Where is wzdx located

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: WZDX is a Fox-affiliated television station located in Huntsville, Alabama, broadcasting on virtual channel 27 and serving the Tennessee Valley region. It first signed on the air on October 31, 1985, and is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Key Facts

WZDX is licensed to Huntsville, Alabama, and serves as the Fox affiliate for North Alabama and Southern Middle Tennessee.
The station broadcasts on virtual channel 27.1 and operates with a digital signal on UHF channel 28.
WZDX first began broadcasting on October 31, 1985, making it one of the earlier independent stations in the region.
It is owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest television station owners in the U.S.
The station’s transmitter is located near New Market, Alabama, approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Huntsville.

Overview

WZDX, known on-air as Fox 54, is a television station based in Huntsville, Alabama, serving as the primary Fox affiliate for the Tennessee Valley. It broadcasts to a wide region encompassing northern Alabama and parts of southern middle Tennessee, providing local news, syndicated programming, and national Fox network content.

Since its launch in 1985, WZDX has grown into a key media outlet in the region, offering local weather coverage, sports, and community-focused reporting. The station operates from its studios located on Perimeter Park Drive in Huntsville, strategically positioned to serve both urban and rural viewers across its broadcast footprint.

WZDX broadcasts on virtual channel 27.1, utilizing digital UHF channel 28 for transmission, ensuring strong signal reach across North Alabama.
The station is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to serve Huntsville, with a city of license officially registered as Huntsville, AL.
Its broadcast signal covers a population of over 400,000 households, reaching cities like Decatur, Athens, and Tullahoma.
WZDX first signed on the air on October 31, 1985, originally as an independent station before affiliating with Fox in the late 1980s.
The station is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which acquired it in 1998 as part of a broader expansion strategy.

How It Works

WZDX operates as a full-power digital television station, delivering programming through a combination of over-the-air broadcasts, cable distribution, and online streaming platforms. Its technical and operational framework ensures consistent delivery of content to viewers across a diverse geographic area.

Broadcast Signal: WZDX transmits a digital signal on UHF channel 28, with a maximum effective radiated power (ERP) of 1,000 kW, allowing broad regional coverage.
Transmitter Location: The transmitter is situated near New Market, Alabama, at a height of 595 meters above average terrain, maximizing line-of-sight reach.
Programming Schedule: The station airs Fox network programming in prime time and supplements it with local news broadcasts at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 10 PM on weeknights.
Ownership Structure: Sinclair Broadcast Group owns WZDX and manages it through its network of over 190 stations nationwide under shared services agreements.
Digital Subchannels: WZDX operates multiple subchannels, including 27.2 (Antenna TV) and 27.3 (Comet), offering additional entertainment options.
Streaming Access: Viewers can watch WZDX live via the station’s official website and through apps like Fox Now and Sinclair’s own platforms.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of WZDX with other major TV stations in the Huntsville market, highlighting key technical and operational differences.

Station	Channel	Affiliation	Owner	First Broadcast
WZDX	27.1	Fox	Sinclair Broadcast Group	October 31, 1985
WAFF	48.1	NBC	Graham Media Group	March 15, 1954
WHNT	19.1	CBS	Nexstar Media Group	February 3, 1954
WVUA	7.1	ABC	University of Alabama	September 10, 1979
WDRB	41.1	Fox (Louisville)	Sera Broadcasting	February 1, 1971

This table illustrates how WZDX compares to other regional broadcasters in terms of ownership, launch date, and network alignment. While WAFF and WHNT have longer histories, WZDX has carved out a strong presence as the go-to source for Fox programming and local evening news in the Tennessee Valley.

Why It Matters

WZDX plays a vital role in informing and connecting communities across northern Alabama, especially during emergencies such as severe weather events, which are common in the region. Its local news team provides real-time updates, storm tracking, and community outreach that enhance public safety and civic engagement.

Emergency Alerts: WZDX broadcasts FEMA-certified emergency alerts during tornado outbreaks and winter storms, reaching thousands of at-risk residents.
Local Journalism: The station employs over 50 newsroom staff, producing more than 20 hours of local content weekly.
Economic Impact: As a major employer in Huntsville, WZDX contributes to the local media economy and supports advertising businesses.
Community Events: The station sponsors events like "Fox 54 Cares", focusing on charity drives and youth programs.
Political Coverage: WZDX hosts debates and town halls during election cycles, increasing voter awareness and participation.
Educational Outreach: Through partnerships with schools, the station offers internships and media literacy programs for students.

WZDX remains a cornerstone of regional broadcasting, combining national network content with hyper-local reporting to serve a diverse and growing population.