View source for WLMT

{{good article}}
{{Short description|TV station in Memphis, Tennessee}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WLMT
| logo = WLMT 2024.svg
| logo_alt = In orange, The CW network logo with the word Memphis above it, right-aligned in black, and a black 30 to the right of the network logo.
| logo_size = 200px
| branding = CW 30 Memphis
| digital = 31 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 30
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''30.1:''' [[The CW]]/[[MyNetworkTV|MyTV]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[Tegna Inc.]]
| licensee = Tegna Memphis Broadcasting, Inc.
| location = [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1983|4|18|p=y|br=y}}
| callsign_meaning = MT represents former owner Michael Thompson
| sister_stations = [[WATN-TV]]
| former_callsigns = WMKW-TV (1983–1989)
| former_channel_numbers = '''Analog:''' 30 (UHF, 1983–2009)
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|[[Independent station|Independent]] (1983–1986, 1990–1995)|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] (1986–1990)|[[UPN]] (1995–2006)|[[The WB]] (secondary, 2003–2006)}}
| erp = 871 [[kW]]
| haat = {{convert|340|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 68518
| coordinates = {{coord|35|16|33|N|89|46|38|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
}}
'''WLMT''' (channel 30) is a [[television station]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], United States, affiliated with [[The CW]] and [[MyNetworkTV]]. It is owned by [[Tegna Inc.]] alongside [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[WATN-TV]] (channel 24). The two stations share studios at the Shelby Oaks Corporate Park on Shelby Oaks Drive in northeast Memphis; WLMT's transmitter is located in the [[Brunswick, Tennessee|Brunswick]] section of [[unincorporated area#United States|unincorporated]] northeast [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]].
Channel 30 began broadcasting as WMKW-TV on April 18, 1983. Owned by a consortium of [[TVX Broadcast Group]] and local investors including [[Kemmons Wilson]], it was the second [[independent station]] in the market behind channel 24, then WPTY-TV. It was the original Memphis affiliate of [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] from 1986 to 1990. However, after TVX sold the station to MT Communications (who changed its call sign to WLMT) in 1989, it lost the Fox affiliation to the higher-rated WPTY-TV in 1990. MT Communications also purchased a TV station in [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]] and renamed it [[WJKT|WMTU]]; it simulcast most of channel 30's programming, though in later years this was limited to local newscasts.
Clear Channel Communications, the then-owner of WPTY-TV, began leasing channel 30 in 1993, leading to a merger of operations. In 1995, the station became an affiliate of [[UPN]] and added a local 9 p.m. newscast in conjunction with WPTY-TV's switch to ABC; the local newscast has been competitive in the market, sometimes beating channel 24's own late news. The station became an affiliate of [[The CW]] in 2006; it was already airing programming from its predecessors, UPN and [[The WB]]. It was acquired by Newport Television in 2007, Nexstar Broadcasting Group in 2012, and Tegna in 2019.
==History==
The first attempt to build channel 30 in Memphis was made by Memphis Telecasters, Inc., which applied for the channel in March 1966.<ref name="Memp660414">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121103188/application-for-new-tv-station/|date=April 14, 1966|page=18|title=Application For New TV Station|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221054/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121103188/application-for-new-tv-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> A construction permit for WMTU-TV was awarded in June to the firm,<ref name="Memp671128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121103202/memphis-will-get-its-sixth-television/|date=November 28, 1967|page=1|first=Bill|last=Evans|title=Memphis Will Get Its Sixth Television Station|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121103202/memphis-will-get-its-sixth-television/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> which consisted half of Memphians and half of doctors from [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], and [[Washington, D.C.]], who were operating [[WCNC-TV|WCTU-TV]] in Charlotte.<ref name="Memp680427">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795319/way-cleared-for-2nd-uhf-memphis-tv/|date=April 27, 1968|page=6|first=Powell|last=Lindsay|title=Way Cleared For 2nd UHF Memphis TV|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221028/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795319/way-cleared-for-2nd-uhf-memphis-tv/|url-status=live}} This article renders WMTU and WCTU as "WMTV" and "WCTV".</ref><!-- Sat --> Memphis Telecasters never built the channel and assigned the still-active construction permit in 1975 to the [[Christian Broadcasting Network]].<ref name="Memp750116">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795403/public-notice/|date=January 16, 1975|page=12|title=Public Notice|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221021/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795403/public-notice/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> CBN proposed to air family-friendly and religious programs.<ref name="Memp750731">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795472/a-new-tv-station-by-spring-maybe/|date=July 31, 1975|page=14|title=A New TV Station By Spring Maybe|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221015/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795472/a-new-tv-station-by-spring-maybe/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Memp750923">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795509/nothing-dirty-on-channel-30/|date=September 23, 1975|page=25|title='Nothing Dirty on Channel 30': Television Station To Air Family Shows|first=Forrest|last=Laws|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221020/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795509/nothing-dirty-on-channel-30/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The station was still not built by 1977, and CBN intended to sell the permit to Evans Broadcasting Corporation, whose holdings included another channel 30: [[KDNL-TV]] in [[St. Louis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-08-08.pdf|date=August 8, 1977|work=Broadcasting|page=51|title=For the Record|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131032729/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-08-08.pdf|url-status=live|id={{ProQuest|1016894848}}}}</ref>
===WMKW-TV: The TVX years===
As the WMTU-TV permit vanished, interest began again when Memphis 30, Inc., applied for the channel in February 1979. Among the members of this ownership group were [[Kemmons Wilson]], the founder of [[Holiday Inn]], and George S. Flinn Jr.<ref name="Comm790217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795688/application-is-filed-for-sixth-tv/|date=February 17, 1979|page=11|first=Gertha|last=Coffee|title=Application Is Filed For Sixth TV Station|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795688/application-is-filed-for-sixth-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Memphis 30 merged with another applicant, TV 30, Inc., and a third minority owner, Television Corporation Stations Inc. (TVX, later renamed the [[TVX Broadcast Group]]), to form Memphis Area Telecasters, which won the construction permit in 1981. The next year, TVX became the 51-percent owner of the station, which adopted the call letters WMKW-TV (Memphis/Kemmons Wilson).<ref name="Comm820825">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795942/2nd-independent-tv-station-plans-to/|date=August 25, 1982|page=D5|first=John|last=Knott|title=2nd Independent TV Station Plans To Open Here In '83|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221024/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120795942/2nd-independent-tv-station-plans-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The antenna was mounted on the tower of [[WKNO (TV)|WKNO]], while studios were set up in an industrial park.<ref name="Comm821213">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796048/dixie-dialing-new-city-tv-station/|date=December 13, 1982|page=C5|first=John|last=Knott|title=Dixie Dialing: New City TV Station Sights April Airwaves|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221021/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796048/dixie-dialing-new-city-tv-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->
After several days of delays due to bad weather impeding completion, WMKW-TV began broadcasting on April 18, 1983.<ref name="Comm830419">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796464/new-guide-to-hit-city-in-fall/|date=April 19, 1983|page=B5|first=John|last=Knott|title=New Guide To Hit City In Fall|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796464/new-guide-to-hit-city-in-fall/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Competing with existing independent WPTY-TV (channel 24), the new station offered [[Metro Conference]] basketball, as well as children's programs, movies, and classic sitcoms and dramas.<ref name="Memp830208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796129/new-tv-station-gains-rights-to-metro-gam/|date=February 8, 1983|page=D2|first=Tommy|last=Horton|title=New TV station gains rights to Metro games|newspaper=The Memphis Press-Scimitar|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221024/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796129/new-tv-station-gains-rights-to-metro/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --><ref name="Comm830410">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796306/new-channel-ready-to-go/|date=April 10, 1983|page=TV This Week 3|first=John|last=Knott|title=New channel ready to go|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The new station found itself running behind WPTY-TV in the ratings.<ref name="Comm840720">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121616148/new-chief-arms-wmkw-for-tv-war/|date=July 20, 1984|page=C7|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=New chief arms WMKW for TV war|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221024/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121616148/new-chief-arms-wmkw-for-tv-war/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
WMKW-TV became a charter affiliate of Fox at the network's launch on October 9, 1986, as part of a group agreement involving all eight TVX-owned stations.<ref name="Comm860718">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121615944/channel-30-aligns-with-fox/|date=July 18, 1986|page=B6|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Channel 30 aligns with Fox|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121615944/channel-30-aligns-with-fox/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> That year, it also obtained rights to a major sports attraction in the market, [[Memphis Tigers men's basketball|Memphis State University men's basketball]], with all home and away games being shown live. The Memphis State telecasts raised the station's profile in the market.<ref name="Comm880120">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121616866/tigers-give-wmkw-tv-high-profile-basket/|date=January 20, 1988|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121616968/wmkw/ C3]|first=Phil|last=Stukenborg|title=Tigers give WMKW-TV high profile: Basketball broadcasts independent's hot draw|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221022/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121616866/tigers-give-wmkw-tv-high-profile/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
While channel 30 was making headway, TVX's financial picture changed significantly after its 1986 acquisition of five large-market independents from [[Taft Broadcasting]]. The Taft stations purchase left TVX highly leveraged and highly vulnerable. TVX's bankers, [[Salomon Brothers]], provided the financing for the acquisition and in return held more than 60 percent of the company.<ref name="DMN870708">{{cite news|title=Broadcaster to focus on trimming costs: Channel 21's new owner 'doing deals'|page=1D|first=Michael|last=Weiss|date=July 8, 1987|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]}}</ref> The company was to pay Salomon Brothers $200&nbsp;million on January 1, 1988, and missed the first payment deadline, having been unable to lure investors to its [[junk bond]]s even before [[Black Monday (1987)|Black Monday]].<ref name="DMN880124">{{cite news|title=Channel 21's latest signals show trouble, possible sale|date=January 24, 1988|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|first=Michael|last=Weiss|page=2H}}</ref> TVX initially announced it would sell some stations, including possibly WMKW-TV, and though it backed off the plan months later after announcing a refinancing plan,<ref name="Comm880419">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796824/tvx-refinancing-buys-time-for-wmkw-tv/|date=April 19, 1988|page=B8|first=David|last=Flaum|title=TVX refinancing buys time for WMKW-TV|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796824/tvx-refinancing-buys-time-for-wmkw-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> it began selling off smaller-market properties to help finance its debt. An initial deal was reached with [[Bain Capital]] in December 1988<ref name="Comm881206">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796876/boston-firm-agrees-on-deal-to-acquire/|date=December 6, 1988|page=C3|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Boston firm agrees on deal to acquire WMKW-TV station|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796876/boston-firm-agrees-on-deal-to-acquire/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->—the same month that the station doubled its [[effective radiated power]]—a deal that fell apart a month later.<ref name="Comm890118">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796926/gulf-western-seeks-tv-stations/|date=January 18, 1989|page=B4|first1=Skip|last1=Wollenberg|first2=Tom|last2=Walter|agency=Associated Press|title=Gulf & Western seeks TV stations|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796926/gulf-western-seeks-tv-stations/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->
===MT Communications ownership===
In March 1989, TVX announced it would sell WMKW-TV to MT Communications, owned by Michael Thompson, for $7&nbsp;million—a purchase price lower than executives had hoped the station would fetch.<ref name="Comm890203">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796962/wmkw-tv-is-target-for-sale/|date=February 3, 1989|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797035/wmkw/ A4]|first=David|last=Flaum|title=WMKW-TV is target for sale|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221039/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120796962/wmkw-tv-is-target-for-sale/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> MT Communications also owned two other Fox affiliates in Tennessee: [[WCAY-TV]] in [[Nashville]], which like WMKW-TV had been built by TVX, and [[WETO-TV]] in [[Greeneville]].<ref name="Comm890302">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797069/wmkw-sold-for-7-million-nashville-man/|date=March 2, 1989|page=B5|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=WMKW sold for $7 million: Nashville man buys Channel 30|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221023/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797069/wmkw-sold-for-7-million-nashville-man/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> On October 4, 1989, MT Communications changed the call letters of its stations to designations incorporating the letters MT, Thompson's initials,{{r|Jack900115}} with WMKW-TV becoming WLMT.<ref name="Comm891004">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115393421/juke-box-available-for-a-fee/|date=October 4, 1989|page=C2|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Juke Box available for a fee|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229191302/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115393421/juke-box-available-for-a-fee/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> MT Communications also acquired WJWT, a struggling Fox affiliate in [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]], and converted it to a [[Broadcast relay station#Semi-satellite|semi-satellite]] of WLMT with local advertising that December;<ref name="Jack891220">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797961/wjwt-joins-nashville-firms-tv-holdings/|date=December 20, 1989|page=7A|first=Brenda|last=Robertson|title=WJWT joins Nashville firm's TV holdings|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=Jackson, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064512/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797961/wjwt-joins-nashville-firms-tv-holdings/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> it became WMTU in January 1990.<ref name="Jack900115">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798001/new-owner-marks-former-wjwt-tv-with-his/|date=January 15, 1990|page=1B|first=Brenda|last=Robertson|title=New owner marks former WJWT-TV with his initials in call letters|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=Jackson, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064516/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798001/new-owner-marks-former-wjwt-tv-with-his/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->
MT's ownership of the station would see it lose its two principal programming draws to WPTY-TV. Rights to Memphis State basketball were put up for bid in 1989, with WMKW-TV competing against WPTY-TV and syndicator [[Creative Sports]]. WMKW-TV almost changed its call letters to WMSU—which had become available as a result of call letter changes elsewhere—but held off because the university feared it would impact their decision.<ref name="Comm890519">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797108/decision-delayed-on-wmkw-change-msu/|date=May 19, 1989|page=D3|first=Phil|last=Stukenborg|title=Decision delayed on WMKW change: MSU uneasy about move|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221030/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797108/decision-delayed-on-wmkw-change-msu/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The rights went to WPTY-TV, which paid the university three times more per game than WMKW-TV had in its previous contract.<ref name="Comm890620">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797327/its-official-wpty-gets-tigers-deal/|date=June 20, 1989|page=D5|title=It's official: WPTY gets Tigers deal|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221026/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797327/its-official-wpty-gets-tigers-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
The next year, the Fox affiliation came up for renewal, and WPTY-TV intensively lobbied the Fox network; it had stronger ratings than channel 30, drawing a 7.4 percent share of total-day ratings to WLMT's 4.1.<ref name="Comm900515">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116472347/channels-30-and-24-compete-for-fox/|date=May 15, 1990|page=C2|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Channels 30 and 24 compete for Fox|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=January 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118012635/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116472347/channels-30-and-24-compete-for-fox/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> On WLMT, some Fox shows had less than half the audience they did in other cities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1990-06-04_9_23/page/n33/mode/2up?q=WLMT|date=June 4, 1990|page=35|first=Alan|last=Salomon|work=Electronic Media|title=Memphis independent nabs Fox affiliation}}</ref> Fox chose to move its affiliation to channel 24 effective July 1, 1990.<ref name="Comm900530">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89302420/fox-to-flip-channel-to-wpty-tvs-24/|date=May 30, 1990|page=C4|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Fox to flip channel to WPTY-TV's 24|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221026/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89302420/fox-to-flip-channel-to-wpty-tvs-24/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> However, WMTU continued to hold the Fox affiliation in the Jackson market, breaking away from channel 30 to air the network's programs.<ref name="Jack900602">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116472250/jackson-station-to-get-live-feed-from-fo/|date=June 2, 1990|page=3A|first=Brenda|last=Robertson|title=Jackson station to get live feed from Fox in unprecedented agreement with broadcaster|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064438/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116472250/jackson-station-to-get-live-feed-from/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> This continued until March 1992, when the local operation in Jackson was closed: local commercials no longer aired on WMTU, and five jobs were eliminated.<ref name="Jack920326">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798432/channel-16-eliminates-local-sales/|date=March 26, 1992|page=1B|first=Stan|last=Diel|title=Channel 16 eliminates local sales: Jackson's Fox station merges with parent|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=Jackson, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064513/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798432/channel-16-eliminates-local-sales/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Memphis was one of four markets, all in the South, where Fox moved its affiliation during 1990; of the other three, two ([[Little Rock, Arkansas]], and Nashville) involved ex-TVX stations, with the Nashville station losing its Fox affiliation also owned by MT.<ref>{{Cite news|pages=1, 134|title=Stations find new life after Fox affiliation|first=Alan|last=Salomon|work=[[Electronic Media]]|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1991-01-07_10_2_0/page/n3/mode/2up?q=WXMT|date=January 7, 1991}}</ref>
===Max Media ownership and Clear Channel LMA===
In December 1991, MT Communications moved to sell three of its four stations—WMTU, WLMT, and WEMT—to former Virginia lieutenant governor [[Dick Davis (politician)|Dick Davis]]. Max Media—a Virginia company founded by three former officers of TVX—then would manage the stations for Davis.<ref name="Comm911228">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798215/tv-30-gets-new-bosses-sale-pends/|date=December 28, 1991|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798238/wlmt/ C3]|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=TV 30 gets new bosses; sale pends|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798215/tv-30-gets-new-bosses-sale-pends/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Morrie Beitch, who had been general manager of WMKW-TV under TVX from 1987 to 1989 and had stayed with the company after it sold channel 30, returned to lead the station, telling ''[[The Commercial Appeal]]'', "I worked for [TVX executive] John Trinder for {{frac|6|1|2}} years and I jumped at the chance to go to work for him in this city again."<ref name="Comm920125">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797220/living-color-sets-game-diversion/|date=January 25, 1992|page=D6|first=Tom|last=Walter|title='Living Color' sets game diversion|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221039/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120797220/living-color-sets-game-diversion/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
Max Media's involvement with WLMT–WMTU operations was comparatively brief, as in August 1993, the two stations were leased to WPTY-TV owner [[Clear Channel Communications]], which also purchased their physical assets. Five WLMT employees, including general manager Beitch, were laid off, as all three stations now shared a general manager.<ref name="Comm930820">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798303/communications-wpty-takes-over-2/|date=August 20, 1993|page=B4|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Communications: WPTY takes over 2 stations|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120798303/communications-wpty-takes-over-2/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The deal was seen to give the unprofitable WLMT the resources it needed to adequately promote itself.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Russell|last=Shaw|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_televisionweek_1993-08-30_12_35/page/n3/mode/2up?q=WLMT|title=Struggling Memphis stations lease out airtime|page=4|work=[[Electronic Media]]|date=August 30, 1993}}</ref> (Clear Channel would move to acquire WLMT and WMTU in 1999, when [[duopoly (broadcasting)|duopolies]] were legalized.<ref>{{Cite news|id={{ProQuest|225323867}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1999/BC-1999-11-22.pdf|date=November 22, 1999|work=Broadcasting & Cable|page=7|title=Who's doing duopolies|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131024355/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1999/BC-1999-11-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>) Even though WPTY had renewed its rights to Memphis State basketball in 1992,<ref name="Comm920618">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121621212/wpty-gets-rights-to-tiger-basketball/|date=June 18, 1992|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121621261/tigers/ D5]|first=Phil|last=Stukenborg|title=WPTY gets rights to Tiger basketball: 5-year deal tops $1.8 million|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221611/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121621212/wpty-gets-rights-to-tiger-basketball/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> University of Memphis basketball moved to WLMT by 1994.<ref name="Comm941107">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121631951/memphis-vs-high-five/|date=November 7, 1994|page=D2|title=Memphis vs. High Five|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121631951/memphis-vs-high-five/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->{{efn|Memphis State University was renamed the [[University of Memphis]] in 1994.<ref name="Comm940215">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121621641/msu-gets-signed-off-with-little-ceremony/|date=February 15, 1994|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121621686/um/ B2]|first=Lela|last=Garlington|title=MSU gets signed off with little ceremony|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121621641/msu-gets-signed-off-with-little-ceremony/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> }}
With two new networks starting in 1995, both—[[UPN]] and [[The WB]]—wooed WLMT as an affiliate. Clear Channel affiliated WLMT and another station it managed in [[Tulsa]], with UPN.<ref name="Comm940128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89302059/wlmt-channel-30-to-become-paramount-netw/|date=January 28, 1994|page=C2|title=WLMT Channel 30 to become Paramount network affiliate|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89302059/wlmt-channel-30-to-become-paramount/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The station's operations were consolidated in the same building with WPTY-TV in 1995 when that station moved to new studios as part of its affiliation switch to ABC and startup of a news department.<ref name="Comm950916">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620201/wpty-is-moving-taking-wlmt-into-its-new/|date=September 16, 1995|page=C8|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=WPTY is moving, taking WLMT into its new building|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620201/wpty-is-moving-taking-wlmt-into-its/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> The WB never scored a full-time affiliate in Memphis in its eleven-year history; the [[NewsNation|then-superstation feed]] of Chicago station [[WGN-TV]] served as the de facto Memphis home of WB programming until 1999, when WPTY-TV took on a secondary affiliation with the network and began airing its prime time programs in late night slots,<ref name="Comm991224">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620338/wbs-maneuvers-make-kid-shows-disappear/|date=December 24, 1999|page=F2|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=WB's maneuvers make kid shows disappear from local schedule|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620338/wbs-maneuvers-make-kid-shows-disappear/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> and it moved to a slightly earlier time slot at WLMT in 2003.<ref name="Comm030911">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121623898/the-wb-shows-moving-to-channel-30/|date=September 11, 2003|page=E3|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=The WB shows moving to Channel 30|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121623898/the-wb-shows-moving-to-channel-30/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> However, UPN's programming lineup, targeted at Black audiences, resonated in Memphis, where they represented about 40 percent of TV households; in 2004, WLMT was one of the highest-rated UPN affiliates in the United States, and the station was fourth in revenue, ahead of one major network affiliate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/station-break-104061|title=Station Break|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=August 8, 2004|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620171709/https://www.nexttv.com/news/station-break-104061|url-status=live}}</ref>
WMTU in Jackson, while remaining a UPN affiliate, was slowly split off of WLMT in 2001 when the station changed its call sign to WJKT.<ref name="Jack011227">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897040/upn-affiliate-wjkt-16-is-finding-its-nic/|date=December 27, 2001|page=WP 14|first=Scott|last=Anderson|title=UPN affiliate WJKT-16 is finding its niche in Jackson cable programming|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064441/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897040/upn-affiliate-wjkt-16-is-finding-its/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> WJKT began simulcasting WLMT's Memphis newscast in 2003.<ref name="Jack030327">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120799394/dave-christopher-brings-experience-chan/|date=March 27, 2003|page=WP 11|first=Scott|last=Anderson|title=Dave Christopher brings experience, change to WBBJ|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120799394/dave-christopher-brings-experience/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
WLMT debuted an in-studio wrestling program from [[Memphis Wrestling]] in 2003, two years after [[WMC-TV]] canceled its long-running wrestling show.<ref name="Comm030513">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121631111/in-studio-rasslin-will-get-a-hold-on-wl/|date=May 13, 2003|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121631157/wrestling/ C3]|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=In-studio rasslin' will get a hold on WLMT Saturday|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023}}</ref><!-- Tue -->
===CW affiliation===
In 2006, UPN and The WB were shut down and replaced with [[The CW]],<ref>{{Cite news |first=Jessica |last=Seid |date=January 24, 2006 |title='Gilmore Girls' meet 'Smackdown'; CW Network to combine WB, UPN in CBS-Warner venture beginning in September |work=[[CNNMoney.com]] |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316043531/https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=January 24, 2006 |title=UPN and WB to Combine, Forming New TV Network |url-access=limited |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html?bl |access-date=February 10, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017035638/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html?bl |url-status=live }}</ref> with which WLMT affiliated. (WJKT in Jackson instead rejoined Fox.<ref name="Jack060829">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120799598/fox-moved-to-wjkt-channel-16/|date=August 29, 2006|page=4B|first=Ned|last=Hunter|title=Fox moved to WJKT Channel 16|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064515/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120799598/fox-moved-to-wjkt-channel-16/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->)
WPTY-TV and WLMT were included in the sale of Clear Channel's television station portfolio to [[Newport Television]], controlled by [[Providence Equity Partners]], for $1.2&nbsp;billion on April 20, 2007 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1200000000|2007}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}). The sale was made so Clear Channel could refocus around its radio, outdoor advertising and live event units.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 20, 2007 |title=Providence Buys Clear Channel TV for $1.2B |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/providence-buys-clear-channel-tv-for-1-2b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307024830/https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/providence-buys-clear-channel-tv-for-1-2b/ |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2017 |website=TVNewsCheck}}</ref><ref name="cc-newport">{{cite press release|title=Clear Channel Agrees to Sell Television Station Group to Providence Equity Partners|url=http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1943|publisher=[[Clear Channel Communications]]|date=April 20, 2007|access-date=November 15, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070425161056/http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1943|archive-date=April 25, 2007}}</ref> The sale received FCC approval on December 1, 2007; after settlement of a lawsuit filed by Clear Channel owners [[Thomas H. Lee Partners]] and [[Bain Capital]] against Providence to force the deal's completion, consummation took place on March 14, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dunbar |first=John |date=December 2, 2007 |title=FCC OKs Clear Channel TV sale with changes |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=3942156&page=1 |access-date=December 4, 2017 |via=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202053227/http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=3942156&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Megan |date=March 14, 2008 |title=Clear Channel says completes TV sale for $1.1 bln |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-clearchannel/clear-channel-says-completes-tv-sale-for-1-1-bln-idUSN1444375720080315 |access-date=December 4, 2017 |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202152935/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-clearchannel/clear-channel-says-completes-tv-sale-for-1-1-bln-idUSN1444375720080315 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, an agreement was signed to air programs supplied by [[MyNetworkTV]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/api/manager/download/ce27ee53-90f8-54a9-4f34-72e24896e170/6bef9ed3-370e-4669-bfe6-f9f228d4d0b5.pdf|title=MyNet Agreement Summary|website=Public File|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=May 15, 2023}}</ref>
As part of a liquidation of Newport Television's assets, [[Nexstar Broadcasting Group]] purchased WPTY-TV and WATN-TV in a 12-station deal worth $285.5&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|285500000|2012}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) on July 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Newport Sells 22 Stations For $1 Billion|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/60876/newport-sells-22-stations-for-1-billion|website=TVNewsCheck|date=July 19, 2012|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308212139/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/60876/newport-sells-22-stations-for-1-billion|url-status=live}}</ref> Nearly immediately, Nexstar announced that it would move the stations from their aging five-story building in midtown Memphis into a former [[MCI Inc.|MCI]] call center in the Shelby Oaks Corporate Park on the city's northeast side. The relocation, in addition to providing more up-to-date facilities for the stations, was done because the impending replacement of the adjacent Poplar Viaduct would create vibrations and noise making the building unsuitable for television production.<ref name=tvnc-newstudio>{{cite news|title=Nexstar Readies Major Memphis Overhaul|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/67898/nexstar-readies-major-memphis-overhaul/page/1|newspaper=TVNewsCheck|date=May 30, 2013|access-date=May 30, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211121423/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/67898/nexstar-readies-major-memphis-overhaul/page/1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Comm130507">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897674/sensing-bad-vibes-union-viaduct-constru/|date=May 7, 2013|page=8B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897665/move/ 7B]|first=Thomas Jr.|last=Bailey|title=Sensing bad vibes: Union viaduct construction chases TV stations to 'burbs|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064458/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897674/sensing-bad-vibes-union-viaduct/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> WPTY-TV became WATN-TV after moving into the new studios.<ref name="Comm130531">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897485/abc-affiliate-wpty-rebranded-watn-broad/|date=May 31, 2013|page=2C|first=James|last=Dowd|title=ABC affiliate WPTY rebranded WATN: Broadcaster relaunching Saturday|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315064518/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120897485/abc-affiliate-wpty-rebranded-watn/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->
In 2019, Nexstar acquired [[Tribune Media]], owner of Memphis CBS affiliate [[WREG-TV]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Nexstar Buying Tribune Media For $6.4 Billion|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/226264/nexstar-buying-tribune-media-6-4-billion/|author=Mark K. Miller|website=TVNewsCheck|date=December 3, 2018|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005800/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/226264/nexstar-buying-tribune-media-6-4-billion/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nexstar opted to retain WREG-TV (as well as WJKT in Jackson) and sold WATN-TV and WLMT to [[Tegna Inc.]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Nexstar to Sell Stations to Tegna, Scripps for $1.32 Billion|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-20/nexstar-to-sell-19-stations-to-tegna-scripps-for-1-32-billion|first1=Nabila|last1=Ahmed|first2=Anousha|last2=Sakoui|website=Bloomberg News|publisher=[[Bloomberg, L.P.]]|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413200225/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-20/nexstar-to-sell-19-stations-to-tegna-scripps-for-1-32-billion|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=2019-03-20 |title=Nexstar Selling 19 TVs In 15 Markets For $1.32B |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business-revenue/article/nexstar-selling-19-tvs-in-15-markets-for-1-32b/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |work=TVNewsCheck |language=en}}</ref>
==Newscasts==
{{main|WATN-TV#News operation}}
WPTY-TV established a news department on December 1, 1995, coinciding with its affiliation switch to ABC. As part of the rollout of news, WLMT debuted a 9 p.m. newscast, ''News Watch 30''.<ref name="Comm950930">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620668/stations-switch-to-make-news/|date=September 30, 1995|page=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620735/tv/ C2]|title=Stations' switch to 'make' news|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221608/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121620668/stations-switch-to-make-news/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --><ref name="Jack951203">{{Cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-jackson-sun-fox-abc-switch-channels/117800959/|date=December 3, 1995|page=1B|first=Taylor|last=Wilson|title=Fox, ABC switch channels|newspaper=The Jackson Sun|location=Jackson, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 6, 2024}}</ref><!-- Sun --> The newscast was anchored by Robb Harleston and Ken Houston—the first time two Black men had co-anchored a newscast in Memphis.<ref name="Comm951130">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121622956/whbq-wpty-switch-set-to-confuse-memphis/|date=November 30, 1995|page=A14|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=WHBQ-WPTY switch set to confuse Memphis TV|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221610/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121622956/whbq-wpty-switch-set-to-confuse-memphis/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The program was aimed at Black audiences and sought to provide more in-depth coverage of minority communities in the area.<ref name="TSD960612">{{Cite news|page=1B|title=WLMT-TV Channel 30 turns camera on minorities|work=[[Tri-State Defender]]|first=Tim|last=Butler|date=June 12, 1996|id={{ProQuest|367839693}} }}</ref> Houston became the lone anchor when WPTY-TV opted not to renew Harleston's contract in January 1997.<ref name="Comm970123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121622889/wpty-drops-teigland-harleston/|date=January 23, 1997|page=C2|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=WPTY drops Teigland, Harleston|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis, Tennessee|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221616/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121622889/wpty-drops-teigland-harleston/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The news focus fit well with the Black-oriented programs on UPN's lineup. This drew considerable viewership to WLMT's newscast, even against Fox affiliate [[WHBQ-TV]]'s 9 p.m. news hour; in November 1997, it only barely trailed WHBQ and had better ratings than the 10 p.m. news on WPTY-TV.<ref name="Comm971208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121626411/channel-3-makes-inroads-in-race-against/|date=December 8, 1997|page=C3|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Channel 3 makes inroads in race against 10 p.m. news leader 5|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221540/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121626411/channel-3-makes-inroads-in-race-against/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->
WLMT's news has mostly been affected by changes at channel 24, long the fourth-rated news outlet in Memphis. The news product was overhauled in 2003 under the brand ''Eyewitness News'' and with new news talent.<ref>{{Cite news|page=6|first=Bianca|last=Phillips|title=New Look for the News: WPTY and WLMT hope changes will boost ratings|id={{ProQuest|365355895}} |date=January 29, 2003|work=[[Memphis Flyer]]}}</ref> Even despite the move to a more general-market product, which included 45 minutes of news and an expanded 15-minute sportscast,<ref>{{cite news|title=Memphis, Tenn.|pages=13–16|work=Mediaweek|first=Eileen|last=Davis Hudson|date=April 5, 2004|id={{ProQuest|213660898}} }}</ref> WLMT's 9 p.m. news continued to beat WPTY's 10 p.m. broadcast and approach WHBQ in the ratings.<ref name="Comm071201">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121626666/wreg-news-back-on-top-at-10-pm/|date=December 1, 2007|page=M5|first=Michael|last=Lollar|title=WREG news back on top at 10 p.m.|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221607/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121626666/wreg-news-back-on-top-at-10-pm/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> By the major relaunch of channel 24 in 2013, the station was airing a 7 a.m. hour of WATN-TV's morning newscast.{{r|Comm130531}}
==Technical information==
===Subchannels===
The station's signal is [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]]:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannels of WLMT<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WLMT#station|website=RabbitEars|title=RabbitEars TV Query for WLMT|access-date=December 3, 2013|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212150031/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WLMT#station|url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.1
| [[1080i]] || [[16:9]] || WLMT-HD || {{ubl|[[The CW]] (primary)|[[MyNetworkTV]] (secondary)}}
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.2
| rowspan=7 | [[480i]] || [[4:3]] || MeTV || [[MeTV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.3
| [[16:9]] || StartTV || [[Start TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.4
| rowspan=2| [[4:3]] || GetTV || [[Get (TV network)|Get]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.5
| ShopLC || [[Shop LC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.6
| rowspan=3|[[16:9]] || QVC || [[QVC]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.7
| OPEN || [[QVC2]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 30.8
| Rewind || [[Rewind TV]]
|}
===Analog-to-digital conversion===
WPTY-TV and WLMT began digital broadcasting on May 1, 2002.<ref name="Comm020502">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-deep-sea-filming-p/124186689/|date=May 2, 2002|pages=E1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-tv/124186678/ E3]|first=Tom|last=Walter|title=Deep-sea filming proves wonders haven't ceased|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=May 7, 2023}}</ref><!-- Thu --> WLMT ended regular programming on its analog signal, over [[UHF]] channel 30, on February 17, 2009; it was the only Memphis station to transition earlier than the delayed June 12 [[Digital television transition in the United States|shutoff date]].<ref name="Comm090218">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121627198/analogdigital-shift-ready-for-primetime/|date=February 18, 2009|page=A6|first=Peter|last=Svensson|agency=Associated Press|title=Analog/digital shift ready for primetime|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325221610/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121627198/analogdigital-shift-ready-for-primetime/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 31, using [[virtual channel]] 30.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref>
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* {{official website|localmemphis.com}}
*[http://metvmemphis.com/ MeTVMemphis.com] - MeTV Memphis official website
{{Memphis TV}}
{{CW Tennessee}}
{{MNTV Tennessee}}
{{TV Stations Arkansas}}
{{TV Stations Mississippi}}
{{Missouri TV}}
{{Tegna}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wlmt}}
[[Category:1983 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:The CW affiliates]]
[[Category:Get (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:MeTV affiliates]]
[[Category:Rewind TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Start TV affiliates]]
[[Category:Tegna Inc.]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1983]]
[[Category:Television stations in Memphis, Tennessee|LMT]]
[[Category:TVX Broadcast Group]]