View source for WMYA-TV

{{Short description|Television station in Anderson, South Carolina}}
{{for|current information on "My 40" in Asheville/Anderson|WLOS}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign = WMYA-TV
| atsc3 = yes
| city = Anderson, South Carolina
| digital = 35 ([[UHF]])
| virtual = 40
| affiliations = {{ubl|'''40.1:''' [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]]|''for others, see {{section link||Subchannels}}''}}
| owner = [[Cunningham Broadcasting]]
| licensee = Anderson (WFBC-TV) Licensee, Inc.
| operator = [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]]
| location = {{ubl|[[Anderson, South Carolina|Anderson]]–[[Greenville, South Carolina|Greenville]]–|[[Spartanburg, South Carolina]]|[[Asheville, North Carolina]]}}
| country = United States
| airdate = {{start date and age|1953|12|11|p=y}}
| callsign_meaning = MyNetworkTV Anderson (former affiliation)
| sister_stations = [[WLOS]]
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WAIM-TV (1953–1983)|WAXA (1983–1995)|WFBC-TV (1995–1999)|WBSC-TV (1999–2006)}}
| former_channel_numbers = {{ubl|'''Analog:''' 40 (UHF, 1953–2009)|'''Digital:''' 14 (UHF, 2001–2019)}}
| former_affiliations = {{ubl|[[CBS]] (1953–1976)|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] (1976–1978; via WLOS, 1991–1995)|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] (1986–1988)|[[Independent station|Independent]] (1979, 1984–1986, 1988–1989, 1995–1999)|[[Dark (broadcasting)|Dark]] (1979–1984, 1989–1991)|[[The WB]] (1999–2006)|[[MyNetworkTV]] (2006–2021)|[[Dabl]] (2021–2025)}}
| erp = 750 [[kW]]
| haat = {{convert|320|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| facility_id = 56548
| coordinates = {{coord|34|38|51|N|82|16|12|W|type:landmark_scale:2000}}
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
}}

'''WMYA-TV''' (channel 40) is a [[television station]] licensed to [[Anderson, South Carolina]], United States, serving [[Upstate South Carolina]] and [[Western North Carolina]] as a ''de facto'' [[owned-and-operated station]] of the digital multicast network [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]]. It is owned by [[Cunningham Broadcasting]] and operated under a [[local marketing agreement]] (LMA) by [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]], owner of [[Asheville, North Carolina]]–based [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]/[[MyNetworkTV]] affiliate [[WLOS]] (channel 13). However, Sinclair effectively owns WMYA-TV, as the majority of Cunningham's stock is owned by the family of deceased group founder Julian Smith. The nominal main studio for WMYA-TV is the WLOS [[news bureau]] on Villa Road in [[Greenville, South Carolina]]; WMYA-TV's transmitter is located in [[Fountain Inn, South Carolina]].

Founded as WAIM-TV in 1953, the station primarily broadcast local network programming to Anderson and the far western Upstate, serving as an affiliate of ABC and CBS after 1956. However, it lost the ABC affiliation at the start of 1979. An attempted relaunch as a full-market independent station failed after six months, leading to more than five years of silence. It reemerged as WAXA and had more success serving the market, including two years as the region's first [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] affiliate. However, after the death of its owner in 1987 and more than a year off the air, the station was sold to WLOS for use as a rebroadcaster to reach areas of the Upstate that its Asheville-centric signal could not. In 1995, WLOS converted WAXA to separate programming as independent WFBC-TV. It then became an affiliate of [[The WB]] and later [[MyNetworkTV]]. Its programming was moved to a subchannel of WLOS in 2021, leaving WMYA to rebroadcast national digital subchannels. In 2022, the station became the [[ATSC 3.0]] (NextGen TV) transmitter for upstate South Carolina; its subchannels are now transmitted by other local stations on its behalf.

==History==
===WAIM-TV===
On February 29, 1952, [[Wilton E. Hall]], publisher of the ''Anderson Independent'' and ''Daily Mail'' (since merged as the ''[[Anderson Independent-Mail]]'') and owner of radio stations [[WAIM]] (1230 AM) and WCAC-FM (101.1 FM, now [[WROQ]]), applied to the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) for approval to build a new television station in Anderson on channel 58.<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=85893|title=FCC History Cards for WAIM-TV|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}}</ref> Another application was filed for channel 58 by the Anderson Television Company, and in August 1953, at Hall's request, the FCC added channel 40 to Anderson.<ref name="Time530826">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118982622/four-sc-cities-given-tv-priority-numbe/|date=August 26, 1953|page=5|title=Four S.C. Cities Given TV Priority Numbers By FCC|newspaper=The Times and Democrat|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118982622/four-sc-cities-given-tv-priority/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> The FCC then granted the [[construction permit]] for WAIM-TV on September 30, 1953.{{r|hc}} The station was quickly built and began broadcasting on December 11, 1953.{{r|hc}}

Originally an affiliate of [[CBS]], the station's financial viability was nearly immediately jeopardized. Spartanburg radio station [[WOLI (AM)|WORD]] held a construction permit for [[very high frequency]] (VHF) channel 7 and sought to use it on an interim basis from Paris Mountain, {{convert|27|mi|km}} west of Spartanburg and closer to Anderson than the originally proposed site of Hogback Mountain. The threat of a new VHF station which, unlike the UHF station Hall operated, could reach all homes without sets having to be converted immediately dimmed WAIM-TV's prospects. In February 1954, Hall petitioned the FCC to set aside its earlier grant of temporary authority for WORD-TV, later changed to [[WSPA-TV]], to broadcast from Paris Mountain, having already lost nearly $60,000 in canceled advertising contracts and lost CBS revenue; he feared losing his CBS affiliation altogether.<ref name="Stat540209">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118983450/anderson-station-protests-location-of-sp/|date=February 9, 1954|page=2-A|agency=Associated Press|title=Anderson Station Protests Location Of Spartan Tower|newspaper=The State|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051531/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118983450/anderson-station-protests-location-of/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> WAIM-TV was one of three stations protesting this relocation of channel 7, along with [[WGVL (TV)|WGVL (channel 23)]] in Greenville and the never-built WSCV (channel 17) in Spartanburg; all three protests were denied.<ref name="protests">{{cite news|work=The Greenville News|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663193/tv_protest/ 6]|title=WGVL-TV Protest On WORD Denied|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663168/wgvltv_protest_on_word_denied/|date=March 6, 1954|accessdate=October 3, 2019|first=Frank|last=Van der Linden|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663168/wgvl-tv-protest-on-word-denied/|url-status=live}}</ref>

WGVL and WAIM-TV took the case to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit]], seeking injunctive relief from the FCC ruling, in the summer of 1954.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Times and Democrat|via=Newspapers.com|location=Orangeburg, South Carolina|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663136/fcc_clears_action_on_tv_dispute/|title=FCC Clears Action On TV Dispute|page=8|date=July 3, 1954|accessdate=October 3, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663136/fcc-clears-action-on-tv-dispute/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 31, 1955, the appeals court heard arguments by WGVL and WAIM against the WSPA-TV authorization on Paris Mountain, having obtained six months prior a restraining order preventing Spartan from building its transmitter facility until the case was heard (though the studios were near completion and initial preparations had been made on Paris Mountain).<ref name="set">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663077/spartan_tv_case_hearing_is_set_jan_31/|work=Greenville News|first=Frank|last=Van der Linden|title=Spartan TV Case Hearing Is Set Jan. 31 By Court|date=January 3, 1955|page=2|accessdate=October 3, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36663077/spartan-tv-case-hearing-is-set-jan-31/|url-status=live}}</ref> While WGVL and WAIM-TV claimed that the FCC should not have granted the application without giving them a hearing, the commission argued that they did not have standing to show injury that would be caused by WSPA-TV going on air and that the procedure the stations sought to use was the improper forum to delay such a grant.{{r|set}} Even though the two UHF stations won a hearing at the FCC, the hearing examiner's recommendation would not be favorable to them. Examiner James D. Cunningham recommended the FCC approve the WSPA-TV move to Paris Mountain, saying that the UHF stations "failed to make a satisfactory showing" as to the economic damages they would incur and that, because UHF converters were widely distributed in their broadcast areas, they would not be at a disadvantage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662977/paris_mountain_site_for_spartan_tv/|title=Paris Mountain Site For Spartan TV Transmitter Is Recommended|date=September 21, 1955|work=The Index-Journal|agency=Associated Press|page=1|accessdate=October 3, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662977/paris-mountain-site-for-spartan-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> WGVL and WAIM-TV counsel asked for oral argument on the decision, warning that it would be "aggravating the forces now making for unequal competition in the television field and hastening the trend towards complete obliteration of UHF".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662819/seek_arguments_on_spartan_tv/|title=Seek Arguments On Spartan TV|work=Greenville News|page=1|date=October 8, 1955|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=October 3, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662819/seek-arguments-on-spartan-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The FCC made a final decision in favor of Spartan on March 9, 1956, reaffirming many of the arguments made by the hearing examiner.<ref>{{cite news|title=Final FCC Approval Given Spartan TV Paris Mount Site|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662731/final_fcc_approval_given_spartan_paris_m/ 7]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662752/final_fcc_approval_given_spartan_tv/|first=Frank|last=Van der Linden|date=March 10, 1956|work=Greenville News|accessdate=October 3, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662752/final-fcc-approval-given-spartan-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> When the appeals court gave its approval for WSPA-TV, WGVL and WAIM-TV announced their intentions to leave the air.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662689/wspatv_given_go_ahead_two_stations_to/|title=WSPA-TV Given Go Ahead; Two Stations To Leave Air|first=Frank|last=Van der Linden|work=Greenville News|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662699/ 10]|date=April 25, 1956|accessdate=October 3, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662689/wspa-tv-given-go-ahead-two-stations-to/|url-status=live}}</ref> On Sunday, April 29, 1956, WSPA-TV signed on;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36693491/wspatv_will_go_on_air_at_2_p_m/|title=WSPA-TV Will Go On Air At 2 P. M.|date=April 29, 1956|accessdate=October 3, 2019|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36693517/ 8]|work=Greenville News|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36693491/wspa-tv-will-go-on-air-at-2-p-m/|url-status=live}}</ref> channel 23 left the air that day,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662665/reynolds_says_wgvltv_will_go_off_air/|date=April 29, 1956|accessdate=October 3, 2019|pages=1|work=Greenville News|title=Reynolds Says: WGVL-TV Will Go Off Air 60 Days|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662665/reynolds-says-wgvl-tv-will-go-off-air/|url-status=live}}</ref> Concurrently, the station also unsuccessfully sought relief in the form of moving channel 7 out of the Upstate and to [[Knoxville, Tennessee]],<ref name="Gree560306">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118984872/wants-channel-9-sic-moved-waim-tv-wil/|date=March 6, 1956|page=2|first=Essell|last=Thomas|title=Wants Channel 9 [sic] Moved: WAIM-TV Will Make Appeal On FCC Ruling|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219051534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118984872/wants-channel-9-sic-moved-waim-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> while Hall engaged with equipment manufacturer Federal Telecommunications Laboratories in a legal dispute; he stopped paying what he owed on a transmitter he claimed was defective, "worthless and useless"<ref name="Gree560405">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118985088/counterclaim-filed-by-hall-firm-asking/|date=April 5, 1956|page=2|title=Counterclaim Filed By Hall: Firm Asking Him For Payment Of $70,430 Sued For Over $1 Million|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218191010/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118985088/counterclaim-filed-by-hall-firm-asking/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> because it could not broadcast network color programming in color.<ref>{{cite news|page=89|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-04-30-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=April 30, 1956|title=Broadcast Gear Didn't Work, Two Stations Claim in Suits|id={{ProQuest|1285737197}}|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131024824/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-04-30-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

WAIM-TV temporarily suspended operation on May 27,<ref name="Gree560529">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662655/waim-tv-is-off-air-now/|date=May 29, 1956|page=2|title=WAIM-TV Is Off Air Now|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605061113/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36662655/waim-tv-is-off-air-now/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> only to return two days later after securing additional programming.<ref name="Gree560531">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52816129/waim-tv-off-sunday-goes-back-on-air/|date=May 31, 1956|page=22|first=Sara V.|last=Liverance|title=WAIM-TV, Off Sunday, Goes Back On Air|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218191021/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52816129/waim-tv-off-sunday-goes-back-on-air/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> In July, it became an affiliate of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref>{{Cite news|work=Broadcasting|date=July 16, 1956|page=90|title=WAIM-TV Now ABC Affiliate|id={{ProQuest|1401215877}}|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-07-16-BC.pdf|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131030346/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-07-16-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to a secondary affiliation with CBS, the station also broadcast [[South Carolina Educational Television]] daytime programs for schools for a time in the 1960s.<ref name="Colu620719">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118986643/anderson-joins-etv-network/|date=July 19, 1962|page=9-A|agency=Associated Press|title=Anderson Joins ETV Network|newspaper=The Columbia Record|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218191008/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118986643/anderson-joins-etv-network/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> While WAIM-TV's ABC affiliation agreement allowed it to carry any network program not aired by WLOS in Asheville, which was not receivable in the Anderson area, WLOS permitted the station to rebroadcast all ABC programs it aired.{{r|Ande780701}} The station aired a limited schedule and sold very little local advertising.{{r|Gree790204}}

In 1977, Hall announced the sale of his broadcasting properties to Frank L. Outlaw II of Greenville;<ref name="Ande770906">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392918/in-anderson-radio-tv-stations-to-be-pu/|date=September 6, 1977|page=3B|title=In Anderson: Radio, TV Stations To Be Purchased|newspaper=Anderson Independent|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181513/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392918/in-anderson-radio-tv-stations-to-be/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> the $850,000 transaction marked his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1978/1978-02-06-BC.pdf|work=Broadcasting|date=February 6, 1978|id={{ProQuest|1014686171}}|pages=50, 51|title=Changing Hands|via=World Radio History|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151427/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1978/1978-02-06-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Outlaw promised to begin live TV broadcasts from the Anderson studio.<ref name="Ande780112">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392604/waim-tv-planning-live-broadcasts/|date=January 12, 1978|page=1-B|title=WAIM-TV planning live broadcasts|newspaper=Anderson Daily Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326004823/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392604/waim-tv-planning-live-broadcasts/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The sale was approved by the FCC the next year{{r|hc}}—with Outlaw selling a half-stake to Bob Nations and doing business under the name "The ONE Corporation" (Outlaw-Nations Entertainment)<ref name="Gree780709">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392707/wcac-gears-up-for-24-hour-rock/|date=July 9, 1978|page=TV Spotlight 4|title=WCAC gears up for 24-hour rock|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181428/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392707/wcac-gears-up-for-24-hour-rock/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->—but it also started the clock ticking on the need to reinvent channel 40. The owners had feared that they could have had to shutter the station on July 1, but ABC gave the station an extra six months to continue broadcasting its programming through the end of 1978.<ref name="Ande780701">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392394/tv-radio-stations-ownership-transferre/|date=July 1, 1978|page=1A|first=Jim|last=Galloway|title=TV, Radio Stations' Ownership Transferred|newspaper=Anderson Independent|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392394/tv-radio-stations-ownership/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> In the last two months of the year, the station began to transition its schedule to that of an [[independent station|independent]]. During this time, it began broadcasting in color.<ref name="Gree781029">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98393723/broadcast-moves/|date=October 29, 1978|page=TV Spotlight 16|title=Broadcast moves|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181428/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98393723/broadcast-moves/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> On January 1, 1979, WAIM-TV became a full-time independent station.<ref name="Gree790204">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392757/dearth-of-advertisers-means-drastic-cutb/|date=February 4, 1979|page=TV Spotlight 2|title=Dearth of advertisers means drastic cutback for independent WAIM|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98392757/dearth-of-advertisers-means-drastic/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

Rather quickly, Nations and Outlaw found that Anderson merchants were not ready to do much television advertising. The station needed to get on cable across the Upstate to be viable as an independent. While some systems added WAIM-TV, cable penetration was too low in those days to meaningfully increase the station's potential audience. The station had begun airing 18 hours per day after becoming an independent but was forced to cut back to eight hours per day later in January. Nations and Outlaw initially planned to return the dropped programming to the schedule once advertising picked up,{{r|Gree790204}} but by April, Nations and Outlaw put the station back on the market.<ref name="Ande790424">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98370896/owners-considering-selling-waim-tv/|date=April 24, 1979|page=1B|first=Polly|last=Ross Hughes|title=Owners Considering Selling WAIM-TV|newspaper=Anderson Independent|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325200846/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98370896/owners-considering-selling-waim-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> In mid-May 1979, the transmitter broke down, plunging channel 40 into a silence that would last five years.<ref name="Ande790530">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371384/ailing-waim-tv-may-get-help/|date=May 30, 1979|page=1|title=Ailing WAIM-TV may get help|newspaper=Anderson Daily Mail|first=Kathleen|last=Stauder|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371384/ailing-waim-tv-may-get-help/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

Nations and Outlaw sold a minority stake in the station to Ivey Communications of [[Orlando, Florida]]. Plans were formulated to return the station to service by the summer of 1980 with an upgraded physical plant.<ref name="Ande791219">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371515/waim-tv-might-return-by-summer/|date=December 19, 1979|page=1A|first=Tom|last=Wolf|title=WAIM-TV Might Return By Summer|newspaper=Anderson Independent|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325200855/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371515/waim-tv-might-return-by-summer/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> By December 1980, mid-1981 was cited as a date for the station's return.<ref name="Ande801217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98370849/station-to-reopen/|date=December 17, 1980|page=6C|title=Station to reopen|newspaper=Anderson Daily Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325231454/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98370849/station-to-reopen/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

===WAXA===
New South Television sold WAIM-TV in 1983 to Mark III Broadcasting of South Carolina, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Agronomics, Inc.<ref name="Ande830701">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371807/anderson-tv-station-gets-fcc-approval/|date=July 1, 1983|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371984/ 9A]|first=John|last=Gouch|title=Anderson TV Station Gets FCC Approval|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201032/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98371807/anderson-tv-station-gets-fcc-approval/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Agronomics changed the call letters to WAXA, obtained approval for a new tower site for the station, and broke ground in November 1983 on studios on the [[U.S. Route 29 in South Carolina|US 29]] bypass.<ref name="Ande831122">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372056/new-anderson-tv-station-to-be-located-of/|date=November 22, 1983|page=1-B|title=New Anderson TV Station To Be Located Off U.S. 29|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181430/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372056/new-anderson-tv-station-to-be-located/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Mark III built a {{convert|1051|ft|m|adj=on}} tower in the Fork Shoals section of Fountain Inn, over {{convert|600|ft|m|}} taller than WAIM-TV's old tower near [[Anderson University (South Carolina)|Anderson College]]. It featured a transmitter capable of 2.5 million watts of power, enough to cover the entire Upstate, though not Asheville; WAXA applied for a translator on channel 46 to cover that area.<ref name="Ande840725">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372549/new-on-your-dial-tv-channel-40-prepares/|date=July 25, 1984|page=1-A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372600/ 6-A]|first=Chambers|last=Williams|title=New On Your Dial: TV Channel 40 Prepares To Go On The Air By Summer's End|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372549/new-on-your-dial-tv-channel-40/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

After five and a half years, channel 40 returned to South Carolina screens on October 1, 1984, with a lineup mostly consisting of movies and syndicated reruns.<ref name="Ande840930">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372922/andersons-new-independent-station-chann/|date=September 30, 1984|page=6A|title=Anderson's New Independent Station Channel 40 Begins Telecasts Monday|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98372922/andersons-new-independent-station/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --><ref name="Ande841009">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373003/light-up-your-life-with-tv-40-waxa/|date=October 9, 1984|page=5-A|title=Light Up Your Life with TV 40 WAXA|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181430/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373003/light-up-your-life-with-tv-40-waxa/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Several local programs were added, including three music video shows<ref name="Ande850127">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373264/new-stations-expanded-cable-services-pr/|date=January 27, 1985|page=6F|first=Chambers|last=Williams|title=New Stations, Expanded Cable Services Provide Variety For Television Viewers|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373264/new-stations-expanded-cable-services/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> and public affairs program ''Straight Talk''.<ref name="Ande860309">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373661/from-exercise-shows-to-cartoons-to-movie/|date=March 9, 1986|page=TV Magazine 3, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373752/ 4]|first=Evelyn|last=Beck|title=From exercise shows to cartoons to movies, Channel 40 offers something for everyone|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373661/from-exercise-shows-to-cartoons-to/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --> Stereo sound broadcasting began in March, making WAXA the first station in South Carolina to provide it.<ref name="Ande850320">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373468/channel-40-begins-stereo-broadcasting-in/|date=March 20, 1985|page=1B|first=Mac|last=Thrower|title=Channel 40 Begins Stereo Broadcasting In Anderson|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373468/channel-40-begins-stereo-broadcasting/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

WAXA was the area's first [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] affiliate when the network started on October 9, 1986; it also debuted on Asheville cable the next month, a major development for a station that had long struggled to reach viewers in western North Carolina.<ref name="Ande861012">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373906/waxa-become-area-affiliate-for-fox-broad/|date=October 12, 1986|page=TV Magazine 3|title=WAXA become area affiliate for Fox Broadcasting|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181433/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98373906/waxa-become-area-affiliate-for-fox/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun --><ref name="Ande861009">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374014/waxa-welcomes-rivers-to-late-night-lineu/|date=October 9, 1986|page=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374055/ 6C]|first=Don|last=Brickner|title=WAXA Welcomes Rivers To Late-Night Lineup|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374014/waxa-welcomes-rivers-to-late-night/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

However, momentum was halted by the death of Agronomics owner Anthony Kupris in October 1987; his widow Mary was largely an absentee owner who at one point told ''The Greenville News'', "I'm not a broadcaster".{{r|Gree890310}} In May 1988, Mary reached a deal to sell WAXA to Jones Commercial, Inc., of Chicago.<ref name="Ande880518">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374153/waxa-tv-will-be-sold-to-chicago-company/|date=May 18, 1988|page=3A|title=WAXA-TV will be sold to Chicago company|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374153/waxa-tv-will-be-sold-to-chicago-company/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Another major setback occurred while the deal was pending when [[Pappas Telecasting Companies]], owner of competing independent [[WHNS]] (channel 21), secured a group affiliation deal with Fox. WAXA was one of several Fox affiliates who were displeased with the poor performance of Fox's Saturday night lineup; this was one factor in channel 40 severing ties with Fox.<ref name="Gree880730">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53107758/whns-to-become-fox-network-affiliate/|date=July 30, 1988|page=2C|first=David|last=Eskola|title=WHNS to become Fox Network affiliate|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201017/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53107758/whns-to-become-fox-network-affiliate/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> No contract was ever finalized with Jones, and while WAXA claimed that getting out of its Fox affiliation was reducing programming costs, it did lay off some staff in late 1988 for what it termed "budgetary reasons".<ref name="Ande881207">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374592/waxa-earning-a-profit-sale-still-is-unr/|date=December 7, 1988|page=1B|first=Michael|last=Kersmarki|title=WAXA earning a profit; sale still is unresolved|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374592/waxa-earning-a-profit-sale-still-is/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

===Simulcast of WLOS===
In March 1989, it was reported that AnchorMedia, the owner of WLOS, was interested in acquiring WAXA.<ref name="Gree890310">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374796/waxa-discusses-possible-sale-florida-co/|date=March 10, 1989|page=8D|first=David|last=Eskola|title=WAXA discusses possible sale: Florida company interested in Channel 40|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374796/waxa-discusses-possible-sale-florida/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The next month, a sale contract was announced, as were plans for AnchorMedia to run the station as a satellite of WLOS for the benefit of viewers who received a marginal signal from that station.<ref name="Ande890420">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374912/all-viewers-will-soon-receive-channel-13/|date=April 20, 1989|page=3A|title=All viewers will soon receive Channel 13|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325231453/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98374912/all-viewers-will-soon-receive-channel-13/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

The AnchorMedia deal required FCC approval, which was its own wrinkle because it would have created overlap with WLOS. At the time, one company could not own two television stations in the same media market. Awaiting this approval, and with many program contracts expiring, WAXA went off the air on September 1, 1989.<ref name="Ande890823">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375164/waxa-to-go-off-the-air-sept-1/|date=August 23, 1989|page=1A|title=WAXA to go off the air Sept. 1|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375164/waxa-to-go-off-the-air-sept-1/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Six months later, the FCC ruled; it found that the purchase of WAXA was not in the public interest and denied the transaction.<ref name="Ande900414">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375326/fcc-refuses-stations-request/|date=April 14, 1990|page=2A|title=FCC refuses station's request|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201022/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375326/fcc-refuses-stations-request/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> However, the two parties continued to negotiate a simulcast agreement by which the station would not be sold outright but still simulcast WLOS.<ref name="Gree901205">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375429/waxa-may-sign-simulcast-agreement-with-w/|date=December 5, 1990|page=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375442/waxa/ 5C]|first=Alexandra|last=Alger|title=WAXA may sign simulcast agreement with WLOS-TV|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375429/waxa-may-sign-simulcast-agreement-with/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

In January 1991, WAXA returned to the air as a near-total simulcast of WLOS. AnchorMedia and Mary Kupris appealed the FCC's denial of the outright sale of the station and won a victory at the [[United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit]], which ordered the FCC to reconsider its denial; one concurring statement by [[Laurence Silberman]] noted that the court even considered ordering the transfer granted and expressed the opinion that "there is no alternative use for the frequency".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-05-20.pdf|date=May 20, 1991|work=Broadcasting|title=Court sends sale denial back to FCC|id={{ProQuest|1014750057}}|page=33|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151533/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1991/BC-1991-05-20.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> That August, a public affairs program for the Anderson area, ''Viewpoint 40'', was introduced as an opt-out for WAXA viewers only.<ref name="Ande910809">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375606/taylor-to-take-tv-spotlight-tonight/|date=August 9, 1991|page=3|title=Taylor to take TV spotlight tonight|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325231457/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375606/taylor-to-take-tv-spotlight-tonight/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> In 1992, WLOS reached a deal with the ''Independent-Mail'' to share news material and announced it would start producing a South Carolina newscast at 6 p.m. for air on channel 40.<ref name="Ande920910">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375752/independent-mail-waxa-form-partnership/|date=September 10, 1992|page=3A|title=Independent-Mail, WAXA form partnership|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=Anderson, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201045/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98375752/independent-mail-waxa-form-partnership/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

===WB and MyNetworkTV affiliation===
AnchorMedia, under the name Continental Broadcasting, sold its three television stations to [[River City Broadcasting]] of St. Louis in 1994.<ref name="Rock940513">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98376051/ownership-of-three-abc-affiliates-change/|date=May 13, 1994|page=5A|agency=Associated Press|title=Ownership of three ABC affiliates changes|newspaper=Rocky Mount Telegram|location=Rocky Mount, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181511/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98376051/ownership-of-three-abc-affiliates/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> River City embarked on a strategy to operate channel 40 with separate programming from WLOS. On September 2, 1995, the station became independent station WFBC-TV (call letters previously used by [[WYFF]] from 1953 to 1983), using a mix of newly acquired programs and shows to which WLOS already held the rights.<ref name="Gree950903">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53149359/wfbc-owners-say-area-ripe-for-channel-d/|date=September 3, 1995|page=Upstate Business 2, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53149383/ 3]|first=Paul|last=Davidson|title=WFBC owners say area ripe for channel, despite problems|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181511/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53149359/wfbc-owners-say-area-ripe-for-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

River City sold its assets to [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]] in 1996.<ref name="Gree960412">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98376967/sale-to-forge-uss-7th-biggest-tv-grou/|date=April 12, 1996|page=6D|agency=Associated Press|title=Sale to forge U.S.'s 7th biggest TV group|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=Greenville, South Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326181512/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98376967/sale-to-forge-uss-7th-biggest-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Because River City had split WFBC-TV from WLOS, Sinclair itself could not purchase both stations. The license for WFBC-TV was assigned to Glencairn, Ltd., a new group headed by former Sinclair executive Edwin Edwards. The family of Sinclair Broadcast Group founder Julian Sinclair Smith owned 97 percent of Glencairn's stock, effectively making WLOS and WFBC-TV a [[Duopoly (broadcasting)|duopoly]] in violation of FCC rules. Sinclair further circumvented the rules by having WLOS take over WFBC-TV's operations as the senior partner in a [[local marketing agreement]].<ref>{{cite news|date=July 29, 1996|page=16|work=Broadcasting & Cable|id={{ProQuest|1014767298}}|title=Sinclair, Glencairn deals: 'Backdoor duopolies'?|first=Elizabeth A.|last=Rathbun|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-07-29.pdf|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131023840/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-07-29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pulitzer Broadcasting]], owner of WYFF, petitioned against the River City sale of WFBC-TV to Glencairn, contending that the combination of the Glencairn sale and LMA with WLOS would give Sinclair an "unfair competitive wedge" in the market.<ref>{{Cite news|page=52|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Elizabeth A.|last=Rathbun|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-03-17.pdf|date=March 17, 1997|id={{ProQuest|225344960}}|title=Pulitzer fires volley against Sinclair|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131025956/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-03-17.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Rainbow/PUSH]], headed by [[Jesse Jackson]], filed challenges against Glencairn's planned merger with Sinclair in 1998, citing concerns over a single company holding two broadcast licenses in one market and arguing that Glencairn—headed by former Sinclair executive Edwin Edwards, a Black man—passed itself off as a minority-owned company.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1998/BC-1998-07-13.pdf|id={{ProQuest|225359312}}|title=PUSH pushing FCC over Sinclair/Glencairn|first=Chris|last=McConnell|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|date=July 13, 1998|access-date=March 26, 2022|via=World Radio History|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151313/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1998/BC-1998-07-13.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1999/BC-1999-03-29.pdf|title=Glencairn's dicey LMAs|id={{ProQuest|225325520}}|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 29, 1999|pages=34, 36|first=Elizabeth A.|last=Rathbun|access-date=March 26, 2022|via=World Radio History|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151312/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1999/BC-1999-03-29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC levied a $40,000 fine against Sinclair in 2001 for illegally controlling Glencairn; it also prevented Sinclair from buying WBSC-TV outright because it would have left the Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville market with only seven unique TV station owners in the market as a result. FCC rules of the time required a market to have at least eight unique owners once a duopoly is formed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/fcc-fines-sinclair-glencairn-control-90604|title=FCC fines Sinclair for Glencairn control|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=December 10, 2001|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320052121/https://www.nexttv.com/news/fcc-fines-sinclair-glencairn-control-90604|url-status=live}}</ref> Glencairn subsequently changed its name to [[Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation]], but its stock is still almost entirely owned by the Smith family, and the companies continued to be closely related.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/sinclair-cunningham-rework-lma-deal-35577|first=Michael|last=Malone|title=Sinclair, Cunningham Rework LMA Deal|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=October 9, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423032538/https://www.nexttv.com/news/sinclair-cunningham-rework-lma-deal-35577|url-status=live}}</ref>

As part of a 1997 affiliation agreement between Sinclair and [[The WB]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Steve|last=McClellan|title=WB woos and wins Sinclair|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-07-21.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable|date=July 21, 1997|id={{ProQuest|225341388}}|access-date=June 8, 2013|pages=4, 8|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111095533/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1997/BC-1997-07-21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WFBC-TV became a WB affiliate on September 6, 1999, and changed its call letters to WBSC-TV to reflect its programming and location in South Carolina.<ref name="Ande990928">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118987908/wfbc-changes-call-letters/|date=September 28, 1999|page=5C|title=WFBC changes call letters|newspaper=Anderson Independent-Mail|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218191008/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118987908/wfbc-changes-call-letters/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

In 2006, when The WB and [[UPN]] merged to form [[The CW]], Sinclair first elected to affiliate with [[MyNetworkTV]], a new network started by [[Fox Television Stations]], over The CW. On March 2, ten days after the network's existence was announced on February 22,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/102922-News_Corp_Unveils_My_Network_TV.php|title=News Corp. Unveils MyNetworkTV|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|date=February 22, 2006|access-date=May 15, 2014|archive-date=April 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417165134/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/102922-News_Corp_Unveils_My_Network_TV.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sinclair affiliated 17 stations it owned or managed, including WBSC-TV, with the network.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/sinclair-signs-mynetworktv-79064|date=March 2, 2006|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Allison|last=Romano|title=Sinclair Signs On to MyNetworkTV|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=August 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818050815/https://www.nexttv.com/news/sinclair-signs-mynetworktv-79064|url-status=live}}</ref> The call letters were changed to WMYA-TV in recognition of the new network affiliation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Changes coming to area TV stations|work=[[Asheville Citizen-Times]]|page=29|date=August 25, 2006|first=Tony|last=Kiss|id={{ProQuest|438687720}} }}</ref> Local programming also continued to air. In 2008, the station began airing a fall package of local high school football games—North Carolina games on Thursdays and South Carolina games on Fridays—which by 2015 drew viewership comparable to or greater than MyNetworkTV programming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-carolinas-turf-tussle-143935|work=Broadcasting & Cable|first=Michael|last=Malone|date=September 7, 2015|title=Market Eye: Carolinas Turf Tussle|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529120537/https://www.nexttv.com/news/market-eye-carolinas-turf-tussle-143935|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 20, 2021, "My 40" and the MyNetworkTV programming moved exclusively to the 13.2 subchannel of WLOS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wlos.com/news/local/rescan-required-for-over-the-air-viewers-on-sept-20|first=Kristy|last=Kepley-Steward|work=WLOS|title=Rescan required for over-the-air viewers on Sept. 20|date=September 10, 2021|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=August 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811121910/https://wlos.com/news/local/rescan-required-for-over-the-air-viewers-on-sept-20|url-status=live}}</ref> This left the WMYA-TV multiplex airing four [[diginets]], with the main subchannel airing [[Dabl]], in time for [[ATSC 3.0]] conversion in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/25076ff37f6bcee5017f7f323e4419f1|title=WMYA-TV Hosting Arrangements|date=May 9, 2022|author=Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation|website=Licensing and Management System|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219052139/https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/api/download/attachment/25076ff37f6bcee5017f7f323e4419f1|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2025, the station flipped to [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Mark|date=August 13, 2025|title=Sinclair's Multicast Broadcast Networks Add Affiliates|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/sinclairs-multicast-broadcast-networks-add-affiliates/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815021305/https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/sinclairs-multicast-broadcast-networks-add-affiliates/|archive-date=August 15, 2025|access-date=August 15, 2025|website=TV News Check}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WWMB - Western NC - Rebrand - August 2025.pdf |url=https://d15yx0mnc9teae.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2025-08/Carolinas_WesternNC_NC_WWMB-Rebrand%20to%20ROAR.pdf |publisher=[[Spectrum (brand)|Spectrum]] |access-date=August 31, 2025 |quote= Effective August 1, 2025, WWMB-Dabl was replaced by WWMB-Roar[.]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WWMB - Eastern NC - Rebrand - August 2025.pdf |url=https://d15yx0mnc9teae.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2025-08/Carolinas_EasternNC_NC_WWMB-Rebrand%20to%20ROAR.pdf |publisher=[[Spectrum (brand)|Spectrum]] |access-date=August 31, 2025 |quote= Effective August 1, 2025, WWMB-Dabl was replaced by WWMB-Roar[.]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WWMB - NC/SC - Rebrand - August 2025.pdf |url=https://d15yx0mnc9teae.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2025-08/Carolinas_SouthCarolina_NC_WWMB-Rebrand%20to%20ROAR.pdf |publisher=[[Spectrum (brand)|Spectrum]] |access-date=August 31, 2025 |quote= Effective August 1, 2025, WWMB-Dabl was replaced by WWMB-Roar[.]}}</ref>

==Technical information==
{{Maplink|frame=yes|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/WMYA-TV}} |text=WMYA-TV's signal ''(contour map pictured)'' covers the Upstate but does not reach Asheville, North Carolina.}}
===Subchannels===
The station's ATSC 1.0 channels are carried on the [[multiplex (TV)|multiplexed]] signals of other television stations in the market:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels provided by WMYA-DT (ATSC 1.0)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WMYA#station |title=RabbitEars TV Query for WMYA |website=[[RabbitEars]] |access-date=March 26, 2022 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135526/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WMYA#station |url-status=live }}</ref>
! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
! scope = "col" | ATSC 1.0 host
|-
! scope = "row" | 40.1
| rowspan=4|[[480i]] || rowspan=4| [[16:9]] || Dabl || [[Roar (TV network)|Roar]] || [[WYFF]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 40.2
| Charge! || [[Charge! (TV network)|Charge!]] || [[WSPA-TV]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 40.3
| Comet || [[Comet (TV network)|Comet]] || [[WYFF]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 40.4
| TCN || [[True Crime Network]] || [[WHNS]]
|}

===Analog-to-digital conversion===
WMYA discontinued regular programming on its analog signal, over [[UHF]] channel 40, on February 17, 2009, one day after the original date for full-power television stations in the United States to [[Digital television transition in the United States|transition from analog to digital broadcasts]] under federal mandate (which Congress had moved the previous week to June 12). The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 14, using [[virtual channel]] 40.<ref name="Gree090216">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119062349/some-of-states-tv-stations-switching-to/|date=February 16, 2009|page=2A|first=Angelia|last=Davis|title=Some of state's TV stations switching to digital Tuesday|newspaper=The Greenville News|location=|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219052142/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119062349/some-of-states-tv-stations-switching/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref name="Analog to Digital">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2006 |title=DTV Tentative Channel Designations for the First and Second Rounds |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829004251/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1082A2.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}</ref> The analog signal remained on for a time after as part of the [[SAFER Act]] to provide transition information.<ref name="FCC Nightlight">{{cite web|url=http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-291375A1.pdf|title=UPDATED List of Participants in the Analog Nightlight Program|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=June 12, 2009|access-date=June 4, 2012|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201225603/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/wnbc-ch-4-trims-promo-featuring-nypd-commissioner-ray-kelly-super-bowl-airing-article-1.1018204}}</ref>

===ATSC 3.0 lighthouse===
WMYA-TV broadcasts these subchannels from its transmitter in [[Fountain Inn, South Carolina]].{{r|FCC-LMS-56548}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Subchannels of WMYA-TV (ATSC 3.0)
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#United States|Channel]]
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | Short name
! style="background-color: #bdbdff" scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "row" | [[WYFF|4.1]]
| rowspan=2|[[1080i]] || style="background-color:#ffe8d0|WYFF || style="background-color:#ffe8d0|[[NBC]] ([[WYFF]]) [[File:Action lock 2 - orange.svg|14px|alt=DRM|link=]]
|-
! scope = "row" | [[WSPA-TV|7.1]]
| WSPA || [[CBS]] ([[WSPA-TV]])
|-
! scope = "row" | [[WLOS|13.1]]
| [[720p]] || WLOS || [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] ([[WLOS]])
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.10
| rowspan=2|[[1080p]] || style="background-color:#ffffd0|T2 || style="background-color:#ffffd0|[[Tennis Channel#Streaming channels|T2]]
|-
! scope = "row" | 13.11
| style="background-color:#ffffd0|PBTV || style="background-color:#ffffd0|[[Pickleballtv]]
|-
! scope = "row" | [[WHNS|21.1]]
| rowspan=2|720p || WHNS || [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] ([[WHNS]])
|-
! scope = "row" | 40.1
| WMYA || Roar
|}
{{legend|#ffe8d0|Subchannel broadcast with [[digital rights management]]}}
{{legend|#ffffd0|Subchannel streamed via the internet<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/static.php?name=atsc3_streaming|title=ATSC 3.0 Streams Delivered Via Internet|website=[[RabbitEars]]|accessdate=March 24, 2024}}</ref>}}

On June 2, 2022, WMYA-TV was converted to [[ATSC 3.0]] (NextGen TV), with simulcasts from WYFF, WSPA-TV, WLOS and WHNS.<ref name=nexstar>{{cite press release |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/major-broadcasters-launch-nextgen-tv-on-five-local-television-stations-in-greenville-sc/ |title=Major Broadcasters Launch NextGen TV On Five Local Television Stations In Greenville, SC |date=June 2, 2022 |publisher=[[Nexstar Media Group]] |access-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603053821/https://www.nexstar.tv/major-broadcasters-launch-nextgen-tv-on-five-local-television-stations-in-greenville-sc/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{GSA TV}}
{{South Carolina TV}}
{{North Carolina TV}}
{{Georgia (U.S. state) TV}}
{{SBGI}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wmya-Tv}}
[[Category:1953 establishments in South Carolina]]
[[Category:Anderson, South Carolina]]
[[Category:ATSC 3.0 television stations]]
[[Category:Charge! (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Comet (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Roar (TV network) affiliates]]
[[Category:Sinclair Broadcast Group]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1953]]
[[Category:Television stations in the Greenville–Spartanburg–Asheville market|MYA-TV]]
[[Category:True Crime Network affiliates]]