-TV had no plans for a newscast as late as July 1994, even though other Fox affiliates were starting local newscasts.[61] To plot the station's expansion into news, Clear Channel hired Los Angeles market veteran and consultant Jeff Wald.[62] While several of the station's assignment desk and production staff members were hired from other local stations, the news talent largely came from elsewhere, ranging from Kennewick, Washington, to Duluth, Minnesota.[63] One exception was Brian Teigland, a weatherman cut by WREG-TV in a dispute over disability benefits.[64]

News Watch 24 newscasts debuted on December 1, 1995, the same day the station switched to ABC. The newsroom initially offered local news at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. on channel 24, as well as a 9 p.m. newscast known as News Watch 30 on WLMT.[65][45] The 9 p.m. newscast, anchored by two Black men (Robb Harleston and Ken Houston), was intended to feature increased coverage of the city's minority communities.[66]

The station's news operation went on the air before it was ready. Equipment broke down or didn't work at all. A passel of reporters and anchors new to the city could not convince viewers they knew the city. Tension on the air was visible and continues to be visible at times.

Tom Walter, TV critic, The Commercial Appeal[67]

The debut of News Watch 24 was particularly rough, owing to the simultaneous move to a new building and a lack of time to rehearse the newscasts.[68] Sound issues plagued the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts; the opening to the 10 p.m. news played out three times in a row. On the 9 p.m. show, sports anchor Greg Gaston called the University of Memphis "Memphis University".[69] Such errors continued to be noticeable on WPTY's newscasts for months.[67] Less than two weeks after starting, the anchor lineup for the weeknight newscasts was changed, with original lead anchor Wendell Stacy demoted to weekends and replaced with Bill Lunn and Teigland moved to weeknight weather.[68][70] Ratings were low, with the newscasts at 5 and 10 p.m. attracting just three percent of the available audience in the May 1996 sweeps.[71] The original news director was fired less than a year after the first newscast aired.[72]

Measured ratings improved substantially, to about 8 percent of the viewing audience, once Nielsen Media Research introduced meters for ratings purposes in 1997;[73] the station's 10 p.m. news ratings were even stronger among younger viewers.[74] However, the station's most successful newscast was its 9 p.m. news for WLMT, which held its own against WHBQ-TV's newscast at that hour and drew more viewers than WPTY at 10.[75]

The news product was overhauled in 2003 under the brand Eyewitness News and with new news talent; four existing anchors were replaced with the duo of Cameron Harper and Dee Griffin, who were cited as "high-energy", and a new weather radar system was installed.[76][77] In September 2006, WPTY began airing a local morning newscast, coinciding with a visit by Good Morning America to Beale Street.[78] Ratings continued to sit firmly in fourth place during this period.[79][80]

Under Nexstar, in 2013, the station rebranded as "Local 24" coinciding with the call sign change to WATN-TV and relocation to the Shelby Oaks studio. WATN began broadcasting newscasts in high definition upon the move, using a surplus news set that Nexstar shipped from KLRT-TV in Little Rock, Arkansas;[55] WATN also replaced the syndicated Live! with Kelly and Michael at 9 a.m. with a local lifestyle program, Local Memphis Live.[81]

Notable former on-air staff

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

WATN-TV's transmitter is located near Brunswick.[2] The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WATN-TV[83]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
24.1 720p 16:9 WATN-HD ABC
24.2 480i QUEST Quest
24.3 Cozi Cozi TV
24.4 Crime True Crime Network
24.5 Laff Laff
24.6 NEST The Nest
24.7 Comet Comet
24.8 Charge Charge!

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

WATN-TV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WATN-TV, virtual channel 24 (UHF digital channel 25), is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Memphis, Tennessee, United States, serving the Memphis metropolitan area and the broader Mid-South region. It operates as the flagship station of ABC24, providing local news, weather, traffic, and sports coverage alongside syndicated programming and ABC network content. Owned and operated by TEGNA Inc. as part of a duopoly with CW affiliate WLMT (channel 30), WATN-TV maintains studios at the Shelby Oaks Corporate Park on Shelby Oaks Drive in northeast Memphis and a transmitter located near Brunswick in northeastern Shelby County. The station's primary subchannel (24.1) carries ABC programming, while additional subchannels include Laff (24.2) and Cozi TV (24.3), offering a mix of classic TV shows, movies, and family-oriented content. WATN-TV emphasizes community-focused journalism, delivering stories that impact local families and celebrate Mid-South culture through its news team and digital platforms. As of November 2025, TEGNA's ownership of WATN-TV and is subject to a pending $6.2 billion acquisition by , announced in August 2025, with shareholders approving the deal on November 18, 2025, and potential closure in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals. This transaction would consolidate Nexstar's existing Memphis station, CBS affiliate , under one corporate umbrella, potentially enhancing local news resources but raising questions about media consolidation in the market.

Station overview

General information

WATN-TV is a full-service commercial licensed to , with FCC facility ID 11907. It operates on 24 and transmits its on UHF channel 25 at 536–542 MHz. The station signed on the air as WPTY-TV on September 10, 1978. On June 1, 2013, it changed its call letters to the current WATN-TV, a reference to its affiliation as the ABC outlet for Tennessee. WATN-TV is currently branded as ABC 24, a name reintroduced in September 2021 to emphasize its network affiliation. It has maintained an ABC affiliation since 1995. Owned by TEGNA Inc., the station shares a duopoly ownership structure with sister station (channel 30), a CW affiliate, and maintains its headquarters in .

Broadcast area and availability

WATN-TV serves as the ABC affiliate for the Memphis designated market area (DMA), a region spanning , , , and portions of , ranked 51st nationally among the 210 U.S. television markets by Nielsen's 2024–2025 Local Television Market Universe Estimates. The station's primary coverage extends to approximately 666,300 television households within this DMA, enabling broad access to ABC network programming across a diverse that includes urban centers like Memphis and extends to rural communities in the surrounding counties. Viewers can access WATN-TV over-the-air via its 24 (UHF digital channel 25), transmitted from a tower in Brunswick, , with a signal strength sufficient for the core DMA footprint. The station is distributed through major cable providers in the market, such as on channel 4, and satellite services including on channel 24 and on channel 24, ensuring availability to subscribers throughout the region. Additionally, streaming options include the ABC app for live and on-demand content with local feeds, as well as the station's official website, localmemphis.com, which offers news clips, weather updates, and select programming accessible via desktop, mobile, and connected devices. WATN-TV currently operates no translator stations to extend its signal into fringe areas, relying instead on its main transmitter and multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) carriage for comprehensive availability. Within the Memphis DMA, WATN-TV shares the market with key competitors, including ( affiliate owned by ), (Fox affiliate owned by Rincon Broadcasting Group), ( affiliate owned by Gray Television), and WKNO-TV ( member station operated by the Mid-South Public Communications Foundation).

History

Launch and independent operations (1978–1990)

WPTY-TV signed on the air on September 10, 1978, as an independent station on UHF channel 24, becoming the first such outlet in the Memphis market and filling a significant gap for non-network programming in an area previously dominated by VHF affiliates. The station was owned by Delta Television Corp., with Edward Petry Television—a national TV sales representative—holding an 80% interest, while Arthur E. Muth and Martin Connelly each owned 10%. Its initial studios were situated at 2225 Union Avenue in Memphis, and John Serrao was appointed vice president and general manager. As Memphis's inaugural UHF , WPTY-TV operated amid the post-VHF era challenges, relying on a modest budget to serve underserved viewers seeking alternatives to the major networks. The station's early programming lineup featured a diverse mix of movies, syndicated reruns such as episodes of , children's shows, and public affairs segments, without any initial local news production to compete with established affiliates. This approach allowed WPTY-TV to carve out a niche by targeting audiences interested in entertainment and community-focused content beyond prime-time network fare. Ownership transitioned in the mid-1980s, with the FCC granting assignment of the license from Delta Television Corp. to Precht Communications Inc. on August 13, 1984, and the deal finalizing on October 1 of that year. Less than two years later, in June 1986, Precht sold the station to Chase Communications, marking another shift as the independent continued to build its audience base. Under these successive owners, WPTY-TV navigated financial constraints while establishing itself as a vital local independent, setting the stage for future affiliations.

Fox affiliation era (1990–1995)

WPTY-TV, operating on UHF channel 24 in , became an affiliate of the in 1990, transitioning from its independent roots to carry the upstart network's expanding lineup amid Fox's efforts to establish a national presence in the late and early 1990s. This affiliation positioned the station as the market's Fox outlet, replacing (channel 30), and allowed WPTY to introduce prime-time programming such as and , which appealed to younger demographics with their irreverent humor and family-oriented yet edgy storytelling. The station also reduced its reliance on syndicated reruns and classic movies, filling more of its schedule with Fox's limited but growing slate of original content to differentiate itself in a market dominated by VHF stations affiliated with the Big Three networks (ABC, , and ). In 1994, Fox secured broadcasting rights to National Football Conference (NFC) games, further elevating WPTY's profile by airing high-profile NFL matchups, including playoff games and the occasional Super Bowl, which drew significant viewership in the sports-loving Mid-South region. These additions helped boost the station's ratings, particularly among adults 18-49, as Fox's bolder programming style contrasted with the more traditional fare of competitors like WHBQ-TV (ABC) and WREG-TV (CBS). The affiliation enabled WPTY to compete more effectively for advertising dollars, emphasizing youth-targeted shows and events that captured local interest in Memphis's diverse audience. Ownership changes during this period supported operational enhancements at the station. In January 1992, Chase Communications agreed to sell WPTY-TV to Clear Channel Communications for an undisclosed amount, a transaction that provided capital for facility upgrades, including improved studio equipment and transmission capabilities to better serve the Memphis viewing area. Under Clear Channel's stewardship, the station invested in technical improvements, enhancing signal quality and production values to align with Fox's national standards. The Fox era concluded abruptly in December 1995 when , 's parent company, acquired VHF station (channel 13), the longtime ABC affiliate, prompting Fox to relocate its affiliation there for greater due to the stronger signal and established audience of the lower-numbered channel. WPTY-TV's five-year stint as a Fox affiliate had introduced innovative programming to Memphis viewers but ended as part of broader network realignments in the mid-1990s, reflecting Fox's strategy to prioritize dominant outlets in key markets.

Transition to ABC and expansion (1995–2012)

On December 1, 1995, WPTY-TV switched its primary affiliation from to ABC, filling the void left by , which had been acquired by earlier that year and adopted the network's programming. This change marked the end of WPTY's brief stint as a Fox affiliate and positioned it as Memphis's new ABC outlet, serving a market where ABC programming had previously been carried by WHBQ since 1953. Initially, some programming, including the station's new local news broadcasts, was on sister station (channel 30) to leverage shared operations under a established in 1993. With the ABC affiliation, WPTY-TV adopted a full schedule of network programming, including primetime dramas, soaps, and sports events like games, while retaining popular syndicated shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! in access and early fringe time slots to attract local viewers. The station launched its news department on the same day as the switch, debuting with a 6 p.m. newscast focused on Memphis-area coverage, which helped establish its presence in a competitive market dominated by established Big Three affiliates. This programming evolution emphasized a mix of network staples and local content, contributing to gradual audience growth during the late 1990s. In 1999, following FCC approval of television duopoly rules, Clear Channel Communications, WPTY-TV's owner since 1992, acquired full ownership of , formalizing the duopoly and allowing for integrated operations and resource sharing between the two stations. The partnership expanded programming options, with carrying supplementary content like extended newscasts and syndicated fare, while WPTY focused on ABC duties. WPTY-TV and began on May 1, 2002, in compliance with the FCC's phased rollout for full-power stations, transmitting on UHF channel 25 with initial standard-definition programming. Ownership shifted again in 2008 when Clear Channel divested its television assets amid a corporate restructuring to focus on radio; WPTY-TV and were sold to Newport Television for approximately $1.1 billion as part of a larger 38-station package. Under Newport, the stations continued ABC operations without major disruptions, benefiting from the duopoly's efficiencies in news production and advertising sales. The for WPTY-TV ended on June 12, 2009, aligning with the nationwide DTV transition, after which all programming transitioned exclusively to the digital channel, enabling high-definition broadcasts for ABC content.

Rebranding and Nexstar era (2012–2019)

In July 2012, Nexstar Broadcasting Group announced its acquisition of 12 television stations from Newport Television, including the ABC affiliate WPTY-TV and CW/MyNetwork TV affiliate WLMT in Memphis, as part of a $285.5 million cash deal that also included Newport's digital media operations Inergize. The transaction, which created a duopoly in the Memphis market, closed in stages during early 2013, allowing Nexstar to integrate the stations' operations and leverage synergies for shared news production and advertising sales. Building on its ABC affiliation established in 1995, WATN-TV underwent significant rebranding in 2013 under Nexstar's ownership. On June 1, 2013, the station changed its call sign from WPTY-TV to WATN-TV to more closely align with its network identity and relocated to new studios at the Shelby Oaks Corporate Park on Shelby Oaks Drive in northeast Memphis, coinciding with a full high-definition upgrade for broadcasts. The rebrand introduced the "Local 24" on-air identity for news programming, emphasizing community-focused coverage, while the website localmemphis.com and mobile apps were enhanced to deliver interactive news, weather, and video content. During the Nexstar era, WATN-TV expanded its local programming slate, producing more hours of original news and community affairs content, including extended morning and evening newscasts shared with sister station WLMT. The duopoly enabled cost efficiencies in operations, such as centralized master control and joint sales teams, while boosting local advertising revenue in the Memphis market. Weather coverage was strengthened with the implementation of in-house Doppler radar technology, branded as First Alert Weather, providing real-time severe storm tracking for the Mid-South region. In September 2019, as part of Nexstar's merger with Tribune Media, WATN-TV and WLMT were divested to TEGNA Inc. for $740 million as part of an 11-station divestiture package. These initiatives positioned WATN-TV as a key local media hub through 2019.

Ownership

Historical ownership timeline

  • 1978–1984: Founded and owned by Petry Television, an advertising sales representative firm that launched WPTY-TV (now WATN-TV) as Memphis's first independent UHF station on September 10, 1978.
  • 1984–1986: Sold to Precht Communications of Tennessee for $11 million in August 1984, with the transaction finalized later that year; Precht, led by Robert H. Precht, also owned stations in western Montana.
  • 1986–1992: Acquired by Chase Broadcasting of Memphis Inc. (a subsidiary of Chase Enterprises) for $12.5 million in late 1986, with FCC approval in early 1987; Chase owned WTIC-TV in Hartford, Connecticut.
  • 1992–2008: Purchased by Clear Channel Communications (now iHeartMedia) for $20 million in January 1992, as part of Chase's divestitures; Clear Channel held the station during its Fox affiliation period.
  • 2008–2012: Transferred to Newport Television LLC as part of Clear Channel's $1.1 billion sale of its entire television group to Providence Equity Partners in March 2008; Newport focused on independent operations before liquidating assets.
  • 2012–2019: Acquired by Nexstar Media Group for $285.5 million as part of a larger purchase of 12 Newport stations in July 2012, including duopoly partner WLMT; Nexstar rebranded the station to WATN-TV in 2013.
  • 2019–present: Divested to TEGNA Inc. for approximately $46 million (part of a $740 million deal for 11 stations) in March 2019, as required by FCC conditions for Nexstar's acquisition of Tribune Media; TEGNA has owned the station alongside WLMT since September 2019.

Current structure under TEGNA

In September 2019, completed its acquisition of WATN-TV and from as part of a larger deal involving 11 stations across eight markets for $740 million. WATN-TV operates within TEGNA's portfolio of 64 television stations serving 51 U.S. markets, with the company's headquarters located in . Local operations in Memphis are overseen by President and General Manager Christopher Franklin, who was appointed in June 2024. As a duopoly with , WATN-TV benefits from operational synergies including shared studios on Shelby Oaks Drive, joint sales efforts, engineering support, and select programming resources, enabling efficient resource allocation while prioritizing digital revenue streams such as and streaming services. Under TEGNA's model, the station emphasizes community-focused through investigative reporting on local issues like public safety and , alongside multi-platform content delivery via over-the-air broadcasts, the ABC24 app, and channels to engage more than 1.9 million viewers in the Memphis DMA. TEGNA has maintained a local workforce of approximately 86 employees at the Memphis stations since the 2019 acquisition, with no significant layoffs reported in the immediate aftermath, supporting stable newsroom and operational continuity.

Proposed Nexstar acquisition (2025–present)

On August 19, 2025, Nexstar Media Group announced a definitive agreement to acquire TEGNA Inc., the parent company of WATN-TV, in a cash transaction valued at $6.2 billion. The deal offers TEGNA shareholders $22.00 per share, representing a 31% premium over the company's unaffected 30-day average closing stock price as of August 8, 2025. If completed, the merger would combine Nexstar's portfolio of over 200 local television stations with TEGNA's 64 stations, creating the largest local media company in the United States by revenue and station count. On November 18, 2025, TEGNA shareholders approved the merger agreement with approximately 98% of votes cast. Nexstar filed its Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust notification with the on September 30, 2025, initiating the regulatory review process. On November 18, 2025, Nexstar and TEGNA filed applications with the (FCC) seeking consent to transfer control of TEGNA's broadcast licenses to Nexstar under its broadcast ownership rules. Both companies anticipate closure in the second half of 2026, subject to approval by TEGNA shareholders, the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and FCC authorization. In the Memphis market, the acquisition would consolidate Nexstar's existing ownership of (CBS affiliate) with TEGNA's (ABC affiliate) and its sister station (CW affiliate), resulting in Nexstar controlling three of the market's five major commercial television stations. Regulators may require divestitures to address local , as the combined entity would exceed FCC limits on audience reach in the DMA without relief. The proposed merger has sparked concerns regarding FCC ownership caps, which currently limit a single entity to reaching no more than 39% of U.S. television households on a national basis, potentially necessitating waivers or rule changes for approval. Critics, including lawmakers and media watchdogs, have raised alarms about increased consolidation reducing viewpoint diversity, particularly in markets like Memphis where Nexstar would dominate local news and programming options.

Programming

Network affiliation details

WATN-TV has been affiliated with the (ABC) since December 1, 1995, when it swapped affiliations with following Fox's acquisition of the latter station. As the primary ABC affiliate for the Memphis designated market area (DMA), WATN-TV remains the sole provider of ABC network programming in this market, serving approximately 666,300 television households as of the 2024–2025 television season. The station's affiliation agreement with ABC, owned by , has been renewed periodically for TEGNA's ABC affiliates, with a multi-year extension announced in 2019 covering stations owned at the time. This agreement ensures continued access to ABC's extensive library of Disney-produced content and provides WATN-TV with revenue streams from national advertising sales as well as reverse compensation payments from the network, a standard industry practice where networks compensate affiliates for carriage and promotion. WATN-TV achieves near-100% clearance of ABC's programming schedule, airing the network's primetime lineup—such as long-running series and reality franchise The Bachelor—daytime soap opera , evening newscast , and major sports events including the NBA Finals and college football games. Preemptions are rare, typically limited to occasional local specials or extended community events, and during the 1995 affiliation transition, certain ABC programming was simulcast on sister station to minimize disruptions for viewers.

Syndicated and local content

WATN-TV's syndicated programming fills key daytime and early evening slots outside of ABC network and news commitments. In mornings, the station airs Live with Kelly and Mark, a staple talk show featuring celebrity interviews and lifestyle segments, typically broadcast following local morning news and leading into ABC's Good Morning America. Afternoons feature court-themed programs such as Hot Bench and Tribunal Justice, which present dramatized legal disputes, alongside entertainment talk like The Jennifer Hudson Show. These offerings rotate seasonally to align with national syndication availability, with additional fillers including newsmagazines like Extra in early morning slots. Local non-news programming emphasizes through public affairs content. The station produces ABC24 This Week, a Sunday morning series covering Memphis-area , social issues, and civic developments, hosted by station personalities and featuring local experts. WATN-TV also airs occasional specials highlighting Memphis cultural events, such as coverage of music festivals and community initiatives, produced in-house to foster regional connections. The scheduling structure prioritizes syndication for weekday mornings and afternoons, with early mornings including brief entertainment segments like sitcom reruns (, ) before transitioning to talk formats. Weekends incorporate a mix of syndicated movies, game shows such as , and paid programming blocks, providing variety beyond ABC primetime. This approach has evolved since the station's independent era (1978–1990), when programming leaned heavily on feature films and broad syndication to attract general audiences, toward a more targeted balance post-1995 ABC affiliation that integrates and informational content. In recent years, digital extensions on the Local Memphis website offer exclusive on-demand versions of local specials and archived syndicated episodes. Syndicated content contributes to WATN-TV's daytime performance, particularly enhancing viewership among the 25-54 demographic through engaging talk and formats that complement the station's news-driven identity.

News operations

Development and early years

The news operation at WATN-TV launched on December 1, 1995, coinciding with the station's affiliation switch to ABC after Fox acquired longtime ABC affiliate . The initial programming consisted of newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. produced in partnership with (9 p.m. newscast), marking the first effort for the former independent outlet. This growth was supported by an increased budget following the formation of a duopoly with , allowing for more resources dedicated to local reporting. The early focus was on competing with established rivals and by offering "fresh" coverage aligned with ABC's national programming, though the new operation faced challenges in building viewership against the market's veteran newsrooms. Key milestones in the department's initial development included the transition to , completed on June 12, 2009. In 2005, the station received a regional Emmy Award for best weekend newscast, recognizing the department's growing impact in local reporting. Throughout this period, production relied on analog tape-based methods until the transition to digital in 2009.

Current format and schedule

ABC24 News Right Now, the branding adopted following the station's rebrand to ABC24 Memphis, emphasizes a fast-paced, digital-first approach to local , integrating and on-demand content across platforms. The weekday schedule features ABC24 News This Morning at 6 a.m., ABC24 News Midday at 11 a.m., ABC24 News at 5 p.m., ABC24 News at 6 p.m., and ABC24 News at 10 p.m., with Good Morning Memphis segments integrated into the morning block leading into national programming. Weekend editions air at 10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Newscasts employ a multi-anchor format supported by reporters in the field, incorporating live updates and visual elements such as maps and data displays to enhance storytelling. The weather segment, led by dedicated meteorologists including Chief Meteorologist Trevor Birchett, utilizes interactive radar tools available through the ABC24 app for real-time tracking. Special coverage includes extended reporting on election nights, providing live results and analysis for local, state, and national races, as well as continuous updates during severe weather events with alerts for thunderstorms, flooding, and tornado risks in the Mid-South region. 24/7 streaming via the ABC24+ app ensures continuous access to breaking news, weather impacts, and investigative reports. As of November 2025, the pending acquisition of TEGNA by Nexstar Media Group may influence future news resources, pending regulatory approval and closure expected in the second half of 2026.

Notable personnel

WATN-TV's news team features several prominent on-air personalities who have contributed to its local coverage in Memphis. Pepper Baker serves as an evening anchor, delivering reports on community issues and earning recognition at events like the Tri-State Defender Best in Black Awards. Yvonne Cooper acts as both anchor and reporter, focusing on and features since joining the station. Ruben Diaz anchors the morning and noon broadcasts, bringing a mix of news and light-hearted segments to viewers. Among the weather specialists, Trevor Birchett holds the role of chief meteorologist, providing forecasts and severe weather updates for the Mid-South region. In the reporting staff, Lauren Turman operates as a multi-skilled journalist, covering underreported stories after graduating from Hampton University. Scott Madaus contributes as a reporter, emphasizing advocacy journalism in the Memphis area. Behind the scenes, Christina Ailsworth has led as news director since April 2025, overseeing content strategy following her earlier roles at the station. Notable former personnel include Mike Matthews, a reporter who spent over two decades at WATN-TV covering Mid-South politics before retiring in 2020 after a 44-year career. Richard Ransom anchored for nearly a decade until March 2025, when he departed to take a communications role at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Rodney Dunigan served as morning anchor during the station's 2013 rebrand before moving to other markets, including a position in . The team's efforts have garnered regional accolades, with individuals like Lauren Turman recognized as award-winning journalists for their contributions to local storytelling. Departures often stem from retirements or career advancements, as seen with Matthews' long-service exit and Ransom's transition to public service communications.

Technical information

Transmitter and signal specifications

WATN-TV's transmitter is located in the Brunswick section of unincorporated , near Collierville, at coordinates 35°16′33″N 89°46′38″W. The tower stands 365 meters (1,199 feet) tall above ground level, with an antenna (HAAT) of 340 meters (1,115 feet). In its analog era, the station broadcast on (UHF) channel 24 with an (ERP) of 3,020 kilowatts until the nationwide on June 12, 2009. Since the transition, WATN-TV has operated its digital signal on physical UHF channel 25 (536–542 MHz) with an ERP of 1,000 kilowatts, while mapping to virtual channel 24.1 for continuity with its former analog assignment. The signal provides coverage across the Memphis designated market area (DMA), reaching an estimated population of 1.8 million viewers within a 63.8-mile radius contour. As a full-power television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under facility ID 11907, WATN-TV adheres to ATSC 1.0 standards for over-the-air broadcasting and supports mobile emergency alerts through the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) integrated with the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Digital subchannels

WATN-TV's digital signal utilizes ATSC 1.0 standards and is multiplexed into eight subchannels, offering a mix of national multicast networks alongside its primary ABC affiliation on 24.1 in 720p high definition. The subchannels primarily feature entertainment-focused programming, with resolutions varying between 720p and 480i to optimize bandwidth allocation. These channels are managed under agreements between owner TEGNA Inc. and the respective network providers, following TEGNA's acquisition of the station from Nexstar Media Group in 2015. The following table outlines WATN-TV's current digital subchannels:
Virtual ChannelProgrammingAffiliation DescriptionResolutionLaunch Year (National/Local Alignment)
24.1ABCPrimary ABC network feed2009 (post-digital transition)
24.2QuestAdventure and reality programming2018
24.3Classic television sitcoms and dramas2013
24.4Crime documentaries and investigations2021 (local addition)
24.5LaffComedy series and films2015
24.6The NestLifestyle and family entertainment2023
24.7Science fiction movies and series2015
24.8Charge!Action and police procedurals2017
Subchannels were first introduced following the 2009 nationwide , allowing WATN-TV to expand its offerings beyond the main signal. Over time, the lineup has evolved to reflect changes in network availability and bandwidth constraints, including the addition of newer networks like The Nest in 2023 to replace prior programming. Stations like WATN-TV derive revenue from these subchannels through reverse compensation affiliate fees paid by networks such as , which operates and Laff, enabling sustainable operations.

References

  1. https://www.localmemphis.com/
  2. https://www.localmemphis.com/about-us
  3. https://www.youtube.com/c/ABC24Memphis
  4. https://www.tegna.com/tegna-shareholders-approve-merger-agreement-with-nexstar-media-group/
  5. https://dailymemphian.com/article/54300/nexsta-tegna-consolidate-three-memphis-tv-stations-under-one-owner
  6. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=11907
  7. https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?facid=11907
  8. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/WATN-TV
  9. https://www.localmemphis.com/article/about-us/local-memphis-and-local-24-becoming-abc24-on-september-27/522-1dd5ae03-80cb-47d4-8227-c123a5e42cd5
  10. https://ustvdb.com/seasons/2024-25/markets/
  11. https://www.nexstar.tv/stations/wreg-d-2/
  12. https://www.americantv.com/what-channel-is-abc-in-memphis-tennessee.php
  13. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_market&mktid=60
  14. https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/fox13-acquired-by-rincon-broadcasting-group/article_cde4c264-3c16-4162-9288-302e556132c1.html
  15. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1978/1978-09-25-BC.pdf
  16. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1984/BC-1984-08-13.pdf
  17. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1984/BC-1984-10-22.pdf
  18. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1991/BC-1991-10-07.pdf
  19. https://variety.com/1995/tv/features/tupelo-turns-to-fox-99128152/
  20. https://www.courant.com/1992/01/30/chase-enterprises-to-sell-tv-station-in-memphis/
  21. https://www.fox13memphis.com/site/about.html
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/10/business/2-tv-stations-bought-by-fox.html
  23. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/WLMT
  24. https://www.nexttv.com/news/newport-sells-22-stations-nexstar-sinclair-cox-1-bil-43577
  25. https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-broadcasting-and-mission-broadcasting-to-acquire-12-television-stations-in-eight-markets-and-inergize-digital-e-media-operations-from-newport-television-llc-for-285-5-million-in-cash-in-an-a/
  26. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/2013-01-03-nexstar-broadcasting-announces-completion-of-acqui.html
  27. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2013/05/31/memphis-station-rebrands/
  28. https://www.localmemphis.com/radar
  29. https://www.tegna.com/tegna-completes-acquisition-of-11-local-television-stations-from-nexstar-media-group/
  30. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-phillippi-8690b111
  31. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1987/BC-1987-02-09.pdf
  32. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/Archive-BC-YB-Station-Sales/1993-sales.pdf
  33. https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/78604/clear-channel-tv-station-sale-complete.html
  34. https://deadline.com/2012/07/newport-television-to-collect-1b-selling-22-stations-to-nexstar-sinclair-and-cox-303455/
  35. https://www.tegna.com/tegna-to-acquire-11-local-television-stations-in-eight-markets/
  36. https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar_tribune_divestiture_agreements/
  37. https://investors.tegna.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tegna-completes-acquisition-11-local-television-stations-nexstar
  38. https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/tegna-nexstar-11-stations-740-million-1203167775/
  39. https://www.tegna.com/2025/
  40. https://investors.tegna.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tegna-names-christopher-franklin-president-and-general-manager
  41. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/WATN
  42. https://www.linkedin.com/company/abc24memphis
  43. https://investors.tegna.com/static-files/8e1af813-4d8a-4abd-b325-9d842c30618d
  44. https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-media-group-inc-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-tegna-inc-for-6-2-billion-in-accretive-transaction/
  45. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-08-19/nexstar-agrees-to-acquire-tegna-in-a-major-tv-station-group-deal
  46. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/18/3190158/0/en/TEGNA-Shareholders-Approve-Merger-Agreement-with-Nexstar-Media-Group.html
  47. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2025/11/07/nexstar-ceo-signals-more-deals-ahead-after-6-2b-tegna-acquisition-closes/
  48. https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-seeks-approval-of-tegna-acquisition-from-federal-communications-commission/
  49. https://www.10tv.com/article/about-us/nexstar-to-acquire-tegna/507-5bfc1ab2-83bd-49dd-a567-98e14dba07b0
  50. https://www.axios.com/2025/11/08/nexstar-tegna-merger-fcc-ownership-cap
  51. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nexstar-ceo-perry-sook-confident-182205261.html
  52. https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/09/10/consolidation-of-tv-station-ownership-in-state-limits-options-for-tennesseans/
  53. https://nationalmediaspots.com/DMA-Ranks.pdf
  54. https://www.investing.com/analysis/tegna-tgna-and-abc-extend-multiyear-affiliate-agreement-200374920
  55. https://investors.tegna.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tegna-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-results-and
  56. https://www.tvpassport.com/tv-listings/stations/abc-watn-memphis-tn/1423
  57. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/572881704/watn.html
  58. https://www.localmemphis.com/abc24-this-week
  59. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/WATN-TV
  60. https://broadcasting.fandom.com/wiki/Miscellaneous_unorganized_material/WATN-TV
  61. https://www.localmemphis.com/video/news/live_stream/abc24-news-at-5pm/522-e7f27b69-f1fb-468a-acc4-e0e3ad418a30
  62. https://www.localmemphis.com/watch
  63. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/572881707/watn-hdtv.html
  64. https://www.localmemphis.com/article/about-us/live-memphis-news-weather-stream-abc24-watch/522-f934a888-58e4-4dfd-948f-62432e992c2c
  65. https://www.directv.com/guide/tv-shows/ABC24-News-This-Morning-c576892e-5abf-737e-c599-dc1623a5b0d0
  66. https://www.localmemphis.com/meet-the-team
  67. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newssynergy.wpty&hl=en_US
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3C0hFGwTSQ
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V75zBtOP76g
  70. https://investors.tegna.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tegna-inc-reports-third-quarter-2025-results
  71. https://www.facebook.com/ABC24Memphis/videos/abc24-anchor-pepper-baker-at-tri-state-defender-best-in-black-awards/2027376514761113/
  72. https://www.facebook.com/ABC24Memphis/videos/memphis-meet-ruben-diaz-hell-be-joining-yvonne-cooper-and-trevor-birchett-on-abc/414073454382324/
  73. https://www.facebook.com/RubenDiazTV/
  74. https://www.localmemphis.com/article/about-us/team-bios/lauren-turman/522-7d76589a-bd72-4885-912f-ae799c0625e5
  75. https://www.facebook.com/scottmadaus/
  76. https://tntribune.com/christina-ailsworth-named-abc24-news-director/
  77. https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/mike-matthews-retirement-journalist/522-690a9f46-7f51-40d0-ba3d-31d3c05c64fe
  78. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2025/03/13/richard-ransom-leaving-abc24-memphis/82368182007/
  79. https://www.localmemphis.com/video/news/local/abc24-says-goodbye-to-richard-ransom-as-anchor/522-c2a7bfb2-5c2d-4f5d-81b9-1498b940c491
  80. http://members.memphischamber.com/news/details/all-new-wpty-tv-to-re-launch-as-watn-tv-local-24-on-june-1
  81. https://abc6onyourside.com/station/people/rodney-dunigan
  82. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-turman-978307172
  83. https://www.rabbitears.info/tower.php?request=site&asrn=1057943
  84. https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/search-fcc-databases
  85. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=11907
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.