It began service in September 1987 with home shopping programming. Its history includes ownership by Paxson Broadcasting, which had hoped to use the property as a flagship for what is today ION Network. It was also earmarked as a New York DMA home for Azteca América some 20 years ago, but the plan collapsed.
Now, this facility using digital Channel 21 is being acquired by the company whose digital multicast network aired on the station from Jan. 4, 2012 until fall 2015: Weigel Broadcasting.
Through its TV-49 LLC licensee, Weigel is agreeing to purchase WZME-43 in Bridgeport, Conn., from NRJ TV — the North Texas-based entity led by Ted Bartley.
The deal is valued at $35 million, representing Bridgeport’s presence within the nation’s largest TV market.
A downpayment representing 10% of the purchase price has been placed in escrow and is being held by Truist bank.
There is no broker or finder associated with this deal.
What will become of the MeTV affiliation tied to WJLP-3, which uses VHF channel 3 and has a PSIP of channel 33?
That could continue, while WJLP seeks to gain audience as the “New Jersey News Network.”
