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West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) is the public television and radio state network serving the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is owned by the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Authority, an agency of the state government that holds the licenses for all Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) member stations licensed in West Virginia. It is headquartered in Charleston with studios in Morgantown and Beckley.
Key Information
On January 1, 2015, West Virginia PBS and West Virginia Public Radio merged their brands, branding exclusively as "West Virginia Public Broadcasting" across radio and television.[1]
Television
[edit]The first public television station in West Virginia signed on July 14, 1969 under the callsign WMUL-TV, broadcasting from Marshall University in Huntington. In 1981, WMUL-TV changed its call letters to WPBY-TV;[2] two years later, the public station at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WWVU-TV, was renamed WNPB-TV.[3] WPBY-TV and WNPB-TV received their new call letters to underline that the operations were managed by the state educational broadcasting authority, and not the university system. In 1992, the state completed a microwave link that permitted it to convert WNPB and the state's third PBS station, WSWP-TV in Grandview to become repeaters of WPBY-TV in Huntington and form a state network. On January 5, 2015, WPBY-TV changed its call letters to WVPB-TV[2] as part of an effort to unify all of West Virginia Public Broadcasting's services under a single brand; the television network had previously been branded as "West Virginia PBS", a name that was phased out starting on January 1, 2015.[4]
The state network has a total of five low-powered repeaters serving other areas out of the range of the three full-powered stations, most notably Wheeling and Parkersburg. Three directly repeat WNPB, one repeats WVPB and one repeats WSWP.
In the past the network showed some Marshall University and West Virginia University sports content, but has abandoned this practice due to Conference USA/Big 12 exclusivity agreements with commercial and cable outlets.
The current local content consists of a daily recap of the state legislative session, shows produced by the West Virginia University medical school, and student produced news from campus weekly products from Marshall University and West Virginia State University. It also broadcasts original documentaries on West Virginia history and culture, as well as live musical performances of Mountain Stage and the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
The combined footprint of WVPB's television network covers almost all of West Virginia, as well as portions of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is carried on the basic tier of all cable systems in West Virginia.
TV stations
[edit]| Station | City of license (other cities served) |
Channels (RF/VC) |
First air date | Call letters' meaning | Former callsigns | ERP | HAAT | Facility ID | Transmitter coordinates | Public license information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVPB-TV[a] | Huntington (Charleston) |
9 (VHF) 33 |
July 14, 1969 | West Virginia Public Broadcasting | WMUL-TV (1969–1981) WPBY-TV (1981–2015) |
23 kW | 358.1 m (1,175 ft) | 71657 | 38°29′41.3″N 82°12′2.5″W / 38.494806°N 82.200694°W | Public file LMS |
| WSWP-TV | Grandview (Beckley/Bluefield) |
8 (VHF) 9 |
November 1, 1970 | Southern West Virginia Public Television | 8.8 kW (STA) 29.9 kW (CP) |
280.1 m (919 ft) (STA) 292.6 m (960 ft) (CP) |
71680 | 37°53′46.4″N 80°59′20.3″W / 37.896222°N 80.988972°W | Public file LMS | |
| WNPB-TV | Morgantown (Clarksburg/Weston/ Fairmont) |
34 (UHF) 24 |
February 23, 1969 | (Northern) West Virginia Public Broadcasting | WWVU-TV (1969–1983) |
660 kW | 448.1 m (1,470 ft) | 71676 | 39°41′45″N 79°45′44″W / 39.69583°N 79.76222°W | Public file LMS |
Notes:
Translators
[edit]| City of license | Callsign | Translating | Channel | ERP | HAAT | Facility ID | Transmitter coordinates | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedarville | W28DR-D | WSWP-TV 9 | 28 | 10.1 kW | 185 m (607 ft) | 181586 | 38°43′43.1″N 80°39′48.3″W / 38.728639°N 80.663417°W | West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority |
| Keyser | W16DT-D | WNPB-TV 24 | 16[5] | 15 kW | 24.4 m (80 ft) | 167356 | 39°22′56.3″N 79°04′44.3″W / 39.382306°N 79.078972°W | |
| Martinsburg | W27EE-D | 27 | 0.3 kW | 271 m (889 ft) | 167357 | 39°27′36.3″N 78°03′44″W / 39.460083°N 78.06222°W | ||
| Moorefield | W22CV-D | 22 | 0.095 kW | 995 m (3,264 ft) | 127707 | 38°58′57.3″N 78°54′30″W / 38.982583°N 78.90833°W | Valley TV Cooperative, Inc. | |
| Parkersburg | W34FE-D | WVPB-TV 33 | 34 | 15 kW | 129 m (423 ft) | 167359 | 39°14′48.1″N 81°25′01″W / 39.246694°N 81.41694°W | West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority |
| Romney | W21DZ-D | WNPB-TV 24 | 21 | 260 m (853 ft) | 167358 | 39°18′34.9″N 78°43′00.4″W / 39.309694°N 78.716778°W | ||
| Wheeling | W17EF-D | 17 | 139 m (456 ft) | 167354 | 40°03′41.3″N 80°45′07.3″W / 40.061472°N 80.752028°W |
On June 1, 2016, West Virginia Public Broadcasting announced a plan to shut down five of its translators — W07DN-D, W08EE-D, W09CT-D, W30CO-D, and W41AO — due to state budget cuts and changes in viewing habits.[6] All five translators were originally planned to be taken silent for a year in order to determine a long-term plan. Operations on W08EE-D (Martinsburg) and W30CO-D (Wheeling) resumed on August 10, 2016, while the licenses for W07DN-D (Wardensville), W09CT-D (Mathias), and W41AO (Hampshire) were surrendered to the FCC for cancellation on May 26, 2017.
Digital television
[edit]Subchannels
[edit]All digital signals are multiplexed:
| Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short name | Programming | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVPB-TV | WSWP-TV | WNPB-TV | WVPB-TV | WSWP-TV | WNPB-TV | |||
| 33.1 | 9.1 | 24.1 | 1080i | 16:9 | WVPB-D1 | WSWP-D1 | WNPB-D1 | PBS |
| 33.2 | 9.2 | 24.2 | WVPB-D2 | WSWP-D2 | WNPB-D2 | West Virginia Channel (6 p.m.–midnight) World (midnight–6 p.m.) | ||
| 33.3 | 9.3 | 24.3 | 480i | WVPB-D3 | WSWP-D3 | WNPB-D3 | PBS Kids[8] | |
Analog-to-digital conversion
[edit]West Virginia Public Broadcasting's TV stations shut down their analog signals 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 channel allocations post-transition are as follows:[9]
- WPBY-TV shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 33; the station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 34,[10] using virtual channel 33.
- WSWP-TV shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 9; the station's digital signal relocated from its pre-transition UHF channel 53, which was among the high band UHF channels (52-69) that were removed from broadcasting use as a result of the transition, to VHF channel 10,[11] using virtual channel 9.
- WNPB-TV shut down its analog signal, over UHF channel 24; the station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 33,[12] using virtual channel 24.
Radio
[edit]
WVPB's state radio network includes eleven full-powered stations and seven low-powered translators, all on the FM band. The state network carries programs from NPR, PRI and other distributors, as well as classical and folk music. WVPB produces original weekly programs, including EclecTopia, A Change of Tune, Inside Appalachia and Sidetracks, plus the nationally distributed Mountain Stage. The network was known as "West Virginia Public Radio" until WVPB's 2015 transition to a single brand.[4]
FM stations
[edit]Notes:
- ^ Flagship station
- ^ Owned by Shepherd University; broadcasts a partial schedule of WVPB programming: 6–9 a.m., 4–6 p.m. weekdays; 6–10 a.m., 8 p.m.–midnight weekends[13][14]
Translators
[edit]In addition to five low-powered, separate-frequency translators, two low-powered boosters also extend coverage. Boosters are licensed on the same frequency as the parent station but at a different location. They are given the same callsign as the parent station with a number added to differentiate the transmitter site.
| Call sign | Frequency (MHz) |
City of license | Facility ID | Class | ERP (W) |
Height (m (ft)) |
Rebroadcasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVEP-FM1 | 88.9 | Charles Town | 161967 | D | 210 | 63 m (207 ft) | WVEP (via booster) |
| W297AA | 107.3 | Clarksburg | 71684 | D | 95 | 146.4 m (480 ft) | WVPW |
| W203AE | 88.5 | Elkins | 71686 | D | 10 | 364 m (1,194 ft) | WVPW |
| W220BK | 91.9 | Logan | 81396 | D | 10 | 214 m (702 ft) | WVBY |
| W218AT | 91.5 | Union | 70646 | D | 17 | 387 m (1,270 ft) | WVBY |
| WVNP-FM1 | 89.9 | Wheeling | 161955 | D | 41 | 176 m (577 ft) | WVNP (via booster) |
| W217CH | 91.7 | Williamson | 71664 | D | 10 | 256 m (840 ft) | WVPB |
Website and online services
[edit]West Virginia Public Broadcasting maintains a website with West Virginia news and free access to original video and audio productions. It also provides its videos through its YouTube page.
WVPB also operates a free website with educational videos and games for teachers, parents and students called West Virginia LearningMedia, part of PBS LearningMedia.
References
[edit]- ^ "West Virginia Public Broadcasting merges brands". The Montgomery Herald. Montgomery, West Virginia: Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ a b "Call Sign History (WVPB-TV)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ "Call Sign History (WNPB-TV)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ a b "West Virginia Public Broadcasting merges brands". Montgomery Herald. January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ "Request to Extend a LPTV Translator Engineering STA Application".
- ^ Finn, Scott (June 1, 2016). "Educational Broadcasting Authority Approves Translator Plan". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
- ^ "RabbitEars TV Query for WVPB". RabbitEars.info. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- "RabbitEars TV Query for WSWP". RabbitEars.info. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- "RabbitEars TV Query for WNPB". RabbitEars.info. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Kabler, Phil (December 7, 2016). "WV public broadcasting to add PBS Kids". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
- ^ "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and the Second Rounds" (PDF). Retrieved March 24, 2012.
- ^ CDBS Print
- ^ CDBS Print
- ^ CDBS Print
- ^ "WVPB, NPR Programs Now on WSHC 89.7 FM Shepherdstown". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. September 2, 2017.
- ^ "Shepherd radio station adds NPR news show to schedule". Hagerstown Herald-Mail. April 5, 2018.
External links
[edit]West Virginia Public Broadcasting
View on GrokipediaWest Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) is a state network delivering public television, radio, and digital media services to West Virginia residents, with a mission to educate, inform, and inspire through coverage of local stories, issues, and culture.[1] Governed by the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, whose members are appointed by the governor, WVPB operates as an affiliate of PBS and NPR, offering programming that includes news, public affairs, educational resources, emergency alerts, and acclaimed cultural features such as the live performance series Mountain Stage and podcasts like Us & Them.[1][2] Its services support economic development and civic engagement in a predominantly rural state, though the organization relies on a mix of donations, grants, and public funds that have faced repeated political challenges.[1]
WVPB's television operations trace back to 1969, when the first public TV station signed on, with radio integration and a full brand unification occurring in 2015 to streamline statewide delivery.[3] The network has earned recognition for journalistic excellence, including multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, Telly Awards, and W3 Awards for production and reporting on regional topics.[4][5][6] Notably, documentaries like The Great Textbook War—exploring 1970s battles over school curricula—have secured Peabody Awards, highlighting WVPB's role in documenting contentious historical episodes. Defining characteristics include its emphasis on Appalachian perspectives amid broader public media scrutiny, coupled with funding vulnerabilities: state governor Jim Justice proposed eliminating appropriations in 2023, while federal lawmakers, including West Virginia's senators, backed 2025 rescissions of Corporation for Public Broadcasting allocations, arguing against taxpayer support in an era of diverse media options.[7][8][9]
History
Founding and early years
The West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority was established by the state legislature in 1963, pursuant to a 1962 executive order issued by Governor William Wallace Barron to coordinate noncommercial educational broadcasting across the state.[10] This marked the formal inception of organized public broadcasting infrastructure, initially building on scattered university-led initiatives amid the national push for educational media following the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.[10] Public radio efforts predated the authority's full operations, with noncommercial stations emerging in the early 1960s through academic institutions. In 1961, WMUL-FM at Marshall University in Huntington became the state's first radio station operated by a public college, followed by WVBC-FM at Bethany College in 1966 and WVWC-FM at West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1968.[10] These outlets focused on instructional programming, local cultural content, and National Educational Television (NET) affiliations, serving rural audiences with limited commercial alternatives. Television broadcasting commenced under the authority in 1969, with the sign-on of WWVU-TV (channel 24) in Morgantown, affiliated with West Virginia University, and WMUL-TV (channel 3, later WPBY-TV) in Huntington on July 14.[10] [11] WSWP-TV (channel 9) followed in Grandview in 1970 as the first VHF public television station in West Virginia, expanding coverage to southern regions.[10] Early programming emphasized decentralized production from host universities, featuring NET/PBS syndicated educational series, local documentaries, and in-school telecasts, though technical challenges in West Virginia's mountainous terrain constrained signal reach and prompted initial reliance on federal grants for equipment.[10] By the mid-1970s, efforts shifted toward centralized content creation to improve consistency and statewide distribution.[10]Expansion and network consolidation
Following its establishment in 1967, the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority initiated operations with three television stations located in Beckley, Huntington, and Morgantown, alongside a single radio station in Charleston.[12] These initial facilities formed the core of the state's noncommercial broadcasting infrastructure, aimed at delivering educational and informational programming to underserved rural areas.[12] Television network expansion accelerated in the late 20th century through the addition of satellite transmitters and full-power stations to extend coverage across West Virginia's mountainous terrain. In 1992, the Authority linked the Beckley and Morgantown stations to the primary Huntington facility via a microwave interconnect system, enabling synchronized statewide broadcasting and consolidating operations into a unified television network.[12] By 2016, this had grown to 11 television transmitters serving approximately 95 percent of the state's population.[12] Radio operations underwent parallel growth, starting from the initial Charleston outlet and expanding via acquisitions and new constructions. In the early 1980s, West Virginia Public Radio began scaling from two stations to a statewide footprint of 13 FM affiliates, incorporating facilities such as the 1975 takeover of a Buckhannon college station repurposed as WVPW-FM.[13] [14] This phase included engineering efforts to design microwave links for interconnectivity, supporting broader distribution of news, music, and public affairs content.[15] The network reached 16 radio stations by the mid-2010s, enhancing redundancy and emergency alert capabilities.[13] [12] Network consolidation culminated in administrative and branding unification to streamline operations and reduce audience confusion between television and radio services. On January 1, 2015, the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Service (television) and West Virginia Public Radio merged under the singular "West Virginia Public Broadcasting" brand, integrating programming, fundraising, and outreach while maintaining distinct technical infrastructures.[12] This restructuring emphasized shared resources for statewide coverage, though it preserved separate governance ties to the Educational Broadcasting Authority for television and affiliations with national entities like NPR for radio.[12]Digital transition and recent developments
West Virginia Public Broadcasting completed its transition to full digital television broadcasting in compliance with the national analog-to-digital conversion mandate, which required all full-power U.S. stations to cease analog signals by June 12, 2009.[16] In 2014, the organization received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Public Television Digital Transition Grant program to fund infrastructure enhancements supporting ongoing digital operations and rural coverage.[17] Subsequent upgrades focused on improving digital signal reliability and reach. In 2019, changes to the Morgantown transmitter necessitated a rescan for over-the-air viewers to restore WVPB reception in northern West Virginia.[18] By early 2020, WVPB replaced aging equipment at its WNPB-TV tower in Coopers Rock State Park and upgraded the Morgantown facility's transmitter power from 166,000 watts to 660,000 watts, expanding digital coverage to previously underserved areas.[19][20] Recent developments have centered on fiscal pressures amid federal funding reductions. In July 2025, Congress rescinded $1.1 billion in previously approved Corporation for Public Broadcasting appropriations, resulting in WVPB losing approximately $1.6 million—equivalent to 11% of its television revenue and 3% of radio revenue—and comprising 18.8% of its fiscal year 2024 budget of $10.16 million.[21][22][23] This followed a more than 10% cut in state general revenue funding for the upcoming fiscal year.[24] In response, WVPB intensified donor campaigns, achieving $189,951 with 352 new sustainers in July 2025 (versus $123,000 and 74 the prior year) and $150,700 with 206 new sustainers in August 2025 (versus $121,400 and 52 the prior year).[9] Organizational leaders affirmed WVPB's resilience, stating it "will survive" through diversified support despite the cuts.[25]Governance and funding
Organizational structure and oversight
West Virginia Public Broadcasting is governed by the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Commission, a public benefit corporation under state law that holds the federal licenses for its radio and television operations.[26] The Commission consists of nine voting members, including gubernatorial appointees and ex-officio representatives from state educational bodies such as the West Virginia Department of Education and the Higher Education Policy Commission.[26] It sets policies, oversees operations, and ensures compliance with federal broadcasting regulations.[1] In March 2024, Senate Bill 844, effective upon passage, redesignated the prior Educational Broadcasting Authority as the Commission, reducing membership from 11 to nine and shortening terms from six to four years.[27] The legislation also transferred hiring authority for the executive director from the Commission to the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, integrating WVPB more directly under executive branch administration.[28] Public media observers, including outlets affiliated with national networks, expressed concerns that these shifts could erode editorial independence by enhancing political oversight.[29] The executive director, currently Eddie Isom as of 2024, leads day-to-day management, supported by departments for programming, education, journalism, and technical operations.[30] Two affiliated nonprofits provide fundraising support: the Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, a 501(c)(3) entity handling membership contributions, and the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation, managing endowments, major gifts, and grants.[31] These boards meet quarterly and advise on development but lack direct operational control.[31] Oversight extends to adherence with PBS standards, NPR ethics guidelines, and the Public Media Code of Editorial Integrity.[1]Revenue sources and dependencies
West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) derives its revenue primarily from three sources: state appropriations, federal grants via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and private contributions. In fiscal year 2024, these accounted for 36.7% ($3,728,482) from the state, 18.8% ($1,911,208) from federal sources including CPB, and 44.5% ($4,525,439) from private donors, businesses, and foundations, totaling approximately $10.2 million.[32] State funding is allocated through the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Commission and has historically formed a substantial portion of the budget, supporting core operations such as television and radio programming.[32] Federal funding, predominantly from CPB's Community Service Grants, constitutes about 19% of WVPB's annual budget, or roughly $1.9 million, calculated based on factors including non-federal financial support and population served.[33] This support extends to infrastructure like satellite interconnection, emergency alert systems, and educational initiatives. Private revenue includes individual memberships, corporate underwriting, and grants, which have grown to offset reductions elsewhere and now represent the largest share.[32] WVPB's dependencies expose it to fiscal volatility, particularly from state legislative appropriations, which can fluctuate with budget priorities; for instance, a 2023 reduction of about $1 million—roughly 10% of the budget—prompted staff layoffs and operational adjustments.[7] Federal allocations face similar risks, as evidenced by 2025 congressional rescissions clawing back over $1 billion in CPB funding nationwide, resulting in an estimated $1.6 million loss for WVPB across radio and television operations.[22] Such cuts underscore reliance on diversified private support to mitigate shortfalls, with officials emphasizing adaptability through increased donations amid ongoing threats to public funding.[34]Fiscal challenges and reforms
In 2017, West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) confronted severe fiscal pressures amid a statewide budget shortfall exceeding $500 million, driven by declining coal tax revenues from competition with natural gas. Governor Jim Justice initially proposed eliminating half of WVPB's $10 million annual state appropriation, amounting to $4.6 million, which supported 90% of staffing costs and threatened 15 layoffs.[35] Although public advocacy via the #BackInTheBudget campaign led to partial reinstatement hours before the layoffs, state legislators ultimately reduced funding by nearly 25%, or about $1 million, equating to roughly 10% of the total budget and necessitating job cuts.[35][7] This episode highlighted WVPB's heavy reliance on state general revenue funds, which comprised a significant portion of its operational budget at the time.[35] More recently, WVPB faced additional state-level reductions, including over 10% cuts to its general revenue budget for the ensuing fiscal year, compounding vulnerabilities in a network serving rural areas with limited alternative revenue streams.[36] Federally, the Recissions Act of 2025 rescinded $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), eliminating nearly all support for NPR and PBS affiliates like WVPB and leaving CPB with only $30 million in reserves.[9] For WVPB, this translated to the loss of $1.9 million in fiscal year 2024 federal funding—18.8% of its $10.2 million total budget—with $1.6 million already disbursed by June 2025; projections indicated further shortfalls of $1.6 million across fiscal years 2026 and 2027.[9][21] These cuts disproportionately affected television operations (11% revenue loss) over radio (3%), risking program reductions and operational scaling back in underserved regions.[37] In response, WVPB implemented cost-saving measures, such as eliminating non-educational programming like The Lawrence Welk Show and halting new hires to replace departing staff, while prioritizing alignment with its public service mission.[9] To offset losses, the organization intensified fundraising efforts, raising $189,951 in July 2025 and $150,700 in August—exceeding prior-year figures through increased individual sustainers—and pursued enhanced underwriting, grant applications (including the Public Media Bridge Fund), and $250,000 in active grants.[9] Leadership emphasized diversification toward local donations and federal grants as survival strategies, asserting the network's resilience despite the funding void.[25] These adaptations echo post-2017 shifts toward potential structural independence or university partnerships, though full integration with West Virginia University remains unresolved.[35]Television operations
Station network and coverage
West Virginia Public Broadcasting operates a statewide television network consisting of three full-power stations that broadcast PBS programming, along with multiplexed subchannels for specialized content.[38] These stations are strategically located to serve distinct regions of the state, enabling comprehensive over-the-air coverage across West Virginia's diverse terrain.[38] The primary stations include:| Station | Virtual Channels | Physical Channel | Primary Coverage Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| WVPB-TV | 33.1 (WVPB PBS), 33.2 (West Virginia Channel), 33.3 (PBS Kids) | 33 (UHF) | Huntington/Charleston, Parkersburg |
| WNPB-TV | 24.1 (WVPB PBS), 24.2 (West Virginia Channel), 24.3 (PBS Kids) | 24 (UHF) | Morgantown, Keyser, Martinsburg, Romney, Wheeling |
| WSWP-TV | 9.1 (WVPB PBS), 9.2 (West Virginia Channel), 9.3 (PBS Kids) | 9 (VHF) or 10 (digital in some areas) | Grandview/Beckley, Cedarville |
Programming content
West Virginia Public Broadcasting's television programming consists primarily of content distributed by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), supplemented by locally produced material focused on the state's history, culture, and education.[2] National offerings include news programs such as PBS NewsHour, science series like NOVA, historical documentaries, and British dramas under the Masterpiece banner, such as Maigret and The Gold.[41] Children's programming features educational shows like Odd Squad and Wild Kratts, often aired on the dedicated WVPB PBS Kids Channel.[41][38] Local productions emphasize West Virginia-specific topics, including documentaries on state formation (West Virginia: The Road to Statehood), Appalachian folklore (Dark Folklore: Strange Places), and cultural events such as the annual West Virginia Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.[42][43][44] Other series cover regional foodways (Edible Mountain), youth initiatives (The Future Is You!), and animated content (Hey Cartooners!).[45] The West Virginia Channel dedicates airtime to these homegrown documentaries and performances, distinct from the main WVPB TV feed's broader PBS slate.[40] Notable acclaimed work includes The Great Textbook War, a documentary by producers Trey Kay and Deborah George examining 1970s debates over evolution versus creationism in West Virginia schools, which received a Peabody Award.[45] This programming mix serves educational and informational goals, with on-demand access via WVPB's video platform extending reach beyond linear broadcasts.[44]Technical infrastructure and transitions
West Virginia Public Broadcasting's television infrastructure consists of a network of primary stations and translators designed to provide statewide coverage in a mountainous terrain, including transmitters for WVPB-TV in Huntington-Charleston (digital channel 33, VHF), WNPB-TV in Morgantown (digital channel 33), and WSWP-TV in Beckley (digital channel 9), supported by approximately 12 transmitters and translators overall.[46] The primary facilities are headquartered at 600 Capitol Street in Charleston, with additional studios in Morgantown and Beckley to facilitate local production and signal distribution.[47] Engineering efforts focus on maintaining redundancy and emergency alert capabilities, including upgrades to interconnectivity with national public broadcasting resources.[48] The network transitioned from analog to digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009, aligning with the nationwide full-power TV switchover mandated by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, which required cessation of analog signals to free spectrum for public safety and wireless broadband.[49] This shift enabled higher-quality ATSC digital signals, multicasting of PBS channels, and improved reception in rural areas, though West Virginia's geography necessitated continued reliance on translators for fill-in coverage. Subsequent transitions were driven by the FCC's 2016-2017 spectrum incentive auction and repack, which reassigned channels for over 1,000 stations nationwide to reclaim UHF spectrum for commercial use, with construction permits issued starting in 2018 and relocations phased through 2020.[50] For WVPB, the repack prompted equipment modernization, including new high-definition transmitters and a full tower replacement at the WNPB-TV site in Coopers Rock State Park, completed in early 2020 after the original structure failed; this increased effective radiated power from 10.6 kW to 31.2 kW for enhanced northern West Virginia coverage.[19] Similar upgrades occurred statewide, with new transmitters installed in southern West Virginia by 2021 and Morgantown-area enhancements in spring 2020, funded partly through FCC reimbursements exceeding $1 million for repack compliance.[51][52] These changes also positioned the network for potential adoption of ATSC 3.0, the next-generation standard offering 4K video, mobile reception, and datacasting, though implementation remains voluntary and ongoing as of 2021 planning.[48][53]Radio operations
Station network and coverage
West Virginia Public Broadcasting operates a statewide television network consisting of three full-power stations that broadcast PBS programming, along with multiplexed subchannels for specialized content.[38] These stations are strategically located to serve distinct regions of the state, enabling comprehensive over-the-air coverage across West Virginia's diverse terrain.[38] The primary stations include:| Station | Virtual Channels | Physical Channel | Primary Coverage Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| WVPB-TV | 33.1 (WVPB PBS), 33.2 (West Virginia Channel), 33.3 (PBS Kids) | 33 (UHF) | Huntington/Charleston, Parkersburg |
| WNPB-TV | 24.1 (WVPB PBS), 24.2 (West Virginia Channel), 24.3 (PBS Kids) | 24 (UHF) | Morgantown, Keyser, Martinsburg, Romney, Wheeling |
| WSWP-TV | 9.1 (WVPB PBS), 9.2 (West Virginia Channel), 9.3 (PBS Kids) | 9 (VHF) or 10 (digital in some areas) | Grandview/Beckley, Cedarville |
