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WXTV-DT (channel 41) is a television station licensed to Paterson, New Jersey, United States, serving the New York metropolitan area. It is one of two flagship stations of the Spanish-language network Univision (alongside WLTV-DT in Miami–Fort Lauderdale), and is owned and operated by TelevisaUnivision. Under common ownership with Newark-licensed UniMás outlet WFUT-DT (channel 68) and Smithtown, New York–licensed True Crime Network affiliate WFTY-DT (channel 67), the three stations share studio facilities on Frank W. Burr Boulevard in Teaneck, New Jersey; WXTV-DT and WFUT-DT share transmitter facilities at the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan.

Key Information

WXTV's programming is simulcast to Long Island on WFTY's third digital subchannel (67.3) from its transmitter in Middle Island, New York.

History

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Channel... 37?

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In 1962, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received two applications for the channel 37 allocation belonging to Paterson, New Jersey—one from the Spanish International Broadcasting Corporation, which at the time only owned two stations, and another from Progress Broadcasting, owner of WHOM (1480 AM).[2] Additionally, use of channel 37 in Paterson had been contemplated for a potential educational station for northern New Jersey.[3] However, even as the channel had picked up a further two interested parties by April 1963, it was not a broadcaster at all that drove the proceedings. The Vermilion River Observatory in Danville, Illinois, a radio astronomy facility, objected to any channel 37 facility being built—the channel having been allocated to 19 communities across the country[4]—because their observatory was designed to detect signals in the 608–614 MHz range, coinciding with channel 37; using these frequencies, the observatory could detect specific types of radiation that existed at no other wavelength. The FCC, arguing that there was no other available channel for a station in Paterson, proposed initially to award no channel 37 station within 600 miles (970 km) of Danville and that all stations would have overnight broadcasts curtailed.[5] An editorial in The New York Times called on the FCC to reserve the channel on a national basis for radio astronomy.[6]

In October 1963, the FCC opted to devote channel 37 entirely to radio astronomy uses until at least 1974 and announced it would allocate another channel to Paterson.[7] The four channel 37 applicants—Spanish International Broadcasting Corporation, Progress Broadcasting, Bartell Broadcasters, and Trans-Tel[8]—would have to wait until the FCC assigned another channel to Paterson. Originally, 66 was proposed,[9] but by 1965, channel 41 had instead been assigned.[10]

WXTV signs on the air

[edit]

Trans-Tel, which proposed a station airing programming for the tri-state area's Spanish-speaking and Black communities,[11] came out the winner in a settlement that also saw Bartell drop out and Spanish International get the option to acquire 50 percent of the permit.[10] This option was exercised in 1967.[12]

Initially planned to broadcast from the Empire State Building, construction was sped up when the FCC allowed the station—taking the call letters WXTV—to move its transmitter to the Cities Service Building until the World Trade Center was completed, becoming the first television station to use the mast and first broadcast station since 1950.[13][a] The station went on the air August 4, 1968, from studios at 641 Main Street in Paterson, a property it leased from former mayor Frank X. Graves, Jr.[16] The station focused on filmed programs from Mexico and Puerto Rico at the outset, though it also aired local news, and some English-language programming, primarily public affairs material for North Jersey, including a news wrap-up and election debates.[17] Additionally, because the electricity supply to the Cities Service Building meant the transmitter could only be powered when the air conditioning and elevator systems were off, channel 41 could only broadcast at first in the evenings.[18]

Tower woes

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For several years, the location of the transmitter was a hot-button issue. Rene Anselmo, one of the founders of the Spanish International Network, claimed that when WXTV initially inquired as to space at the Empire State Building, it was told it would have to sign a 20-year lease. Because all of the other stations were scheduled to move to the World Trade Center, it opted to wait at the Cities Service Building. However, when the center neared completion, it began causing reception issues for WXTV, particularly because the Cities Service transmitter was closer to the towers than the other stations at the Empire State Building.[19] The station blamed the Port of New York Authority for poor reception and implored viewers to complain to Austin Tobin; the Port Authority complained that the intention of channel 41's actions was to try and move its transmitter to the WTC.[20] Claiming that the Port Authority was stalling on prior agreements to move the stations to the WTC, WXTV ran a full-page advertisement in the Daily News imploring viewers to "Wake Up!" and declaring that "The Port Authority is killing your TV reception...and doesn't give a damn!".[21] It also threatened to sue the Port Authority;[22] Anselmo wrote to FCC commissioner Robert E. Lee and the governors of New York and New Jersey asking for their intercession.[23][24]

The station was successful in getting FCC approval to operate from the World Trade Center in 1974,[25] but delays continued for years. In April 1980, the Port Authority finally reached an agreement to allow WXTV and its direct competitor, WNJU-TV, to operate from its antenna site on the north tower. However, further pushbacks by the Port Authority over radiation concerns for visitors to the south tower's 107th-story observation deck led Anselmo to start a hunger strike in an RV parked at the base of the towers in May 1980.[26] Finally, in June, an agreement was approved to allow WXTV and WNJU to broadcast from the tower.[27]

Growth

[edit]

In 1978, after ten years based in its city of license, WXTV announced it would move its studios to Secaucus, New Jersey, where they were consolidated with the station's Manhattan advertising offices.[28] The move would save money and pay for the relocation of the transmitter to the World Trade Center.[29] Meanwhile, as SIN became a pioneer in the use of television translators to extend its reach, WXTV soon began to spread outside of the New York City area. On May 3, 1980, a channel 35 translator went on the air in Philadelphia,[30] which was followed by a second translator on channel 61 for Hartford, Connecticut, the next month.[31]

WXTV was not the only Spanish-language TV station for the New York market—WNJU was already on the air—and the two began a healthy competition for viewers. However, the mix of programs on SIN and Univision, which emphasized Mexican novelas, sometimes hurt WXTV in a market with more Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans. This allowed WNJU to beat WXTV at times.[32][33]

In the late 1990s, WXTV made substantial strides in the general-market ratings. In February 1999, it topped WWOR-TV in total-day ratings, a historic first in New York; despite this, it had just $44 million in advertising revenue compared to $155 million for WWOR.[34]

The September 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Center did not affect WXTV's over-the-air signal, as WXTV's transmitter is located at the Empire State Building. The station had filed in 1989 to return there from the World Trade Center and completed the move in 1992.[35][36] WXTV and WCBS-TV (channel 2), which had a full-powered backup transmitter at the Empire State Building, were the only major New York City stations whose over-the-air signals were not disrupted. For a time until the other English stations could re-establish emergency transmission bases at Empire or the Armstrong Tower, WXTV's anchors reported in both languages for viewers without pay access to local English stations; the station had also done so when the towers were bombed in 1993.[37]

Newscasts

[edit]
A white news van with the Univision logo and "Noticias 41 Univision" on the side
A WXTV news van in 2010

Local news began with the station, originally in the form of half-hour newscasts at 7 and 11 p.m. (later changed to 6 and 11).[16] From 1981 to 1985, Enrique Gratas was WXTV's news director.[38] In 1999, an hour-long morning newscast was added to the station's evening news broadcasts, the first Spanish-language morning news program in the New York market.[39] In addition to the newscasts, the station produces news updates for Altice USA's News 12 Networks on weekdays.[40]

Since the late 1990s, as the Hispanic population in New York has grown, WXTV's ratings have grown to become competitive with the market's English-language stations. WXTV won the July 2008 sweeps period and also became the first Spanish-language television station to win all three evening slots (local newscasts at 6 and 11 and the national news at 6:30 pm). WXTV's 6 p.m. newscast was also No. 1 among the 25–54 demographic, followed by WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, WNJU, WNYW and WNBC.[41] WXTV's 6 p.m. newscast ended the 2011 calendar year as the number-one newscast in that timeslot in the entire United States in any language among adults 18–49.[42]

In 2020, the late newscast, Solo a las Once (Only at 11), was retooled with an in-depth format.[43]

Notable current on-air staff

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Notable former on-air staff

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Technical information

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Subchannels

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WFUT-DT and WXTV-DT broadcast from the Empire State Building.[1]

Subchannels of WFUT-DT and WXTV-DT[50]
License Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
WFUT-DT 68.1 720p 16:9 WFUT-DT UniMás
68.2 480i CRIME True Crime Network (WFTY-DT)
68.3 4:3 GetTV Get
WXTV-DT 41.1 720p 16:9 WXTV-DT Univision
41.2 480i MSGold MovieSphere Gold
41.3 NVSN Infomercials MPEG-4 video
11.2 480i 4:3 Antenna Antenna TV (WPIX) MPEG-4 video
11.4 REWIND Rewind TV (WPIX) MPEG-4 video
  Simulcast of subchannels of another station
  Broadcast on behalf of another station

MPEG-4 video Subchannel broadcast with MPEG-4 video

Map
Coverage areas of WFUT–WXTV (red) and WFTY-DT (blue). WFUT–WXTV, from the Empire State Building, serves New York City, the Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey. WFTY-DT, from Middle Island, serves much of the southern Connecticut coast and eastern Long Island. The signals overlap over southwestern Connecticut and west-central Long Island.

Analog-to-digital conversion

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WXTV ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 41, on June 12, 2009, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television; the station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 40, using virtual channel 41.[51][52]

In the incentive auction, WXTV's spectrum was sold for $198,965,211, and the station's license was consolidated onto one channel with co-owned WFUT.[53]

Notes

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References

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

WXTV-DT

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WXTV-DT, 41 (UHF digital channel 26), is a licensed to , , serving as the for the metropolitan area. Launched on August 4, 1968, WXTV-DT was the first full-time in the New York market, initially broadcasting a mix of English and Spanish programming before transitioning to an all-Spanish format as an and later affiliating with the Spanish International Network, the predecessor to . The station has since become a cornerstone for the community in the , providing essential local coverage of , weather, immigration issues, and cultural events, while celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018 as a vital media outlet. Owned by WXTV License Partnership, G.P., a of headquartered in , , WXTV-DT operates from transmitter facilities atop the in and maintains studios in . Its primary programming includes Noticias Univision 41, a suite of local newscasts that rank highly in key demographics among viewers. The station also airs national content, such as primetime telenovelas, sports, and awards shows like the Latin GRAMMYs.

History

Launch and early operations

WXTV-DT was founded in 1967 by the Spanish International Communications Corporation (SICC), a company established to develop Spanish-language broadcasting in the United States, with an initial focus on serving the growing Spanish-speaking communities in New York, , and . The station's development was led by Trans-Tel Corporation, a entity involving key figures such as Rene Anselmo and Emilio Azcárraga, who held significant ownership stakes and brought ties to Mexican media production. The (FCC) originally allocated to , for television use in the early 1960s, with SICC among the applicants in comparative hearings. However, in 1963, the FCC reserved nationwide for to protect observations at facilities like the National Radio Astronomy Observatory from interference in the 608-614 MHz band, following international agreements. This led to a reassignment of channel 41 to Paterson in the 1965 allocation table revision, allowing SICC to proceed. A construction permit was granted to Trans-Tel in late , enabling studio setup at 640 in Paterson and transmitter installation at the Cities Service Building on . The station signed on for the first time on August 4, , marking it as the first full-time Spanish-language in the continental outside , targeting an estimated 1.8 million Spanish-speaking viewers in the , particularly . Initial operations were limited to low-power evening broadcasts—6 to 11:30 P.M. weekdays and 4 to 11:30 P.M. weekends—due to insufficient transmitter capacity, totaling about 42.5 hours per week. Programming featured a mix of imported content, including telenovelas (novelas), taped bullfights, soccer matches, musicals, dramas, comedy, and cultural shows sourced primarily from through SICC's partnerships with Telesistema Mexicana, alongside some material from . Live Spanish-language news broadcasts, 30 minutes each at 7 P.M. and 11 P.M., were introduced shortly after launch. Signal improvements began in late , with plans to relocate the transmitter for broader coverage. This early programming emphasized cultural relevance for audiences, competing with WNJU-TV on channel 47. WXTV later became a charter station of , formed in 1987 from SICC's network assets.

Facility relocations and challenges

In 1974, the granted WXTV-TV unconditional permission to relocate its transmitter from its original site in to the World Trade Center, aiming to improve overall reception in the . This move was part of a broader effort by several UHF and VHF stations to consolidate broadcasting facilities at the new towers, which offered greater height and potential for enhanced signal propagation despite ongoing concerns about urban interference. The relocation required the erection of a dedicated television at the site, with broadcasters responsible for any costs related to testing and mitigating interference issues. However, the decision faced immediate scrutiny and legal challenges from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which petitioned the FCC to review the approvals just two months later. WXTV-TV, as a UHF station primarily serving the Spanish-speaking community, was particularly vulnerable to signal interference caused by the World Trade Center towers themselves, which were disrupting reception across various parts of the city even before the full relocation. Station president Rene Anselmo argued that delays in the move exacerbated these problems, prompting threats of litigation against the Port Authority to enforce prior agreements on antenna placement. The FCC ultimately upheld the relocation, but compliance involved extensive engineering assessments to ensure adherence to federal regulations on signal quality and interference prevention. By the early 1980s, after WXTV-TV and other stations had transferred to the World Trade Center, new engineering challenges emerged due to the site's urban environment. The towers' height and downtown location—approximately 200 feet taller than the —lowered signal angles, leading to blocking and multipath reflections from surrounding skyscrapers that produced "ghosting" or multiple images on viewers' screens. UHF stations like WXTV experienced such reception issues, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining reliable coverage in dense urban settings, where was frequently compromised. Throughout the 1980s, WXTV-TV addressed these hurdles by implementing technical upgrades aligned with industry standards, including enhancements to support full color broadcasting and the introduction of stereo audio via the (MTS) system approved by the FCC in 1984. These improvements helped mitigate some reception variability, though temporary disruptions persisted during antenna modifications and compliance testing at the World Trade Center. By the early 1990s, persistent issues with antenna space allocation and signal performance prompted WXTV-TV to relocate its transmitter back to the in 1992, involving logistical challenges and further negotiations over shared facilities.

Expansion and network integration

In 1986, Spanish International Communications Corporation (SICC), the owner of WXTV and operator of the Spanish International Network (SIN), agreed to sell its assets, including WXTV, to a partnership between Inc. and First Chicago Venture Capital Partners for approximately $300 million. The transaction, prompted by FCC disputes over foreign ownership in SICC, was completed in August 1987, marking the formal establishment of as a unified Spanish-language television network; WXTV emerged as one of its flagship owned-and-operated stations serving the New York market. This shift solidified WXTV's role within a national framework, transitioning from SIN's regional syndication model to Univision's centralized programming distribution. Throughout the late and , WXTV's integration into facilitated broader content syndication, including expanded telenovelas, variety shows, and live event coverage such as soccer matches and cultural festivals, which were distributed across the network's growing affiliate grid to capitalize on the burgeoning U.S. audience. By the early 2000s, this alignment contributed to substantial audience growth, with WXTV establishing itself as the dominant Spanish-language station in New York; in 1999, it achieved a milestone by edging out an English-language competitor in overall household ratings with a 1.9 share. The station's ratings continued to rise, recording a 40% increase in total viewership from 2001 to 2002 and leading in key demographics like adults 18-49 during evening news slots by 2007, often outperforming English-language outlets among viewers. Relocation enhancements to transmission facilities in the 1970s and 1980s further enabled WXTV's expansion by improving signal reliability across the , supporting Univision's national push into syndicated live programming and special events.

Ownership and facilities

Ownership history

WXTV-DT was established in by the Spanish International Communications (SICC), a company founded in 1962 by René Anselmo with financial backing from Mexican media magnate Emilio Azcárraga Milmo and his partners, who held a limited 20% stake due to U.S. foreign ownership regulations. As one of SICC's owned-and-operated stations, WXTV-DT served as a key outlet for the Spanish International Network (SIN), providing Spanish-language programming to the New York area and contributing to the network's early growth amid rising viewership. This ownership structure tied the station closely to content production, enhancing programming depth but limiting full autonomy in local content decisions. In 1986, regulatory pressures and shareholder disputes forced SICC to divest, leading to its acquisition by a group led by Hallmark Cards Inc. and First Chicago Venture Capital for approximately $600 million, which included $301.5 million for the station group encompassing WXTV-DT and the programming arm. The deal restructured SICC into Holdings Inc., with SIN rebranded as the Network in 1987, marking WXTV-DT's integration into the newly formed entity. However, the heavy debt load of over $555 million strained financial stability, resulting in annual losses of about $50 million by 1989 due to sluggish advertising revenue, which curtailed investments and pressured programming choices toward cost-effective imported content. By 1992, amid ongoing financial challenges, Hallmark sold Univision Holdings, including WXTV-DT, to a led by A. Jerrold Perenchio for $550 million, with minority stakes held by and . This transaction, which exceeded Hallmark's initial investment but reflected losses from operational costs, stabilized finances as revenues climbed from $104.7 million in 1993 to $459.7 million by 1997, enabling network expansion. Yet, it reduced programming autonomy, with 92% of content sourced from and by the late 1990s, shifting focus from U.S.-produced shows to imported telenovelas and series. In 2007, , including WXTV-DT, was acquired in a by Broadcasting Media Partners—a of firms led by , including Partners and —for $13.7 billion, incorporating $1.4 billion in existing debt. This deal provided capital for digital initiatives but imposed significant leverage, contributing to financial pressures during the 2008 recession. Finally, in April 2021, announced a merger with Univision's media assets, completed on January 31, 2022, forming and making WXTV-DT a fully under the new entity, with the licensee as WXTV License Partnership, G.P., a . The merger bolstered through combined resources and content libraries, while deepening integration with Televisa's programming, further aligning station output with global Spanish-language strategies.

Studio and transmitter sites

WXTV-DT maintains its primary studio facilities at 500 Frank W. Burr Boulevard in , a location shared with , which carries programming, and WFTY-DT, affiliated with the . These shared studios, spanning multiple floors, support integrated production for network content, local news, and multicast operations across the group. The station's main transmitter is located atop the in , a site it has utilized since relocating there in 1992 following earlier tower challenges. This position allows WXTV-DT to share antenna space with numerous other broadcasters, facilitating efficient high-elevation transmission. The digital signal operates with an () of 402 kW non-directional (equivalent), enabling coverage across approximately 10,256 square miles and reaching an estimated population of over 20 million viewers. WXTV-DT's broadcast footprint from the extends throughout , the , northern , southwestern , and northeastern Pennsylvania, providing robust service to the greater New York metropolitan area. To enhance reliability, the station employs a supplemental transmitter at Orange Mountain in New Jersey as a fill-in and backup facility, operating at 240 kW directional with coverage overlapping key urban zones. Under ownership, these multi-station facilities have undergone upgrades to streamline shared operations, including enhanced production capabilities for networked programming.

Programming

Network affiliation and syndicated shows

WXTV-DT has served as a flagship for the network since the rebranding of the Spanish International Network (SIN) to in 1987, following WXTV's affiliation with SIN in 1970. The station's primary programming consists of 's national content, including telenovelas such as those co-produced with , which air in primetime slots and focus on dramatic storylines appealing to audiences. Variety shows like , a daily and gossip program hosted by and , provide celebrity news and interviews in the afternoon. Morning programming features , a syndicated lifestyle and show with segments on , cooking, and . Evening schedules include syndicated magazine programs such as Primer Impacto, which delivers investigative reports and human-interest stories presented by and Michelle Galván. News coverage is anchored by , offering national and international updates in Spanish. Sports programming encompasses live broadcasts of soccer matches via TUDN and select NFL games in Spanish, including high-profile events like the . Univision's schedule on WXTV-DT typically structures primetime around telenovelas and series, with weekend slots dedicated to feature films and family-oriented movies, alongside holiday specials featuring music and cultural events. Adaptations for the New York market include brief local news inserts during national broadcasts to address regional interests. Following the 2022 merger forming , the network has expanded co-productions with . As of 2025, WXTV-DT's lineup continues to integrate more original telenovelas and shared content to enhance cultural relevance for U.S. viewers.

Local news production

Local newscasts began in 1968 with English-language half-hour editions at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., transitioning to Spanish in the early 1970s and marking the start of in-house Spanish-language news production for the New York market under the Spanish International Network, with anchor Rafael Pineda joining in 1972. By the 1980s, the station had expanded its evening programming to include dedicated slots at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., aligning with growing demand for local coverage among viewers. In 1999, WXTV-DT introduced Noticiero Univision Nueva York, its first hour-long morning newscast airing at 6 a.m. weekdays, serving as a lead-in to the national Despierta América and becoming the inaugural Spanish-language morning news program in the New York area. The program, branded as Noticias Univision 41 Al Despertar, provided early updates on local traffic, weather, and community stories tailored to the tri-state Hispanic audience. In 2019, the station retooled its late-evening newscast at 11 p.m. into a faster-paced format emphasizing investigative reporting, dynamic graphics, and standing anchors, while reducing emphasis on routine crime and entertainment segments to focus on deeper political and social issues. WXTV-DT's local newscasts achieved significant ratings milestones, sweeping key demographics in the July 2008 sweeps period by topping adults 18-49 in the 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. slots against English-language competitors for the first time. The station repeated this success in 2011, winning the early evening news race for the eighth consecutive sweep among adults 18-34 and 18-49, solidifying its dominance in viewership. In 2019, WXTV-DT partnered with to produce bilingual Spanish-language news updates, airing twice daily on digital platforms to expand reach across the . The station's public affairs programming addresses community issues with a focus on policies, local , and Latino cultural events, such as Noticias 41 En Tu Comunidad on , integrating these topics into broader newscasts that occasionally incorporate national news elements for contextual depth. WXTV-DT produces its local news from a modern studio facility in , equipped with interactive technology including a 24-foot curved , and utilizes mobile units for live on-site coverage of breaking events across New York, , and .

On-air staff

The on-air staff of WXTV-DT, the serving the , consists of a diverse team of anchors, reporters, and meteorologists who deliver through 41, focusing on stories relevant to the community. These professionals often have extensive experience in Spanish-language media, contributing to the station's reputation for comprehensive coverage of regional issues.

Current Anchors and Reporters

Ana Patricia Candiani serves as an anchor for Noticias Univision 41, bringing over two decades of experience in broadcast journalism from networks including , , and Telenoticias. A nine-time Emmy Award winner, she has also contributed to radio and print media, including co-authoring a novel on . Damaris Díaz is a key reporter for Univision 41, covering human interest stories and community events in New York, such as immigrant experiences and local crises; she has been featured in on-air segments since at least 2022. Yeila Lluberes functions as both an anchor and reporter, handling and field reporting on incidents like police shootings, school stabbings, and corruption investigations across the since at least 2022. Jonathan Inoa anchors and reports on local events, including cultural parades and community festivals, as part of the 41 team. Adriana Vargas-Sino, a who co-anchored evening , transitioned to of for 41 in October 2024, overseeing the station's news operations while maintaining her on-air presence in select segments. With more than 20 years in , she previously led headlines from the station's interactive studio.

Meteorologists

Lucrecia Borchardt is the primary for 41's weather segments, known as Los Guardianes del Tiempo, delivering forecasts for the tri-state region, including alerts and seasonal outlooks; she has been in the role since at least 2022.

Former Notables

Rafael Pineda, one of the station's longest-serving personalities, anchored Noticias Univision 41 for over four decades starting in 1972 before retiring around 2013; he returned for special appearances, such as the station's 50th anniversary event in 2018.

Technical information

Subchannels and multicast programming

WXTV-DT's , broadcasting on physical RF channel 26, employs to deliver multiple subchannels as part of its programming strategy, allowing for diverse content distribution within the allocated 6 MHz bandwidth. The primary subchannel, virtual 41.1, airs the network feed in high definition, upgraded to HD format following the station's digital transition in 2009. This main channel operates at a resolution of to accommodate additional subchannels while maintaining quality for Univision's Spanish-language programming, including telenovelas, news, and sports. The second subchannel, virtual 41.2, carries MovieSphere Gold, a multicast network launched in 2023 that specializes in classic films from various genres, providing viewers with a curated selection of older Hollywood and international cinema. Operating at resolution, this subchannel targets audiences seeking nostalgic movie content outside the main network schedule. Virtual subchannel 41.3 is dedicated to infomercials and paid programming, featuring shopping and lifestyle content through direct-response advertising. This feed serves as a via time-lease agreements, common in setups to monetize unused bandwidth. The multiplex also includes subchannels for WPIX: virtual 11.2 (, 480i) and virtual 11.4 (, 480i), as part of a channel-sharing arrangement. Bandwidth allocation prioritizes the HD main channel at approximately 14-19 Mbps, with the lower-resolution subchannels sharing the remaining capacity at around 2-3 Mbps each, enabling efficient without compromising . The overall multiplex is shared with sister station ( affiliate), optimizing transmission costs and infrastructure in the New York market. To enhance coverage across Long Island, WXTV-DT's primary programming on 41.1 is simulcast on WFTY-DT's third subchannel (virtual 67.3) from a transmitter in Middle Island, New York, extending the Univision signal to areas with weaker reception from the main site.

Digital transition and spectrum auction

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required all full-power television stations to complete their transition to digital broadcasting by June 12, 2009, ending analog transmissions nationwide. WXTV-DT terminated its analog signal on UHF channel 41 at 11:59 p.m. on that date, aligning with other New York market stations such as WNYW and WWOR-TV. The station's digital signal remained on UHF channel 40 post-transition, using PSIP to display the virtual channel as 41 on digital television receivers. This allowed WXTV-DT to broadcast in digital format without changing its established channel position on television receivers. In preparation for the transition, WXTV-DT conducted testing in , complying with FCC guidelines to verify coverage and resolve potential reception issues ahead of the deadline. Following the analog shutdown, the station provided a temporary analog service for approximately 30 days, announcements to assist viewers still relying on analog equipment in obtaining digital converter boxes or other solutions. This measure helped mitigate immediate disruptions during the initial post-transition period. WXTV-DT participated in the FCC's 2016–2017 broadcast incentive auction (Auction 1001), which encouraged stations to relinquish spectrum for wireless broadband use. The station's licensee, WXTV License Partnership, G.P., sold its UHF spectrum rights for $198,965,211, one of the highest bids in the auction. As a result, WXTV-DT was reassigned to share low-power UHF channel 26 with sister station WFUT-DT in the post-auction repack, while retaining virtual channel 41; operations fully transitioned to the new physical channel in 2020 after coordination with the FCC's multi-phase relocation schedule. The relocation had minimal impact on operations and viewers, as the retention of virtual channel 41 ensured continuity on cable, satellite, and over-the-air digital tuners without requiring rescans or adjustments for most audiences. This approach preserved WXTV-DT's service to the , including its primary programming, while freeing up UHF spectrum for mobile broadband deployment.

ATSC 3.0 adoption

WXTV-DT launched , branded as NextGen TV, on December 14, 2023, as part of a collaborative rollout with and , marking one of the earliest implementations in the market. This joint effort brought NextGen TV to the nation's largest television market, enabling enhanced broadcasting capabilities for Univision's Spanish-language programming. The had approved the necessary filings for this transition, allowing WXTV-DT to participate without disrupting existing ATSC 1.0 services. WXTV-DT's signal is hosted on 's transmission facilities, with broadcasting WXTV-DT's primary programming in the NextGen format alongside its own content, while WXTV-DT maintains its ATSC 1.0 for compatibility. Key benefits include improved video quality with higher (HDR) for sharper images and deeper contrast, immersive audio features like dialogue enhancement, and interactive elements such as integration with internet-delivered content for live events and news. These enhancements are particularly valuable for Spanish-speaking viewers, supporting hyper-local alerts tailored to the community in the New York area. The implementation integrates with Univision's digital ecosystem, including the Univision NOW app, which complements the over-the-air broadcast with on-demand streaming and personalized viewing options. Looking ahead, WXTV-DT plans to leverage for advanced features like viewer-personalized content selection and datacasting services, which could deliver targeted data such as weather updates or community information directly to compatible devices. However, the rollout in New York faced challenges related to the dense urban spectrum environment, where broadcasters must carefully allocate limited bandwidth between ATSC 1.0 simulcasts and 3.0 enhancements to avoid interference.

References

  1. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=74215
  2. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv
  3. https://tvstations.fandom.com/wiki/WXTV-DT
  4. https://corporate.televisaunivision.com/press/2017/10/18/univision-wxtv-no-1-local-news-station-new-york-adults-18-49-year-date-regardless-language/
  5. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=74215
  6. https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/univision
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/1968/07/30/archives/wxtv-telecasts-to-start-sunday-uhf-station-will-present-programs-in.html
  8. https://www.uhfhistory.com/articles/channel37.html
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/1968/08/05/archives/telecasts-begin-on-station-wxtv-spanishspeaking-audience-is-target.html
  10. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/mexican-multinationals/multimexicans-in-the-television-industry/B000AEAE2DB07719BD27DEA7592D4235
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/25/archives/fcc-allows-tv-transmitters-on-trade-center.html
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/07/archives/fcc-asked-to-review-transfer-of-tv-antennas.html
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/22/business/hallmark-partner-buy-tv-outlets.html
  14. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/08/08/hallmark-closes-tv-deal/
  15. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-10-04-mn-4068-story.html
  16. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1986/07/22/spanishlanguage-tv-operator-sold/6c64f7c7-09b0-4bfc-b33c-09aa8d33d5ff/
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/16/nyregion/in-a-first-spanish-tv-station-tops-english-rival.html
  18. https://hispanicad.com/news/univision-41-nyc-ratings-jump/
  19. https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/spanish-language-show-tops-ratings-1117969725/
  20. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/univision-communications-inc-history/
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/09/business/company-news-hallmark-to-sell-its-univision-tv-group.html
  22. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-09-fi-161-story.html
  23. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-mar-30-fi-univision30-story.html
  24. https://corporate.televisaunivision.com/press/press-releases/2021/04/13/televisa-to-merge-its-media-content-and-production-assets-with-univision-in-landmark-transaction/
  25. https://investors.televisaunivision.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2022/Univision-and-Televisa-Complete-Transaction-to-Create-TelevisaUnivision-the-Worlds-Leading-Spanish-Language-Media-and-Content-Company/default.aspx
  26. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=60553
  27. https://corporate.televisaunivision.com/partner-with-us/local/new-york/
  28. https://corporate.televisaunivision.com/our-company/
  29. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/mexicos-televisa-says-merge-content-with-univision-new-media-company-2021-04-13/
  30. https://www.univision.com/shows/el-gordo-y-la-flaca
  31. https://www.univision.com/shows/despierta-america
  32. https://www.univision.com/shows/primer-impacto
  33. https://www.univision.com/shows/noticiero-univision
  34. https://www.univision.com/deportes
  35. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2024/02/13/univision-breaks-record-spanish-language-super-bowl-broadcast/72583624007/
  36. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/new-yorks-longest-serving-news-anchor-announces-retirement/
  37. https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/spanish-net-s-gotham-outlet-sets-ayemcast-1117750455/
  38. https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/univisions-wxtv-reboots-11-p-m-news/
  39. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/historic-win-nyc-univision-116848/
  40. https://www.produ.com/ushispanic/noticias/wxtv-univision-41-ny-wins-the-early-evening-news-race-for-eighth-consecutive-sweep/
  41. https://bronx.news12.com/univision-new-york-news-12-partner-to-bring-spanishlanguage-news-updates-to-viewers-throughout-the-tristate-area-40474760
  42. https://www.fybush.com/site-20170511/
  43. https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/univision-new-york-unveils-new-studio/
  44. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/ana-patricia-candiani
  45. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/madre-mexicana-lleva-50-anos-viviendo-nueva-york-llego-sola-y-trabajando-desde-los-13
  46. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/nueva-york-intentan-detener-vendedora-frutas-14-anos-manhattan-graban-altercado
  47. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/talento-univision-41-desfile-dominicano-dominican-day-parade
  48. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/univision-nueva-york-adriana-vargas-sino-vicepresidenta-noticias
  49. https://www.produ.com/english/noticias/univision-ny-unveiled-a-cutting-edge-and-interactive-broadcast-studio-with-enhanced-technology-for-noticias-univision-41/
  50. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/paraguas-a-la-mano-a-nueva-york-le-espera-un-lunes-pasado-por-lluvia-video-1
  51. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/halloween-tendra-temperaturas-cercanas-a-los-80-grados-en-nueva-york-video
  52. https://corporate.univision.com/blog/2018/08/03/produ-wxtv-univision-41-ny-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-a-ceremonial-lighting-of-the-empire-state-building/
  53. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=74215
  54. https://moviespheregold.com/where-to-watch
  55. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=60553
  56. https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/at-midnight-analog-age-of-television-ends/
  57. https://www.fcc.gov/general/digital-television
  58. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dtv-transition-consumer-guide-archive
  59. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-287915A1.pdf
  60. https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-314A2.pdf
  61. https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives/incentive-auctions/post-auction-transition
  62. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231214273222/en/WPIX-WABC-TV-and-WXTV-DT-Launch-NextGen-TV-in-the-Nations-1-Television-Market
  63. https://tvnewscheck.com/tech/article/wpix-wabc-wxtv-dt-launch-nextgen-tv-in-new-york-city/
  64. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/25076f918bd01fdf018bf41988710105
  65. https://www.finconsgroup.com/case-studies/univision-atsc-3-0-broadcast-app.kl
  66. https://www.atsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ATSC-White-Paper-US-ATSC3-Transition-2025-02-28.pdf
  67. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/broadcasters-seek-atsc-3-0-success-beyond-the-consumer
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