WUPL Channel 54: A History of New Orleans Broadcasting
Serving the New Orleans metropolitan area from its base in Slidell, Louisiana, WUPL (Channel 54) is a prominent television station with a diverse history of network affiliations and ownership. Currently operating as an independent station with a secondary affiliation with MyNetworkTV, WUPL plays a vital role in the regional media landscape, often collaborating closely with its sister station, the CBS affiliate WWL-TV.
The station operates out of studios on Rampart Street in the historic French Quarter, while its transmitter is located on Cooper Road in Terrytown, Louisiana. As the industry evolves, WUPL has transitioned through various technological eras, from analog broadcasts to the modern ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) standard.
Key Facts
- Licensed City: Slidell, Louisiana.
- Virtual Channel: 54 (Digital UHF 17).
- Primary Affiliation: Independent / MyNetworkTV.
- Current Owner: Tegna Inc. (a subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, with a pending sale to a third party).
- Sister Stations: WWL-TV, WGNO, and WNOL-TV.
- Launch Date: June 1, 1995.
Station History and Evolution
The UPN Era (1995–2006)
WUPL first signed on the air on June 1, 1995, as an affiliate of the United Paramount Network (UPN). Its call sign was a direct nod to this identity, meaning "UPN Louisiana." Originally owned by Larry Safir's Middle America Communications, the station provided a mix of UPN programming and general entertainment, including syndicated talk shows and sitcoms.
By 1997, the station was sold to the Paramount Stations Group (a subsidiary of Viacom), becoming a network-owned-and-operated station. Despite Viacom's later merger with CBS in 2000, the local CBS affiliation remained with WWL-TV. Eventually, Viacom sold WUPL to Belo Corporation in July 2005 for $14.5 million.
Transition to MyNetworkTV
The mid-2000s brought significant upheaval to the "netlet" landscape. In 2006, the merger of UPN and The WB to create The CW left WUPL without its primary network, as WNOL-TV became the local CW affiliate. Consequently, on July 12, 2006, it was announced that WUPL would affiliate with MyNetworkTV.
The transition was marked by legal challenges; CBS filed a lawsuit against Belo Corporation in February 2006 after the sale of the station was delayed by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The litigation was eventually settled in February 2007 when Belo finalized the purchase of WUPL.
Modern Ownership and Branding
In 2013, the Gannett Company acquired Belo for $1.5 billion. When Gannett split into two entities in 2015, the broadcast assets—including WUPL—were moved to the newly formed Tegna. In April 2018, the station shifted its branding from "My 54" to "WUPL 54," aligning its visual identity with parent station WWL-TV.
Most recently, Nexstar Media Group acquired Tegna in a deal completed on March 19, 2026. Due to regulatory requirements regarding the number of licenses held in a single market, Nexstar has committed to divesting WUPL within two years of the merger.
Programming and News
WUPL often serves as a strategic partner for WWL-TV. For years, WUPL carried CBS This Morning when WWL-TV preempted it for local news. Today, WUPL simulcasts several hours of WWL's Eyewitness Morning News.
The station has also experimented with prime-time news. From 2007 to 2013, WWL-TV produced My54 Eyewitness News at 9 for the station. After this program was canceled due to low ratings, it was replaced by The 504, a pre-recorded interview show.
Newscasts returned to the station on September 9, 2014, with the introduction of a half-hour weeknight newscast at 6:30 p.m., produced by WWL-TV.
Technical Specifications
Digital Transition and Subchannels
WUPL ceased analog broadcasts on June 12, 2009, moving to a digital signal on UHF channel 24 (virtual channel 54). Unlike many MyNetworkTV affiliates that use 720p resolution, WUPL broadcasts in 1080i to maintain consistency with WWL-TV.
The station's digital subchannels are multiplexed across various New Orleans hosts to ensure reach:
| Channel | Resolution | Programming | ATSC 1.0 Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54.1 | 720p | WUPL-HD (Main) | WNOL-TV |
| 54.2 | 480i | Quest | WGNO |
| 54.3 | 480i | Heroes & Icons | WGNO |
| 54.4 | 480i | True Crime Network | WDSU |
| 54.5 | 480i | Cozi TV | WVUE-DT |
ATSC 3.0 Implementation
WUPL has adopted the ATSC 3.0 standard, also known as NextGen TV, which allows for enhanced resolutions and internet-streamed subchannels. It is part of a coordinated broadcast effort in New Orleans alongside other major affiliates like WWL, WDSU, WVUE, WGNO, and WNOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the call sign WUPL stand for?
The call sign WUPL was originally created to represent "UPN Louisiana," reflecting the station's initial affiliation with the United Paramount Network.
Who currently owns WUPL?
WUPL is owned by Tegna Inc., which is a subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group. However, Nexstar is currently in the process of divesting the station to a third party.
Does WUPL produce its own news?
No, WUPL does not produce its own news in-house. Its newscasts, including the 6:30 p.m. weeknight news, are produced by its sister station, WWL-TV.
Why does WUPL use 1080i resolution instead of 720p?
WUPL uses 1080i to maintain technical consistency with WWL-TV and other former Belo stations, despite 720p being the default for MyNetworkTV.
Where is the WUPL transmitter located?
The transmitter is located on Cooper Road in Terrytown, Louisiana.