Hubbry Logo
WGNTWGNTMain
Open search
WGNT
Community hub
WGNT
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
WGNT
WGNT
WGNT
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

WGNT (channel 27) is an independent television station licensed to Portsmouth, Virginia, United States, serving the Hampton Roads area. It is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company alongside Norfolk-licensed CBS affiliate WTKR (channel 3). The two stations share studios on Boush Street in downtown Norfolk; WGNT's transmitter is located in Suffolk, Virginia.

Key Information

Channel 27 in the 1950s: WTOV-TV

[edit]

WGNT, originally WYAH-TV, was preceded on channel 27 by an earlier station, WTOV-TV (unrelated to the current WTOV-TV in Steubenville, Ohio), the second built in Norfolk proper and the market's third. It operated twice during the 1950s: from December 6, 1953 to October 3, 1954, and again under different ownership from May 25, 1955 to August 1959. It merged into WVEC-TV when that station moved from channel 15 to very high frequency (VHF) channel 13.

Establishment

[edit]

After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ended its four-year freeze on television station license grants and opened the UHF band to television use in 1952, channel 27 was assigned to Norfolk. Two radio stations—WLOW of Norfolk, owned by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, and WSAP of Portsmouth—applied for the UHF channel.[3] However, WSAP was sold and immediately withdrew the application, leaving only the WLOW application to be granted.[4] A construction permit was awarded on July 16, and the call letters WTOV-TV were taken on July 31.[5] Commonwealth purchased a tower used by WSAP's former FM station on Spratley Street in Portsmouth; set up temporary studios at its radio facility at 21st and Manteo streets; and negotiated a primary affiliation for the station with ABC.[6][7] The DuMont Television Network was added as well before launch.[8]

Test pattern broadcasts began in late October 1953; a building across the street from the radio studios was leased to provide a permanent home for the TV station.[8] Official commercial programs began December 6, making WTOV-TV the third television station in the area behind WTAR-TV, the only pre-freeze station in the area, and WVEC-TV (channel 15), a UHF outlet in Hampton that had begun in 1953.[9] The station went off the air on October 3, 1954, having failed to secure sufficient support to continue operating while it fought for the Hampton Roads area to get a third VHF allotment.[10] WVEC-TV then immediately moved in, using the facilities as its Norfolk auxiliary studio.[11]

Second stint on air

[edit]

Commonwealth Broadcasting Company then filed to sell the permit to Tim Brite, Inc., a company headed by Temus Brite, in February 1955.[12] Brite returned it to the air on May 25 as an independent station without network programming from studios in Portsmouth.[13]

The proposal to move a third VHF into Hampton Roads involved changing channel 13 at New Bern, North Carolina, to channel 12, then moving channel 13 to Princess Anne.[14] This was originally rejected by the FCC in February 1955,[15] but the FCC added the channel to the area in 1956—on the stipulation that it be open to all potential applicants, meaning WTOV-TV would face competition for the station.[16]

Norfolk radio station WNOR purchased a half interest in WTOV-TV in May 1957 and announced its intention to apply to move to channel 13.[17] An official application was filed in June; this was the second, after a similar petition from WVEC-TV.[18] Both stations were denied authority to use the VHF channel immediately on a temporary basis[19] WVEC, WTOV, and two other groups had applied for the channel by October 1957,[20] with only one of the other groups—Virginian Television—still in the running when comparative hearings were set on the three applications in June 1958.[21] Virginian Television was associated with radio station WBOF at Virginia Beach.[22]

One notable on-air personality at WTOV was only seen on camera once. He was the station's newsreader, and he was fired after his lone appearance because he was Black and irate White callers expressed their displeasure; he remarked, "I thought it would be good for all my folks and friends to see me rather than this dumb news sign up there. Vanity got the better of me." The newsreader, Max Robinson, went on to anchor ABC World News Tonight.[23]

Merger into WVEC-TV; closure

[edit]

A settlement agreement among WVEC, WTOV, and Virginian Television was agreed to in August 1958. This called for WVEC-TV's application to move to channel 13 to proceed, with WTOV and Virginian Television each receiving a 10 percent interest in the television station, and WVEC radio being spun out to not be part of the enlarged ownership group.[24] However, WAVY-TV protested on economic grounds, believing a third VHF station in its market would hurt it,[25] and it was not until April 1959 that the FCC granted an initial decision in its favor in the case.[26][27] WTOV left the air in August 1959;[28] WVEC-TV moved from channel 15 to channel 13 on November 13, 1959.[29]

History

[edit]

Christian Broadcasting Network ownership

[edit]

A 29-year-old minister from Portsmouth, M. G. "Pat" Robertson, then obtained an option to acquire the former WTOV-TV plant in Portsmouth.[28] He purchased the facility even though he found it vandalized, deteriorating, and "a scene of utter desolation".[30] In August 1960, his Christian Broadcasting Network applied for a new construction permit to put channel 27 back in service, proposing the call letters WTFC-TV ("Television for Christ").[31][32] However, those call letters were not available—apparently being reserved by the FCC—so he instead selected WYAH-TV, from the first three letters of Yahweh.[33][34]

The new WYAH-TV began broadcasting on October 1, 1961, airing for five hours a day on Sundays and three hours from Tuesday to Saturday.[35] The station's early programming consisted of Christian teaching programs hosted by Robertson, other shows produced by local churches, and some syndicated televangelists' repeats of Sunday programs. The station almost went dark in 1963, and so it conducted a special telethon urging 700 people to donate $10 a month, continuing to hold such telethons every other month. A few years later, the locally produced daily talk program would be named for the telethons, The 700 Club.

Beginning in 1966, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker hosted and produced a local children's program called Come On Over (later called Jim and Tammy). This consisted of puppet shows, skits, prayers, singalongs, games, stories and religious short films such as Davey and Goliath and JOT. The program was eventually seen in Canada, and achieved widespread syndication throughout the United States. Pat Robertson also appeared on-camera as well, as host of additional Bible-teaching programs. Weekends consisted of televangelists such as Oral Roberts, Kathryn Kuhlman, Jerry Falwell and Billy Graham, and local church services. WYAH-TV was one of the first Christian television stations in the United States and was a viewer-supported station with a commercial license, though it sold blocks of time to other ministries. By 1966, the station was somewhat financially solvent.

By September 1967, WYAH-TV was broadcasting in color, and began commercial operation part-time about an hour a day. Initial non-religious fare included low-budget films, travelogues, and local productions. In June 1970, channel 27 activated a new, more powerful transmitter that boosted its effective radiated power to 2.25 million watts. This not only gave it a coverage area comparable to Hampton Roads' Big Three stations, but also provided secondary coverage to the eastern fringe of the Richmond market. Robertson sent a newsletter to donors boasting that channel 27 was now the most powerful station in Virginia.

By 1973 the station had increased its on-air hours, signing on at 10 a.m. and its schedule of secular programming, which coincided with the end of Jim and Tammy show, which initially moved from the 6 p.m. time slot to the noon time slot on March 12, 1973. A few months later the show moved to the 9 a.m. time slot in reruns for the summer. Jim and Tammy actually left at the end of March 1973, their show last airing on August 31, 1973 (reportedly, Pat Robertson had fired Jim Bakker from the station over philosophical differences, though Robertson stated they left on their own will due to plans to eventually relegate their show to Sundays); the Bakkers soon after moved on in May 1973 to co-found the Trinity Broadcasting Network with Paul Crouch before splitting up with him to begin The PTL Club in 1975. By September 1973, WYAH-TV was on the air 20 hours a day as more of a mainstream independent station, with an expanded lineup of syndicated shows and religious programming, including airings of The 700 Club two times a day; Sundays were still devoted entirely to religious programs. Also, in 1972, Pat Robertson stepped down from his role as general manager and hired one (who likely played a role in the Bakkers' departure) to grow the station and be responsible for day-to-day operation, while Robertson would concentrate on taking his 700 Club program national, which occurred in 1974.

The Hampton Roads area had become one of the smallest markets in the U.S. with a commercial independent station. But while WYAH-TV had evolved into a conventional independent station by this time, its programming policy was decidedly conservative, in keeping with Robertson's Baptist/charismatic religious views. For many years, it muted any dialogue containing profanity. In some cases, it opted to preempt whole episodes out of concern for their subject matter. For example, at least two episodes of Gilligan's Island never aired on the station, because of content centering (albeit in a comical fashion) around ghosts and vampires. However, channel 27 offered a wide variety of programming and was a stronger independent than many secular-owned independent stations at that time. Still, Hampton Roads viewers got other choices once cable arrived in the area in the late 1960s, as WTTG and WDCA from Washington, D.C. became available on cable systems as well.

With WYAH's growth and profitability, CBN began expanding to other markets. The ministry launched WHAE-TV (now WANF) in Atlanta in 1971; purchased KXTX-TV in Dallas in 1972; and signed on WXNE-TV (now WFXT) in Boston in 1977. These stations formed the Continental Broadcasting Network, a wholly owned subsidiary of CBN, with WYAH-TV as the flagship station. Locally, channel 27 faced competition for the first time in 1979 when WTVZ (channel 33) was signed on by TVX Broadcast Group. The new, locally owned independent purchased general-entertainment programming–much of which was passed over by CBN, having been deemed too racy for the ministry's liking. The impact was near-immediate as WTVZ equaled, then surpassed, WYAH (the station officially dropped the -TV suffix from its call sign in June 1983[36]) in viewership.

By the late 1980s, Continental Broadcasting had become too profitable to remain under the CBN banner without endangering CBN's non-profit status. With this in mind, Robertson began selling off his over-the-air stations and eventually sold off his directly owned cable network, the CBN Family Channel (the latter going to his son Tim's company, International Family Entertainment; it has gone through several ownership changes since and is now called Freeform). In 1986; CBN announced plans to sell WYAH and KXTX to Family Group Broadcasting, which had agreed to retain the same personnel and programming,[37] though the deal ultimately fell through.

Centennial ownership, UPN affiliation, Viacom ownership, and Local TV/Dreamcatcher Broadcasting ownerships

[edit]

After the Family Group deal fell through, in August 1987, a group of local buyers scouted the station for a potential purchase. The scandal in televangelism at the time had hit CBN hard with a decline in donations; earlier that year, it had laid off 500 employees in Virginia Beach.[38] A $12 million deal was initially reached in 1988 with Draper Communications of Delaware,[39] but no deal was ever closed. Instead, the local investors under the aegis of Centennial Communications agreed in March 1989 to acquire WYAH. They included Raymond Bottom Jr., former editor of the Daily Press in Newport News, with a 72 percent stake; Ernest Harris, a former vice president of WVEC-TV; Robert L. Freeman, a local accountant; and W. Howard Jernigan, former general sales manager of WGH-AM-FM.[40][41]

After the FCC approved of the sale in July,[42] and Centennial changed the call letters to WGNT ("Greater Norfolk Television") in September to fulfill a stipulation imposed by CBN in the transaction.[43] After Centennial took control, WGNT initially ran shows inherited from the CBN days, but ended the station's decades-long practice of censoring the small amount of profanity from off-network syndicated programming. As the 1990s began, Centennial began mixing in more modern programming, such as talk shows like The Rush Limbaugh Show, Ricki Lake and Jerry Springer and the Prime Time Entertainment Network programming service. In 1991, it dropped the 11 p.m. repeat of The 700 Club. Since 1996, WGNT aired the long-running court show in syndication, Judge Judy. By 2003, the series was completely dropped from WGNT's schedule, removing the last link to its CBN days. However, it has aired on numerous outlets in the area in the years since then; and following a brief period in late 2016 when The 700 Club returned to WGNT[44] after WTKR launched a local lifestyle program called Coast Live,[45] the show is now on its second stint on WVBT.

On January 16, 1995, WGNT became a charter affiliate of the United Paramount Network (UPN) and branded itself as "UPN 27". In 1997, Paramount Stations Group bought WGNT for $42.5 million, making it a UPN owned-and-operated station.[46] This made WGNT the only network-owned station in the Hampton Roads market. Viacom, Paramount's owner, later bought CBS as well. When Viacom split into two separate companies in December 2005 with its broadcasting properties remaining with the original Viacom, which was restructured as CBS Corporation, WGNT and the other UPN O&Os became part of the new company through its CBS Television Stations subsidiary.

On January 24, 2006, CBS and Time Warner announced that UPN and The WB would shut down to form a new jointly-owned service featuring series from both networks as well as newer series, The CW Television Network.[47] As part of the announcement, the new network signed a 10-year affiliation deal with 11 of CBS' UPN stations, including WGNT. Channel 27 rebranded itself as "CW 27" in the summer of 2006 and officially became the Hampton Roads area's CW affiliate on September 18, 2006. On June 14, 2010, Local TV, owner of CBS affiliate WTKR, acquired WGNT. Shortly after the announcement, Local TV took over WGNT's operations through a local marketing agreement as the company's first CW station, making it a sister station to WTKR (eventually creating the first legal duopoly in the Hampton Roads market once the purchase was finalized).[48]

On July 1, 2013, Local TV announced it was merging with Tribune Company in a $2.75 billion deal.[49] At the time, Tribune owned The Daily Press in Newport News. Due to FCC regulations barring newspaper-television cross ownership within a single market[50] (although Tribune has maintained cross-ownership waivers for its newspaper-television station combinations in four other media markets), Tribune spun off WTKR and WGNT, along with WNEP-TV in Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Dreamcatcher Broadcasting, an unrelated company owned by former Tribune Company executive Ed Wilson. Tribune provided services to the stations through a shared services agreement, and held an option to buy back WTKR and WGNT outright in the future.[51] Tribune later announced on July 10, 2013, that it would spin off its newspaper division (including the Daily Press) into a separate company, the Tribune Publishing Company, in 2014, pending shareholder and regulatory approval.[52] The sale was completed on December 27.[53]

Aborted sale to Sinclair; sale to Nexstar and resale to Scripps

[edit]

Sinclair Broadcast Group entered into an agreement to acquire Tribune Media in 2017. Sinclair would have had to select one of WGNT or WTVZ-TV to keep alongside WTKR; no divestiture plan was announced.[54] However, the transaction was designated in July 2018 for hearing by an FCC administrative law judge, and Tribune moved to terminate the deal in August 2018.[55]

In 2019, Nexstar Media Group, owner of WAVY-TV and Fox affiliate WVBT (channel 43), announced it would acquire Tribune.[56] Nexstar opted to retain its existing stations and sold WTKR–WGNT to the E. W. Scripps Company.[57] On April 19, 2024, Nexstar announced that The CW would not renew its affiliations with Scripps-owned stations, including WGNT; in the Norfolk market, the affiliation moved to WVBT-DT2 effective September 1.[58]

Newscasts

[edit]
Further information: WTKR § News operation

In 1995, WTKR began to produce the market's first prime time local newscast, a half-hour program at 10 p.m. called NewsChannel 3 at 10 on UPN 27.[59] After Paramount Stations Group acquired WGNT in 1997, new management cancelled the newscast that December, citing a shift to an entertainment-focused programming direction.[60]

The 10 p.m. time period was used for off-network repeats until June 29, 2015, when the weeknight primetime newscast returned under the name WGNT News at 10 - Powered by NewsChannel 3. This is WTKR's second attempt at a weeknight 10 p.m. newscast for WGNT.[61]

In July 2011, WGNT management announced that local news programming would return to the station. The station debuted a two-hour morning newscast from 7 to 9 a.m., featuring the anchor team from sister station WTKR's morning program.[62] Initially slated to launch on August 29, the newscast's debut was moved up to August 25 to provide coverage of Hurricane Irene.[63] At some point afterwards, a half-hour 10 p.m. newscast began airing on weekends (unusual as primetime newscasts on most television stations typically air either seven nights a week or Monday through Fridays only), followed by a half-hour program recapping stories sister station WTKR broadcast over the past week in their "Taking Action, Getting Results" franchise. Although the weeknight 10 p.m. newscast returned to WGNT on June 29, 2015, the weekend evening newscasts still remain.

On July 7, 2014, WGNT debuted a half-hour 7 p.m. newscast featuring former morning anchor Laila Muhammad, Les Smith and chief meteorologist Patrick Rockey. It is the first newscast at that time slot in the Hampton Roads area.[64]

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WGNT[65]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
27.1 1080i 16:9 WGNT-HD Main WGNT programming
27.2 480i Antenna Antenna TV
27.3 Grit Grit
27.4 Dabl Dabl
27.5 QVC2 QVC2
27.6 HSN2 HSN2

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

WGNT began digital broadcasts on channel 50 on July 15, 2002. The station ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 27, on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 50, using virtual channel 27.[66] As part of the SAFER Act in the DTV Delay Act, WGNT was required to keep its analog signal on for one month to inform viewers of the digital television transition.[67]

WGNT relocated its signal from channel 50 to channel 20 on January 17, 2020, as a result of the 2016 United States wireless spectrum auction.[68]

References

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

WGNT

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WGNT is an independent television station licensed to , , broadcasting on virtual channel 27 and serving the . Owned by the , WGNT operates as part of a duopoly with Norfolk-licensed CBS affiliate , with both stations sharing studios on Boush Street in downtown Norfolk. The station ended its long-standing affiliation with network on September 1, 2024, transitioning to independent status amid Scripps' decision to discontinue CW programming in several markets to prioritize local content. Previously affiliated with and later , WGNT has historically focused on syndicated programming, local news extensions from , and sports content, contributing to the regional media landscape without major national network ties post-2024.

Early operations as WTOV-TV

Establishment and initial programming

WTOV-TV was founded by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, which also operated radio station WLOW in . The awarded the company a construction permit for UHF channel 27 in early October , positioning it as the third television station in the market after WTAR-TV (channel 4) and WVEC-TV (channel 13). The station signed on as a commercial independent in late , focusing on serving the Portsmouth-Norfolk area with non-network content amid the era's UHF challenges, including limited receiver compatibility and competition from established VHF outlets. Initial programming emphasized affordable, locally oriented fare typical of early UHF independents, including syndicated movies, children's programs, and variety shows, with broadcasts commencing in the morning—often around 7:00 a.m.—and concluding early in the evening, such as by 7:15 p.m. on some days. The schedule featured limited hours to manage operational costs, reflecting the financial constraints of independent operations in a market dominated by network-affiliated VHF stations that drew most . No primary network affiliation was secured initially, though some ABC programming aired sporadically before full market saturation.

Financial difficulties and intermittent operations

WTOV-TV, operating on UHF channel 27 from , signed on as a commercial on December 6, 1953, marking it as the third television outlet in the market after VHF stations WTAR-TV (channel 3) and WVEC-TV (channel 13). Owned by Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation—which also controlled radio station WLOW—the station aired a mix of local programming, films, and syndicated content but quickly encountered severe financial strain common to early UHF broadcasters. These challenges stemmed from sparse UHF set ownership in households (fewer than 10% nationally in 1953), reliance on converter attachments for VHF TVs, and stiff competition for advertising dollars from entrenched VHF affiliates with network backing. By late 1954, mounting losses prompted to curtail operations, leading to a full suspension by early 1955. Federal records noted the station's "continued [to] suffer financial loss and may be forced to leave the air," attributing this to inadequate revenue amid high transmission costs and limited audience reach. Broadcasting trade reports described the shutdown as resulting from "disappointing results" despite an "intensive effort" to sustain viability, highlighting how UHF signals' issues and viewer reluctance exacerbated economic pressures in markets without mandatory all-channel tuning. In February 1955, petitioned the FCC to transfer the dormant construction permit to Tim Brite, Inc., a Hyattsville, Maryland-based entity with regional business holdings, for resumption of service. Brite, who held diverse media and interests, aimed to inject capital and expand programming, but the revived operations remained sporadic, confined to limited daytime and evening hours with constrained budgets. This second stint, while briefly restoring signal presence, underscored persistent profitability hurdles, as UHF independents often operated at a deficit without network compensation or broad carriage on cable (then nascent). The intermittent nature of WTOV-TV's broadcasts—on for under two years initially, off for months, then partial revival—reflected systemic UHF vulnerabilities, including regulatory delays on channel allocations and the absence of federal mandates for UHF compatibility until the All-Channel Receiver Act of 1962.

Merger with WVEC-TV and sign-off

In 1958, WTOV-TV merged its operations with WVEC-TV (channel 15), an and DuMont affiliate that transitioned to the more receivable VHF channel 13 on amid ongoing UHF reception limitations in the market. The merger consolidated resources for the surviving station, reflecting broader industry trends where UHF outlets like struggled with inadequate converter-equipped households and advertiser support, often resulting in closures or absorptions by VHF competitors. WTOV-TV, which had briefly held secondary ABC affiliations during its intermittent broadcasts, aired its final programming and signed off permanently on October 30, 1959. The channel 27 allocation then went silent for over a , highlighting the era's regulatory and technical biases favoring VHF channels until the All-Channel Receiver Act of 1962 mandated UHF compatibility in new televisions.

Launch and development as WGNT

Sign-on under new ownership

In March 1989, a of local investors organized as Communications agreed to purchase WYAH-TV, the channel 27 Christian television station owned by the (CBN), for an undisclosed sum as CBN divested non-core broadcasting assets amid financial restructuring. The (FCC) approved the transfer of ownership on July 12, 1989, clearing the path for Centennial to assume control and pivot the station from its longstanding religious format to secular general entertainment. Centennial relaunched the station as WGNT-TV effective September 13, 1989, adopting call letters denoting "Greater Norfolk Television" to reflect its focus on serving the broader market, including , , and surrounding areas. The new emphasized syndicated programming such as classic films, off-network sitcoms (e.g., I Love Lucy and ), game shows, and sports events, marking a departure from WYAH's prior emphasis on , teachings, and faith-based content produced by CBN affiliates. This shift aimed to capture a wider audience in a market dominated by network affiliates, with initial operations based at WYAH's existing studios in . Under Centennial's stewardship, WGNT quickly established itself as a supplementary outlet for local viewers seeking non-network fare, broadcasting from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily with a mix of acquired series and to fill airtime, while avoiding the high costs of network affiliation. The relaunch capitalized on the station's established UHF signal reaching approximately 1 million households in southeastern , though it faced challenges from cable penetration and competition from VHF stations. No major technical upgrades were immediately undertaken, relying on the prior analog transmitter at 971 feet height with 2340 kW .

Christian Broadcasting Network acquisition and religious programming shift

In 1961, the (CBN), established by on January 11, 1960, acquired the construction permit and facilities for the defunct UHF channel 27 in , which had previously operated as the commercial independent station from its sign-on on December 6, 1953, until going dark around 1956 following financial challenges and the collapse of its primary network affiliation with DuMont. CBN relaunched operations as WYAH-TV—call letters derived from "," the Hebrew name for —on October 1, 1961, establishing it as the flagship station of CBN's subsidiary, the Continental Broadcasting Network. This acquisition initiated a complete shift to religious programming, transforming the station from a general-entertainment outlet into the first full-time Christian television station in continuous operation in the United States. WYAH-TV broadcast 24-hour faith-based content, including CBN-produced programs such as The 700 Club, rebroadcasts of church services, Bible teachings, and evangelistic shows, with minimal secular material and a policy of censoring content deemed incompatible with Christian values. The station's signal reached the Hampton Roads market with 971 feet of antenna height and significant power, enabling it to serve as a model for CBN's expansion into other markets. During its CBN era, WYAH-TV emphasized undiluted religious messaging over commercial viability, relying on donations and avoiding advertising that conflicted with its mission, which sustained operations despite limited audience draw compared to established VHF competitors in . This programming focus persisted until CBN sold the station on March 30, 1989, to a local investor group led by Centennial Broadcasting for an undisclosed sum, after which the religious emphasis began to wane.

Expansion under commercial ownership

Centennial Communications era and UPN affiliation

In March 1989, Centennial Communications Inc., a group of local investors including Raymond B. Bottom Jr., a former executive at Daily Press Inc., agreed to purchase WYAH-TV from the Christian Broadcasting Network for $10 million, marking a shift from religious programming to commercial independent operations. The acquisition closed in the fall of 1989, after which the station adopted the call letters WGNT—standing for Greater Norfolk Television—on September 13, 1989, and relocated its studios to Norfolk, Virginia, to better serve the Hampton Roads market. Under Centennial's ownership, WGNT transitioned to a general-entertainment independent station, airing syndicated sitcoms, movies, and sports programming such as Norfolk Tides minor league baseball games, while generating an operating profit of $1.3 million by 1996. On January 16, 1995, coinciding with the launch of the , WGNT became a charter affiliate, rebranding as "UPN 27" and incorporating network primetime shows like and The Sentinel alongside remaining syndicated content. This affiliation strengthened WGNT's position in the Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News market (ranked 40th nationally at the time), providing two nights of UPN programming weekly and access to Paramount-produced content targeted at younger urban audiences. In September 1995, affiliate began producing a 10 p.m. weekday newscast for WGNT, enhancing local news coverage and leveraging shared resources in the competitive market. Centennial's stewardship emphasized profitability through targeted syndication and local ties, but by mid-1997, the company agreed to sell WGNT to Paramount Stations Group for $42.5 million, a deal announced in August 1997 and finalized amid UPN's expansion strategy to own more affiliates. The sale reflected growing network interest in UPN stations, positioning WGNT as an owned-and-operated outlet following FCC approval.

Viacom, Local TV, and Dreamcatcher phases

In September 1997, Paramount Stations Group, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc., acquired WGNT from Communications for $42.5 million, establishing it as a of the (). This purchase marked WGNT as the only network-owned outlet in the market, enabling expanded access to UPN's primetime lineup of sitcoms, dramas, and wrestling programming, supplemented by syndicated fare like action series and talk shows to bolster ratings. Under Viacom's oversight, the station emphasized entertainment-focused content, including local promotions for family-oriented and action-oriented syndication, while maintaining its independent roots in community service blocks. Following Viacom's 2000 merger with , WGNT's operations integrated into the Viacom Television Stations Group, which handled UPN affiliates until the network's 2006 merger with to form . WGNT seamlessly transitioned to CW affiliation, airing the new network's youth-skewing programming such as , , and WWE SmackDown, alongside continued syndication of off-network hits like and . The 2005-2006 corporate split separated Viacom's cable assets from 's broadcast holdings, placing WGNT under Television Stations, which retained its CW status and focused on cost efficiencies amid declining network viability. On June 14, 2010, divested WGNT to Local TV LLC for $16.5 million, forming a duopoly with Local TV's existing CBS affiliate WTKR-TV (channel 3). Local TV immediately assumed operational control through a , consolidating studios, news production, and sales teams in to reduce overhead and enhance . This era emphasized resource sharing, with WGNT retaining primetime while incorporating WTKR's local news inserts, weather updates, and public affairs segments to strengthen its appeal in the competitive market. Local TV's strategy prioritized operational synergies over major format shifts, yielding modest audience gains through integrated advertising and extended morning/evening blocks. acquired Local TV's portfolio, including WGNT, in December 2013 for $2.725 billion, extending these efficiencies under management. In July 2017, amid 's proposed merger with , agreed to transfer WGNT and to Broadcasting LLC—controlled by former executive Ed Wilson—for $27 million as part of required divestitures to address FCC duopoly concerns in the market. assumed nominal license ownership, while retained control via a agreement covering programming, sales, and technical operations, preserving WGNT's affiliation and duopoly dynamics without disruption. The Sinclair- deal collapsed in August 2018 due to regulatory hurdles, but the arrangement endured as a transitional structure, facilitating continued broadcasts of network staples like Riverdale and syndicated staples until subsequent ownership shifts in 2019. This phase underscored regulatory-driven separations, with minimal on-air changes as 's influence ensured stability in local content delivery.

Tribune Media ownership and transition to The CW

In December 2013, Company completed its $2.7 billion acquisition of Local TV Holdings, LLC, thereby gaining ownership of WGNT alongside its market sister station , the local affiliate. The deal, announced in July 2013, expanded 's television portfolio to 19 stations and created a duopoly in the Designated Market Area (DMA), enabling shared operations, news production, and advertising sales between WGNT and under . To comply with FCC ownership limits, the licenses for WGNT and were nominally transferred to Dreamcatcher Broadcasting, a third-party entity, while retained operational control through local marketing agreements. Under —formed in 2014 following the Tribune Company's restructuring into separate publishing and broadcasting entities—WGNT operated as the market's affiliate, carrying the network's programming slate of dramas, reality shows, and sports events such as live broadcasts. The station maintained its focus on syndicated fare, local lifestyle programming, and extended newscasts produced by , including morning and evening shows integrated across both outlets. In May 2016, secured a multi-year affiliation renewal with Network for WGNT and 11 other affiliated stations, ensuring continued carriage amid evolving network distribution strategies and pressures. This period marked operational stability for WGNT within Tribune's portfolio, with the duopoly structure facilitating cost efficiencies and enhanced local content production, though Tribune faced broader industry challenges including declining linear viewership. Tribune's ownership ended in September 2019 when acquired for $4.1 billion, subject to divestitures; WGNT was among the stations slated for sale to maintain .

Recent ownership transitions and regulatory scrutiny

Failed Sinclair Broadcast Group acquisition attempt

On May 8, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced a $3.9 billion agreement to acquire Tribune Media Company, which included WGNT-TV among its portfolio of 42 owned or operated stations. The deal would have transferred ownership of WGNT, Norfolk's CW affiliate, to Sinclair, enabling the company to integrate it into its existing operations alongside WTVZ-TV (MyNetworkTV), potentially strengthening Sinclair's presence in the Hampton Roads market through shared resources and programming synergies. Regulatory approval proved challenging due to concerns over and Sinclair's compliance with (FCC) ownership limits, which cap a single entity's reach at 39% of U.S. households after applying the UHF discount. Sinclair proposed divesting 23 stations in overlapping markets to independent buyers, but FCC intensified over the authenticity of these sales, particularly in cases where proposed buyers had financial or operational ties to Sinclair executives, such as the planned transfer of Tribune's in to an entity linked to Sinclair's chairman. No divestiture was required or proposed for WGNT or its Norfolk sister station WTKR-TV (), as Sinclair's pre-existing holdings in the market did not exceed caps, but the broader plan raised doubts about Sinclair's intent to genuinely reduce its footprint. On April 24, 2018, Sinclair revised its divestiture strategy amid pushback, committing to sell additional stations in markets like and Portland to unrelated parties, yet skepticism persisted regarding the independence of buyers like Steven Fader, a Sinclair associate proposed for key assets. The FCC initially granted tentative approval in May 2017 under a deregulatory Trump administration, but Democratic commissioners and advocacy groups highlighted risks of reduced localism and increased conservative-leaning content consolidation, given Sinclair's history of mandated political commentary segments. By July 18, 2018, the FCC designated the merger for an administrative hearing, citing "very serious concerns" about potential misrepresentations by Sinclair in its filings, effectively stalling the transaction. Tribune Media terminated the agreement on August 9, 2018, arguing that Sinclair's handling of regulatory negotiations, including reluctance to divest sufficient assets and disclosures of problematic side arrangements, made approval improbable and breached contract terms requiring good-faith efforts. Tribune filed a $1 billion breach-of-contract lawsuit against Sinclair in New York state court, alleging the broadcaster prioritized aggressive expansion over compliance. Sinclair countersued on August 29, 2018, claiming Tribune's termination was pretextual to pursue a superior Nexstar Media Group offer and that Tribune had interfered with negotiations. The lawsuits settled confidentially in July 2019, but the FCC later imposed a $48 million fine on Sinclair in May 2020 for deliberate misrepresentations related to the proposed divestitures, underscoring credibility issues that doomed the deal. WGNT remained under Tribune ownership until Nexstar's subsequent $4.1 billion acquisition in September 2019.

Nexstar interim control and resale to E.W. Scripps

Following the December 3, 2018, announcement of Nexstar Media Group's $4.1 billion merger with Tribune Media Company—which included WGNT as part of Tribune's Norfolk duopoly with CBS affiliate WTKR—federal regulators required divestitures to comply with ownership limits under FCC rules limiting national audience reach to 39% and local market combinations. On March 20, 2019, Nexstar entered a definitive agreement to sell eight Tribune stations in seven markets, including the WTKR/WGNT duopoly, to E.W. Scripps Company for $580 million in cash, as part of a broader $1.32 billion divestiture package involving 19 stations to address merger-related concentration issues. The merger received FCC approval on September 16, 2019, and closed on September 19, 2019, enabling Nexstar to assume operational control of WGNT and for a brief interim period of approximately two weeks. During this time, Nexstar managed day-to-day operations, including programming and staff, while preparing the stations for transfer to maintain continuity amid the regulatory-mandated sale. Scripps completed the acquisition of the stations—along with the other seven in the package—on September 19, 2019, integrating WGNT into its portfolio to strengthen its multi-market presence, particularly in ABC, , and affiliations. The deal preserved the duopoly structure, with WGNT continuing as the affiliate under Scripps' Norfolk hub at WTKR's studios on Boush Street, while allowing Scripps to leverage synergies in news production and local advertising without immediate programming disruptions. This resale marked the resolution of Nexstar's temporary stewardship, aligning with broader industry trends of consolidation tempered by antitrust safeguards to prevent excessive market dominance by a single owner.

Post-acquisition operations and CW disaffiliation (2024–present)

On April 19, 2024, , partial owner of , announced it would not renew affiliation agreements with E.W. Scripps Company-owned stations, including WGNT in the market, effective September 1, 2024. This decision affected seven markets, allowing Nexstar to shift programming to its own stations, such as WVBT's subchannel 43.2 in . Scripps stated the move enabled a focus on expanding local programming and content tailored to the audience. Following the disaffiliation, WGNT transitioned to a full-time , retaining its existing local newscasts produced by sister CBS affiliate . Programming includes News 3 This Morning at 7 a.m., evening newscasts at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and an added 8 a.m. weekday newscast with starting September 16, 2024. The station supplemented its schedule with syndicated shows and local features, discontinuing CW network content to prioritize community-oriented programming. In response to the affiliation change, cable providers adjusted WGNT's channel positions; for example, Cox Cable subscribers in Hampton Roads saw it move from channel 7 to 44, while Verizon Fios users shifted from 7 to 6, effective September 1, 2024. Under Scripps ownership, which began after the September 2019 acquisition from Tribune Media divestitures, WGNT integrated deeper operational synergies with WTKR, including shared news production facilities in Norfolk. By July 2024, Ed Reams assumed leadership as general manager for both and WGNT, returning to the market after prior experience in . In September 2025, Reams added news director responsibilities, overseeing expanded local journalism efforts amid the independent format. These changes supported Scripps' strategy to bolster station revenue through localism, with WGNT emphasizing news, sports, and community events over national network reliance.

Programming and affiliations

Historical network alignments and independent content

WGNT began broadcasting on December 6, 1953, as , functioning as a commercial serving the ––Newport News market. As the third television outlet in the region, it operated without a primary network affiliation, relying on syndicated programming, feature films, and local content to fill its schedule. This independent format persisted through multiple ownership changes, including a period under ownership starting in the late 1970s, during which programming shifted toward religious content while retaining an overall non-network structure. On January 16, 1995, coinciding with the launch of the , WGNT affiliated with the new network as a charter station, rebranding as "UPN 27" and incorporating UPN's primetime lineup of scripted series alongside remaining syndicated fare. The affiliation lasted until September 2006, when UPN merged with to form ; WGNT transitioned seamlessly to on September 18, 2006, adopting the "CW 27" branding and airing the network's mix of dramas, reality shows, and sports programming. This CW alignment emphasized family-oriented entertainment, consistent with the station's historical emphasis on general-audience content during non-network periods. Prior to UPN, WGNT's independent programming mirrored that of other UHF stations in mid-sized markets, featuring off-network reruns, classic movies, children's cartoons, and occasional local productions, which helped it compete with VHF network affiliates in the area. The station's independent status allowed flexibility in scheduling, often prioritizing cost-effective syndication deals over network obligations, though audience reach was limited by UHF signal challenges in the pre-digital . Following the 2024 CW disaffiliation, WGNT reverted to full , but historical alignments underscore its evolution from standalone general to secondary network outpost.

Current independent format and local content expansion

Effective September 1, 2024, WGNT transitioned to an after discontinuing its affiliation with Network, a decision aligned with The E.W. Scripps Company's strategy to end CW agreements in seven markets, including , to prioritize . This shift replaced approximately two hours of daily CW content—primarily prime-time shows airing weeknights from 8 to 10 p.m. and select weekend sports—with station-produced and regionally focused offerings, aiming to deepen community engagement through news, sports, and entertainment tailored to the area. In response to viewer feedback for increased morning local coverage, WGNT expanded its news presence by reinstating the WTKR News 3 morning newscast at 8 a.m. weekdays starting September 16, 2024, across WGNT channel 27.1, WTKR streaming apps, and wtkr.com/live. The hour-long program features anchors Blaine Stewart and Erin Miller, meteorologist Myles Henderson for weather updates, traffic reporter Conor Hollingsworth, and morning reporter Kelsey Jones, delivering live headlines, traffic, weather, and follow-ups on developing local stories, followed by the show Coast Live. This addition builds on existing local staples like Coast Live, a daily and community-focused program, and sports broadcasts including Admirals hockey games, enhancing WGNT's role as a hub for Hampton Roads-specific content amid the broader independent format. The independent model allows WGNT greater flexibility in scheduling, incorporating paid programming, syndicated fare, and multicast subchannels such as Grit on 27.3 for Westerns, while emphasizing proprietary local production to compete in a fragmented media landscape. Scripps' focus on these enhancements reflects an effort to leverage duopoly synergies with CBS affiliate for resource-efficient, audience-driven content growth, without reliance on national network schedules.

Newscasts and local journalism

Early news efforts and partnerships

In 1995, amid WGNT's affiliation with the United Paramount Network (UPN), Norfolk CBS affiliate WTKR began producing a half-hour prime time newscast titled NewsChannel 3 at 10 on UPN 27, airing nightly at 10 p.m. and representing the Hampton Roads market's initial foray into local news on a UPN station. This program relied on repurposed content from WTKR's primary newscast, providing limited original reporting tailored to WGNT's audience. The news partnership intensified after Local TV LLC, WTKR's owner, acquired WGNT from on June 14, 2010, establishing a duopoly that enabled shared resources and operational synergies between the stations. Under this arrangement, WGNT management announced in July 2011 plans to revive programming, launching a two-hour morning block titled NewsChannel 3 This Morning on WGNT from 7 to 9 a.m. on August 25, 2011, staffed by personnel and focusing on regional weather, traffic, and headlines. These early initiatives emphasized cost-efficient extensions of WTKR's established newsroom capabilities rather than standalone WGNT production, reflecting the station's reliance on affiliation-driven partnerships to build viewership in a competitive market dominated by ABC, , , and outlets.

Integration with WTKR News 3 and recent expansions

Following the acquisition by , WGNT has integrated its news operations with sister station , the CBS affiliate known for its WTKR News 3 branding, utilizing shared studios at 720 Boush Street in downtown . This arrangement allows WGNT to air select WTKR News 3 newscasts, including a weekday 8 a.m. program introduced on September 16, 2024, which replaced syndicated content previously scheduled in that slot after WGNT's disaffiliation from network. The integration emphasizes expanded local journalism across both stations, with WTKR's news team producing content for WGNT to bolster coverage of Hampton Roads communities such as , , and Virginia Beach. In September 2025, Scripps promoted Ed Reams, previously news director, to and news director overseeing both and WGNT, aiming to unify leadership and enhance operational efficiency in news production and distribution. Recent expansions include technological upgrades and new programming initiatives tied to the news partnership. In June 2025, WTKR News 3 debuted updated on-air montages and graphics packages, which extend to WGNT's shared newscasts, reflecting investments in modern broadcast capabilities amid the stations' 75-year history of local TV evolution. Additionally, starting November 16, 2024, WGNT began broadcasting live Norfolk Admirals ECHL hockey games in partnership with WTKR, marking an expansion into local sports content to fill the post-CW schedule with region-specific programming. These moves align with Scripps' strategy to prioritize independent local content over network affiliations, as announced in August 2024.

Technical specifications

Subchannels and multicast services

WGNT operates its on virtual channel 27 (physical channel 20 UHF post-repack), utilizing ATSC 1.0 standards to multiple subchannels providing a mix of independent programming on the primary channel and syndicated networks on secondary streams. The station's lineup supports diverse content distribution, including classic TV reruns, westerns, lifestyle programming, and services, aimed at broadening viewer reach within the market. The current subchannel configuration, effective following the station's transition to independent status in September 2024, includes the following:
Virtual ChannelAffiliation/ProgrammingResolutionAudio Format
27.1Independent (WGNT-HD)1080iDD 5.1, SAP
27.2Antenna TV480iDD 2.0
27.3Grit480iDD 2.0
27.4Dabl480iDD 2.0
27.5QVC2480iDD 2.0
27.6HSN2480iDD 2.0
This setup allows WGNT to deliver over six hours of additional daily programming beyond its main independent content, with secondary channels featuring national feeds from networks like Antenna TV (offering classic sitcoms and dramas) and Grit (focused on Western films and series). Dabl provides urban lifestyle and entertainment, while QVC2 and HSN2 offer continuous home shopping, reflecting a strategy to monetize subchannel capacity through affiliation agreements with established distributors. No ATSC 3.0 multicast services are currently implemented, with the station adhering to FCC-mandated carriage rules for its ATSC 1.0 streams on cable and satellite providers in the region.

Digital transition and spectrum changes

WGNT commenced digital test broadcasts on UHF channel 50 in July 2002, ahead of the national full-power transition. The station terminated analog operations on its pre-assigned UHF channel 27 shortly after midnight on June 12, 2009, aligning with the U.S. deadline established by Congress, which required all full-power broadcasters to cease analog signals and operate solely in digital format to improve efficiency and enable advanced services like high-definition programming and datacasting. Post-transition, WGNT's on RF channel 50 provided 27 via PSIP, maintaining continuity for over-the-air viewers with ATSC tuners. In response to the 2016 broadcast incentive auction, which repacked the UHF television band to reallocate 84 MHz of spectrum for commercial mobile broadband while preserving service coverage for broadcasters, WGNT was assigned a new physical channel. The station relocated its transmitter operations from RF channel 50 to RF channel 20 on January 17, 2020, during FCC repack Phase 9, minimizing service disruptions through coordinated planning and viewer notifications. This shift reduced potential interference and optimized spectrum use, with the virtual channel 27 preserved through PSIP mapping to ensure no change in tuning for most households. The repack affected over 1,000 U.S. stations, compressing operations into channels 14–36, and WGNT's move enhanced signal propagation characteristics in the Hampton Roads area without reported coverage losses. As of 2025, RF channel 20 continues to carry WGNT's primary and multicast subchannels at effective radiated powers compliant with FCC limits for its class A status.

Facility and transmission details

WGNT maintains shared studio facilities with its WTKR at 720 Boush Street in downtown , serving as the primary production and operations hub for both outlets. These facilities support news production, programming, and technical operations following the E. W. Scripps Company's acquisition and integration efforts. The station's transmitter tower is located in , at coordinates 36°48′32″N 76°30′11″W, enabling over-the-air broadcast coverage throughout the designated market area. WGNT operates on radiofrequency (RF) channel 20, mapping to 27.1, with a horizontal (ERP) of 625 kilowatts via a pattern optimized for regional . Vertical ERP is 142.5 kilowatts, supporting , while the antenna structure achieves an above-ground level height contributing to a signal contour extending approximately 63 miles. These parameters comply with licensing requirements for full-service service in the Norfolk–Portsmouth–Newport market.

References

  1. https://www.wtkr.com/entertainment/wgnt-27-to-transition-from-cw-affiliation-in-hampton-roads-on-sept-1
  2. https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/08/30/wgnt-wavy-tv-programming-to-change-as-stations-swap-cw-affiliation/
  3. https://www.pilotonline.com/2010/06/15/wtkrs-owner-reaches-deal-to-buy-wgnt-channel-27/
  4. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Digest/50s/Television-Digest-1953-09.pdf
  5. https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=NVP19531007.1.14
  6. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Digest/50s/Television-Digest-1953-10.pdf
  7. https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=NVP19540117.1.28
  8. https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=NVP19540426.1.20
  9. https://radiodiscussions.com/threads/can-you-remember-when-your-market-got-its-first-independent-tv-station.623710/page-2
  10. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1955/1955-02-07-BC.pdf
  11. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1955-02-01/pdf/FR-1955-02-01.pdf
  12. https://www.newspapers.com/article/56971184/sale_of_norfolk_tv_station_asked/
  13. https://uhfhistory.com/26-44.html
  14. https://www.pilotonline.com/1989/07/12/fcc-oks-purchase-of-wyah/
  15. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=9762
  16. https://www.dailypress.com/1997/08/30/area-station-is-sold/
  17. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/the-christian-broadcasting-network-inc-history/
  18. https://www.zippia.com/wfxt-careers-996103/history/
  19. https://cbn.com/lp/our-history
  20. https://signons-and-signoffs.fandom.com/wiki/WGNT_sign_off
  21. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/WGNT
  22. https://www.pilotonline.com/1989/03/31/cbn-sells-wyah-tv-to-local-media-group/
  23. https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/par-group-affiling-up-on-upn-1116675848/
  24. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1995/vp950921/09210058.htm
  25. https://www.pilotonline.com/1998/02/05/independent-stations-snapped-up/
  26. https://www.dailypress.com/1997/09/12/wgnt-deal-to-be-worth-425-million/
  27. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1997/vp970916/09160068.htm
  28. https://ir.paramount.com/node/58576/html
  29. https://www.nexttv.com/news/local-tv-acquiring-cbs-owned-wgnt-165-million-42403
  30. https://www.tribunemedia.com/tribune-closes-acquisition-of-local-tv-holdings/
  31. https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/ed-wilson-buying-3-tribune-tvs-for-27m/
  32. https://www.nexttv.com/news/tribune-deals-wnep-wtkr-wgnt-ed-wilson-44164
  33. https://www.wtkr.com/2013/12/27/tribune-closes-acquisition-of-local-tv-holdings
  34. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/fcc-oks-tribunes-2-735-billion-buy-of-local-tv/
  35. https://www.pilotonline.com/2013/07/05/tribune-co-buys-wtkr-and-wgnt/
  36. https://www.tribunemedia.com/tribune-broadcasting-partners-with-dose-to-launch-morning-dose/
  37. https://www.thewrap.com/cw-tribune-media-affiliation-agreement/
  38. https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar_completes_tribune_transaction_2019/
  39. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/08/527462015/sinclair-broadcast-group-has-deal-to-buy-tribune-medias-tv-stations
  40. https://www.tribunemedia.com/sinclair-broadcast-group-to-acquire-tribune-media-company-for-approximately-3-9-billion/
  41. https://www.mediamatters.org/sinclair-broadcast-group/sinclair-and-midterms-virginia-edition
  42. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R44892
  43. https://www.wsj.com/articles/sinclair-changes-tv-station-divestiture-plans-to-address-regulators-deal-concerns-1531921276
  44. https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/sinclair-tribune-merger-divestiture-plan-1202876611/
  45. https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/sinclair-tribune-media-station-sales-merger-1202785468/
  46. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/16/sinclair-merger-trump-tribune-689026
  47. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-19-89A1.pdf
  48. https://www.tribunemedia.com/tribune-media-terminates-merger-agreement-with-sinclair-broadcast-group-inc-files-lawsuit-for-breach-of-contract/
  49. https://www.npr.org/2018/08/09/637230074/how-tribune-medias-3-9-billion-merger-with-sinclair-fell-apart
  50. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/sinclair-countersues-tribune-media-over-failed-tie-up-idUSKCN1LE275/
  51. https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/06/fcc-orders-sinclair-to-pay-48-million-fine-related-to-its-failed-merger-with-tribune/
  52. https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar_tribune_divestiture_agreements/
  53. https://scripps.com/press-releases/1232-scripps-to-acquire-eight-television-stations-from-nexstar-tribune-merger-divestitures/
  54. https://deadline.com/2019/09/nexstar-closes-4-1b-tribune-deal-becoming-no-1-u-s-local-tv-station-owner-1202739229/
  55. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scripps-closes-acquisition-of-eight-tv-stations-from-nexstar-tribune-merger-divestitures-300922019.html
  56. https://scripps.com/press-releases/scripps-closes-acquisition-of-eight-tv-stations-from-nexstar-tribune-merger-divestitures/
  57. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2024/04/22/nexstar-cw-scripps-affiliates-dropped/
  58. https://www.facebook.com/blainestewarttv/posts/programming-note-by-now-you-may-have-heard-the-cw-network-affiliation-in-our-are/1055568999291496/
  59. https://www.wtkr.com/news/were-back-news-3-returns-to-wgnt-streaming-at-8-a-m-weekdays
  60. https://ir.scripps.com/news-releases/news-release-details/scripps-closes-acquisition-eight-tv-stations-nexstar-tribune
  61. https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/wtkrwgnt-promotes-ed-reams-to-the-role-of-gmnews-director%2C257537
  62. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/ed-reams-adds-gm-to-news-director-role-at-wtkr-hampton-roads/
  63. https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/wtkr-wgnt-ups-ed-reams-to-gm-news-director/
  64. https://www.livenewsworld.com/wgnt-tv-norfolk-live/
  65. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-19-89A1.doc
  66. https://www.wtkr.com/entertainment/wgnt-program-schedule
  67. https://www.facebook.com/WGNT27/
  68. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp960909/09080272.htm
  69. https://www.vartv.com/archives11d.htm
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj0yUBBE5yc
  71. https://www.wtkr.com/sports/wgnt-airs-first-admirals-home-game-as-partnership-between-wtkr-and-the-team-kicks-off
  72. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WGNT
  73. https://www.wtkr.com/wgnt
  74. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=9762
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.