WCWW-LD Technical Specifications and Subchannel History
WCWW-LD operates as a low-power digital television station, utilizing a multiplexed signal—a process where multiple programming streams are combined into a single frequency—to provide a diverse array of content to its viewers. From its primary affiliation with The CW to a variety of niche digital networks, the station has evolved its technical infrastructure to maximize channel capacity.
Key Facts
- Effective Radiated Power: 25 kW.
- Primary Channel: UHF channel 25.
- Digital Transition: Low-power digital signals began on September 14, 2007.
- Current Lineup: Features six primary subchannels including CW25, Start TV, and MeTV Toons.
Digital Subchannel Lineup
The station currently distributes its signal across several subchannels, offering a mix of high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) resolutions. The primary channel, 25.1, broadcasts in 1080i resolution, while several other subchannels utilize 480i to optimize bandwidth.
| Channel | Resolution | Short Name | Programming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25.1 | 1080i | CW25 | The CW |
| 25.2 | 480i | START | Start TV |
| 25.3 | - | TOONS | MeTV Toons |
| 25.4 | - | MeTV+ | MeTV+ |
| 25.5 | - | STORY | Story Television |
| 25.6 | - | WEST | WEST |
| 25.12 | - | EMLW | OnTV4U |
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Evolution of Programming
The allocation of subchannels has shifted over the last decade to accommodate new network affiliations and sister-station simulcasts.
Early Expansion (2010–2018)
WCWW-LD first expanded its digital offerings in July 2010 by launching subchannel 25.2 as an affiliate of This TV. By September 2018, this slot was repurposed for Start TV, while This TV was moved to a newly created third subchannel.
HD Simulcasts and Network Shifts (2019–2025)
In February 2019, the station introduced a high-definition simulcast of its sister station, WBND-LD, on channel 25.4. This arrangement lasted until September 2021, when the simulcast was replaced by MeTV+, an expansion network from MeTV.
Further growth continued with the launch of Story Television on channel 25.5 in March 2022, followed by the addition of WEST on channel 25.6 in September 2025.
Analog-to-Digital Conversion
The transition from analog to digital broadcasting for WCWW and its sister stations began on September 14, 2007. The station currently broadcasts with an effective radiated power of 25 kW on channel 25.
The final phase of the analog era ended abruptly on December 28, 2010, when the analog signal on channel 25 was shut down due to equipment failure. To streamline its operations, the FCC granted WCWW-LP a construction permit on April 16, 2012, allowing the station to move its digital frequency from channel 27 back to its original analog allotment on UHF channel 25.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current primary affiliation of WCWW-LD?
The primary affiliation is The CW, broadcasting on subchannel 25.1 in 1080i resolution.
When did WCWW-LD stop broadcasting in analog?
The analog signal on channel 25 was turned off on December 28, 2010, following an equipment failure.
What happened to the WBND-LD simulcast on channel 25.4?
The simulcast of WBND-LD was replaced in September 2021 by the MeTV+ expansion network.
What is the effective radiated power of the station?
WCWW-LD broadcasts with an effective radiated power of 25 kW.
How did the station's digital frequency change in 2012?
On April 16, 2012, the FCC granted a permit to move the digital frequency from channel 27 to UHF channel 25.