WSST-TV

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of WSST-TV, exploring its multiple facets and meanings. From a historical to a contemporary approach, we will analyze how WSST-TV has left its mark on different aspects of society. Through research and testimonies, we will reveal the different perspectives that exist around WSST-TV, allowing the reader to obtain a broad and enriching vision on this topic. From its origins to its impact today, we will immerse ourselves in a journey of discovery and reflection about WSST-TV.

WSST-TV
CityCordele, Georgia
Channels
Branding
  • My55 WSST
  • South Georgia Television News
Programming
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
WSWG, WFXL
History
First air date
May 22, 1989 (1989-05-22)
Former channel number(s)
  • Analog: 55 (UHF, 1989–2009)
  • Digital: 51 (UHF, 2003–2017), 22 (UHF, 2017–2018)
  • Virtual: 51 (2009–2017), 22 (2017–2019), 34 (2019)
Call sign meaning
Sunbelt-South Telecommunications (previous owner)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID63867
ERP66.2 kW
HAAT111 m (364 ft)
Transmitter coordinates31°53′36″N 83°48′18″W / 31.89333°N 83.80500°W / 31.89333; -83.80500
Translator(s)
Links
Public license information
Websitewww.southgatv.com

WSST-TV (channel 55) is a television station licensed to Cordele, Georgia, United States, serving as the MyNetworkTV affiliate for the Albany, Georgia, area. It is owned by Marquee Broadcasting alongside Valdosta-licensed CBS affiliate WSWG (channel 44); Marquee also operates Fox affiliate WFXL (channel 31) under joint sales and shared services agreements with Sinclair Broadcast Group.[2] The three stations share offices on Slappey Boulevard in Albany; WSST-TV's transmitter is located in rural southwestern Crisp County.

The station's digital signal extends only about 50 miles (80 km) from Cordele; however, the station is carried on many cable providers in the region, including in Albany and Perry. Since April 22, 2019, in order to increase its over-the-air reach, WSST-TV's primary channel has been simulcast on WSWG's third digital subchannel.[3]

History

Former logo for WSST-TV

WSST-TV signed on May 22, 1989, as an independent station owned by Sunbelt-South Telecommunications Ltd.[4] The station grew out of a cable-only station for Cordele and Vienna that had started in 1981.[5] Though primarily independent, at various points WSST's schedule has included programming from Channel America,[6] America One, and Youtoo America. WSST was originally jointly owned by William B. Goodson and Phillip A. Streetman; Goodson died in 2006,[5] and Streetman assumed full control in 2007.[7]

Former logos for WSST-TV from 2019 to 2022

On June 18, 2018, Marquee Broadcasting agreed to purchase WSST from Sunbelt-South Telecommunications.[8][9] The sale was completed on September 3, 2018.[10] Marquee subsequently acquired CBS affiliate WSWG from Gray Television, making it a sister station to WSST.[11] In May 2019, WSST-TV affiliated with MyNetworkTV; the affiliation was transferred from a WSWG subchannel.

Local programming

WSST-TV airs a rebroadcast of sister station WSWG's early evening newscast and a prime time newscast, which launched on May 6, 2019;[12] prior to then, WSST produced its own evening newscast. Until 2022, WSST also produced South Georgia Sunrise, a two-hour morning news and talk program, and Midday, a half-hour talk and lifestyle program.

Technical information

Subchannels

The station's digital signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WSST-TV[13]
Channel Video Aspect Short name Programming
55.1 480i 4:3 WSST DT MyNetworkTV
55.2 16:9 WSST-D2 MeTV (WSWG)
55.20 WSWG-DT CBS (WSWG)
55.4 16:9 WSST-D4 Grit
55.5 WSST-D5 Ion Mystery
55.6 WSST-D6 Laff
  Simulcast of subchannels of another station

Analog-to-digital conversion

WSST-TV began broadcasting a digital signal in 2003.[5] Its digital transmitter facilities operated at low power for several years, due to Sunbelt-South Telecommunications, Ltd. being involved in bankruptcy proceedings.[needs update][14] The station ended regular programming on its analog signal, over UHF channel 55, on April 15, 2009. WSST's digital signal broadcast on its pre-transition UHF channel 51.[15][16] The station moved to channel 22 in early 2017,[17] and to channel 34 in late 2018.[18]

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WSST-TV". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "Facilities and Services Agreement" (PDF). Public Inspection File. Federal Communications Commission. October 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "WSWG VALDOSTA, GA". www.rabbitears.info.
  4. ^ Television & Cable Factbook 1991 Edition (PDF). 1991. p. A-303. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c "Georgia Obituary and Death Notice Collection - Various Counties - 481". GenealogyBuff.com. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  6. ^ "Low power television gets high-powered investor" (PDF). Broadcasting. November 26, 1990. p. 55. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  7. ^ Television & Cable Factbook 2008 (PDF). 2008. p. A-656. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  8. ^ Lane, Brian J. (June 12, 2018). "Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  9. ^ "Marquee Broadcasting acquires WSST". Cordele Dispatch. June 18, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  10. ^ "Consummation Notice". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. September 3, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  11. ^ Mandel, Eric (August 16, 2018). "Gray Television sells Albany CBS affiliate WSWG alongside $3.6B Raycom purchase". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  12. ^ "New Changes to CBS 44". SouthGATV. April 26, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  13. ^ "RabbitEars TV Query for WSST". RabbitEars. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  14. ^ "DECLARATORY RULING, SECOND REPORT AND ORDER, AND ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION" (PDF). July 14, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  15. ^ "DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 29, 2013. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  16. ^ "Cox, WPGA attorneys argue lawsuit in court - Local & State - Macon.com". Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
  17. ^ "Channel 22 License to cover".
  18. ^ "License To Cover for DTV Application". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission. December 11, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2019.