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WTCL-LD

WTCL-LD is a low-power licensed to , , , serving the Cleveland–Akron–Canton market as an affiliate of the Spanish-language network . Owned by Gray Licensee, LLC—a subsidiary of Gray Media—the operates on 6 (UHF digital channel 20) from a transmitter located in , with an of 15 kW. WTCL-LD launched its affiliation on January 1, 2022, marking the first full-time station in the market, following Gray Media's acquisition and conversion of the low-power facility. In addition to its primary programming on virtual subchannel 6.1 (mapped to 20.3), the station simulcasts sister station WOIO's feed on 19.10 (20.4) and carries the Rock Entertainment Sports Network—a Gray Media sports channel focused on basketball and local events—on 22.1 (20.5). Gray Media, which also owns CBS affiliate (channel 19) and CW affiliate (channel 43) in , integrated WTCL-LD into its local cluster to expand Spanish-language and sports programming options for the region's diverse audience of approximately 1.55 million television households (2024–25 season). As of October 2025, the station is managed by Chris Conroy, overseeing operations across Gray's Cleveland properties.

History

Origins as a Low-Power Station

WTCL-LD originated as a low-power in the , , market. The granted a construction permit to Breckenridge on November 30, 1989, for operations on UHF channel 47 under the call sign W47BE, based in . This permit enabled the station to commence analog broadcasting as a Class A low-power facility with restricted signal coverage, serving a niche audience in the area. Throughout the , W47BE functioned as a typical low-power broadcaster, delivering general entertainment programming amid the era's limited resources for such outlets, though its content remained largely obscure and unarchived due to the format's marginal status. On April 15, 1998, the station relocated to UHF channel 65 and adopted the call letters W65DL to address operational challenges, including potential on its original . As the gained momentum in the early 2000s, W65DL—renamed WXOX-LP in January 2000—pursued conversion to digital format, filing applications for low-power digital operations but facing repeated delays and denials that necessitated extensions on its analog license renewals. These early struggles with digital adoption highlighted the technical and regulatory hurdles for small-market LPTV stations, paving the way for later experimental formats like Franken-FM audio simulcasting.

Franken-FM Operations

In 2012, Venture Technologies Group relocated the low-power television station from UHF channel 65 to analog channel 6, enabling it to operate as a "Franken-" by transmitting audio on 87.75 MHz, receivable on standard radios tuned to 87.7 , thereby bypassing stricter FCC regulations for full-power radio stations. This hybrid approach allowed the station, now under the call sign WLFM-LP, to function primarily as a radio broadcaster while holding a Class A LPTV license. The preceding UHF operations on channel 65 as WXOX-LP, which had carried Home Shopping Network programming, laid the groundwork for this regulatory workaround. The Franken-FM era launched on September 9, 2012, with an format branded as "87.7 Cleveland's Sound," featuring locally curated playlists of rock, alternative, and indie tracks from studios at in . The station emphasized hyper-local content, including Cleveland sports themes in its initial stunting loop and programming by veteran broadcaster Tom Wilson, aiming to fill a gap left by corporate-dominated outlets. However, operational hurdles quickly emerged, including a limited $2,000 monthly , absence of a dedicated , and rapid turnover with four program directors in 15 months, hampering consistent growth and ad sales. FCC scrutiny intensified as the analog television transition loomed, with regulators viewing LPTV audio services as a potential interference risk to licensed broadcasters and questioning their long-term viability under mandates. Competition from established full-power stations like those owned by and proved fierce, as WLFM-LP's fringe dial position often led listeners to overlook it in favor of better-promoted rivals, while its low-power signal (equivalent to 100 watts ) limited coverage to urban . Despite breaking even briefly in late 2013, insufficient revenue led to the format's discontinuation after just 15 months. In January 2014, under a local marketing agreement with TSJ Media (later La Mega Media), WLFM-LP shifted to a Spanish-language tropical and contemporary hits format as "La Mega 87.7," targeting Cleveland's growing Hispanic community with regional Mexican, reggaeton, and pop en español. This outlet became Ohio's first dedicated Spanish radio station, partnering with local sports teams like the Cleveland Browns for game broadcasts and expanding reach through events, though it still contended with sparse advertising in the niche market and ongoing FCC pressure to digitize. The Franken-FM operations persisted until June 30, 2020, when the station's displacement to UHF channel 20 during the FCC spectrum repack eliminated the analog audio carrier, forcing "La Mega 87.7" to transition to an online-only platform and effectively ending the hybrid radio era.

Digital Conversion and Call Sign Changes

The shift to digital broadcasting was driven by the FCC's spectrum repack initiative, part of the broader transition to that required low-power stations to vacate certain or upgrade to digital operations by ; WLFM-LP complied by flash-cutting to digital on UHF 20 in , necessitating equipment upgrades such as new digital transmitters and antennas, along with extensive testing to ensure signal stability and compliance with FCC standards. This conversion ended the analog FM audio , prompting the call sign change to WLFM-LD to reflect its new digital low-power status, effective from to 2021. Subsequent call sign modifications occurred amid ongoing regulatory adjustments: on October 15, 2021, the station became WTCL-LP during a transitional phase, before finalizing the digital designation as WTCL-LD on August 5, 2022, following FCC approval of the updated license that confirmed full digital operations on channel 20 with 15 kW effective radiated power. In July 2024, WTCL-LD benefited from a new shared antenna installation with sister stations WOIO and WUAB, enhancing signal strength across the Cleveland market.

Sale to Gray Media and Telemundo Launch

On July 29, 2021, Murray Hill Broadcasting agreed to sell low-power station WLFM-LD to —the owner of Cleveland's CBS affiliate (channel 19) and CW affiliate (channel 43)—for $1.65 million. The approved the transaction on September 13, 2021, enabling Gray to complete the acquisition and integrate the station into its local cluster to broaden ethnic and multicultural programming options for viewers. Following the sale, Gray announced on September 22, 2021, that the station would relaunch as the market's inaugural affiliate, adopting the WTCL call letters effective October 15, 2021. This move addressed the absence of a local outlet in the nation's 16th-largest designated market area, where the population exceeds 100,000. The affiliation debuted on January 1, 2022, supplanting the station's prior independent programming with 's national Spanish-language lineup of news, sports, and entertainment. In the interim period after the ownership transfer but before the affiliation switch, the station maintained its independent operations while Gray implemented initial technical and operational adjustments, including the call sign update, to prepare for the network transition. The station's existing capabilities from its 2020 conversion expedited this reorientation.

Ownership and Facilities

Corporate Ownership History

The low-power television station now known as WTCL-LD traces its origins to a construction permit granted by the (FCC) on November 30, 1989, to Breckenridge Broadcasting Company for operations as W47BE on UHF channel 47 in the area. Over the subsequent decades, the license passed through several small entities amid frequent changes and operational shifts, reflecting the volatile nature of . Notable prior owners included Venture Technologies Group, LLC, which held the station from at least 2006 through early 2012 under the WXOX-LP , focusing on limited programming including "Franken-FM" audio simulcasts. In 2012, Murray Hill Broadcasting LLC acquired the station from Venture Technologies for $25,000, retaining the license until 2021 while primarily utilizing it for FM radio simulcasting on 87.7 MHz via its channel 6 allocation. This period marked a focus on niche audio services rather than full video , with the station operating as WLFM-LP. On , 2021, Murray Hill sold the facility to Gray Television Licensee, LLC—a of Gray Media Group, Inc.—for $1.65 million, a transaction approved by the FCC on September 13, 2021, enabling the station's conversion to a digital affiliate. Gray Media Group, Inc., headquartered in , , acquired WTCL-LD as part of its strategic expansion into ethnic-language programming and duopoly opportunities in mid-sized markets, bolstering its portfolio of Spanish-language outlets. Under Gray's ownership, WTCL-LD shares operational resources with sister stations in the duopoly, including ( affiliate on channel 19), ( affiliate on channel 43), and WOHZ-CD (independent on channel 22), facilitating cost efficiencies and integrated news production. In recent years, Gray's local operations have navigated facility challenges; in 2024, the company reconsidered previously announced plans to relocate its Cleveland studios from downtown's Reserve Square to a new $12 million facility in Independence, Ohio, citing escalating construction costs and regulatory hurdles for installing a large broadcast antenna. This decision underscores ongoing adaptations in Gray's regional infrastructure amid broader industry consolidation, though no mergers directly impacting the Cleveland cluster were reported through 2025.

Studio and Transmitter Locations

WTCL-LD maintains its studios at Reserve Square in , , a location shared with sister stations and under Gray Media's ownership to enhance cost efficiency through consolidated operations. The station's primary transmitter is located in , at coordinates 41°22′45″N 81°43′11″W. This site supports the station's on UHF channel 20, with an (ERP) of 15 kW and an antenna (HAAT) of 306.8 meters (1,006 feet). Prior to Gray Media's 2021 acquisition, the station operated from separate facilities, but the purchase enabled relocation to the integrated Reserve Square complex for streamlined production and administrative functions. The transmitter site has remained consistent in supporting the station's low-power broadcast parameters since its establishment as the primary location.

Programming and Affiliations

Primary Network Affiliation

WTCL-LD became Cleveland's first affiliate on January 1, 2022, through an agreement with Telemundo Enterprises, marking Gray Media's expansion into the local Spanish-language market. The affiliation delivers a full slate of national programming, including news from Noticiero Telemundo, popular telenovelas such as La Madrastra, sports coverage via , and entertainment specials tailored to audiences. This programming serves as the station's flagship feed on virtual channel 6.1, reaching over-the-air viewers in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated market area. To enhance relevance for local viewers, WTCL-LD incorporates Cleveland-specific insertions into its schedule, such as brief news updates on regional stories, weather forecasts from the , and highlights of community events like Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations or local festivals. The station produces the market's inaugural Spanish-language local newscasts, airing weekdays at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., which feature bilingual anchors covering topics like immigration issues, local politics, and cultural spotlights for the community. Under Gray Media's ownership, these efforts include shared resources with sister stations and , enabling cross-promotions such as joint community outreach initiatives and integrated digital content via a unified news desk. The launch has contributed to the growth of Spanish-language television in , aligning with the region's expanding demographics, where the in Cuyahoga County rose from 61,000 in 2012 to 81,000 in 2022, representing 6.3% of the county's total. Across the metro area, the or increased 243% from 39,000 in 1980 to 133,900 in 2020, comprising 6.6% of the metro and 13.1% of the city proper, driving demand for culturally resonant media. By filling a previous gap in local access—one of the largest markets without an affiliate—WTCL-LD has bolstered Spanish-language options, supporting amid this demographic shift.

Subchannels and Multicasting

WTCL-LD utilizes digital multicasting to offer multiple subchannels, allowing viewers to access a variety of programming through its ATSC 1.0 broadcast signal. As of November 2025, the station's subchannel lineup consists of 6.1 carrying the primary Telemundo affiliation, 19.10 simulcasting WOIO's CBS programming, and 22.1 carrying the Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN). Gray Media, the station's owner, employs a multicasting strategy that leverages the available bandwidth in ATSC 1.0 standards to include both network simulcasts and niche content, such as the Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN)—a Gray Media sports channel focused on Cleveland Cavaliers basketball and local events—on subchannel 22.1, enhancing local sports coverage for Cleveland audiences. This approach maximizes spectrum efficiency by pairing the anchor Telemundo feed with complementary streams that appeal to diverse demographics. Following its digital conversion, WTCL-LD began adding subchannels to expand its offerings, with significant changes occurring between 2022 and 2025 to incorporate more ethnic and sports-oriented content, reflecting Gray Media's broader push to diversify programming in key markets. These evolutions have allowed the station to transition from limited low-power operations to a fuller setup, providing additional value without requiring additional allocation. The subchannels enable free over-the-air access to a range of content, serving diverse audiences in the area with Spanish-language programming on 6.1, mainstream network news and entertainment via the on 19.10, and local via RESN on 22.1, all receivable with standard digital tuners. This multicast model supports inclusivity by offering no-cost alternatives to subscriptions for ethnic minorities, fans, and other viewers.

Technical Parameters

Licensing and Broadcast Standards

WTCL-LD operates under Facility ID 6699, as assigned by the (FCC). The station holds low-power digital (LPD) status, with its current license granted on August 5, 2022, following the full transition to . The current license is valid until October 1, 2029, in accordance with the FCC's renewal cycle for Ohio television stations. The broadcast format adheres to ATSC 1.0 digital standards, utilizing 6 while transmitting on physical 20 (UHF, 506-512 MHz) after post-repack channel reassignments. This configuration supports digital multicasting capabilities, with the primary delivering content in resolution for and associated audio encoding compliant with FCC guidelines for . The station's (ERP) is 15 kW, employing via a TLP-8A/VP-R non-directional , mounted at 249.9 meters above ground level (570.5 meters above mean ). WTCL-LD has maintained adherence to FCC broadcast standards throughout its history, including the nationwide spectrum repack initiative from 2019 to 2020, which necessitated its conversion from analog to operations in July 2020 to avoid . The station's transmitter is located in , at coordinates 41°22′45″N 81°43′11″W. No significant fines or waivers have been recorded in relation to its earlier analog or operations, reflecting consistent .

Signal Coverage and Repeaters

WTCL-LD's primary signal originates from a transmitter located in , with an (ERP) of 15 kW and a (HAAT) of 306.8 meters, providing coverage to the core of the metropolitan area. This configuration enables the station to reach an estimated 2.98 million people within its noise-limited contour, encompassing much of the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated market area (), which includes approximately 1.55 million television households as of the 2024–2025 season. To extend its reach into the southern suburbs, WTCL-LD relies on two low-power translators: WOHZ-CD (physical channel 20) in , and W28FG-D (physical channel 28) in . WOHZ-CD broadcasts from a tower in northeastern at coordinates 40°53'24"N, 81°16'11"W, with an of 15 kW and an HAAT of approximately 253 meters (830 feet), covering a 31.8-mile radius that includes Stark County and fills gaps in the Canton area. Similarly, W28FG-D transmits from a site in Rolling Acres near Copley Township at 41°3'52.7"N, 81°34'58.3"W, using 15 kW (4.5 kW vertical) and an HAAT of about 245 meters (805 feet), serving a 36.1-mile contour focused on Summit County to bolster reception in the Akron vicinity. These translators mirror WTCL-LD's subchannels to maintain consistent programming availability. The repeaters play a crucial role in enhancing access to Hispanic-targeted content, such as programming, across the Akron-Canton suburbs, where the primary signal may experience attenuation due to distance and . In , the FCC confirmed W28FG-D's operational as a dedicated for WTCL-LD following relocation and equipment updates, with technical data last verified in October ; WOHZ-CD received similar transport stream updates in April to optimize signal reliability. As a low-power digital (LPD) facility, WTCL-LD and its operate under constraints that limit their compared to full-power stations in the , such as , which transmits at up to 1,000 kW from a higher HAAT, achieving broader and more robust coverage across the entire . This results in potential challenges in fringe areas without the translators' support.

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