Where is wjhl located

Overview

WJHL is a television station based in Johnson City, Tennessee, serving the Tri-Cities region, which includes Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. As a long-standing broadcaster, it has provided local news, weather, and entertainment programming since the mid-20th century.

The station operates under the call sign WJHL-TV and is a dual affiliate of CBS and The CW. Its central location in Northeast Tennessee allows it to reach a wide audience across state lines, including parts of Virginia and North Carolina.

• Location: WJHL’s studios and offices are located at 101 Broad Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, a historic building that has housed the station for decades.
• Broadcast Range: The station covers a viewing area of approximately 370,000 households across 16 counties in Tennessee and Virginia.
• Channel Info: WJHL broadcasts on virtual channel 11.1 for CBS and 11.2 for The CW, with digital transmission on UHF channel 10.
• Ownership: As of 2019, WJHL is owned by Nexstar Media Group, the largest local TV station owner in the United States, following the acquisition of Tribune Media.
• History: The station first went on air on December 1, 1953, originally as an NBC affiliate before switching to CBS in 1955.

How It Works

WJHL operates as a full-service local television station, combining network programming with locally produced content such as news, weather, and community events.

• Call Sign: The WJHL call sign follows the FCC convention where stations east of the Mississippi River begin with 'W'; it stands for Johnson City, Tennessee.
• Transmission: The station broadcasts from a transmitter located on Holston Mountain, reaching viewers across a rugged, mountainous terrain with a powerful 316 kW ERP signal.
• Programming: WJHL airs CBS network content on 11.1 and The CW on 11.2, including prime-time shows, sports, and local news broadcasts.
• News Production: The station produces over 12 hours of local news weekly, with weekday morning, evening, and late-night newscasts anchored by regional journalists.
• Digital Transition: WJHL completed the digital transition in 2009, switching from analog channel 11 to digital UHF channel 10 while maintaining virtual channel 11.
• Streaming: Viewers can access WJHL content online via Roku, Fire TV, and the station’s website, which offers live streaming and on-demand video.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares WJHL with other regional stations in signal strength, ownership, and programming focus.

While WJHL shares regional terrain challenges with stations like WLOS and WEMT, its dual affiliation and Nexstar ownership give it broader programming reach and advertising capacity. Its location in the Tri-Cities makes it a key media hub for rural East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Why It Matters

WJHL plays a vital role in informing and connecting communities across a geographically isolated region. Its local news coverage is essential during emergencies such as winter storms and flooding, common in mountainous areas.

• Emergency Alerts: WJHL broadcasts NOAA weather alerts and AMBER alerts, serving as a lifeline during natural disasters in rural counties.
• Local Journalism: The station employs over 50 journalists and technicians, supporting media careers in a region with limited broadcast opportunities.
• Election Coverage: WJHL provides in-depth reporting on local and state elections, helping voters in Sullivan and Washington counties make informed decisions.
• Economic Impact: As part of Nexstar, WJHL contributes to a media network that generates over $5 billion annually in ad revenue nationwide.
• Community Engagement: The station hosts public forums, charity events, and school programs, strengthening ties between media and local institutions.
• Historical Record: WJHL’s archives document over 70 years of regional history, preserving cultural and political milestones of Northeast Tennessee.

With its blend of network programming and hyperlocal content, WJHL remains a cornerstone of media in the Tri-Cities, adapting to digital trends while maintaining its community-focused mission.