WNEP-TV
WNEP-TV, virtual channel 16 (UHF digital channel 50), is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States, serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania television market including Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas.[1] Owned and operated by TEGNA Inc., the station maintains studios on Montage Mountain Road in Moosic and transmits from Penobscot Knob in Wilkes-Barre Township.[1] Launched originally as WILK-TV in 1953 and rebranded as WNEP-TV by 1956, it has historically carried ABC network programming and developed into the region's dominant outlet for local news, weather, and sports under the "Newswatch 16" banner.[1] WNEP first achieved the top ratings position in local news in 1978 and has maintained that lead since, introducing technological innovations such as live remote broadcasts in 1976 and early adoption of electronic news-gathering equipment.[1]History
Origins and early operations (WILK-TV and WARM-TV era)
WARM-TV, broadcasting on VHF channel 16 from Scranton, signed on January 2, 1954, as the city's second television station and an ABC affiliate.[1] Owned by WARM Broadcasting Company—a group that included future Pennsylvania Governor William A. Scranton and was affiliated with WARM-AM radio—the station operated from studios in downtown Scranton and focused on delivering network programming via mountain-top microwave relays from New York City, with broadcasts typically running from 3 p.m. to midnight.[1][2] Its VHF signal provided stronger coverage across northeastern Pennsylvania compared to emerging UHF competitors, aiding initial market penetration in a region where terrain challenges often disrupted reception.[1] Earlier that year, on September 16, 1953, WILK-TV launched on UHF channel 34 from Wilkes-Barre, also as a primary ABC affiliate with secondary programming from the NTA Film Network.[1][2] The station was established by owners Thomas Shelbourne and Dr. Roy Morgan, linked to WILK-AM radio, under FCC authorization for the channel allocation granted in the early 1950s as part of the agency's expansion of television service to smaller markets.[1][3] Operating from studios in downtown Wilkes-Barre, WILK-TV faced inherent disadvantages of UHF transmission, including weaker signal propagation over distance and through obstacles, which limited its audience reach relative to VHF outlets like WARM-TV and incumbents WBRE-TV (NBC) and WDAU-TV (CBS).[2][1] The competitive landscape in the nascent Scranton-Wilkes-Barre market pitted these ABC affiliates against each other and established VHF stations, with both WILK-TV and WARM-TV incurring financial losses due to divided audience shares and high operational costs for network feeds.[4] WARM-TV's superior transmitter location and VHF band enabled better penetration into rural areas, contributing to its edge in early viewership, while stations occasionally shared signals during outages to maintain service continuity.[1] No comprehensive Nielsen ratings from the period quantify exact shares, but the economic pressures of UHF viability and market duplication underscored the challenges, setting the stage for operational strains by the mid-1950s without resolving into a dominant ABC entity.[2]Consolidation and rebranding to WNEP-TV
In 1957, the owners of WILK-TV (channel 34, Wilkes-Barre) and WARM-TV (channel 16, Scranton)—both ABC affiliates serving the overlapping Scranton-Wilkes-Barre market—agreed to merge operations to eliminate duplicative costs in a region with limited advertising revenue and viewership potential.[2] The Federal Communications Commission approved the arrangement, retaining WILK-TV's construction permit but shifting to WARM-TV's channel 16 allocation for superior signal propagation over UHF frequencies, while channel 34 operated as a temporary satellite repeater until its shutdown on July 1, 1958, marking full consolidation.[5] The resulting entity adopted the WNEP-TV call sign, signifying Northeastern Pennsylvania Television, and was licensed to Scranton, with split operations initially between the existing Wilkes-Barre facility and a newly constructed studio in Scranton to serve both urban centers efficiently.[6] The merger preserved ABC as the primary network affiliation, with no documented secondary clearances for CBS or NBC post-consolidation, as both predecessor stations had prioritized ABC programming from their inceptions in 1953 and 1954.[1] This unification enabled streamlined production and transmission, contributing to early competitive advantages in local content delivery amid a market dominated by VHF competitors WBRE-TV (NBC) and WGBB/WYOU (CBS). Ownership remained with Transcontinent Television Corporation until 1964, when it was acquired by Taft Broadcasting Company for an undisclosed sum, reflecting the era's trend of consolidation among UHF independents seeking financial stability through network reliance and regional synergies.[7] Under Taft's stewardship from 1964 onward, initial post-acquisition investments focused on upgrading studio infrastructure and equipment at the Scranton site, enhancing production capabilities for local programming and yielding measurable gains in overall audience share during late-1960s Nielsen sweeps, though news-specific ratings began to lag behind general entertainment by decade's end.[1] These enhancements stemmed directly from the merged entity's scale advantages, allowing reinvestment that smaller standalone UHF operations could not sustain, and positioned WNEP-TV as the market's leading ABC outlet without reliance on secondary network feeds.[2]Expansion, tower collapse, and recovery (1970s–2008)
During the 1970s and 1980s, WNEP-TV, under ownership by Taft Broadcasting Company following its 1964 acquisition from Transcontinent Broadcasting, invested in operational growth including news department enhancements and technological upgrades, contributing to its established market leadership in total day viewership.[8] The station's news operation expanded amid competitive pressures, with archived broadcasts from the era showing consistent local coverage of regional events such as weather disruptions and economic developments in northeastern Pennsylvania.[9] By the mid-1980s, WNEP had solidified its position as the dominant station, outpacing competitors like WYOU in audience share during evening newscasts and overall programming.[10] Ownership transitioned in 1985 when Times Mirror Company acquired WNEP from NEP Communications—a group formed by station employees—for more than $40 million, enabling further scaling of facilities and staff.[11] This period saw sustained investments in broadcasting infrastructure, correlating with WNEP's ongoing #1 Nielsen ratings in key dayparts, driven by strong local programming appeal in the Wilkes-Barre–Scranton market.[12] The station's analog signal, transmitted from an 800-foot tower on Penobscot Knob, supported broad coverage across Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, underpinning its viewership resilience despite occasional slips in specific news metrics under prior management.[8] On December 16, 2007, severe ice accumulation combined with high winds and snow caused the collapse of WNEP's primary analog transmission tower on Penobscot Knob at approximately 7:00 a.m., severing power lines and damaging the adjacent transmitter building, which housed equipment for multiple stations including WYOU and WVIA.[12][10] The incident, exacerbated by a regional power outage, immediately disrupted WNEP's analog over-the-air signal, though its separate digital facility remained operational, minimizing total blackout duration.[13] FCC guidelines facilitated rapid deployment of backup systems, with partial analog restoration achieved by January 1, 2008, via a nearby auxiliary tower on Penobscot Knob operated by American Tower.[14] Recovery efforts prioritized redundancy and rebuilding, with WNEP engineering teams coordinating with federal regulators to relocate temporary transmissions while constructing a replacement structure; full analog capabilities were phased out amid the national digital transition, but infrastructure restoration ensured minimal long-term signal loss by late 2008.[15] The event highlighted vulnerabilities in guyed steel lattice masts to extreme weather loads, prompting engineering reviews but demonstrating the station's operational agility, as cable carriage preserved most viewer access during the approximately two-week primary outage.[12] By 2008, under Tribune Company's ownership following its earlier acquisition from Times Mirror, WNEP had regained full market functionality, maintaining its ratings edge through adaptive broadcasting strategies.[16]Ownership transitions and aborted Sinclair sale (2010s)
In July 2013, Tribune Company announced a $2.73 billion agreement to acquire Local TV Holdings LLC, which included WNEP-TV among 19 stations, effectively bringing the ABC affiliate under Tribune's operational control through a local marketing agreement.[17] To comply with FCC ownership limits, WNEP's license was transferred to Dreamcatcher Broadcasting LLC, a entity owned by former Tribune executive Ed Wilson, while Tribune retained management responsibilities.[18] The FCC approved the transaction on December 20, 2013, allowing Tribune to expand its broadcast portfolio without immediate divestitures in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market.[19] On May 8, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group agreed to purchase Tribune Media, WNEP's effective parent, for approximately $3.9 billion in a deal valued at $43.50 per share, potentially creating the largest U.S. local TV owner by revenue.[16] The proposal triggered FCC and Department of Justice reviews focused on national ownership caps, where Sinclair's projected reach—factoring in the UHF discount—would exceed the 39% threshold for households served, raising empirical concerns about reduced viewpoint diversity based on coverage overlap data in DOJ filings.[20] Sinclair planned divestitures of stations in overlapping markets, including sidecar arrangements with affiliated entities, to mitigate concentration, but FCC scrutiny intensified over the adequacy of these sales in filings from April 2018 onward.[21] The merger unraveled after the FCC designated the application for a hearing in July 2018, citing insufficient evidence that divestitures would prevent cap violations, as analyzed in commission documents referencing market share projections.[22] On August 9, 2018, Tribune terminated the agreement, alleging Sinclair's delays and inadequate responses breached contract terms, leading to a $1 billion lawsuit later settled out of court; no divestitures were required for WNEP, preserving its operational status under the Tribune-Dreamcatcher structure.[23] Nielsen ratings for WNEP's newscasts showed no significant disruption during the period, maintaining market leadership in key demographics per available viewership reports.[24]Nexstar acquisition, resale to TEGNA, and 2025 Nexstar merger proposal
In December 2018, as part of its planned acquisition of Tribune Media, Nexstar Media Group announced an agreement to acquire WNEP-TV along with other assets, but to comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) duopoly restrictions in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre market—where Nexstar already owned NBC affiliate WBRE-TV—Nexstar simultaneously agreed to divest WNEP and ten other stations to TEGNA Inc. for a total of $740 million.[25] The divestiture closed in March 2019, transferring ownership of WNEP to TEGNA without interrupting station operations or prompting significant changes to staffing or programming formats, as confirmed in subsequent local reports.[26] Under TEGNA's ownership, WNEP maintained its focus on local news and ABC network affiliation, benefiting from TEGNA's broader portfolio of 64 stations while adhering to regulatory requirements for independent operation in the market.[27] On August 19, 2025, Nexstar Media Group announced a definitive agreement to acquire TEGNA Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.2 billion, or $22 per share—a 31% premium over TEGNA's unaffected 30-day volume-weighted average stock price ending August 8, 2025.[28] The deal, unanimously approved by both companies' boards, aims to create the largest U.S. local broadcaster with approximately 265 stations reaching about 40% of U.S. television households, citing verifiable cost synergies from shared infrastructure and enhanced revenue from integrated advertising and news production resources as outlined in Nexstar's public filings.[28] Closure is anticipated in the second half of 2026, pending FCC and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regulatory approvals, which may require divestitures of overlapping stations such as WNEP and Nexstar's WBRE-TV in the same designated market area to address market concentration concerns.[29][28] As of October 2025, the proposal remains under review with no final outcome determined.[28]Programming and content
Network affiliations and syndicated programming
WNEP-TV has maintained a primary affiliation with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) since the sign-on of its predecessor station WILK-TV on February 10, 1953, providing continuous carriage of the network's programming in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre market.[1][30] The station's other predecessor, WARM-TV, also operated as an ABC affiliate prior to their 1965 merger and subsequent rebranding as WNEP-TV in 1967, ensuring no interruption in ABC service despite early secondary affiliations with National Telefilm Associates (NTA) programming from 1956 to 1961.[1] This long-term stability reflects ABC's empirical dominance in the market, with WNEP airing the network's full schedule of primetime dramas, sitcoms, and sports events, alongside occasional preemptions limited to extended local news coverage during severe weather.[31] In addition to ABC network content, WNEP carries select ESPN-produced events under ABC's sports umbrella, such as college football and basketball games, which contribute to elevated viewership during seasonal peaks. The station has avoided major affiliation shifts, unlike some competitors in adjacent markets, underscoring viewer loyalty tied to ABC's consistent ratings performance in this designated market area (DMA) ranked 55th nationally.[31] Syndicated programming on WNEP fills key access periods, including morning talk shows like Live with Kelly and Mark and entertainment news segments, selected for alignment with local demographics favoring lifestyle and celebrity content.[32] Evening slots feature enduring game shows such as Wheel of Fortune at 7:00 p.m. and Jeopardy! at 7:30 p.m., which have anchored preemptions of ABC primetime since their national syndication launches in 1983 and 1984, respectively, driving household shares exceeding 30% in Nielsen sweeps data for the market. Daytime reruns of court programs, including legacy episodes of Judge Judy, supplement ABC soaps, with selections informed by barter agreements prioritizing high-repeat-value formats over network preemptions.[33] These offerings have evolved minimally, maintaining empirical appeal through proven ad revenue models in a small-market environment resistant to disruptive format changes.[34]Local news operation
WNEP-TV operates its local news under the "Newswatch 16" banner, delivering coverage to Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania through anchor-driven newscasts that integrate general assignment reporting, weather, and sports segments. Daily broadcasts include extended morning shows such as Newswatch 16 This Morning from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., alongside evening editions at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., timed to complement ABC network programming.[35][36][37] The operation maintains a primary studio in Moosic near Scranton and a dedicated newsroom in Wilkes-Barre established in 2012 as a state-of-the-art HD facility, supporting reporting across the market including Hazleton and surrounding communities.[38][39] The Action 16 investigative team handles consumer-focused probes and accountability stories, such as contractor disputes and local scandals.[40] Technological capabilities feature the Stormtracker 16 interactive radar for real-time weather tracking and high-definition production, enabling detailed visuals in segments on verifiable events like political developments and disasters, including historical coverage of the 1979 Three Mile Island incident.[41][42] This structure prioritizes straightforward, event-based reporting on community issues, such as Pennsylvania congressional reactions to national events.[43]Format, bureaus, and technological investments
WNEP-TV maintains its primary news studio at 16 Montage Mountain Road in Moosic, Pennsylvania, supporting operations with satellite trucks and mobile production units designed for remote live broadcasting across the station's coverage area of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, encompassing at least 10 counties including Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and others.[1][44] These assets, including the "Supershooters" tractor-trailer mobile units introduced in 1979, enable self-contained studio-quality transmissions from field locations despite the region's challenging mountainous terrain, such as in the Poconos, where signal propagation requires enhanced microwave and satellite capabilities.[1][45] The station's technological milestones include its first on-location live news broadcast in 1976, followed by the adoption of videotape cameras in 1977 for improved field recording efficiency, and the deployment of Skycam 16 in 1979 for aerial imaging, which was upgraded to a larger system in June 1984 to expand vantage points for event coverage.[1] These investments facilitated rapid response to major incidents, such as live reporting during the 2011 Susquehanna River flooding from Tropical Storm Lee, where mobile units captured evacuations and damage in real time across affected counties.[1][46] For localized reporting, WNEP operates a bureau in the Wyoming Valley, established in June 2012 as a state-of-the-art HD facility at 16 Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, allowing dedicated coverage of Luzerne County and surrounding areas without reliance on the main Moosic studio.[38] Subsequent upgrades, including video walls and anchor desk enhancements completed in early 2023, have integrated digital production tools to streamline editing and on-air presentation, reflecting ongoing adaptations to electronic newsroom demands in a geographically dispersed market.[47]Ratings dominance and market share
WNEP-TV has held the top position in local news ratings within the Wilkes-Barre–Scranton market continuously since the 1970s, surpassing competitors such as WBRE-TV and WYOU-TV across key dayparts including mornings, early fringe, and evenings.[6] This dominance persisted through periods of industry-wide challenges like cable proliferation, with the station capturing shares often exceeding those of rivals combined; for instance, in November 2015 total-day household ratings, WNEP achieved a 6.1 rating and 23.3 share, compared to WBRE's 2.3 rating and 8.7 share.[48] Longitudinal Nielsen data affirm no material erosion in its lead, contrasting with broader declines in local TV viewership nationally, attributable to sustained investments in staffing, technology, and content depth that prioritized viewer retention over cost-cutting prevalent among competitors.[1] Peak performances underscore this supremacy, including a 25 household rating and 44 share for its 6:00 p.m. newscast in the late 1990s to early 2000s, which ranked as the highest-rated early fringe newscast among the nation's top 100 markets during May 2000 with a 24.8 rating and 44 share.[49][50] Morning shares reached 50–60% in the 2000s, while May 1997 sweeps showed leads in six major time slots over WBRE and WYOU.[51] Recent sweeps through 2015 reinforced total-day advantages, with WNEP's empirical edge linked to aggressive resource allocation—outspending rivals on production and talent—yielding market shares up to 71% in select periods like 1996 evenings, unaffected by fragmentation as viewers favored its comprehensive, locally focused reporting.[52][48] No verified data indicate significant declines, debunking narratives of competitive parity; instead, WNEP's model demonstrates causal efficacy of quality-driven operations in preserving audience loyalty amid digital shifts.[49]Notable current and former staff
Jon Meyer has served as a key anchor for WNEP-TV's morning newscasts since transitioning from evening duties, having joined the station in June 2003 initially as a Luzerne County beat reporter before anchoring weekends and contributing to investigative reporting on local issues.[53][54] Chief Meteorologist Kurt Aaron, who handles forecasts across multiple evening and midday slots, began at WNEP in February 2002 after prior roles in regional broadcasting, focusing on severe weather coverage for northeastern and central Pennsylvania.[55][56] Meteorologist Joe Snedeker joined full-time in 1999, providing weather updates and supporting storm tracking efforts during the station's expansion of digital forecasting tools.[57] Mindi Ramsey has anchored morning and noon editions since June 2007, emphasizing community stories and daily updates in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre market.[53] Among former staff, Marisa Burke anchored and reported from April 1984 until her departure in late 2016 following a 32-year tenure, during which she covered midday and evening newscasts amid the station's shift to extended local programming.[58][59] Early reporters included Bill O'Reilly, who started in January 1975 handling general assignment stories and weather segments before advancing to national roles.[60] Dan Patrick worked as a reporter in the 1970s, conducting interviews such as one with Muhammad Ali in 1977 on training camps in the region.[61]Other local programming and features
WNEP-TV engages its Northeastern Pennsylvania audience through annual contests that promote community participation and local sponsorships. The flagship Snow Thrower Contest, a tradition dating back decades, challenges viewers to submit daily guesses for the date and hour of the first full inch of snow measured at the station's Moosic backyard facility, starting entries from October 23 at 6 p.m. each year. Winners receive prizes such as Troy or MTD snow throwers valued up to $829, donated by partners like Dalton Do-It Center, with announcements following the snowfall verification; for instance, the 2024 grand prize went to Melinda Drank of Wilkes-Barre, and a runner-up prize to another Luzerne County entrant.[62][63] This feature has evolved from postcard submissions to online-only entries to accommodate modern habits, while retaining its role in building seasonal anticipation amid the region's heavy snowfall.[64] The station also produces event-based specials highlighting regional landmarks and fairs, such as the annual Bloomsburg Fair TV Special, which showcases performances on the WNEP Free Stage alongside fair schedules and attractions to celebrate local agriculture and entertainment.[65] Complementary seasonal promotions include summer giveaways like "Take a Bite out of Summer" with Blue Moon for grilling recipes and tips, or trips to Lake Wallenpaupack, which draw participation through viewer-submitted content and reinforce ties to Pennsylvania's outdoor and culinary heritage.[66] These initiatives, distinct from syndicated or network fare, underscore WNEP's emphasis on interactive, regionally tailored content that supplements core affiliations.Technical information
Subchannels and multicast streams
WNEP-TV's digital signal utilizes ATSC 1.0 multiplexing on physical UHF channel 21, shared under an FCC-approved agreement with WVIA-TV for additional capacity allocation.[31] The primary subchannel, 16.1, has broadcast the ABC network in 720p high-definition since the nationwide full-power digital transition on June 12, 2009, with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.[31] [67] Subchannel 16.2 airs Antenna TV, a digital multicast network featuring classic television sitcoms and dramas from the 1960s to 1990s, in 480i standard definition with 4:3 aspect ratio and stereo audio; this affiliation represents a post-digital-transition expansion for ancillary programming, following the discontinuation of prior services like Retro TV on that slot.[31] [68]| Virtual Channel | Programming | Video Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Audio Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.1 | ABC | 720p | 16:9 | DD 5.1 |
| 16.2 | Antenna TV | 480i | 4:3 | DD 2.0 |
Analog-to-digital transition
WNEP-TV ceased full-power analog transmissions on UHF channel 16 at midnight on June 12, 2009, aligning with the federally mandated nationwide transition to digital television broadcasting. Prior to the cutoff, the station simulcast its ABC-affiliated programming in both analog and digital formats to ease viewer preparation, with digital service having commenced as early as 2006 on temporary UHF channel 49. This pre-existing digital capability, operational at reduced power during initial phases, minimized service interruptions for equipped households.[69][31] The transition followed the collapse of WNEP's primary analog tower on December 16, 2007, due to severe ice accumulation and high winds on Penobscot Knob, which destroyed the 800-foot structure and briefly disrupted both analog and digital signals. Digital transmissions were swiftly restored using backup facilities and a separate antenna system, fostering viewer familiarity with over-the-air digital reception well ahead of the 2009 deadline and averting widespread outage complaints during the switchover. Low-power analog operations were not extended post-cutoff for WNEP, consistent with most full-service stations ceasing all analog emissions after June 12.[12][10] Post-transition, the FCC approved WNEP's relocation of its digital signal to permanent UHF channel 50 in late 2009, completed on December 5, while preserving virtual channel 16.1 to maintain numbering continuity for viewers and electronic program guides. This shift complied with spectrum efficiency goals, as the relinquished analog channel 16 frequencies contributed to broader FCC reallocations, though WNEP retained its virtual identity without direct auction proceeds at that stage.[70][31]Transmitter facilities and signal coverage
The transmitter facilities for WNEP-TV are located atop Penobscot Knob (also known as Electronics Heights), a prominent elevation of approximately 2,122 feet near Mountain Top in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, at coordinates 41°10′55″N 75°52′16″W. The station's digital signal operates from a shared tower at this antenna farm, utilizing an effective radiated power of 760 kW on UHF channel 21 (virtual channel 16).[71] The height above average terrain measures 509 meters (1,671 feet), enabling extensive line-of-sight propagation suited to the hilly terrain of northeastern Pennsylvania.[72] This configuration supports a primary service contour that blankets the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre designated market area and adjacent regions, encompassing key counties such as Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, and others in northeastern Pennsylvania. FCC data indicate the signal reaches a potential population of over 3.4 million viewers, corresponding to roughly 1.2 million television households within the predicted coverage area.[73] The facilities were rebuilt and upgraded between 2008 and 2009 following a December 2007 tower collapse caused by an ice storm, which destroyed the original analog transmitter building and equipment; the reconstruction incorporated a new antenna system and temporary reliance on a nearby backup tower for signal continuity during repairs.[15][6] These enhancements prioritize broadcast reliability, drawing from the outage lessons to maintain service amid regional weather vulnerabilities.Translators and boosters
WNEP-TV maintains a network of low-power translators to rebroadcast its signal into remote and terrain-obstructed regions, including the Endless Mountains, where the primary transmitter on Penobscot Knob experiences shadowing from elevated geography. These facilities, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, operate at reduced effective radiated powers—typically ranging from 1 to 15 kW depending on location—to provide reliable over-the-air reception without interfering with the main broadcast. The deployment addresses coverage gaps in northeastern Pennsylvania's rugged landscape, ensuring ABC network programming and local news reach isolated communities that would otherwise rely on cable or satellite carriage.[31] Prior to the digital television transition on June 12, 2009, WNEP's translators predominantly used analog NTSC transmission, with select sites incorporating hybrid NTSC/ATSC modes to facilitate a phased shift and minimize service disruptions during the federal mandate for full-power stations to cease analog operations. Following the switchover, the system transitioned to digital ATSC, leveraging improved signal efficiency, resistance to interference, and multicasting capabilities, which diminished the operational necessity for extensive auxiliary repeaters over time. Maintenance costs and spectrum constraints have prompted periodic evaluations, with digital propagation characteristics allowing consolidation while preserving core fringe-area service.[74]Current translators
WNEP-TV operates several digital translators to rebroadcast its programming and mitigate signal propagation challenges posed by the Appalachian Mountains and other terrain features in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, ensuring coverage in remote valleys and communities. These low-power facilities, licensed by the FCC, primarily carry the station's ABC-affiliated main channel and secondary services like Antenna TV on WNEP2.[31] The active translators as of October 2025 include:| Callsign | Channel | Location |
|---|---|---|
| W07DC-D | 7 | Allentown/Bethlehem, PA |
| W10CP-D | 10 | Towanda, PA |
| W14CO-D | 14 | Clarks Summit, PA |
| W15CO-D | 15 | Towanda, PA |
| W20AD-D | 20 | Williamsport, PA |
| W20CP-D | 20 | Mansfield, PA |
| W20EI-D | 20 | Towanda, PA |
| W26CV-D | 26 | Mansfield, PA |
| W29EU-D | 29 | Clarks Summit, PA |
| W29FQ-D | 29 | Pottsville, PA |