List of television stations in Massachusetts

Overview

Massachusetts, a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, is home to a diverse array of television stations. These stations serve various functions, including broadcasting local news, entertainment, educational content, and public affairs programming. The television landscape in Massachusetts is characterized by a mix of network affiliates, independent stations, and public broadcasting stations. This article provides a comprehensive and detailed list of television stations in Massachusetts, along with expert-level information about their history, affiliations, and programming.

Network Affiliates

Network affiliates are television stations that are associated with major national networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. These stations typically broadcast network programming alongside locally produced content.

ABC Affiliates

**WCVB-TV (Channel 5)**: Based in Boston, WCVB-TV is an ABC affiliate owned by Hearst Television. It began operations in 1972 and is known for its strong local news coverage and public affairs programming. The station's flagship news program, "Chronicle," is one of the longest-running local newsmagazine shows in the United States.

**WGGB-TV (Channel 40)**: Located in Springfield, WGGB-TV is another ABC affiliate. It is owned by Gray Television and also operates a Fox-affiliated subchannel. WGGB-TV has a robust news operation and provides extensive coverage of Western Massachusetts.

CBS Affiliates

**WBZ-TV (Channel 4)**: WBZ-TV, based in Boston, is a CBS-owned-and-operated station. It was the first television station in New England, having commenced operations in 1948. WBZ-TV is known for its comprehensive news coverage, including investigative journalism and in-depth reporting.

**WSHM-LD (Channel 3)**: Serving the Springfield area, WSHM-LD is a low-power CBS affiliate owned by Gray Television. Despite its low-power status, the station provides a full slate of local news and network programming.

NBC Affiliates

**WHDH (Channel 7)**: WHDH is an independent station in Boston that was previously affiliated with NBC until 2017. It is currently owned by Sunbeam Television and continues to produce a significant amount of local news content.

**WWLP (Channel 22)**: Based in Springfield, WWLP is an NBC affiliate owned by Nexstar Media Group. The station has been on the air since 1953 and is known for its strong local news presence in the Pioneer Valley.

FOX Affiliates

**WFXT (Channel 25)**: WFXT is a Fox affiliate serving the Boston area. It is owned by Cox Media Group and is known for its extensive local news coverage, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

**WSHM-LD (Channel 40.2)**: WGGB-TV's Fox-affiliated subchannel serves the Springfield area. It provides Fox network programming alongside local news and syndicated content.

Independent Stations

Independent stations are not affiliated with any major national network. They often focus on local programming, syndicated shows, and movies.

**WHDH (Channel 7)**: As mentioned earlier, WHDH is an independent station in Boston. It produces a significant amount of local news content and also airs syndicated programming and movies.

**WBPX-TV (Channel 68)**: Based in Boston, WBPX-TV is owned by the Ion Media Networks and primarily airs Ion Television programming. The station also features syndicated shows and infomercials.

Public Broadcasting Stations

Public broadcasting stations in Massachusetts are primarily affiliated with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and provide educational, cultural, and public affairs programming.

**WGBH-TV (Channel 2)**: WGBH-TV is a flagship PBS member station based in Boston. It is owned by the WGBH Educational Foundation and is known for producing high-quality national programming, including "Nova," "Frontline," and "Masterpiece."

**WGBY-TV (Channel 57)**: Serving the Springfield area, WGBY-TV is a PBS affiliate owned by the WGBH Educational Foundation. It provides a mix of local and national programming, with a focus on educational content.

Low-Power and Translator Stations

Low-power and translator stations extend the reach of primary stations and serve smaller communities or specific neighborhoods.

**WFXZ-CD (Channel 24)**: WFXZ-CD is a low-power station in Boston that airs Spanish-language programming from the Azteca América network. It serves the Hispanic community in the Boston area.

**W27EB-D (Channel 27)**: Located in Worcester, W27EB-D is a low-power translator station that rebroadcasts the signal of WGBH-TV to extend its coverage area.

Historical Stations

Several historical stations in Massachusetts have played a significant role in the development of television in the state.

**WNAC-TV (Channel 7)**: WNAC-TV was a CBS affiliate in Boston that operated from 1948 to 1982. It was replaced by the current WHDH.

**WTAO-TV (Channel 56)**: WTAO-TV was an independent station in Cambridge that operated from 1966 to 1970. It was known for its eclectic programming, including local music shows and public affairs programs.