History of WLBT in Timeline

WLBT is an NBC-affiliated television station located in Jackson, Mississippi, owned by Gray Media. It also operates Fox affiliate WDBD and independent station WLOO through shared service agreements. The three stations share studios in downtown Jackson, with WLBT's transmitter situated near Raymond, Mississippi. WLOO's license is held by Tougaloo College, while American Spirit Media handles the station's operations through a joint sales agreement with Gray providing some engineering support.

January 1953: WJTV Debut

In January 1953, WJTV (channel 12) debuted in Jackson, Mississippi, becoming the city's oldest television station.

1955: WLBT interrupts The Today Show interview with Thurgood Marshall

In 1955, WLBT interrupted an interview with civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall on The Today Show, putting up a sign that said, "Sorry, Cable Trouble." Station manager Fred Beard later declared he had pulled the interview, saying that television networks had become instruments of "Negro propaganda".

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1997: Second WLBT Transmission Tower Collapses

In 1997, WLBT's transmission tower collapsed for the second time at the Raymond site.

1999: New WLBT Tower Completed

In 1999, a new 2,000-foot tower was completed for WLBT, allowing the station to reach its normal viewing area again after the collapse of its previous tower.

2000: Melton Sells WLBT to Liberty Corporation

In 2000, Frank Melton sold WLBT to Liberty Corporation.

2006: Liberty Corporation Merges with Raycom Media

In 2006, Liberty Corporation, which owned WLBT, merged with Raycom Media.

June 12, 2009: WLBT Shut Down Analog Signal

On June 12, 2009, WLBT shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 3, as part of the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television. The station's digital signal relocated its pre-transition to VHF channel 7, using virtual channel 3.

January 14, 2010: WLBT Channel Change

On January 14, 2010, WLBT transitioned to UHF channel 30 due to signal reception issues on VHF channel 7, which they were unable to resolve with a power increase due to potential interference. The channel 7 transmitter was then transferred to WDAM-TV in Laurel–Hattiesburg.

October 2010: WLBT began broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition

In October 2010, WLBT began broadcasting its local newscasts in high definition becoming the second television outlet in the area to make the upgrade.

November 12, 2012: WLBT assumed production of WDBD newscasts

On November 12, 2012, WLBT assumed production of WDBD's newscasts after American Spirit Media acquired WDBD, resulting in the shutdown of WDBD's news department. All of the news programming was retained, except for the 10 p.m. show on WUFX (now WLOO).

June 25, 2018: Gray Television Announces Merger with Raycom

On June 25, 2018, Gray Television announced it had reached an agreement with Raycom to merge their respective broadcasting assets. The cash-and-stock merger transaction valued at $3.6 billion resulted in WLBT gaining new sister stations in nearby markets.

January 2, 2019: Gray Television merger with Raycom Media completed

On January 2, 2019, the merger between Gray Television and Raycom Media was completed, resulting in WLBT gaining new sister stations in nearby markets.

December 30, 2023: Gray Television announced an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans to air 10 games during the 2023-24 season.

On December 30, 2023, WLBT parent company Gray Television announced it had reached an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans to air 10 games on the station during the 2023–24 season.