Weigel Broadcasting, the company behind the MeTV classic television brand, is set to expand its presence in Norfolk through the acquisition of a local digital television facility. The deal involves the purchase of WYSJ-CD from TEGNA, marking a strategic move for Weigel while TEGNA focuses on optimizing its core assets. This transaction reflects broader industry trends as media companies adapt to changing viewer preferences and market demands.

Strategic Purchase Signals Growth for Classic TV Brand

The acquisition of WYSJ-CD by Weigel Broadcasting signifies a significant step in expanding the reach of the MeTV brand into new markets. Through its subsidiary TV-49 Inc., Weigel has agreed to acquire the station from TEGNA for $675,000. This move comes shortly after TEGNA's own acquisition of WYSJ-CD and WJSJ-LD in 2022, which was primarily aimed at facilitating a frequency shift for its ABC affiliate in Norfolk. By taking over WYSJ-CD, Weigel aims to strengthen its position in the region and offer viewers a wider selection of classic television programming.

With this acquisition, Weigel Broadcasting continues to build on its strategy of acquiring underutilized broadcast properties and transforming them into platforms for its popular MeTV content. The sale price of $675,000 underscores the value that Weigel places on expanding its footprint in key markets like Norfolk. Greg Guy of Tideline Partners LLC acted as the broker for TEGNA in this transaction. This deal not only benefits Weigel but also allows TEGNA to divest non-strategic assets, enabling it to focus on its core operations. The intermittent periods of non-operation at WYSJ-CD over the past two years highlight the potential for Weigel to revitalize the station and bring consistent programming back to the airwaves.

TEGNA Focuses on Core Assets Following Sale

For TEGNA, the sale of WYSJ-CD represents part of a broader strategy to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on core assets. Since acquiring WYSJ-CD and WJSJ-LD in March 2022, TEGNA has focused on integrating these stations into its existing infrastructure, particularly to facilitate a frequency shift for its ABC affiliate in Norfolk. With the completion of this transition, TEGNA no longer considers these low-power facilities as essential to its long-term plans. As a result, WYSJ-CD has been identified as a non-strategic asset, leading to its sale to Weigel Broadcasting.

TEGNA's decision to sell WYSJ-CD aligns with its ongoing efforts to optimize resources and enhance operational efficiency. The company successfully moved its ABC affiliate, WVEC, to a more favorable UHF channel, retaining its virtual channel number to maintain viewer recognition. Meanwhile, WJSJ-LD remains available for potential sale, though TEGNA is not actively seeking a buyer for this low-power station. This strategic approach allows TEGNA to focus on its core broadcasting operations while providing an opportunity for other players like Weigel to capitalize on underutilized assets. The sale of WYSJ-CD marks another milestone in TEGNA's journey to refine its portfolio and adapt to the evolving media landscape.