Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting Co., the parent company behind the popular classic television network MeTV, has reached an agreement to acquire yet another local television station, marking a strategic push into the vibrant Atlanta market. The deal involves the purchase of WSKC-CD, a Class A low-power station broadcasting on channel 22, from KM LPTV of Atlanta LLC as reported by Radio+Television Business Report. This transaction, executed through Weigel’s subsidiary TV-49 LLC, underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its portfolio of over-the-air broadcast assets amid evolving media landscapes.
WSKC-CD, which currently operates from facilities in the heart of Atlanta, has long served as a niche outlet for diverse programming, including Korean-language content under the MBC banner. The station’s signal reaches a substantial portion of the metro area’s diverse population, making it a valuable addition for Weigel as it seeks to enhance its multicast offerings in one of the nation’s fastest-growing media hubs. With this acquisition, Weigel aims to integrate WSKC-CD into its ecosystem of digital subchannels, potentially expanding access to MeTV’s lineup of beloved retro series alongside complementary networks like Heroes & Icons and Start TV.
The agreement comes at a time when Weigel Broadcasting continues to solidify its position as a key player in the fragmented world of local broadcasting. Founded in 1964 by pioneering broadcaster John Weigel with a modest investment, the family-owned enterprise has grown from a single UHF station in Chicago—WCIU-TV—into a multifaceted media powerhouse. Today, Weigel owns and operates 25 television stations across the United States, spanning major markets from New York and Los Angeles to smaller but influential locales like Milwaukee and South Bend. This extensive network includes affiliations with major players such as CBS, ABC, The CW, MyNetworkTV, Telemundo, and Univision, allowing the company to deliver a rich mix of local news, sports, and entertainment to millions of households.
Weigel’s growth trajectory has been marked by savvy acquisitions and innovative programming strategies. In recent years, the company has focused on low-power and Class A stations like WSKC-CD, which offer cost-effective entry points into new markets while complying with FCC spectrum rules. For instance, past deals have included the $23.2 million purchase of stations in San Francisco and Seattle from OTA Broadcasting in 2017, as well as the acquisition of KAZA-TV in Los Angeles for $9 million around the same period. These moves not only diversified Weigel’s holdings but also amplified the reach of its flagship networks. MeTV, in particular, has thrived under this model, drawing audiences with timeless shows that evoke nostalgia for baby boomers and Gen Xers alike. The network’s success has paved the way for siblings like Movies!, Decades, and Heroes & Icons, each carving out dedicated subchannel space on Weigel’s stations.
In Atlanta, the addition of WSKC-CD represents more than just another asset on the balance sheet; it signals Weigel’s intent to tap into the city’s cultural mosaic. Atlanta’s media scene is booming, fueled by a burgeoning film and television production industry often dubbed “Hollywood of the South.” By folding WSKC-CD into its operations, Weigel can leverage the station’s existing infrastructure to introduce tailored content that resonates with local viewers, from classic dramas to modern multicultural fare. Industry analysts view this as a forward-thinking play, especially as streaming services dominate headlines, yet traditional over-the-air signals remain a lifeline for cord-cutters and underserved communities.
The seller, KM LPTV of Atlanta LLC, operates under the leadership of President Myoung Hwa Bae, who has steered the company through a focus on ethnic and international broadcasting. Bae’s tenure has emphasized serving Atlanta’s significant Asian American population, and the divestiture allows KM LPTV to streamline its holdings while ensuring WSKC-CD’s continued vitality under new ownership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but such transactions typically fall in the low millions for Class A low-power outlets, reflecting their specialized value.
As the FCC reviews the agreement, expected to close within the coming months pending regulatory approval, Weigel Broadcasting prepares to welcome WSKC-CD into the fold. This acquisition elevates Weigel’s station count to 26, further entrenching its influence in the Southeast. For viewers in Atlanta, the change promises an influx of fresh programming options, blending the warmth of yesteryear’s favorites with the pulse of a dynamic urban center. Weigel’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, proving that in an era of digital disruption, the allure of local roots and classic appeal endures.
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