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WVBT (channel 43) is a television station licensed to Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States, affiliated with Fox and owned by Nexstar Media Group. Its second subchannel serves as an owned-and-operated station of The CW as Nexstar owns a majority stake in the network. WVBT is sister to NBC affiliate WAVY-TV (channel 10) and the two stations share studios on Wavy Street in downtown Portsmouth. WVBT's transmitter is located in Suffolk, Virginia.

Key Information

WVBT's programming is also seen on Class A repeater WPMC-CD (channel 36) in Mappsville, serving the northern Eastern Shore of Virginia.

History

[edit]

WVBT began operation on March 22, 1993, with Home Shopping Network programming along with infomercials and religious shows. It became a charter affiliate of The WB starting on January 11, 1995. Shortly thereafter, the station's original local owners signed a local marketing agreement (LMA) with LIN TV. Under that agreement, WAVY took over the station's operations, and WVBT moved to WAVY's studios in Portsmouth. In May 1996, WVBT began broadcasting from a new transmitter, giving it a coverage area comparable to the other major Hampton Roads stations. Before then, its over-the-air signal was effectively limited to Virginia Beach and parts of Norfolk.

LIN TV reached an affiliation agreement with Fox in November 1995, and outright purchased the station in 2002. Due to an affiliation deal between The WB and WTVZ's (channel 33) owner, Sinclair Broadcast Group, WTVZ swapped affiliations with WVBT in August 1998.[3][4]

Until January 2007, WAVY operated a 24-hour local weather channel called "WAVY Weather Station" on WVBT's second digital subchannel taking advantage of its 720p signal to present the service without interfering with video quality on either WAVY or WVBT. It was made cable-only in 2007 for unknown reasons, and eventually went dark in 2011. It was seen on Mediacom channel 9, Charter channel 22, and Cox digital channel 227.[5] There were live current conditions, updated forecasts, and a live feed of "Super Doppler 10".

On March 21, 2014, Richmond-based Media General announced that it would buy LIN Media for $1.6 billion in cash and stock.[6] The merger was completed on December 19, at which point WAVY and WVBT came under common ownership with ABC affiliate WRIC-TV in Petersburg (serving the Richmond market).[7]

On January 27, 2016, Media General signed an agreement to have its assets acquired by Irving, Texas–based Nexstar Broadcasting Group for $4.6 billion, plus the assumption of $2.3 billion in Media General-held debt. The agreement followed Media General's termination of an earlier sale agreement with Des Moines–based Meredith Corporation, which received the right of first refusal to acquire any broadcast or digital properties that may be divested (a clause that Meredith did not exercise) in exchange for terminating its agreement with Media General for $60 million.[8][9][10][11] The transaction was approved by the FCC on January 11, 2017; the sale was completed on January 17, at which point the existing Nexstar stations and the former Media General outlets that neither group had to sell in order to rectify ownership conflicts in certain markets became part of the renamed Nexstar Media Group; this brought WAVY-TV and WVBT under common ownership with the Roanoke duopoly of Fox affiliate WFXR and CW affiliate WWCW (which necessitated Media General to sell its NBC-affiliated station in that market, WSLS-TV, to Graham Media Group in order to alleviate said ownership conflict with the two existing Nexstar-owned stations).[12][13][14]

On December 3, 2018, Nexstar announced it would acquire the assets of Chicago-based Tribune Media—which has operated CBS affiliate WTKR (channel 3) and CW affiliate WGNT (channel 27) through a shared services agreement with partner company Dreamcatcher Broadcasting since December 2013—for $6.4 billion in cash and debt. Nexstar was precluded from acquiring WTKR/WGNT directly or indirectly while owning WAVY/WVBT, as FCC regulations prohibit common ownership of more than two stations in the same media market, or two or more of the four highest-rated stations in the market. (WAVY and WTKR consistently rank among the top four in terms of total-day viewership in the Norfolk–Virginia Beach–Hampton Roads market, while WVBT and WGNT have occasionally rotated between fourth and fifth place, a situation that allowed for Media General and, later, Nexstar to acquire WVBT directly in their respective group acquisitions involving the WAVY/WVBT duopoly. Furthermore, any attempt by Nexstar to assume the operations of WTKR/WGNT through local marketing or shared services agreements would have been subject to regulatory hurdles that could have delayed completion of the FCC and Justice Department's review and approval process for the acquisition.) As such, on January 31, 2019, Nexstar announced it would retain the WAVY/WVBT duopoly and sell WTKR and WGNT to a different buyer; it was announced on March 20, 2019, that the WTKR/WGNT duopoly would be sold to the E. W. Scripps Company.[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]

On May 1, 2024, it was announced that WVBT-DT2 would join The CW in September; Cozi TV moved to subchannel 43.4.[1][28]

Newscasts

[edit]
Further information: WAVY-TV § News operation

When WVBT made the switch to Fox in 1998, WAVY started producing a nightly prime time newscast on this station called Fox 43 News at 10. It was not the market's first broadcast in the time slot as WTKR produced a short-lived show on WGNT from 1995 until 1997.[29] ABC affiliate WVEC-TV aired its own prime time broadcast on low-powered WPEN-LP from 1995 until it started cable-only LNC 4 (eventually renamed LNC 5) in 1997.[30] WVEC continued to produce a 10 o'clock show on the cable channel until January 30, 2009.

WVBT's news has been very successful over the years with consistent viewership and ratings and is the only offering of late, local news an hour earlier. The nightly 45 minute broadcast is followed by the Fox 43 Sports Wrap that airs for fifteen minutes featuring sports news and highlights. It is similar in format to a highlight program currently seen weeknights on sister station WNAC-TV. On July 21, 2008, the station's newscast and sports show started to be produced in high definition after WAVY made the upgrade.

On February 2, 2009, WVBT added Fox 43 News at 7 on weekday mornings with local news, weather, and traffic updates along with various entertainment/lifestyle features. This morning show (which was essentially an hour-long extension of WAVY's morning broadcast) ended January 8, 2010. The program was then replaced by The Hampton Roads Show which launched January 18, 2010, from a new secondary set complete with a fully functional kitchen.[31] The Hampton Roads Show moved to WAVY at 11 in the morning on September 12, 2011.[32] It is a similar broadcast to one currently seen on sister station WPRI-TV called The Rhode Show.

In 2012, WVBT aired The Daily Buzz on weekdays from 6 to 7 a.m. and again from 8 to 9 a.m. Sandwiched in between those two hours is the revised program of WAVY News 10 at 7:00 on Fox 43, which was originally canceled back in 2010. As of 2013, The Daily Buzz no longer airs on WVBT and the morning newscast became a two-hour show. On October 28, 2013, WVBT's 10 p.m. newscast was renamed WAVY News 10 at 10 on Fox 43.[33]

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WVBT[34]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
43.1 720p 16:9 WVBT Fox
43.2 CW The CW[1]
43.3 480i Rewind Rewind TV
43.4 COZI Cozi TV

On January 25, 2018, WVBT added Cozi TV on digital subchannel 43.2. Previously, WVBT was the only station in Hampton Roads that did not have a digital subchannel.

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

WVBT ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 43, at 9 a.m. on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television.[35][36] The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 29, using virtual channel 43.

What is now WNLO-CD began as W45BG (call sign assigned November 1993) becoming WNLO-LP in November 2000 and WNLO-CA in January 2002. It went all-digital in January 2005 making it one of the first low-power stations in the country to begin digital broadcasting. Its calls became the current WNLO-CD ("CD" for "Class A Digital") in July 2009. This should not be confused with its CW sister station in Buffalo, New York, that uses the same call letters in full-power form. The station could have used the calls WVBT-CA for the repeater (as most of these situations in other markets do) but likely decided against it to avert any confusion to viewers, due to the mere two-channel separation between channels 43 and 45. The confusion was made moot in the digital age when the PSIP standard allowed WNLO-CD to utilize WVBT's virtual channel 43 instead, and WNLO-CD moved to physical channel 14 at the same time WVBT moved their physical channel in 2020 as part of the FCC's spectrum re-allocation.

ATSC 3.0 lighthouse

[edit]
Subchannels of WNLO-CD (ATSC 3.0)[37]
Channel Res. Short name Programming
10.1 1080p WAVY NBC (WAVY-TV)
33.1 720p WTVZ MyNetworkTV (WTVZ-TV)
33.10 1080p T2 T2
33.11 PBTV Pickleballtv
43.1 720p WVBT Fox (WVBT)
45.1 WNLO-CD
  Subchannel streamed via the Internet[38]

On November 20, 2020, WNLO-CD switched over to ATSC 3.0, simulcasts from WAVY, WTVZ and WVBT.

Translator

[edit]

To serve the northern part of Accomack County, Virginia that is too distant to receive signals from Norfolk, WVBT's main subchannel is rebroadcast on low-powered class A translator WPMC-CD, licensed to Mappsville with a transmitter site near Bloxom.[39][40][41][42]

Subchannel of WPMC-CD[43]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
36.1 480i 16:9 WPMC-CD Fox

References

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

WVBT

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WVBT, virtual channel 43 (UHF digital channel 21), is a television station licensed to , , serving the region as a dual affiliate of the and . The station is owned by as part of a duopoly with co-owned NBC affiliate (channel 10), with both stations sharing studios on Wavy Street in . WVBT signed on March 22, 1993, as an independent station before affiliating with in 1998, and it added affiliation on its 43.2 subchannel on September 1, 2024, replacing . The station broadcasts a mix of syndicated programming, local news produced by , and network content from and , including primetime entertainment, sports, and specials.

History

Launch and early years

The (FCC) granted a construction permit for a new UHF on channel 43 to , on June 13, 1985, assigning the call letters WVBT to the licensee, W. Virginia Beach Television Corporation. The permit authorized analog broadcasting operations, with the transmitter initially sited in , to serve the market. WVBT signed on the air for the first time in December 1992. As an , its initial programming lineup consisted primarily of paid content from the , augmented by blocks of infomercials and religious programming during off-peak hours. In its early years through 1994, WVBT faced operational challenges typical of low-power independent UHF stations in the era, including limited production of local content and heavy dependence on syndicated national feeds to fill its 24-hour schedule, which constrained its ability to build a distinct regional identity. The station's analog signal on UHF channel 43 provided coverage primarily to Virginia Beach and adjacent areas, though reception quality varied due to UHF limitations in the coastal . This phase laid the groundwork for later expansions, culminating in a brief transition toward network affiliation in the mid-1990s.

Affiliation changes

WVBT became a charter affiliate of The WB Television Network on January 11, 1995, marking the station's entry into network television after its initial years as an independent outlet focused on shopping and infomercial content. During its WB affiliation from 1995 to 1998, WVBT aired the network's emerging primetime lineup, which included youth-oriented dramas and comedies such as Dawson's Creek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, alongside syndicated programs like Matlock and some remaining infomercials to fill non-prime hours. In August 1998, WVBT switched its affiliation to , effective , as part of a swap prompted by an agreement between and WVBT's operator, LIN Television, amid the network's strategy to expand its reach in mid-sized markets like , and a parallel deal between and , owner of competitor WTVZ-TV (channel 33). The switch allowed WVBT to adopt Fox's primetime schedule, featuring popular series like , , and , along with NFL football games, which enhanced the station's visibility and audience draw in the region. Following the change, WTVZ assumed the WB affiliation, ensuring continuity for the network's local coverage through other area stations. On September 1, 2024, WVBT added a dual affiliation with on subchannel 43.2, replacing .

Ownership transitions

WVBT was originally constructed under a construction permit granted to W. Virginia Beach Television Corporation in 1985 but operated by Beach 43 Corp., a of investors, with the station launching in December 1992 as an independent outlet primarily airing Home Shopping Network programming, infomercials, and religious content. Beach 43 Corp. retained until entering a (LMA) with LIN TV Corporation, the owner of (channel 10), in January 1995; under this arrangement, LIN TV assumed operational control of WVBT, including programming and sales, and WVBT moved to WAVY-TV's studios at 300 Wavy Street in , while Beach 43 Corp. continued to hold the license. In the first quarter of 2002, LIN TV completed its full acquisition of WVBT's broadcast license, establishing a duopoly with in the Norfolk–Virginia Beach market and allowing for integrated operations. This purchase followed FCC rule changes that relaxed restrictions on local ownership. LIN TV, which rebranded as LIN Media in 2012, operated the duopoly until announced its acquisition of LIN Media on March 21, 2014, in a $1.6 billion cash-and-stock deal aimed at expanding its portfolio of local broadcast assets. The merger closed on December 19, 2014, integrating WVBT and into 's holdings. Media General's ownership ended with its acquisition by Nexstar Media Group, announced on January 27, 2016, and completed on January 17, 2017, in a $4.6 billion transaction that created one of the largest U.S. television station groups and positioned Nexstar as WVBT's current owner. These ownership transitions enhanced WVBT's digital infrastructure, including high-definition broadcasting capabilities introduced in coordination with WAVY-TV.

Programming

Network affiliations

WVBT serves as the Fox affiliate for the Norfolk–Portsmouth–Newport News designated market area (DMA), which ranks as the 44th-largest television market in the United States with approximately 1.8 million residents and 779,970 television households. The station has held its primary affiliation with Fox since August 31, 1998, when it switched from The WB network to become the market's exclusive outlet for Fox programming. This affiliation provides viewers with Fox's primetime lineup, including dramas, comedies, and reality series such as 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Masked Singer, and Family Guy reruns, alongside morning and daytime content like Good Day Virginia and syndicated talk shows. Sports programming features key national events, notably NFL games through the NFL on Fox package, which includes regional broadcasts of Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers games relevant to the Hampton Roads audience. In addition to network fare, WVBT airs syndicated programming during access and fringe time slots, with staples like and drawing consistent viewership in late evenings and weekends. The station also covers special events aligned with Fox's national schedule, such as election night coverage and major sports specials, ensuring comprehensive access to high-profile programming for the region's 1.8 million potential viewers.

Subchannels and multicast content

WVBT broadcasts four digital subchannels as part of its multiplexed signal, enabled by the station's transition to digital broadcasting in 2009. The primary channel, 43.1, carries Fox network programming in 720p high definition at a variable bitrate of approximately 16 Mbps. Subchannel 43.2, operating in 480i standard definition, became the local affiliate for The CW Network on September 1, 2024, branded as The CW Hampton Roads. This addition followed an agreement between Nexstar Media Group, WVBT's owner, and The CW, shifting the affiliation from WGNT in the Hampton Roads market and replacing Cozi TV on the subchannel. The CW on 43.2 features 15 hours of weekly primetime entertainment, including dramas such as Wild Cards and All American, alongside live sports coverage like LIV Golf and NASCAR Xfinity Series races, supplemented by local news inserts from WAVY-TV. On subchannel 43.3, Rewind TV airs in 480i, focusing on classic sitcoms and series from the 1980s to early 2000s, such as The Drew Carey Show, Becker, and Designing Women, alongside occasional movies and paid programming blocks. This subchannel provides nostalgic content targeted at older demographics, with a schedule emphasizing multi-episode marathons during daytime and evenings. Subchannel 43.4 hosts Cozi TV in 480i, offering family-friendly programming including sitcoms and dramas from the 1970s to 2000s, such as Frasier, Roseanne, and The Nanny. Relocated from 43.2 upon The CW's arrival, Cozi TV maintains a lineup of lighthearted, relatable shows suitable for all ages, with weekend blocks featuring classic mysteries like Columbo.
SubchannelResolutionAspect RatioProgrammingNotes
43.116:9Primary HD feed; variable bitrate ~16 Mbps
43.216:9Added September 2024; primetime dramas, sports
43.34:3Classic 1980s–2000s sitcoms
43.44:3Family-oriented 1970s–2000s series; moved from 43.2 in 2024

News operations

History of newscasts

Upon its launch as an in 1993 and subsequent affiliation with from 1995 to 1998, WVBT did not produce or air any local newscasts, relying instead on syndicated programming, infomercials, and network content. This changed in August 1998 when WVBT switched to affiliation, prompting the introduction of a local prime-time newscast under a (LMA) with sister station (channel 10), owned by LIN TV. The LMA, established in January 1995, allowed WAVY to manage WVBT's operations, including news production from shared studios in . On August 31, 1998, Fox 43 News at 10 debuted as a 35-minute weekday broadcast at 10 p.m., featuring co-anchors Krista Marino and Kelly Wright, with a focus on general assignment reporting, weather updates, and traffic information delivered by WAVY staff. The newscast expanded its technical capabilities on July 21, 2008, when WVBT and WAVY became the first stations in the market to broadcast local in high definition, starting with the 10 p.m. edition on WVBT. This upgrade utilized new HD cameras, graphics, and studio sets, enhancing visual quality for viewers while maintaining the core format of , , and segments produced collaboratively by the duopoly team. To compete in morning slots, WVBT launched Fox 43 News at 7 on February 2, 2009, a one-hour weekday program extending WAVY's morning team, including anchors Kerri Furey and Cheryl Tan, alongside meteorologist Jon Cash and reporter Don Roberts. The format blended local news, weather, traffic, and lifestyle segments, airing from 7 to 8 a.m. before transitioning to syndicated fare; however, after less than a year, the newscast was discontinued on January 8, 2010, reverting the time slot to paid programming and national shows. By 2013, as part of deeper integration within the WAVY-WVBT duopoly under LIN Media (later acquired by Media General and then Nexstar), the 10 p.m. newscast underwent a rebranding on October 28, 2013, to WAVY News 10 at 10 on Fox 43. This change emphasized unified branding across the stations' news operations, while retaining the established emphasis on local stories, weather, and traffic led by shared personnel.

Current newscast schedule

As of 2025, WVBT (Fox 43) airs local newscasts produced by its duopoly partner WAVY-TV, branded under the WAVY News 10 banner and broadcast from shared studios in Portsmouth, Virginia. These newscasts leverage combined resources for comprehensive coverage, including breaking news alerts and investigative reporting across both stations. The flagship program is WAVY News 10 at 10 on , a 60-minute weeknight newscast at 10:00 p.m. ET that includes main anchors delivering top stories, a dedicated segment with Super Doppler 10 updates, and sports highlights concluding with at 10:45 p.m. This extended emphasizes live field reporting and community-focused segments to engage viewers. Weekday programming features an extended morning block from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET, encompassing WAVY News 10 Today slots at 4:30 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., and 8:00 a.m., followed by a midday update at 12:00 p.m. Evening options include WAVY News 10 at 6:30 on 43 and WAVY News 10 at 7 on 43. Severe weather coverage triggers special extended broadcasts, such as StormTeam 10 updates integrated into regular slots during tropical events common to the region. Weekend newscasts are more streamlined, with morning editions of WAVY News 10 Today airing Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. ET. Evenings feature WAVY News 10 at 6:00 p.m. on Fox 43 (Saturday: 30 minutes; Sunday: 60 minutes) and the flagship WAVY News 10 at 10 on Fox 43 (30 minutes), plus FOX 43 Sportswrap nightly at 10:45 p.m. These broadcasts maintain the core format of anchors, weather, and sports while prioritizing weekend-specific stories like local events and traffic. The duopoly with enables seamless resource sharing, allowing WVBT newscasts to draw on WAVY's investigative teams for in-depth reports on topics like regional impacts and military community issues, enhancing coverage depth without separate production silos. In recent Nielsen ratings for the market, WAVY/WVBT news programming ranks as the leading source, with the 6:00 p.m. newscast achieving top household shares during November sweeps periods. The team earned multiple accolades in 2024–2025, including several wins at the Virginias Broadcasters Awards for spot news and investigative reporting, as well as regional Emmy recognition for overall excellence in 2024. Digital extensions amplify accessibility, with all newscasts live-streamed on WAVY.com and the WAVY+ app for , Fire TV, and devices, plus on-demand replays of full broadcasts and segments. This integration supports 24/7 access, including push notifications for breaking stories and weather alerts.
Time Slot (ET)Weekday ProgramWeekend Program
4:30–9:00 a.m.WAVY News 10 Today (extended block)WAVY News 10 Today (6:00–8:00 a.m., Sat/Sun)
12:00 p.m.WAVY News @ 12 on Fox 43N/A
6:00–6:30 p.m. (Sat) / 6:00–7:00 p.m. (Sun)N/AWAVY News 10 at 6 on Fox 43
6:30–7:00 p.m.WAVY News 10 at 6:30 / 7 on Fox 43N/A
10:00 p.m.WAVY News 10 at 10 on Fox 43 (60 min)WAVY News 10 at 10 on Fox 43 (30 min)
10:45 p.m.FOX 43 Sportswrap (daily)FOX 43 Sportswrap (daily)

Technical information

Signal and transmission details

WVBT operates on 43 and transmits its digital signal on (UHF) channel 21 following the FCC's broadcast spectrum , which relocated the station from its pre-repack physical channel 29 around 2020. The station's (ERP) is 850 kW, enabling robust over-the-air broadcast coverage. The transmitter is situated in Suffolk, Virginia, at coordinates 36°49′15″N 76°30′40″W, where it shares tower facilities with sister station . This site features an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) of 300 meters (984 feet), supporting a signal contour that extends approximately 57 miles from the tower. The station's primary coverage encompasses the designated market area (DMA), serving , , Newport News, and surrounding communities in southeastern . The signal also reaches into portions of northeastern , including areas around Elizabeth City and the , providing access to over 1.9 million potential viewers. WVBT employs a pattern, designed to optimize signal strength toward urban centers and coastal regions within its service area while minimizing interference in other directions. This configuration enhances reception reliability in the densely populated region.

Analog-to-digital conversion

In the FCC's channel for the post-transition band plan, WVBT selected to retain its 43 while operating on physical channel 29 during Round 1 of the elections, a decision approved by the Commission to minimize disruption for viewers accustomed to tuning to channel 43. This choice ensured continuity in channel numbering while leveraging the UHF band for digital transmission. The station's full-power analog-to-digital conversion occurred on June 12, 2009, coinciding with the nationwide switchover that ended analog broadcasting for all full-power U.S. television stations as required by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. On that date, WVBT ceased analog operations at 9:00 a.m. ET, shifting exclusively to digital to free up for public safety communications and wireless broadband. Leading up to the transition, WVBT broadcast nightly on-screen notices informing viewers of the impending analog cut-off and provided resources for obtaining government-subsidized digital converter boxes through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's coupon program. The station also collaborated with local assistance initiatives in 2008 and 2009, such as community workshops and hotline services, to aid over-the-air viewers—particularly seniors and low-income households—in preparing for the change and avoiding loss of service. These efforts were part of a broader FCC-mandated public education campaign that reached millions nationwide. Post-conversion, the digital format enabled WVBT to launch high-definition programming for its affiliation, delivering enhanced resolution and audio to cable and over-the-air audiences. It also facilitated the introduction of initial subchannels, expanding content options without requiring additional , and laid the groundwork for future services in the market.

ATSC 3.0 implementation

WVBT began implementing , also known as NextGen TV, on November 20, 2020, serving as a hosted station in the Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News market through a with fellow Nexstar-owned WNLO-CD, which operates as host transmitting the signal. This joint effort with WNLO-CD, , and Sinclair-owned WTVZ-TV marked one of the early voluntary deployments of the standard in a top-50 market, aligning with FCC guidelines for gradual nationwide rollout without a fixed deadline. The implementation introduced enhanced technical features, including support for video quality up to with (HDR) for improved color and contrast, alongside immersive audio formats such as for a more engaging viewing experience. Interactive elements, such as personalized content recommendations and , were enabled through the IP-based backbone of , while improved mobile reception allowed for better signal reliability on handheld devices during movement. These capabilities built on WVBT's existing digital infrastructure to deliver programming via the new standard without disrupting ATSC 1.0 simulcasts. Coverage enhancements focused on the Hampton Roads region, providing superior signal penetration in urban areas like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth compared to legacy ATSC 1.0, particularly for indoor and mobile viewing. Additionally, the deployment unlocked datacasting opportunities, enabling the transmission of non-video data such as emergency alerts or IP-delivered content over the broadcast spectrum. In terms of content delivery, WVBT's initial ATSC 3.0 feeds carried its primary Fox affiliation programming, enhanced with HDR visuals and immersive audio to showcase the standard's potential for premium broadcast experiences. This setup complied with FCC requirements for maintaining ATSC 1.0 compatibility during the transition phase, positioning WVBT as a key participant in testing and deploying NextGen TV across the Hampton Roads market to inform broader adoption.

Translators

WVBT's programming is relayed by two Class A low-power digital stations owned by Nexstar Media Group. WPMC-CD (virtual channel 36) is licensed to Mappsville, Virginia, and serves as a translator extending coverage to Accomack County and the northern Eastern Shore region, addressing reception challenges in rural areas beyond the main signal's reach. Technically, WPMC-CD operates with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 0.09 kW (horizontal) from a transmitter site near Bloxom, Virginia, at an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) of approximately 348 feet (106 m). Its coverage contour spans about 15.9 miles, serving an estimated population of 33,932 across 791.6 square miles. The translator carries the full WVBT programming lineup, including the primary Fox affiliation on virtual channel 36.1 and subchannels where supported by its digital broadcast capabilities. WNLO-CD (virtual channel 45, physical channel 14) is licensed to , and rebroadcasts WVBT's signal to improve coverage in the area and surrounding parts of the region. This low-power station, with facility ID 13060, also supports hosting for the market and carries WVBT's and affiliations on its subchannels. It operates as part of Nexstar's duopoly efforts to enhance local signal reliability. Operationally, WPMC-CD traces its origins to 1992 as low-power analog station W36BK, transitioning to WPMC-LP in 2000 and gaining Class A status as WPMC-CA in 2002. It converted to in 2015, aligning with post-digital transition efforts to maintain service in underserved rural locales on the Eastern Shore.

References

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  30. https://www.dailypress.com/1998/07/04/first-anchor-chosen-for-43-newscast/
  31. https://www.pilotonline.com/1998/12/26/news-stations-made-their-own-news-this-year/
  32. https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/lins-va-duop-is-first-in-market-with-hd/
  33. https://www.vartv.com/archives09a.htm
  34. https://www.fox43tv.com/dpp/entertainment/fox-says-goodbye
  35. https://vartv.com/archives10a.htm
  36. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/WVBT/News
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUjTy-RItPE
  38. https://www.tvpassport.com/tv-listings/stations/fox-wvbt-hampton-roads-va/2390/2025-11-21
  39. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69026345/wvbt.html
  40. https://www.tvpassport.com/tv-listings/stations/fox-wvbt-hampton-roads-va/2390/2025-11-15
  41. https://www.wavy.com/wavy-tv-app-weekly-schedule/
  42. https://www.nexstar.tv/stations/wavy/
  43. https://www.wavy.com/
  44. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRWUt5sdMD/
  45. https://www.wavy.com/video/wavy-winners-announced-in-2024-emmys/9808466/
  46. https://www.wavy.com/video-center/live-stream/
  47. https://www.fccinfo.com/CMDProFacLookup.php?sCurrentService=TV&sFacilityID=65387
  48. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityTechDetails.html?facilityId=65387
  49. https://www.rabbitears.info/tvq.php?request=items&facid=65387
  50. https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0GyC6vQVEg
  52. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nextgen-tv-debuts-on-four-stations-in-norfolk
  53. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=atsc3
  54. https://www.atsc.org/news/nextgen-tv-goes-live-on-four-norfolk-stations/
  55. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=71125
  56. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=71125
  57. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=13060
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