WCCB

WCCB, virtual channel 18 (UHF digital channel 27), is a CW-affiliated television station located in Charlotte, North Carolina. United States. It serves as the flagship station of owner Bahakel Communications. WCCB maintains studio facilities just outside Uptown Charlotte, off Independence Boulevard (across from Bojangles' Coliseum), and its transmitter is located in Newell, an unincorporated area of Mecklenburg County just northeast of the Charlotte city limits.

History

Beginnings

WCCB traces its roots to WAYS-TV, a primary NBC and secondary ABC affiliate, which signed on the air on December 31, 1953. Broadcasting on UHF channel 36, it was North Carolina's second UHF station (after WNAO-TV in Raleigh), as well as the second television station in the Charlotte market. It was owned by George Dowdy and his company, Intercity Advertising, owners of WAYS radio (610 AM, now WFNZ). Hugh Deadwyler became co-owner of the station in 1954, and acquired the station outright after buying Deadwyler's interest in 1955. In January 1955, its call letters were changed to WQMC-TV.