Where is wnep located

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: WNEP is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, serving Northeastern Pennsylvania as a CBS-affiliated television station. It broadcasts from its studio facility at 125 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.

Key Facts

WNEP is licensed to Scranton, Pennsylvania, with its main studio at 125 North Washington Avenue.
The station serves the Nielsen DMA rank #55 market, covering over 30 counties in PA and NY.
WNEP-TV first signed on the air on February 14, 1953, making it one of the oldest TV stations in the region.
It operates on virtual channel 16.1 and broadcasts in 1080i resolution.
WNEP is owned by Tegna Inc., which acquired it during the 2019 Gannett spin-off.

Overview

WNEP is a CBS-affiliated television station headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves the Northeastern Pennsylvania region, including major cities like Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and parts of the Pocono Mountains.

The station has been a cornerstone of local broadcasting since the early days of television. Its coverage area extends into parts of southern New York, making it a key media outlet for a diverse, multi-state audience.

Studio Location: WNEP’s main studio and newsroom are located at 125 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, where daily operations and live broadcasts originate.
Licensing: Officially licensed to Scranton, the station is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under license number BTV-20040621ABZ.
Channel Information: WNEP broadcasts digitally on UHF channel 17 but appears as virtual channel 16.1 on most televisions and streaming platforms.
Coverage Area: The station reaches approximately 1.2 million viewers across 30 counties in Pennsylvania and New York State.
Historical Milestone: WNEP first went on air on February 14, 1953, originally as an ABC affiliate before switching to CBS in 1995 during a major network realignment.

How It Works

WNEP functions as a full-service local television station, combining news, weather, sports, and network programming to serve its regional audience. Its operations rely on a mix of on-air talent, field reporters, and technical infrastructure.

News Production: The station produces over 14 hours of local news weekly, including weekday morning, evening, and late-night broadcasts anchored from Scranton.
Weather Coverage: WNEP’s StormTracker team uses Doppler radar technology and real-time data to provide forecasts for mountainous and rural terrain unique to the region.
Sports Reporting: The station covers high school athletics, college games, and regional events like the Pocono 400, with live sideline reporting and weekly highlight shows.
Transmission: Broadcast signals are relayed via a 1,000-foot tower near Mountain Top, PA, enabling coverage across rugged terrain and deep valleys.
Digital Streaming: WNEP content is available on platforms like Roku, YouTube TV, and Hulu Live, with live streaming of newscasts and on-demand segments.
Ownership Structure: Since 2019, WNEP has been owned by Tegna Inc., a national media company spun off from Gannett, which manages over 60 stations nationwide.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of WNEP with other regional stations in terms of coverage, ownership, and programming focus.

Station	Location	Affiliation	Launch Date	Owner
WNEP-TV	Scranton, PA	CBS	February 14, 1953	Tegna Inc.
WBRE-TV	Wilkes-Barre, PA	NBC	February 13, 1953	Nexstar Media Group
WYOU-TV	Scranton, PA	MyNetworkTV	September 20, 1953	Cunningham Broadcasting
WVIA-TV	Scranton, PA	PBS	June 26, 1967	Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Corporation
WOLF-TV	Wilkes-Barre, PA	FOX	September 17, 1981	London Broadcasting

WNEP stands out due to its long history, strong CBS programming lineup, and extensive local news coverage. While competitors focus on niche networks or syndicated content, WNEP maintains a broad appeal with consistent regional reporting and emergency weather updates.

Why It Matters

WNEP plays a vital role in informing, educating, and connecting communities across a geographically diverse and often underserved region. Its presence ensures access to critical news, especially during severe weather and public safety events.

Emergency Reporting: During the 2011 Hurricane Irene and 2012 Hurricane Sandy, WNEP provided over 36 hours of continuous coverage, aiding evacuation and safety efforts.
Local Journalism: The station employs over 75 journalists and technicians, making it one of the largest newsrooms in Northeastern PA.
Educational Outreach: WNEP hosts annual Student News Day, featuring reports from over 50 area high schools.
Economic Impact: As a major employer in Scranton, WNEP contributes to the city’s media and advertising economy with millions in annual local ad revenue.
Community Engagement: The station sponsors events like the WNEP Heart of the Valley Awards, honoring local heroes and nonprofits.
Technological Innovation: In 2020, WNEP upgraded to full HD production and launched a mobile app for real-time alerts and video streaming.

With deep roots in the community and a commitment to quality journalism, WNEP remains a trusted source of information for generations of viewers in Northeastern Pennsylvania.