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WHNS (channel 21), branded Fox Carolina, is a television station licensed to Greenville, South Carolina, United States, serving as the Fox affiliate for Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. It is owned by Gray Media alongside Hendersonville, North Carolina–licensed low-power Telemundo affiliate WDKT-LD (channel 31). The two stations share studios on Interstate Court (just northwest of Interstate 85) in Greenville; WHNS' transmitter is located atop Slick Rock Mountain in Transylvania County, North Carolina (5 miles (8 km) southeast of Brevard).

Key Information

History

[edit]

Channel 21 license prior to 1979

[edit]
Main article: WANC-TV

WHNS operates on the oldest active television station license in the market, though the connection is indirect. WISE-TV launched in Asheville, North Carolina, on August 2, 1953. Broadcasting on channel 62, it was a primary NBC affiliate which also carried programs from ABC, CBS, and DuMont.[2] ABC and DuMont moved to WLOS (channel 13) when that station signed on in September 1954.[3] In 1967, the station changed its call letters to WANC-TV; the next year, it dropped its remaining NBC programming as its ownership brought a cable system to Asheville.[4] WANC-TV moved from channel 62 to 21 in 1971, airing a limited amount of Christian television programming throughout the 1970s by simulcasting WGGS-TV in Greenville. The owner of WANC-TV, Thoms Broadcasting, reached a deal to sell WANC-TV to the owners of WGGS-TV in 1977; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) forced the deal's demise in January 1979, saying that, as WGGS-TV could move to a transmitter site from which it could also serve Asheville, the ownership of two stations would be a wasteful use of spectrum.[5]

Rebuilding channel 21

[edit]

After the sale to Carolina Christian Broadcasting collapsed, Thoms lost the lease on the channel 21 antenna site, and the station went off the air. Thoms reached a deal to sell WANC-TV to Pappas Telecasting of Visalia, California, for $206,000 in June 1979.[6] The sale became effective September 14, and twelve days later, on September 26, the call letters were changed to WHNS.[7]

WANC-TV's signal had only reached Asheville and did not extend beyond the South Carolina state line.[8] Pappas began the process of filing for new, much more powerful facilities on Slick Rock Mountain just a month after taking possession of the license.[7][9] However, in 1981, the FCC designated its application for hearing. WGGS-TV had filed to move its transmitter to Caesar's Head in Greenville County, South Carolina, and the two applications were mutually exclusive for technical reasons. While WGGS-TV dropped its conflicting application, another problem had emerged: the proposed facility would not provide a strong enough signal to three percent of the city of Asheville, the city of license, because of shadowing by mountains. As a result, the FCC denied the initial application in 1982.[10] Pappas appealed: the FCC review board found in Pappas's favor given the circumstances, finding that the company's push to restore channel 21's service to Asheville, limited choice of suitable sites, and good faith efforts outweighed the shadowing issues.[11]

With approval from the FCC in hand, Pappas set out to rebuild the station. An existing building near Interstate 85 and Pelham Road, midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, was refitted to serve as the main WHNS studio base; delays in establishing more than a temporary presence in Asheville attracted protests from competitor WAXA-TV (channel 40) in Anderson.[12] The delays were due to site work and sale negotiations.[13]

WHNS began broadcasting April 1, 1984, promoting itself as the market's first general-entertainment independent station.[14] (WAXA-TV, in comparison, did not reach homes in the North Carolina portion of the market.) It used one of the first circularly polarized TV antennas in service, broadcasting 3.5 million watts of power from Slick Rock Mountain.[14] The station represented a $12 million investment in facilities and another $5 million in programs.[15]

WHNS initially ran a schedule typical of an independent on the UHF band, consisting of cartoons, sitcoms, classic movies, drama series and select sporting events. It became the dominant independent station in the region, placing well ahead of WAXA in the ratings. Its original slogan, "It's Your Station" (which was later changed to "We're Your Station" in 1988) would also be used on then-sister stations KMPH-TV in Fresno and KPTM in Omaha, Nebraska.

Becoming a Fox affiliate

[edit]

WAXA beat out WHNS for a charter affiliation with the upstart Fox Broadcasting Company, which launched in October 1986,[16] even though WAXA had a considerably weaker signal (it was marginal at best in the North Carolina portion of the market and only appeared on Asheville cable systems upon affiliation[17]) and less well-heeled ownership. However, in 1988, WAXA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Pappas, meanwhile, struck a group deal to affiliate KMPH, KPTM and WHNS with Fox: the three stations became Fox affiliates that September.[18] WAXA never recovered from the loss of Fox programming and went off the air on August 31, 1989.[19] After joining the network, WHNS abandoned its "TV-21" brand and changed its on-air branding to "Fox 21".

In 1990, Pappas sold WHNS to Cannell Communications (a broadcast group owned by television producer and author Stephen J. Cannell), earning a handsome return on its original investment; Pappas had successfully built up WHNS as a major player in the market.[20] Cannell sold WHNS to First Media Television in 1994. On January 16, 1995, WHNS took on a secondary affiliation with the United Paramount Network (UPN), airing the network's programming during late-night time periods. First Media sold its stations to Meredith Corporation for $435 million in 1997.[21] In October of that year, UPN's programming moved to WASV-TV (channel 62, now WYCW)—which had been acquired by Pappas two years earlier in 1995. The station became exclusively affiliated with Fox as a result, only to add a secondary affiliation with Pax TV when that network launched on August 31, 1998; WHNS carried select programs from the network until 2003. In the fall of 2002, WHNS began branding itself as "Fox Carolina". On July 24, 2003, Meredith received FCC approval to change WHNS' city of license from Asheville to Greenville to aid identification as a South Carolina station. Under the terms of the reallotment, the station was required to retain city-grade coverage of Asheville and to maintain its existing public interest obligations to that city.[22]

In March 2009, the Meredith Corporation announced that WHNS and Nashville sister station WSMV-TV would have their master control operations moved to a new master control hub based out of the studio facilities of Atlanta sister station WGCL-TV, which began operations in the fall of 2009.[23]

On September 8, 2015, Media General announced that it would acquire Meredith for $2.4 billion, with the combined group to be renamed Meredith Media General if the sale had been finalized. Because Media General already owned CBS affiliate WSPA-TV (channel 7) and CW affiliate WYCW, and both WHNS and WSPA ranked among the four highest-rated stations in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville market in total day viewership, the companies would have been required to sell either WHNS or WSPA.[24][25] However, on January 27, 2016, Nexstar Broadcasting Group announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire Media General, resulting in the termination of Meredith's acquisition by Media General.

On May 3, 2021, Gray Television announced its intent to purchase the Meredith Local Media division, including WHNS, for $2.7 billion. The sale was completed on December 1.[26]

News operation

[edit]

WHNS presently broadcasts 57 hours of locally produced newscasts each week (with eleven hours each weekday and one hour each on Saturdays and Sundays). In terms of the number of hours devoted to news programming, it is the largest local output among the market's individual stations (WLOS, along with sister station WMYA-TV along with WSPA and sister station WYCW produce more hours of newscasts with their combined operations).

WHNS launched the first prime time newscast in the Greenville-Spartanburg market in September 1996, when WSPA-TV began to produce a nightly half-hour newscast at 10 p.m. through a news share agreement. The program was produced from WSPA's main news set at its International Drive studio facility in Spartanburg and utilized WSPA's anchors and reporters; however, the newscast had a different on-air identity and graphics package than that seen on WSPA's newscasts. Meredith Corporation terminated the news share agreement in 1999, when the station began developing its own in-house news department; its news operation launched that fall with the debut of an hour-long 10 p.m. newscast.

The station eventually expanded their news offerings, adding a morning newscast.

On May 14, 2007, assignment editor Joe Loy was filming the aftermath of a traffic accident on a local highway when another accident occurred right behind him. Loy managed to tape that accident as a white van, which possibly went out-of-control because of a red pickup truck, spun towards and hit him, killing him instantly.

In September 2009, WHNS expanded its news programming into early evenings with the debut of a half-hour newscast at 6:30 p.m.

In 2011, WHNS began broadcasting its local newscasts in widescreen enhanced definition. The station ultimately upgraded its news production to high definition in 2014.

In September 2012, the station canceled their 6:30 p.m. newscast due to low ratings, but the following week launched an 11 p.m. newscast, airing Monday through Friday.

In October 2014, WHNS added a weekday hour-long 4 p.m. newscast, called The Four O'Clock News.[27]

In 2017, the station added a 5 p.m. newscast and expanded their morning news from 4:30 a.m. until 9 a.m.

The station's 10 p.m. newscast is the highest-rated prime time newscast in the market in that timeslot (outranking the WLOS-produced newscast on WMYA-TV and the WSPA-produced newscast on WYCW) and its other newscasts are seen as competitive in the market.

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WHNS[28]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
21.1 720p 16:9 WHNS Fox
21.2 PS&E Palmetto Sports & Entertainment[29]
21.3 480i COZI Cozi TV[30][31]
21.4 BOUNCE Bounce TV
21.5 GRIT Grit
21.6 THE365 365BLK[32]
21.7 Mystery Ion Mystery
40.4 480i 16:9 TCN True Crime Network (WMYA-TV)
  Broadcast on behalf of another station

From 2007 to 2015, WHNS carried a 24-hour local weather channel on its second digital subchannel, which was branded as "Fox Carolina 3D Radar". Through separate affiliation agreements involving Meredith Corporation and those networks' respective owners (NBCUniversal and Katz Broadcasting) that were signed within days of each other, on March 23, 2015, WHNS announced it would affiliate its second digital subchannel with Cozi TV and launch a third subchannel affiliated with Escape onto its digital signal that spring. On April 15, 2015, the 21.2 subchannel became a Cozi TV affiliate, while the new 21.3 subchannel launched as an Escape affiliate.[29][30] In June 2017, a fourth subchannel was added, launching 21.4 as a Bounce affiliate.[33] As a result of Circle TV suspending its over-the-air operations,[34] WHNS announced that its channel slot would be replaced with The365, an African American lifestyle network, beginning on January 1, 2024.[32]

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

WHNS discontinued regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 21, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 57, which was among the high band UHF channels (52-69) that were removed from broadcasting use as a result of the transition, to its analog-era UHF channel 21.[35][36]

Translators

[edit]

WHNS operates five translators across the mountains of western North Carolina. These translators serve as low-power, limited-area repeaters that bring the network's signal to deep mountain valleys where the parent signal is blocked by the surrounding terrain. All digital translators use PSIP virtual channel 21.

Former translator

[edit]

WHNS has one decommissioned translator.

Out-of-market cable carriage

[edit]

In recent years, WHNS has been carried on cable systems within the Augusta and Columbia markets in South Carolina, and the Atlanta market in Georgia.[39]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

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

WHNS

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WHNS, virtual channel 21 (UHF digital channel 17), is a television station licensed to Greenville, South Carolina, United States, serving as the Fox affiliate for Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. The station, owned by Gray Television, operates under the on-air branding of Fox Carolina and broadcasts a mix of syndicated programming, local news, weather, traffic, and sports content tailored to its regional audience. Headquartered at 21 Interstate Court in Greenville, WHNS maintains studios there and transmits from a tower atop Slick Rock Mountain in Transylvania County, North Carolina, providing over-the-air coverage to approximately 988,000 TV households in the Greenville–Spartanburg–Asheville–Anderson designated market area, which ranks as the 36th largest in the U.S. (as of 2024–25). As part of Gray Media's portfolio of 180 stations, WHNS contributes to the company's presence in local broadcasting, emphasizing community-focused journalism and emergency alerts through its First Alert Weather team. The station also airs Fox network programming, including primetime shows, sports events like NFL games, and specials, while offering digital subchannels such as Cozi TV, Ion Mystery, and Bounce TV to diversify viewing options.

History

Early development (1953–1979)

WISE-TV signed on the air on August 2, 1953, as the first television station in Asheville, North Carolina, operating on UHF channel 62 as a primary affiliate of the NBC television network, with secondary affiliations to ABC and CBS. Owned by WISE-TV Inc., the station broadcast from studios in downtown Asheville and provided a mix of network programming, local news, and community content to serve the growing Western North Carolina market, where television reception had previously relied on distant signals from larger cities like Charlotte and Greenville-Spartanburg. In early 1967, the station underwent a significant rebranding, changing its call letters to WANC-TV on February 3 while still on channel 62; this coincided with efforts to modernize facilities and expand local programming amid increasing competition from established VHF stations like WLOS (channel 13) and WFBC-TV (channel 4). By 1971, WANC-TV had relocated its broadcast operations to UHF channel 21 following a construction permit granted in 1966, aiming to improve signal reliability in the mountainous terrain of the region. The move allowed for a more stable transmission with an effective radiated power of approximately 17 kW visual, though the station continued to face challenges from UHF propagation issues in rural areas. Throughout the mid-1970s, WANC-TV grappled with mounting financial difficulties exacerbated by the high costs of UHF operations and limited in the small market, leading to a severely reduced broadcast schedule and periods of minimal local content. In June 1977, the license was transferred from WISE-TV Inc.—owned principally by Meredith S. Thorns and her daughter Matilann—to Carolina Christian Broadcasting Inc. for $60,000, with plans to operate it as a satellite relaying religious programming from WGGS-TV (channel 16) in . Despite this acquisition, the station remained largely dormant, airing only sporadic simulcasts and failing to resume full operations due to ongoing economic pressures. By 1979, control reverted, and the facility was sold to Pappas Telecasting Inc. for $206,000, ending the original independent era and paving the way for reconstruction.

Relaunch as WHNS (1980–1987)

In June 1979, Pappas Telecasting of , acquired the dormant channel 21 construction permit in , from Inc. for $206,000, with the sale becoming effective on September 14. The previous licensee had ceased operations earlier that year due to financial difficulties and loss of its transmitter site, leaving the market without a UHF television service since the early 1970s. Pappas Telecasting opted to rebuild the station's rather than abandon the , investing in new facilities to serve the Greenville–Spartanburg–Asheville market. The company constructed a transmitter facility atop Slick Rock Mountain in , approximately 5 miles southeast of Brevard, to provide broad coverage across the region. Studios were established at Interstate Court at Pelham Road in , positioning the operation as a local presence despite the Asheville . WHNS signed on the air on , 1984, as an , marking Pappas Telecasting's expansion into the Southeast and the return of channel 21 broadcasting after a five-year hiatus. The station operated with a general format common to UHF independents of the time, filling its schedule from sign-on to sign-off with syndicated content to compete in a market dominated by network affiliates. By 1987, WHNS had achieved a competitive share in the designated market area, tying with other stations in Nielsen measurements, though it continued to navigate challenges from entrenched VHF competitors like , , and .

Fox affiliation and ownership changes (1988–present)

In 1988, WHNS transitioned from an to becoming the affiliate for the Greenville–Spartanburg–Asheville market, a move that introduced the network's emerging prime-time programming, including shows like The Late Show and initial sports coverage, to viewers in and . This affiliation switch, announced in July and effective September 3, 1988, replaced the prior Fox outlet WAXA (channel 40) and positioned WHNS as a key player in a competitive market dominated by ABC, , and affiliates, enhancing its signal reach across a 36-county area spanning two states. The change allowed WHNS to capitalize on 's growing national profile, drawing younger demographics and boosting local advertising opportunities through network synergies. Pappas sold WHNS to Cannell Communications in 1990. Cannell sold the station to First Media Television in 1994. Ownership shifted significantly in 1997 when Meredith Corporation acquired WHNS, along with three other stations, from First Media Television for $435 million, with the deal closing on July 1. Under Meredith, WHNS underwent operational integrations, including streamlined management and resource sharing with Meredith's portfolio of 17 stations, which supported enhancements in local content production and technical capabilities. On July 24, 2003, the FCC approved a change in the station's city of license from Asheville to Greenville to better reflect its operational focus and service area. During the late 1990s and 2000s, the station expanded its facilities and news operations, launching a 10 p.m. newscast in the mid-1990s and adding a half-hour early evening broadcast at 6:30 p.m. in September 2009 to meet growing demand for local coverage. These developments strengthened WHNS's role in delivering timely regional news, weather, and sports amid Meredith's focus on duopoly markets. Meredith's broadcast assets, including WHNS, were sold to Gray Television in a $2.7 billion transaction announced on May 3, 2021, and completed on December 1, 2021, following FCC regulatory approvals that addressed concerns through divestitures in other areas. Post-acquisition, WHNS experienced operational stability under Gray, sharing studio facilities at 21 Interstate Court in Greenville with low-power affiliate WDKT-LD to optimize resources without service interruptions. By November 2025, the station had maintained its Fox affiliation seamlessly, with no major ownership-related disruptions, while continuing to serve as a cornerstone of local broadcasting in the region.

Programming

Network and syndicated content

WHNS serves as the Fox affiliate for the Greenville–Asheville–Spartanburg designated market area, a role it assumed in September 1988 when it became the network's charter station in the market. The station carries Fox's standard primetime lineup on its main channel, airing from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET on weekdays with a mix of scripted dramas, comedies, and unscripted reality competitions. This schedule extends to sports content, including games during the season, typically on Sunday afternoons, along with special events like the when Fox holds broadcast rights. Outside of primetime, WHNS fills daytime and fringe periods with syndicated programming, featuring off-network sitcom reruns such as The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon in early mornings and late nights, afternoon talk shows like Sherri, and true crime/court programs including iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas. Weekend programming emphasizes Fox network offerings, such as animated series blocks on Sunday evenings and occasional movies or sports specials, with minor adjustments to accommodate any local preemptions. Following the nationwide analog-to-digital transition in June 2009, WHNS maintained its focus on Fox and syndicated content for the primary channel while leveraging digital multicast for expanded signal distribution, ensuring consistent delivery of the core lineup.

Local news production

WHNS established its news department in 1996, debuting with an initial 5 p.m. newscast that marked the station's entry into local news programming. Over the following decades, the operation expanded significantly, reaching 57 hours of local news content per week by the 2010s, encompassing morning shows from early hours through noon, midday updates, evening broadcasts at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., a 10 p.m. flagship program, and dedicated weekend editions. This growth reflected a commitment to comprehensive coverage of the Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina regions, with staffing increases to support multiple daily shifts. Key milestones included the addition of a 4 p.m. newscast in , which bolstered afternoon programming, and the conversion of news production to full high definition that same year, enhancing visual quality and viewer engagement. In September 2022, WHNS announced a 35% expansion of and programming, adding new shows such as Access Carolina at 10 a.m. and The Midday News at 11 a.m., while extending the 6 p.m. newscast to a full hour and introducing a 3 a.m. replay of the 10 p.m. edition for shift workers; this initiative also increased the full-time by 10% to sustain the heightened output. Following the expansion, the station produces approximately 13 hours of news each weekday, contributing to a robust weekly total that positions it as a leader in the market. The news operation suffered a tragic loss in 2007 when assignment editor Joe Loy was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while filming a traffic accident on near the exit; Loy succumbed to his injuries about 25 minutes after the incident around 6 p.m. on May 14. Under its current branding as "Fox Carolina News," the department emphasizes integrated weather coverage through the Weather team, providing real-time forecasts and alerts alongside breaking stories. Investigative reporting forms a core focus, with dedicated units like InvestigateTV addressing government accountability, consumer issues, and , led by senior reporters who have driven policy reforms and earned industry awards.

Technical information

Digital subchannels

WHNS operates its digital signal in ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 formats on virtual channel 21, with the ATSC 1.0 multiplex mapped to physical RF channel 17 following the 2017–2020 FCC broadcast spectrum repack, allowing for multiple subchannels to deliver a mix of network, syndicated, and local programming to the Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina viewing area. The primary subchannel, 21.1, airs Fox network programming in 720p high definition, including national primetime shows, sports events like NFL games, and local news inserts under the Fox Carolina branding. This main channel serves as the station's flagship, complying with ATSC 1.0 standards for HD broadcast and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Secondary subchannels occupy virtual positions 21.2 through 21.7, all in standard definition 480i resolution with stereo audio, featuring a rotation of digital multicast networks that have been added progressively since the post-2009 transition to expand programming options. The lineup includes:
Virtual ChannelAffiliation/ProgrammingLaunch/Notes
21.2Palmetto Sports & EntertainmentLaunched October 2024; focuses on local sports, entertainment, and news simulcasts, such as and hockey.
21.3Classic TV sitcoms and dramas; added post-2013 national rollout.
21.4African American-focused movies and series; launched June 2017.
21.5GritWesterns and action films; added in the mid-2010s as part of expansion.
21.6The365Lifestyle and entertainment for Black audiences; incorporated in recent years.
21.7Crime dramas and true crime series; added post-2021 network relaunch.
Additionally, WHNS shares subchannel 40.4 with WMYA-TV, simulcasting the True Crime Network in 480i, which features true crime documentaries and series to extend coverage without dedicated bandwidth on WHNS's primary multiplex. This arrangement supports ATSC 1.0 multiplexing efficiency in the market.

ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV)

On June 2, 2022, WHNS began broadcasting in ATSC 3.0 format (branded as NextGen TV) as part of a collaborative effort with other Greenville–Spartanburg market stations, including WLOS, WSPA-TV, WYFF, and host station WMYA-TV. WHNS serves as a lighthouse station, providing its main Fox programming in higher quality (up to 4K resolution where supported) with advanced audio, interactivity, and improved mobile reception capabilities. ATSC 3.0 operations are simulcast alongside ATSC 1.0, with features varying by compatible receiver; as of November 2025, adoption remains growing in the region.

Analog-to-digital conversion

WHNS initiated digital broadcasting in the early 2000s in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates established under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which required full-power television stations to construct and operate digital facilities alongside their analog signals. The station received a construction permit for digital operations on UHF channel 57 and began transmitting a digital signal by 2000, allowing for initial testing and gradual rollout of high-definition programming while maintaining analog service on channel 21. This phased approach enabled WHNS to experiment with digital transmission technologies and prepare for the eventual full transition, aligning with FCC deadlines that extended the initial digital broadcast requirement from 2002 to later dates for many stations. On June 12, 2009, WHNS completed its analog-to-digital conversion as part of the nationwide DTV transition, ceasing analog broadcasts on UHF channel 21 and relocating its to the same channel while vacating the previous digital channel 57. The operated at an () of 160 kW from the station's transmitter site atop Slick Rock Mountain in , providing coverage comparable to the former analog footprint across the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson market. This shift to full-power on channel 21 enhanced signal quality and enabled multicasting capabilities, though viewers without digital equipment faced potential service disruptions. The conversion had significant implications for local viewers reliant on over-the-air reception, necessitating the acquisition of boxes or digital-capable televisions to continue accessing WHNS programming. To mitigate these impacts, the FCC, in collaboration with broadcasters including WHNS, launched extensive campaigns starting in 2007, which included announcements, website resources, and local outreach efforts emphasizing the benefits of digital TV and steps for preparation, such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's coupon program for converter boxes. These initiatives aimed to inform households about the June 12 deadline and reduce the estimated 13-21 million affected viewers nationwide, with WHNS participating through on-air promotions and community events tailored to the and audience. Following the 2009 transition, WHNS upgraded its digital facilities, including power increases to 364 kW by the mid-2010s and a relocation to RF channel 17 during the 2017-2020 broadcast spectrum repack to optimize spectrum use, while maintaining 21 for continuity. These enhancements improved signal reliability and supported advanced features like high-definition multicasting. WHNS also adopted in 2022 for further technological advancement.

Signal distribution

Translators

WHNS operates five low-power digital translators to extend its over-the-air signal into remote mountainous areas of , where the station's primary signal from Slick Rock Mountain is obstructed by Appalachian terrain. These fill-in repeaters rebroadcast WHNS's programming on 21, providing improved reception for viewers in valleys and ridges that cannot reliably receive the main transmission. The active translators, all licensed to Gray Television Licensee, LLC following the 2021 acquisition of WHNS from , are detailed below. Each operates with (ERP) ranging from 5 to 15 kW using directional antennas, enabling targeted coverage while minimizing interference.
Call SignPhysical ChannelLocationERP (kW)HAAT (ft AGL)
W15CW-D15Franklin, NC562
W21DV-D21Bryson City, NC1572
W23EZ-D23Sylva, NC1562
W26FB-D26Canton/Waynesville, NC1543
W34DX-D34West Asheville, NC7170
These translators underwent construction permit modifications in the to comply with the post-2009 digital transition and spectrum repacking, with the most recent FCC approvals confirming operational status as of 2025. Gray Television maintains the facilities, ensuring continued service amid ongoing FCC spectrum management. Prior to the digital conversion, WHNS relied on analog translators, such as those on channels 14, 25, 64, 66, and 69, which were decommissioned after June 12, 2009, as part of the nationwide full-power analog shutdown; these were replaced by the current digital fill-in stations to preserve coverage in the region.

Out-of-market carriage

WHNS is available on cable and satellite systems in portions of the Augusta, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia designated market areas (DMAs), primarily due to its significantly viewed status in border counties as determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This status allows multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to carry the station in these areas without triggering mandatory local market protections, provided they obtain retransmission consent and adhere to nonduplication rules for network programming. For instance, in Georgia counties such as Clarke, Madison, Oglethorpe, Stephens, and Wilkes—parts of the Atlanta DMA—WHNS is recognized as significantly viewed, enabling carriage on systems serving those communities. Similarly, in South Carolina's Newberry County within the Columbia DMA, the station qualifies for optional carriage. Historically, WHNS's out-of-market availability expanded in the post-1990s era following cable industry deregulation and the growth of affiliations nationwide. The 1992 Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act introduced retransmission consent requirements, allowing stations like WHNS to negotiate carriage agreements with cable operators for compensation in exchange for access to network programming. This shift, combined with 's aggressive affiliation strategy in the mid-1990s, facilitated broader distribution as operators sought to offer competitive and content, such as NFL games, to subscribers in adjacent markets. By the late 1990s, WHNS had secured deals extending its reach into southern and northeastern Georgia systems, enhancing programming access where local affiliates were limited. As of 2025, WHNS remains carried by major providers in these out-of-market areas under retransmission consent agreements, though specific channel positions vary by system and package. On Spectrum (Charter Communications), it appears in standard digital tiers in qualifying South Carolina and Georgia counties, often mapped to local channel slots like 21 or integrated into Fox lineup positions (e.g., around 57 in some legacy systems). DirecTV and Dish Network offer it via satellite in significantly viewed counties as an optional out-of-market import, typically on channels aligned with the station's virtual 21.1, subject to spot beam local packages. These providers must comply with FCC rules under the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA), which permit carriage of significantly viewed signals while protecting in-market affiliates from undue competition. Unlike must-carry obligations that apply strictly within a station's home DMA—requiring free carriage on basic tiers without compensation—out-of-market retransmission relies on negotiated consent, often involving fees tied to subscriber counts and programming value. In border regions, WHNS's out-of-market carriage benefits viewers by providing an alternative Fox affiliate option, particularly in areas with weaker over-the-air signals or where primary local Fox stations face coverage gaps. This has proven valuable for accessing regional sports and news tailored to and audiences. No major carriage disputes or blackouts affecting WHNS in these markets have occurred since 2021, reflecting stable retransmission agreements amid broader industry trends toward streamlined negotiations.

References

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  2. https://www.foxcarolina.com/about-us/contact-us/
  3. https://ustvdb.com/seasons/2024-25/markets/
  4. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Television-Digest/50s/Television-Digest-1953-Q2.pdf
  5. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-TV-Radio-Age/50s/Television-Age-1953-08.pdf
  6. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1975/1975-BC-YB.pdf
  7. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1977/BC-1977-06-27.pdf
  8. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1979/BC-1979-07-02.pdf
  9. https://www.fccinfo.com/CMDProULSLookup.php?tabSearchType=UMIB&tabTextBox1=2555293
  10. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1986/BC-1986-08-25.pdf
  11. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1985/BC-YB-1985-TV.pdf
  12. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Channels-of-Communication/Channels-1987-01.pdf
  13. https://www.newspapers.com/article/53107758/
  14. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-07-28-ca-9776-story.html
  15. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/05/23/Fox-and-New-World-form-alliance/9950769665600/
  16. https://variety.com/1990/tv/news/cannell-communications-acquires-whns-111402/
  17. https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/meredith-rounds-up-first-media-stations-1117433059/
  18. https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000065011/8583b462-f78f-4665-82ca-b3109aa4eeec.pdf
  19. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1997/01/25/marriott-controlled-firm-to-sell-4-tv-stations-to-meredith-corp/c3115935-7139-4c9d-99b6-e208174dae8b/
  20. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-03-2479A1.pdf
  21. https://www.foxcarolina.com/2009/09/08/fox-carolina-expands-news-coverage/
  22. https://graytv.gcs-web.com/node/18171/pdf
  23. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iacs-dotdash-announces-close-of-meredith-transaction-301435581.html
  24. https://gray.tv/stations/
  25. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69024921/whns-hdtv.html
  26. https://www.foxcarolina.com/2022/09/01/fox-carolina-expanding-local-news-programming-35-adding-jobs/
  27. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=72300
  28. https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/08/01/palmetto-sports-entertainment-launch-statewide-gray-media-stations/
  29. https://www.foxcarolina.com/programming/schedule/
  30. https://www.nexstar.tv/major-broadcasters-launch-nextgen-tv-on-five-local-television-stations-in-greenville-sc/
  31. https://www.foxcarolina.com/about-us/nextgen-tv/
  32. https://www.atsc.org/nextgen-tv/
  33. https://www.fcc.gov/general/digital-television
  34. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-09-95A1_Rcd.pdf
  35. https://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/maps_current/Greenville-Spartanburg_SC-Asheville_NC.pdf
  36. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2008/05/19/E8-11156/dtv-consumer-education-initiative
  37. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-08-1040.pdf
  38. https://www.rabbitears.info/tvq.php?request=items&facid=72300
  39. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=72300
  40. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=72305
  41. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=72306
  42. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=72301
  43. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=72304
  44. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=72302
  45. https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=whns
  46. https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/significantly-viewed-stations.pdf
  47. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/12/27/05-24080/implementation-of-the-satellite-home-viewer-extension-and-reauthorization-act-of-2004-implementation
  48. https://www.fcc.gov/media/cable-carriage-broadcast-stations
  49. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/27/business/the-media-business-fox-network-in-cable-deal.html
  50. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/03/08/05-3847/implementation-of-the-satellite-home-viewer-extension-and-reauthorization-act-of-2004-implementation
  51. https://www.spectrum.com/cable-tv/channel-lineup
  52. https://www.directv.com/channel-lineup/
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