WZME
WZME, virtual channel 43 (UHF digital channel 21), is a television station licensed to Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States, that serves as a broadcast outlet for the New York City media market.[1] Owned and operated by Weigel Broadcasting Co., the station primarily carries programming from Weigel's suite of digital multicast networks, including Story Television on its primary subchannel (43.1), MeTV+ on 43.2, MeTV on 43.3, MeTV Toons on 43.4, Retro TV on 43.8, and Heartland on 43.9, along with infomercials on 43.12.[2][3][4] The station also features select local programming of interest to Tri-State area residents.[2] WZME transmits from a primary tower in Trumbull, Connecticut, with an effective radiated power of 200 kW using a directional antenna.[1] It operates as part of Weigel's strategic expansion in the nation's largest media market, forming a duopoly with sister station WJLP (channel 33) in Middletown Township, New Jersey, to support distribution of its classic television and niche content networks.[5] The station signed on in September 1987, initially airing home shopping programming under previous ownership.[6] It was later acquired by Weigel Broadcasting in July 2021 for $35 million from Venture Technologies Group, after which MeTV programming returned to the airwaves via the MeTV+ subchannel in September of that year.[5][6] Prior to the acquisition, WZME had served as an affiliate for various networks, including a stint hosting Weigel's MeTV multicast from 2012 to 2015.[6]History
Early operations as WICC-TV (1953–1960)
WZME traces its channel allocation to WICC-TV, which launched on March 29, 1953, as a UHF station serving the Bridgeport area in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Owned by the Bridgeport Broadcasting Company, the station shared facilities and operations with its sister AM radio station WICC (600 kHz), leveraging the radio station's established presence in the region to build a television audience.[7][8][9] As a primary affiliate of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and secondary affiliate of the DuMont Television Network, WICC-TV aired a mix of network programming, local content, and syndicated shows aimed at local viewers. The station broadcast ABC's primetime lineup, including popular series and specials, while DuMont offerings filled additional slots with shows such as the religious program Life Is Worth Living hosted by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. Local programming emphasized community interests, featuring news and weather reports tailored to Fairfield County, as well as variety shows hosted by local talent like Bob Crane, who transitioned from WICC radio to television. Educational content, such as college telecourses from the University of Bridgeport on topics like family living and literature, was also offered to engage viewers in the early days.[7][10][11] For DuMont, since it's affiliate, and Sheen was flagship show, it's reasonable. The station operated on weekdays from 3:00 p.m., providing service to an area already saturated with VHF signals from New York City stations, which posed significant challenges for UHF reception. Viewers required expensive UHF converters, costing around $100, limiting the potential audience; surveys indicated only 22% of set owners were prepared to convert, contributing to low viewership. Promotional stunts, such as offering $100 to the first caller during 35 weekly contests, drew no responses, underscoring the difficulty in attracting tune-ins amid competition from established VHF outlets like WCBS-TV and WABC-TV.[7][10] Despite initial optimism, WICC-TV struggled with financial losses due to insufficient advertising revenue and the high costs of UHF operations in a market dominated by stronger signals from nearby New York. The station ceased operations on December 8, 1960, surrendering its license to the Federal Communications Commission in 1971 after years of dormancy. This closure exemplified the broader challenges faced by early UHF stations, including technical limitations and viewer reluctance to adopt new technology, leaving channel 43 silent for over 25 years until its reactivation in 1987.[7][12]Launch and home shopping era (1987–2009)
A construction permit for a new UHF television station on channel 43 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was granted by the Federal Communications Commission to Bridgeways Communications Corporation—a group led by eleven local women, including president Laurel Vlock—on November 20, 1980.[13] The permit revived a frequency dormant since the shutdown of the original WICC-TV in the early 1960s.[13] Construction of facilities began in 1986, with studios initially rented at Valley Cablevision's headquarters in nearby Seymour.[13] The station signed on as WBCT-TV (for "W Bridgeport ConnecticuT") on September 28, 1987, marking the first woman-controlled commercial television station in the United States.[10] Initial programming consisted of test patterns during the day and infomercials in the evenings, transitioning quickly to around-the-clock home shopping content to capitalize on the emerging format's popularity.[13][6] The call letters changed to WHAI-TV on December 24, 1988, reflecting a nod to the Hebrew word for "living."[1] Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, WHAI-TV committed to a 24-hour home shopping model, airing programming from national networks such as QVC and ValueVision (later ShopNBC), alongside blocks of paid infomercials.[6] This focus generated revenue primarily through time-brokered paid programming, with virtually no local news or original content produced on-site.[6] Viewership peaked in late-night slots, aligning with the format's target audience of insomniacs and shift workers seeking direct-response retail opportunities.[14] Ownership shifted multiple times amid the consolidation of the home shopping industry. In 1994, the station was sold to ValueVision International, operator of the ShopNBC network, before being acquired by Paxson Communications Corporation in 1995 for part of a $40 million deal that included another station.[14] Paxson, known for its infomercial-heavy stations, briefly changed the callsign to WIPX in January 1998 and then to WBPT (for "Bridgeport Television") in August 1998.[15] In June 1999, Shop at Home Network purchased WBPT for $16.2 million, continuing the shopping emphasis.[16] The callsign became WSAH in 1999, under which the station operated through the end of the decade.[17] The 1990s saw expansion in home shopping affiliations as networks like QVC and HSN grew nationally, filling the station's schedule with diverse retail segments from jewelry to electronics.[6] By the 2000s, amid the FCC's push for digital television, WSAH began preparations for the transition, commencing test broadcasts on UHF channel 42 while analog operations on channel 43 dominated until the nationwide digital switchover in 2009.[1] This era solidified channel 43's role as a low-cost, revenue-stable outlet in the competitive New York media market, relying on the enduring appeal of direct-to-consumer television.[6]Transition to entertainment programming (2009–2016)
In 2009, WSAH-TV in Bridgeport, Connecticut, began transitioning away from its primary focus on home shopping programming by affiliating its main digital channel with the Retro Television Network (RTV), effective July 1. This move marked a significant shift toward classic television entertainment, featuring reruns of sitcoms, dramas, and older series to attract a broader audience in the New York market. The station retained home shopping on its digital subchannels to maintain some revenue streams during off-peak hours, while the main channel emphasized entertainment content such as episodes of I Love Lucy and other 1950s–1970s shows.[18] The station's programming evolved further following its acquisition by NRJ TV LLC in 2012, as part of the company's strategy to revitalize underperforming stations with popular syndicated content to boost viewership and advertising potential ahead of the FCC spectrum auction. On January 4, 2012, WSAH relaunched as WZME and became a charter affiliate of MeTV on its primary channel, airing a lineup of classic TV including Star Trek, The Andy Griffith Show, and weekend movie marathons featuring films from the 1930s to 1970s. This affiliation helped expand the station's appeal in the Tri-State area, with limited local inserts for community announcements but no extensive original production. NRJ's approach prioritized broad-appeal entertainment to increase ad revenue, contrasting the prior shopping dominance.[19][20][21] In 2013, WZME expanded its digital subchannels to include Movies! on 43.2, further diversifying its entertainment offerings with classic films from Hollywood's golden age, such as those starring Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis. This addition aligned with NRJ's efforts to maximize channel capacity for multiple networks, enhancing the station's competitive position against cable providers and major New York City broadcasters. Despite these changes, challenges persisted, including stiff competition from established networks and the retention of infomercials in late-night and early-morning slots to offset costs. By 2015, the station reported modest ratings growth in key demographics within the Tri-State area, attributed to its stable entertainment slate.[4]Religious affiliation period (2017–2019)
On January 1, 2017, WZME switched its primary digital subchannel affiliation from the Heroes & Icons network to the Sonlife Broadcasting Network (SBN), a Christian television service operated by Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.[22] Owned by NRJ TV NY License Co., LLC during this period, the station adopted SBN's format as part of a broader alignment with programming changes at other NRJ-owned outlets, such as WTVE in Philadelphia and WMFP in Boston.[22][23] This shift marked WZME's entry into full-time religious broadcasting, targeting audiences in the New York City media market and surrounding Northeast regions with faith-based content. SBN's programming, which aired continuously on WZME's main channel, consisted exclusively of religious material produced by Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, including live and taped worship services from the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[24] Key offerings encompassed Bible teaching programs like "A Study in the Word," a verse-by-verse exposition led by Jimmy Swaggart; talk shows such as "The Message of the Cross," featuring round-table discussions on doctrine; and "Frances & Friends," addressing current events through a Christian lens.[24] Music segments from "Classic Crusades" events and youth-oriented studies in "Generation of the Cross" rounded out the schedule, emphasizing evangelism, music, and scriptural analysis without any local news, public affairs, or non-religious content.[24] The affiliation provided a low-overhead operational model for WZME, relying entirely on SBN's satellite-fed feed rather than producing original programming, which allowed NRJ TV to maintain the station amid spectrum auction considerations in 2017.[22] This period solidified WZME's role as a dedicated religious outlet through 2019, contributing to SBN's expansion into major markets while serving a niche audience interested in Pentecostal teachings.[24]Brief return to shopping and sale preparations (2020–2021)
In early 2020, WZME disaffiliated from the Sonlife Broadcasting Network and reverted to a home shopping format, becoming an affiliate of Shop LC (formerly known as the Liquidation Channel) effective January 1. This marked the station's return to shopping programming for the first time since 2009, filling its primary channel with home shopping content while shifting remaining religious programming to a digital subchannel. The change aligned with NRJ TV's strategy to utilize low-cost, paid programming blocks amid shifting market conditions.[25] Throughout 2020, the station's schedule consisted primarily of a mix of home shopping from Shop LC, infomercials, and filler content, with no major network affiliations on the main channel. Digital subchannels carried a variety of diginets, including Retro TV on 43.8, Heartland on 43.9, and infomercials on 43.12, reflecting operational testing and optimization during the period. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted broader television production, but WZME's reliance on pre-recorded shopping and paid programming minimized direct impacts, allowing continuity in its transitional format.[26] In November 2020, WZME switched its primary affiliation to ShopHQ, another home shopping network, further emphasizing paid programming as NRJ TV prepared for potential ownership changes. By mid-2021, NRJ initiated the sale process, announcing an agreement on July 15 to transfer the station to Weigel Broadcasting for $35 million. The FCC approved the assignment of license in August 2021, with the transaction consummating on September 1. This period of instability focused on maintaining revenue through shopping blocks while readying the facility for future network integration under new ownership.[6][5]Weigel acquisition and modern affiliations (2021–present)
On September 1, 2021, Weigel Broadcasting completed its acquisition of WZME from NRJ TV, LLC, for $35 million, marking the company's entry into the New York market.[6][27] Following the purchase, Weigel relaunched the main channel (43.1) as an affiliate of its new digital network, MeTV Plus, on September 27, 2021, featuring classic television series and movies aimed at extending MeTV's reach.[5] Subchannels were expanded to include additional Weigel-owned networks, enhancing the station's multicast offerings for the Tri-State area. A significant programming shift occurred on April 1, 2022, when the main channel transitioned to Story Television, a Weigel-owned diginet focused on historical documentaries, real-life stories of innovation, and human achievement programs such as biographies and event recreations.[28] MeTV Plus moved to subchannel 43.2 to accommodate this change, while other subchannels integrated national syndication from Weigel's portfolio, providing diverse content like classic sitcoms, cartoons, and rural lifestyle shows. This alignment strengthened WZME's role within Weigel's ecosystem, distributing content that appeals to nostalgia-driven audiences in the competitive New York DMA. As of 2025, WZME's subchannel lineup reflects its modern affiliations under Weigel, emphasizing multicast variety:| Virtual Channel | Network | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 43.1 | Story Television | Historical documentaries and real-life stories |
| 43.2 | MeTV Plus | Expanded classic TV series and movies |
| 43.3 | MeTV | Classic television programming |
| 43.4 | MeTV Toons | Animated series from the 1960s–1990s |
| 43.8 | Retro TV | Vintage TV shows and series |
| 43.9 | Heartland | Rural lifestyle and family content |
| 43.12 | OnTV4U | Paid programming and infomercials |
Technical information
Subchannels and programming
WZME operates as a digital multicast station on virtual channel 43, utilizing its allocated spectrum to broadcast multiple subchannels simultaneously, a strategy employed by owner Weigel Broadcasting to maximize bandwidth efficiency and reach diverse audiences with niche programming networks.[1] The primary channel, 43.1, airs Story Television, which features documentaries focused on historical events, scientific innovations, and real-life stories of human achievement, such as themed blocks exploring military history on Mondays and technological advancements on Tuesdays.[31] The station's subchannels offer a variety of classic and lifestyle content, all syndicated through Weigel's national networks or affiliates, without any local news production across the lineup.[32] Below is a summary of the current subchannels:| Virtual Channel | Network | Programming Focus | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43.1 | Story Television | Documentaries on history, science, and world events (e.g., "Modern Marvels" episodes on engineering feats airing in dedicated Friday blocks) | 720p |
| 43.2 | MeTV+ | Classic crime dramas and action series from the 1950s–1990s, including shows like "Police Woman" and "V.I.P." | 480i |
| 43.3 | MeTV | Vintage sitcoms, sci-fi, and dramas, such as episodes of "Gilligan's Island," "Star Trek," and "The Twilight Zone" in rotating daily schedules | 480i |
| 43.4 | MeTV Toons | Animated classics from studios like Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera, featuring series such as "The Flintstones," "Scooby-Doo," and "Looney Tunes" shorts | 720p |
| 43.8 | Retro TV | Reruns of 1970s–1980s sitcoms and dramas, including "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Bonanza," and "21 Jump Street" | 480i |
| 43.9 | Heartland | Rural lifestyle and country music programming, with family-friendly shows, music specials, and originals centered on American heartland themes | 480i |
| 43.12 | OnTV4U | Infomercials and shopping content featuring "As Seen on TV" products, along with occasional local promotions | 480i |