WCGT-LP: The Evolution of Channel 16 in Columbus
The history of Channel 16 in Columbus is a narrative of shifting ownership, technical struggles, and evolving content. From its humble beginnings as a low-power station to its role as a religious broadcaster, the station has navigated the complexities of cable carriage and market competition over several decades.
Early Years and Ownership Transitions
Channel 16 first entered the Columbus airwaves in May 1987 under the call sign W16AF. The station was established by Dr. Stephen Hollis, a local ophthalmologist, who also owned W22AH (Channel 22). By February 1989, reports indicated a sale to Brenda Walls and Linda McCarter, whose husbands operated the American Cable Company. This transition was pivotal, as it solved the station's struggle for cable carriage; Channel 16 and Channel 22 were quickly added to the American Cable lineup.
During this era, Channel 16 primarily broadcast programming from the American Christian Television System (ACTS) and rebroadcasts of Columbus city council meetings. However, the reported sale to the Walls and McCarters was not finalized until 1991, when the Earley family of Birmingham, Alabama, officially acquired the station from Dr. Hollis.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The "TV-16" Era
Under the Earleys, the station—branded as "TV-16"—attempted to pivot toward local content. In 1991, it introduced video replays of the radio program Talkline from WRCG (1420 AM), and in 1993, it launched The Right Side, a conservative commentary show hosted by former Georgia state legislature candidate James White.
Despite these efforts, the station faced significant hurdles. An attempt to mirror a successful Alabama strategy by focusing on high school football failed to gain traction in Columbus. Furthermore, severe signal issues plagued the station, leading local critics to describe the experience of tuning into TV-16 as nearly impossible.
The McClure Broadcasting Revamp
By 1996, Dr. Hollis regained ownership before selling the station to McClure Broadcasting, a company already established in the local radio market. McClure implemented a comprehensive overhaul of the station's image and infrastructure, adopting the new call letters WCGT-LP.
To improve reach, McClure moved the transmitter to the WCGQ tower and aggressively pursued carriage on TCI-TeleCable, the city's largest cable system with 37,000 subscribers. These efforts succeeded in August 1997, significantly expanding the station's audience.
The UPN Affiliation
In April 1998, WCGT-LP became an affiliate for UPN (United Paramount Network). This period was marked by intense competition, as the rival network, The WB, launched its "WB 100+ Station Group" for small markets. This shift eventually left full-power station WSWS-TV in Opelika, Alabama, seeking a UPN affiliation. While WSWS-TV announced its intent to join UPN in October 1998, WCGT-LP remained the sole UPN provider for the Columbus market until September 1999.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to Christian Television Network
Following the death of Chuck McClure in July 2004, his estate sold WCGT-CA to the Christian Television Network (CTN) of Largo, Florida, for $300,000 in November 2005. CTN took operational control via a local marketing agreement (LMA), a contract where one company operates a station owned by another.
Today, the station blends national CTN programming with local productions maintained at the Phenix City studios.
Key Facts
- Original Call Sign: W16AF, launched in May 1987.
- Current Call Sign: WCGT-LP (formerly WCGT-CA).
- Major Owners: Dr. Stephen Hollis, the Earley family, McClure Broadcasting, and Christian Television Network.
- Network History: Served as the sole UPN affiliate for Columbus from April 1998 to September 1999.
- Sale Price: Sold to CTN in 2005 for $300,000.
| Period | Owner/Operator | Primary Programming Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1987–1991 | Dr. Stephen Hollis | ACTS, City Council meetings |
| 1991–1996 | Earley Family | Local commentary, Radio replays |
| 1996–2005 | McClure Broadcasting | UPN, Local sports (Wardogs) |
| 2005–Present | Christian Television Network | Religious and local programming |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally founded Channel 16?
Channel 16 was built and launched by Dr. Stephen Hollis, a local ophthalmologist, in May 1987.
Why was cable carriage so important for the station?
Because of severe signal issues that made over-the-air tuning difficult, cable carriage was essential for the station's survival and visibility in the Columbus market.
When did WCGT-LP air UPN programming?
The station began airing UPN prime time programming in April 1998 and remained the market's sole UPN source until September 1999.
What is the current focus of the station?
Under the ownership of the Christian Television Network (CTN), the station focuses on national and local Christian religious programming.
How much was the station sold for in 2005?
The estate of Chuck McClure sold WCGT-CA to the Christian Television Network for $300,000.