WQMC-LD

WQMC-LD ("GTN") is a low-power independent commercial television station in Columbus, Ohio. The station is currently owned by Urban One. It broadcasts locally on channel 23, and formerly broadcast nationally via Sky Angel, prior to its shutdown. The station presents a variety of syndicated general entertainment programming, plus infomercials and shopping on overnights. It previously offered classic television programs such as Quincy, M.E. and Family Ties in the afternoon and evening hours.

WQMC-LD
Columbus, Ohio
United States
BrandingGTN (Guardian Television Network)[1]
SloganRefreshing TV for Central Ohio
ChannelsDigital: 23 (UHF)
Virtual: 23 (PSIP)
Subchannels23.1 Independent/Bounce TV
23.2 Justice Network
23.3 Telemundo
23.4 Azteca América
AffiliationsIndependent (2008–present)
OwnerUrban One
LicenseeBlue Chip Broadcasting, Ltd.
FoundedJanuary 4, 1989
Former call signsW20AM (1989–1995)
W24BK (1995–2001)
W58CQ (1995-2001)
W23BZ (2001–2011)
W23BZ-D (2011-2019)[2]
Former channel number(s)Analog:
20 (UHF, 1990-1991)
24 (UHF, 1991-1997)
58 (UHF, 1997-2001)
23 (UHF, 2001-2011)
Former affiliationsTBN (1989–2008)
Transmitter power15 kW
ClassTranslator station
Facility ID47695
Transmitter coordinates39°53′31.0″N 83°2′44.0″W
Websitewww.gtn23.com

From 1989 to 2008, W23BZ was owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and served as a satellite repeater for the network.

On March 30, 2006, the station was granted a construction permit to begin converting operations to digital television.

In July 2008, it was announced that the Guardian Enterprise Group would sell its original, full-powered station, WSFJ-TV, to TBN for $16 million. In exchange, Guardian acquired W23BZ from TBN in an affiliation swap of their respective channels, and transferred WSFJ's programming to that channel on October 1, 2008. However, Guardian found themselves at a disadvantage, as, having moved to a low-power signal, they lost their must-carry status; as a result, Guardian urged viewers to contact their cable systems to pick up GTN after the move to channel 23. As of December 2009, Guardian reached an agreement for W23BZ to be carried on Insight Communications channel 283, and WOW channel 192, leaving Time Warner Cable as the sole cable system to yet carry W23BZ on either analog or digital services.

On September 26, 2011, W23BZ-D picked up Bounce TV upon its launch; the station carried its programming on channel 23.1, mixed in with local programming and syndicated fare acquired from other sources.

On July 30, 2019, the station changed its call sign to WQMC-LD.

Digital television

In late February 2011, W23BZ was off-the-air as it flash cut to digital broadcast. The station returned to the air as W23BZ-D on March 2, 2011.

Channel PSIP Short Name Video Aspect Programming
23.1Bounce480i4:3Bounce TV
23.2 Justice Justice Network
23.3 Telemun Telemundo
23.4AztecaAzteca América

See also
  • .2 Network -- unrealized general entertainment network owned by the Guardian Enterprise Group

References
  1. http://www.guardianenterprisegroup.com/
  2. http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=47695&Callsign=WQMC-LD
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