What is WADL and what is its primary affiliation and city of license?

WADL is a television station licensed to Mount Clemens, Michigan, serving the Detroit area. Its primary affiliation is with MyNetworkTV.

Who is the local owner of WADL, and what is the company name?

WADL is locally owned by Kevin Adell through his company, Adell Broadcasting Corporation.

Where are WADL's studios and transmitter facilities located?

WADL maintains its studios and transmitter facilities on Adell Drive in Clinton Township, Michigan.

What other media outlets are sister companies to WADL under Adell Broadcasting?

Adell's sister companies include WFDF, a talk radio station in the Detroit market, and The Word Network, a religious broadcaster.

What challenges does WADL face regarding its broadcasting radius, and how does it compensate?

WADL's transmitter tower is shorter and located farther east than other major Detroit stations, resulting in a broadcasting radius that does not reach western and southwestern parts of the metro area. Its over-the-air signal is also marginal in Windsor and Essex County, Ontario. To reach the entire market, the station relies on cable and satellite carriage.

When was the application filed for WADL's license, and when did it first begin broadcasting?

Adell Broadcasting filed for the channel 38 license on September 25, 1985, but WADL did not begin broadcasting until May 20, 1989.

Who founded WADL, and when did his son join the company?

WADL was founded by Franklin Z. Adell, who previously owned an automotive parts supplier company. His son, Kevin Adell, joined the company in 1988 after graduating from Arizona State University.

What was the initial programming lineup for WADL when it signed on?

Initially, WADL's programming blocks consisted mainly of Home Shopping Network programs, religious shows, paid programming, classic movies, and syndicated music video shows like 'Hit Video USA'.

How did WADL begin airing CBS programming in the early 1990s?

In 1992, WADL started broadcasting CBS shows that were preempted by WJBK-TV, the network's then-affiliate in Detroit.

What factors contributed to WADL's initial lack of competitiveness in the Detroit ratings?

WADL struggled to compete due to strong syndicated programming being acquired by competitors like WKBD-TV and WXON, and the limited availability of programming overall in the market. Additionally, Windsor's CBET held Detroit market rights to other syndicated shows.

Why did CBS approach WADL about an affiliation in 1994, and why did the talks fail?

CBS approached WADL because its primary affiliate, WJBK-TV, was switching to Fox. Despite WADL's low profile, CBS was desperate to secure an affiliate in Detroit. However, the affiliation talks failed due to what CBS described as unreasonable demands made by WADL's owner, Franklin Adell.

Which station ultimately became the CBS affiliate in Detroit following WJBK-TV's switch to Fox?

CBS eventually purchased WGPR-TV (channel 62), changed its calls to WWJ-TV, and moved the network's programming there in December 1994.

When did WADL begin airing children's programming from Fox Kids, and what was its evolution?

WADL began carrying Fox Kids programming on August 31, 1998. It later carried the block when it became FoxBox and then 4KidsTV, continuing until the fall of 2003 when the block moved to WDWB.

Did WADL broadcast any NBC daytime programming, and if so, which program?

Yes, from 1999 until 2002, WADL broadcast the NBC daytime soap opera 'Passions', which WDIV-TV had initially declined to air.

How did WADL begin to establish itself as a significant player in the Detroit market starting in September 2007?

WADL began acquiring popular syndicated shows, including older series like 'The Nanny', 'Mad About You', 'The Jeffersons', and 'Good Times', while also retaining religious programs and infomercials.

What was the rebranding of WADL in the fall of 2007, and what was its target audience?

In the fall of 2007, WADL was relaunched as 'Detroit's Urban Station' with the aim of appealing to the African-American community.

What types of local programming did WADL feature as 'Detroit's Urban Station'?

WADL featured local programs such as a weekly segment with the Mayor of Detroit, Dave Bing, and other community-focused content.

When did WADL become the MyNetworkTV affiliate for the Detroit market, and which station did it replace?

WADL became the MyNetworkTV affiliate on September 20, 2021, replacing WMYD in that role.

What was the announced sale of WADL in May 2023, and who was the intended buyer?

In May 2023, Adell Broadcasting announced its intention to sell WADL to Mission Broadcasting for $75 million. Nexstar Media Group was slated to operate the station through a shared services agreement.

What was the short-lived affiliation WADL held in late 2023, and why did it end?

WADL briefly became a primary affiliate of The CW on September 1, 2023. However, it dropped the affiliation on October 30, 2023, due to a dispute with Nexstar over affiliation agreements and the pending sale.

Which station ultimately took over The CW affiliation in Detroit after WADL dropped it?

The CW affiliation was transferred to WMYD, owned by the E. W. Scripps Company, and took effect on November 13, 2023.

What was the outcome of the proposed sale of WADL to Mission Broadcasting in 2024?

The sale was initially approved by the FCC with conditions in April 2024, but Mission Broadcasting terminated the deal on May 22, 2024, filing a non-consummation notice.

What significant sporting event did WADL televise in June 2013, and why?

WADL televised Game 6 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals to allow Detroit's NBC station, WDIV-TV, to broadcast the local annual Target Fireworks show instead.

What was WADL's role in airing NBC programming between 2013 and 2014?

Through 2014, WADL aired NBC programming that WDIV-TV could not carry, including shows like 'Grimm', the 'Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade', and 'Revolution'.

When did WADL begin airing rebroadcasts of WJBK's newscasts, and until when did this arrangement last?

WADL began airing same-night rebroadcasts of WJBK's 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, and simulcasting the 11 p.m. newscast, in June 1990. This arrangement continued until WJBK switched from CBS to Fox in December 1994.

What new newscasts did WADL announce in January 2012, and who produced them?

WADL announced the debut of half-hour newscasts at noon and 9 p.m. on weekdays, produced by the Journal Register Company in association with the Independent News Network.

How long did WADL's noon and 9 p.m. newscasts air, and what replaced them?

These newscasts aired for only four months, concluding on May 23, 2012. They were replaced by syndicated programming.

What local news content did WADL begin producing in June 2012?

In June 2012, WADL started producing daily five-minute local news updates that aired four times each evening. It also began airing an hour-long national news program from Newsmax TV at 9 p.m. on weekdays.

What was the name and focus of the 10 p.m. news program launched by WADL in January 2020?

The program was called 'News Now with Kevin Dietz', hosted by former WDIV-TV reporter Kevin Dietz. It focused on longer, in-depth segments about local and state politics and included live interviews and talk radio-style call-ins.

What is the primary network affiliation for WADL's digital subchannel 38.1?

The primary affiliation for WADL's digital subchannel 38.1 is MyNetworkTV.

What programming is available on WADL's subchannels 38.2 through 38.8?

WADL's subchannels offer CBN News (38.2), Quest (38.3), MovieSphere Gold (38.4), Jewelry TV (38.5), True Crime Network (38.6), HSN (38.7), and The Word Network (38.8).

When did WADL cease broadcasting its analog signal, and what channel did its digital signal transition to?

WADL shut down its analog signal on UHF channel 38 on June 12, 2009. Its digital signal continued on UHF channel 39, using virtual channel 38.

What was the purpose of the FCC's voluntary incentive auction announced in 2012, and did WADL participate?

The FCC announced a voluntary incentive auction for a portion of the radio frequency spectrum used by television broadcasters. WADL owner Kevin Adell announced his intention to participate in 2014, estimating a significant financial return.

What was the estimated financial outcome for WADL if it had successfully sold its spectrum in the 2014 auction?

It was estimated that WADL could net between $170 million and $380 million from the auction, a sum considerably higher than its market value.

Did WADL ultimately sell its spectrum in the FCC auction?

No, WADL was not sold in the FCC spectrum auction, which concluded in 2017.

What caused WADL to delay its move to Phase 9 of the 600-MHz spectrum auction, and when did it relocate?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC allowed stations to delay their move. WADL was granted permission to delay its relocation and moved from UHF channel 39 to UHF channel 27 on March 23, 2020.

On which Canadian cable providers can WADL and its subchannel be found in Southwestern Ontario?

WADL and The Word Network digital subchannel are carried on GosfieldTel in Essex County, Ontario, and on Cogeco systems in some rural areas of Southwestern Ontario.

Is WADL carried on Cogeco systems in the city of Windsor, Ontario?

No, WADL is not carried on Cogeco systems within the city of Windsor.

What was the logo used by WADL in 2023, and what affiliation did it represent?

The logo used by WADL in 2023 was labeled 'CW38 WADL Detroit', indicating a temporary affiliation with The CW network.

What was the initial programming on WADL when it first signed on the air?

When WADL first signed on the air, its programming included Home Shopping Network programs, religious shows, paid programming, classic movies, and syndicated music video shows like 'Hit Video USA'.

What was the significance of WADL's transmitter location and tower height?

WADL's transmitter tower is shorter and located farther east than those of other major stations in the Detroit market. This placement limits its broadcasting range to the western and southwestern portions of the Detroit metro area and affects its signal in parts of Ontario, Canada.

What was the nature of WADL's affiliation with CBS in the 1990s?

In the mid-1990s, following WJBK-TV's switch to Fox, CBS considered WADL as a potential affiliate due to its desperation to maintain a presence in Detroit. However, an agreement was not reached.

What role did WADL play in broadcasting NBC programming between 2013 and 2014?

During this period, WADL served as a secondary outlet for NBC programming that local affiliate WDIV-TV could not air, including shows like 'Grimm' and 'Revolution', as well as special events like the 'Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade'.

What was the 'Detroit's Urban Station' initiative, and what kind of programming did it feature?

Launched in 2007, 'Detroit's Urban Station' was a rebranding effort by WADL to appeal to the African-American community. It featured syndicated urban-oriented programming like 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and 'Chappelle's Show', alongside local public affairs shows.

What was the dispute that led to WADL dropping The CW affiliation in October 2023?

The dispute arose from Nexstar's request for Adell Broadcasting to sign a transitional affiliation agreement before the station's sale to Mission Broadcasting was finalized. Kevin Adell sought payment from Nexstar as part of any affiliation agreement.

What were the FCC's conditions on the sale of WADL to Mission Broadcasting in April 2024?

The FCC approved the sale with conditions including that Nexstar could not finance Mission's purchase, any shared services agreement (SSA) must limit Nexstar's performance bonuses and ad revenues, and the SSA could not include an option for Nexstar to purchase WADL outright.

What programming is available on WADL's digital subchannel 38.2?

WADL's digital subchannel 38.2 broadcasts CBN News.

What programming is available on WADL's digital subchannel 38.8?

WADL's digital subchannel 38.8 broadcasts programming from The Word Network.

When did WADL transition from analog to digital broadcasts?

WADL transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts on June 12, 2009, the official date mandated by the federal government for full-power television stations in the United States.

What was the initial purpose of WADL's digital subchannels 38.2 and 38.3 when digital broadcasting began?

Initially, WADL carried Universal Sports on 38.2 and The Word Network on 38.3 when it began digital broadcasting.

What was the estimated value of WADL in the 2014 FCC spectrum auction?

The estimated value for WADL in the 2014 FCC spectrum auction ranged between $170 million and $380 million.

Wadl Tv Wiki: Detroit's Broadcast Beacon: WADL Channel 38

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About WADL

Location & Market

WADL is a television station licensed to Mount Clemens, Michigan, serving the expansive Detroit metropolitan area. It operates as a key player within this significant media market.

Affiliation & Ownership

The station is currently affiliated with MyNetworkTV. It is locally owned and operated by Adell Broadcasting Corporation, a company with deep roots in the Detroit media landscape.

Facilities & Sister Companies

WADL maintains its studios and transmitter facilities in Clinton Township, Michigan. Its owner, Adell Broadcasting, also operates sister entities including the talk radio station WFDF and the religious broadcaster The Word Network.

Signal Reach

Due to its transmitter's location and tower height, WADL's over-the-air signal has limitations, particularly in the western and southwestern parts of the Detroit metro area, as well as in Windsor and Essex County, Ontario. Consequently, the station relies heavily on cable and satellite carriage to ensure comprehensive market coverage.

Station History

Early Years & Affiliations

WADL's journey began with an application in 1985, but it officially signed on May 20, 1989. Initially, its programming consisted primarily of home shopping, religious content, movies, and syndicated music videos. In 1992, it began airing preempted CBS programming from WJBK, though it struggled to gain traction against established stations. Talks for a direct CBS affiliation failed, leading CBS to affiliate with WGPR-TV (WWJ-TV).

Evolving Programming

From 1998 to 2003, WADL carried children's programming blocks from Fox Kids, later FoxBox and 4KidsTV. It also aired NBC's "Passions" soap opera for a period. In 2007, WADL rebranded as "Detroit's Urban Station," focusing on programming relevant to the African-American community and acquiring popular syndicated shows, aiming to become a voice for the city's diverse population.

Network Shifts & Challenges

In 2014, David Bangura was appointed president, signaling a new phase for the station. A significant shift occurred in July 2021 when WADL became the new MyNetworkTV affiliate for Detroit, replacing WMYD. More recently, the station experienced a brief, tumultuous affiliation with The CW in late 2023, marked by disputes with Nexstar Media Group and ultimately leading to the termination of that agreement.

Ownership & Regulatory Hurdles

The station's ownership has been a subject of significant regulatory attention. An attempted sale to Mission Broadcasting for $75 million in 2023 faced objections and FCC scrutiny due to proposed operational control agreements with Nexstar. Despite initial FCC approval with conditions in April 2024, the sale was ultimately called off in May 2024. A new sale attempt was announced in September 2024.

Programming Highlights

Special Broadcasts

WADL has demonstrated flexibility in its programming. In June 2013, it broadcast Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, allowing WDIV-TV to air local fireworks. Between 2013 and 2014, WADL aired various NBC network programs that its primary affiliate, WDIV-TV, could not carry.

Sports & Network Preemptions

From 2015 onwards, WADL has been utilized by Fox Television Stations to carry Fox prime time programming preempted by WJBK due to Detroit Lions preseason football games, showcasing its role in accommodating network scheduling needs.

Local News Efforts

WADL has made attempts at local news production. In the 1990s, it aired rebroadcasts of WJBK's newscasts. More recently, it launched short-lived noon and 9 PM newscasts in 2012. In 2020, it introduced "News Now with Kevin Dietz," focusing on in-depth local and state politics, aiming for a distinct niche in the Detroit news market.

Technical Specifications

Channel Information

WADL broadcasts on digital channel 27 (UHF) with a virtual channel of 38. Historically, it operated on analog channel 38 from 1989 to 2009 and digital channel 39 from 2000 to 2020. The station's effective radiated power (ERP) is 605 kW, with a height above average terrain (HAAT) of 187 meters (614 ft).

Subchannel Offerings

WADL multiplexes its signal to offer multiple programming streams:

Channel	Res.	Aspect	Short Name	Programming
38.1	1080i	16:9	WADL-HD	MyNetworkTV
38.2	1080i	16:9	CBNNews	CBN News
38.3	480i	16:9	Quest	Quest
38.4	480i	16:9	MVSGLD	MovieSphere Gold
38.5	480i	16:9	JTV	Jewelry TV
38.6	480i	16:9	Crime	True Crime Network
38.7	480i	16:9	HSN	HSN
38.8	480i	16:9	WORD	The Word Network

Spectrum & Relocation

WADL participated in the FCC's voluntary incentive auction in 2014, anticipating a significant payout for its spectrum. Although initially slated for relocation, the station ultimately remained on its frequency. The station was permitted to delay its move from UHF 39 to UHF 27 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, completing the transition in March 2020.

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References

Scripps Buying Granite TVs in Buffalo, Detroit, TVNewsCheck, Retrieved February 10, 2014

Form of Station Services Agreement

A full list of references for this article are available at the WADL (TV) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional media advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcast operations, media law, or FCC regulations. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Detroit's Broadcast Beacon

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About WADL 📺

📍 Location & Market

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🏢 Facilities & Sister Companies

📡 Signal Reach

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🚀 Early Years & Affiliations

📺 Evolving Programming

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📻 Spectrum & Relocation

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About WADL

Location & Market

Affiliation & Ownership

Facilities & Sister Companies

Signal Reach

Station History

Early Years & Affiliations

Evolving Programming

Network Shifts & Challenges

Ownership & Regulatory Hurdles

Programming Highlights

Special Broadcasts

Sports & Network Preemptions

Local News Efforts

Technical Specifications

Channel Information

Subchannel Offerings

Spectrum & Relocation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice