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WSLS-TV (channel 10) is a television station licensed to Roanoke, Virginia, United States, serving the Roanoke–Lynchburg market as an affiliate of NBC. Owned by Graham Media Group, the station maintains studios on Fifth Street in Roanoke, and its transmitter is located on Poor Mountain in Roanoke County.

Key Information

History

[edit]

WSLS-TV first signed on the air on December 11, 1952, by the Shenandoah Life Insurance Company, after which the station was named ("Shenandoah Life Stations"). WSLS-TV was co-owned with two of Roanoke's first radio stations, WSLS (610 AM) and WSLS-FM (99.1).[2] It is the third-oldest continuously operating station in Virginia, behind Richmond's WTVR-TV and Norfolk's WTKR, as well as the state's oldest station west of Richmond.

Rights to channel 10 were granted to Shenandoah Life after a competitive battle was fought between Shenandoah Life, WROV (now WGMN), and WDBJ (now WFIR). Originally set to fully launch on December 10, 1952, WSLS-TV was taken off the air an hour into a test pattern on the evening of the 10th, when a storm shattered a window in the studio and blew a control panel's fuse, while a lightning bolt also struck near the station's transmitter. The station successfully launched a day later. The inaugural anchor team was composed of Tom Wright, Joe Moffatt, and Ed Thomas, with Moffatt becoming the state's first television editorialist when he began his daily editorials in 1961.[3]

In 1955, WSLS-TV moved from the Shenandoah Building on First Street to a new studio on Third Street.[4]

The television station has always been a primary NBC affiliate, but in its first two years spent around one-quarter of its broadcast day carrying programs from CBS; Lynchburg-based WLVA-TV (channel 13, now WSET-TV) was the nearest primary CBS affiliate, but its transmitter location at the time did not cover Roanoke at all.[2] All CBS programming was dropped when WDBJ-TV (channel 7) signed on in 1955 from Roanoke as the area's primary affiliate. In the late-1950s and the 1960s, WSLS-TV also aired locally produced programming, including Echo, Klub Kwiz (a competitor to WDBJ's Klassroom Kwiz), Ebb and Andy, Spectrum, Glen Howell, Cactus Joe, and Profile.

The station was first to broadcast in "full living color," telecast from a remote location, use video tape and electronic news gathering equipment, broadcast network programming in stereo, and broadcast live local news in HD in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.[5]

In 1969, WSLS-TV was purchased from Shenandoah Life Insurance Company by Roy H. Park for $7.5 million. This separated it from its radio sisters, now WPLY and WSLQ; due to FCC rules, the television station was the only one to retain the original WSLS call sign.

In 1992, WSLS-TV launched "The Spirit of Virginia" promotional campaign, emphasizing the station's new "down home" news philosophy that included more features and a stronger emphasis on soft, community oriented news. In September 1995, WSLS-TV ended "The Spirit of Virginia" campaign and revamped the look and focus of the station, shedding the "down home" philosophy in favor of a more hard-news approach. In 1996, WSLS-TV signed a deal with Grant Broadcasting, the owner of Roanoke's Fox affiliates WFXR and WJPR, to produce a 10 p.m. newscast for the Fox stations. The Fox 10 O'Clock News with Frances Scott and John Carlin premiered on October 28, 1996.

On January 1, 1997, Media General acquired Park Communications and became the station's new owner. The station was rebranded to match WFLA-TV, Media General's flagship station in Tampa, Florida. On April 14, WSLS-TV re-launched itself as NewsChannel 10 during the 5 p.m. newscast. A new campaign called "10 Listens" was launched, which encouraged viewers to set up a "10 Listens Community Forum". Through the forums, viewers communicated directly with its news anchors and management about concerns facing their community, yielding exclusive story ideas for WSLS-TV and improved its image within the market. A combination of factors caused the station to eventually abandon the forum concept. In 1999, Media General began the process of renovating the WSLS-TV studios in downtown Roanoke, moving the station's news department to a larger newsroom on the first floor adjacent to the news studio. On October 1, 2015, the news sharing agreement between WSLS-TV and WFXR ended when the latter launched its own in-house news department.

On January 27, 2016, Media General announced that it would be acquired by Nexstar Broadcasting Group in a deal valued at $4.6 billion. Since Nexstar already owned WFXR and WWCW through satellite exemptions and the Roanoke–Lynchburg market had too few stations to permit a duopoly,[6][7] on May 27, Nexstar announced that it would sell WSLS, along with WCWJ in Jacksonville, Florida, to the Graham Media Group for $120 million.[8] The sale was approved by the Federal Communications Commission on January 11, 2017, and completed on January 17.[9]

In February 2018, WSLS-TV announced it had purchased a warehouse on Fifth Street to build a new television studio and would sell its existing Third Street facilities upon moving into the new building.[4] On April 29, 2019, the new studio made its on-air debut.[10]

Programming

[edit]

WSLS-TV has produced several local talk shows throughout its history. In the 1950s, Betty Bond, often referred to as Roanoke's "first lady of television" and wife of American author Nelson S. Bond, hosted Roanoke's first local television talk show, The Betty Bond Show.[11][12][13] She interviewed notable locals on the women-oriented program and also shared fashion tips and household interests, among other topics.[3] In the early 1960s, Priscilla Young and Kit Johnson hosted Profile, which was awarded "Best Women's Program" in 1962 by the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters.[11][14] In 1983, Greta Evans was hired at WSLS-TV as a reporter and community affairs coordinator to host Reaching Out, a community affairs program examining community issues that aired monthly on Sundays.[11][15] In March 2010, Natalie Faunce, a former anchor from WFXR, and Jay Prater, a radio disc jockey from WROV-FM, helped launch Our Blue Ridge, an entertainment-oriented talk show focusing on community and lifestyle news that replaced the traditional hour-long noon newscast.[11] However, in February 2011, WSLS-TV announced it would revamp Our Blue Ridge by renaming it Daytime Blue Ridge, with continued discussion of similar topics along a more heightened emphasis on the community. Mike Wilson, a former minister, replaced Prater and joined Faunce as co-host. The revamp premiered in September 2011.[16] Daytime Blue Ridge was condensed by 30 minutes in November 2014 and began airing at 12:30 p.m.[17]

News operation

[edit]

WSLS-TV presently broadcasts 31 hours of locally produced newscasts each week (with five hours each weekday and three hours each on Saturdays and Sundays).

In 1989, the station debuted First News at 5:30, which was solo-anchored by John Carlin and included live feature segments from a field reporter. The show was not popular at first, though ratings improved in 1992 when it was moved to 5 p.m. On September 21, 1998, it was moved back to 5:30, though returned to 5 p.m. in February 2002. In August 2004, WSLS added a 5:30 newscast to the existing 5 and 6 p.m. shows, creating the first 90-minute evening news block in the market. A half-hour 7 p.m. show was added in September 2009. The 1997 rebranding of the station's news operation as NewsChannel 10 coincided with the debut of "Storm Team 10". The "Storm Team" was created to give weather a stronger emphasis on the station and to emphasize that meteorologists were a team, with the title of "chief meteorologist" being dropped. The title of "chief meteorologist" would later be brought back with the addition of weathercaster Ros Runner in 2007. After the station's acquisition by Media General in 1997, several investments were made to improve the station's news coverage. One of these was the purchase of a satellite news gathering truck so that the station would no longer have to rent or borrow equipment from other stations for satellite live shots. Several departures in the late 1990s and early 2000s harmed the reputation of the station, including the firing of news anchor Dave Mellon and Chief Meteorologist Chuck Bell in 1999, the resignation of Sports Director Greg Roberts the same year, and the dismissal of evening co-anchor Barbara Gibbs in 2000.

A renewed emphasis was placed on local news in the early 2000s, particularly in the eastern and southern portions of the Roanoke–Lynchburg market. In the spring of 2001, additional news bureaus were established in Martinsville and Bedford, each with its own reporter and photographer. The Martinsville bureau was intended to cover Henry County, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, and the independent cities that lied within those areas, while the Bedford Bureau covered Bedford County, Campbell County, Amherst County, and the independent cities of Lynchburg and Bedford. In 2004, the personnel from the two bureaus were moved to the offices of the Lynchburg News and Advance and the Danville Register and Bee, respectively, in an attempt by Media General to converge its newspaper and television properties as a single newsgathering entity. Between 2008 and 2012, coverage of these areas was maintained through shared content from its newspaper partners. When Media General sold its newspapers to World Media Enterprises in 2012, the partnership with WSLS ended and the station was forced to rely on its own resources to cover the eastern side of its market.

In 2007, the on-air branding was changed from the NewsChannel to "WSLS 10 On Your Side", with the station updating its set and graphics for the launch of high-definition. The station launched the first high-definition local newscast in Virginia that year.[4] In the beginning of the 2010s, WSLS-TV implemented several changes to its news programming. In March 2010, the weekday noon newscast was replaced with Our Blue Ridge.[11] The change had not been met with ratings success and Our Blue Ridge was revamped, being replaced by Daytime Blue Ridge in 2011.[16] For the fall 2011 and spring 2012 sweeps periods, WSLS-TV placed third against Roanoke competitors, WDBJ and WSET, in its prime time newscasts.[18][19] The "On Your Side" slogan was also dropped in 2012, along with a change to the newscast's graphics.[19] In July 2013, after anchor Jay Warren departed in April, former anchor John Carlin returned to the station after five years in public relations to anchor the 5, 5:30, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts.[20] On November 3, 2014, WSLS-TV brought back its weekday noon newscast with the launch of WSLS 10 at Noon, anchored by Patrick McKee. The newscast's return shortened Daytime Blue Ridge by 30 minutes to begin airing at 12:30 p.m.[17]

Following its acquisition by Graham Media Group in early 2017, WSLS-TV introduced new station graphics and a new music score and also rebranded as 10 News, with the new slogan, "Working for You".

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WSLS-TV[21]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
10.1 1080i 16:9 WSLS-HD NBC
10.2 480i 4:3 GetTV Get
10.3 16:9 MeTV MeTV[22]
10.4 StartTV Start TV
10.5 Movies Movies!

On digital subchannel 10.2 and Cox digital channel 110 is "WSLS 10.2 GO", which carries Get, a digital multicast network that broadcasts classic television programs;[23] previously, WSLS-DT2 aired a continuous image of "Live VIPIR 10." On digital subchannel 10.3 and Cox digital channel 111 is MeTV, offering classic television series from the CBS Television Distribution, 20th Television and NBCUniversal Television Distribution program libraries.

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

WSLS-TV ended regular programming on its analog signal, over VHF channel 10, 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 remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 30, using virtual channel 10.[24][25][26]

References

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

WSLS-TV

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WSLS-TV, 10, is an NBC-affiliated licensed to , , serving the Roanoke–Lynchburg designated market area. The station, owned by since its acquisition on January 17, 2017, is Southwest Virginia's oldest television broadcaster, having signed on the air on December 11, 1952, as the region's first TV outlet. From its studios in downtown Roanoke, WSLS-TV delivers a range of programming, including syndicated shows, NBC network content, and extensive local coverage focused on news, weather, and sports under the "10 News" banner. The station's signal is transmitted from a tower atop Poor Mountain in Roanoke County, at an elevation of 3,928 feet, ensuring broad reach across . Over its seven decades of operation, WSLS has played a pivotal role in community engagement, evolving from its origins under Shenandoah Life Insurance Company ownership to a modern multimedia hub emphasizing digital and on-air .

History

Origins and launch

WSLS-TV signed on the air as channel 10 on December 11, 1952, founded by the Shenandoah Life Insurance Company as Roanoke's first and the sister outlet to WSLS radio. The station's call letters derived from "Shenandoah Life Stations," reflecting its corporate ownership. Initial operations began from temporary facilities in the Shenandoah Building on First Street in downtown Roanoke, with the inaugural broadcast featuring a mix of network programming and content aimed at introducing television to the Roanoke Valley audience. Early programming emphasized live events, news, and variety shows to build viewership in a region new to the medium. From its launch through 1955, WSLS-TV operated as a primary affiliate with a secondary affiliation, carrying select programs alongside 's schedule to serve the market's limited options. This arrangement ended in November 1955 when WDBJ-TV signed on as channel 7 and assumed the primary affiliation, allowing WSLS-TV to solidify its focus on while retaining a secondary ABC affiliation that continued until 1966. The shift reinforced WSLS-TV's role as the market's leading outlet, with programming including popular network series, , and sports broadcasts. In 1955, the station relocated to a new, purpose-built studio facility at 401 Third Street SW in downtown Roanoke, enhancing production capabilities for live broadcasts and local content. This move coincided with the introduction of pioneering local programming, such as The Betty Bond Show, a daytime talk program hosted by Betty Bond, often called Roanoke's "first lady of television." Aimed at women viewers, the show featured fashion tips, household advice, and interviews with local figures, airing throughout the 1950s and exemplifying WSLS-TV's early commitment to community-oriented content. Over time, this established WSLS-TV's enduring primary affiliation with NBC.

Ownership changes

In 1969, Roy H. Park Communications acquired WSLS-AM-FM-TV from Shenandoah Life Insurance Company for $7.5 million, marking the station's first ownership transition since its founding. The deal, approved by the FCC despite initial delays, brought the properties under the control of , a New York-based broadcaster known for his portfolio of radio and stations across the country. Park divested the radio stations in 1972 to comply with FCC regulations limiting ownership of multiple media outlets in the same market. This change allowed for continued operation as a key affiliate in the Roanoke-Lynchburg market, though specific operational shifts at the time were limited to standard integration into Park's group holdings. The next major shift occurred in 1996 when Media General announced its $710 million cash merger with Park Acquisitions Inc., the successor to Roy H. Park Communications following Park's death in 1993; the transaction closed on January 1, 1997. Under 's ownership, WSLS-TV experienced operational synergies through integration into a larger portfolio of 21 television stations and numerous newspapers, particularly in the Southeast. The company invested $2 million in upgrades, including new studio equipment, computers, a satellite truck, and syndicated programming, while expanding news resources with additional bureaus and a rebranded "Newschannel 10" format that emphasized local community forums and weather branding inspired by sister station WFLA in Tampa. These enhancements aimed to boost viewer engagement and compete more effectively in the market, reaching 22.1 percent of Southeast television households. Media General's ownership ended in January 2017 when , a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company, acquired WSLS-TV for $60 million in cash as part of a divestiture deal tied to Nexstar Broadcasting Group's merger with . The transaction, announced in May 2016 and completed on January 17, 2017, transferred the station to Graham's portfolio of seven television stations focused on local . Under Graham, WSLS integrated with the company's Graham Digital unit, a innovator that supports development and streaming capabilities across its properties, facilitating investments in online content delivery and interactive viewer experiences. This shift preserved the station's commitment to regional coverage while enhancing its digital presence in a evolving media landscape.

Facility upgrades and recent developments

In 2007, WSLS-TV pioneered high-definition local broadcasting in by launching the state's first local HD newscast on October 31, with initial updates in HDTV format, followed by upgrades to full high-definition production capabilities. This transition enhanced visual quality and set a benchmark for regional television standards. By 2019, under the ownership of since 2017, WSLS-TV relocated its studios from a longtime downtown Roanoke location to a renovated former warehouse near the , completing the move in early April. The new facility featured a state-of-the-art set that debuted on-air on April 29, 2019, incorporating advanced digital production elements to support modern broadcasting workflows. Following the studio relocation, WSLS-TV addressed equipment limitations by replacing its aging HDTV cameras in 2022, acquiring six SK-HD1800 studio cameras to improve overall broadcast quality and production efficiency. This upgrade, implemented by , aligned the station's infrastructure with contemporary HD standards post-move. From 2023 to 2025, oversaw minor operational enhancements at WSLS-TV, including expansions in digital streaming capabilities through integrated livestreams of newscasts and updates on the station's , alongside efficiencies to streamline multi-platform content delivery.

Programming

News operation

WSLS 10's news department produces approximately 30 hours of content each week, encompassing a range of daily newscasts that cover morning, evening, and weekend programming slots to serve the Roanoke–Lynchburg market. The operation has evolved with key program developments, including the introduction of a 90-minute morning news block in 2004 and the debut of First News at 5:30, which expanded evening coverage. In 2017, following the station's acquisition by , the news branding shifted to "10 News," emphasizing community-focused reporting. To enhance regional coverage, WSLS established news bureaus in Martinsville and in 2001, which were staffed with dedicated reporters and photographers to address local stories in southern and central . Investigative efforts are led by "10 News Investigates," a dedicated initiative that produces in-depth segments on pressing local issues, such as school prevention, foster care system challenges, and financial misconduct in community organizations. The news team features experienced staff, including lead anchor John Carlin, who co-anchors the 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 p.m. newscasts after rejoining the station in 2013 following an earlier tenure and time in public radio. Long-serving meteorologists like Edward Shaw contribute to weather coverage, specializing in and analysis. News production benefited from high-definition upgrades in 2007 and further enhancements in 2022, improving visual quality for broadcasts.

Local programming

Throughout its history, WSLS-TV has produced a variety of original local programming focused on , community engagement, and , beginning in the station's early years. In the 1950s, shortly after its launch in 1952, the station aired talk and variety shows tailored to regional audiences, including The Betty Bond Show, hosted by Betty Bond, which featured fashion tips, household hints, and interviews geared toward women. Other early offerings included Parade, a showcase for local performers and community figures that ran from 1952 to 1958, and Profile, which addressed public service topics and local issues, co-hosted by figures such as Joe Dashiell, while Tonight provided a platform for discussions and entertainment with personalities from 1953 to 1957. In more recent decades, WSLS-TV continued this tradition with lifestyle and talk programming, most notably Daytime Blue Ridge, a weekday show that aired for 30 minutes at 12:30 p.m. and covered topics such as local events, advice, and community spotlights. Hosted by Natalie Faunce, the program emphasized Southwest Virginia's culture and daily life until its discontinuation on March 4, 2022, when it was replaced by an expanded noon newscast. The station has also produced -focused segments integrated into its original content, promoting wellness initiatives relevant to the Roanoke-Lynchburg area. WSLS-TV's commitment to is exemplified by the WSLS Education Impact Award, an initiative launched in July 2025 to recognize outstanding K-12 educators in its viewing area who demonstrate exceptional impact through innovative teaching. Each month through July 2026, one nominee is selected by a judging panel based on the originality and inspirational quality of their story, receiving a $250 check for both the educator and their school. This program highlights community affairs by featuring winners in station-produced segments that celebrate local educational contributions. The station produces original local sports coverage, particularly emphasizing high school athletics in Southwest and Central , through programs like 1st and 10, a weekly show airing Friday nights at 11:10 p.m. that recaps regional football games, provides scores, and spotlights standout players and teams. This includes live broadcasts and highlights of events such as Seminole District matchups and VHSL postseason games involving area schools like Lynchburg Christian Academy and Heritage. WSLS-TV engages the through original tied to civic and events, such as the 60th special aired in 2012, which reflected on the station's role in Roanoke's history and featured archival footage of local milestones. These productions often collaborate with regional partners to cover celebrations like Roanoke's bicentennial in the , fostering a sense of local identity. In recent years, WSLS has expanded digital programming, including streaming newscasts and online exclusives as of 2025.

Syndicated programming

WSLS-TV's syndicated programming fills key gaps in its schedule, particularly during daytime hours and early evenings, complementing NBC network fare and productions to provide diverse entertainment for the Roanoke–Lynchburg market. In recent years, the station has emphasized talk shows and court programs in its daytime lineup, such as airing weekdays at 4:00 p.m. and in adjacent afternoon slots, offering lifestyle and celebrity content to viewers before the evening news. Courtroom reality series like occupy mid-afternoon time periods, typically from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., delivering dramatic legal disputes as a bridge between daytime talk and . The investigative newsmagazine rounds out mornings at 8:00 a.m. and late nights, providing national news segments and human interest stories outside of WSLS's own news blocks. For evenings and weekends, syndicated content includes off-network sitcom reruns such as Friends, which help transition from NBC primetime to late-night shows and fill weekend slots when network programming is lighter. This selection ensures a mix of humor and familiarity, appealing to families and younger demographics in non-prime hours. Historically, WSLS-TV has adapted its syndicated offerings to align with its NBC affiliation since the station's launch in 1952, incorporating national content to bolster local and network programming. In the 1990s, the schedule featured game shows like Wheel of Fortune at 10:00 a.m. and Classic Concentration at 10:30 a.m., reflecting a shift toward interactive formats popular in syndication during that era. Over time, these choices have evolved with market trends, prioritizing cost-effective, high-rated fare to maintain viewer engagement in off-peak periods while prioritizing NBC's core schedule.

Technical information

Subchannels

WSLS-TV broadcasts a digital multiplexed signal on virtual channel 10, utilizing ATSC 1.0 standards to carry multiple subchannels simultaneously on physical RF channel 34. The primary subchannel, 10.1, serves as the affiliate, airing the full network schedule alongside local news, weather, and original programming from WSLS in high definition resolution with a 16:9 and 5.1 audio. Following the 2009 digital transition, WSLS-TV expanded its signal with secondary subchannels to offer diverse programming and generate additional revenue through national networks, filling unused digital bandwidth capacity. Subchannel 10.2 carries getTV, a network featuring classic movies and series from the to , launched on WSLS in 2016 as part of a broader affiliation deal; it broadcasts in standard definition with a 4:3 and audio. Subchannel 10.3 airs , dedicated to classic TV series from the 1950s to , including sitcoms and dramas; added post-digital transition for audience retention and ad revenue, it operates in widescreen format with stereo audio. In January 2019, WSLS launched subchannel 10.4 with , focusing on crime dramas and female-led procedurals from the to , in widescreen with stereo audio, to target demographics underserved by the main channel. Also debuting in January 2019, subchannel 10.5 features Movies!, a 24-hour film network showcasing Hollywood classics from the 1920s to 1970s, broadcast in 480i widescreen resolution with stereo audio to expand entertainment options and attract viewers.
Virtual ChannelPhysical ChannelResolutionAspect RatioProgramming NetworkAudio Format
10.1341080i16:9NBC (WSLS-HD)DD 5.1, SAP
10.234480i4:3getTVDD 2.0
10.334480i16:9MeTVDD 2.0
10.434480i16:9Start TVDD 2.0
10.534480i16:9Movies!DD 2.0
This multiplexing allows WSLS to deliver varied content without interfering with the main feed on 10.1.

Analog-to-digital conversion

WSLS-TV discontinued its full-power analog broadcasts on VHF channel 10 on June 12, 2009, in compliance with the nationwide (DTV) transition mandated by the (). This date marked the end of analog over-the-air television for all full-power U.S. stations, allowing the recovery of spectrum for public safety communications and other uses. In preparation for the switch, WSLS-TV operated its on UHF channel 30 (mapping to 10) with an of 1,000 kW from its transmitter in . The station conducted temporary simulcasting of its NBC programming on both analog and digital channels leading up to the deadline, enabling viewers to test digital reception while maintaining analog access. Throughout 2008 and 2009, WSLS-TV participated in pre-transition testing and extensive public education campaigns to inform Roanoke-area viewers about the impending changes, including the broadcast of informational "" loops on its starting around June 10, 2009. These efforts aligned with FCC requirements for broadcasters to educate consumers on the transition process. The conversion significantly impacted over-the-air viewers, who could no longer receive WSLS-TV without digital-capable equipment; households using antennas were required to acquire digital televisions or boxes, with the (NTIA) distributing subsidized coupons for the latter to mitigate disruptions. Post-transition, the station continued digital operations on channel 30 until reassigned to RF channel 34 during the FCC's 2017 spectrum incentive auction , providing improved picture quality and the potential for additional subchannels.

Broadcast signal

WSLS-TV broadcasts its primary over-the-air signal from a transmitter located on Poor Mountain in , at coordinates 37°12′3.3″N 80°8′52.8″W. This site provides elevated positioning that enhances signal propagation across the region. The station operates on UHF digital channel 34 with an (ERP) of 1,000 kilowatts and a (HAAT) of 608.7 meters, enabling robust coverage following its analog-to-digital conversion. These parameters allow the signal to reach the full extent of the Roanoke–Lynchburg designated market area (DMA), ranked as the 67th largest in the United States. The broadcast footprint encompasses 26 counties in , including Roanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Campbell, and Pittsylvania, as well as portions of surrounding areas in such as Mercer and Summers counties. This coverage serves approximately 1.47 million potential viewers within a 69.4-mile from the transmitter, supporting reliable reception for households equipped with digital antennas. WSLS-TV does not utilize any or to extend its primary signal. Since September 2022, WSLS-TV has broadcast an signal (branded as NextGen TV) from the same transmitter, offering advanced features such as 4K video, HDR, and interactive content, while maintaining ATSC 1.0 compatibility.

Awards and recognition

Regional awards

In 2020, WSLS-TV received three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) in the small market television category, recognizing excellence in broadcast and digital journalism that upholds high standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity. The awards included honors for Best Multimedia for WSLS.com's overall digital content, Best Hard News for coverage of the Michael Brown manhunt case, and Best Newscast for the 10 News at 5 broadcast on the same story. These regional accolades, judged by panels of media professionals on criteria such as depth of reporting and innovative use of multimedia, positioned WSLS-TV among top performers in Region 12 (encompassing Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.) and made the station eligible for national Murrow consideration. In 2024, WSLS-TV earned four Regional Awards from the RTDNA in the small market television category. These included Feature Reporting for "John Carlin’s Outdoors: Kinzie Dickman takes adaptive to a new level," for the 2023 Black History Month special "Hidden History," Hard News for a piece on Roanoke woman Blaine Sirry's survival after a violent attack, and Excellence in Innovation for the "Solutionaries" segments on community solutions to local issues. WSLS-TV also received a Capital Emmy Award at the 66th Annual Capital Emmys in 2024, recognizing excellence in broadcasting and community storytelling. The station continued its recognition in 2025 with two Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) Awards for its HealthWatch franchise, a health reporting series focused on community wellness and medical issues in Southwest Virginia. These included first place in the TV Commercial category for a HealthWatch promotional spot and first place in Outstanding News Series for the franchise's in-depth reporting on local health topics. The VAB Awards, evaluated by industry experts on elements like storytelling quality, community impact, and production creativity for content aired in 2024, underscore WSLS-TV's commitment to informative public service journalism. These regional honors have bolstered WSLS-TV's reputation as a trusted source in the Roanoke market, demonstrating consistent excellence in investigative and community-focused reporting that informs and engages viewers on critical local issues.

Notable staff achievements

Rachel Lucas, WSLS 10's evening anchor and designated reporter, has earned recognition for her HealthWatch series, which won first place in the Outstanding News Series category (Small Market) at the 2025 VAB awards. The series provides daily reports on health innovations, breaking medical , and community health issues in . Lucas has specialized in since joining the station in 2013, contributing to multiple award-winning segments that highlight local health challenges and advancements. In sports reporting, anchor John "Appy" Appicello led the WSLS 10 Sports team to first place in the Outstanding Sports Coverage category (Small Market) at the 2024 VAB awards for their comprehensive coverage of local high school and professional athletics. The team, including reporters Eric Johnson and Brooke , produced in-depth features and live events, contributing to the station's reputation for engaging . Appicello, with a career spanning seven stations and over four decades in , also anchors the station's sports segments and has been instrumental in initiatives like the 1st and 10 Trophy Tour, which honors local high school athletes, such as presenting the 2024 Player of the Year award to Gideon Davidson of . Meteorologist Edward Shaw, who joined the team in 2023, contributed to national coverage by producing segments for the 2024 Eclipse Special, collaborating with on weather forecasting during the solar eclipse event. His work emphasizes scientific communication and local weather authority, enhancing the station's weather reporting under ownership. Investigative reporter Alyssa Rae earned first place in Best Investigative Reporting at the 2024 VAB awards for her series "Officer Altercation," which examined a controversial police incident in Franklin County, leading to legal developments and community discussions. Producer Carter Malpass collaborated on the project, highlighting the team's focus on accountability in local law enforcement. Under Graham Media Group's management since 2017, WSLS 10 has seen key career milestones among its on-air talent. Long-serving John Carlin received the VAB George Bowles Award for for distinguished service in , recognizing his decades-long contributions to in . Recent hires include weekend evening Samuel King, who joined in August 2024 after experience in multi-market reporting, and multimedia journalist Ethan Ellis, who returned full-time in May 2025 following an , bringing fresh perspectives to coverage.

References

  1. https://ghco.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/graham-media-group-and-nexstar-broadcasting-group-complete-deal
  2. https://www.grahammedia.com/wsls
  3. https://www.wsls.com/
  4. https://roanoke.com/business/wsls-sold-to-graham-media-group/article_d5f68e24-0ef6-5365-913a-1cc866ee92df.html
  5. https://fadedsignals.com/post/68217529325/wsls-signed-on-the-air-in-1952-from-roanoke-va
  6. https://roanoke.com/business/wsls-will-move-studios-from-downtown-roanoke-home/article_50575e15-0591-5490-a1fb-350c4baabd7c.html
  7. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1952/BC-1952-12-01.pdf
  8. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1960/BC-YB-1960-TV.pdf
  9. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/WSLS
  10. https://roanoke.com/archive/wsls-at-60/article_c4a00fab-b6d0-5184-99b7-0c3d3aa3e570.html
  11. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1969/1969-09-08-BC.pdf
  12. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1996/rt9607/960723/07230082.htm
  13. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1997/rt9704/970414/04140100.htm
  14. https://ghco.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/graham-media-group-agrees-acquire-wcwj-cw-affiliate-jacksonville
  15. https://www.grahammedia.com/
  16. https://vartv.com/archives07e.htm
  17. https://www.wsls.com/news/2019/04/29/take-a-look-at-the-brand-new-10-news-studio/
  18. https://www.wsls.com/video/news/2019/04/29/10-news-unveils-brand-new-studio/
  19. https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/wsls-improves-studio-production-with-hitachi-hdtv-cameras/
  20. https://rbr.com/a-graham-owned-nbc-affiliate-ups-its-studio-game/
  21. https://www.wsls.com/watchlive/
  22. https://roanokelynchburg-broadcasting.fandom.com/wiki/WSLS-TV
  23. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/08/23/10-news-investigates-addressing-school-gun-violence/
  24. https://www.wsls.com/video/news/2022/05/09/10-news-investigates-several-aspects-of-virginia-foster-care-system/
  25. https://www.wsls.com/team/QAMVTZE2PRHI7KTGSR4DQGVLRU/
  26. https://www.wsls.com/team/JN9KMA41CGLPNXFAEXIC9PEJF7/
  27. https://tvnewscheck.com/article/tag/wsls-roanoke/
  28. https://roanoke.com/archive/article_a27de709-ca6d-5042-a580-32d3b1ed9f4e.html
  29. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Albums/WSLS-1954-Family-Album-Roanoke.pdf
  30. https://www.wsls.com/daytime-blue-ridge/
  31. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/07/02/wsls-education-impact-award-nomination-page-2025-2026/
  32. https://www.wsls.com/sports/
  33. https://www.wsls.com/topic/1st_And_10/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM1Ox6pi0o0
  35. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69023014/wsls-hdtv.html
  36. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69047702/wsls
  37. https://broadcastsyndication.fandom.com/wiki/Friends
  38. https://radiodiscussions.com/threads/retro-wsls-tv-10-roanoke-lynchburg-va-thursday-april-4-1991.762207/
  39. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WSLS
  40. https://www.wsls.com/news/2019/01/03/wsls-announces-two-new-channels-104-and-105/
  41. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gettv-signs-multi-market-distribution-deal-with-media-general-inc-300212589.html
  42. https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2009/the-switch-from-analog-to-digital-tv/
  43. https://www.ntia.gov/press-release/2008/one-year-2009-digital-tv-transition-commerce-secretary-gutierrez-highlights-tv
  44. https://transition.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/maps_current/Roanoke-Lynchburg_VA.pdf
  45. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=57840
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFbn5rRe15k
  47. https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/tv-profile/wsls-tv
  48. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=57840
  49. https://www.fccinfo.com/CMDProFacLookup.php?sCurrentService=TV&sFacilityID=57840
  50. https://media.wsls.com/document_dev/2017/04/15/wsls-coverage-map-rev2015_1492277489561_9501639_ver1.0.pdf
  51. https://thevab.com/storage/app/media/Toolkit/DMA_Map_2019.pdf
  52. https://www.nexstar.tv/major-broadcasters-launch-nextgen-tv-in-roanoke-lynchburg/
  53. https://www.wsls.com/station/2020/05/12/wsls-10-news-wins-three-2020-rtdna-regional-murrow-awards/
  54. https://www.rtdna.org/edward-r-murrow-awards
  55. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2024/05/30/wsls-10-honored-with-four-edward-r-murrow-awards/
  56. https://www.wsls.com/news/2024/06/26/wsls-10-honored-with-emmy-award-multiple-1st-place-vab-awards/
  57. https://www.vabonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Winners-of-the-88th-Annual-VAB-Awards-Announced.pdf
  58. https://www.wsls.com/team/F7H35KZ4VRGMTH4GJZRBCOQX4U/
  59. https://www.vabonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Winners-of-87th-Annual-Awards-Program.pdf
  60. https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/04/15/1st-and-10-trophy-tour-gideon-davidson-named-player-of-the-year/
  61. https://www.wsls.com/team/D748A710B82HQY782T9L5WFI6R/
  62. https://www.wsls.com/team/X327C4PJIHR9Y4B29RIQ33VHX5/
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