WDEM-CD
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WDEM-CD is an independent Class A television station in Columbus, Ohio, that is licensed to broadcast locally on digital channel 17. It ceased broadcasting in May 2011.[1] It is owned by Triplett & Associates, Inc.
History
The station was founded on January 8, 1986 as W17AI, a Columbus translator signal for owner Wendell A. Triplett's primary television holding, WWAT-TV in Chillicothe. This arrangement, intended to increase the station's reach into the larger Columbus market, was discontinued in 1992, when WWAT (rebranded as WWHO) was added to many Columbus cable lineups. Following its disassociation from the former WWAT, W17AI became a full-time affiliate of the Home Shopping Network. In 1998, the station changed its call letters to WDEM-LP and became an affiliate of the America's Store home shopping network, reverting to HSN programming following the discontinuation of America's Store.
On December 17, 2008, Channel 17 was upgraded from low-power status to Class A; accordingly, its callsign was changed to WDEM-CA to reflect this.[2] Despite this status, the station identifies itself on-air as "WDEM DTV 17"
In February 2009, WDEM, under the new management of David P. Chesnet, dropped its HSN affiliation and repositioned itself as a station focusing on arts, culture, entertainment and lifestyles of the Columbus area. This new format, unique in the market, featured a mix of locally-produced programming, older films and classic TV shows.
On July 8, 2009, the station's calls changed to WDEM-CD, with the -CD designation standing for "Class A digital television station". Around this time, WDEM converted to digital, with NBC's Universal Sports on digital subchannel 17.1, local Spanish programming on 17.2 and WDEM's local content moved to 17.3.
In spring of 2010, WDEM's 17.2 became Telemundo. Also around this time WDEM started producing local programming starting with a 30 minute special covering The Arnold Sports Festival held annually in downtown Columbus; the special was seen as a local insert on Universal Sports.
In July 2010, Time Warner Cable picked up WDEM's Telemundo subchannel on channel 803; also, WOW! picked up Telemundo on channel 102 and Universal Sports on channel 103. Neither system carries 17.3. WOW! discontinued carriage of the Universal Sports subchannel as of January 1, 2012.
On May 1, 2011, WDEM's transmitter has been taken off the air due to a technical fault, whose details are unknown; the transmitter was still off the air as of July 2011. It is unknown if the station has resumed broadcasting.[3]
Digital television
WDEM-CD operates a multiplexed digital signal on UHF channel 17; its analog transmitter was shut off on February 17, 2009.
| Channel | Programming |
|---|---|
| 17.1 | Universal Sports |
| 17.2 | Telemundo |
| 17.3 | America One |
There is also a signal on 17.4.[vague]
Current Programming
Local Productions
- Clippers Extra Innings: A bi-weekly sports magazine program that covers the Columbus Clippers. Clippers radio announcer, Scott Leo takes you inside the organization with highlights, player and coaches interviews, and some of the great promotions at Huntington Park
- MMA at the LC Pavilion: Produced in cooperation with the Lifestyles Community Pavilion, this program focuses on local amateur mixed martial arts events throughout the year.
Additionally, WDEM has taken an active role in the Central Ohio sports events covering such large events as The Arnold Sports Festival and the first annual collegiate Rugby Sevens tournament.
References
- ^ "Welcome to WDEM DTV-17! WDEM Technical Difficulties". WDEM. Retrieved 2011-07-24.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Report No. 513 Media Bureau Call Sign Actions December 17, 2008". Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Welcome to WDEM DTV-17! WDEM Technical Difficulties". WDEM. Retrieved 2011-07-24.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ McConnell, Kitty. "From Home Shopping to Local Arts Resource". The Other Paper. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
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