WCTX: A Comprehensive Overview
WCTX (channel 59) is a television station based in New Haven, Connecticut, serving the Hartford–New Haven market. An affiliate of MyNetworkTV, WCTX operates under the ownership of Nexstar Media Group, which also owns ABC affiliate WTNH (channel 8), licensed to the same city. The two stations collaborate closely, sharing studios on Elm Street in downtown New Haven and utilizing WTNH’s transmission facilities from a tower located in Hamden, Connecticut. This article delves into the history, programming, and technical aspects of WCTX, providing a thorough understanding of its operations and significance in the local media landscape.
History of WCTX
The journey of WCTX began as early as 1953 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a construction permit for an analog UHF channel 59 allotment. The initial owner was the Connecticut Radio Foundation, but the station never launched. In 1967, the permit changed hands to Impart Systems, marking the beginning of a long path toward the station’s eventual launch.
In 1971, a low-power translator for UHF channel 59 was established in New Haven by NBC affiliate WHNB-TV (now WVIT) to serve areas in Southern Connecticut that struggled to receive WHNB’s signal effectively. However, it wasn’t until April 3, 1995, that the station officially began broadcasting as a WB affiliate under the callsign WTVU. During its early days, WTVU operated under a local marketing agreement (LMA) with LIN TV, owner of WTNH.
Prior to WTVU’s sign-on, viewers in Southwestern Connecticut could access WB programming via superstation WPIX from New York City. Under the LMA with WTNH, WTVU broadcasted a variety of syndicated programs alongside classic sitcoms and drama shows such as “M*A*S*H,” “I Love Lucy,” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” Additionally, the channel also aired Hartford Whalers hockey games until the team’s relocation in 1997.
On April 1, 1996, the station updated its call letters to WBNE (standing for “WB New England”). In a significant shift on January 1, 2001, WBNE swapped network affiliations with WTXX (now WCCT-TV), adopting its current callsign WCTX and branding itself as “The X.” LIN TV fully acquired WCTX in 2002.
The evolution continued when CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. announced plans to merge UPN and The WB into a new network called The CW in January 2006. WTXX was designated as Connecticut’s CW affiliate while WCTX transitioned to MyNetworkTV on April 26 of that year. The station adopted the branding “MyTV9” following its new network affiliation.
Programming on WCTX
WCTX offers a diverse slate of programming that includes MyNetworkTV content along with locally produced shows. Occasionally, it airs ABC programs typically broadcast on WTNH if there are scheduling conflicts due to breaking news or other special programming requirements.
Among its notable programming offerings are college sports events. Since the 2007-2008 season, University of Connecticut men’s basketball games have been prominently featured on WCTX. The station has also formed partnerships with professional sports organizations; most recently, it signed a multi-year deal with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun to broadcast select regular-season games.
In terms of local interests, WCTX has historically aired various sports events relevant to its audience. Notably, it provided coverage for Boston Red Sox games through syndication from Fox until changes in broadcasting rights occurred.
Newscasts at WCTX
Newscasting has been a critical component of WCTX’s offering since it began producing nightly prime time broadcasts at 10 p.m. on April 17, 2000. This endeavor positioned it against established competition from WTIC-TV’s well-regarded late evening news program. Over time, WTIC’s broadcast gained considerable traction among viewers.
In response to evolving viewer preferences and competitive pressures, WCTX expanded its morning news coverage starting in 2005 by simulcasting part of WTNH’s weekday morning show at 6 a.m., later adding an exclusive hour from 7 to 8 a.m. This expansion was met with further competition when WTIC launched its own morning newscast in March 2008.
Significant technological advancements were implemented over time as well; by October 2010, both WTNH and its sister station had transitioned their broadcasts to high-definition formats. As part of this upgrade initiative, all of WTNH
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