Where is wltx

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: WLTX is a CBS-affiliated television station located in Columbia, South Carolina, broadcasting from studios on Bull Street. It began operations on March 12, 1983, and serves the Midlands region with local news and network programming.

Key Facts

WLTX is licensed to Columbia, South Carolina, and began broadcasting on March 12, 1983.
It operates on digital channel 19 and virtual channel 19.1, serving the Columbia television market.
The station is owned by TEGNA Inc., which acquired it in 2019 as part of a $1.3 billion purchase.
WLTX broadcasts over 40 hours of local news weekly, including weekday morning and evening segments.
It covers 17 counties in central South Carolina, reaching approximately 750,000 households.

Overview

WLTX is a CBS-affiliated television station based in Columbia, South Carolina. It serves as a primary source of news, weather, and entertainment for the Midlands region of the state. Since its launch, the station has grown into a key media outlet, offering both national network content and extensive local reporting.

The station broadcasts from studios located at 111 Westway Court, off Bull Street in Columbia. Its signal reaches viewers across central South Carolina, including areas like Lexington, Sumter, and Orangeburg. WLTX plays a critical role in emergency alerts and community coverage.

Founded on March 12, 1983, WLTX began as an independent station before affiliating with CBS in 1992, replacing WCSC-TV as the network’s Columbia affiliate.
The station operates on digital channel 19 and virtual channel 19.1, using a transmitter near Eastover, South Carolina, to maximize signal reach.
WLTX is licensed to Columbia but serves a broader region, covering 17 counties and reaching approximately 750,000 households across central South Carolina.
Owned by TEGNA Inc., a major broadcast company, WLTX was acquired in 2019 during TEGNA’s $1.3 billion purchase of stations from Nexstar Media Group.
The station produces over 40 hours of local news programming weekly, including weekday morning, evening, and late-night broadcasts.

How It Works

WLTX functions as a full-service television station, combining network programming from CBS with locally produced content. Its operations include news gathering, weather forecasting, and community outreach, all supported by modern broadcast technology.

News Production: WLTX employs a team of reporters, anchors, and producers who cover local events, politics, and breaking news. The station broadcasts weekday morning news from 5–7 AM and evening segments at 6 and 11 PM.
Weather Coverage: The station’s meteorologists use Doppler radar and satellite data to provide forecasts, severe weather alerts, and storm tracking during hurricanes and winter storms.
Transmitter Location: WLTX’s signal is broadcast from a 1,968-foot tower near Eastover, ensuring coverage across the Columbia DMA, which ranks as the 89th largest in the U.S.
Digital Broadcasting: Since the 2009 digital transition, WLTX has transmitted in high definition on 19.1, with subchannels offering additional programming on 19.2 and 19.3.
Ownership Structure: As part of TEGNA Inc., WLTX benefits from national resources while maintaining editorial independence in local news coverage and community initiatives.
Community Engagement: The station hosts events like WLTX 19 Live Healthy Day and partners with local organizations to promote education, health, and safety.

Comparison at a Glance

WLTX competes with other Columbia-area stations in viewership, programming, and local impact. The table below compares key metrics:

Station	Network	Channel	Launch Date	Weekly News Hours
WLTX	CBS	19.1	March 12, 1983	40+
WIS	NBC	10.1	December 29, 1953	42
WRNE-TV	FOX	25.1	October 15, 1985	28
SCETV (WRLK)	PBS	34.1	January 1, 1963	10
WACH	FOX	57.1	December 4, 1984	30

WLTX ranks among the top stations in local news output and audience reach. While WIS has a longer history, WLTX has gained ground since its CBS affiliation, particularly in evening news ratings. Its focus on digital innovation and community reporting strengthens its competitive position.

Why It Matters

WLTX plays a vital role in informing and connecting the Columbia community. Its reporting influences public awareness, emergency preparedness, and civic engagement across central South Carolina.

Emergency Alerts: WLTX broadcasts severe weather warnings and Amber Alerts, helping residents respond to hurricanes, floods, and other critical events.
Local Accountability: Investigative reporting by WLTX journalists has exposed government inefficiencies and led to policy changes in local agencies.
Educational Outreach: The station partners with schools to promote literacy and STEM programs, reaching over 15,000 students annually.
Economic Impact: WLTX supports local businesses through advertising and features small enterprises in community spotlight segments.
Digital Accessibility: The station streams live content via WLTX.com and mobile apps, ensuring access for cord-cutters and mobile users.
Historical Record: WLTX’s news archives provide a valuable resource for researchers and historians studying regional events from the 1980s to today.

As media landscapes evolve, WLTX remains a trusted source of information, adapting to digital trends while maintaining a strong local presence.