WQMC-LD

WQMC-LD, virtual and UHF digital channel 23, branded on-air as GTN, is a low-powered independent television station licensed to Columbus, Ohio, United States. The station is owned by Urban One. It was formerly broadcast nationally via Sky Angel, prior to its shutdown.

WQMC-LD
Columbus, Ohio
United States
ChannelsDigital: 23 (UHF)
Virtual: 23 (PSIP)
BrandingGTN[1]
SloganRefreshing TV for Central Ohio
Programming
Subchannels23.1: Independent/Bounce TV
23.2: Justice Network
23.3: Telemundo
23.4: Azteca América
AffiliationsIndependent (2008–present)
Ownership
OwnerUrban One
(Blue Chip Broadcasting, Ltd.)
History
FoundedJanuary 4, 1989
Former call signs
W20AM (1989–1995)
W24BK (1995–2001)
W58CQ (1995-2001)
W23BZ (2001–2011)
W23BZ-D (2011-2019)[2]
Former channel number(s)
Analog:
20 (UHF, 1990-1991)
24 (UHF, 1991-1997)
58 (UHF, 1997-2001)
23 (UHF, 2001-2011)
TBN (1989–2008)
Call sign meaning
Guardian Television Network
Technical information
Facility ID47695
ClassTranslator station
ERP15 kW
Transmitter coordinates39°53′31.0″N 83°2′44.0″W
Links
Websitewww.gtn23.com

History

From 1989 to 2008, W23BZ was owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and served as a satellite repeater for the network.

On March 30, 2006, the station was granted a construction permit to begin converting operations to digital television.

In July 2008, it was announced that the Guardian Enterprise Group would sell its original, full-powered station, WSFJ-TV, to TBN for $16 million.[3] In exchange, Guardian acquired W23BZ from TBN in an affiliation swap of their respective channels, and transferred WSFJ's programming to that channel on October 1, 2008. However, Guardian found themselves at a disadvantage, as, having moved to a low-power signal, they lost their must-carry status; as a result, Guardian urged viewers to contact their cable systems to pick up GTN after the move to channel 23. [4] As of December 2009, Guardian reached an agreement for W23BZ to be carried on Insight Communications channel 283, and WOW channel 192, leaving Time Warner Cable as the sole cable system to yet carry W23BZ on either analog or digital services.

In late February 2011, W23BZ was off-the-air as it flash cut to digital broadcast. The station returned to the air as W23BZ-D on March 2, 2011.

On September 26, 2011, W23BZ-D picked up Bounce TV upon its launch; the station carried its programming on channel 23.1, mixed in with local programming and syndicated fare acquired from other sources.

On July 30, 2019, the station changed its call sign to WQMC-LD.

Digital channels

The station's digital signal is multiplexed:

Channel Video Aspect PSIP Short Name Programming[5]
23.1480i4:3BounceBounce TV
23.2 Justice Justice Network
23.3 Telemun Telemundo
23.4AztecaAzteca América

Programming

The station presents a variety of syndicated general entertainment programming, plus infomercials and shopping on overnights. It previously offered classic television programs such as Quincy, M.E. and Family Ties in the afternoon and evening hours.

See also
  • .2 Network -- unrealized general entertainment network owned by the Guardian Enterprise Group

References
  2. Call Sign History
  5. WQMC-LD COLUMBUS, OH
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