WXMS Television: A History of Affiliations and Operations
The story of WXMS is a complex journey through the shifting landscape of American broadcast television at the turn of the millennium. From its origins as a cable-first entity to its eventual disappearance from the airwaves, WXMS served as a critical link for viewers seeking specific network programming in its market.
The Early Years and Network Shifts
WXMS officially launched on December 13, 1999. Initially, it operated on cable as the primary affiliate for The WB and a secondary affiliate for UPN (United Paramount Network). This launch filled a significant void for local viewers; previously, the region relied on Chicago's WGN-TV for WB content, but WGN-TV had removed that programming from its national superstation feed two months prior to WXMS's debut.
The station expanded its reach on July 2, 2000, by launching a low-power signal on channel 27. However, the network alignment shifted again on October 7, 2001. WXMS transitioned to become a primary UPN affiliate after transferring its WB affiliation to its sister station, WDBD, which had previously been part of the Fox network.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Independence and Corporate Transitions
The mid-2000s brought further instability to the station's identity. On January 5, 2006, WXMS lost its UPN affiliation to WRBJ, forcing the station to operate as an independent station. During this period, WXMS began simulcasting—broadcasting the same content simultaneously—with its sister station, WBMS-CA.
Ownership of the station changed hands several times over the following years. In early 2010, Jackson Television sold WXMS to Roundtable Broadcasting. By July 2012, Roundtable Broadcasting filed to sell both WXMS and WDBD to American Spirit Media. As part of this transaction, operations were managed by Raycom Media (the owner of WLBT) through a shared services agreement, a contractual arrangement where one company provides operational support to another station. Additionally, American Spirit acquired WBMS-CA from Vicksburg Broadcasting.
The Final Shutdown
Despite years of operation, WXMS never secured a permanent broadcast license. Instead, it functioned through a series of special temporary authority (STA) grants—short-term permissions issued by the government to allow a station to operate while permanent licensing is pending.
The station eventually went dark on February 11, 2013. Shortly before the expiration of its final STA on January 3, 2014, American Spirit Media returned the station's construction permit to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC officially cancelled the permit the following day, January 4, 2014.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: December 13, 1999.
- Initial Affiliations: Primary WB, secondary UPN.
- Low Power Signal: Launched on channel 27 on July 2, 2000.
- Final Status: Ceased operations on February 11, 2013.
- Licensing: Operated exclusively under special temporary authority (STA) grants.
| Period | Primary Affiliation | Owner/Operator |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 – 2001 | The WB | Jackson Television |
| 2001 – 2006 | UPN | Jackson Television |
| 2006 – 2010 | Independent | Jackson Television |
| 2010 – 2012 | Independent | Roundtable Broadcasting |
| 2012 – 2013 | Independent | American Spirit Media / Raycom Media |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was WXMS launched in 1999?
WXMS was launched to provide a local source for The WB programming after WGN-TV removed those shows from its national superstation feed.
What is a shared services agreement in broadcasting?
It is an arrangement where one company, such as Raycom Media, handles the operational aspects of a station owned by another company, such as American Spirit Media.
Did WXMS ever have a permanent license?
No, WXMS operated entirely through special temporary authority (STA) grants and never obtained a permanent license from the FCC.
When did WXMS stop broadcasting?
The station left the air on February 11, 2013, and its construction permit was cancelled by the FCC on January 4, 2014.
Which sister stations was WXMS associated with?
WXMS was associated with WDBD and WBMS-CA.