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WTMO-CD
WTMO-CD
WTMO-CD
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WTMO-CD (channel 31) is a low-power, Class A television station in Orlando, Florida, United States, broadcasting the Spanish-language network Telemundo. Owned and operated by NBCUniversal's Telemundo Station Group,[2] the station has studios at the intersection of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail in unincorporated Orange County (using an Orlando mailing address), and its transmitter is located on Lake Sparling Road in Pine Hills.

Key Information

WTMO-CD is simulcast on the third digital subchannel of independent station WRDQ (channel 27, owned by Cox Media Group), as well as on translators WKME-CD (channel 21) in Kissimmee, and WMVJ-CD (channel 29) in Melbourne.

History

[edit]

Until February 9, 2007, WTMO's primary signal (as WTMO-LP) was the WKME transmitter. Until early 2006 at the latest, it was located on channel 40, but moved to channel 15 shortly before WACX signed on its digital signal on channel 40. Based in Kissimmee, this signal is far enough away with a directional pattern towards Kissimmee, so it would not interfere with WCEU (now WDSC-TV), which also broadcasts on channel 15. As a result, channel 15's coverage area only covers Kissimmee, forcing WTMO to reach the rest of the Orlando area via cable. In late 2006, ZGS acquired WDYB, WMVJ, and the channel 31 license (then WPXG-LP) from Tiger Eye Broadcasting to expand WTMO's over-the-air reach.[3] The station began broadcasting in digital on RF channel 31 on August 10, 2011.

On December 4, 2017, NBCUniversal's Telemundo Station Group announced its purchase of ZGS' 13 television stations.[4] The sale was completed on February 1, 2018.[5] WTMO is now owned by the same company that also owns nearby Universal Orlando Resort, although the resort is part of a different subsidiary of NBCUniversal.

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The station's digital signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WTMO-CD[6]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
31.1 1080i 16:9 WTMO-CD Telemundo
31.3 480i Xitos TeleXitos
31.4 CRIMES NBC American Crimes
31.5 Oxygen Oxygen

Translators

[edit]

References

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

WTMO-CD

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WTMO-CD is a low-power, Class A television station licensed to , , operating on virtual channel 31 (UHF digital channel 31). It serves as an owned-and-operated station of the Spanish-language network, providing news, entertainment, and programming targeted at the in the metropolitan area. Licensed to NBC License LLC, a subsidiary of , the station is operated by and maintains studios at 7580 Drive in . In addition to its primary affiliation on subchannel 31.1, WTMO-CD broadcasts additional networks on its digital multiplex, including on 31.3, NBC True Crime on 31.4, and Oxygen on 31.5, expanding its content offerings to viewers in . The station transmits with an of up to 15 kW and covers a significant portion of the Orlando–Daytona Beach–Melbourne designated market area, which ranks as the 15th largest in the U.S. by (2025–26 season). WTMO-CD's signal is also on low-power translators WKME-CD (channel 21) in Kissimmee and WMVJ-CD (channel 29) in Melbourne to enhance coverage across the region.

History

Origins as a low-power station

WTMO-CD traces its origins to October 1986, when a construction permit was granted for a new low-power television translator station in . The station signed on in 1987 as W59BH, operating on UHF channel 59 under the ownership of American Christian TV System, Inc. As a low-power translator, W59BH was limited in its broadcast range and programming capabilities, primarily rebroadcasting signals to serve a localized within the area. In , the station underwent a significant modification when it relocated to UHF channel 31 to avoid interference and improve coverage. This change coincided with a call sign update to W31AU on September 13, . Under new ownership by CFF Properties, Inc., a local broadcaster, W31AU transitioned from translator status toward more autonomous operations. The station's early signal was constrained by its low-power designation, covering only portions of Orlando and surrounding communities with a modest . W31AU operated as an independent low-power station, offering limited programming that emphasized ethnic content tailored to Orlando's growing community, including imported shows and local inserts. This focus reflected the demographic shifts in during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In July 1992, the station achieved a milestone with the issuance of its first full low-power on , marking its expansion to operational stability and broader community engagement under CFF Properties' management.

Affiliation changes and ownership transitions

In 1999, the station changed its call sign to WPXG-LP and affiliated with PAX TV, the predecessor to the i and Ion Television networks, serving as an outlet for family-oriented programming until 2007. In late 2006, ZGS Communications acquired WPXG-LP, along with several other low-power stations in and , from Tiger Eye Broadcasting Corporation for $2.15 million to bolster its portfolio of Spanish-language outlets. This transaction facilitated the station's transition to a affiliate, effective January 1, 2007, coinciding with a call sign change to WTMO-CA and an upgrade to Class A status, which provided enhanced regulatory protections and supported expanded local operations under ZGS ownership. ZGS, the largest non-corporate operator of affiliates at the time, integrated WTMO-CA into its growing station group, emphasizing Spanish-language content for Central Florida's community through 2017. On December 4, 2017, amid ZGS Communications' Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, NBCUniversal's announced its acquisition of ZGS's 13 television stations, including WTMO-CA, for $75 million in cash; the deal integrated the outlets into NBCUniversal's owned-and-operated portfolio and was completed on , 2018.

Digital launch and rebranding

WTMO-CD transitioned to on August 10, 2011, operating on UHF channel 31 while maintaining its Class A low-power status. This shift allowed the station to deliver enhanced signal quality and expanded coverage in the Orlando market, aligning with broader industry efforts to phase out analog transmissions. The call sign was officially updated to WTMO-CD on October 21, 2011, reflecting its digital Class A status under FCC regulations. Following its acquisition by in February 2018, WTMO-CD underwent a significant on May 10, 2018, adopting the on-air identity " 31" to strengthen its local presence and emphasize its role as Orlando's primary affiliate. This change included updated graphics and a focus on community-oriented programming, integrating the station more deeply into 's digital portfolio. As part of this evolution, WTMO-CD began simulcasting on subchannel 27.3 of Cox Media Group's WRDQ in 2018, broadening its over-the-air accessibility without altering its primary transmission. In response to the 2017 FCC broadcast incentive auction, WTMO-CD navigated adjustments as a low-power Class A station, completing any necessary channel optimizations by the end of the transition period in July 2020. Although not a participant in sales, the station adhered to FCC guidelines for potential channel sharing and frequency realignments, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the multi-phase process. This compliance supported the overall reconfiguration of the UHF band, preserving WTMO-CD's operations on channel 31.

Programming

Telemundo affiliation and network content

WTMO-CD became a Telemundo affiliate under ownership of ZGS Communications, which relaunched the low-power station to provide full-time network service to the Orlando market, transitioning from its prior affiliation with Pax TV as WPXG-LP. Following NBCUniversal's acquisition of ZGS's television stations in February 2018 for $75 million, WTMO-CD attained owned-and-operated (O&O) status within the Telemundo Station Group, gaining enhanced resources for network integration and local operations. As a Telemundo O&O, the station delivers a 24/7 feed of national programming tailored to Spanish-speaking audiences, including telenovelas, news, sports, and specials, with occasional local news inserts during newscasts. The core network schedule features primetime soaps and reality competitions such as , a celebrity reality show that airs multiple seasons annually and draws high viewership among Hispanic demographics. National news coverage is provided through Noticias Telemundo, offering daily broadcasts like evening editions and weekend specials that report on U.S. and Latin American events in Spanish. Sports programming includes exclusive Spanish-language coverage of major events, such as the , where Telemundo holds broadcast rights and provides comprehensive match commentary and analysis. Syndicated content exclusive to Telemundo O&Os, such as the entertainment news magazine Al Rojo Vivo and the courtroom drama Caso Cerrado, airs daily, filling daytime slots with discussions on celebrity gossip, human interest stories, and legal disputes that resonate with the network's audience. These programs contribute to the station's emphasis on culturally relevant content, supporting bilingual accessibility through closed captioning and occasional English subtitles for key segments. WTMO-CD targets Central Florida's substantial Hispanic population, estimated at over 950,000 in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area as of 2024, where Latinos comprise about 33% of residents and drive demand for Spanish-language media. The affiliation evolution has solidified the station's role as the primary Telemundo outlet in the region, benefiting from O&O perks like prioritized access to network promotions and revenue-sharing models post-2018.

Local non-news programming

WTMO-CD's local non-news programming has historically emphasized lifestyle, , and cultural content tailored to Central Florida's audience. Prior to its affiliation, the station as WPXG-LP featured minimal original local productions, primarily airing Pax TV and syndicated fare. Ownership under ZGS Communications, which acquired the station in late 2006, initiated modest expansions in local content, including introductory community segments integrated into national shows. A significant flagship program is Acceso Total, a daily lifestyle and entertainment show launched in 2009 by the , with a localized Orlando edition focusing on events, food, culture, and celebrity interviews. The program airs weekday mornings on WTMO-CD, offering segments on local festivals, restaurant reviews, and community spotlights, such as Women's Day specials honoring influential Latinas. Under ZGS and later (NBCU) ownership, Acceso Total expanded to include youth-oriented educational inserts, partnering with schools for topics like and aimed at youth. Community affairs programming complements this with localized extensions of national formats, including health initiatives and interactive segments on , Telemundo's morning variety show. WTMO-CD contributes Orlando-specific content, such as wellness tips tied to local events and preventive health campaigns addressing community needs like diabetes awareness in Hispanic populations. These efforts tie into broader initiatives while maintaining a station-specific focus on resources. Special local events coverage highlights cultural milestones, notably during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), when WTMO-CD produces dedicated specials like Especial de Herencia Hispana, showcasing the impact of Latino communities through visits to senior centers, cultural performances, and tradition-focused stories. Additional programming includes broadcasts of community soccer events and festivals, reflecting the station's role in promoting regional sports and heritage. Following the 2018 acquisition by NBCUniversal's from ZGS Communications and the subsequent rebranding to 31, WTMO-CD increased local non-news programming, enhancing original productions in and community genres to better serve the growing market in Orlando. This shift prioritized engaging, bilingual content that integrates seamlessly with the national feed, fostering stronger viewer connections through hyper-local relevance.

News and public affairs

Development of local news operations

In 2007, following ZGS Communications' ownership of WTMO-CD, the station launched its initial operations with two newscasts, marking the beginning of in-house production focused on the Orlando area's community. This effort, led by then-general manager Roberto Vizcon, addressed the prior reliance on national feeds for content, which had limited localized reporting before 2010. The newscasts emphasized bilingual coverage to serve Central Florida's growing Spanish-speaking . By March 2017, under continued ZGS ownership, WTMO expanded its flagship evening program Telenoticias Orlando to 90 minutes of continuous live coverage starting at 5 p.m. weekdays, a response to a 224% increase in households in the market over the prior decade and the preference of 77% of local s for Spanish-language media. The coverage during that September served as a pivotal moment, with the station providing extended local updates on evacuations, power outages, and recovery efforts amid widespread disruptions, reinforcing the need for robust on-the-ground journalism. The acquisition by NBCUniversal's in February accelerated growth, with the station rebranding as 31 and introducing a midday newscast as part of a network-wide initiative across ten markets. This brought total live to over 10 hours weekly, including the established 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. slots, all produced in Spanish. The transition also included launching a dedicated in May for real-time news alerts, weather, and streaming, enhancing digital accessibility for viewers. Staffing expanded from an initial team of about five reporters in 2007, prioritizing bilingual journalists to cover community issues like , , and public safety. Key milestones included the 2022 relocation to a state-of-the-art at the former [Golf Channel](/page/Golf Channel) headquarters on Golf Channel Drive, integrating advanced digital production tools for multimedia storytelling. In 2023, 31 partnered with through NBCUniversal's stations to incorporate into newscasts and digital platforms, targeting misinformation in election coverage and reaching over 1.6 million viewers in Orlando. In 2024, the station provided extensive coverage of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, serving as a key Spanish-language resource for evacuations and recovery in . These developments solidified the station's role as a vital source of trusted, localized news in one of the nation's fastest-growing markets.

Key news programs and expansions

WTMO-CD's flagship local newscasts are presented under the banner of Telenoticias 31, airing weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., delivering comprehensive coverage of events in Spanish. Complementing this, the station offers Acceso Total, a midday program weekdays at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Among specialized units, the investigative team Enfoque 31 delves into critical issues such as policies and local politics, providing in-depth reporting on topics affecting underserved populations and airing Sundays at 6:00 p.m. The weather team delivers bilingual forecasts, leveraging resources from for accurate, dual-language predictions tailored to the region's diverse viewers. Live streaming of newscasts is available on telemundo31.com and the Telemundo 31 app, allowing real-time access across devices. The station also maintains collaborations with 6 for cross-promotions, sharing content on and to broaden reach. Programming emphasizes underserved stories, such as challenges faced by the Puerto Rican in , fostering community engagement. Since 2018, all newscasts have been produced in high definition, with approximately 60% local content to ensure relevance to Orlando viewers.

Technical information

Signal specifications and facilities

WTMO-CD maintains its main studios at 7580 Golf Channel Drive in . The station relocated to this facility, the former headquarters, around 2022. The previous studios at 1650 Sand Lake Road were expanded in 2019 to include an updated high-definition news set and enhanced digital production capabilities, designed by HD Studio with backlit wall panels and modular elements to support flexible broadcasting needs. The station's transmitter is located in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Orlando, at coordinates 28°36′22.6″N 81°27′23.9″W along Lake Sparling Road. It operates on UHF digital channel 31 with an (ERP) of 15 kW using a , achieving a (HAAT) of 125.4 meters (411 feet) and incorporating a 2° electrical beam tilt for optimized signal distribution. As a Class A low-power , WTMO-CD is licensed under 10073 to NBC License LLC, with its construction permit tracing back to initial FCC approvals in the late 1980s following applications filed around 1986. These parameters define the station's primary broadcast signal, which follows the resolution format under ATSC 1.0 standards. The Class A low-power designation constrains its reach to a principal contour of approximately 32.5 miles, encompassing about 3,317 square miles and serving an estimated population of over 2.1 million viewers across .

Subchannels

WTMO-CD's digital signal operates on virtual channel 31 and carries multiple subchannels targeting diverse audiences, primarily through multicast programming from networks. As of March 2025, the station's subchannel lineup consists of the following:
DTRes.AspectCallsignNetwork/Programming
31.116:9WTMO-HD
31.316:9Xitos
31.416:9CRIMESNBC True Crime
31.516:9OxygenOxygen
The main subchannel, 31.1, broadcasts Telemundo's primary network feed in high definition, featuring Spanish-language news, telenovelas, and entertainment. Subchannel 31.3 airs , which launched on the station in as part of the network's expansion to additional markets, offering classic Spanish-language telenovelas and series aimed at viewers seeking nostalgic content. Subchannel 31.4 carries , added in 2022 following the rebranding of to focus on true crime documentaries and series. Meanwhile, 31.5 features Oxygen, which debuted on the station in 2021 and provides true crime dramas and reality programming for general audiences. Historically, WTMO-CD launched its digital broadcast as a single-channel operation on August 10, 2011, transmitting solely the feed on RF channel 31 following the end of analog service. The station expanded its capabilities over time; for instance, subchannel 31.2 carried from 2015 to 2020, offering classic television sitcoms before being discontinued to accommodate further network expansions. These changes reflect a strategic allocation of the 6 MHz channel bandwidth, with the primary HD channel utilizing the majority while standard-definition subchannels share the remaining capacity for additional programming. The subchannels emphasize niche content to broaden appeal, with serving Hispanic audiences through retro telenovelas and and NBC True Crime attracting true crime enthusiasts across demographics. This multicast strategy has enhanced distribution, including carriage on and systems in the Orlando market, allowing wider access beyond over-the-air reception. Technically, all subchannels utilize ATSC 1.0 standards with mapping to 31.x, enabling seamless navigation on digital tuners. The station has not implemented or 4K broadcasting as of 2025.

Translators and rebroadcasters

WTMO-CD extends its over-the-air signal through low-power Class A translators WKME-CD (RF channel 21) in Kissimmee and WMVJ-CD (RF channel 29) in Melbourne, both owned by NBCUniversal and simulcasting the full multiplex of WTMO-CD's subchannels 31.1 through 31.5. WKME-CD, licensed to serve Osceola County, operates at an effective radiated power (ERP) of 14 kW and provides repeater coverage for the southern portions of the Orlando market. WMVJ-CD targets Brevard County along Florida's Space Coast with an ERP of 15 kW, replicating WTMO-CD's programming to reach coastal communities beyond the primary signal's core area. In addition to these owned translators, WTMO-CD maintains a simulcast agreement with WRDQ (channel 27), where subchannel 27.3 carries a standard-definition feed of the main program (31.1) to broaden accessibility, particularly in areas with ABC affiliate overlap via WRDQ's full-power signal. This arrangement enhances distribution without dedicated translator facilities.
TranslatorRF ChannelERP (kW)Primary Coverage Area
WKME-CD21Kissimmee, FL14 County
WMVJ-CD29Melbourne, FL15Brevard County
These facilities collectively extend WTMO-CD's reach into and Brevard counties, with WKME-CD covering an estimated population of over 1.5 million within its 32.4-mile contour and WMVJ-CD serving approximately 638,000 in a 29.5-mile area, supplementing the main station's signal in underserved southern and eastern market fringes. The WRDQ further supports penetration into Volusia County through its broader full-power footprint. The translators were established following WTMO-CD's digital transition in October 2011, when the station converted from analog WTMO-CA to digital operations to retain its Class A status under FCC requirements for maintained service contours and programming obligations. WKME-CD signed on in late 2011 as a digital Class A , with construction permitted in September of that year. WMVJ-CD received its digital construction permit in November 2012 and began operations shortly thereafter to address coverage gaps in the region. During the 2017–2020 broadcast spectrum repack, both translators underwent channel reassignments and facility adjustments to vacate cleared UHF spectrum, with FCC approvals for WKME-CD and WMVJ-CD documented in early 2018 filings. The WRDQ 27.3 launched in 2018, coinciding with NBCUniversal's acquisition of the from ZGS Communications, which integrated these assets under unified ownership.

References

  1. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=10073
  2. https://www.telemundo31.com/conectate/
  3. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/09/29/us-media-market-rankings-bay-area-passes-boston-strong-growth-for-austin-west-palm-beach-okc/
  4. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Cable/LPTV-Report/LPTV-Report-1987-06.pdf
  5. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Cable/LPTV-Report/LPTV-Report-1990-10.pdf
  6. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Cable/LPTV-Report/LPTV-Report-1992-09.pdf
  7. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/923877/000095014406002610/g00117e10vk.htm
  8. https://www.nexttv.com/news/deals-81228
  9. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=10073
  10. https://www.forbes.com/sites/veronicavillafane/2017/12/04/telemundo-to-buy-13-tv-stations-from-zgs-communications/
  11. https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/nbcuniversal-owned-television-stations-division-acquires-television-stations-from-zgs-communications
  12. https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/nbcuniversal-acquires-13-telemundo-stations-1202630257/
  13. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2017/12/05/nbcuniversal-buying-telemundo-orlando/
  14. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/WTMO-CD
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  16. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2018/05/11/telemundo-orlando-new-name/
  17. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WRDQ
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  26. https://www.telemundo31.com/entretenimiento/acceso-total/
  27. https://www.telemundo31.com/especiales/apoyando-a-nuestras-escuelas/
  28. https://www.telemundo31.com/video/local/especial-de-herencia-hispana-parte-1/2308176/
  29. https://www.telemundo31.com/video/local/herencia-hispana-recordar-es-vivir/2377596/
  30. https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/all-together-better-nbcuniversal-and-telemundo-join-us-celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month
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  43. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WTMO-CD
  44. https://www.produ.com/english/noticias/telexitos-in-almost-five-years-we-went-from-being-in-15-to-31-markets-in-the-us/
  45. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/NBC_LX_Home
  46. https://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=Oxygen
  47. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=61702
  48. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=71238
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