WPMT: A Chronicle of Broadcast Evolution
An in-depth exploration of WPMT, the Fox affiliate serving the Susquehanna Valley, detailing its history, operational evolution, and technical advancements.
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Station Overview
Market Presence
WPMT, licensed to York, Pennsylvania, is the designated Fox affiliate for the Susquehanna Valley region. It serves as a key broadcast entity within the HarrisburgโYorkโLebanonโLancaster media market.
Ownership and Operations
Currently owned by Tegna Inc., WPMT operates with studios located in Spring Garden Township. Its broadcast signal is transmitted from a shared antenna facility in Susquehanna Township, in collaboration with WITF-TV, under a channel-sharing agreement.
Signal and Reach
The station broadcasts digitally on UHF channel 36, sharing spectrum with WITF-TV. Its virtual channel is 43. Additionally, WPMT is rebroadcast via translator W20EU-D in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, extending its reach.
Historical Trajectory
Early Beginnings
WPMT commenced operations on December 21, 1952, as WSBA-TV. Initially affiliated with ABC, it was among the pioneering UHF commercial television stations in the United States, utilizing commercially manufactured equipment. This early adoption marks it as the oldest continuously broadcasting UHF station nationally.
Keystone Network Era
In 1963, the station transitioned to a CBS affiliation and became part of the Keystone Network, alongside WHP-TV and WLYH-TV. This collaborative arrangement ensured broader coverage across the market during an era before widespread cable penetration.
Independent and Fox Affiliation
In April 1983, Mohawk Broadcasting acquired WSBA-TV, rebranding it as WPMT and shifting its programming to a general entertainment independent format. This era concluded on October 9, 1986, when WPMT became a charter affiliate of the newly established Fox network.
Ownership Transitions
Acquired by Renaissance Communications in 1990 and subsequently by Tribune Broadcasting in 1996, WPMT navigated several ownership changes. Notably, attempts by Sinclair Broadcast Group to acquire the station were complicated by regulatory concerns, leading to termination of the deal. Later, Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of Tribune Media necessitated the sale of WPMT to Tegna Inc. in 2019.
News Operations
Re-establishment of News
Following its transition to Fox in 1986, WPMT began rebuilding its news department. The flagship "Fox 43 News at Ten" premiered in 1994, initially as a half-hour weekday broadcast, later expanding to an hour and incorporating weekend editions.
Morning News Expansion
The station significantly expanded its local news commitment with the introduction of the "Fox 43 Morning News" at 7 a.m. in 2006. This program underwent progressive expansion, eventually broadcasting five hours on weekday mornings, starting as early as 4 a.m. by 2013.
Technical Advancements
WPMT was a pioneer in local news broadcasting technology within its market. It was the first station in Central Pennsylvania to broadcast local newscasts in high definition in January 2011, upgrading its ENG vehicles, studio equipment, and field cameras to support true HD production.
Program Schedule Evolution
The station's evening news programming also saw significant development, with the addition of a 6:30 p.m. newscast in 2009 and a 11 p.m. newscast in 2010. Further adjustments included the expansion of the 5 p.m. hour and the introduction of a 4 p.m. newscast in 2013.
Technical Specifications
Digital Broadcasting
WPMT operates on digital channel 36 (virtual channel 43). The station's spectrum was sold in the 2016-2017 FCC incentive auction, necessitating a channel sharing agreement with WITF-TV.
Subchannel Offerings
WPMT's digital multiplexing includes its primary Fox affiliation on 43.1. It also carries Antenna TV on 43.2, providing classic programming. The station previously carried a 24-hour news channel and This TV on other subchannels.
| License | Channel | Res. | Aspect | Short Name | Programming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPMT | 43.1 | 720p | 16:9 | WPMT-DT | |
| WPMT | 43.2 | 480i | 4:3 | Antenna |
Analog Sunset
WPMT ceased analog broadcasting on June 12, 2009, as part of the nationwide transition to digital television. Its digital signal continued on its pre-transition UHF channel 47, utilizing virtual channel 43.
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References
References
- WPMT Morning News Expands to 5 Hours, TVNewsCheck, February 11, 2013.
- WPMT York, Pa., Adding 6:30 P.M. News, TVNewsCheck, August 12, 2009.
- WPMT Harrisburg Adds 6 p.m. Newscast, TVNewsCheck, December 6, 2011.
- WPMT FOX 43 to start two new hours of News this August FOX43.com, May 14, 2013.
- WPMT To Expand Evening News Lineup TVNewsCheck.com, May 14, 2013.
- WPMT Launching Local 24-Hour News Ch., TVNewsCheck, October 16, 2009.
- WPMT Livestream Page
- List of Digital Full-Power Stations
- CDBS Print
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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 advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcast media, technology, or business operations. 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.