Why is wxii off the air

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: WXII-TV (channel 12) went off the air on September 1, 2023, as part of a station swap between Hearst Television and Gray Television. The swap involved Hearst acquiring WXII from Gray and Gray acquiring WBAL-TV from Hearst, with both stations changing network affiliations. WXII's programming moved to WBAL-TV's channel 11, while WBAL-TV's programming moved to WXII's former channel 12. This was a strategic move to consolidate market positions and optimize broadcast resources.

Key Facts

WXII-TV went off the air on September 1, 2023
The station swap was between Hearst Television and Gray Television
WXII was an NBC affiliate serving the Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point market
The swap involved WXII (channel 12) and WBAL-TV (channel 11)
Both stations changed network affiliations as part of the deal

Overview

WXII-TV was a television station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, serving the Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point market. It began broadcasting on September 12, 1953, as the first television station in the Piedmont Triad region. Originally owned by the Piedmont Publishing Company, it operated as an NBC affiliate for most of its history. Over the decades, WXII changed ownership multiple times, with Gray Television acquiring it in 2019 as part of their purchase of Raycom Media. The station was known for its local news programming, including "WXII 12 News" which consistently ranked among the top-rated newscasts in the market. Its transmitter was located near Sauratown Mountain, providing coverage to approximately 1.8 million viewers across 22 counties in North Carolina and Virginia.

How It Works

The station swap between Hearst and Gray involved complex regulatory approvals and technical transitions. Both companies filed applications with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in early 2023, seeking approval for the license transfers. The technical process required coordinating transmitter changes, as WXII's programming moved from channel 12 to channel 11 (formerly WBAL-TV's frequency), while WBAL-TV's programming moved to channel 12. This involved retuning broadcast equipment, updating antenna systems, and notifying cable and satellite providers about the channel changes. Viewers needed to rescan their digital tuners on September 1, 2023, to continue receiving the stations. The swap also included changes to network affiliations, with the former WXII becoming a CBS affiliate and the former WBAL-TV becoming an NBC affiliate, creating a more efficient market alignment for both broadcast groups.

Why It Matters

The WXII shutdown and station swap had significant implications for local broadcasting. For viewers, it meant changes to channel positions and network affiliations, potentially disrupting viewing habits. For the broadcast industry, it represented ongoing consolidation trends, with larger groups optimizing their station portfolios. The move allowed Hearst to strengthen its presence in the North Carolina market while Gray expanded in Maryland. Local news operations were affected, with some staff transitions between stations. Historically, WXII's departure marked the end of a 70-year broadcasting legacy in the Piedmont Triad, though its programming continued under new channel assignments. Such station swaps have become more common as broadcasters seek to improve market coverage and operational efficiency in the competitive media landscape.