What is Weigel Broadcasting Co. and where is it headquartered?

Weigel Broadcasting Co. is an American television broadcasting company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its flagship station, WCIU-TV (Channel 26), located in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood.

When was Weigel Broadcasting Co. founded, and by whom?

Weigel Broadcasting Co. was founded on June 4, 1964, by John Weigel, a veteran of broadcasting whose career began in the 1930s.

What was the initial capital and the first station established by Weigel Broadcasting?

The company was founded with $1,000 of John Weigel's own money and an additional $1,000 from his attorney, Daniel J. McCarthy. With this capital, Weigel acquired the license for the first UHF television station in the Chicago area, which became WCIU, signing on the air on February 6, 1964.

How did the ownership of Weigel Broadcasting change shortly after its founding?

Just one year after WCIU signed on the air in 1964, the company underwent a successful hostile takeover in 1965, with the Shapiro family becoming the new owners.

In what adjacent markets did Weigel Broadcasting expand its operations in its early years?

Weigel Broadcasting expanded its reach into the adjacent markets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and South Bend, Indiana. Initially, this involved placing WCIU translators in these areas to establish a presence before programming stations independently.

How did Weigel Broadcasting benefit from the television industry realignment of 1994-1995?

During the television industry realignment of 1994-1995, Weigel Broadcasting unexpectedly gained affiliations for its stations. WDJT-TV in Milwaukee secured the CBS affiliation, and WBND-LP in South Bend became the ABC affiliate, after the long-standing affiliates in those markets switched to Fox and no other viable replacements were found.

What significant programming change occurred for WCIU-TV in 1995?

In 1995, WCIU-TV dropped its affiliation with the Spanish-language Univision network. This change allowed WCIU to become Chicago's only true full-power independent station, enabling it to pursue sports rights and syndicated programming that were previously unavailable, thereby strengthening its market position.

How did the MeTV concept originate within Weigel Broadcasting?

The MeTV concept first appeared as a programming block that debuted on January 6, 2003, on WFBT-CA (channel 23) in Chicago, an independent station that primarily featured ethnic programming. It later evolved into a national network.

What was Weigel Broadcasting's strategic move in the Milwaukee market in April 2008?

In April 2008, Weigel Broadcasting acquired WJJA-TV in Racine, Wisconsin, which provided the company with its second full-power station in the Milwaukee market. This station initially carried a local version of MeTV before its programming format was switched with another station in August 2012.

What national subchannel network did Weigel Broadcasting launch in July 2008, and with whom was it a joint venture?

In July 2008, Weigel Broadcasting announced the creation of This TV, a national subchannel network. This venture was operated as a joint partnership with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

What was the outcome of Weigel Broadcasting's agreement to sell its South Bend stations in 2008?

In August 2008, Weigel Broadcasting agreed to sell its three South Bend stations to Schurz Communications. However, the deal was ultimately called off in August 2009 due to a lack of action from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

What lifestyle news program did Weigel Broadcasting launch in late 2009?

Weigel Broadcasting launched 'You and Me This Morning,' an interstitial program focused on lifestyle news, in the fourth quarter of 2009. It aired on WCIU-TV's first two subchannels.

What recognition did Weigel Broadcasting receive from Broadcasting & Cable at the end of 2009?

At the end of 2009, Broadcasting & Cable honored Weigel Broadcasting with its first annual Multi-Platform Broadcaster of the Year award, acknowledging the company's effective use of digital TV's multicast capabilities.

When and how did Weigel Broadcasting announce the national expansion of MeTV?

On November 22, 2010, Weigel Broadcasting announced its intention to take the MeTV concept national. This move aimed to compete directly with other classic television networks like RTV and Antenna TV, while also complementing its sister network, This TV.

What changes occurred with WCIU's digital subchannels in late 2010 and early 2011?

On December 1, 2010, WCIU dropped its FBT foreign broadcasting digital subchannel. On January 5, 2011, a new digital network called 'The U Too' was officially launched on WCIU digital subchannel 26.2, replacing MeTV on that slot. MeTV moved to WCIU digital subchannel 26.3 on December 15, 2010, and 'The U Too' primarily featured purchased programming, second runs, or content that had low ratings on the main WCIU schedule.

What was the significance of the January 4, 2011, announcement regarding MeTV?

On January 4, 2011, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and Weigel Broadcasting jointly announced plans to distribute the MeTV network nationwide, expanding its reach beyond local markets.

What new digital subchannel network did Weigel Broadcasting partner with Fox Television Stations to create in 2013?

On January 28, 2013, Weigel Broadcasting entered into a partnership with Fox Television Stations to create a new digital subchannel network named 'Movies!'. This network was slated to debut on Fox's owned-and-operated stations in the spring of 2013.

What change occurred regarding the operations of This TV in May 2013?

On May 13, 2013, Weigel Broadcasting announced that Tribune Broadcasting would take over the operations of This TV starting November 1. Following this transition, the channel was scheduled to move to a subchannel of WGN-TV.

What was TouchVision, and when did it cease operations?

TouchVision was a new subchannel service launched by Weigel on July 1, 2013, providing a rolling news and information service designed for multiple platforms, including television, mobile, and tablets. It was based in Weigel's Chicago facilities and was run by Lee Abrams and Brandon Davis. TouchVision ceased operations on January 14, 2016.

What is the focus of the 'Heroes & Icons' digital subchannel launched by Weigel in 2014?

Heroes & Icons (H&I), launched on September 29, 2014, is a digital subchannel that specializes in reruns of classic television series and films. It targets a generally male audience with programming from genres such as action, police, detective, western, science fiction, superhero, and war and military.

What new digital subchannel network did Weigel and CBS announce in October 2014?

On October 21, 2014, Weigel and CBS announced the launch of a new digital subchannel service called 'Decades'. This channel, co-owned by Weigel and CBS, was scheduled to launch on all CBS owned-and-operated stations in 2015 and would feature programming from CBS Television Distribution's library, including archival footage from CBS News.

What was significant about Weigel Broadcasting's acquisition of KCSG in Cedar City, Utah, in 2017?

The acquisition of KCSG in Cedar City, Utah, for $1.1 million in July 2017, marked Weigel's first station purchase outside of a state bordering Lake Michigan. Prior to this, all of Weigel's properties were located in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The sale closed on December 5, 2017.

Which major markets did Weigel Broadcasting expand into through acquisitions announced in September 2017?

In September 2017, Weigel Broadcasting announced agreements to purchase KAZA-TV in Los Angeles, California, for $9 million, and KNLC in St. Louis, Missouri, for $3.75 million. These acquisitions represented significant market expansions for the company.

What new digital subchannel network focused on women-led dramas was launched in partnership with CBS in 2018?

On July 18, 2018, CBS Television Stations and Weigel Broadcasting announced the formation of Start TV. This network, which launched on Labor Day of that year, focuses on women-led police procedurals and procedural dramas.

What was the purpose of the 'Heroes & Icons' (H&I) digital subchannel when it launched?

Heroes & Icons (H&I), launched on September 29, 2014, was designed to attract a generally male audience by specializing in reruns of classic television series and films from genres such as action, police, detective, western, science fiction, superhero, and war and military.

What is the primary focus of the 'MeTV Toons' network launched in June 2024?

MeTV Toons, launched on June 25, 2024, focuses on classic animation, featuring content from partners like Warner Bros. Discovery. It airs beloved cartoons such as Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, Tom and Jerry, and The Flintstones, among others.

What type of programming will the 'WEST' network, scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, feature?

WEST, which stands for Western Entertainment Series Television, is set to launch in the fall of 2025 and will exclusively air classic TV westerns. Programming will include iconic series like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Maverick, and Rawhide.

What is the current number of television stations and digital over-the-air television networks owned by Weigel Broadcasting?

As of the provided information, Weigel Broadcasting owns 25 television stations and seven digital over-the-air television networks, in addition to one radio station.

What is the role of Norman Shapiro and Neal Sabin within Weigel Broadcasting?

Norman Shapiro serves as the chairman and president of Weigel Broadcasting. Neal Sabin holds the positions of vice chairman and president of Content & Networks.

What is the industry classification for Weigel Broadcasting Co.?

Weigel Broadcasting Co. operates within the Mass Media industry and is classified as a privately held company.

What is the focus of the 'Story Television' network launched in March 2022?

Story Television, launched on March 28, 2022, is a digital multicast network that concentrates on historical and factual programming. It leverages the library of the cable network History to expand its non-fiction offerings beyond existing content like 'Through the Decades'.

How was the 'Decades' network rebranded in March 2023?

On March 27, 2023, the 'Decades' network was rebranded as 'Catchy Comedy'. The new network focuses on classic sitcoms during weekdays and features comedy marathons on weekends.

What is the nature of Weigel Broadcasting's involvement with the 'Dabl' channel since December 2023?

Since December 29, 2023, Weigel Broadcasting has taken over the operations of the 'Dabl' channel. While CBS Media Ventures still fully owns the network, Weigel manages its operations, which now pivot towards Black-oriented sitcoms owned by Paramount Global.

Which television station in Chicago serves as Weigel Broadcasting's flagship?

WCIU-TV (Channel 26) in Chicago, Illinois, serves as the flagship station for Weigel Broadcasting Co.

What is the significance of the '**' symbol next to certain stations in the 'Television stations' list?

The '**' symbol next to certain television stations, such as WCIU-TV and WDJT-TV, indicates that these stations were built and signed on by Weigel Broadcasting itself.

What is the focus of the 'Heroes & Icons' (H&I) network?

Heroes & Icons (H&I) is a digital subchannel network that specializes in reruns of classic television series and films, particularly those in the genres of action, police, detective, western, science fiction, superhero, and war and military, aiming to attract a male audience.

What type of programming does 'Start TV' feature?

Start TV, a joint venture with CBS News and Stations, focuses on dramas led by female characters, including police and legal procedurals, and launched on September 3, 2018.

What is the primary content of the 'MeTV' network?

MeTV, which stands for Memorable Entertainment Television, primarily features classic programming and launched as a national network on January 1, 2005, after originating as a block in Chicago.

What is the purpose of the 'MeTV+' network?

MeTV+, launched on May 15, 2021, is an extension of the MeTV brand, offering additional classic series that may also air on other Weigel stations like MeTV and H&I.

What is the focus of the 'Catchy Comedy' network?

Catchy Comedy, which rebranded from Decades in March 2023, centers its programming on classic sitcoms, airing them throughout the weekdays and featuring comedy marathons on weekends.

What is the content focus of 'Story Television'?

Story Television, launched in March 2022, is dedicated to historical and factual programming, drawing from the library of the History Channel to offer educational and informative content.

What is the main programming genre for the 'WEST' network?

The WEST (Western Entertainment Series Television) network, set to launch in Fall 2025, will exclusively feature classic television westerns.

What radio station does Weigel Broadcasting operate, and what is its branding?

Weigel Broadcasting operates the radio station WRME-LD at 87.7 FM in Chicago, Illinois, which is branded as 'MeTV FM'. It also broadcasts a TV signal on digital channel 6.

What was the initial funding for Weigel Broadcasting Co.?

Weigel Broadcasting Co. was initially funded with $1,000 from founder John Weigel and another $1,000 from his attorney, Daniel J. McCarthy, totaling $2,000.

How did Weigel Broadcasting utilize translators to expand into new markets?

Weigel Broadcasting initially used translators to place WCIU's programming into adjacent markets like Milwaukee and South Bend, establishing a foothold before developing independent programming for stations in those areas.

What role did WGN-TV and WPWR-TV play in WCIU-TV becoming an independent station?

When WGN-TV joined The WB and WPWR-TV joined UPN, it created an opportunity for WCIU-TV to become Chicago's sole full-power independent station, as other stations like WGBO-TV became affiliated with networks like Univision.

What was the significance of the 2016 FCC spectrum auction for Weigel Broadcasting?

Weigel Broadcasting sold the spectrum of its station WMLW-CA for $69.7 million in the 2016 FCC auction. WMLW-CA itself was then re-transitioned to the spectrum of WBME-CD.

What is the stated aim of the 'Heroes & Icons' (H&I) network?

The 'Heroes & Icons' (H&I) network aims to attract a generally male audience by programming classic television series and films from genres such as action, police, detective, western, science fiction, superhero, and war and military.

What is the relationship between Weigel Broadcasting and CBS Television Stations regarding 'Start TV'?

Weigel Broadcasting and CBS Television Stations formed a joint venture to create 'Start TV', a digital subchannel network focusing on women-led dramas, police, and legal procedurals.

What is the focus of the 'MeTV Toons' network?

MeTV Toons, launched in June 2024, is dedicated to airing classic cartoons, including popular series like Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, and Scooby-Doo.

What is the purpose of the 'WEST' network, scheduled for Fall 2025?

The 'WEST' (Western Entertainment Series Television) network is scheduled to launch in Fall 2025 with a focus on classic TV westerns, featuring shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Virginian.

Weigel Broadcasting Wiki: Weigel Broadcasting: A Broadcast Empire Unveiled

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Company Overview

Corporate Identity

Weigel Broadcasting Co. is a privately held American media company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1964 by John Weigel, it has grown into a significant player in the broadcasting industry, currently owning 25 television stations, seven digital over-the-air television networks, and one radio station.

Operational Hub

The company's flagship station, WCIU-TV (Channel 26), operates from its base at 26 North Halsted Street in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood. This central location serves as the operational heart for much of its diverse media ventures.

Market Reach

Weigel Broadcasting's influence extends beyond Chicago, with stations and networks reaching numerous markets across the United States. Its strategic use of digital multicast channels has allowed it to build a substantial national presence, particularly with its classic television networks.

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years

Founded by broadcasting veteran John Weigel, the company began with the purchase of a UHF television station license in Chicago. WCIU signed on the air in February 1964, marking an early foray into the UHF spectrum. However, the company's trajectory shifted significantly in 1965 when it was acquired by the Shapiro family.

Market Expansion and Realignment

Weigel expanded its reach into Milwaukee and South Bend by initially using translators before establishing independent programming. The television industry realignment of 1994-95 proved pivotal, enabling Weigel's stations, like WDJT-TV in Milwaukee and WBND-LP in South Bend, to secure network affiliations with ABC and CBS respectively, often filling gaps left by other stations.

Innovation in Digital Broadcasting

A key strategic move was the development of digital multicast networks. The MeTV concept originated as a programming block in 2003, later expanding nationally. This strategy, alongside networks like This TV and later Movies!, H&I, Start TV, and Story Television, demonstrated Weigel's adeptness at leveraging digital television's capabilities to create diverse content offerings.

Major Assets

Television Stations

Weigel Broadcasting operates a significant portfolio of television stations across various markets. These stations are often structured under limited partnerships, reflecting strategic financial management and growth.

Weigel Broadcasting Television Stations
City of license / Market	Station	Channel TV (RF)	Owned since	Network affiliation
Phoenix, AZ	KMEE-TV	6 (19)	2020	MeTV (DT1) MeTV+ (DT2) Story Television (DT3) MeTV Toons (DT4) WEST (DT5)
Phoenix, AZ	KMEE-LD	40 (32)	2020
Clarksville, AR	KKME-LD	3 (31)	2025	Catchy Comedy (DT1) MeTV Toons (DT2) MeTV+ (DT3) Movies! (DT4) Story Television (DT5) WEST (DT6)
Los Angeles, CA	KHTV-CD	6 (22)	2021	MeTV+
	KPOM-CD	14 (27)	2021	Catchy Comedy (DT1) OnTV4U (DT12)
	KSFV-CD	27 (27)	2021	MeTV Toons (DT1) WEST (DT2) Jewelry Television (DT3)
	KAZA-TV	54 (22)	2018	MeTV (DT1) Story Television (DT2) MeTV Toons (DT3) WEST (DT4) Heroes & Icons (DT5)
	KVME-TV	20 (20)	2021	Jewelry Television (DT1) WEST (DT2) MeTV Toons (DT3)
San Francisco, CA	KAXT-CD	1 (22)	2019	Catchy Comedy
San Francisco, CA	KTLN-TV	68 (22)	2019	Heroes & Icons (DT1) MeTV (DT2) Story Television (DT3) MeTV+ (DT4) Quest (DT5) MeTV Toons (DT6) WEST (DT7)
Glenwood Springs, CO	KREG-TV	3 (23)	2020	MeTV (DT1) Heroes & Icons (DT2) Start TV (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) Movies! (DT5) MeTV+ (DT6) Story Television (DT7) MeTV Toons (DT8) WEST (DT9)
Hartford–New Haven, CT	WHCT-LD	35 (35)	2021	MeTV (DT1) Heroes & Icons (DT2) Start TV (DT3) Movies! (DT4) Catchy Comedy (DT5) MeTV+ (DT6) Story Television (DT7) MeTV Toons (DT8) Dabl (DT9) WEST (DT10)
Washington, D.C.	WDME-CD	48 (20)	2021	MeTV (DT1) Story Television (DT2) Catchy Comedy (DT3) MeTV+ (DT4) MeTV Toons (DT5) Dabl (DT6) WEST (DT7) OnTV4U (DT12)
Jacksonville, FL	WJKF-CD	9 (11)	2025	Story Television (DT1) WEST (DT2) OnTV4U (DT12)
Ocala, FL	W30EM-D	30 (30)	2021	Independent
Chicago, IL	WWME-CD	23 (20)	1992	MeTV (DT1) Heroes & Icons (DT2) OnTV4U (DT12)
	WCIU-TV **	26 (23)	1964	Independent (DT1) The U Too (DT2) MeTV (DT3) Heroes & Icons (DT4) Story Television (DT5) Catchy Comedy (DT6) MeTV Toons (DT7) WEST (DT8)
	WMEU-CD	48 (18)	2004	Independent (DT1) Start TV (DT2) Catchy Comedy (DT3) MeTV+ (DT4)
Rockford, IL	WFBN-LD	35 (23)	1989	Heroes & Icons (DT1) Telemundo (DT2) Story Television (DT3)
Evansville, IN	WZDS-LD	5 (18)	2021	Heroes & Icons (DT1) Start TV (DT2) Movies! (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) Story Television (DT5) Dabl (DT6) WEST (DT7)
Indianapolis, IN	WJSJ-CD	51 (14)	2025	Dabl (DT1) MeTV Toons (DT2) WEST (DT3) Infomercials (DT12)
South Bend, IN	WCWW-LD	25 (25)	2002	The CW (DT1) Start TV (DT2) MeTV Toons (DT3) MeTV+ (DT4) Story Television (DT5) WEST (DT6) OnTV4U (DT12)
	WBND-LD	57 (35)	1990	ABC (DT1) MeTV (DT2) Movies! (DT3) Heroes & Icons (soon) (DT4)
	WMYS-LD	69 (28)	1987	MyNetworkTV (DT1) Telemundo (DT2) Catchy Comedy (DT3) Dabl (DT4)
Des Moines, IA	KDIT-CD	45 (17)	2021	Catchy Comedy (DT1) Movies! (DT2) Start TV (DT3) MeTV Toons (DT4) WEST (DT5) Infomercials (DT12)
St. Louis, MO	KNLC	24 (14)	2017	MeTV (DT1) MeTV Toons (DT2) Heroes & Icons (DT3) Movies! (DT4) Catchy Comedy (DT5) Start TV (DT6) WEST (DT7) Story Television (DT8) Dabl (DT9) MeTV+ (DT10)
Carlsbad, NM	KKAC	19 (19)	2022	Story Television (DT1) Catchy Comedy (DT2) Start TV (DT3) Movies! (DT4) MeTV Toons (DT5) Dabl (DT6) WEST (DT7)
Silver City, NM	KKAD	10 (10)	2022	Start TV (DT1) Catchy Comedy (DT2) Story Television (DT3) Movies! (DT4) MeTV Toons (DT5) Dabl (DT6) WEST (DT7)
Truth or Consequences, NM	KKAB	12 (12)	2025	WEST (DT1) Start TV (DT2) Dabl (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) MeTV Toons (DT5) Movies! (DT6) Story Television (DT7)
Ely, NV	KKEL	27 (27)	2024	Story Television (DT1) Catchy Comedy (DT2) Start TV (DT3) Heroes & Icons (DT4) WEST (DT5) MeTV (DT6) Movies! (DT7) MeTV Toons (DT8) Dabl (DT9) MeTV+ (DT10)
Tonopah, NV	KBWT	9 (9)	2022	Dabl (DT1) Catchy Comedy (DT2) WEST (DT3)
New York, NY	WJLP	33 (3)	2021	MeTV (DT1) MeTV Toons (DT2) Laff (DT3) WEST (DT4) The Nest (DT6) Story Television (DT7) MeTV+ (DT8)
	WNWT-LD	37 (3)	2021	Story Television
	WZME	43 (21)	2021	Story Television (DT1) MeTV+ (DT2) MeTV (DT3) MeTV Toons (DT4) Retro TV (DT8) Heartland (DT9) OnTV4U (DT12)
Cleveland, OH	WOCV-CD	35 (27)	2022	Catchy Comedy (DT1) Story Television (DT2) MeTV Toons (DT3) Movies! (DT4) Dabl (DT5) WEST (DT6) Infomercials (DT12)
Astoria, OR	KPWT-LD	3 (36)	2021	Heroes & Icons (DT1) Start TV (DT2) Movies! (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) MeTV+ (DT5) Story Television (DT6) MeTV (DT7) Dabl (DT8) WEST (DT9)
Nashville, TN	WJFB	44 (25)	2020	MeTV (DT1) Heroes & Icons (DT2) Start TV (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) Movies! (DT5) WEST (DT6) Story Television (DT7) MeTV Toons (DT8) MeTV+ (DT10) OnTV4U (DT12)
Dallas–Fort Worth, TX	KAZD	55 (31)	2020	WEST (DT1) MeTV (DT2) MeTV Toons (DT3) MeTV+ (DT4) Story Television (DT5) Catchy Comedy (DT6)
Houston, TX	KYAZ	51 (25)	2020	MeTV (DT1) MeTV+ (DT2) Dabl (DT3) Story Television (DT4) WEST (DT5) Infomercials (DT12)
Salt Lake City, UT	KCSG	8 (14)	2017	MeTV (DT1) Catchy Comedy (DT2) Start TV (DT3) Heroes & Icons (DT4) WEST (DT5) Story Television (DT6) Movies! (DT7) MeTV Toons (DT8) Dabl (DT9) MeTV+ (DT10)
Yorktown, VA	WYSJ-CD	19 (36)	2025	Story Television (DT1) WEST (DT2) OnTV4U (DT12)
Seattle–Bellingham, WA	KFFV	44 (16)	2018	MeTV (DT1) Movies! (DT2) Heroes & Icons (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) MeTV+ (DT5) Story Television (DT6) MeTV Toons (DT7) WEST (DT8) OnTV4U (DT12)
Seattle–Bellingham, WA	KVOS-TV	12 (14)	2018	Univision (DT1) Movies! (DT2) MeTV (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) Start TV (DT5) MeTV+ (DT6) Story Television (DT7) Heroes & Icons (DT8) MeTV Toons (DT9)
Green Bay, WI	WMEI **	31 (31)	2024	MeTV (DT1) MeTV Toons (DT2) Story Television (DT3) WEST (DT4) Movies! (DT5) Telemundo (DT6) Catchy Comedy (DT7) Dabl (DT8) MeTV+ (DT9)
Milwaukee, WI	WBME-CD	41 (17)	1983	MeTV
	WMLW-TV	49 (17)	2008	Independent (DT1) Movies! (DT2) Heroes & Icons (DT3) Catchy Comedy (DT4) MeTV Toons (DT5)
	WDJT-TV **	58 (29)	1988	CBS (DT1) MeTV (DT2) Independent (DT3) Telemundo (DT4) Start TV (DT5)
	WYTU-LD	63 (16)	1989	Telemundo (DT1) Start TV (DT2) WEST (DT3) MeTV+ (DT4) OnTV4U (DT12)

Television Networks

Weigel Broadcasting is renowned for its successful digital multicast networks, each catering to specific programming niches:

Catchy Comedy: Launched as Decades, rebranded to focus on classic sitcoms.
Dabl: Owned by CBS Media Ventures, managed by Weigel since 2023, featuring Black-oriented sitcoms.
Heroes & Icons (H&I): Specializes in action, adventure, westerns, crime dramas, sci-fi, and superhero series.
MeTV (Memorable Entertainment Television): A flagship network dedicated to classic television programming.
MeTV+: An extension of MeTV, offering additional classic series.
MeTV Toons: A recent launch focusing on classic animated content, often in partnership with major studios.
Movies!: A joint venture with Fox Television Stations, showcasing a library of feature films.
Start TV: A partnership with CBS, featuring women-led dramas and legal/police procedurals.
Story Television: Focuses on historical and factual programming, leveraging content libraries from partners.
WEST (Western Entertainment Series Television): Scheduled for launch, dedicated to classic TV westerns.

Radio Station

In addition to television, Weigel operates "MeTV FM" (WRME-LD 87.7FM) in Chicago, a station that broadcasts both an FM radio signal and a TV signal on digital channel 6, playing classic hits and featuring programming from the MeTV brand.

Network Portfolio

Flagship Networks

Weigel Broadcasting has built a robust portfolio of digital multicast networks that have achieved significant national reach. These networks leverage classic content libraries to attract dedicated audiences.

MeTV: The cornerstone network, offering a vast array of beloved classic television series.
Heroes & Icons (H&I): Curated for viewers who appreciate action, westerns, and genre television.
Movies!: Provides a continuous stream of classic films across various genres.

Expanding Offerings

The company continues to innovate by launching new networks and rebranding existing ones to meet evolving viewer preferences:

Catchy Comedy: Rebranded from Decades, this network centers on popular sitcoms.
Story Television: Focuses on historical and documentary content, broadening the company's factual programming.
MeTV Toons: A recent addition targeting animation enthusiasts with classic cartoons.
WEST: Slated for launch, this network will cater to fans of classic Western television series.

Strategic Partnerships

Several of Weigel's networks are operated as joint ventures or through management agreements, demonstrating strategic collaborations within the industry:

Dabl: Managed by Weigel, this network is owned by CBS Media Ventures and focuses on Black-oriented sitcoms.
Start TV: A partnership with CBS, featuring programming targeted towards a female demographic.
Movies!: A joint venture with Fox Television Stations, ensuring access to a wide range of film content.

Key Programming

Signature Shows

Weigel Broadcasting is particularly known for its programming blocks and shows that celebrate classic television and niche genres. These programs often become cultural touchstones for fans of vintage entertainment.

Svengoolie: A long-running horror-comedy program hosted by Rich Koz, featuring classic horror films with comedic commentary.
Toon In with Me: A modern take on classic cartoon showcases, hosted by Bill Leff and Colleen Smith.
Collector's Call: A series that explores unique collections of pop culture memorabilia.

Defunct Ventures

Over its history, Weigel has also operated and launched networks and programs that have since ceased operations, reflecting the dynamic nature of the media landscape:

TouchVision: A news and information service that operated from 2013 to 2016.
Through the Decades: A network focused on historical programming, which preceded the launch of Story Television.
First Business: A business news program that was part of the company's early offerings.

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References

John Weigel â Man of UHF, The Video Veteran/Chicago Television

Weigel Broadcasting Taking Me-TV National, Chicago Tribune, November 22, 2010

Weigel Broadcasting's Me-TV Goes National, Broadcasting & Cable, November 23, 2010

WCUU Launches The U Too Subchannel, Broadcasting & Cable, October 5, 2010

MGM, Weigel Taking Me-TV Nationwide, Broadcasting & Cable, January 4, 2011

TVNewsCheck.com - Station trading roundup 2 deals for $5.5 Million

"Weigel Captures Four Properties From HC2", RBR-TVBR, November 2, 2020, Retrieved November 7, 2020.

https://www.weigelbroadcasting.com/national/metv-toons

https://www.metv.com/metvplus

https://www.weigelbroadcasting.com/local/metvfm

A full list of references for this article are available at the Weigel Broadcasting Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an AI, drawing upon publicly available information. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content is based on a snapshot of data and may not reflect the absolute latest developments or nuances of Weigel Broadcasting Co.'s operations.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, business, or legal advice. Always consult official company resources and qualified professionals for specific guidance related to media, business, or legal matters.

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

Weigel Broadcasting: A Broadcast Empire

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Company Overview ℹ️

🏢 Corporate Identity

📍 Operational Hub

🌐 Market Reach

Historical Trajectory 📈

📜 Founding and Early Years

🔄 Market Expansion and Realignment

💡 Innovation in Digital Broadcasting

Major Assets 📊

📺 Television Stations

📡 Television Networks

📻 Radio Station

Network Portfolio 🎬

🌟 Flagship Networks

✨ Expanding Offerings

🤝 Strategic Partnerships

Key Programming 📺

🎬 Signature Shows

⏳ Defunct Ventures

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Company Overview

Corporate Identity

Operational Hub

Market Reach

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years

Market Expansion and Realignment

Innovation in Digital Broadcasting

Major Assets

Television Stations

Television Networks

Radio Station

Network Portfolio

Flagship Networks

Expanding Offerings

Strategic Partnerships

Key Programming

Signature Shows

Defunct Ventures

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice